Beyond Words

One of my favorite things to do is the annual “Polar Plunge” in Austin’s Barton Springs Pool. Every New Year’s Day, hundreds of Austinites jump into the downtown spring-fed treasure that boasts a constant water temperature of 68 degrees. The “Plunge” is a way of washing off last year’s woes and starting the new year refreshed and rejuvenated.

 

 

 

The night before, New Year’s Eve, traditionally means champagne, noise makers, legendary parties, and toasts to Auld Lang Syne. We have never been big New Year’s Eve revelers save for a glass of champagne or two, so making it to the early morning plunge is usually not an issue, the issue is going to downtown Austin. Not my favorite part of the world of late. The weather will also dictate my plunging this year. I will keep you posted!

 

 

 

New Years is also a time for making resolutions and I’m personally a big resolution girl. It probably has a lot to do with making a list, which I love doing! Let’s see: lose weight, eat healthier, save more money, spend less, be more positive, read more, be nicer, exercise more. Did I miss anything? We’ve all heard them and we’ve all tried them, sometimes with stunning success and sometimes with epic fails.

 

 

I, of course, try to do all of those things, but each new year I also resolve to learn something new. I’ve studied or taken classes in everything from Italian to ice skating, cooking to shooting a gun, zip-lining to pickle ball, cross-stitch to the rosary, and bridge to yoga. I love yoga and its bridge pose but I hated bridge. Too quiet, too serious, and way too much math. My husband and I took dance lessons (he hated them) and I’ve improved my golf game and now play at least once-a-week (he loves it.) I haven’t decided what I’m going to learn this year but I don’t pressure myself to start right away; sometimes what I learn comes mid or late year and totally by surprise.

 

Every year I also vow to grow spiritually and plan to again in 2024. I’m deciding a virtue I’d like to grow in, a sin I’d like to eliminate, and a saint I’d like to study more about.

 

 

We often make resolutions to do things but how about resolving to not do things? Don’t give in, don’t overthink (talking to you Carla!), don’t settle, and don’t take everything so seriously just to name a few.

 

 

 

Here are a few samplings of ways to start off 2024 in a positive and productive way:

• Evaluate what didn’t work the year prior and resolve to fix it and work to change it. If you hate your job, work on finding a new one. If the flowers in your flower beds drive you crazy, choose different ones. If some current friends aren’t meeting your needs, take a break from them. Everything is worth evaluating.

 

• Keep growing. Learn something new. Go somewhere new. Do something differently. Take risks. Look at challenging situations as opportunities for growth, not pockets of struggles. I’m not a big risk taker, but this year I hiked (on my novice level) Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Neither were my idea and I’d just as soon stay back at the hotel spa, but the group of fabulous women I was with are all big hikers and they inspired me. Yay me!

 

• Filter the noise in your life. Don’t just listen to the loudest voices; listen to the truest ones. Get rid of the Negative Nancys in your life and surround yourself with uplifting and supportive people not toxic and critical ones. I recently lost a family member and sometimes it takes something as tragic and sad as that for you to discover who your true people are and who was there for you.

 

• Don’t dwell so much on your “perfect” future that you forget to live today. Find ways to be satisfied rather than constantly striving for bigger, better, and more. Realize that “having it all” is not possible.

 

• Master the art of handling rejection. You will face it so become resilient at it.

 

• Learn how to say “no” and mean it. Set your boundaries and respect them. If you do, others will too.

 

• Be genuinely happy for others. Envy makes us blind to the goodness of God and results in sorrow. It can also lead to anger, resentment, and bitterness. Get rid of it in your life.

 

• Give without expectations. Not everyone has the same heart as you so don’t expect others to do for you what you do for them. This will only lead to constant disappointment. Give more but expect less. As my daughter once so brilliantly reminded me: not everyone sends thank you notes. Give because you want to give and without the expectation of getting one.

 

• Let grace have the last word. You don’t need to win every argument or always be right.

 

• Replace “I have to” with “I get to.” So many activities we complain about are things we take for granted and things others are praying for. Realize this. Off the top of my head I think when I say “I have to take a shower today” or “I have to go to the grocery store today;” two things millions in the world would love to “have” to do.

 

• Turn the pages that need to be turned. This isn’t always easy but may be vital to your happiness.

 

 

I recently read the book “The Midnight Library” and its subject matter got me thinking. Thinking about life as I know it and have known it, hopes and dreams, and New Year’s Resolutions.  In brief, the book is about Nora Seed and the regrets that have piled up. Some legit; some just in her mind. But, when she finds herself at the Midnight Library, she’s given a chance to make things right and do things differently through its books. Needless to say, this guilt-ridden cradle Catholic and library/book lover is all over it.

 

Don’t get me wrong, I love my one beautiful life and am so grateful for my many blessings, but I do have regrets and probably would have made different…and better…choices a few times in my life. Nothing earth shattering or life changing, just ones filled with more wisdom and less chance. More grace and less naiveté. It’s never too late, right?

 

 

Come a week or so we might all be feeling regretful. January 10 is the day a British study estimates most of us will have ditched our New Year’s resolutions. Ugh. Are you already a resolution fail?  Maybe we should make New Year’s Intentions instead of Resolutions. The word just sounds more user-friendly and practical.  “I intend to learn or do XYZ” jives with me way more than “I resolve to…” Tumaytoes tohmahtoes perhaps, but whatever works.

 

 

 

I love happiness guru Gretchen Rubin’s above idea to have a “Ta Da List” to keep you motivated and she also has tips on how to commit to committing and make sure resolutions we set are successful. First off she says, be specific. Don’t just say you want to find more joy or calmness in your life but instead identify what gives you joy or makes you calm and then resolve to do those things. For example, “sign up for tennis lessons” assures you will accomplish the goal of “learn to play tennis.”

 

 

And dump the demanding mindset. Seems like our resolutions are often grim or a grind. The more pleasant something sounds, the more likely you’ll do it and feel a sense of accomplishment. “Have lunch once-a-month with friends” will probably get checked off the list long before “lose 20 pounds.”

