Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a special time.  It is the day we take pause and reflect on the aspects in our life for which we should be grateful.  I am truly  blessed.  I have 3 wonderful, creative, brave, kind and individualistic children.  I have  eccentric, interesting, gorgeous, intelligent, and caring friends.  I have an extremely intelligent, handsome, considerate man who loves me.  I am healthy and strong.  I have made my share of mistakes, but I have learned from every one of them.   I was born in a country where I am free and at a time where the possibilities are endless.  I look to the future with hope but I live in the present.  Thank you God for my blessed life. 

When Black Friday Comes

I will be the first to admit I am not a fan of Black Friday shopping. I would rather spend the day after Thanksgiving blissfully eating leftovers and going in and out of a turkey coma. I may even rally at some point and attempt some sort of work out to wash away the guilt that almost always follows a holiday wholly devoted to overeating. 

My children are adults, so I don't have wake up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat wondering if I will ever to be able to find that one elusive toy or gadget that was on their Santa wish list. Thankfully, my children were not demanding spoiled little brats. I would not tolerate that type of attitude from my descendants. 

Ready or not, the Christmas season, or the time we celebrate Christ's birthday, which has been hijacked by rampant materialism is upon us. If you do insist on driving yourself mad and participating in the Black Friday mess, follow the link below for my Black Friday Survivlal Guide.

http://www.examiner.com/article/black-friday-survival-guide

I wrote this article a few years ago, but the advise is still good. Besides, I get about a penny for every hit on that blog, and well, it is Christmas and mama needs some new boots!

Happy Thanksgiving!  Make the most of the holiday. Enjoy time with your family and those who mean the most to you.

If you do insist on engaging in the Black Friday madness, remember your manners, and do try to be civilized. A little kindness goes a long way. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Who is ready for the Superbowl of Shopping?   Macy, Neiman Marcus, Saks – oh my!

I don’t know about the rest of you fashionistas, but this one will be at home snoozing, dreams of after-Christmas sales dancing in my head.    I have no need to wake up at 3 in the morning and fighting the crowds to hopefully catch a deal on some gadget for somebody else.  I don’t want to deal with the masses who are yipped up on coffee while fighting their turkey hangover. 

For the past few years I have been eternally grateful that my children are past the “toy of the year” stage.  I don’t spend sleepless night worrying about the perfect gifts and the perfect Christmas.  In fact I am grateful now that I can truly enjoy the season with my family and friends without having to play Santa.  I no longer have to participate in the feeding frenzy of consumerism. 

Enjoy your Thanksgiving Holiday!  

Great Recipe for Thanksgiving Stuffing

Thanksgiving is the time to suspend our diets for one day and enjoy a great meal with our friends and family.  Even though this is not related to fashion, this is the best recipe for stuffing.   Consider this my Thanksgiving gift to you and enjoy!

Southern Living Stuffing Recipe
 
¼ lb Bulk pork sausage
¾ cup finely chopped onion
½ cup chopped green pepper
½ cup chopped celery (1 stalk)
½ cup margarine or butter
2 eggs
1 tsp. poultry seasoning
1/8 tsp. pepper
5 cups dry wheat bread (7 slices)
5 cups crumbled corn bread *
¾ cup toasted chopped pecans (optional)
1 to 1 ½ cups chicken broth
 
In a large skillet cook sausage till brown. Drain and reserving 2 tablespoons of the drippings. Set aside.

In same skillet cook onion, green pepper and celery in hot margarine or butter till tender but not brown.


In a large bowl use a fork to beat eggs; stir in poultry seasoning and pepper. Add bread cubes and corn bread; toss till coated. Add sausage, reserved drippings, vegetables, and pecans. Add enough broth to moisten (3/4 to 1 cup), tossing to mix.

Use to stuff one 6 to 9 pound bird (I have never put it in a bird).Place any remaining stuffing in a casserole; drizzle with enough of the remaining chicken broth ½  to 1 cup to make a stuffing of desired moistness. Bake covered, in a 325 degree oven for 40 to 45 minutes or till hot.  Makes 10 to 12 side-dish servings.