The holidays are quickly approaching and if you are anything like me you tend to over-prepare with lists, menus, and your favorite recipes compiled, right down to pre-dinner cocktails ... which of course require pre-holiday sampling, especially whilst decorating. Well, let me share a very festive cocktail with you that will make the perfect addition to your holiday bar cart. The best part is that part of it can be made a day or two ahead of time, the rest is put together in no time at all, bringing out your inner mixologist and impressing your guests. A Pomegranate Pear Cocktail Ingredients (per cocktail) 2oz Vodka 2oz pear puree - 2 pears and 2oz simple syrup 2oz pomegranate juice garnish: pomegranate arils, fresh pear slices, fresh mint … [Read more...]
Pumpkin Mac & Cheese: The New Thanksgiving Side Dish
Mac & Cheese Please! Thanksgiving is just around the corner and it will be time to gather with friends and family and indulge in all the delicious food. It's very easy to make unhealthy choices during the holidays and we all regret them later on. Mac and Cheese is honestly one of my favorite side dishes during the holidays because it's always so comforting. Who can resist the cheesy gooey delicious dish?! I certainly cannot but I also do not want to add on several pounds to the waistline from one serving. One of the wonderful flavors of the season is pumpkin and it's so delicious in baked goods and very healthy! Adding this to the classic dish gives it a wonderful flavor and adds so many wonderful healthy benefits. This dish is much lighter in calories thanks to the pumpkin but … [Read more...]
Good Manners for the Holidays in Four Easy Steps (Prep your kids with games that ACTUALLY work)
‘Tis the season for giving, being grateful and holiday gatherings. Are your kids ready? Does your child know how to accept a gift gracefully? How to be a great host or guest? Write a kind thank-you note? Or do you sometimes feel as if you go to a family gathering with your fingers crossed – “Please let my child behave today”? We all have those moments when our children embarrass us by not behaving properly. The possibilities of what can happen at a holiday gathering are endless! The best way to try to relax and enjoy the festivities is to offer your kids a pre-holiday refresher 101 course on being a good host and guest. Don’t fear. Help is here! Prep your kids with these four game-changing rules to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable. Play these simple games to equip your kids … [Read more...]
20 Thanksgiving Table Centerpiece Ideas
Thanksgiving is right around the corner so it's time to start deciding what your table will look like. Whimsical? Traditional? Natural colors? Themed colors? We have 20 of the best ideas from out and about to share with you today so take a look and pin your favorites for inspiration! Twine Light Bulb Pears by Sweet Society Chalky Paint Pumpkin Centerpiece by The Casual Craftlete Pumpkin Candle Holders by Domestically Blissful Thanksgiving Succulent by It's All About the Pretty Paper Leaves by Confetti Sunshine Rustic Wooden Box with cute decorations by Boxy Colonial Indian Corn in Fall by BHG Rustic Log Taper Candle Centerpiece by Farm Fresh Therapy Mini Pumpkin by The Sweetest Occasion Autumn Leaf, Mason Jar Candle Holder by Spark and Chemistry Shabby Chic … [Read more...]
Thanksgiving Kids Crafts
What are you thankful for? Your friends, family and home, sure. How about some crafts to keep the little ones busy during this Thanksgiving holiday? You can certainly be thankful for that! Your little Indians and Pilgrims can create these kid's crafts just in time for Turkey Day! /1/ Handmade Turkey Leg Place Cards - Make sure everyone knows where their seat is on Thanksgiving with these quirky, paper turkey legs. /2/ Turkey Yourself - Add your precious little one's face to a handmade turkey. He'll get a kick out of seeing himself with feathers! /3/ Thanksgiving Place Mat - Does your house have a "kid's table"? While the grown-ups are adding the finishing touches to all of the dishes, keep the little ones busy with a place mat they can color and play games on. /4/ Extra … [Read more...]
Thanksgiving Meal Plan
Thanksgiving is almost here and it's time to start preparing your meal plan. No time? No problem! I have an entire meal plan prepared for you. Appetizers: Pumpkin Puree - Use these tips and add pumpkin puree to different dishes for a fun twist. For example, stir some pumpkin puree into prepared hummus to make a delicious Thanksgiving appetizer. Serve with warm pita bread. Cheese and Soup - Use these tips to prepare the perfect cheese platter, make sure you take a look at the suggestion for preparing a Thanksgiving appetizer by pairing Camembert with butternut squash soup. Entrees: Turkey - This turkey sounds delicious and will need to cook for around 6 hours and then sit for approximately 15 minutes before carving. Alternatively, you can try these step … [Read more...]
