Weekend Update

Wow what a crazy, busy, eventful, family-filled, not-a-moment-to-rest weekend! I had a 4-day weekend that felt like 12 hours and I think my body is feeling the repercussions of the non-stop activity. 

To kick things off, thanksgiving was pretty darn wonderful. While I did not get to spend it with everyone I wanted, the people I was surrounded by made it one of the best I can remember. My parents made a delicious meal, complete with all my favorite dishes. We watched football, laughed and told stories for hours. In the late afternoon, ryan and I headed over to his family's for another tasty meal followed by all of us playing cards late into the evening. 

This past weekend was also our big moving day into our new house. We had quite a bit of help from friends and ryan's family to get everything moved in and much of it unpacked too. It took 2 truck-loads to get everything out of storage and to the new house but it was all-hands-on-deck which make the process pretty manageable. The house is far from 'done' but we spent many hours over the weekend organizing, unpacking boxes and getting things settled in. It was draining and hard but exciting at the same time. 

A major holiday and a big move was not the only eventful things taking place over the last couple of days, my amazing husband also had his birthday on sunday. We got out of the house for a few hours to stop into cherry cricket for some football watching and drinks. Then we managed to squeeze in a birthday celebration hosted at my inlaws', complete with a birthday cake too. 

I am running on caffeine and a delirious-mind over here but I am just so blessed to have so many amazing people in my life to celebrate these milestones with. I hope your holiday weekend was a good one too. 

Thankful

Thankful

[thangk-fuh]  

adjective   

feeling or expressing gratitude; appreciative

Happy thanksgiving lovely readers. I hope your day is spent with family and friends, eating delicious food that was made with love and making memories that will last for years to come. To wrap up this years' installment of what I am thankful for, keep on reading...

freedom. I am blessed to live in a country where I can act, speak and think without restraint, to live without fear and to have a legal system in place that protects its people.

my family. From parents to cousins, in-laws to grandparents. I am blessed to have the family I was born into and the addition of ryan's large family. I am so grateful to have a big family to love.

girlfriends. I say this one every year but I cannot help but gush about the amazing women in my life. Some of my best memories are with my amazing girls by my side and I hold those moments so close to my heart. 

confidence. Believing in yourself is half the battle in nearly every situation you might encounter. It took me a long time to believe in my abilities, accept myself for who I am and be proud to be silly-ol'-me but I am glad I did. Yes I have my days where self-doubt creeps in but I know who I am and I like myself. 

holidays. They bring people together, lend themselves to self-reflection, are a celebration and something we look forward to all year. Holidays are where so many of my most important memories lie and bring so much happiness into my life. 

Thankful

Thankful

[thangk-fuh]  

adjective   

feeling or expressing gratitude; appreciative

tom colicchio's herb butter turkey. I have mentioned this recipe many times but I cannot stop. Simply put, this is the best turkey and gravy I have EVER tasted. I literally could drink a glass of the gravy, it is that good and for that, I am thankful.

quality customer service. We all have experienced horrible customer service and those unfortunate moments can leave quite an impression. However, we rarely take time to acknowledge amazing customer service that leaves us walking away from a transaction/phone call/register with a smile on you face. 

my hometown. I am blessed to live in denver; this city has amazing views, an urban-metropolis that is manageable in size, it is clean, the people are (for the most part) friendly, you are an hour from the mountains, there are amazing restaurants and a pretty decent music-scene. I love that I can call denver my hometown. 

knowing how to cook. I love that my parents taught me about food, not only sustain myself but to provide for others. I love connecting with people through food and feeling confident enough in my skills that I can put something on the table that is edible. 

my sister. The one person who probably knows me better than myself. She is selfless almost to a fault, strong-willed, beautiful and reliable. I hope she knows how much she means to me.

