Beyond Words

Awwww…a brand-new year. Always a time to look back and look forward as we wrap up another holiday season both literally and figuratively. Whether you’re still celebrating or are moving on, you’re probably also thinking ahead to the new year now upon us and perhaps even all those New Year’s Resolutions you might have made. I prefer calling them “intentions,” as I always have right and good intentions to make them happen. One of my annual New Year’s resolutions is to learn something new and I’ve been pretty successful following through. Last year I boogie-boarded for the first time. I also choose a word for the year. For 2022, my word was “pause,” which worked so well for me I might even keep it around this year.

 

 

Speaking of words, have you seen the above pic making its way around social media and the internet? Did you see your four words? Mine are Connect, Strength, Change, and Lessons. Love them all but as a creature of habit, the third one might be the most challenging. Here’s hoping the second and fourth ones will help me through it all!

 

If I’m being real, I really don’t like change. I like routine and plans. But, when necessary, I have and can adapt. I recently just had to actually…in a big way. My family had Christmas travel plans and we were so excited to spend Christmas in Hilton Head, SC. But, two days before our trip we were checking the weather and it looked really cold and really not fun…especially for a beach locale and for my husband the golfer. So….he called an audible and we changed everything in a matter of hours: our flight and that of our daughter, our hotel, dinner reservations, rental car, tee times, visits with friends…the works. Yes, it freaked me out but lists are my friends so once I had a “change” list; I was on. Truth be told, it was secretly kinda exciting!

 

 

The trip will be one that I’ll remember forever…for multiple reasons. I’ll remember how spontaneous we were in changing everything to sunny Scottsdale, AZ and the fun we had the first few days we were there. I’ll remember visiting our daughter’s old stomping grounds from living there after graduating from college and I’ll remember our wonderful casita room. I unfortunately, will also remember getting hit with an upper respiratory infection and finding my health deserted me in the desert. The fun and excitement  didn’t end there. Long story made short: we got stuck in the Southwest Airlines flight cancellation debacle of 2022 and had to drive home. Thankfully we already had a rental car, had friends to stay the night with halfway through the drive, and our daughter’s flight made it back to her home safely. I was never so happy to be in my own bed, albeit sick for five more days. Yep, memorable indeed.

 

 

Last year was full of memorable people, places, and things and as we reflect on our experiences over the past 12 months I read about a great little idea. Author and happiness expert Gretchen Rubin asked her followers and readers “what would you put in your time capsule for 2022?” and of course it got be thinking. If I’m anything I’m a thinker and a very sentimental one. My time capsule might be pretty big!

 

Rubin suggested things like photos, travel souvenirs, and maybe a letter to your future self. What you put it all in is of your choosing and creativity. Or, you could even have a time capsule that’s only in your head or perhaps just a list of what you’d put in it. As with anything, have fun with it!

 

 

Another idea is to have a year of reflections instead of resolutions. Take time this week and month to reflect on your life: how it’s going, what’s great, what could be better, and whether you’re the person you believe you should or can be. Then, look ahead and hammer out ideas on how to make improvements or to simply be grateful. Ask yourself what you wish you’d have done more or less of, what made you proud last year, what values do you want to uphold or increase, and maybe even what your hopes are for 2023. You don’t have to go crazy or solve all the planet’s problems; just start small but meaningful and see where it goes from there.

 

 

 

That’s the problem. We all try to do too much as a new year arrives. Resolutions like “I want to lose 20 pounds” or “I need to exercise every day” might be more attainable if reworded to “I want to eat healthier” and “I hope to exercise 30 minutes at least 3-4 times a week.” Make them achievable. Make them attainable.

 

And don’t try to fix everything. In fact, sometimes the broken is where healing is found.

 

 

The Japanese have a beautiful concept called “Kintsugi.” It’s a form of ceramics that, when a vase or bowl or cup is broken, artists gather up the pieces and glue them back together using glue mixed with gold dust. In this way, they don’t hide the cracks they actually honor and own them, even accentuate them, knowing cracks are often where the light gets in.

 

I read about this in Matthew Kelly’s book “Life Is Messy” and found it so powerful. Kelly reminds us that our imperfections are what make us perfectly ourselves and that even when something is broken, it can indeed be beautiful again. It may not be exactly the same as before, but it can still be good. This includes people and it includes you.

 

 

In this way, the Japanese don’t pretend the vase was never broken and they don’t pretend they’re not broken. They accept that life is indeed messy and know that when we pretend to be someone other than who we are, our true self hides in fear and shame. We may appear shiny and new on the outside, but on the inside we are cracked and broken.

 

 

Kintsugi also teaches us that we can be other’s healers and glue each other back together using the gold dust that is love, connection, empathy, patience, forgiveness, acceptance, generosity, community, and kindness. Believing that something that has been broken can’t be beautiful inhibits us not only of joy, but of hope. Believing brokenness can be put back together is both liberating and healthy and just might be the perfect way to start out the new year. Whatever was broken last year can very well be healed and glued back together this year. Maybe my word this year will be “glue.” Maybe it will be “heal.” And maybe it will just be “pause” again as I work to heal, glue, love, and learn.

 

Happy 2023 everyone!

 

 

One of my many favorite things about this time of year is that I know every time I get in the car, Christmas carols can be found on the radio up and down the dial. Sirius/XM has stations playing everything from classics to country and one of our local stations always dedicates December to non-stop Christmas music. The classics bring back childhood memories, Mariah and Brenda get me singing along and bopping, and any song sung by a children’s choir melts my heart.

 

I also love Christmas movies and have watched my share of sappy but sweet Hallmark movies. Yes, I know, make fun of me but I’m guessing many of you have watched one or two or two dozen yourselves. All those “Christmas in the Rockies” and “A Crown for Christmas” flicks have somewhat the same plot line but I love them. They are uplifting, stress-free, and chalk-full of love and morals. I also love that other stations including UPtv, GAC, and Lifetime, are serving up their versions of Hallmark hall of famers. Even Netflix has a few!

 

So, what songs and movies are my favorites? I thought I’d make my list and check it twice and see how the two lists compare to yours. Let me know and let’s go!

 

Favorite Christmas Songs

“Away in the Manger.” Hands-down my favorite Christmas song. I especially love the line “But Little Lord Jesus no crying He makes.”

 

 

“Feliz Navidad.” The Jose Feliciano version. Only.

 

 

“Little Drummer Boy” the traditional version and the amazing one by For King & Country.

 

 

“Do They Know It’s Christmas/Feed the World” by Band Aid. I remember when this event happened. How nice that we banded as one and weren’t so divided. And ask yourself, do they know it’s Christmas?

 

“The First Noel.” Always gets me.

 

“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” by Brenda Lee. A classic.

 

 

“Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” by Bruce Springsteen. The Boss does Santa.

 

“White Christmas” by Bing Crosby.

 

“Angels We Have Heard on High” and its glorious “gloooooh…ria” chorus. 

 

 

“You Make It Feel Like Christmas” by Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani. I love him and it’s a fun and bouncy little jingle.

 

 

“Sleigh Ride” and “Christmas, Baby Please Come Home” by Darlene Love and the Ronettes.