 

Experts also suggest setting smaller goals. Rather than saying “I’m going to lose weight this year,” say “I’m going to work on losing 10 pounds between now and March.”  Some also recommend setting monthly goals rather then or in addition to year-long commitments.

 

 

Whatever I choose to do or learn this year, I’m going to focus on something “new” instead of something “no way.” I’ll learn something new, go somewhere new, and do something differently. The challenge will be figuring out how to really commit to something.  But, do I really need to? Do I have to?? If I decide to take piano lessons, do I really need to perfect my skill at it? Isn’t it okay to just enjoy learning the basics of something new and then moving on to something else? I’m thinking yes.

 

 

Lastly, accept the fact that you aren’t the same person you were one year ago and embrace the new and maybe different you. Remind yourself of your successes and victories and replace that dreaded I “have” to with I “get” to unless the “have to” is health related or essential. Stop wasting energy on people and things that drain your brain, show gratitude, and face the year and your intentions enthusiastically and with confidence. I’m confident you can do it!

 

It’s no secret I’m very traditional and love a good tradition. A few days ago I wrote all about candy canes, including their history and their story. Today I’m continuing the traditions and “why” theme, including some fun facts about many of the things we hold near and dear to our Christmas hearts. Let’s start with a simple greeting.

 

 

 

Tis the season for seeing “Merry Christmas” and all things Christmas everywhere.  Sadly, you also often see the word “Christmas” shortened and referred to as “Xmas,” which has always irked me. In my thinking, doing so literally removes the real meaning of Christmas: Christ. But, I’m happy to report that there’s a somewhat acceptable explanation for it.

 

Apparently, the X in Xmas doesn’t replace “Christ” from the word with the English letter X, but rather with the Greek letter “chi,” which looks like the English letter X. Chi is the first letter in the Greek word that we translate as “Christmas” and ancient Christians would abbreviate it by using only the first letter of it. They meant no offense and coincidentally, the letter also resembles a cross.

 

I still much prefer “Christmas” over “Xmas,” but am happy to learn the origins of the latter meant no disrespect to why we celebrate Christmas. Amen!

 

 

 

Now let’s talk about St. Nick, or better yet, St. Nicholas. Catholics and others celebrate the Feast of St. Nicholas each December 6 and he is widely considered the “first Santa.” Nicholas, a real person, wore a red coat like Santa, had a beard, and loved to share and give. He’s also mentioned in the classic “The Night Before Christmas.” Who knew?!

 

A very rich and generous man, Nicholas heard about a family that didn’t have enough money to buy food so he snuck onto their roof and threw some gold coins down their chimney. The coins landed in their stockings, which were hanging over the fire to dry. This, my friends, is why we hang stockings on fireplaces and put treats in them!

 

St. Nicholas is said to be represented by Christian artists more frequently than any saint.

 

 

 

So that’s why we hang and fill stockings, but just why do we give presents for Christmas? Well, think of the Three Kings/Wise Men. And although we probably don’t give gold, frankincense, and myrrh to family and friends, by exchanging gifts we model their generous act. We all know what gold is, but what exactly are frankincense and myrrh and why were they given to Baby Jesus?

 

Even back then, gold was considered a royal metal, signified Jesus’ Kingship, and was literally a gift fit for a King. Frankincense is the gum or resin of the Boswellia tree, used for making perfume and incense. It was one of the ingredients God instructed the Israelites to use in making the pure and sacred incense blend for the most holy place in the tabernacle. It was a precious spice with great significance and worth in ancient times and considered a symbol of prayer between God and man. Myrrh is an expensive spice used for making perfume, incense, medicine, and anointing the dead. It signified Jesus would ultimately have to die for the salvation of all and frequently appears in the Old Testament, primarily as a sensuous perfume in the Song of Solomon.

 

Our daughter Kristen has always and to this day only received three presents from us at Christmas and for good reason other than avoiding then piles of presents kids ask for and receive. Think about it: if three gifts were good enough for Jesus, they are certainly good enough for the rest of us.

 

 

 

In many Western Christian churches, including most Catholic and Lutheran parishes, the season of Advent is celebrated before Christmas. The word “advent” comes from the Latin word that means “coming” and during Advent, Christians patiently await the coming of their Savior, Jesus Christ.

 

Both Advent wreaths and Advent calendars are popular ways to celebrate the weeks leading up to Christmas and make for fun craft ideas for kids and families. An Advent wreath is made up of various evergreens formed into a circle, representing continuous life and God’s infinite love for us, and four candles (three purple and one pink) that represent the four Sundays of Advent and Christ being the light of the world.

 

On the first Sunday of Advent, four weeks out from Christmas, a purple “Prophet’s Candle” is lit as we focus on Hope and Jesus’ coming. On the second Sunday of Advent another purple candle, called the “Bethlehem Candle” is lit and symbolizes Peace while also reminding us of Mary and Joseph’s treacherous journey to Bethlehem. The sole pink candle is lit on the third Sunday of Advent and is called the “Shepherd’s Candle” reminding us of Joy and the birth of Jesus. On the last Sunday of Advent, a purple “Angel’s Candle” is lit and symbolizes Love. Some Advent wreaths also add a fifth larger white “Christ Candle” in the middle, which is lit on Christmas. Advent officially ends on Christmas Eve.

 

 

An Advent Calendar is a fun and popular children’s activity and great teaching tool. They teach children to the true meaning of Christmas while teaching them to be patient and focused as we wait and prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ.

 

Advent calendars count down the 24 days of December ending on Christmas Eve and are believed to have been created by Christians in the early 19th. The first known Advent calendar was handmade in Germany in 1851. Many Advent calendars display a colorful nativity scene with little numbered windows or doors that open to reveal a symbol of Advent or Christmas. Some even have chocolates or other treasures hidden behind each flap.

 

Growing up my family didn’t really celebrate Advent and my childhood home never had an Advent wreath or Advent calendar. Although the Advent calendar is a relatively new way to count down the days until Christmas day, celebrating the Advent season is an ancient Church tradition established long ago in the liturgical calendar.

