Resolve to change

“If you focus on results, you will never change. If you focus on change, you will get results.” ~Jack Dixon

I'm not sure about any of the rest of you but every new year for as long as I can recall I set about making out a list of things I would like to change.  Usually at the top of my annual list are things like eat better, lose weight, be more organized etc.  It seems that each year the same things hit my list and for the first 30 days or so I make changes.  Sometimes they even stick long term.  Often what really happens is that I fall back into old patterns, and the things that I had all of this resolve and determination to change, well.... don't.

I came across the quote above awhile back while reading some things on change.  It really hit home for me.  If you focus on the end game, nothing changes.  If you focus on change, on being present in the moment, in actually "making" change occur, then you will see results.  Results aren't what happens when you focus on the end, results are what happen when you focus on the process, on being present with whatever it is you wish to alter.

In addition to that, I have found that I do much better when I focus on the positive rather than on the negative.  So for me, if i resolve to donate more time to those who need the time, I can accomplish this by focusing on streamlining other areas of my life to free up my available time.  I can achieve this result if I don't focus on the result itself but focus on what behaviors I need to alter NOW in the moment.  Doing this brings about the desired result.

I have also found that change is not something that happens just once, its something that is on going, its a process, it's effort, it's being present and committed.  It also isn't something we list just once at the start of a new year.  It's something we resolve to do, it's something we focus on doing, it's something we commit to doing, and then with all of these efforts we will achieve what we have set our mind to achieving.

MIT's McGovern Institute did a study that showed that it takes 21 to 28 days to form a new and lasting habit.  So it takes both short term and long term commitment to create new habits.  In the short term we need to commit to spending the necessary month to form the habit.  In the long term we need to commit to reinforcing the habit so that it brings us the desired results.

Also, a good rule of thumb is to be kind to yourselves.  Don't give up and throw in the towel on whatever it is you resolve to change if you fall "off the wagon".  Just get back up and continue on, push forward, and work harder to achieve your goals.  

That's what I plan to continue working on this year.  Creating new and lasting habits to replace some habits that I wish to change or remove from my daily living.  I resolve to be the best me I can be.  That to me is a fluid thing.   it isn't a one time change, it is a constant work in progress that requires effort and dedication.  Out of that, however, good things come my way.

So in closing what was a wonderful 2012 for my family, I wish you and yours a very happy, healthy, and prosperous 2013.  May whatever changes you choose to make stick, may you find peace and happiness with your world and the world of others around you.

5 Tips for Saving at the Grocery Store

1. Check market circulars - You can find them online and it will help you plan your menu around what is one sale. Before walking into the store you should know the deals so you can plan properly.

2. Coupons - I will say I am not a huge fan of coupons as often items I buy don't have coupons. But when they do, I use them. I also use swagbucks.com that gives me points every time I use coupons from their website. Those points can can be turned in for gift cards and other items. So I am saving at the grocery store by using the coupons and also saving money through the gift cards I get through swagbucks. Many grocery stores now have digital coupons that they load to a value card which often give you money off things already on sale so make sure to check out your grocery stores website. Not many of my grocery stores double coupons, but one will and so often it can make some items nearly free after using them.

3. Eat First - I know that going to the store when I am hungry always seems to make me buy things that weren't on my list. Something always seems to catch my eye that will make my grocery bill go higher.

4. Skip Convenience Items - pre-packaged cake mixes, salad, meatballs or other items that I can put together and make using whole ingredients for less cost. I will have to say that even though they cost less - sometimes my time is needed elsewhere and so buying prepackaged salad or other items can be worth it to me in the long run. But most of the time I do buy the ingredients and make it myself.

5. Plan & Make a List - By looking at circulars, in my pantry, using the other grocery saving tips to plan my menus or at least know what I need to keep the pantry stocked for many of the standard meals cooked - I can keep to my list. Sticking to that list helps save money.

