Everyone....Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving.....Enjoy all the good food....I know I will! Remember to give THANKS for all that you have. I know I will....because I had a son that left his mark of JOY just for being alive...and for him I am so Thankful! Anyway.......Enjoy your day with family and friends.

Fun Sayings for simple gifts.....

Well, I've been thinking of making a few theme baskets for Christmas gifts this year...here are some sayings I found....some are so cute!

1. Any sweet treat: "Wishing you a season filled with sweetness!"

2. A plate of cookies: "Wishing you a wonderful Christmas, from your
"crummy" neighbors.

3. Barq's Root Beer: "Have a wonderful Christmas, it shows you're
"barqing" up the right tree!"

4. Any soda: "We're "soda-lighted" to wish you a Merry Christmas!"

5. Popcorn: "We just "popped" in to wish you a Merry Christmas!"

6. Loaf of bread: "For being there when you were "kneaded", for
"rising" to the occasion, large or small. For never "loafing" on the job, for helping others "heel" with TLC. No matter how you "slice" it, you do a terrific job loving others."

7. Bananas: "If we could choose our friends, and we searched the
whole world through, we'd go "bananas" trying to find a better "bunch" than you!"

8. Bear Shaped Honey: "Hoping our "honey" of a friend has a "beary"
Merry Christmas".

9. Microwave Popcorn and 2-liter of soda: "Pop, pop, fizz, fizz, oh
what a good friend you is!"

10. Mug with Hot Chocolate Mix: "To our special friends so dear,
wishing you a cup of cheer."

11. Eggnog: "Have an "udderly moovalous" holiday!"

12. Ice Cream: "Have a cool Yule!"

13. Hershey's Kisses in a Wire Wisk: "We "whisk" you a Merry "Kiss"
mas.

14. Paper Towels: "Blot out your troubles, "absorb" the Christmas
spirit!"

15. Candle: "Hope your Christmas is full of light"

16. Pencil and notepad: "Hope your Christmas is something to write
home about!"

17. Matches: "To our matchless friends"

18. Bubble Gum or Bubble Bath: "May your holidays "bubble" over with
fun!"

19. 7Up: "7 Up ideas for a wonderful holiday season" (include 7
uplifting thoughts/ideas)

20. Sprite: "May your Christmas be Merry and "Sprite"!"

21. Root Beer: "We're "rooting" for you to have a Happy Holiday
Season!"

22. Any Pop: "We're "soda-lighted" to have you as our friends!"

23. Popcorn: "We're "popping" by with a holiday HI!"

24. Chocolate Covered Cherries: "Wishing you a very "cherry"
Christmas"

25. Mints: "We "mint" to wish you a Merry Christmas"

26. Snickers Candy Bar: "Don't "snicker" - just be glad you got
something!"

27. Cookie Dough - "Here's a little extra "dough" for Christmas"

28. Jar of Jam: "Hoping your Christmas is "jam" packed with cheer"

29. Veggies & Dip: "Dip into the holidays and a healthy New Year!"

30. Pasta: Have a "pasta-tively" happy holiday!"

31. Muffins or Muffin Mix: "You're gettin' "muffin" for Christmas!"

32. Grater & Cheese: "To a "grate" neighbor"

33. Seasoning Mix: "Seasoned with love - Happy Holidays!"

34. Any Sweet Treat: "Wishing you a season full of sweetness!"

35. Whisk Broom: "Take a break, From a Busy Day, and Sweep All Your
Cares Away!"

36. Basket of Bath Items: "When you feel like a basket case, take a
break... and slow your pace"

37. Basket of Rolls and Honey Bear: "Have a honey of a Christmas"

38. Hershey's Kisses: "Merry "Kiss"mas"

39. Bath oils, bubbles, salts: "The holidays can be a strain on our
body and brain, so when you feel stressed, a hot bath is best, it
truly will help keep you sane!"

40. Soup mix: You're "souper" - Merry Christmas"

41. Wooden spoon w/ favorite drink or baking mix: "Not a creature
was "stirring".. ."

42. Oven Mitt filled w/ treats: "We have to ad-"mitt" you're a great
neighbor!"

43. Frozen cookie dough w/ cookie cutters: "Bake up some Christmas
cheer!"

44. Apple Cider w/wassail mix: "Spice Up Your Christmas!"

45. Bag/Box of Whoppers: "Hope you have a "whopper" of a Christmas"

46. M&M's: Have a Merry and Most Wonderful Holiday Season!"

47. Frozen or Ready-To-Bake Pizza: "Warm up to a wonderful holiday
season "topped" with Christmas cheer!"

48. Apples and Hershey's Hugs: A teacher can't live by apples
alone... she needs hugs too!"

49. Popcorn Balls: "Hoping you have a "ball" this Christmas season"

50. Jolly Ranchers: "Have a holly "jolly" Christmas"

51. Chex Party Mix: "Remember Santa "chex" his list twice to see
who's been naughty or nice... so be good for goodness sake!"

