heather

hosting my first thanksgiving

by heather | creative tips, diy, fun finds

I am so excited to be hosting Thanksgiving this year for the first time ever for my husband and I’s families! We just moved into our new house last December, so this is the first November in our house. We were so rushed to even get a Christmas tree up last year, so we are really looking forward to the holidays this year now that we are settled.

For our big Thanksgiving feast, I have been racking my brain (ok, I have been digging through Pinterest) to find the perfect decor, appetizers, place settings, etc. I haven’t quite decided what to do yet, but I wanted to share with you some of the great ideas I have come across.

Mantle Thanksgiving Decor

Thankful Garland (free printable)

Thanks Glass (DIY) | Fall Garland

Felt Ball Garland | Thanks Bottles

Table Thanksgiving Decor

Gold Pumpkins | Candles on Cake Stand

Rosemary Place Cards (DIY) | Velvet Silverware Ties | Gold Pumpkins

Candles with Acorns | Pinecone Place Card Holder (free printable)

Flower Gourds | Thankful For Placemats

We have the food down pat. Our favorite casseroles will be lined up alongside the turkey. YUM…I can hardly wait! To spice things up this year, I’m thinking of making some Apple Cider Sangria – doesn’t that sound amazing? Recipe HERE.

Do you have any Thanksgiving decor tips to share?

crockpot chicken gyros

by heather | recipes

Need an easy dinner recipe that doesn’t have you sweating over a stovetop all evening? I have just the recipe for you! Bust out your crockpot, buy a few ingredients at the grocery store, raid your spice rack and……make some Crockpot Chicken Gyros!

Step One…

Spray crock pot with non-stick cooking spray. Place chicken breasts inside slow cooker. Mix the following ingredients together in a bowl and pour over chicken breasts:

2 tablespoons garlic, minced (I like a lot of garlic)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 medium onion, diced
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon lemon pepper (or basic chicken seasoning of some kind)

(Don’t mind the giant bottle of garlic and lemon juice below. I cook with a lot of garlic and my husband loves lemon juice. We buy in bulk.)

Step Two…

Cook the chicken on HIGH for 3-4 hours or LOW 6-8 hours. (I cooked mine on high for close to 4 hours) It will look something like the photo below when done.

Step Three…

Shred the chicken and serve with sliced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, lettuce, and Tzatziki in pita bread. I found some awesome new “pita” type bread to use at the store called “Fold It” Flatout Bread. www.flatoutbread.com At only 90 calories each, I’m a new fan.

This is going in my “favorites” recipe box for sure. It was so super easy and was great for leftovers too!

Recipe adapted from Six Sister’s Stuff.

Crockpot Chicken Gyros

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons garlic, minced (I like a lot of garlic)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 medium onion, diced
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon lemon pepper (or basic chicken seasoning of some kind)

Directions:
Spray crock pot with non-stick cooking spray. Place chicken breasts inside slow cooker. Mix the rest of the ingredients together in a bowl and pour over chicken breasts. Cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or LOW 6-8 hours. Shred the chicken and serve with sliced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, lettuce, and Tzatziki in pita bread.

Happy Cooking!

birthday printables

by heather | diy, fun finds

We are having a great time celebrating our birthday month! I thought it would be fun to gather some party supplies to help you plan the perfect birthday party. And the best part – you don’t even have to leave home! These are all FREE PRINTABLES!

Free Printable Party Hats!