Friday Favorite

New Years Eve Printables - free party printables

Food and Wine Pairing - a little diagram to help know which wines go with which foods

How Much Food to Serve at a Party - a diagram to decide how much food you need per guest

Crispy Southwest Chicken Wontons - looks like a good recipe to make for a party

Easy, No Cook New Years Appetizers  - just a few ways to put together some quick appetizers

Planning for Gardening Season

It's hard to believe that we've just past the Winter Solstice and yet I'm already actively planning the spring garden.  Here in northwest Montana, I have months to go before I even start seeds in the greenhouse but the planning is already in full swing.  Those of you in warmer climates may already be starting seeds (and for the record I have a jealous).

Here are some quick and easy ways to get ready for that spring season:

1. Take an inventory of the seed stash: Look through all the seeds you have on hand and make a list.  Make note of what might be several years old and make a plan to use those up while still viable.  In my experience, even old seed will sprout just not always with as high of a rate as something only a year old. 
2. Plan the 2013 garden: I use a piece of graph paper and literally plot out where different plants will go.  I compare this plan to last year's actual garden to make sure that I practice crop rotation.  Be sure to look at that list of old seed and incorporate those items into the plan.
3. Hit the seed catalogs: Let me be honest here, I can get overwhelmed by the sheer variety in seed catalogs, especially the tomatoes but I take it in small bites.  I train my eyes to look for days until harvest so that I'm only looking at plants that will do well in my short season.  Generally speaking I make a huge list and then cull it down until I have a reasonable amount of seed for the garden space.
4. Review last year's journal: Assuming you had a garden last year and kept a journal, take a quick scan through it and review problem plants, frost dates, insect problems, etc.  Use this information to cull that seed list, too.
5. List other necessities: Make a list of other things you might need, compost, manure, straw, seed-starting pots, large flower pots, new sprinkler, etc.  Keep this list with you when you hit thrift stores or look through Craigslist, etc.  Generally speaking you can find bargains on this stuff before the season gets into full swing and you'll be all that more prepared.
6. Ask your neighbors: Run ads on Craigslist, Freecycle, etc. in your area asking for garden plants and other items.  Many gardeners have extra plants they need thinned in their garden and will gladly share with you if you just come dig 'em out.  This is a great way to get berry starts, perennial herbs, and many flowers.  Ask now and follow-up later. 
7. Plan to have fun: Gardening can be a ton of work but if it's complete drudgery well then it becomes to dread instead of something to look forward too.  When you're hitting those seed catalogs allow yourself to buy something fun or impractical just to see what will happen.  If you have kids, give them the chance to plant a row of whatever they want.  My own father did this to us and it planted a life-long love of gardening and plants in me. 

Happy Garden Planning to you! 

Storage Tips for After the Holidays

Re-post from December 2009 with a few added items...

* Store display items together - Such as...do you have a holiday village you put out? Pack them all together so that you aren't going through 5 different boxes just to get that village scene out and up next year. All garland, ornaments and lights for the tree should be stored together. All the decorations that go to a specific room or area packed together such as all the guest bathroom decorations are packed together.

* Save boxes or create ideal storage - I am one of those people that can't stand to save boxes normally. But for holiday items it can come in handy. Do you have a nativity scene with small pieces? Having a box that they fit in perfectly with the other pieces help keep them safe as well as together. Some ornaments are similar - just fit really well into their original box. Boxes might break down over the years so it is impossible to save them any longer, so create your own storage such as gluing plastic cups on to cardboard so that each ornament fits in one and isn't crushing or scraping against others. Or using or making sock divider as many ornaments fit nice in those too. Use egg cartons for small ornaments.

* Label everything - There is a piece of garland I hang in our dining room that just fits. I put that in one of those big big ziplocks and labeled it. Label plastic tubs that have tree decorations or the decorations for the kitchen and so on.

* Holiday Lights - Use a piece of cardboard, a paper towel or gift wrap tubing (cut down) or the original box to wind the lights around. I wind the lights around the whole box and then tuck the ends into the inside of the box. 

* Tool Kit - I have floral wire that I only use for my holiday wreath, thin ribbon that I use to attach Christmas tree ornaments, ornament hooks, spare lights and fuses - all in a little plastic pencil box that gets labeled and also stored with holiday items.