 

 

 

 

And now, just for grins, how about some fun reindeer trivia and facts?

 

All of Santa’s reindeer were female because only female reindeer keep their antlers in December.

 

Reindeer are one of the only mammals that can see UV light, allowing them to see predatory polar bears against the snow and lichen, that fungi, moss-like plant they eat.

 

Caribou is simply the North American name for reindeer.

 

As the name suggests, reindeer are a species of deer and the only deer species in which both males and females can grow antlers. Yes dear…um deer!

 

Do you know the names of all of Santa’s reindeer? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and the most famous reindeer of all, Rudolph.

 

 

 

 

Let’s end with a song. We’ve all heard one particular one, have sang it many times, and probably know all the words by heart but what in the world are we talking about with “maids a milking,” and “lords a leaping?” They’re all part of the famous “Twelve Days of Christmas” carol but they don’t signify the 12 days before Christmas as many believe and they have a Christian origin.

 

The celebration behind the tune started back in the Middle Ages as a way to mark the days between Christmas Day and the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6. From 1558 to 1829, Catholics in England were forbidden from openly practicing their faith so a song of 12 days was written as a catechetical tune that included hidden meanings of the faith. Secretly and on the down low, the verses reminded believers of some of the tenets of their faith without being overtly religious. This way, they could be sung without fear of punishment.

 

 

On that “note,” here are what the “Twelve Days of Christmas” symbols symbolize and the reasons we sing them this season:

 

First Day: A partridge in a pear tree. Jesus. Mother partridges are known to pretend they are injured as a way of keeping predators from their helpless nestlings, much like our Lord protects us.

 

Second Day: Two turtle doves. the Old and New Testaments in the bible.

 

Third Day: 3 French hens. The 3 Wise Men; the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; and the 3 Theological Virtues; faith, hope, and love.

 

Fourth Day: 4 calling birds. The four evangelists – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John – and their four gospels.

 

Fifth Day: 5 golden rings. The first five books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Also called the Pentateuch, from the Greek words for “five” and “books,” they are meant to answer the basic questions of life and its origins.

 

Sixth Day: 6 geese a-laying. The six days of creation.

 

Seventh Day: 7 swans-a-swimming. The seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord as well as the seven Sacraments: baptism, confirmation, Eucharist, reconciliation, anointing of the sick, holy orders, and matrimony.

 

Eight Day: 8 maids-a-milking. The eight Beatitudes given to us through Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount.

 

Ninth Day: 9 ladies dancing. The nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit: charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, and chastity.

 

Tenth Day: 10 lords-a-leaping. The 10 Commandments.

 

Eleventh Day: 11 pipers piping. The 11 faithful apostles: Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James, Simon, and Jude.

 

Twelfth Day: 12 drummers drumming. The 12 points of the apostles’ beliefs and their creed.

 

 

 

All of these things explain some age-old traditions and also demonstrate the true meaning of Christmas. It breaks my heart to see the real reason for the season become increasingly commercialized and secular, and my hope is that by sitting back and understanding exactly why we have days off in December and why stores love this time of the year, we will realize that there is so much more to it all than just time off, shopping, and Santa. I have hope.

 

 

 

 

Something about candy canes just makes me smile. I particularly love their red-and-white striped pattern as I love stripes, I love patterns, and I love me some red and white! I remember my mom hanging them on our Christmas tree and although I don’t follow her in that practice, I do have a festive vase of them sitting on my kitchen counter every Christmas.

 

 

You don’t need to look very far this time of year to spot similar vases and other decorations centered around the beloved red-and-white striped treasures. You see real ones hanging on tress, created and grouped into wreaths, and used as package decorations. Candy canes are fun and they’re festive, and they also have an interesting story behind them.

 

 

Did you know the flavor of peppermint is similar to hyssop, which is a member of the mint family and was used in biblical times for purification? The shape of the candy cane also has religious undertones as on that first Christmas morn, who were among the first to visit and meet Baby Jesus? That would be shepherds and as they paid homage to the newborn Savior, they carried with them their crooks, which they used in the field to round up sheep. It’s no coincidence that candy canes resemble those curved, reminders and that like the shepherds, Jesus protects us like His little lambs.

 

The red and white colors of a candy cane are said to represent purity and love. And finally, what do you get when you turn a candy cane upside down? The letter J. Whose name starts with J? Jesus!

 

 

Funny thing though, I really don’t love to eat candy canes. I just like to look at them. Maybe I should rethink this, as peppermint like the kind found in candy canes, actually has some major health benefits.

 

 

Are you feeling stressed and anxious during the current and crazy holi-daze? Are you maybe drinking a little more alcohol than normal at Christmas parties? If you’ve said “yes” to any of this, you might also be suffering from a tension headache, commonly brought on by stress and alcohol consumption and oh so common during the holidays. Well, guess what? Peppermint may actually ease those tension headaches! Ahhhh…just breathe!

 

Yep, study after study show that rubbing a topical peppermint oil on your forehead and temples can reduce headache pain as well as any over-the-counter pain reliever. It’s also great inhaled to relieve altitude sickness for any of you skiing this season. And it smells so good!

 

 

In addition to drinking and stressing more this time of year, you might also be eating more and perhaps eating things you don’t normally consume. Maybe before you head out to another party or before opening that cookie jar, take a whiff of peppermint oil or even a candy cane as just smelling peppermint has been shown to curb cravings and appetites with one study reporting that by simply smelling peppermint oil every two hours, participants were less hungry and less likely to over eat.

 

If you do enjoy a little feeding frenzy but then encounter a little rumblin’ in your tumblin’, no worries, as peppermint is also known to tame tummy troubles. In fact, the mint can help with all types of stomach problems, including nausea, heartburn, menstrual cramps. and even irritable bowel syndrome. One Italian study found that IBS symptoms were significantly reduced among 75 percent of those who took peppermint oil capsules while an Australian study discovered that peppermint actually activates an anti-pain agent in the colon and soothes inflammatory pain in the gastrointestinal tract.

