Tag: Thanksgiving

Giving Thanks Is Good for You

Posted on by Jordank

Thankfulness is ingrained in the #Thanksgiving holiday. Most people consider how lucky they are to enjoy such a bountiful meal; they may also think about the many other things for which they are #thankful — things as simple as having a roof over one’s head, family and friends.

Expressing #gratitude is a healthy habit, according to Harvard Health. Studies show that focusing on the positive aspects of one’s life can improve well-being, strengthen relationships and encourage a sense of optimism.

Mental health encourages physical health, too. Study subjects asked to write down moments of gratitude every week exercised more and had fewer doctor’s visits than those asked to detail their aggravations or annoyances. Gratitude is good for you!

There is no wrong way to give #thanks. You can write down a few things that you are #thankful for at the end of the day, or simply review them in your thoughts. They can be everyday things or big-picture concepts; the trick is to highlight the positives.

Over time, thankfulness creates a mindset of gratitude — “an appreciation for all that life brings, good and bad,” says Tony Robbins. “When you not only have Thanksgiving gratitude but also gratitude for life itself, you’ll find fulfillment in life.”

Cook Your Thanksgiving Feast Ahead of Time

Posted on by Jordank

The easiest #Thanksgiving #feast is one you don’t have to #cook. But let’s face it: You won’t get the same satisfaction or quality out of a catered meal unless you spend a lot of money. To take the stress and expense out of preparing the #holiday feast, limit the number dishes you plan to serve and create a timeline of what you can make ahead and what need to cook that day, says RecipeTinEats. For example, dressing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and pumpkin pie will be taste just fine — maybe better — if you make them ahead of time and reheat or plate them just before serving. #NoFailFallCooking

Fall Appetizers That Outshine the Mains

Posted on by Jordank

The #Thanksgiving feast has grown to encompass so many signature dishes that it takes hours or days to stage and rarely starts on time. More problematic, some guests will hold off on food until they arrive at the festivities, risking “hangry” attitudes. Appetizers and snacks can fill those voids during the holidays, and many are so tasty that you can skip the mains altogether. Try cooking up seasonal starters such as a pumpkin hummus, baked brie or sweet potato rounds, The Every Girl suggests, for your next dish to pass or serve at a holiday feast, decorating night, gift-wrapping party or casual get-together. #NoFailFallCooking

Get Creative With Leftover Turkey

Posted on by Jordank

A memorable #Thanksgiving should offer not only the #holiday feast, but leftovers, too! One easy and satisfying meal you can make with the extra turkey is a classic pot pie. If you have the time and energy, make a pie crust from only five basic ingredients (flour, butter, sugar, water and salt), or use a ready-made one from the refrigerator case (no judgement here). Shred the turkey and add your favorite vegetables — onions, carrots, peas, green beans, mushrooms, celery and corn are fair game. Add a splash of heavy cream and spices, and the filling is ready! Put the top crust on and pop it in the oven. #NoFailFallCooking

Better Ways to Spend Black Friday

Posted on by Jordank

#Thanksgiving is upon us! And even before many family #feasts have cooled on the countertop, the malls and the big-box stores will reopen with much fanfare — and promises of rock-bottom low prices — to mark the beginning of the #holiday #shopping season: Black Friday.

Overnight, we’ll see crowds gather in hopes of getting an unreal price on a big-screen TV, gaming system or computer. The doors will open, and crowds of crazed bargain-hunters will rush in, jostling their way to low prices. Is it worthwhile?

We at The Organizing Blog don’t have anything against #shopping. Our hunter-gatherer heritage lives on in the desire to equip ourselves with food to eat, clothes to wear and tools to use to survive comfortably. And we love getting a good #deal.

But the manufactured urgency of limited-time offers and loss leaders is designed to get people to buy before they get a chance to think a purchase through, CNET notes. For another thing, that low, low long-weekend price may not be the best you can do.

To save, consider buying used, certified refurbished or closeout goods. Search the online classifieds for antiques, collectibles and bigger-ticket items. Or find unique — yet inexpensive — gifts at the #thrift and #secondhand stores supplied by #donations to ClothingDonations.org.

There are better ways to spend the long weekend than elbowing through the crowds. Consider taking a hike, celebrating Buy Nothing Day and Native American Heritage Month, or visiting the public library, NPR suggests, instead of wasting time and money chasing supposed “deals.”

Take a day to make a few homemade gifts, visit a museum or #declutter a #closet and #donate the things you aren’t using, adds Money Talks News. Or prepare for the holidays by baking a batch of cookies, putting up lights or decorating a tree.

Trust us, the deals will keep coming throughout the holidays, in stores and online. And if you can’t get whatever you want at a price you can afford, maybe it isn’t worth having. Take your Black Friday back from the retailers — you won’t regret it. #BlackFriday