holiday food

As I was sitting here making my grocery list and thinking of what I was making for Thanksgiving, which is coming up, I started getting really excited as some of my favorite dishes came to mind like this....

 

BAM... Jalapeno Dip!

BAM... Strawberry Salad!

BAM.... Sweet Potatoes!

 

 

I literally gasped out loud when I thought of the jalapeno dip that I must have made five times during the holidays last year because it is that good.  I immediately starting thinking of ingredients that I needed to have on hand for the weeks ahead.  It's funny that you are allowed to make any and all of this stuff all throughout the year but usually don't.  I think it's what makes holiday eating special.

 

Here are some of the things that are on my list to make.

 

 

Pioneer Woman Soul Sweet 'Taters

I have made these several years now and they are wonderful.  The only thing I do differently is that I throw my sweet potatoes on the smoker while we are making the meats.  It gives them a yummy flavor.

 

 

 

Jalapeno Popper Dip



By ABeautifulMess.  Seriously one of my very favorite dips in the world as of last year.  Very easy to do and not as hot as one might think.  Just hot enough to be addictive!

 

 

 

Grandmother Brown's Strawberry Salad

 

Cranberry Relish

By Me.  I love cranberry relish.  There's just something about that tiny bite of tanginess on the side.

 

 

 

 

Pioneer Woman French Silk Pie

I have made this gem countless times and it is so delicious.  I always have to hide a piece for later.

 

 

 

Quick Cake Mix Cookies by Me

Talk about easy and on hand.  All you need for these is a box of cake mix, a tub of Cool Whip, an egg and powdered sugar.  Yum.... these are a must!  I've made just about every kind there is but the lemon will always be my favorite!

 

 

February DC Decor

I couldn't stop myself on Tuesday once I received the red string of lights from my sister, Mary Evelyn.  I had already made the two strands of felt heart garland to hang, that was so easy to make and seriously took about twenty minutes, and already had the doilies.  I made the cardboard and glitter hearts to hang that I used my new favorite mod podge and glitter "paint" when mixed together for excellent coverage.  I hung my drawing for the bulletin board that we used last year and hung some card stock cut out hearts from a couple of door frames that I have had a few years now.  I actually saved those from my last job before I opened my "stay on farm" job here.  I left my snowflake cut outs that I am in love with since it's is still winter. I also brought out a bunch of vinyl clings that my Mom gave me.  Now all I lack is taking down January and putting up February.  That will happen later in the afternoon today.  I really enjoy decorating for the seasons and months and keeping things colorful and happy here at the day care.  I always have tons of things hanging from the ceiling and completely make use of this space.

A Trip to a Friend's House

My sister Mary Evelyn called me last Sunday evening to ask me if I wanted to come with her to a friend's house to see her Christmas decorating.  I said "sure, can I take my camera?"  I am glad she said it would be Ok.  Y'all I sewanee, her friend Vicky's house was right outside of anything I could imagine.  It was like walking into a magazine with her collections (of around 25 years) and style of putting everything together and placement was just unreal and beautiful.  I left there so inspired by her home that I started coffee dying Santa hats the minute I got home!  It is just amazing and I'm going to hush and show you some pictures and please take your time looking around each picture.  That's one of my favorite things to do is go back through the pictures that I took looking for something that I missed standing there.  Merry Christmas and thank you to Vicky for letting us walk around your house with our jaws on the floor!

 

 

 

 



Peppysis' Tips To De-Stress

The Holiday Season is and has been well upon us kids!  During this time people can find themselves stressed out with the hum and bum and hustle and bustle, feeling the loss of loved ones, life changes really kicking in.  There are ways to help cope that are easier than you think.  These few tips can be used any time of the year, not just around the Holidays.  Here's what has helped me when I don't feel like I can take much more. 

Exercise - I used to run a lot, ok most of the time I walked really fast, but that was when I was single and didn't run my own business.  Now it's hard to find the time and energy to fit exercise in but it is so important.  My Mother gave me a dvd a couple of years back by Denise Austin called Blast Away the Pounds, Indoor Walk.  The routines are so simple and take you for a one mile walk in 15 minutes.  I broke my dvd out two days ago and started in and I am slightly ashamed to say that I am a little sore.  Here's where you can buy her dvd.

Omega-3 - Fatty acids, the good kind, that are essential to both health and happiness.  You can buy fish oil supplements that are a good source of Omega-3s or they can be found in foods like pumpkin seeds, eggs, walnuts and flax seed to name a few.  Here's more information to read up on Benefits 1  and Benefits 2.

Meditation - What?  Seriously?  Seriously... even Goldie Hawn does it.  I have recently become a meditating person.  It's not taking a nap.  Meditation (by Jack Kornfield) has taught me a wonderful way to "let things go."  My mind tends to hold on to things, most of the time in a negative way, but through Meditation for Beginners by Jack Kornfield, I have learned a totally different way of dealing and coping with issues in my life that torment me.  After the first session I actually looked at myself in the mirror and saw a different side of myself.

Sunshine - "A good ole dose of vitamin D" is what I always say.  If you can't get out into the fresh air for a minute at least step in to the sunshine.  Feel it's warmth.  Let the big ball of fire nourish your soul even if just for a minute through a window.  And I mean let it shine directly on you, not you looking out to see it shining on someone else.  Step in to the light.

Sleep - I know you know that the body and mind needs sleep and rest.  Please make sure, especially during this busy season, that you get at least 7 or 8 hours a night even if you have to put something off, like the News at 10.  You're mind will rest easier without it.

Smiling - Even if you don't feel like it, smile at people you see.  Give a compliment to make others smile.  You know you said to yourself "wow her hair cut is cute"... say it out loud and to that person.  Try not to bring other people down by showing your grimace off.  Just smile.

Have a wonderful Stress-Free Holiday season.  I hope something here might assist you in making it healthier for yourself.