 

Tis also the season for colds and flu, but before reaching for cold medicine to clear up your stuffy nose, reach for peppermint as well. Although it may not always open your nasal passages, it magically tricks your mind into thinking it has. The key is menthol, which peppermint is chalk-full of and is what makes all those over-the-counter meds smell so yummy and minty.

 

 

If you’re feeling aches and pains or if you’re exercising more to work off those candies and cookies you’ve been eating, you may be a little sore. Peppermint can help here to, as it has a cooling effect when topically applied for muscle ache, stiffness, and even nerve pain.

 

Another health benefit of peppermint is that it boosts concentration and has memory-enhancing properties. This is good news to all you students out there studying for finals and for anyone finalizing year-end budgets, reports, or simple “naughty or nice” lists. Peppermint scent can actually give someone a mental perk, resulting in greater alertness, increased motivation, and enhanced performance. So powerful is peppermint’s punch, that some schools have been known to hand out peppermint candy during test periods!

 

 

I pretty much swear by my Young Living peppermint oil and use it often. I massage it into inflamed or sore areas and joints to ease inflammation, soreness, stiffness, and joints and muscle aches. I also rub it on my forehead, temples, sinuses, and neck for headache relief, respiratory issues, and general stiffness. If I’m feeling particularly stiff or achy, I might use another essential oil made specifically for injuries, but I always top it with peppermint because it smells so good! It’s also an oil I regularly diffuse.

 

Peppermint oil also boasts a high concentration of natural pesticides that help repel some insects, including pesky mosquitos. If you do get bit by something, rub some peppermint oil on the bite area to relieve itching.

 

 

Finally, let’s not forget about the plant’s culinary uses. Fresh or dried peppermint, as well as peppermint extract, are common in herbal teas, ice cream, candy, jams and jellies, and many an alcoholic drink. A Moscow Mule or Mojito without mint? Nyet! You could say this is peppermint’s “in” season, as you find it in everything from peppermint Kisses to peppermint bark to peppermint room candles. Peppermint as an ingredient doesn’t’ stop in the kitchen though. It’s a main ingredient in many a chewing gum, toothpaste, shampoo, lotion, and soap.

 

 

So why peppermint? No one really knows, other than it’s a natural plant full of natural benefits. Scientifically, peppermint is actually a hybrid mint, meaning it’s a cross between water mint and spearmint. It contains way more menthol than spearmint and enjoys widespread cultivation worldwide. Even in my mom’s flower beds in Santa Fe when I was growing up, which I would eat straight off the stem. I can literally smell the photo above if I close my eyes.

 

It’s actually easy to grow and will grow almost anywhere. It develops best moist places with part-sun to shade and a good supply of water. Being that it’s a hybrid, it’s typically sterile and doesn’t produce seeds. It grows “like a weed” though by spreading its branches, meaning each new plant grows from a fragment of the parent plant.

 

So, there you have it. Anything and everything you knew or didn’t know about candy canes and the healing qualities of peppermint. What’s not to love, right? Now where did I hide that peppermint bark?

 

Thanksgiving is but two days away, which means your turkey should be thawing and your pies should be baking. Both turkey and pie, particularly pumpkin, are Thanksgiving traditions and I love them both. But did you know that pie at Thanksgiving really has nothing to do with the Pilgrims or Native Americans? In fact, common belief is that the tradition was probably started by a magazine sometime in the mid-nineteenth century. Who knew?!

 

When it comes to Thanksgiving, nothing comes between me and my pumpkin pie!  I LOVE pumpkin pie.  It’s my favorite pie in all the universe and I can eat it anytime of the year.  Our daughter, on the other hand, loves pecan pie. Me, not so much. My husband? He’ll have a little of everything.

 

A new survey reveals that I am not alone in my pumpkin pie obsession. Here are the most popular go-to Thanksgiving pies ranked according to how many people said they were their faves:

Pumpkin – 50 percent

Pecan – 27 percent

Apple – 20 percent

 

And guess what, just like pies, which come in all flavors and styles, the one you like the best says something about your unique traits and personality. Just what do your pie choices say about you? According to “The Tasteful Life,” a lot!

 

If pumpkin pie is your favorite, you are nostalgic and a traditionalist.  (yep, that’s me!)

Pecan pie lovers like the simple things in life and are seekers of love.

Apple?  You’re all-American and predictable.  You are probably also the healthier one of the pie bunch.

Let’s dive and cut in a little deeper.

 

 

 

Pumpkin Pie

A Thanksgiving tradition, pumpkin pie is considered an American tradition. Made of one of the earliest import foods Europeans introduced the New World to, the orange squash quickly became beloved by Colonists and remains so today.

 

The pie is a fall tradition so those who like it best often consider fall their favorite season. Raising my hand! Those who love pumpkin pie also love sitting at home cuddled up with a cozy blanket, a fire, and maybe a good book or good friends. Yep, that’s me too. Pumpkin pie is considered simple and a classic, and so are pumpkin pie lovers. They are nostalgic and traditionalists; like to keep things chic but not fussy; are effortlessly elegant; and are most likely emotionally stable, consistent, and reliable. Pumpkin pie lovers also can’t stand drama or chaos and having a calm environment is very important to them. Chills, as those describe me to a tee.

 

 

 

 

Apple Pie

According to the American Pie Council, this is America’s all-around pie of choice, and rightly so, right?  If it’s your favorite, you’re probably “As American as Apple Pie,” love tradition and security but can tend to be a tad predictable. You’re also inclined to loyally lean on the same products again and again, whether it is your dish soap or your favorite jeans, and you are a grounded, realistic person and friend as well as compassionate, outdoor lover, and enjoy being active.

 

 

 

 

Pecan Pie

Pecan pie is very sweet and if it’s your fave, so are you! Lovers of this pie tend to like the simple things in life and are seekers of love. Especially popular in the south, there are many versions of pecan pie, but all are sweet and all are beloved. Lovers of pecan pie are likely thoughtful and analytical and have tons of friends. Those friends love your rationality and loyalty and often come to you for advice. Sounds like you are just like pecan pie itself: infectious!

