by Mandi | recipes
This Thanksgiving has been great for me! I was able to spend a lot of time with my family and I have been able to spend a lot of time with my sister.
She has been great helping me focus on being more healthy. I am learning what to eat at different times of the day as well as what to eat at different time of the year. It is a big change from my pizza and beer nights, but I am really enjoying it and loving all of the new recipes I am trying! In the winter it is good to eat a lot of warm vegetables, so we have done a lot of roasting. Roasted brussel sprouts and broccoli with nuts – ah-mazing!
On top of it all, I have to add that the Mister is being very supportive and is eating healthy with me! I think we may have had our favorite meal so far the other night! We had the brussel sprouts and an amazing salad with goat cheese and avocado. The star of the night was a fresh artichoke. We started out with the artichoke and was not only easy to make and delicious, but it was so fun to eat. We sat down at the table and had a wonderful conversation while we slowly picked away at the vegetable!
This was my first time cooking an artichoke and it was SO easy – anyone can do it!
1. Slice off the top third of the artichoke with a sharp knife and cut off all of the points – I took about a 1/2 inch off each one.
2. Cut off the stem – no need for this part!
3. Rinse the artichoke with the cold water.
4. Get a large pot and fill it with water. I added lemon juice and a garlic clove to my water. Insert a steaming basket, add the artichokes and cover.
5. Bring the water to a boil and reduce heat to simmer. Cook for 25 to 45 minutes or until the outer leaves can easily be pulled off.
6. For a dip, I took a spoonful of mayo and added some balsamic vinegar, just enough to taste and it really went well!
I encourage you to grab an artichoke, maybe a bottle of wine and have a conversation night!
by Mandi | creative tips
During this month of Thanksgiving how are you telling people thank you? A gift, a card, a hug? Below is a list of ways you can say thank you!
1. Give a small gift
A gift does not have to be big, it could be a favorite drink, a book someone has been wanting to read or a new shirt. Just listen to what people say and this will be easy to do.
2. Write it down
There is something so special about receiving something that is actually hand written. Whether it is a letter or a small note, it means so much when you take that extra time.
3. Get in the kitchen
Birthdays and new neighbors are not the only time to make a cake or something sweet. Make a baked good and give it to someone special.
4. Lend an ear
If a friend needs to talk, it is simple…listen. Pick up their phone calls and be in the moment. A great conversation goes a long way.
5. Flowers
Our loved ones often time give us flowers, why not surprise a friend with a gift of flowers when they east expect it.
6. Hug it out
Give someone a big strong bear hug full of love and affection.
7. Pay it forward
Do a good deed for someone. Pass along the gift of giving. (See Jenn’s Post)
8. Get digital
If you are low on time – send a funny ecard. My favorites are Somee and Monk-e-mail.
9. Charitable donation
If someone you know has a favorite charity, make a donation in their name.
How do you say thank you?
by Mandi | diy, style
I am not sure when it happened, but somehow most of the stores have decided that we should just skip Thanksgiving and go straight to Christmas. You can walk into any shopping center and be bombarded with christmas cheer.
I am guilty of listening to a christmas song or two a little early in the year, but this year I am making a conscious effort to truly celebrate Thanksgiving. Give it the attention it deserves!
With that said, put away the lights and bring out the pinecones! Below are some THANKSGIVING decorating inspiration ideas!
1. Martha Stewart inspired table featured on s.a.s. interiors. Pumpkins and Candles – pretty, easy and inexpensive!
2. The House of Smiths transformed their dining room shelves with a few simple additions. Very cute!
3. The Bungalow Blog used sheet music for her fall decor. Love this!
These are all great ideas, but sometimes we just do not have time for DIY. If that is the case for your household, here are some great, inexpensive Thanksgiving finds.
1. Crate and Barrel Pumpkin Woopie Pan. For other Thanksgiving items from Crate and Barrel, click here.
2. World Market Felt Birds on Pinecones. For other Thanksgiving items from World Market, click here.
3. Pier One Thanksgiving Place Settings. For other Thanksgiving items from Pier One, click here.
For free printouts to help decorate, check out Heather’s post from last week!
And don’t forget – Today is your last day to enter our Thanksgiving Give-away! A FREE Turkey!
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