 

“All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey. MC creates a classic. Who doesn’t love it?

 

“The Christmas Song” by Nat King Cole.

 

“Do You Hear What I Hear?” Whitney’s is gold but Carrie Underwood has a fabulous version too.

 

 

“Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer” and “Frosty the Snowman” by Gene Autry.

 

“Christmas Time Is Here” from “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

 

“Oh Holy Night” any traditional version.

 

“Walking in a Winter Wonderland” by Dean Martin. He will forever remind me of my dad and this song reminds me of him too.

 

 

As you can gather from the above, I’m not a big fan of classic carol remakes. I don’t mind an occasional Martina McBride or Kelly Clarkson version, but give me Bing and Brenda anytime. However, there are two remakes I am currently obsessed with by the amazing band For King & Country. Their versions of “Little Drummer Boy” and “Go Tell It on The Mountain” are worth a listen. They are powerful yet purposeful and give me chills.

 

And now…movies. Here are those that make my list:

 

 

“National Lampoon’s “Christmas Vacation.” Clark, I gotta say, your family follies are a Smith family Christmas tradition. We know it by heart and we laugh every time.

 

 

“Elf.” Buddy stole my heart and this movie is an annual must-see. Smiling is my favorite too Buddy.

 

 

“It’s A Wonderful Life.” Every time a bell rings an angel gets its wings. George Bailey not only inspired many, I named a dog after him years ago. Great message. Great movie.

 

 

“The Snowman.” This animated beauty should be watched by every child out there and its book is a great gift to go with it. Trust me on this.

 

 

“White Christmas.” Bing. Danny. Rosemary. Vera. The costumes. The singing. The magic.

 

 

“A Charlie Brown Christmas.” If you don’t know the history behind this classic, do yourself a favor and find it online. It will make you love Charlie and the gang even more and yeah, Linus really said that and the movie was really played annually on multiple stations, and no one was really offended.

 

“Miracle on 34^th” Kris Kringle’s big debut so to speak and a reminder to believe and have faith.

 

“The Family Man.” Definitely not an upbeat Christmas flick but a new take on finding the meaning of life.

 

Yes, I’m aware “The Holiday,” “Love, Actually,” “The Christmas Story,” and “Diehard” didn’t make the cut. I do like the first two romantic comedies…don’t love them but like them…but the last two I’ll pass on. So many movies. So little time.

 

So there you have it…made my list and checked it twice. What’s on yours? I can’t wait to read them and your take on mine.

 

 

Puttering around the house today as I baked and caught up on some DVR’d shows, I saw a commercial for Ronald McDonald House and I thought to myself, “what a truly awesome charity they are.” Providing safe housing and programs for parents, Ronald McDonald House programs are located near top children’s hospitals, allow parents who are far from home to stay close to their hospitalized child and benefit from the comforts of home without incurring hotel and food costs. It’s one of those places that if I were a gazillionaire, I would donate to in a heartbeat.

 

Tis the season for donations and donation requests. Every check out lane you go to you are often prompted or asked if you’d like to contribute to that store’s charity of choice. It’s hard to say no but it’s also hard to say yes to everyone and every need. Don’t get me wrong, I really like to donate to worthy causes, but the constant petitioning sometimes leaves me a little, well, uncharitable. And if I get one more packet of return address labels from a nonprofit asking for donations in the mail I’m going to scream!

 

So, how should one choose what charities to donate to? Most experts say the most important criteria is that you have a personal connection to it. You want to be able to not only donate resources, but your heart as well. I think of The Dog Alliance’s “Hounds for Heroes” program, which I donated to and volunteered at for years. I was passionate about the place and their mission until they made it just to difficult to do so and changed some of their vision as a whole. I still support “Hounds for Heroes” but my passion for the rest has somewhat waned. This is what nonprofits risk when they change and vocalize perhaps too much.

 

 

Most charitable organizations will agree that time is just as important as donating money and it’s nothing to be ashamed of if you simply can’t afford to give money. The first thing you should think about prior to making any charitable donations is your financial stability. Things like paying off debt, contributing to a savings plan, having adequate insurance, and building an emergency cash reserve should all be taken care of prior to considering donating any amount of money. Until then, that charity is sure to welcome your time and talents. 

 

There are so many charities that unless you have those you support and hold dear to your heart, it can be challenging finding one or more that fit your values and lifestyle. And, many of them are making tons of money despite the constant plea for help. Forbes magazine conducts an annual survey of America’s top 100 Charities based solely on private contributions and as luck would have it, released the 2022 survey yesterday. The Top 10 charities are:

1. Feeding America – $4.6 billion
2. United Way – 2.77 billion
3. St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital – $2.42 billion
4. The Salvation Army – $2.34 billion
5. Direct Relief – $2.21 billion
6. Americares – $1.22 billion
7. Good 360 – 1.68 billion
8. Goodwill Industries – $1.44 billion
9. YMCA of the USA – $1.41 billion
10. Habitat for Humanity – $1.27 billion

 

As I read this list, a few things came to mind. Number one, considering we are in a recession there’s a whole lot of money being donated! Not until #14, with Samaritan’s Purse at $953 million, was the total donated not in the billions. Also, I hate to admit it, but I look at this list and as I consider where to give this Christmas, those at the top of the list and taking in billions are probably not going to make my list of potential recipients. Somewhat surprising was that numbers 5, 6, and 7 are in the “International Needs” category. I don’t know about you, but I see and hear about a ton of needs right here inside our borders. Lastly, I was happy to see Samaritan’s Purse so high on the list, as they do critical and amazing work, and I was equally happy to see Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Catholic Charities come in at numbers 11 and 13, respectively. Both are important to our family. My husband spent much of his childhood inside his hometown’s Boys Club and as cradle Catholics, charities that align with our faith always align with our contributions.

 

With that being said and barring any natural disaster, I like my money to stay local and/or personal. Each year my husband and I make what we consider hefty donations to two charities each and one joint. We focus on our interests and how our lives have been impacted by certain organizations and go from there. 

 

In the past and possibly again this year, recipients have been:

1. First Tee of Greater El Paso
2. Painting Pandas
3. Tunnel to Towers
4. Faith-related charities, including our church, Mobile Loaves & Fishes, Carmelites of Santa Fe, and Annunciation Home.
5. Both of our alma maters, Niagara University and The University of Oklahoma, often times NU’s golf team and OU’s School of Journalism. We’ve also donated to our daughter’s sorority in the past.
6. Dog-related charities, including Houston Hound and Beagle rescue, where we’ve rescued two of our beagles; The Dog Alliance and their wonderful “Hounds for Heroes” program; and my new-found charity, Living Grace Ranch, which provides a permanent residence for senior canines (homeless, abandoned, rehomed, or surrendered) that otherwise would live out their lives in municipal animal shelters or foster care programs.
7. Boys and Girls Club of East Aurora, NY
8. Scottish Rite Hospital of Dallas

 

As I mentioned earlier, if I had millions and in addition to all of the above, I’d also give to:

1. The Caring Place
2. Hope Alliance
3. BiG at Brookwood
4. Breakthrough Austin
5. Ronald McDonald House
6. Wounded Warriors
7. Family Research Council
8. Make A Wish

 

Most of my giving is of local or smaller in nature mainly because I know where our hard-earned money is going. I don’t want to pay for those address labels mailed to me; I want to pay for programs and services. One way to somewhat guarantee this happens is to give to a local chapter of a big charity or nonprofit as those funds may hopefully stay local and not end up in a national headquarters’ red tape wheel. Again, do your research!