52. Box of Hostess Ho-Ho's:" Hope a merry "Ho-Ho-Ho" fills your heart
the whole year through!"

53. Jar of Jelly: "Jelly is like love -- you can't spread it around
without getting some on yourself!"

54. Christmas Tray: "We "tray"sure your friendship!"

55. Bell: "With each chime of this festive bell, may a Christmas wish
come true, and bring you peace and happiness to last the whole year
through!"

56. Yule Log: "We send you warm greetings this Christmas seasoning"

57. Potpourri: "May this sweet scent bring back thoughts of warm
Christmases long ago!"

58. Cleaners: "You add sparkle and make our life brighter!"

59. Nuts: "We're nuts about you!"

60. Lifesavers: "You've been a life saver!"

61. Juice pitcher filled with candy canes: "We pitcher you raising a
little "cane" during the holidays"

62. Broom or Feather Duster: "You're "dust" the finest neighbors we
know!"

63. Measuring Cup or Spoons: "Wishing you a joy beyond "measure"!"

64. Star ornament: "Remember the reason for the season!"

65. Chocolate Mousse Mix: "Merry Christmousse to our "deer" friends!"

66. Wooden Spoon: "Whether stirring up cakes, cookies, soups or soufflés; You'll find this spoon useful in so many ways. But whatever it's use, it says, "Merry Christmas from us to you!"

67. Flower: "If friends were flowers, we'd pick you!"

68. Heart Ornament: "May the joy and love you give away, come back to
you on Christmas Day"

69. Cinnamon Sugar for toast: "May your Christmas be sprinkled with
laughter and love!"

70. Christmas music: "May the sweet song of Christmas make your heart
rejoice!"

71. Filled Basket: "Wishing you a basket full of Christmas blessings"

72. Salsa: "Add a little spice to your holidays"

73. Stocking or Filled Jar: "Have a fun filled Christmas this year!"

74. Candle: "May your days be happy, your heart be light, your
Christmas merry and the New Year bright!!!"

75. Calendar: "Keep Christmas in your heart the whole year through!"

76. Sugar Cookies: "Rolling out a batch of Christmas cheer, for
someone we think is very dear!"

77. Cherry 7-Up: "Just a little Christmas cheer from Happy Hearts this time of year!"

78. Sparkling Cider: "Wising you a sparkling hoilday season!"

79. Warm casserole or bread: "Bundled up with warm wishes"

80. Eggbeater: "Have an "eggstra" special holiday!"

81. Pie: "Wishing you a scrupmtuous Christmas"

82. Oranges: " Orange" you glad we're Friends!?" Merry Christmas!!

83. Chocolate Orange: "Orange" you glad it's Christmas? Hope your
Christmas is a Sweet one!

84. Ice Cream Snowballs and Hot Fudge: "Here's some packaged "snowball" treats - Just
Drizzle Hot Fudge and its ready to eat!... Enjoy!!"

85. Box of Light Bulbs: "Have a bright and radiant Christmas"

86. Anything Santa: "Ho - Ho - Hoping your Christmas is Heavenly!"

87. Anything Angel: "Hoping you have a Heavenly Christmas!!"

88. Gingerbread House: "Nibble, Nibble like a mouse, We hope you'll
nibble at this house! Merry Christmas!"

89. Mugs with Hot Chocolate Mix: "To our special friends who are so
Dear, We wish you all a cup of Cheer!"

90. Cocoa Mix: "Wishing you a warm and wonderful Christmas!"

91. Gum: "By Gum, You're a great Neighbor!! "Have a Merry Christmas"

92.Christmas Shaped pasta: "Have a Pasta-tively Happy Holiday!"

93. Jar of Jam: "Hoping you have a Holiday "Jammed" packed with
fun!!"; "Have a "Berry" nice holiday season!!" Or "Hoping your Christmas is "Jam-packed with Christmas Cheer!"

