Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Holiday Planning Countdown Part 2

Are you ready for the holidays?  We have found a great Holiday countdown checklist.  In this final blog, we will go over what you need to have done to prepare for the big holiday.  This week we will learn about what needs to be in done in the third and fourth week of December.  You can learn more at Real Simple.

One Week Before

• Deep clean your house.
  You’ll enjoy those decorations even more if the floors are clean and the kitchen is organized. One important task: Clear out your refrigerator. Toss old leftovers to make room for big dishes and ingredients that’ll be piling up closer to the holiday.
• Buy batteries for children’s toys.
  If you haven’t stocked up while Christmas shopping, make sure you have all the accoutrements necessary for that handheld video game or remote-controlled car.

Three Days Before

• Shop for fresh ingredients.
  Hit the store for the last-minute vegetables or fruit you need for meals.
• Set the table.
  So you use those gold-rimmed goblets only once a year? Enjoy them! Go ahead and set the table. Make it even easier on the big day by putting a sticky note on each platter that states what dish you plan to serve on it. (That also allows people to help you without asking 12 times.)

Two Days Before

• Start cooking.
  You’ve probably socked away some things in the freezer already, but now’s the time to prep main courses and make anything that can sit for a couple of days.
• Buy fresh flowers.
  Whether they are for a party or a family meal, fresh flowers should always be purchased two days in advance. Blooms have time to open up, and they’ll still be lush and fragrant.

The Day Before

• Recharge the batteries on your camera or video recorder.
  You don’t want to miss the reaction on a little one’s face because the battery ran out during the school pageant the week before.
• Finish last-minute wrapping.
  And assemble toys that will be surprises from Santa.
• Finish cooking, and make a timeline for the next day.
  Decide when you’ll be feasting, then count backward to determine when to put the turkey (or ham or roast beef) in the oven and what else needs to be cooked.
• Sit back and relax.
  Enjoy your family and friends and relish the traditions you share.

Holiday Planning Countown

Are you ready for the holidays?  We have found a great Holiday countdown checklist.  Over the next two blogs, we will go over what you need to have done to prepare for the big holiday.  This week we will learn about what needs to be in done in the first and second week of December.  You can learn more at Real Simple.

Three Weeks Before (First Week of December)

• Mail cards.
  If you’re too busy to get them addressed and mailed during the first week of December, consider putting them off until after the holiday rush. People generally enjoy getting a card a few days late, when things have slowed down and they actually notice the mail.
• Buy a live tree.
  This is a good time to get your tree, if you want it to stay fresh and retain its needles through Christmas. Same goes for fresh greenery or garlands.
• Decorate!
  You may be one who decks the halls as soon as the Thanksgiving turkey carcass has been tossed. That’s fine, too, but by the first week of December, it’s time to get the house looking festive. Find holiday decorating ideas here.
• Finalize menus.
  If you’ll be serving the holiday meal make sure you know what you’ll be cooking and what family members will be bringing. Start a master grocery list.
• Order a turkey or ham.
  Or whatever else is the centerpeice of your holiday meal—you don’t want to get caught short.

Two Weeks Before (Second Week of December)

• Make sure out-of-town presents are mailed.
  Try to have gifts in the mail by December 10.
• Shop for nonperishable items.
  Buy alcohol and any canned goods or pantry staples you’ll need.

DIY Vapor Rub!

Vapor Rub can be pricey, but it is always a good product to have in the winter. However, there is a way you can make a homemade vapor rub. This all natural vapor rub will help you with your congestion with the chemicals. You can learn more at Apartment Therapy.



If you don't already have the assortment of essential oils and coconut oil on hand, this recipe can be a little pricey. If you are the least bit interested in essential oils I highly recommend investing in these particular oils because they can all be used for other home remedies as well as aromatherapy treatments.

What You Need

Materials
30-35 drops eucalyptus essential oil
12 drops peppermint essential oil
12 drops lavender essential oil
12 drops rosemary essential oil
5 drops tea tree essential oil
5 TB coconut oil
2 TB cocoa butter
1 1/2 TB beeswax
Tools
Saucepan
Wooden spoon
Glass jar with a lid
Measuring spoons
Instructions

1. In a saucepan (I used my stockpot!) on low heat, melt the coconut oil and cocoa butter. Once melted, add the beeswax.

2. Once the beeswax has melted, remove the pan from heat and let cool for 5-10 minutes so the heat won't spoil the essential oils.

3. Add in all the essential oils.

4. Pour the mixture into your glass and let it set up for 15-20 minutes. It might be a bit softer than what you are used to, so proceed with caution. And remember - a little goes a long way! Makes one 4 ounce jar.

The Best Herbs For Your Turkey

Do you know what herbs need to be in  Turkey for the best stuffing and taste?  The Kitchn has instructions on how to use these four herbs to make the perfect Thanksgiving turkey.  These herbs are easy to find, and they will bring the perfect taste to your Thanksgiving Dinner.

Want to stuff the Thanksgiving turkey with some fresh herbs or chop some up for stuffing and are not sure which ones to use? Here are the four traditional herbs you should pick up and use in your cooking to really give it that authentic Thanksgiving aroma and taste!

1. Parsley

There are two types of parsley sold in the store: Flat-leaf and curly. Choose Italian flat-leaf parsley since it has a more pronounced flavor, although many people like to decorate with the curly variety. Strip the tender leaves off the stems before chopping them up, but you can always save the stems to flavor stocks and soups. Parsley is a great all-purpose herb to have around to add fresh, delicate flavor. Add the leaves into your dish at the last minute for the freshest flavor and brightest color.

2. Thyme

Thyme is one of my favorite herbs and the one I most associate with Thanksgiving. I especially love it in stuffing and to flavor the turkey. Thyme stems are woody, so you should strip the tender leaves off of them for cooking. Thyme benefits from some cooking time to bring out the oils and aromas of the leaves.

3. Rosemary

The piney scent and flavor of rosemary helps conjure images of Christmas trees and cozying up to the fire. A little goes a long way with rosemary, so err on the side of starting out with less and know that you can add more. Like thyme, the needle-like rosemary leaves should be stripped off the woody stems and chopped up finely, and they also benefit from some cooking time, especially since the coarse leaves aren't great eaten raw.

4. Sage

I love the feeling of soft, velvety sage leaves. Its leaves are extremely tender and have an aroma reminiscent of pine and eucalyptus, but again, make sure to strip the leaves off the tough stems first. Sage is a member of the mint family and pairs well with poultry, pork, and sausage, and it also pairs well with butternut squash and other sweet flavors.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We hope you have a safe and happy Thanksgiving with loved ones!