 

 

 

 

 

Most Thanksgiving menus will consist of all of the above, and what a fun idea the above pic is…little pies of all of them! If you, like me, are making a random other pie (blueberry on my part), here’s what some of them say about those who request them:

 

Peach Pie

Probably my second favorite pie, peach pie has been around forever and is so versatile. You can serve one hot or cold and make it with fresh, frozen, or canned peaches. If you love peach pie, you probably also love a challenge and love for your mind to be stimulated.  You are definitely a thinker but sometimes over analyze and you are someone who learns from mistakes and trials. You also hate to fail. Hmmm…me again.

 

Blueberry Pie

Blueberries can stain a table cloth or shirt like nobody’s business but guess what; if this is your favorite pie you couldn’t care less! A blueberry pie lover is that fun-loving, laid back, life of the party person. In fact, you’re kinda like the pie itself, which is considered by many the easiest to make, in that you are easy going and open minded and you love when others succeed. You are also smart, have excellent taste, don’t embarrass easily, and are quick to laugh at yourself. Relax and be happy: you’re a blueberry pie lover!

 

Cherry Pie

When I think of a cherry pie, I think tart and so are you to a certain extent if this is your pie pick! It’s all in a good way though, in that you have attitude and confidence and you don’t let people push you around. You, like the bright red of the cherries themselves, also don’t mind standing out in a crowd and you live for a little excitement. That yearning for adventure means you’re a risk taker, are game for trying new things and taking on new hobbies, and are rarely bored with life.

 

Sweet Potato Pie

Often confused with its more popular cousin the pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie has also been around since colonial times. Its ingredients were adapted from African cuisine and it’s still a staple soul food item. It’s nostalgic and very southern, and so are you if you love it. It’s also usually a surprising but welcome sight at holiday gatherings and so are you!

 

Lemon Meringue Pie

Like the tangy center of this pie, you are bubbly and full of optimism. You are anything but “basic” and love bright colors and making the best of every situation and life in general. You could say your motto is “When life gives you lemons, make a lemon meringue pie!”

 

Chocolate Silk Pie

To me, this is basically a chocolate pudding pie but to those who favor it, it’s much, much more. Baked properly, a chocolate silk pie is just that: smooth as silk. So are you. You prefer the best things in life and have great taste. Richness emotes from the pie and from you.

 

 

So, there you have it. What does your favorite pie say about you? Do the traits describe you? Just for fun, print this out, and ask family and friends which pie is their favorite and then have fun sharing what it says about them.

 

 

 

All of this got me thinking.  What does the rest of the food at the Thanksgiving table say about us?  Let’s find out!

 

 

If the turkey is your favorite part of a Thanksgiving meal, you are probably strong, honest, and reliable. You are also probably a traditionalist and a true friend.

 

Those who dive right into the stuffing (or dressing as some call it) love to laugh and are fun and lively. They are most likely the life of a Thanksgiving Day party.

 

Mashed potato lovers tend to be a bit sophisticated and reserved, but if the mood strikes them, they loosen up and they enjoy life to the fullest.

 

Crazy over cranberries?  Then you are more than likely nostalgic and are the one adult who doesn’t mind sitting at the kids’ table.

 

If the green beans get you, you are hands down the health nut of the bunch…unless it’s that famous recipe with cream soup and fried onions!

 

 

Whatever is your liking, as we all do our shopping and plan our Thanksgiving meals and as we cook and bake ‘til we’re turkeyed-out, let’s all focus on being thankful and what ingredients are really important in the recipe for life.

 

“Into each day put equal parts of faith, patience, courage, work, hope, fidelity, kindness, rest, prayer, and one well-selected solution.  Add one teaspoon of good spirits, a dash of fun, a pinch of folly, a sprinkle of play, and a heaping cup of good humor.” 

Author Unknown

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have you finished your Thanksgiving Day grocery shopping? Are the pies baked? 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 we are thankful for, let’s say thank you to the two orangey potatoes! 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 grow much larger. Just two states – Idaho and Washington – provide more than half of the total U.S. potato crop and a single state – North Carolina – accounts for more than half of hte sweet postato harvest in the U.S. 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 and stews.

 

The most common varieties of sweet potatoes have smooth orange or reddish skin, orange flesh, and a sweet flavor. 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?

 

 

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. They 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 laden 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 aren’t as bad as you maybe 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. Whichever you choose, I hope your dish is yummy! Let’s be thankful for them all.

 

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.

 

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. 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. 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. Have a berry Happy Thanksgiving!

 

 

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.

 

I recently saw an online speaker say “The way your closet is organized is one of the biggest indicators of your current mind frame.” Hmmmmm. Let me think about that for a bit. Is that true for me and my closet? Is it true in general? Let’s open the door and have a look see.

 

 

My closet. I love it. And yes, if you know me at all you’re probably guessing it’s uber organized. And it is. I’ve organized it by short sleeve tops, long sleeve tops, dressy tops, dresses, golf clothes, fall/winter tops, hoodies, pants, leggings, vests and blazers, and longer wraps and sweaters. I also have drawers for undies and sweaters. My shoes? Cubbies and shelves. Above all of this is everything from purses, lots of ball caps and visors, small totes, luggage, bedding, gift wrapping items, and a whole slew of miscellaneous stuff. It’s all good, right?

 

Wrong.

 

I have too much of everything and I know it. It’s just hard to part with stuff I still like but probably don’t need or wear. As much as I hate to admit it, maybe I could stand a closet makeover. That’s where the Closet Curator can help and who ironically spoke recently at my neighborhood ladies organization monthly meeting.

 

 

 

Natalie Frazier is a wardrobe stylist and organizer and offers personal styling services that include any and everything that relates to your closet and the clothes in it. Her goal is to show you how to define your personal style, refine your wardrobe, and love the way you look. Sounds like a career I should have considered considering I’m extremely organized and I love fashion. But I digress…

 

Meeting attendees learned all about Frazier’s “pile system” as she systematically goes trough a client’s wardrobe and then organizes what is left in a way that best suits the client and the space available, all-in hopes of making getting dressed easier. The results are an organized wardrobe that fits your lifestyle and goals; increased knowledge of your own style, shopping habits, and body shape; and a customized list of essentials currently missing in your wardrobe. Sign me up, right?!