 

Notice I wrote “charity or nonprofit” in the above paragraph. Even though the two are often used interchangeably, there are important differences between the two and the differences might make a difference in where you choose to donate.

 

A nonprofit is a type of charitable organization or foundation created for a specific goal and purpose other than to make a profit. Oftentimes this involves furthering a social cause such as improving literacy rates or helping those experiencing unplanned pregnancies. But, the term “nonprofit” doesn’t mean the organization can’t make a profit. It can use donations to pay employees and cover operating costs but if it brings in more money than it needs to do so, those excess funds must be used to further its said goals. Additionally, nonprofits can be trusts, corporations, or associations and whether a company qualifies as a nonprofit may differ between states.

 

A charity is actually a type of nonprofit organization that exists to benefit the community or serve a social or philanthropic purpose. It is a business created to raise money and help those in need and serves a specific cause and often provides a free service to the public through the use of funds raised. All charities are nonprofits and must meet certain IRS criteria.

 

Then there are philanthropies and foundations.

 

 

 

A philanthropy addresses the root cause of social issues and seeks long-term approaches. In addition to giving money or volunteering, some philanthropists participate in advocacy work. You could say charity is a short-term fix while philanthropy is a long-term commitment. That’s not always the case but often applies. Another way to think of it is that charity results in direct relief of suffering while philanthropy seeks out the root causes creating the suffering and tries to find strategic solutions. Philanthropy is focused on rebuilding and charity is focused primarily on rescue and relief.

 

A foundation is a charitable trust or nonprofit created to fund other organizations or individuals for charitable purposes, often by providing grants. Some foundations also participate in charitable programs or activities.

 

Interestingly, the original meaning of charity was “Christian love of one’s fellow” and is rooted in Old English. When “charity” entered the English lexicon by way of Old French’s “charite,” it evolved into the word we are familiar with today.

 

If you are blessed with plentiful resources to give this holiday season, know that it’s not only the season of giving but the season of scams. To avoid getting duped, follow your philanthropic passions but be sure to research that the charity you’re considering is efficient, ethical, and effective. Once you find the perfect one for you, make sure that 100 percent or at least the majority of your gift will go to their programs and not administrative costs. A good rule of thumb is to focus your donations on those charities that give no less than 75 percent of donations to programs and leave a scant 25 percent for overhead costs

 

The best advice I can give is to open your heart and give with only the best intentions to only the most deserving and in need organizations. Even the smallest donation will be appreciated and don’t forget your time and talents. Tis the season and part of the reason.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m suffering from a hangover. Not an alcohol hangover; a socializing hangover. These past few weeks I’ve been blessed with some wonderful gatherings but have tied one on and gotten lit on socializing. Don’t get me wrong, it’s all been fun and amazing, but it’s also taken a toll on my introverted heart. Yep, my name is Carla and I’m an introvert. Again, loved them all but now it’s time for me to decompress and recover. Even if just for one day.

 

 

For fellow introverts like myself, the holidays are especially challenging. It’s one social event after another and one “what am I going to make or buy for such and such?” It takes a toll on our over-thinking minds and maybe that’s why January 2 is rightly celebrated as World Introvert Day. Hallelujah! Time for a little prescription to slow down and realign. It’s not only the holidays that can do this to us though, conferences, weddings, reunions, and retreats can all give us a hangover. An introvert hangover.

 

 

Many of you who know me are probably thinking, “You’re not an introvert! You’re fun and interesting and outgoing.” Yes, I can be all of that, and actually cope pretty well in social situations; they just wear me out. I prefer safe spaces and among those I consider safe and who give me peace. In a nutshell, I treasure time alone, I hate small talk, and large crowds are a big “no thank you” for me. I’m not, however, shy or aloof, I simply sit back and observe before taking a social or high-stress jump.

 

 

I discovered much of this during the 2020 Covid lockdown. All that staying safe at home was actually pretty easy for me and quite cathartic. While many were going stir crazy having to stay home, I thrived. I nested. I walked. I wrote. I read. One book I discovered was “The Powerful Purpose of Introverts” by Holley Gerth and I’ve referred back to it many times. It’s changed my life. I learned that we introverts are indeed powerful, don’t need to become extroverts, and the world needs us.

 

In her book, Gerth offers a test to see if you’re an introvert and if so, how big of one. Out of a total score of 100, I’m 85 percent introvert. I’m in good company though, as introverts make up half of the population and fellow introverts include Abraham Lincoln, Albert Einstein, Joanna Gaines, C.S. Lewis, Max Lucado, Michael Jordan, and Jerry Seinfeld; the last of which shocked me but proves introverts aren’t what you think they are. And if that isn’t enough proof that introverts are indeed successful and ambitious, consider that 53 percent of millionaires identify themselves as introverts. Woohoo! We may come across as silent, but we are silently strong.

 

It was interesting to learn that Finland is known as the land of introverts. The Nordic country has an affinity for peace, quiet, and calm. Personal space is a great value and breaks in conversations are not seeing as uncomfortable. Perhaps it’s no surprise that Finland also tops the “World Happiness Report” list every year as the happiest country in the world. Introverts out there: be happy!

 

It all also explains why I prefer yoga over spin class and why I’m such a dog person. There are photos of me with our family dog when I was as young as three-years-old and I never felt at home or fell in love with a fitness class until I met yoga.

 

 

One common misconception is that introverts need to learn how to be extroverts and that you must be an extrovert to lead. Not only are both of these outdated and a bit insulting, there are inaccurate. Introverts have so many strengths, gifts, and skills that the world needs but they are often overlooked by the chatter and banter out there. We were created as introverts and there is no reason for us to become extroverts. We may go quietly about our way, but we make a difference in ways no extrovert can and the two…extroverts and introverts…can make a heckuva team.

 

As Gerth says, being an introvert isn’t a struggle, it’s a superpower and many of the traits of an introvert have my name written all over them.

 

• We relish time alone but also love people, preferably in intimate and genuine small social settings. Still, time alone for introverts isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. We crave solitude and are never bored when alone. Introvert Emma Scheib of “Simple Slow & Lovely” says alone time is akin to air and water for her. It’s that important. It’s that beneficial. It’s something we can’t explain and extroverts will never understand.

 

• We recharge on our own and don’t need the world to help us think and feel better. Self-care is trendy but introverts have been doing it all along.

 

• We don’t mind being alone…at all..but we do appreciate good company. We actually “become” extroverted around people who bring us peace.

 

• Certain people drain us while others energize us. We find people both intriguing and exhausting.

 

• We’re great listeners but will speak our my mind when pushed. In fact, we’d rather say what’s on our mind than make small talk. On the flipside, listening can be challenging for extroverts.

