Thankfulness...I Was Here

This year, more than ever before, I think I have an
abounding list of "things" to be thankful for...

An incredible husband--we celebrated 5 months of wedded bliss. Not a day goes by that I don't thank my lucky stars and God for bringing him in my life...he's my best friend,  partner-in-crime, and I wouldn't want to go through this adventure with anyone else.

A close-knit and supporting family. There is lots to say for a family that is as close as ours is. Sure, we're all crazy in our own ways, but I am thankful for each one of them...they add so much to my life and I am a better person because I have them in my world.

The best friends a girl could ask for. Honest, sincere, caring, and always there when the going gets tough or when we're celebrating exciting happenings in each others' lives. There is no one like them and none could ever be replaced.

A job that brings me joy...there are good days and bad days with any type
of career, but my good days outweigh the bad and I am lucky to work for a
company that values and rewards its employees.

My health. Pregnancy thus far has been relatively easy and I am thankful for that. I'm healthy, trying to stay as active as possible, and just enjoying this exciting time in my life.

I am thankful for the men and women who sacrifice day in and day out to protect our country...they are so unselfish in what they give up for each and every one of us and I pray that they can return home safely to their family and friends.

Having a real relationship with God...He's with me day in and day out and I know that no matter what happens, He is always looking out and watching over me. The older I get, the closer I feel to Him and I am so happy He is in my life.

And most of all, I am thankful to become a mother. A little less than 4 months to go until we meet our sweet Caroline and words cannot express the love, excitement, and joy I have in my heart to welcome this child into the world. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt she will be loved and showered with hugs and kisses and will know how happy we are she came into our lives. Nothing is going to be better than having a child of our own. 

My cup truly runneth over ;)

And on a semi-related topic, has anyone else heard this song from Beyonce titled "I Was Here"? This is an incredible song, a testiment to living each day to the absolute fullest, to touching hearts, to doing everything you wanted, to making a difference, bringing happiness to others, and leaving a mark. We should all be living this way...we're never guaranteed a tomorrow, so live each day like it's your last. OXOX

What I'm Cooking This Year...

Growing up, I rememeber helping my Mom prepare Thanksgiving dishes to bring to my Grandparent's house and how we would spend so much time in the kitchen, making sure each dish was prepared perfectly...afterall, turkey day is a lot about the food, am I right?
Even now, I am just like her in that I agonize over each and every detail of what I make, as food=love. This year, the dishes I am making are a little different than usual since we'll be in Hilton Head, though I just have to make some of my most treasured favorites so that it'll feel like home. Here are the items on my to-do list for tomorrow night and Thursday morning:

Baked Brie {my favorite go-to appetizer recipe}

**this time, I'll be using pumpkin butter and pecans instead of preserves

Sweet Potato Casserole {my family's famous recipe}

Autumn Chopped Salad {via Espresso and Cream}

German Chocolate Heath Bar Cake {via Cookbook Jungle}

And because you all love to hate me when I post the infamous "Eat This, Not That" series, I read that the average person consumes more than 4,500 calolries and 229 grams of fat on Thanksgiving...obviously the "fattest day of the year" by a landslide. However, check out these quick switches to help keep yourself on track during turkey day! Enjoy your time with family and friends ;)

Etsy Finds...Thanksgiving Edition

Now more than ever, I find myself seeking out Etsy for ideas, inspiration, and fantastic products from sellers with clever ideas...with great prices. With the gobble gobble holiday fast approching {a mere 3 weeks away friends}, I thought I would highlight some of my favorite finds I just happened to stumble across--maybe you'll just need some of these, too ;)

Hosting a Thanksgiving get together? Look at this cute handmade garland to deck out any mantle or room in the house from Polka Dot Shop

Love the smell of freshly baked bread, pumpkins, or the overarching scent of the season? Try this fall bundle of candles via Red barn Candles' Shop

If I were hosting Thanksgiving at our home this year, I would certainly send out festive yet simple invites, such as these I found from Paper Theory

Needing to switch out the door decor for something more festive? I am loving this homemade burlap wreath over at Carolina Moon Crafts

Planning on sending greeting cards out to friends and family for this year's Thanksgiving? Letterpress card via The Paper Peony

Wanting to make some yummy favors perfect for fall? I love these homemade kraft bags found at Sincerely Sadie

Turkey Time Rewind

I was a horrid photog this weekend in that I didn't take a single picture from our family's Thanksgiving festivities... so sad. Let me put it to you this way, we came, we saw, and we most certainly ate! Please tell me I was not the only one that ate themselves into a food coma this year?? I was able to work off some of that homemade caramel cake and carrot cake by playing a few rounds of cornhole in the afternoon. By the time we made it home Thursday night, all I could manage to do was put on some comfy PJs and fall asleep on the couch with Jeff while he and his Mom watched movies all night...it's that stupid turkey ingredient I tell you! 