Thankful

Thankful

[thangk-fuh]  

adjective   

feeling or expressing gratitude; appreciative

hand written notes. There is no better feeling when opening your stack of mail, aka bills, and you see a card or note from a friend. Hand written notes are nearly a lost art but they show such effort, thoughtfulness and care. 

my parents. The relationship I share with my parents is invaluable. I love that we are so close and can do things together like friends, but I still know they will be there to guide and support me when its needed.

pinterest. Having a digital place to save all your favorite things to reference whenever you choose... such a brilliant idea. I can find inspiration daily on this site and I am never short of ideas for dinner, what to wear, diy projects, workout routines and the list goes on. Pinterest, i am thankful for you.

forgiveness. I think accepting wrong-doings is hard and it is not a skill everyone is good at. A lot of people also have a very difficult time forgiving when they have been hurt. I greatly appreciate when people can accept an apology or even better, accept a situation that may never get the apology it deserves; it shows such deep character. 

snow days. They come far and few between but on the occasional winter day where the weather is so bad you can stay home in your pjs, watch movies curled up on the couch and eat warm soup to keep the chill away, those days are cherished like gold. 

Thankful

Thankful

[thangk-fuh]  

adjective   

feeling or expressing gratitude; appreciative

Thanksgiving is only 4 days away and I am continuing with my yearly tradition and dedicating this week's posts to all that I am grateful for. There are so many wonderful things in this world that deserve some recognition and there is no better time to do so. 

my husband. I cannot say enough about this man and the love I have for him. His support is endless, his love is limitless and everyday is an adventure I am blessed to be a part of.

our new house. The memories we will inevitably make, the surprises that will arise, the milestones that we will celebrate within it’s walls; I cannot wait for all of it. This new home has endless opportunities and I cannot quit smiling about it.

out of town friends. Having friends scattered across the country has allowed for vacations and adventures in amazing places with people that I am so fortunate to be part of my life. 

scarves. As silly as it sounds, these suckers come in handy to not only keep me warm on a cool day they can be the perfect accessory to take a blah-outfit and make it something excited to walk out the door in. 

a sense of humor. I appreciate people who can laugh at themselves, see the humor in crazy situations and just enjoy the many jokes that arise in every day life. Few things make you feel better than a good laugh and I love the togetherness that comes from humor. 

Thankful

Thankful

[thangk-fuh]  

adjective   

feeling or expressing gratitude; appreciative

my bed. Each night I crawl in and curl up to be greeted with instant comfort and warmth. You are the perfect softness and after a vacation or a night away, I do a little mental-happy-dance knowing I will back with you soon.

the google. You provide the answers to anything and everything. 

vacation. A chance to unwind and pull yourself away from the everyday is a gift that some do not get to enjoy enough. Being able to refuel your mind, body, spirit and sanity while experiencing a new place is one of the best gifts to every have. 

patience. thank you for your subtle but sometimes obvious reminders to take a moment, breath and let things work out over time instead of on my schedule. Patience brings clear thoughts, settles emotions and give perspective... all things needed in abundance when chaos is in the air.

yoga. Every time I unroll my mat and step away from the world around me (and step into warrior 2, dancer or tree), even if it's just for an hour, I am able to breath deeper, strengthen my body and clear my mind. It is so hard to explain the immense gratitude I have to my yoga practice but it has been a major influence on my physical and mental state.




Happy thanksgiving everyone. I hope your day is filled with family, friends, food and football!

Thankful

Thankful

[thangk-fuh]  

adjective   

feeling or expressing gratitude; appreciative

rocco. I never thought I would be so excited to walk in the door each night to have you greeting me with endless excitement and happiness. You have made me the proudest mama.

starbucks drive thru. On lazy mornings when I crave caffeine to warm my belly on my drive into work, I am grateful that I can get a wet cappuccino and not even unbuckle my seatbelt. You are always open, happy to greet me and bring convenience to my life.

the dictionary. For the multitude of words I have never learned to spell, thank you for auto-correcting and fixing my countless errors.

home cooked meals. In one bite, you can taste the love poured into a meal prepared by a loved one. Thank you for the togetherness a home cooked meal provides and the love you give by nourishing our bodies. There is nothing better than indulging in a delicious meal that has been part of your family for so many years.

the health of my friends and family. There is no certainty in life, unfortunately, so I am grateful for every day we get to be together, talk on the phone or see milestones happen.   