 

• We are reflective, introspective, think deeply, and often overthink, but this allows us to act intentionally and make rational and well thought out decisions…for ourselves and society as a whole. We are not slow thinkers; we are deep thinkers. My extrovert husband tells me to “land the plane” but sometimes my flight is a long one!

 

• We have a knack for details and live a very detail-oriented existence. We are feelers and thinkers and excel in everything from accounting to artistry.

 

• We value quality over quantity in relationships, don’t like surprises, are perfectionists, and often allow fear to get the best of us. Routines are our best friends.

 

• We feel good when we turn inward, focus on ideas, have meaningful conversations, and do work that matters to us. We are motivated by internal rewards. All this inner-thinking also results in very creative imaginations.

 

• We are very observant, perceptive, and catch things many miss. This allows us to ad depth and insights to conversations and we’re good at making meaningful connections.

 

• We dread small talk but enjoy sharing helpful ideas and information. Much like Gerth, when I can, I bring along a “designated extrovert” to a socializing situation. This allows me to stand back, observe, and chime in when I feel the need while my “DE” can mingle and yack away. Many of my friends are introverts as are both my husband and daughter.

 

• We often rethink what we did or said in a public or social setting and wonder if we should have done things differently.

 

• We have boundless empathy, a deep desire to solve problems, and a unique drive to make a difference in the world.

 

• We tend to revel in keeping up with current events sometimes even at the detriment of our sanity. Headlines and breaking news are daily norms but we can tend to want to fix everything and help everyone. Being a former broadcast journalist, I know this firsthand. Once a newsie always a newsie.

 

• We listen and learn and pay attention…so much that that person you depend on to be there through thick and thin and when you need consistent and honest help is probably an introvert.

 

• Friends are important to introverts, but true and trusted friends. We are not big on big groups. An introvert with one best friend can be less lonely than an extrovert with lots of acquaintances.

 

• We don’t like being the center of attention but excel at supporting others. We’re okay with the fact that the talkative person may get the attention but thoughtful listeners build trust, likability, and solid relationships.

 

• We sometimes find it difficult to let go of perfection and don’t like taking risks. We also tend to compare ourselves to others, fear change and rejection, and struggle with setting boundaries; the latter of which is important for anyone but especially for introverts. It’s imperative we remind the extroverts in our lives that we simply can’t do life at the same pace they can. They wouldn’t want to slow down to our pace so they shouldn’t expect us to keep up to theirs. Don’t apologize and don’t explain. You don’t need to prove or justify your needs.

 

 

All of this comes in handy and into play all over the world we live in, from families to friend groups, places of work to places of worship, teams we’re on to classes we’re in. Thanks to our powerful, analytical minds, introverts are great problem solvers and idea creators and are very resourceful. We also tend to like order and planning, both of which are critical skills extroverts as a whole are not strong in. Our knack for details allows the extroverts in the room to be the “big picture” guys and know we’ll take care of it from there. Our much needed and much desired solitude boosts productivity, sparks creativity, builds mental strength, and give us the opportunity to plan and produce. We bring calmness to a situation and direction to a board meeting. We make sure our pantries have what we need and we don’t feel the need to be the boss. In fact, today’s fast-paced and stressed-out culture needs what we offer perhaps more than ever.

 

Something else society seems to need is social media. Companies have entire departments dedicated to curating a social media presence and friends and family seem to be all over Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and the likes. Most introverts find social media overwhelming but not me. I actually enjoy my quiet time looking at pretty pictures, seeing new recipes, and learning it’s a friend’s birthday. I find it a safe and quiet space where I can share what I want and voice what I think if I choose. It’s almost like journaling to me.

 

 

For introverts and extroverts alike, it’s not about personality; it’s about how God made us and how our brains and nervous systems are wired.  Extroverts are wired to spend energy while introverts are wired to conserve it. Not to get too analytical (one of my strengths though!), basically extroverts thrive on dopamine and have more of it in their brains than introverts, who prefer acetylcholine, which is more active in introverts. Interestingly enough, social media is intentionally designed to release dopamine. Social events also flood the brain with dopamine, which may initially give us the energy to enjoy and get through them, but they do ultimately take a toll on us. Dopamine energizes extroverts but overwhelms introverts. As Gerth notes, it’s not about the people. It’s about our nervous system being overloaded by external stimulation, including very stimulating people we enjoy hanging out with. In short, dopamine is like caffeine while acetylcholine is like herbal tea. Hmmm…funny thing is I love coffee!

 

 

Ask an extrovert how they feel when they’re happy and they’ll likely say things like energetic, excited, and enthusiastic. Introverts will respond the likes of content, fulfilled, and satisfied. Extroverts need external stimulation to feel good while introverts get recharged from the inside out and fill our energy tanks in private or in the presence of maybe one or two trust allies. An introvert’s natural state of happiness is calm and content while an extrovert’s is enthusiastic and excited.  

 

But, even with all that dopamine and energy running inside them, extroverts aren’t the ones more likely to struggle with anxiety and depression. That would be introverts, likely due to our highly reactive nervous systems and strong sense of empathy. We introverts tend to be worry warts and excessive worry can lead to anxiety, depression, and other illnesses. We may not come across as very active, but our brains are constantly in overtime. Sadly, research has found that up to 70 percent of an introvert’s spontaneous thoughts can be negative. Raise your hands Negative Nancies. Remember that acetylcholine we talked about? Well, as Lindsay Dodgson explains in her article “What Everyone Gets Wrong About Introverts,” the acetylcholine brain pathway introverts use for processing is much longer and goes through the part of the brain that notices errors. This can not only make us glass half empty people, but may lead to us be more self-conscious and self-critical. Raising my hand again. But, extroverts are most likely to develop an alcohol addiction. No one’s perfect, right?

 

 

It’s for sure about worry with us, but also the dreaded “R” word: rumination, which is really just a fancy name for worry. With rumination, we focus on our circumstances and then go round and round a problem. We can learn something from our extrovert friends on this one. They are masters at getting their minds off unpleasant things by engaging in something fun or meaningful. We introverts on the other hand tend to, well, ruminate. As my extrovert husband tells me again and again, “don’t let it take up space in your brain” as well as “don’t overanalyze it, Carla. Make a decision and move on.” Easy for him to say.

 

 

An extrovert may occasionally have introvert tendencies or moods and vice-versa, but in general you are who you are and there’s little likelihood someone will do a complete 180 and switch. In fact, studies indicate our overall temperaments, including being an introvert or extrovert, don’t generally change. What is interesting however, is that as we age, we act more introverted. Maybe even extroverts get tired of the chaos and BS!

 

So, to all my fellow introverts out there: embrace your introvertness! It’s okay to prefer a quiet life. It’s okay to want to stay in. In fact, in many ways it’s courageous as it requires you to confront your own thoughts, hearts, and souls. It might not get a million likes and followers or be trending, but a quiet life is brave and intentional. It’s about value not volume. It’s in that quiet that we create, recharge, innovate, plan, and dream. We realign with our truest selves and hear the whisper of God. He made us this way and is happy to see us thriving. Think about it.