Just like clockwork, Mom and I were up before dawn the next morning, stopping by Starbuck's for my Skinny Peppermint Mocha and then we were off! 12 hours later, we had visited the mall, Sam's, Target, Dick's Sporting Goods, and everywhere in between and both of our SUVs were stuffed to the brim with all of our goodies. I was VERY good this year in that I only came home with 2 sweaters and a scarf for myself and the rest was Christmas presents for the family... pat on the back for me! That evening, my Dad met my Mom and I for our anything-but-turkey dinner at PF Changs and then I went home to rest with Jeff and his Mom.

Saturday was spent doing more shopping around town and running errands, and then that night we met the fam at the infamous Gerst Haus restaurant downtown for some authentic German food to celebrate my Papa's 70th birthday. We were the entertainment that night, dancing around the restaurant doing the chicken dance and had a great time!!

Sunday, we decided to take it easy and finish decorating our house for Christmas. We went and bought a real tree to put in our formal living room which makes our whole house smell like Christmas trees {yay!}, made homemade hot cocoa while we listened to our holiday music mix, and then I decorated our tree while Jeff put up the outside lights. I cannot wait to show you the finished product--not exactly the Griswalds for our first year, but we couldn't help but get excited driving by with everything all lit up!!

Is it just me or are the Cyber Monday deals not that exciting this year?? I did see DSW's whole site is 25% off, at Loft, everything is 40% off, and Francesca's has 30% off, but not too much struck my fancy...fail for getting more online shopping done today =(

I Give Thanks...and My Own Big Turkey!

Happy Thanksgiving friends!! In a world where we are constantly on the move, sometimes it's hard to stop and smell the roses... well, it is for me at least. I do know, however, that God has blessed me and my family with so many blessings and I cannot ever begin to repay Him for just how much we all have... with Thanksgiving finally here, I wanted to highlight my list of important {and some not-so important} things I am thankful for are:

1. A house to call a home

2. A career that keeps me stimulated

3. A family that supports me unconditionally

4. True friends

5. My gym and iPod that helps me have my "me time"

6. The ability to help others

7. A fiance and best friend that is the most incredible man I could've ever wished for

8. Handwritten thank-you notes

9. A wonderful church family and my faith that has increased exponentially

10. A computer that helps me stay connected to friends and family

11. My health

12. An incredible coffee maker that is always happy to give me my morning fix

13. Clothes to keep me warm this season

The list goes on and on, but I hope you all can take a moment to reflect on just how lucky each of us is and know that all our blessings come from Him. God bless all of you on this day {as well as all others!} and remember to be thankful for the men and women who are serving our proud nation--keep them safe and bring them home soon!

And, as if I could forget, today we are also celebrating a big turkey's birthday in my family... my Papa's 70th birthday!! What a special birthday--I am one lucky girl to have such a close relationship with my grandfather--he's always been there for me from the day I was born, and he is such a loyal husband, father, and gradnfather. They just don't make them like that anymore I tell you. He retired last year and has taken up even more hobbies with his free time. He and my grandmother are constantly on the go and traveling whenever they can. Such remarkable role models who have changed the lives of so many in our family. He is selfless, honest, the ever-comedian, and loves to entertain. Papa, Happy Birthday!!! I am so happy we are celebrating today AND this weekend... love you!!!

Traditional Thanksgiving Recipes

I've been on the hunt for some turkey-riffic {can't believe I just made that word up} recipes to share for all of your upcoming Thanksgiving menus--it's 2 weeks from today, can you tell I'm counting dowen?? Some of these I have tried, and some are newbies I can't wait to attempt, but they all seem relatively easy--a prerequisite for making it on my recipe roll--and I'm thinking you may want to try some, too!!

Appetizers

Bacon Wrapped Cocktail Sausages via Our Best Bites

Hot and Spicy Corn Dip via KraftFoods {and my blog}

Grilled Pepper Poppers via Eat.Drink.Smile

Cheese and Pesto Layer Dip via Kelly's Recipes

Side Dishes

Citrus Green Beans with Pine Nuts via Cooking Light

Make Ahead Green Bean Casserole via Mel's Kitchen Cafe

Grandmama's Corn Pudding via Eat.Drink.Smile

Cranberry, Apple, and Walnut Sauce via Cooking Light

Sweet Potato Casserole via Me {Famous Family Recipe!}

Baked Garlic Mashed Potatoes via Mel's Kitchen Cafe

Italian Sausage Dressing via Our Best Bites

Garlic Cheddar Biscuits via Gimme Some Oven

Herbed Monkey Bread via Kelly's Recipe

Main Dishes

Roasted Turkey via Paula Deen

Maple Glazed Ham via Mel's Kitchen Cafe

Desserts, Drinks, and Sweet Treats

Caramel Apple Cider via Our Best Bites

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies via Gimme Some Oven

Cranberry Upside Down Cake via Cooking Light

Chocolate Pecan Pie via Paula Deen

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake via Mel's Kitchen Cafe

Pumpkin Pie via Paula Deen

Is it just me, or are you all extremely hungry now too?  Nothing like some comfort food!!

Hope this helps you menu plan for your upcoming holiday feast =)