Relaxing

Thought I'd share a few peaceful photos from

Mother Nature.

This is how I relax.

I was going to get right on my Christmas decorating this weekend-

then I thought-why?

How about decorating next weekend?

Sounds good to me.

We just had Thanksgiving-

I'd like a little breather.

Seems like my type A personality comes out when I'm stressed.

This year I'm going to take my time and enjoy the decorating,

shopping and baking-one day at a time.

How does that sound to you?

Relax and enjoy your week!

-Lynn

Busy!

Hey Everyone!

Whew, I just did my Thanksgiving shopping this morning

and got things organized. I really enjoy cooking and baking for any holiday,

but boy, it can be exhausting. Now I can leisurely start prepping and baking.

All I have left to buy are my fruit/veggies/flowers and Prosecco.

Plus,

I've been working on some necklaces for my Etsy shop.

Time seems to fly this time of year and I always feel like I'm behind.

I try to get into my art room once a day and work on a few pieces.

Some days are more productive than others. 

Do you ever create something and think it's just right, only to look at it

the next day and realize you need to start over?

Sometimes I look at a piece of jewelry and wonder,

"What was I thinking?".

Then I take out my tools and take apart the piece and start again!

Oh well!

Here are a few piece I've made recently and posted to Etsy.

(Actually, the piece above hasn't been posted yet.)

And, I haven't even thought about Christmas yet!

Have you?

And, what about Christmas cards-need to get on that!

Gifts? Hmmmm...

Actually, the one thing I do is get the tree up the weekend after Thanksgiving

and decorate the mantel.

(Ok, take a deep breath and relax.)

Are you ready for the holidays?

-Lynn

Thanksgiving Planning

Are you ready for the holiday? Are you hosting this year?

Do you host every year? If not, do you take a dish to share?

 What are some of your traditions?

I've been hosting Thanksgiving for many years and I love it!

It's a chance to make some tried and true traditional recipes 

and some brand new ones.

My planning starts about now. I love to sit with recipe books, yes-books! And,

 I've also put together a "Thanksgiving"  Pinterest board with a collection of ideas.

Take a look! (click on Thanksgiving)

I know, I'm starting with dessert! Dessert is my favorite thing to make. 

So, I'll go through all the dessert recipes first.

I know I'll be baking this Pumpkin Cheesecake (click for recipe post) from Southern Living again,

I might make a Chocolate-Cinnamon Pie, found on Pinterest and maybe fruit kabobs.

Then I make my appetizer menu-

so far I'm planning a cheese and fruit tray,

veggies and dip, roasted peppers, mushrooms and greek olives.

Of course, I'm making a turkey with stuffing, mashed and sweet potatoes,

gravy, corn, homemade cranberry sauce, dinner rolls. Those are the traditional dishes.

Now I need to pick a few new ideas.

Oh, I like to have a special drink-last year I served Prosecco,

along with a variety of wine for dinner. Something for everyone.

So that's where I'm at with my Thanksgiving planning.

I'd love to hear what you're planning for the holiday!

Are you ready?

-Lynn

I'm Joining:
Share Your Cup Thursday at Have A Daily Cup Of Mrs. Olson

Ham And White Bean Soup

It's getting cold out!

Yesterday there was a definite chill in the air, 

so I decided to make a pot of Ham & Bean Soup.

I don't think I've made this before, but everyone loved it! 

And, it's soooo easy!

Guess I'll be making it again.

Ham & White Bean Soup

4-15.5 oz. Cans  Goya Small White Beans, rinse
1-15.5 oz. Can Goya Garbanzo Beans, rinse
2-3 Cans Swanson's Chicken Broth
2 Cups Diced Cooked Ham (I use Lean Turkey Ham)
1/2 Cup Diced White Onion
1 Cup Sliced Carrots
1 Cup Chopped Celery
Water (as needed)
Salt, Pepper & Garlic Powder (to taste)
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil


In a large pot, saute diced onion in olive oil until soft. Add broth, beans, carrots, celery, salt, pepper and  garlic powder. Stir gently.
On medium heat, cook down until carrots & celery have softened a bit and soup has reached desired consistency, stir in diced ham (cooked). Heat thoroughly.

Easy, right?

Enjoy and stay warm!

-Lynn



I'm Joining:
What's Cooking Love for Showcase Your Talent Thursday
Miz Helen's Country Cottage for Full Plate Thursday