 

If you open your closet full of clothes and often think “I have nothing to wear” or if you’re wondering if you’re in need of any or all of the above services, Frazier suggests asking yourself the following:

 

• Do you have a closet full of clothes but often feel like you have nothing to wear?
• Do you long to be excited about going to your closet and choosing an outfit?
• Do you want to get more use out the clothes you own?
• Do you want to spend less time shopping for clothes and outfits?
• Do you want to look and feel great and get more compliments on the outfits you wear?

 

I answer “yes” to some of those but not all. My problem is I have clothes that I know I’ll probably never wear but just can’t get myself to get rid of. Some of them are former work clothes that I still love but really don’t have a need for. Others are too many special occasion dresses, blouses, and pants that I rarely choose over other similar items or worse…buy new ones for that special occasion. I have clothes that’s too big or too small and others that just don’t make the cut when getting dressed but that I do really like. I guess I need to get out more so I can wear it all!

 

That’s not gonna happen.

 

 

Enter Courtney Carver. I discovered Carver years ago when I read her book “Soulful Simplicity.” It’s still one of my favorite reads of all time. Carver also helms the “Be More with Less” minimalist lifestyle blog that encourages living with less clutter, busyness, and stress in order to simplify your life so you can enjoy it more and ultimately discover joy in less. I love her ideas even though I find many of them difficult to implement.

 

 

I’m also very hesitant to implement her fashion challenge called “Project 333” that invites you to dress with 33 items or less for three months. My first reaction is “whaaaaaat?!”, but when I honestly think about it, since the lockdown, I pretty much wear the same things every day with the random “going out” or travel items brought into the picture. Still; the challenge feels very challenging.

 

Seeing as I love clothes and love organizing, Carver’s reminder that “less stuff equals less organizing” hits encouraging. But, as with all things, maybe it’s best to start small. Carver recently posted “Three Things to Remove from Your Closet” and I found her suggestions possibly do-able:

 

Clothes that don’t fit your body. Remove clothes that don’t fit your body; your body today. Be comfortable in your clothes!

 

Clothes that don’t fit your lifestyle. (Raising my hand on this one!) Maybe you bought them for a lifestyle you used to have or one you hoped to have. You aren’t wearing those items now and they’re just taking up space and attention. Let them go and enjoy the life you have now. (Amen!)

 

Clothes that make you feel sad or bad for any reason. If you paid too much for something but never wear it, that might make you feel guilty. If someone gifted you a hideous sweater and you love them but not the sweater, you may feel bad about not wearing it. Maybe someone gave you something but that someone is no longer a positive influence in your life or even worse, hurt you. Let it go.

 

Carver also offers a much more extensive list that I’m sure many of you will appreciate:

 

33 items to remove from your closet

1. That formal outfit (bridesmaid dress) you bought for one occasion promising to wear it over and over again.
2. Those super cute shoes that you can’t walk in.
3. Clothes with sentimental value that don’t fit. Take a picture.
4. Sentimental items that make you sad.
5. The warm coat you don’t wear. Someone needs it more than you.
6. Your ex-anyone’s anything.
7. Clothes you are saving for your children.
8. Aspirational items. AKA things you would never wear in your real life.
9. Items that need to go to the dry cleaner that never get to the dry cleaner.
10. Items that need to go to the tailor that never get to the tailor.
11. Clothes that don’t belong to you. Give them back.
12. Christmas sweaters that you don’t even wear to the Christmas sweater party anymore.
13. Things that other people bought for you but you wouldn’t enjoy wearing.
14. Pieces you can see through unintentionally.
15. Clothing or shoes that leave a mark or blister.
16. Anything you have to squeeze in to or items that make you want to change your body. Change your clothes instead.
17. Expensive things. Just because you spent a lot on it doesn’t mean you have to keep it forever.
18. Clothes you bought on vacation that you won’t wear where you live.
19. Anything with a stain that won’t come out.
20. Things with rips or holes that aren’t supposed to be there.
21. Extra purses and handbags.
22. Clothing that irritates your skin.
23. Things that don’t fit your body.
24. Things that don’t fit your lifestyle.
25. Sequins and sparkles if you prefer simple and subtle.
26. Simple and subtle if you prefer sequins and sparkles.
27. That shirt you bought in every color even though you always wear the black one.
28. Stuff with price tags still attached.
29. Clothes that make you feel bad for any reason.
30. Items you bought because they were “your color” and you hate that color.
31. Anything you haven’t worn in more than 3 years.
32. Something you feel guilty about letting go of. When you let go, the guilt will go with it.
33. Anything already in the donation bag. It’s time to let go.

 

I’m wondering if you see yourself in any of them as I do. Numbers 2, 5, 16, 18, 21, 23, 24, and 31 have my name all over them but don’t even think about me getting rid of number 25. I love sequins and glittery things but yes, I don’t wear all of them often. Still, hands off my sparkle.

 

In the end, I will try my hardest to purge and pile but will ultimately live by the wise words my daughter told me: “Wear what makes you feel pretty.” Well said my love; well said.

 

 

 

I’m guessing that when you read that headline you might have thought this was going to be about everything being Christmas now with Thanksgiving taking a back seat, but no, it’s actually all about Thanksgiving and its history.

 

As we gather round our tables and TVs later next week and celebrate the uniquely American holiday that is Thanksgiving, let’s take a minute to learn why we’re doing so and take another minute to actually be thankful, which should be somewhat a given given all the scary and bad news out there.

 

 

Appropriately, the very first Thanksgiving was preceded by a series of tumultuous events, starting in September of 1620 when a small ship called the Mayflower left Plymouth, England carrying 102 passengers. The group consisted of an assortment of religious separatists who were seeking a new home where they could freely practice their faith and were joined by others lured by the promise of prosperity and land ownership in a New World. You could say the Mayflower was filled with the original faithful and capitalists.

