Season’s Greetings
Remember that amazing hostess gift you got last Christmas that you thought you could make for others this year? Remember that amazing hostess gift you got last Christmas that you thought you could make for others this year? Nope. You forgot. Me, too. I hate it when that happens! You have a great idea, and you forget to use it. I have a tip that has helped me out many times when I want to remember Christmas gift ideas. Open your calendar app or paper calendar and choose a date early in next November. I create an event called “note to self” where I type things in the event notes such as “remember you have plenty of tree ornament hooks” or “make spice mix jars for teacher gifts this Christmas” adding links or pictures when appropriate. This little tip replaces sticky notes that get lost on the counter. You can use it to remind yourself to purchase and mail a birthday gift ahead of time or to schedule an appointment for the car inspection next year. This tip will only work if you actually use a calendar, but that’s a whole other topic! Speaking of those amazing little Christmas gift…
Pie and Praise
When was the last time you asked guests to bring pies, with a slice missing? When you ask the hostess what to bring, rarely do you get told to bring a pie with a slice missing. (And rarely do ALL the guests comply.) “Pie and Praise” night is an opportunity to gather with friends before the start of the busy holiday season and to reflect on all you have to be thankful for in the past year. It is so easy to complain about how much work you have to do to get ready for the holidays, and in doing so, miss out on the joy of the season. That’s why I created “Pie and Praise” nights. I wanted to gather with my friends and family BEFORE Thanksgiving and Christmas and to count our blessings together. I also wanted to try out some new pie recipes! This was the winning combination! A night with friends spent catching up, eating pie, and reflecting on all you have to be thankful for. Cultivating gratitude is a great way to begin the busy holiday season. Why do you leave a piece of pie at home? To show some love and appreciation for your…
Summer Salads
What’s your favorite summer salad? BLT’s are always a favorite summer meal when the garden tomatoes are sun-ripened to perfection, but wait until you try easy BLT summer salads! Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato Salad takes dinner to a whole new level of healthy summer goodness. Chop up some fresh lettuce and summer tomatoes. Add some perfectly cooked bacon (whatever your definition of perfect is) and top with homemade ranch dressing made with plain Greek yogurt and spices. If you need a side, Texas toast or potato chips are a good addition. I have a recipe for ranch seasoning that you just stir into plain yogurt or sour cream for a quick dressing or dip. This is literally one of those quick meals that comes together with the items you have on hand! Adding avocado kicks it up a notch in sophistication that leaves you wondering if you need to change the title or not. Like country farm cousin meets Manhattan city cousin in the summer. Ranch Seasoning Mix 1 t garlic powder 1 t onion powder 1 t salt ½ t pepper ½ t dried parsley ½ t dried dill Use this base recipe to double, triple, or make any…