Thankful

Thankful

[thangk-fuh]  

adjective   

feeling or expressing gratitude; appreciative

my nieces. It is amazing how I loved you, before you were ever born or even knew who I was. The way you each see the world with your big beautiful eyes is so amazing and something I wish I had more of. I am grateful for every moment I get to spend with you and every time you say, ‘jaim, I love you’.

pandora. You push me to keep running during a grueling trip to the gym. You add perfect ambiance while cooking in the kitchen. You liven up a party with your ability to pick songs based on my mood and environment. You rock, literally.

traditions. Every breakfast for dinner monday, card games on thanksgiving, pumpkin festivals each fall, coffee dates on friday and smoked salmon on christmas morning, I am so thankful for the rituals you bring. No matter how big or small, you bring people together and will be passed on to others with love.

girlfriends. You women inspire, strengthen, support and give selfless friendship. I am proud to have such amazing women in my life to experience this world with.

naps. You are the best way to spend 20-40 minutes in my book. No matter if it is a weekend afternoon, a quick lunch break or after work to detox the day, you are welcomed and gratefully accepted any chance I can squeeze you in.

Thankful

Thankful

[thangk-fuh]  

adjective   

feeling or expressing gratitude; appreciative

Just as I did last year, I am dedicating my posts this week to all that I am thankful for. From the big, little and in between... this world is pretty amazing and I am grateful for all of it.

my husband. I cannot even begin to describe the love I have for you. You make me a better person, accept me as I am and bring endless happiness to my life. I would be nothing without you.

camera+ iphone app. Thank you for taking my poorly-lit, slightly grainy, out of focus and horribly taken photos and making them mini-pieces of art. Your effects can make the worst photo ‘post-able’ and good photos ‘printable’.

taking chances. If you are willing to take a risk, there are so many doors that can open up to you. I am thankful for the will to want more and the ability to take what you have and turn it into something else. Endless opportunities await if you put yourself out there.

grandparents. Thank you for connecting the past to the present with stories of family. You bring a unique perspective to everyday life and always remember such beautiful details which make the stories feel present-day. Your love is endless and each moment we spend together is of the utmost value in my heart.

inspiration. You come in many different forms, in the oddest of places and at unexpected times. You are like a surprise that I didn't even know I needed until I have it… then I cannot get enough. 

Recipe Favorites // Thanksgiving

Over the past couple of weeks I have been posting thanksgiving tips, recipes and ideas to make your special day beautiful and tasty. Today I am sharing some of my favorite thanksgiving recipes; the dishes I look forward to all year long. Please enjoy.

(via)

Turkey - if you take only 1 thing away from today's post, please let it be this herb butter turkey recipe from tom colicchio. IT IS AMAZING. nuf said.

gravy - bonus points for tom colicchio... his turkey recipe (above) also takes the drippings and herbs from the turkey to make the most decadent and flavorful gravy. I am not lying when I say, I would pour this gravy in a tall glass and drink it like water. Yeah, it is that good.

sweet potatoes - tyler florence's stuffed sweet potatoes is a rendition of sweet potato casserole but instead, it is prepared similar to a baked potato, filled with toasted pecans, spices and tons of gooey marshmallows.  

cranberries - this recipe for cranberry orange sauce is so delicious and ultra simple. My sister makes this every thanksgiving and it is packed full of bright citrus, tangy cranberries and balanced out with nutty cinnamon. 

dinner rolls - rhodes dinner rolls taste like flaky, homemade rolls but come in the frozen section at the grocery store. Save the time of rolling out fresh dough. Walk directly past the bakery section at the store. Instead, grab a bag, set them out in a baking dish, let them rise and then pop them in the oven.



If you have a great thanksgiving recipe you would love to share, please add it into the comment section below.

Pinterest // Thanksgiving Inspirations

I was trolling pinterest this past weekend and found so many awesome decorating ideas for thanksgiving that I had to share. Some of these would fit perfectly into my imaginary thanksgiving dinner plans and others make me want to run to the craft store immediately.

  (a great natural centerpiece from sas interiors)

(a beautiful buffet from mod vintage life)

(wood plank chalkboard signs from eighteen25)

(a cozy and welcoming fireplace hearth from just imagine)

(wood tags to hang on your front door from that's my letter)

I usually leave up any of my 'halloween' decorations that are fall in nature and do not have a scary face or spider on them for thanksgiving. How about you, do you decorate for thanksgiving?

Pumpkin Pie

Yes, there are quite a few dishes I look forward to eating on thanksgiving but one of my absolute favorites is a slice of still-warm pumpkin pie and a cup of coffee. What better way to display a perfect recipe for pumpkin pie than a beautiful typography print from lilly & val's online shop. This would be a beautiful addition to any kitchen during the holidays as a friendly reminder to bake up a tasty treat for all to share.