 

 

 

I saw a message the other day on my neighborhood NextDoor site with a post from a woman who wrote she’s a mom who loves to decorate and put up tree ornaments during the holidays to supplement her income. I thought, “genius!” Boy would I love to put her talents to work. Don’t get me wrong, I love our Christmas decorations and all our beloved ornaments, but they are quite a quiet stress. The weary world rejoices? Maybe when you’re all done decorating. Amiright?

 

With that being said, what are your thoughts? Do you happily anticipate the holiday décor deluge or do you quietly dread doing so? I’m totally somewhere in the middle and each year I bring them out and put them up. And, in perfect sync with my OCD mind, most of our décor is grouped: nativities, snowmen, nutcrackers, angels, reindeer, Santas, and even little white things. Our mantel is too and is one of my favorites.

 

 

  My mother-in-law started me years ago collecting Byer’s Choice Carolers and to this day they sing away on our mantel and still remind me of her. I throw in our year-round golfer caroler cuz why not and I have a separate girl caroler in our kitchen cuz she’s a cooking caroler. She stands next to my cooking Santa, cooking Mrs. Claus, and cooking nutcracker. Again, all with their like buddies. What’s on your mantel? Do you decorate by theme?

 

 

Then there’s the tree. We are a real tree family but every year I debate suggesting a fake one. And then, our real tree goes up, is adorned with treasured ornaments, and I’m always grateful for a real one. Is your tree real or fake…em I guess “artificial” is the PC name. Silly me. (Bonus tree info: if you’re looking for a beautiful kid’s holiday book, check out “The Night Tree.” They’ll love it and you’ll love it.) 

 

 

 Above is the beginning of my brother-in-law’s tree. He starts out with golf course bag tags from all over and then adds traditional ornaments. It’s a very fun theme and one he really enjoys doing. As for our ornaments, they are all very sentimental. No fancy or themed-tree in our house. We have ornaments from the beginning of our married life, ornaments of and for our daughter including her first one and many she made, some from our own childhoods, tons from our travels, others were gifts, and the rest are just a potpourri of memories. Our topper is a beautiful angel I bought our first year of marriage and despite a fall one year that broke her head off (easily glued back together), she still stands strong and is very special to me. Something else that’s very special to me is the memory I have of our childhood tree always having one of those old-school star toppers. What about you? What’s your topper? Does your tree have a theme? 

 

 

 

Tradition has it, that regardless of what kind of tree you have, gifts go under it. Where tradition bends a bit, is when those gifts are opened. We open on Christmas Eve but I know many of you open them Christmas Day. One tradition we have in our family is that Kristen gets three presents and three presents only. That’s been the case since she was old enough to remember and is the case still today in her adult years. It seems like so many kids get anything and everything they want and under the tree is a somewhat obscene pile of gifts, but when Kristen was a baby I read the “only three gifts” story and it’s simply that if three were good enough for Jesus, they’re good enough for us. It makes shopping a bit easier and a bit more intentional. 

 

 

Last but not least, there’s the baking. Raising my hand here in full disclosure that I am not a baker. I have some traditional goodies I make each year, and thankfully my husband and daughter’s favorite is my Holly Treats, shown above, that are similar to Rice Krispie Treats and just as easy to make. I also have a really good and pretty simple recipe for Ginger Snaps that a former neighbor shared with me.

 

 

A yummy tradition I don’t make (maybe this year!) but always have around are Biscochitos. Bisco what? These yummy cookies are a Santa Fe and New Mexico tradition that my mom always made as did moms and grandmas across my hometown. Similar to a sugar cookie or Snickerdoodle but with anise, Biscos are Christmas and it’s just not Christmas without them.

 

 

 For me, it’s all about memories made and making more. It’s never an easy task to decorate for the holidays, but the thought of not doing so is not an option. Take your time and think about why you’re doing it. Not for show and not for dough…unless it’s cookie dough. Nope, you do it for your family and for Him. We may be weary through it all, but we can still rejoice.

 

 

That’s pretty much the message in a popular Bible verse. It is one of the most popular scriptures and is often quoted in both secular and non-secular worlds. It talks about being patient, kind, and honest and not being envious, proud, or rude. It was read during my wedding and I had to memorize it to be initiated in my college sorority. It is, 1 Corinthians: 13. So many of us have heard it, know it, and love it. But, did you know there is a Christmas version? It’s not found in the bible, but it’s well worth a read. Enjoy!

 

 

1 Corinthians 13 Christmas Version

 

If I decorate my house perfectly with strands of twinkly lights and shiny balls

but do not show love to my family, I am just a decorator.

 

 

If I slave away in the kitchen baking dozens of Christmas cookies and them on a beautifully

adorned table but do not share the true meaning of Christmas, I am just another cook.

 

 

If I volunteer at a soup kitchen, carol in a nursing home, and donate to charity

but do not demonstrate simple kindness to strangers, it profits me nothing.

 

 

If I attend holiday parties but do not go to church, I have missed the point.

 

 

Love stops cooking to hug a child.

Love sets aside decorating to kiss a spouse.

Love is kind during the holidays though harried and tired.

 

 

Love doesn’t envy another’s home that has coordinated Christmas place settings,

perfectly strung outdoor lights, or a picture perfect tree.

 

 

Love doesn’t ask family to get out of the way but is thankful they are in the way.

 

 

Love doesn’t give only to those who are able to give in return or those on our lists,

but rejoices in giving to those who can’t and those who aren’t.

 

 

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.

 

 

Love never fails, even at Christmas.

 

Thanksgiving is officially over and now it’s a full- throttle Christmas mode. But how ‘bout we say goodbye to the Thanksgiving holiday but not the idea of being thankful? Everywhere I looked the past few weeks I saw the quote “There is always, always, something to be thankful for.” If that’s so and if so many people believe that, why is it we celebrate thankfulness only one day a year…a day that is immediately followed by a day when we go on shopping frenzies to buy all those things we think we have to have and things we think might make us happy? Does having more equate to more happiness? Does being happy equate to being thankful? Do things that frustrate us have to make us unhappy? Not always on all counts.

 

 

I’ve been frustrated the past few days but today I’m thankful for the very computer I’m writing this on. You see, I’m old school. Yes, I have a laptop but I’m still attached to my trusty desktop. And it died this week. Ten-year-old HP tower was fried. And I cried. But, thanks to the trusty geeks (they call themselves that) at Best Buy, I have a new one and one that was installed in my house by a phenomenal geek.

 

Funny how we’re grateful for the little and random things we perhaps never think about. I’m so thankful for Best Buy and its staff. I’m so very grateful that we could afford for me to just waltz into a store and purchase a new computer. (Merry Christmas to me?!) I’m grateful for all the reasons I even need a computer, including the writing of this blog. There are so many things I’m thankful for now that I think about it and am thinking we should all be thankful for more than just one holiday in November.

 

 

 

As Jimmy Buffet sang, we need to change our attitudes. This is also the philosophy behind a great book titled “FISH!” In the bestseller, a high-stress and non-energetic corporate office team is compared to the fishmongers in Seattle’s Pike Place Fish Market. They may not have the most sought after jobs, but they are famously happy and thankful for their place of work. It’s a philosophy filled with lessons of being grateful and joyful.

