First Friday Faves

This Friday Faves is focused on that wonderful holiday, Thanksgiving.  Unfortunately, many folks go straight from Halloween to Christmas.  

This list will give you five reasons that Thanksgiving is great!

1. Turkey Trots

Whats not to like about a Turkey Trot?  You run and then you go home and eat turkey.  

Find a race and join in.  You'll have a blast!

2. Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Broadway in your living room, along with huge balloons. 

 And of course it gives a great chance to welcome Santa Claus into our homes.

3.  Miracle on 34th Street

A holiday classic and one that actually starts while watching the Thanksgiving Day parade (see above).  Dinner is finished, and unless you are watching football this is a great movie to kick off the holiday season.  And speaking of football...  

4.  Football

I'm not talking just the NFL but the chance on a random Thursday to get outside a play a little football.  Unlike that other winter holiday we don't have the distraction of presents so use that time to get outside with your family and play a little football.  Or go for a walk.  

(This is also in honor of the wonderful Friends Thanksgiving episodes.)

5. Chocolate Turkeys

Need I say more?

First Friday Faves

This Friday Faves is focused on pecans.  Is there anything (other than pumpkin, of course) that you can add to meal to make it feel more like fall than pecans?  Its just not for pie either.  Here for five great recipes that can allow you to incorporate pecans into any part of your day.  

1. Sweet Potato Salad with Cranberries and Pecans

Photo courtesy of www.homesicktexas.com

2. Grilled Bacon Wrapped Pecan Figs

Photo courtesy of www.smokedngrilled.com

3.  Pumpkin Maple Pecan Granola

Photo courtesy of www.minimalistbaker.com

4.  Slow Cooker Cinnamon Pecans

Photo courtesy of www.therecipecritic.com

5. Cherry-Pecan Oatmeal Cookies

Photo courtesy of www.rachelraymag.com

First Friday Faves

This Friday Faves is an ode to all things fall.  Last month we talked about how to get into the summer spirit in case you were late to the party.  This month we're focused on what to do, eat and drink to join the fall party, and despite my love of the game this will be a football free zone.

1. Bake Cookies.

Photo courtesy of www.parentpretty.com

The weather is finally cool enough to turn on the oven.  I plan on turning the oven on and not turning it off for about 6 months.  Bake cookies for yourself, your family, friends or neighbors.  To really get in the spirit make sure some pumpkin is involved.

2. Light Candles.

Fall candles are probably my favorites scents and not just because most of them smell like pumpkin.  Once again the cooling temperatures make it possible to light a candle (in a safe place, far away from the kiddos).  

3.  Take a hike.

Speaking of autumn leaves and wonderful smells, get outside and enjoy viewing the leaves, smelling the leaves and hearing the crunch of leaves under your foot.  It won't be too hot, and the air is clear.  Grab the kids, the dog, a friend and get outside.

4.  Plant mums.

Nothing says fall like some mums in front of your house with a pumpkin or two.  The best thing about mums is that the word "hardy" is in their name, meaning even I have trouble killing them.  And while you're at it, plant some bulbs so you have great spring flowers.  

5. Drink something.

Photo courtesy of www.thealerunner.com

Drink something yummy.  Could be hot, like hot apple cider.  Could be cold, like a pumpkin beer.  Just drink something that says fall because no season has so many delicious options.  

First Friday Faves

If you are not in the summer spirit, I ask you, why not?

With only one month left of summer (at least before school starts) here are a few things to help you get in the summer spirit fast.  

(and yes I realize its mostly food)

1. Trader Joe's All Beef Hot Dogs

Nothing says summer like eating a hot dog.  These hot dogs have all the good stuff and none of the bad stuff. 

2. Pedicures

Summer season means flip flops season and that means time for a pedicure.  Enjoy a pedicure and give a little back to raise funds for organ donation. http://www.taylorsgift.org/

3.  Watermelon

While strawberries are my favorite fruit to me watermelon is the perfect thing to eat when its just too hot to eat anything else.  Plus it makes the best slushies.  

(Stay tuned for a watermelon recipe or two.) 

4.  Beach Reads

Grab a good book that's a quick read and doesn't make you think too much, just enough.  A romance isn't a bad place to start and Emily Giffin has a new book and  never disappoints. 

5.  Fireworks

Did you miss the 4th of July?  Don't worry.  Fireworks happen all summer long.  Grab the schedule of your local baseball team and I'll bet you'll find at least one more night to got watch fireworks.