(via)

17 Thanksgiving Turkey Mistakes

One of the main reasons I have never attempted making thanksgiving dinner is because of the daunting task of cooking the main dish, the turkey. I feel like there is so much pressure to make the perfectly browned, crispy skinned, juicy meat and well seasoned bird. However, this helpful list, the 17 thanksgiving turkey mistakes everyone makes, from christine byrne is sure to make the process a lot more approachable.

(images via)

1.    you wait too long to buy a turkey

2.    you forget that a frozen turkey takes 4 days to thaw

3.    you don't realize that many turkeys are pre-brined

4.    you don't let your turkey come to room temperature before roasting

5.    you don't dry the turkey really well inside the cavity and on the outside

6.    you don't salt inside the cavity

7.    you don't use a roasting rack inside your roasting pan

8.    you cook stuffing inside the bird

9.    you roast the turkey at 1 temperature, instead of starting it in a really hot oven and then lowering the heat

10.  you freak out about the skin browning too quickly and turn down the oven temperature

11.  you baste

12.  you don't use a real thermometer

13.  you check the temperature at the wrong time, in the wrong place

14.  you cook the turkey past 160°F

15.  you don't let your turkey rest for at least 15 minutes before carving

16.  you destroy the turkey when it comes time to carve it

17.  you carve up the whole bird even though only half of it will get eaten on thanskgiving

To read the whole article, including tips and tricks on what you should do (instead of the unmentionables above) click here.

Thanksgiving

This year's Thanksgiving was all I could have imagined... all of my family cooking together, sitting around the table to feast on seriously delicious food, flavorful wine to sip on while stories were told and games played late into the evening hours.  

(clockwise from top left:  my dad, mom, husband and sister before our meal  /  delicious Thanksgiving dinner  /  the table was set by my mom  /  our turkey cooking in the oven)

We started the day off at my parents' house and it was just wonderful.  My mom has perfected her sauteed spaghetti squash with fresh sage and thyme and my dad's gravy is honestly so silky and full of deep flavor that I could almost pour a glass and sip on it.  After our meal, Gina and I took a nap while everyone else watched football.  Then we were off to Ryan's mom's house for our second meal of the day.  My mother-in-law's turkey was so moist and their family made some tasty sides like rich green beans and homemade pumpkin pies.  

clockwise from top left:  Gina and I  /  holding up our turkey straight from the oven  /  Ryan opening wine  /  my mom and Rocco before dinner)

I might have had a couple too many glasses of wine (oops!) but that would be the only downfall of the night.  I honestly was so full of love and gratefulness to everything.  I hope you had a great Thanksgiving this year too!  

Thankful

Thankful

[thangk-fuh]  

adjective   

feeling or expressing gratitude; appreciative

Happy Thanksgiving to all!  I could not be more excited to spend the day with all those I love so much.  What I love most about the holidays is the times sitting around the table, telling stories, eating amazing food, laughing and just being together.  Here are a few more things I am truly thankful for...

Kindness.  A smile from a random person passing by you on the street, someone holding the elevator when you are running late or just a wave of 'thank you' when you let a car in on the highway.  The act of kindness can make a person's day and even the smallest act can make a huge difference.  I am thankful that this world is full of so much kindness.

My faith.  I am grateful for my relationship with God and the spirituality that I carry within myself all the time.  I know it will always guide me in the right decision and be there for me when I have questions or fears.  

Photos.  A single picture can transport you back in time.  They capture moments forever and are a link to our past.  I feel like they are a way to forever keep memories alive and bring our past to our present.  I am grateful for the photos that link me to my ancestors  wonderful experiences with my friends and moments I never want to forget.  

My love for food.  It tells a story and brings people together.  The ability to connect with others, taste new ingredients and learn about other cultures through food is one of the most amazing experiences to have.  I am so thankful for every meal I get to enjoy in a new restaurant or being able to share recipes I love with others.  I have a passion for food that runs deep within me and I love the ability that share it.

Love.  To know you are loved by someone is the best feeling in the world.  To give love is an act that comes from deep within your heart.  I am thankful for the love I feel from my husband, family and friends.  It is not something tangible but it is real and I hope they all feel the love I give to them. 

Thankful

Thankful

[thangk-fuh]  

adjective   

feeling or expressing gratitude; appreciative

A few more things I cannot forget to mention that I am thankful for this year...

