Is it just me?

I love this time of year, don't you? I enjoyed putting up Christmas decorations and lights yesterday with my girls. My oldest was so happy to help with some of the outside lights. Despite the fact that she doesn't understand how fragile the light strings are, we managed to get them up without incident. I think the little one will be excited to help with the tree. That is going up this Saturday. What a delight!
Is it just me or are their others who, despite feeling festive and merry, dread the shopping and the lines and the people and the parking and the 24/7 Christmas music playing? It is enough to suck that holiday spirit right out through your nose. No, I don't mean to be a grinch, I am just realistic. I  love this time of year as much as anyone but...
I have 6 preset stations on my radio in the car. Only five of them come in well. Three of the five, my most favorite three, are playing non stop holiday tunes. I have resorted to listening to the country stations that are still mixing the secular songs with the holiday ones. I have my favorite holiday tunes but I do not need to hear the same song, in varying styles, played over and over.
I am so glad for the extra week to shop and plan between Thanksgiving and Christmas, however. I feel like I can do the shopping and buying in smaller, bite sized pieces as opposed to quick, I have to get it done, NOW! Did you realize that there is more time between these two holidays this year? Well, there is just one more thing to be thankful for.
Don't let all the frustration of the practical parts of the season get you on the Bah, Humbug train. Simplify. Draw names for gifts this year to cut down on money spent. Or, one of my favorites, gift an experience. I have received a gift card for a local spa three years in a row. Allow someone to have a wonderful experience rather that gift something material.
Get a mug of Christmas cheer, turn out the lights and enjoy the tree lit up. Get out your patience cap and wrap your self in good will before you head out. And don't forget to smile, it helps!

Thanksgiving Blessings

If I added anything more to this blog entry I would take away from the greatness of it. Happy Thanksgiving!

Enjoy this post from Jen Lautenbach.

It is the day before Thanksgiving and you are girding your loins, either to attend a family function or perhaps even more stressful, host a family function.  I use the term “family” very loosely.  Family may be your blood relations, close friends or just you and your other-half.  Whatever the configuration, Thanksgiving is a time to BE THANKFUL!  In The Lump of Coal, Lemony Snicket writes

“It is a miracle if you can find true friends, and it is a miracle if you have enough food to eat, and it is a miracle if you get to spend your days and evenings doing whatever it is you like to do, and the holiday season – like all the other seasons – is a good time not only to tell stories of miracles, but to think about the miracles in your own life, and to be grateful for them.”

Being grateful is defined on Dictionary.com as “warmly or deeply appreciative of kindness or benefits received; thankful”.  I am deeply grateful for a number of things in my life.  Namely my family which includes a funny, irritating, wonderful husband that works tirelessly to provide for our family so that I may stay home with our boys.  I am deeply grateful for three, healthy, happy boys.  They are my miracle and I do not take for granted what a blessing they are, even in the midst of some calamity which makes me want to strangle them ala Homer Simpson.  I am also grateful for the smaller blessings in my life.  The pedicure my mother-in-law gives me for my birthday.  The way Fed-Ex stacks boxes on my back steps when I get a Willow House delivery.  The gift closet (actually a drawer) I have filled with perfect presents just waiting for a recipient.   I plan to be diving into that gift “closet” soon to give some thanks to my wonderful hosts and hostesses over Thanksgiving. 

Taking a gift to your host is a wonderful way to show your gratitude for their hospitality.  I was watching The Chew some time ago and Clinton Kelly gave some rules for those gifts.  DON’T bring a bottle of wine expecting your host to serve it that evening.  DO bring a bottle, in a decorative wine bag, for them to enjoy later.  DON’T bring flowers straight from the grocery store.  The last thing a hostess wants to juggle is finding a vase and arranging flowers while trying to get dinner on the table or greet other guests.  DO arrange them in a simple vase that will not clash with your host’s décor.  

A few things in my stash are wine gift bags, Christmas ornaments, puzzles, handmade dishrags and potholders, candles and decorative candle holders, wine charms, a couple small vases and cool decks of cards (who wouldn’t smile playing with a deck of Elvis cards).  I am ready for the holiday season and look forward to showing my host how much I appreciate them with a small token.  If you find your gift closet depleted or (gasp) do not have one, call me, I will happily go shopping with you!

Have a great Thanksgiving and enjoy your time together, being grateful for the miracles, big and small.

Recipes for Relaxation for Thanksgiving

Please join me as I grab a napkin to dab my mouth as it waters at the thought of succulent turkey or ham on a full court press Thanksgiving table. Mmmmm! Are you hosting this year? Yes, well take at look at the recipes below for easy and make ahead meal ideas for your gathering. Take the stress out of meal preparation with these recipe ideas.
Are you bringing a dish to a potluck turkey dinner? Perfect! The below recipes will also work to reduce the stress of cooking for the holiday.
Don't have to do a thing but bring yourself to dinner next Thursday? Save these great recipe ideas for next month's festivities.

With Thanksgiving upon us, I dug into my recipe box to find a couple of quick and easy items that you can share at your Thanksgiving table.

Both of these recipes can be prepared in advance which helps to reduce the stress on the holiday itself.

For a delicious starter to your meal try this crock pot recipe…

Italian Mushrooms

1 lb medium Mushrooms

1 large Onion sliced

½ c melted Butter

1 envelope Italian Salad Dressing Mix

In a 3qt slow cooker, layer mushrooms and onion.

Combine butter and dressing mix and pour over the mushrooms and onions.

Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2 hours.

You can also cut the mushrooms into thick slices and then serve as a steak topper.

Forget about the marshmallows, this sweet potato concoction will have everyone asking for seconds.

Sweet Potato Casserole

1 c sugar

3 c cooked sweet potatoes

½ tsp vanilla

2 eggs

½ tsp salt

½ c evaporated milk

1/3 stick of butter

Mix together and put in a greased 9x9 baking dish.

In a separate bowl mix:

1/3 c flour

½ c brown sugar

1 c chopped nuts

1/3 stick melted butter

Sprinkle on top of sweet potato mixture.

Bake 30 minutes at 350.

This recipe can be easily doubled and baked in a 9x13 dish for 45-55 minutes at 350.

Side note: This recipe can be made up the day before and refrigerated to save time.  Remove from fridge 30-45 minutes prior to baking.

Are You Ready to Enjoy the Holidays?