 

Lessons learned.

 

 

An attitude of gratitude should be our goal and it starts with both the head and the heart. If you think you are blessed, you’ll likely feel blessed. If you love more than you long, you’ll feel loved. If you fill your life with things and people who build you up rather than tear you down, you’ll feel positive and thankful. Maybe instead of trying to “keep up with the Joneses” you might ask yourself if the life you are living is a life you would want someone else to have. Chances are your life is pretty darn good on many levels so being thankful for it is today’s Plan A. Plan B is to make “thanksgiving” a reason to celebrate 12 months a year; not just one day a year.

 

 

 

So. before you go out, stress out, and max out your credit card on holiday shopping and entertaining, sit back and be thankful…truly thankful. Be thankful you have a job even if it’s not your dream job. Be grateful you have a place to live even if it’s not your dream house. Be appreciative that you have a car instead of complaining about traffic. And always remember that so many out there have less than you but could very well be more grateful and happy than you. Be thankful for all of it and all of them. Even the geeks.

Have you finished your Thanksgiving Day grocery shopping? Are the pies baked? (Mine are in the oven as I write.) Did sweet potatoes or yams make the cut? I love them both and whichever is picked for Turkey Day I’m okay with as they are both healthy and yummy. Healthy and yummy, but different and not interchangeable.

 

 

The popular saying is “puh-tay-toe” “puh-tah-toe,” but this time of year it switches to sweet potatoes or yams. So, as we get ready to celebrate all things thankful, let’s say thank you to both! Both are critical Thanksgiving Day side dishes and chalk full of nutrients. Okay, maybe not when mixed with brown sugar and marshmallows, but when done right, they really should be part of not only your Thanksgiving menu, but your year-long diet.

 

First things first: sweet potatoes aren’t yams and they’re not even true potatoes! According to my Concierge Choice Physicians newsletter, a potato is considered a “tuber” and a sweet potato is actually a root vegetable. Both potatoes and sweet potatoes grow under the soil and as for yams vs. sweet potatoes, they are both root vegetables but belong to two different plant families.  And by “plants,” we’re talking real plants.

 

The sweet potato is from the morning glory family while the yam is related to the lily. Who knew?! Yams are generally more starchy and less sweet than their sweetly named cousins and they grow much larger. And other than Thanksgiving Day tables in the U.S.A., where you’re from may dictate which one you eat and cook with. Yams are commonly used in African, Asian, and Caribbean cooking while sweet potatoes are generally more popular in New World meals.

 

 

We all feel better when we order those “healthy” sweet potato fries instead of regular fries and many of you consider fresh sweet potatoes healthier than those canned cubes soaked in syrup, but ironically many of the popular canned yams you see this time of year are technically sweet potatoes. If you’re picky about one or the other, check the label. When buying fresh ones, you’ll also want to check your choice.

 

 

As you peruse the produce department, know that yams have long, tapered shapes and skin that looks like bark on a tree. They have a neutral flavor, tough flesh, yucca-like texture, and are best when boiled in savory recipes like soups, stews, and chilis.

 

The most common varieties of sweet potatoes have smooth orange or reddish skin, orange flesh, and a sweet flavor. But of course!  Surprisingly, both (even the canned ones) are healthy depending on how you prepare them. Let’s start with yams.

 

 

Yams are linked to many health benefits including boosting brain health, reducing inflammation, improving blood sugar levels, inhibiting the progression of both osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis, and reducing cholesterol and LDL levels. A single yam also packs nearly 370 percent of your daily Vitamin A requirement and even canned yams are great sources of fiber, potassium, manganese, copper, and antioxidants. Canned yams in syrup are non-GMO, contain no preservatives, and are certified by the American Heart Association as a heart healthy food.

 

 

But what about all that syrup in the canned variety? What’s really in it? Basically, sweet potatoes, water, corn syrup, and sugar. Ick, right? No worries! You can actually remove the sugar by rinsing the pieces in water before cooking because pieces of sweet potato don’t absorb sugar. Whatever is in the can stays on the surface of them prior to rinsing, which can also get rid of much of the syrup. Perhaps best of all is the fact that canned sweet potatoes are already cooked meaning Aunt Carla’s famous Sweet Potato Casserole cooks fast and who doesn’t want at least a few Thanksgiving dishes that cook quickly? One more tidbit: about three unpeeled fresh sweet potatoes or yams are in a standard 29 ounce can.

 

 

Sweet potatoes on the whole have a higher concentration of most nutrients, have more fiber, and are generally more nutritious than yams. In fact, they are considered “nutrient dense” in that one cup of a baked sweet potato with the skin on provides more than 50 percent of your daily Vitamin A, C, and magnesium requirement and more than 25 percent of your Vitamin B6 and potassium requirement. Vitamin C supports your immune systems and helps absorb iron. Diets low in Vitamin C can increase your risk of anemia and no wants a low immune level. Sweet potatoes are also loaded with antioxidants that protect your body from inflammation and possibly even cancer, heart disease, and aging.

 

Sweet potatoes are also good for your gut as they are loaded with both soluble and insoluble fiber and their antioxidants promote healthy gut bacteria growth, the former may lower the risk of colon cancer and the latter is thought to limit conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.

 

The eyes also have it with sweet potatoes! What food do we immediately think of as good for the eyes? Carrots, right? What color are carrots? Orange. What color is the flesh of a sweet potato? Orange. And yes, you guessed it; that orange color is due to high amounts of beta-carotene, which your body converts into Vitamin A and uses to form light-detecting receptors inside your eyes, much like it does with carrots. And, how ironic that both carrots and sweet potatoes are root vegetables.

 

 

In the end, can you substitute sweet potatoes for yams and vice-versa? The bad news and short answer is “no,” so do your best to use what is listed on any given recipe. The good news is, those canned yams are not as bad as you maybe once thought they were. Want a sweet dish? Go for true sweet potatoes. Want a more savory dish? Opt for yams. Want it in a hurry? A canned variety is the way to go. However you say it and whatever version you use, I hope your sweet puh-tay-toe/puh-tah-toe/yam casserole dish is yummy! Let’s be thankful for it all.

 

Lastly, I’ve never made one but many swear by Sweet Potato Pie and sometimes even in place of my beloved Pumpkin Pie. If you have a Sweet Potato Pie recipe to share, please do!

 

Happy Thanksgiving everyone and here are a few recipes you might enjoy. I personally leave out the pecans in most but am including them for your preference.

 

Ann’s Perfectly Baked Sweet Potato

Wash potato and cut off both ends.

Put in cold oven directly on rack and above cookie sheet and then heat to 425.

Cook for 1 hour and then turn off oven but keep potato in oven for 30 more minutes.

Top with butter or toppings of your choice.

 

 

 

Candied Yam Soufflé

Sandra Lee

Ingredients

1 stick of butter

1 cup light brown sugar

½ cup chopped pecans

2 large (40 oz.) can large yams or sweet potatoes, drained

1 t ground cinnamon

1 t ground nutmeg

1 12 oz. jar marshmallow topping (or mini marshmallows)

 

Directions

Preheat oven to 325.

Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat.

Add brown sugar and pecans and simmer for 3 minutes.

Meanwhile, place drained yams in large bowl and mash finely.

Pour sugar/pecan mixture over yams and stir until thoroughly combined.

Add cinnamon and nutmeg and stir.

Transfer to a metal pie pan and top with marshmallow topping or marshmallows.

Bake for 15 minutes.

Remove from oven and raise oven temp to 400 degrees and bake additional 10 minutes.

Watch carefully to keep from over burning.

 

 

 

Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole

Crust Ingredients

¾ cup brown sugar

¼ cup flour

¾ cup chopped nuts…pecans preferred

¼ cup melted butter

 

Sweet Potato Ingredients

¾ cup sugar

¼ cup salt

½ t vanilla

2 cups mashed sweet potatoes

¼ cup butter

 

Directions

Preheat oven to 350.

Combine crust ingredients and mix in bowl. Set aside.

Pour sweet potato mixture into buttered baking dish.

Sprinkle crust mixture evenly on top.

Bake for 30 minutes.

Allow minimum 30 minutes to cool before serving.

 

 

 

Sweet Potato Casserole

The Sandy Show & The Pioneer Woman

Ingredients

4 whole medium sweet potatoes

1 cup sugar

1 cup milk

2 whole eggs

1 t vanilla extract

1 t salt

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup pecans

½ cup flour

¾ stick of softened butter

 

Directions

Wash potatoes and bake at 375 about 30-35 minutes or until fork tender.

When done, slice open and scrape out flesh into a large bowl.

Add sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla, and salt and mash slightly.

In separate bowl, combine brown sugar, pecans, flour, and butter and mix thoroughly.

Spread sweet potato mixture into baking dish and sprinkle with crumb mixture on top.

Bake at 400 for 30 minutes.

 

 

 

Praline Sweet Potatoes

Texascooppower.com

Potatoes Ingredients

3 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes

1 cup brown sugar

2 eggs, beaten

1 t vanilla extract

½ cup milk

½ cup (1 stick) melted butter

 

Topping Ingredients

1 cup chopped pecans

½ cup brown sugar

½ cup flour

1/3 cup (1/2 stick) melted butter

 

Preheat oven to 350 and butter 9 x 13 baking dish.

In large bowl, combine potatoes with brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, milk, and butter.

Pour into prepared baking dish.

In small bowl, combine pecans, brown sugar, and flour.

Stir in melted butter until crumble forms.

Scatter evenly over top of sweet potatoes.

Bake 30-40 minutes and until topping is golden brown or crunchy.

 

 

 

Heart Healthy Chipotle Chili

Orlandodietician.com

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, diced
3 cups peeled and seeded butternut squash, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 medium parsnip, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 large sweet potato, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 14.5 oz. cans diced tomatoes, undrained
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, diced
1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the same can)
2 cups water
2 teaspoons vegetable base
2 cups chopped kale (remove the hard stems)f
1 15 oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained
Fresh ground pepper to taste

6 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt (optional, for topping)

 

Directions

In large pot, heat oil over medium-high heat and add onion and garlic. Sautee 3 minutes then add butternut squash, parsnips, and sweet potato, stirring with a wooden spoon. Cook and stir occasionally for 10 minutes. Add in chili powder, cumin, cocoa and cinnamon. Cook for one more minute.

Stir in tomatoes, chipotle peppers, water and vegetable base. Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Add kale and stir until wilted. Add black beans, cook an additional two minutes and add pepper to taste.

Serve with a dollop (one tablespoon) of Greek yogurt on top.

 

 

 

Roasted Sweet Potato Fries
Orlandodietician.com

Ingredients

• 1 large sweet potato (skin on)
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

 

Directions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Rinse the potato well and cut into thin strips.

In a large bowl or mix together the spices and olive oil. Toss in the potatoes and coat with spice mixture (you could also do this in a large plastic bag).

Place potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. Turn and bake on the other side for an additional 15 minutes or until fries are browned and crisp.

 

Disclaimer: Always check with your health provider before adding anything to your diet or nutrition plan.

Thanksgiving is mere days away and you know what that means: food. Lots of food! And, as much as we love all the turkey and fixings, most are not good for something else we love: our pets.

 

Thanksgiving also means lots of people and kitchen chaos, which means you may not pay attention to what your dogs eat or sneak on the side. But if you want a day without a pet emergency room visit, you might want to take note of some do’s and don’ts of Thanksgiving for pet owners.

 

Basically, the rules include no pets in the kitchen, stuff your turkey but not your pets, no booze hounds, and take out the trash!

 

 

When talking turkey, it’s tough to not give your dog a little nibble of the bird but just make sure it’s fully cooked, skinless, boneless, and has no tracings of twine or foil. The skin can be especially dangerous for Fido, as it will have spices, sauces, and fats that are both dangerous and hard to digest.

 

Bones, even those cooked like neck bones, are the worst and if ingested, will wreak havoc on a dog or cat’s digestive track. They splinter inside an animal and could lead to that dreaded emergency room visit.

Lastly, be sure to double bag and wrap-tie the turkey carcass and toss in an outside bin.

 

What’s the other Thanksgiving Day standard? Pumpkin pie! The pie is my favorite but raw yeast dough will not be your pet’s fave. If ingested, the yeast converts sugars in the dough into carbon dioxide, gas, and alcohol, which can result in a bloated almost drunken pet and one with severe pain. This could be life-threatening and comes into play when making rolls and other bread items as well.

 

 

Nutmeg is a key ingredient in pumpkin pie and yams, but it is a big no-no for dogs. In fact, the seasonal favorite can cause seizures and central nervous system problems if ingested by a pup. Pumpkin and sweet potatoes themselves are fine in moderation; just make sure they don’t have any nutmeg or other spices.

 

Sage is also a popular Thanksgiving Day spice but it’s equally dangerous. It contains oils that upset a pooch’s tummy and should be avoided.

 

Along those same lines are onions and garlic. These two are pretty commonly known as bad for dogs, but just in case you didn’t know it, keep them away from your four-legged friends at all costs. Both contain sulfides that are toxic to dogs and can lead to anemia. Between the two, onions are more toxic than garlic and cooking them does not reduce their toxicity.

 

When I think of the holidays from my childhood, I remember my parents always had a big bowl of nuts on the coffee table. They were in a special wooden bowl and were not shelled. An old-school nutcracker and shell picker were always part of the set-up but now in hindsight, it’s nuts to have nuts laying around if you have dogs, which we always did.

 

Nuts, especially walnuts and macadamia nuts, are uber dangerous for your dog. If a bad reaction occurs, a dog will be unable to stand, will vomit, suffer tremors and an elevated heart rate, and will have both a fever and weakness within 12 hours of digesting the nuts. Thankfully most symptoms go away but why risk it? Keep those nuts up high people.