 

 

After a very treacherous 66 day trip, the Mayflower dropped anchor near the tip of Cape Cod and one month later crossed Massachusetts Bay where who we now call Pilgrims established a village at Plymouth.  It still was rough going though, as during that first brutal winter most of them remained on board and many got sick. Only half of the Mayflower’s original passengers and crew lived to see their first New England spring.

 

 

The following March in 1621, surviving settlers moved ashore and were later visited by various Native Americans who taught them how to cultivate corn, extract sap from maple trees, catch fish, and avoid poisonous plants. In November, after the Pilgrims’ first corn harvest proved successful, Governor William Bradford organized a celebratory feast and invited their Native American allies for what is now considered America’s first “Thanksgiving.”

 

In 1789 George Washington issued the first Thanksgiving proclamation when he called upon Americans to express their gratitude for the happy conclusion to our war of independence and the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. It wasn’t until 1846, however, that Thanksgiving became a national holiday when Abraham Lincoln made it official during the height of the Civil War. His proclamation entreated all Americans to ask God to “commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners, or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife” and to “heal the wounds of this nation.” Lincoln deemed the fourth Thursday in November Thanksgiving Day, but in 1939 Franklin D. Roosevelt moved the holiday up a week in an attempt to spur retail sales during the Great Depression.

 

 

As I write the I can’t help but think what our former leaders would think if they could see us today. Washington would probably cringe that our Constitution is being disparaged by many and in many ways and Lincoln would think his words sadly ring as clear today as they did back then. Racial and civil strife. Heal the nation. Chills, right? And as for Roosevelt’s move, it was probably a wise one for the times, but how ironic that the holiday meant to stimulate gratitude is followed by a day when we’re cajoled to spur retail sales all our own. We’re so thankful and yet want so much.

 

 

Even in the midst of so much negativity and strife out there, there is always, always something to be thankful for. So this year, let’s try to count really our blessings. Count our joys instead of our woes, count our friends instead of our foes, count our courage instead of our fear, count our health instead of our wealth, and count our smiles instead of our tears.

 

Thanksgiving Fun Facts

Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be named the national bird instead of the bald eagle.

The tradition of the president pardoning a turkey every year started with Harry Truman.

More than 250 million turkeys are raised in the U.S. with more than 40 million gobbled up on Thanksgiving.

Male turkey gobble; females cluck.

The original Pilgrims and Native Americans probably shared rabbit, chicken, fish, goose, pigeon, squash, cabbage, beans, nuts, onions, eggs, and cheese at the first Thanksgiving, with not a green bean casserole in sight.

 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

I recently posted that question on social media and it’s amazing how passionate people are either way. One is definitely a Candy Corn lover or hater. I personally LOVE Candy Corn. It’s hands down my favorite traditional Halloween treat. Amazingly I don’t even like Halloween though, and I don’t enjoy having to dress up in a costume. But give me Candy Corn and I’m a happy camper. In fact, I love all things Candy Corn as you’ll see in the photos I’ve included here.

 

You are undoubtedly seeing the traditional triangular-shaped treats with their iconic white, orange, and yellow pattern on every store shelf this time of year. Candy Corn has become synonymous with Halloween but that wasn’t always the case.

 

Candy Corn’s history dates back to the 1880s when George Renninger, an employee of the Wunderle Candy Company in Philadelphia, came up with the idea of molding butter cream into the shape of a corn kernel. The exact recipe is unknown, although it’s suspected the main ingredients were butter cream, sugar, and corn syrup, meaning Candy Corn does indeed contain “corn” in at least some form! At the time corn was an American staple in feeding both families and livestock and its target market was agricultural and rural families. In fact, the treat’s original name was “chicken feed!”

 

Much like the above fun cereal treats, Renninger’s creation could be molded into any shape, with chestnuts, turnips, and peapods being some of the first options before today’s shape took hold. Candy Corn’s chewy substance is generally made from sugar, egg whites, and ground almonds and being that it had limited availability due to the amount of labor it took to make, it became forever linked as a harvest and fall-time treat. It was only natural that its association with Halloween would happen.

 

 

Jelly Belly, then known as the Goelitz Confectionary Company, is credited with popularizing the Candy Corn more than a century ago when it began making the candy in its Cincinnati factory in 1898 using the original recipe to create the tri-color candy. How its made has changed dramatically however.

 

 

The confection took off but being that its three distinct stripes were painstakingly poured by hand, demand was hard to keep up with. Originally, workers had to carry 45 pounds of sugar and corn syrup down a conveyor belt laden with candy trays. They then had to pass the streamers over the trays so the liquid could drip into the molds, repeating the process with each color to make a single piece of candy consisting of its signature signature white tip, orange middle, and yellow tip. Not only did this require strength and endurance, it was very time-consuming.

 

Thankfully, America’s factory economy took off and now equipment does most of the work. An estimated 17,000 tons or 35 million pounds of the seasonal staple are produced annually using a recipe that hasn’t changed much over the years. Jelly Belly alone makes 9 billion kernels every year!

 

So, what does Candy Corn taste like and what is it supposed to taste like? That’s a matter of personal palate but according to Jelly Belly the main flavors are rich marshmallow and warm vanilla. As for the texture, which is critical to me in any food, Candy Corn is meant to be creamy and smooth.

 

Another fun side of Candy Corn is the fact that you can teach young kids the concept of The Holy Trinity with it in that even though it’s made up of three parts, it’s one candy. Love it.

 

As with anything, Candy Corn has morphed into more than its original form, including red and green “Reindeer Corn” and pink and red “Cupid Corn.” Yes, I would probably eat those, but being the traditionalist that I am, I pretty much stick to the white, orange, and yellow originals. I don’t even like the ones that have a chocolate-flavored brown portion. I do, however, love the pumpkin shaped candies.

 

What about you? Do you love or hate Candy Corn? What is your favorite Halloween treat?

