Have a Happy*Less Stressful* Thanksgiving

We all know that with the holidays come a certain level of stress. This year my goal is decrease that stress as much as possible. Here are some things that can be done to make sure that happens.

1. Begin your day with exercise:

I know, I know, with all that you have to do sleeping in an extra half hour seems like the best option but I beg to differ. Starting your day with some exercise is a great way to get you going for the full day ahead. Exercise is known to increase energy, relieve stress, and releases endorphins in your body that elevate  your mood. So starting out your day with a workout will help you deal with the family member that gets on your nerves with a smile, give you the energy to get through all that cooking or traveling and starts you out burning calories...which we know we will be taking in lots at dinner.

2. Let Others Help

For me this is the pot calling the kettle black. I am notorious for thinking I am a supermom and that I can do everything myself...and each time I try I crash and burn by the end of the day. When someone offer to help you don't say "Its ok I got it"....accept it so you can enjoy the holiday too.  I understand that everyone cant cook, let that person set the table or entertain the kids.  Help is a wonderful thing. It takes some of the pressure off of you and allows you to spend time with your loved ones and that's what the holidays are about.

3. Don't be afraid to ask for help

 Sad but true sometimes people just don't offer to help. I am also guilty of  trying to be the hostess extraordinaire and often don't ask for help. I look at those pictures of parties and table-scapes  from Martha Stewart, David Tutera or the Tom-Kat Studio  in awe...the thing that makes those as wonderful as they are is that there is a team of people that work together to pull it off. So if the professionals don't get it done without a team..why should you.


4. Tell that one family member what they can do with there opinion

There is always that one family member that has something to say about your clothes, kids, weight what ever.  Words do hurt and can ruin your holiday, so prepare ahead. Expect that person to be a jerk, and come up with some responses ahead of time to deal with them. I know how good it would feel to tell them to F-off, tell them in a way that puts them in there place and allows you to still be that classy person you are.

5. Limit (Exclude) The Alcohol

Not everyone is a happy drunk, and happy drunks are even irritating.  If there are problem drinkers on your guest list limit the alcohol to a glass of wine during dinner. If you are not a wine drinker exclude it all together...nothing ruins a holiday dinner like drunk family members arguing, fighting or just getting on everyone's nerves. If you want to have a drink save it for after your guests leave as a salute to yourself for pulling off a great holiday dinner

6. Don't forget the kids

As a mom I know all too well that a recipe for disaster consists of bored unsupervised children. Make sure you have things planned for the little ones to do. (board games, DVDs, or putting on a play for the family)  Have the adults take shifts in supervising the kids in an activity, or even pay teenagers in the family to look after the kids. Some of you may question the pay the teenager part...but think about it teens are always in need of cash and giving them $20 for keeping an eye on the little ones for a few hours makes them feel appreciated and teaches them the value of earning money.

7. Don't forget about you

You started your day with taking care of you (exercising), make sure you continue that  trend throughout the day. Take a break if you start to feel overwhelmed, take a walk before your guests arrive and  sit down and have dinner with your family. Take time time to enjoy your family. I can't stress this point enough DO NOT LET ALL OF YOUR GUESTS LEAVE WITH OUT HELPING YOU CLEAN UP. The last thing you want to do at the end of the day is have to do all that cleaning by yourself. This does not make you a bad hostess this makes you a smart hostess. Nothing says thanks for having us over like helping the hostess get her home back in order.


Have a blessed and happy Thanksgiving
Dynesha

Pintrest Pick of the Week

Like so many others Pinterest is one of my favorite sites. Its a crafter's heaven of sorts if there is a cute diy project, recipe or party out there you will find it on Pinterest. This week the yummiest thing I have found is this recipe for Browned Butter Chunky Twix Cookies.  The recipe is from Sweet Treats and More. This looks so Yummy, cant wait to try this one!!! Enjoy

 

Browned Butter Chunky Twix Cookies

adapted from Sprinkled with Flour

2 c + 2 tbs all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

12 tbs butter

1 cup brown sugar

1 egg + 1 egg yolk

2 tsp vanilla

2 c chopped Twix candy bars

Preheat oven to 325. 

1.  In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat until melted.  Stir until brown in color.  Set aside and let cool until just warm.

2.  While butter is cooling, combine flour, soda, and salt in a bowl and set aside.  

3.  In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat warm butter and sugars together until thoroughly combined.  Beat in egg, egg yolk and vanilla.  

4.  Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, beating slowly, until just combined.  Gently fold in Twix chunks.

5.  Scoop tablespoon sized balls of dough on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.  You may need to mold the dough into balls a little bit.  

6.  Bake for 15-18 minutes (15 was the magic number for me) until just golden on the edges, but soft and puffy in the center.  Let cool completely before moving to a wire rack.  You may have some oozing caramel, but that's no biggie.  In fact, it's kind of my favorite part:) Just use a rubber spatula to remove.