 

 

Other things you should keep away from your pets

Drippings and Gravy

Turkey Stuffing

Raisins and Grapes

Mushrooms

Corn on the Cob

Butter

Chocolate

Alcohol

 

 

It’s not all bad news though and there are plenty of Thanksgiving Day treats that can be safely added to your mutt’s treats menu, including:

 

Boneless, skinless and well-cooked turkey meat (no skin)

Sweet potatoes (plain)

Plain pumpkin puree (great year-round for dogs that are “plugged up”)

Green beans (great year-found as meal filler for overweight dogs)

Cranberry sauce

Carrots (raw or cooked but plain)

Apples

 

If you think your precious pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4436. It’s a number you should probably keep handy all year long.

 

Have a Happy Thanksgiving and one with safe and happy pets!

I’ll be spending Thanksgiving this year again with my husband’s side of the family along with our daughter, which has become an annual tradition I’ve grown to love. Another tradition I love is the serving of cranberry sauce alongside the turkey, dressing, potatoes, green beans, pies, and the likes. In fact, it’s something I’ve volunteered to bring again this year along with the cranberry and Brie cups I’ve included the recipe for below. I was never a big fan of cranberries back in the “open a can and pour out the log” days, but I’ve grown to love them with each new recipe I’ve discovered as well as my tried and true one. What about you? Yay or nay on cranberry sides? And what exactly are those little red berries that we generally only eat once a year?

 

The small, red, and tart fruit is actually very healthy and we can thank Native Americans for them, as they mixed cranberries with deer meat waaaay back in the day. They may have even shared some with the Pilgrims on that first Thanksgiving Day.

 

History also notes sailors used cranberries as a source of Vitamin C to prevent scurvy, and more recent studies suggest cranberries promote gastrointestinal and oral health, raise the good HDL cholesterol, and may even help prevent cancer.

 

 

The very first official harvesting of cranberries was by Revolutionary War veteran Henry Hall, who planted the first commercial beds in Dennis, Massachusetts in 1816. Many of today’s cranberry bogs are in fact more than 100 years old!

 

Cranberries grow on low-running vines in sandy marshes and are one of only three commercially grown fruits native to North America. The other two being blueberries and Concord grapes. During harvesting, the berry marshes are flooded, special equipment is used to knock the berries off the vines, and then they float to the surface. Most of the world’s cranberries are grown on some 50,000 acres in the U.S. and Canada and are harvested in September and October. Perfect timing for fresh cranberry sauce at Thanksgiving!

 

Each year, Americans eat about 400 million pounds of cranberries with 20 percent of them consumed over Thanksgiving. The fruit can be eaten both fresh and dried, and is popular in muffins, trail mixes, cereals, salads, and of course juices.

 

So what do you prefer? Fresh or canned? Whole berry canned or jellied? I prefer the whole berry and fresh but if you like that blob of gelled stuff, here’s a fun way to make it festive using cookie cutters:

 

 

And just in case you don’t have enough food planned (LOL!), here are some yummy recipes that use cranberries. Use them this week or all year long!

 

 

Cranberry Brie Cups (Great for Thanksgiving morning!)

1 8 oz. tube crescent rolls dough

1 8 oz. wheel of brie (can substitute cream cheese)

½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce

Optional: chopped pecans on top

 

Preheat oven to 375 and grease mini muffin tin with cooking spray.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out crescent dough and pinch together seams.

Cut into 24 squares and place into muffin tin slots.

Cut cheese into small pieces and place inside crescent dough.

Top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce.

Bake until crescent pastry is golden, about 15 minutes.

 

 

Festive Pineapple Cranberry Salad (My favorite!)

1 can mandarin oranges

2 pkg. raspberry flavored gelatin

1 can whole berry cranberry sauce or 1 12 oz bag fresh or frozen cranberries thawed and boiled.

1 apple, chopped

Optional: chopped pecans

Drain oranges and pour juice into sauce pan with 3 cups cold water. Bring to boil and remove from heat. Add dry gelatin and stir 2 minutes. Stir in cranberry sauce. Pour into large bowl and add oranges and apple. Refrigerate 1 ½ hours or until slightly thickened.

 

 

Three Ingredient Cranberry Relish

(Anthony Bourdain calls this, “Delicious and truly one of the easiest recipes in the world.”)

Wash 1 large orange under warm water. Dry and coarsely chop skin, flesh, and pith. Remove seeds. Combine orange and 12 oz. fresh cranberries in food processor. Pulse until mixture appears grainy. Transfer to bowl and fold in 1 cup sugar. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Serve cold or at room temperature.

 

 

Tangy Cranberry Meatballs (great use for any leftover cranberry sauce!)

Leftover cranberry sauce

¼ rice vinegar

2 T ketchup

2 T soy sauce

2 t Worcestershire sauce

1 t brown sugar

¼ cup water

2 lb. pkg. precooked cocktail-size meatballs

 

In a large saucepan combine all ingredients except meatballs, cook on medium low, and stir until smooth.

Add meatballs and cook until heated, about 10-15 minutes.

 

 

Cranberry Nut Bread (my mom’s recipe)

2 cups fresh, whole cranberries

2 T butter

2 cups sifted flour

1 cup and 2 T sugar

1 ¾ t baking powder

1 t salt

1 egg, well beaten

1/3 cup orange juice

1 t grated orange rind

¼ cup water

Cut cranberries in half. Melt and set aside butter. Sift together dry ingredients. Combine egg, orange juice, and water. Make well in dry ingredients and add liquids. Stir in butter. Add orange rind and cranberries. Bake at 350 for 1 hour.

 

 

Cranberry Salsa Dip

1 12 oz. bag fresh cranberries, rinsed

½ cup sugar

Green onions, chopped

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped

1 lime, juiced

Pinch of salt

2 8 oz. blocks cream cheese, softened

Put all ingredients except cream cheese in food processor. Pulse until ingredients are chopped coarsely. Put in airtight container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. After, spread softened cream cheese on serving plate and spread salsa over cream cheese. Serve at room temperature with crackers.

 

 

Cranberry Hot Tea

1 48 oz. can cranberry juice cocktail

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1 cup orange juice

1 cup lemonade

1 cup pineapple juice

Cinnamon sticks

Combine all ingredients in a Dutch oven over low heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes or until sugar dissolves. Serve warm with cinnamon stick garnish.

 

 

Cranberry Punch

2 bottles cranberry juice

1 ½ bottles water (using juice bottle to measure)

2 cans frozen orange juice, thawed

Juice of 3 lemons or 9 T lemon juice

1 pkg. red hot candies

Whole cloves and sugar to taste

Put all ingredients in pot and heat on low until red hots melt. Transfer to crock pot to serve and keep warm.

 

 

Cape Cod

Mix 1 part vodka with cranberry juice to taste in highball glass and fill with ice. Garnish with lime wedge.

Variations:

Sea Breeze: add grapefruit juice

Bay Breeze: add pineapple juice

Cosmopolitan: add triple sec and serve in martini glass

 

 

Cranberry Kiss Cocktail

1.5 oz. cranberry vodka

2 oz. cranberry juice

1.5 oz. simple sugar

Lime wedges and mint leaves

Muddle 3 lime wedges and 8 mint leaves in a shaker. Add other ingredients and shake well with ice. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with floating mint leaves.