thanksgiving

Ahhhhhhhh, the holidays. So much fun. So much baking. So many parties. So many cute Pinterest ideas. So much shopping. So much stress.  I guess you could say I have a love/hate relationship with the holiday season. So, I have set out to make your holiday party a little easier, a little healthier, and a lot more fun with these mini pie bites ----->  If you've spent much time on my blog, you know I'm not much of a dessert person. ... Read more » about Holiday Pie Bites: Chocolate Raspberry Pie & Apple Pie

I hope you had a wonderful weekend!! We spent ours up in the mountains at my inlaws' cabin.  A good time was had by all.  It was beautiful, mostly relaxing (because a meal with a two-year-old can NEVER be described as fully relaxing!!), and fun.  The cranberry relish and pie bites were a hit!  My father-in-law mentioned at the table as we were finishing up the lavish meal, just how much love (and effort!) goes into preparing such a feast, and how quickly it is gobbled up and over.  So true! But the good news is, the leftovers last for a few more days :) ... Read more » about Food Photography + {Buffalo Cranberry Grilled Cheese}

Hi friends! I wanted to let you know that this will be my last post for the week, as I really want to unplug and enjoy time with family... you know, Babycakes...Dear Hubby...my inlaws. And I'm sure you will be spending more time focusing on your own families and food and just being together rather than reading blogs or looking for new recipes :)  I found this saying/photo on Pinterest -----> and just love it! ... Read more » about Blessings + {Banana Cream Pie Bites}

Remember the Blend Retreat way back in May where I got to meet the most awesome healthy like-minded group of friends?!? Well, my blend (blogger + friend) Lindsay, is starting an awesome holiday challenge to help keep us motivated and encouraged in our health goals over the next 6 weeks.  I love her idea and want to share it with all of YOU to see if you'll participate. ... Read more » about Elf for Health: Holiday Challenge

Eeeeeek!  As promised, I have my first v-log (video log) for you today.  I'm getting soooooooo technologically advanced.  I love how it feels a bit more personal hearing my voice than just reading the words I write.  Today's video is an intro to the whole video "thang", an explanation of the upcoming holiday baking I'm working on, a slight confession, and my weight-loss plan for the holidays. ... Read more » about First V-Log + Weight Loss Plan for the Holidays

This is the last day in the healthier Thanksgiving series that I embarked on this week.  It sure was fun to create all these new healthy dishes for you and your families to enjoy!  Like I said at the beginning, you don't have to use all of them, but just subbing in one of these healthier versions instead of the traditional will help you not to overdo it on Turkey-day :)  I'd love to hear which ones you actually cook, so be sure to email me or leave a comment afterwards!  Before making this dish, I felt as though green bean casserole was only invited to the big meal because of its gr ... Read more » about Thanksgiving Side: {Tangy Green Bean Casserole}

I am LOVING this healthier Thanksgiving series!! It was just what I needed to get back into the swing of things (cooking, photographing, and blogging) after the big move.  And it seems you are loving it too! I received this sweet blog reader comment yesterday: "This Thanksgiving series is as beautiful as it is healthful. Thank you for your creativity and passion for living the healthy way. ... Read more » about Thanksgiving Side: {Slow Cooker Apple Sausage Stuffing}

First of all, thank you for your input last night on Facebook deciding whether today's post would be about White Chocolate Pumpkin Pie Bites or Slow Cooker Apple Sausage Stuffing.  It was a resounding "PIE!!!!!!!!!!!" And for those of you who voted "Stuffing," you only have to wait until tomorrow. Now, back to pumpkin pie.  I lovvvvvve pumpkin pie. I always have. It makes me happy just thinking about it and the traditions surrounding it. ... Read more » about Thanksgiving: {White Chocolate Pumpkin Pie Bites}

Since  I prepared a trial-run Thanksgiving feast this past weekend, creating a full menu of healthier items, Dear Hubby and I are in full-on Thanksgiving leftover mode right now...which you have to admit is one of the best parts of the entire process!!  All of the flavors meld together so nicely, and it's fun spinning off other meals from the original items.  Case in point, today's lunch: Buffalo Cranberry Grilled Cheese using the leftover cranberry relish. Oh.My.YUMMMMMM folks!! ... Read more » about Thanksgiving Leftovers + {Cranberry Pumpkin Relish}