Tom Colicchio's Herb-Butter Turkey Recipe.  No joke... my dad has been using this recipe for years now and it is the best turkey I have ever eaten.  Ever.  Make it too and you will be converted from any recipe you have ever followed.

My group of girlfriends.  This handful of women (you know who you are) have made me a better person on so many levels.  You each have so many amazing qualities that are inspiring, honest, lovable and real.  I have had some of the best moments in my life with each of you at my side (hello! bachlorette dinner) and I know there will be hundreds more in our lives ahead.  

Traveling.  The want and need to see the world is an energy that runs deep in so many of us and the places to experience in this vast and amazing world are truly endless.  I am thankful for the deep burning will that runs in my blood to travel.  I have been blessed to see what seems like so much already and they are memories that I hold with such high regard.  From our big Disney World family trip as a kid, to my honeymoon in Greece and every long weekend away or overnight camping trip... I am so appreciative of them all.  

My relationship with my family.  Thank you for your support, respect, honesty, grace, humor, acceptance and endless love.  I cannot be more thankful for each of you.

The blogosphere.  I was introduced to you nearly two years ago and I have had the pleasure to be a part of this amazingly creative and open world where friendship are built, ideas are shared and people let you into their lives without any regret or holding back.  I am constantly inspired, in awe of people's honestly and blown away with the connections I have made.  

Thankful

Thankful

[thangk-fuh]  

adjective   

feeling or expressing gratitude; appreciative

There is so much to be thankful for each and every day in this amazing world in which we live.  Today I would like to continue to share a few things I am thankful for.

The health of my friends and family.  There have been quite a few health scares over the last year but I feel blessed for each day that the fight continues.  I am thankful for my grandpa being able to laugh with me on the phone regularly.  I am happy to hear when test results come back negative and to have so many people I love with all that I am, living their life to the fullest every day.  

Drive-thru coffee shops.  Thank you for being perfectly located on my drive to work for occasional caffeine fixes when I don't have the energy or will to bear the cold.  Even in the earliest of morning hours, your baristas are always peppy and make drive into the office that much more bearable.

Forgiveness.  We all make mistakes or missteps in life and I am so thankful that there are so many people who have grace in their hearts to forgive wrong doings.  I think forgiveness is one of the hardest acts to truly give and there is no better feeling than to know that someone can move past a situation or circumstance.

Rocco.  I am grateful each day when I get home and you cry and wag your tail until I hold you, how our evenings are spent with you cuddled up around my neck and that even when you go potty in the house, you somehow can communicate to me that you are truly sorry.  I unconditionally love you and am so lucky to have your unconditional love in return.  

Breakfast for dinner.  Thank you eggs, bacon, tortillas, pancake mix, syrup or any other breakfast food item for being relatively inexpensive and always in my fridge.  You make it easy to come home and make dinner with nearly no effort or energy on my part and I really love that after a long day.

Thankful

Thankful

[thangk-fuh]  

adjective   

feeling or expressing gratitude; appreciative

With Thanksgiving just a few days away, I thought I would dedicate my posts this week to all that I am thankful for.  From the big stuff to even the littlest of things... there is so much in this world that I appreciate.

My husband.  You bring a smile to my face everyday and endless love in my heart.  I can be my silly, goofy self and you laugh along with me and love me still the same.  Thank you for loving me for who I am.

Warm weather in November.  I cannot believe it is the middle of the month and us Denverites have been blessed with weather in the 60's for so many days.  Thank you for the warmth on my back as I take Rocco for walks and for extending the fall weather a few weeks longer.

Post It Notes.  I know this is a questionable item to put in the 'thankful' category but your little sticky squares come in the most up-beat colors help organize my life.  I have you all over my desk at work, stuffed into my purse and sometimes attached to the back of my phone.  You really are miracle workers on a chaotic day.

My sister.  Your endless generosity is something I admire wholeheartedly and that so many get to be showered in all year long.  I know you would give the shirt off your back to help someone in need or drain every penny in your bank account to make a friend's day which, not many people would do.  Thank you for giving so much of yourself to others, it is noticed and appreciated by so many.

My home.  To have a place to go to every evening that is warm and safe is something that everyone deserves yet, do not always have.  I am grateful to have a roof over my head that is full of love and happiness... really it is all I could ever ask for.