94. Homemade Frozen Rolls - "Here's a little holiday treat. Rise and bake, it can't be beat! Warm fresh rolls just for you. Top with butter that's all you do! Warm Holiday
Greetings to you"

95. Brownie Mix (or other mix): "Whip up this mix for a wonderful
holiday fix! Wishing you a "rich" Holiday Season!!"(Attach the recipe!)

96. Homemade caramels: Hoping you have a "rich" and "wonderful"
Holiday!!"

97. Pie: "Just a "Holiday Hi" and a tasty Pie! Merry Christmas!"

98. Divinity: "May your Christmas be "Divine" and your Holidays so
Fine! Sweet Christmas Wishes!"

99. Rice Krispie Treats: "Snap, Crackle, Pop" We think You're really
Tops! "

100. Toffee or Brittle: "Any way you break it, We think you're the
greatest!"

101. Fudge: "Fudge" a little on the calories and enjoy the Holiday
Season!"

102. Cheese Ball and Crackers: "We don't mean to sound "Cheesey", we
just hope you have a "Ball" this Holiday Season! Or "Spread a little
Christmas Cheer this Holiday Season!"

103. Apple Anything (pie, cobbler, crisp, muffins etc.): "Sending you a "Bushel" of love this holiday Season!!" Or " You are the apple of my eye, Teacher!"

104. Banana Bread: "Banana Bread just for you, because you have so much to do... We also love you a whole "Bunch" too! Merry Christmas!"

105. Cinnamon Rolls: "Here's a sweet treat "Rolled" up with warm Holiday Wishes! Merry Christmas!"

106. Homemade Chocolates: "You're so sweet...having you as neighbors is really a treat! Have a Heavenly Holiday Season!"

107. Cake or Cupcakes: "You take the "Cake" neighbor, We think you're
first rate! Happy Holidays to you!!"

108. Cornbread or Mix: "We're not trying to be "Corny" we just want
you to have Merry Christmas!"

109. Carrot Cake: " I Really "Carrot" alot about you!! Merry Christmas"

110. Spiced Drink Mixes: "Hoping your Holidays are "Spiced" just right!"

111. Recipe: "Just like you friend... it's tried and true, just for you! Happy Holiday Baking or Merry Christmas Cooking!"

112. Pizza - "Hope your Holiday has a touch of "Pizza - z!!" Merry Christmas!!"

113. Crayons and Coloring Book: Hope your Holidays are Colorful!

114. Plant: "The kindness you show makes our friendship grow and grow!
Hope you have a Happy Holiday!"

115. Stuffed animal: "Pawsing" to wish you a Merry Christmas!"

116. Donuts: "Donut" you know we love you??? Have a happy Holiday!"

117. Tree shaped pasta, tree shaped container or a small Christmas
tree: "Hope your Christmas is "tree-mendous" !"

118. Payday candy bar: "It's the "nutty" time of the year again, so please don't lose your cool! Relax, and much this little treat and have a happy Yule!"

119. Squeeze-It Juice drink & a Hershey's Kiss: "Here's a "squeeze
and a "kiss", to remind you you're loved all through the year!"

120. Salsa & Tortilla Chips: "Have a hot and spicy Christmas!"

121. Scouring pad/sponge: "I scoured the earth for a friend like you!"

Some Kitchen Tips...

Strawberry Tip: Wash freshly picked strawberries & then take a wide plastic straw and insert it at the bottom of a strawberry–then push the stem out.

Measuring Tip: Rinse measuring cup in hot water before using syrup, oil, etc. Will pour out clean and not stick to cup.

Sugar In Fruit Pies: When making pie, sprinkle the sugar under the fruit instead of on top. This prevents pie from boiling over.

Baking Fruit Pies: Cut four small slits into top pie crust and stand one piece of tubed pasta into each slit (choose pasta at least 2 or 3 inches long–cannelloni and cut ziti work well). The juices will bubble up the pasta ‘pipe’ and back down into the pie–instead of running all over your oven. Once pie has finished baking, remove pasta.

Neatly Cut Fudge: Use a pizza cutter to easily slice through flats of fudge and candy squares. Make sure the baking has been chilled or thoroughly set before cutting. The process is fast and easy and the result is nice, neat squares.

12.Mashed Potato Warmer: Is there ever enough stove top space when preparing large meals (like at Christmas or Thanksgiving)? Here’s a way to get the mashed potatoes done early and out of the way: Prepare your mashed potatoes an hour or two before serving the meal and store them in the slow cooker (on low heat). Serve with the rest of the meal and they’re still hot and tasty.

Fluff Up Mashed Potatoes: Try adding a healthy pinch of baking powder to the potatoes when mashing them. For fluffier mashed potatoes, use an electric mixer to whip air into them.

