Choosing Thanksgiving

 

Is it just me or is Thanksgiving becoming the black sheep of the Holiday family? After all it's a Holiday centered on appreciation but it doesn't get much appreciation. Isn’t that ironic, don’t you think? (I am resisting the urge to sing the rest of the song but you definitely should).  To add to it Black Friday is now technically on Thanksgiving Thursday as the stores in the last two years are opening earlier and earlier. Thanksgiving Day is now officially getting jipped.  

So what’s my point? It’s not to point fingers to those who go black Friday shopping or who love to decorate for Christmas before Thanksgiving arrives. I myself love a good deal and some Christmas cheer so that is definitely not what I am getting at.

My point is I don’t want to skip the thankful part. I don’t want to cut short my gratitude. Instead I want to have a heart that doesn’t feel hurried this season. One that doesn’t rush November to get to December. One that doesn’t feel obligated but instead gives out of thankfulness. One that invites others in and lets them stay there.

And for me, my home is an extension to express the thankfulness within me. It is a deep desire of mine to set an atmosphere of genuine gratitude, one that you can feel when you walk inside. I want my home to be a place where family, friends, and neighbors can gather, connect and feel loved. A place with a Thanksgiving state of mind all year round.

As the season is in full swing I fight the urge to make my house anything that it isn’t. It’s not perfect, it’s not finished, and it’s usually not even that clean. But you know what? It’s ours and it represents who we are at our core: imperfect, unfinished, and messy. Won’t you let your house be a reflection of who you are this Holiday season?

The Holidays carry so much meaning and honestly I could make a sweater with all the warm feelings it gives me. But in the midst of all the Holiday stress/pressure I have to remind myself that Thanksgiving isn’t just a day of food, naps, and football, it’s about the posture of our heart. And what’s in our hearts out pours into our lives.

May we carry Thanksgiving with us every day and through every season!

*Blog Post Courtesy of Shaina at Married to Restoration

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Decorating a Master Bedroom with Antiques

I've loved antique furniture since I was a little girl. There is just something about solid pieces passed from generation to generation that has always seemed timeless to me. So when my husband was stationed in Virginia its no surprise our home was quickly filled with well loved antiques. 

We recently moved to the Midwest and with all the changes in our life I wanted to create a relaxing space that also included our favorite finds. Exploring flea markets and junk shoppes has always been a favorite past time for us. I love that our master bedroom reminds us of places we where able to visit and our wonderful memories of the East Coast. 

Decorating with antiques doesn't have to be difficult. Starting simple with an old mirror or frame can add character and charm to any space, and can sometimes be found at a fraction of the price as a piece made to look old. I always try to remind friends antiques aren't meant to look perfect, remember each chip or scratch has a story from our ancestors and can add character making it one of a kind. 

I tend to leave my favorite finds in the condition I find them with the exception of a few statement pieces I have painted with milk or chalk paint, which can easily be removed at a later time. When searching for furniture I always try to look for solid wood or metal. The sturdier the better with our little ones running around. 

As a heads up some antique items such as painted frames or mirrors may contain lead paint so its always a good idea to keep an instant lead test on you. Don't worry though, if you find chippy goodness you cant convince yourself to part with it you can always apply a spray sealer to keep all the paint in place. 

Remember searching for antiques can be just as fun as decorating, but it may take time to find the unique piece your looking for. Make a weekend date of it or bring the whole family! Lots of antique dealers love to tell the little ones all about the history of the items, we just remind ours to look with their eyes and not with their hands.

Happy hunting friends!

*Blog post courtesy of Ty at Little Home Reloved. Visit her blog for more home decor inspiration.

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Butternut Squash Soup

When you think of fall soups, one quintessential soup that comes to mind is " butternut squash soup". It's delightfully creamy, comforting, and warm. It pairs nicely with a side salad such as; arugula pear goat cheese salad and slices of crispy, toasty sour dough bread. This is a traditional soup I have incorporated into my Thanksgiving menu, it's also a family staple on a cold fall evening! Its definitely a " whenever soup". In the summer it can even  be served chilled! 

Give it a go! 

Serves 4-6

Ingredients: 

- 2 Tbsp butter

- 7 cups cubed peeled butternut squash ( you can buy it pre-cut or the whole squash and peel and dice it)

- 1 cup chopped sweet vidalia onion

- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth ( you can buy it or store your own chicken broth) 

- 1 cup half and half

- 2 Tbsp cream cheese 

- 2 cup of parmesan cheese ( save 1 cup for garnish)

- 1 tsp garlic powder or 2 cloves ( adjust to suit your taste)

- 1 tsp of salt ( adjust to suit your taste)

- 1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley for garnish  

- Chile flakes for garnish 

Directions: 

- Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium- high heat. 

- Add in the vidalia onion and sauté until translucent.

- Add in squash.

- Add in garlic and continue to sauté for about 10-12 minutes. 

- Add in chicken broth, cream cheese, and 1 cup of Parmesan cheese bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for about 30mins. 

- After 30 minutes of simmering, add in half and half and salt and stir. 

- Place squash mixture into a blender and purée until creamy.

- Serve And garnish with fresh chopped parsley, chile flakes, and the remainder Parmesan cheese! 

*Blog post courtesy of Shovan at Shobella Chic. Head over to her blog for more recipes and inspiration!

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Thankful Jars

I absolutely enjoy setting the table for company and of course setting it during the holidays is my favorite.  I have seen some creative ways to incorporate Thanksgiving into decor, even more, I love the when you can combine decor while having your friends and family participate in the process too.



 


 There are thankful trees, placemats, etc… The most traditional way to share your thankful thoughts is to go around the table and share.  I wanted to put a creative spin on this by using a place setting that would also serve as a way to share.  That is how I came up with these thankful jars.  They are so easy to make and look pretty set at each individual’s seat.

 *Blog post courtesy of Annie at Zevy Joy. Head on over to her blog to continue reading this post and for more home decor inspiration.

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How to Wear a Blanket Scarf

It’s fall and the perfect time to wrap yourself up in the comforts of a blanket scarf. They are classic and this year bigger than ever. On any given day over the weekend, you can surely find me in one. I’ve also made my first you tube video. It’s not the best quality, but I’ll be working on that. In the video, I show you how I wear mine. It’s easy and looks good worn with any top. In case you don’t have a blanket scarf you are head over crazy for, I’m also sharing a few of my top picks for you. The one I’m wearing is from La Petit Monkey.

*Blog post courtesy of Sandra at The Rustic Life. Head on over to her blog to see her scarf picks of this season! 

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