I am thankful for...

so many things. Especially for a day that we can celebrate those things and hang out with lots of family!

Have a great day everyone!

Yummy

Here is something to try...



Peanut Butter Goodness
1 1/3 cup finely ground peanuts (I used my food processor/can also use peanut butter)
2 tbsp powdered sugar
dash of kosher salt
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 tsp honey

Mixed until a paste forms. Roll into balls and flatten into disks.

Melt 1 package of semi-sweet chocolate chips (or whatever kind you like). Spread a little chocolate in the bottom of cupcake wrappers, place peanut butter goodness on top, and coat with more chocolate.

Can you say yum?

School cancellations are...

ok.

Especially since I didn't find out until after I was already ready for school. I don't mind. That just means that I had a load of laundry folded and started, dishes washed, bills paid, and a lunch made all by 8 o'clock. Now to catch up with other things neglected around the house. And a special time for crafts.

Nope, I don't mind.

A giveaway....

One of the blogs I follow is having a giveaway just in time for some Christmas shopping! (Oh a little something for yourself) Go over to brownpaper--packages.blogspot.com. She has a lot of cute ideas for crafting and decorating.

The giveaway is from The Pleated Poppy. It is a little shop that sells handmade checkbook covers, little pouches, and hair pieces. Here are some examples.

Cold days mean...

the crafting is in full swing.

Yesterday, I went shopping to snag a new winter jacket. I found a cute black Columbia jacket that doesn't look like you are a ski junkie, some really warm black mittens, and this hat!



I also found a short scarf that buttoned in the front. I thought... I could make that. So... I am going to try.



But first I will make this until I find the right yarn.

New Bling...

You might see me sporting one of these bad boys soon. Yep, pretty excited about it. It could be that it has a meter that can run the pump. OR that there is a huge catalog of food already entered in it. OR that it is completely waterproof. Any of those options would be great... but all three! Sweet!

Oh, and I am getting the pretty blue color.

Back to old traditions.

I love Thanksgiving.
I love family.

Yet, I will miss the small gathering we had in Chicago for the past two years. Spending the holiday with friends was warm, thoughtful, and a little quirky without the turkey. Gathering around a table full of food prepared by loving hands really reminds you of what you are thankful for. I am happy that this year we get to spend this wonderful holiday with family, but I will still be thinking of those who we celebrated with for the last couple years.

To celebrate, I think I will prepare...



Apple Cranberry Raisin Stuffing
Ingredients

* 1 (1 pound) loaf Italian bread, cut into 1 inch cubes
* 1 (16 ounce) can whole cranberry sauce
* 3 Granny Smith apples, cored and sliced
* 1 cup golden raisins
* 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
* 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
* 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 2 eggs
* 1/2 cup apple cider
* 1/2 cup melted butter

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a large casserole dish.
2. In a large bowl, mix the bread cubes, cranberry sauce, apples, raisins, lemon zest, and orange zest. Season with salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs, cider, and butter. Toss the egg mixture with the bread mixture until evenly moist. Transfer to the prepared casserole dish.
3. Bake 1 hour in the preheated oven, or until lightly browned.

World Diabetes Day November 14

I'm so in...

I am so excited for this!

One of the blogs I follow (freshlyblended) puts on a homemade ornament exchange, where you make 8-10 handmade ornaments and send them to a list of people you are assigned to. They could be from all over the country. In return, you get 8-10 unique handmade ornaments too! I think I have an idea for mine, but need to finalized the details yet. But what a cool way to share with people the things you make!

My tree is going to look fabulous!

I think the registration is open until tomorrow (Sunday, November 7) go here if you want to check it out!

I will post pictures of my project and of the ornaments as they come in.