Slicing Meat Thin: If you need really thin sliced meat when cooking stir-fry recipes or other dishes, try partially freezing the meat before making your cuts. This will make the meat easier to slice very thin since it will hold firm while slicing, no more uneven cuts from the raw meat mushing underneath the knife blade.

Stop Meat Edges From Curling: When grilling steaks or frying up pork chops, sometimes the edges can curl and the meat no longer sits flat in the pan or on the grill. To help prevent that, just cut a slit in the fat along the edge of the meat every inch or so before cooking.

Baking Soda Test: Do you have an old box of baking soda in the pantry and you’re not sure whether or not it’s still good? Fill a small cup half full with vinegar and drop a teaspoon of baking soda in it. If things start fizzing, the baking soda is active.

Prevent Bacon Spatters: Bacon can be quite a messy item to prepare, try lightly dusting the bacon with flour before frying. This helps prevent the spatters and meat shrinkage.

Veggie Roasting Racks: Try roasting a chicken or roast on top of long slices of celery or carrot sticks. The vegetables act like a roasting rack plus add flavor to the meat. Not only do the veggies work well as a roasting rack, there’s one less item to wash.

Potato Flakes Thickener: Add dried instant potato flakes to homemade soups and sauces to thicken the consistency. This won’t change the flavor at all and is a sure trick when a dish sauce turns out too watery or thin.

How to Keep Cookies Soft: Keep cookies moist and chewy by throwing a few slices of apple in your cookie jar to keep cookies soft. Don’t do this if you like crispy or crunchy cookies.

Use A Pastry Brush To Butter Baking Pans: Use soft butter and a pastry brush to grease decorative cake pans, bundt pans and muffin tins. The brush makes it much easier to get into all the grooves.

Muffin Tin Use: After stuffing peppers and tomatoes, arrange in a muffin tin before sticking them in the oven. They’ll stay upright and keep their shape perfectly! You could also do this with baked apples or other round or stuffed items.

Fill Empty Muffin Tins With Water: If your muffin or cupcake recipe doesn’t fill all the spots in your muffin pan, fill the empty places 3/4 full with water. This will help protect those slots from darkening or getting scorched.

Separate Eggs With A Funnel: If you don’t have an egg separator and need just an egg white or yolk for a recipe, you can use a small kitchen funnel. Crack the egg gently then break into the funnel. The white of the egg will flow through the funnel leaving the yolk behind. No funnel? You could also clip a corner off a ziploc bag and use that as a funnel. Make sure to place the funnel inside a glass so the egg white is contained.

Reuse Nylon Mesh Bags: If you buy veggies that are bagged in nylon mesh, you can use that mesh for various cleaning jobs around the house and yard. Just wad up the bag and use it as a scrubber.

Extra Oven Rack: Take out the extra oven rack when baking and you can use it for the cooling rack. Works for cakes, cookies, hors douvres, whatever you like. If you’re baking smaller items that might fall through, simply cover the rack with tinfoil first (fold foil tightly over the edges). Works like a charm!

If two glasses are stuck together, fill the top glass with cold water and set the bottom glass in hot water. Try to carefully twist the two glasses apart after a minute.

Gravy thickening, sauces, etc., can be made smooth by using a small jar with a tight lid. Put the mixture of milk or water and flour into the jar and shake well until all lumps disappear.

Milk, in being boiled, frequently sticks to the pan. To prevent this, rinse the pan in hot water before using.

MY THOUGHTS.....YOUR THOUGHTS.....ON ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING.....

This is something new that I'm starting on my blog that I thought would be neat to hear others thoughts on anything and everything. Each week I'm going to post a few words....I give you my thoughts.....you give me yours and if anyone else wants to give me ideas...feel free. Otherwise just say a few words if you have any to say for the topic. Let's start today's..............

COFFEE

Love it! It's the first thing I NEED to start my day. Sometimes I drink it throughout the day up until the last thing I do to end my day. I am addicted to it and if I don't have it, I go through withdrawal......I can drink most but my favorite is Dunkin Donuts. I usually always have Dunkin Donuts brand but this week I'm trying the Eight 0' Clock Brand because I used a $2.00 coupon and it was buy 1 get 1 FREE at Giant this week. I bought the Original and a Mocha. The Mocha coffee is really good. I've been drinking a couple of cups a day. I also like lots of sugar and cream. Well I just can't LIVE without it in my life...........what? No COFFEE in Heaven!!!! NO WAY!