 

Who knew those little white, orange, and yellow candies had such a long and storied history. I for one will be buying some and invite you to join me as we celebrate National Candy Corn Day on October 30. I might even polish my nails!

 

 

 

 

Happy first day of fall! And, even though it’s still hot here in Texas we’ve at least seem to have left the 100+ degrees behind us. Woohoo!

 

 

Fall is my favorite season. I love fall clothes, I love traditional fall weather, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, and I love football! When I think of fall, I think of all of those things but I also think of something else: chile. Yep, not pumpkin spice, but chile. Fall is when that scrumptious green chile is harvested and roasted in New Mexico towns like Hatch and Chimayo. If I close my eyes, I can smell the distinct aroma.

 

Another fall tradition is all things pumpkin spice. This year marks the twentieth anniversary of that legendary beverage, the Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks. The drink was a huge hit from the moment that it was introduced, and it’s now Starbucks’s best-selling seasonal beverage and apparently, it’s every company’s dream is to create the next Pumpkin Spice. And just for fun, when I do venture into a Starbucks, I love giving the barista any name but my own. My favorite is Natasha. Give it a try! You can be anyone you want in Starbucks!

 

But back to chile.

 

 

August through October is green chile harvesting season and it’s around this time of year that grocery stores start hosting Hatch chile roasting events with chile roasters out front presiding over big steel and mesh cylinder roasters and turning green chile peppers around and around until they are just right to be packaged and sold. Inside the stores you’ll find green chile infused bacon, cookies, breads, cheeses, and even wines. I stock up on all of them. I’m also a sucker for green chile cheeseburgers.

 

Growing up in Santa Fe, we’d roast the chiles at home either on the grill or in the oven. I’ve done both as I’ve grown up, but now that they’re conveniently at my nearby grocer, I leave the roasting to them. I do remember, however, my husband and I bringing home burlap sacks full of chile from Santa Fe…a couple of times on a plane! Those days are over but our freezer is still stocked full of both frozen whole green chile and chopped.

 

 

If you buy the chile whole, you need to peel each roasted pepper before using them in any recipes. This is easily done in a sink. Simply run light water, peel the roasted skin off much as you would a banana, then hold the pepper and pull off the stem. This will allow you to open up the pepper and remove any remaining seeds. From there, you just chop it up and use it as you wish. Word of caution: be sure to wash your hands after peeling the peppers!

 

Not many states have a food that is as closely related to them as chile is to New Mexico save for maybe lobster in Maine, gumbo in Louisiana, chowder in Massachusetts, and pizza in New York. The self-proclaimed “Chile Capital of the World,” New Mexico takes its chile seriously. But what is so distinctive about it and why is it so famous?

 

 

 

First of all, it’s different then other peppers like Serrano or Poblano and it’s unique to NM. In fact, many consider the 10-mile-long Hatch Valley; near Las Cruces, New Mexico and not far from El Paso, Texas; the best chile growing region on Earth. Yep, Earth. The area’s high elevation at just over 4,000 feet, intense heat, dry weather, and slightly alkaline soil all contribute to making the perfect blend for growing the chile. It’s been said that the area’s soil and climate do for chiles what Champagne’s does for sparkling wine and Parma’s does for cheese. Hmmmm…a bottle of bubbly with some green chile cheese sounds pretty good right now!

 

 

 

Hatch chile may be the most famous, but Northern New Mexico has its own, albeit a bit more “best kept secret” chile hot spot. Chimayo, just north of Santa Fe, is well-known for its variety of chile and its James Beard Award winning restaurant Rancho de Chimayo has what I consider the pictured above and best stacked chicken enchiladas anywhere. Maybe even on Earth!

 

So how on Earth did two small villages in New Mexico come upon a harvest unlike any other?

 

 

According to the information displayed at the New World Cuisine exhibit at the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe, it was Spanish colonizers who founded Santa Fe in 1610 and immigrated into New Mexico in the 1500’s and brought chile with them. They introduced chile to Indigenous Pueblo people and converted the Nahuatl name, chilli, to chile. Unlike the chili in Texas and other places (which I also love), chile in New Mexico is both a plant and a dish.

 

When you order a dish like enchiladas in New Mexico you will often be asked if you want red, green, or Christmas, the latter being both. I’d say green chile is more famous and the only one my husband will eat (and he ADORES his green chile especially in his scrambled eggs and breakfast tacos) but red is my favorite in tamales, Frito pies, and for breakfast with eggs. For enchiladas, it’s only green for me and green is what you make chile rellenos with. Both can be made into sauces, which are called green chile and red chile.

 

 

And quick note on those amazing enchiladas: they are “stacked,” not rolled. This means they come to you on a plate like pancakes do and if you’re really a native or enchilada expert, you know to order them with blue corn tortillas. Above is a sample of my mom’s enchiladas, which try as I may, I can never fully duplicate.

 

 

Red chile is perhaps most famous for those often-considered decorative ristras that hang on many a porch and door in New Mexico. Traditionally they actually serve a purpose. They are ripened green chile peppers that are strung together then hung in the sun to dry. The dried pods are then ground up into a flour-like powder, which is used to make red chile sauce.

 

If you ever get a chance, go to the Hatch Chile Festival, held annually now for 51 years. At it, you’ll get your fill of all things chile and enjoy a parade headed by The Chile Queen and her Red and Green Princesses. What’s not to love about that?!

 

 

Not only is green chile delectable, but a steaming pot of the peppers is also healthy and chalk full of Vitamins C, A, and K as well as potassium and are excellent and natural sources of iron. They also speed up one’s metabolism as much as 50 percent for up to three hours after eating, have zero calories, and are loaded with antioxidants. The capsaicin in them is also said to be beneficial in combating the common cold or sinus infections. Lastly, they actually make you feel good! The heat produced by chile acts as an effective pain reliever as the endorphins released when you eat them boost your mood. Yummy and healthy. I’m in!

 

When it comes to chile, I’m all in for all of it. Just writing this makes me crave some stacked enchiladas smothered in green chile with a side of whole beans. I better get cooking!