* Storage and Planning for next year - Right now everything fits perfectly into the tubs I have - there can't be one more thing bought. So I need to start thinking of how I will need to store things differently next year as I am sure I will have more holiday decorations. Are there things I can get rid of now? Donate? Repurpose for another holiday? Maybe I want to use the new wreath I bought so the old one can be maybe recycled/recreated for another holiday.

* Time to Save on purchases for next year - After-holiday sales are a great way to save on greeting cards, wrapping paper, decorations, ornaments, lights and storage solutions. Check what you might need a few days before Christmas and make a list of things want to purchase.

* Create a holiday planning book - write down recipes, menus, treats made, decorating things that worked and didn't work, guest and gift lists, what you would like to do next year, measurements that are important - such as you might need a new table cloth next year so write down the size you need while looking for after-holiday sales or any other useful information. Did a certain brand of cranberries work better in your cranberry salad this year? Did you run short on cider? What was a hit on the menu? Did the table centerpiece looks better this year then it ever has? Make a notes and include pictures or anything else that might be helpful. Such as I used Yukon gold potatoes one year so included the tag from the potatoes so I knew which brand I used so I could repeat that for each year after for Christmas dinner.

Before the craziness starts...

I realized something this year in talking with some friends.

Not everyone uses spreadsheets to track gift purchases (and budgets) year over year. Or sorts out their weekly menus on the spreadsheet with the corresponding grocery list attached. Or prides themselves on being finished with their holiday shopping and wrapping by early Dec.

I do. I find peace in the organization and structure. Honestly, if I was still wrapping (or buying) gifts at the last minute, I'd be very stressed out.

I have activities planned for the kids and family for each day they are here. I don't do last minute shopping. My pre-holiday baking is done on a schedule. I'll stock up on Christmas wrapping, cards, and ornaments the day after Christmas and already have purposes for them when I pack them up for next year.

This is pretty consistent to how I approach caring for the home. It's all on spreadsheets or on mobile apps. I clean as I go, which means someone cooking in the kitchen with me may find their 'stirring spoons' are cleaned up a few moments after they set them down. When I'm cleaning up the first meal, I'm already planning for two meals down.

I'm not in the moment.
I'm ten steps ahead.
When something unexpected happens, I'm already thinking of how that will impact things down the road.

While in some ways that means I'm an excellent, thoughtful hostess... it also means I'm flitting around in the background, always cleaning or planning when to take dessert out or when is the optimal time for coffee and tea without over-caffienating our guests so we're not wide awake at 4 am. It does make it hard for me to focus since I'm always scanning a room, checking for trash or empty glasses or plates that may need a refill. I rarely sit for long periods because I'm bustling around. My mind doesn't rest.

On Christmas, however, I do my best to take a few moments where I'm not the unfailing hostess with the perfectly timed agenda. Of the craziest of all days, I want to just let it go, and just be.

Be happy.
Be grateful.
Be hopeful.
Be aware.
Love and be loved.

I encourage you, no matter how family-filled and jam-packed your holidays get, to take a few moments to breathe deeply and let it all go. To recharge, and refocus.

Be in the moment, with all that surrounds you.

I know that it is a struggle for me to do so, but that my family is better served by my doing so.

Happiest of holidays to you and yours.

Shhhhh.... quiet now... over here....

That's right ... shhhhh.... let's be very quiet about this next topic... but know that we have all been there at some point in our life.  Be it Christmas, Hanukkah, Birthday, Anniversary, or simply a gesture of good will from another... we have all been the recipient of sometimes the "unwanted present".  Yes that's right, I dared to say it... unwanted present.

If you've gotten this far in your life never to have received a duplicate, or worse yet horrible simply not appropriate present, you are indeed very lucky and should probably go play the powerball Lotto.

With that pretense out of the way, the question always seems to come up post holiday as to what to do with unwanted holiday gifts.  With that in mind, and because most folks are too polite to speak of this with family and friends (let's face it, none of us want to hurt another person's feelings by expressing we didn't just love that golf sweater Aunt Joni purchased for us, or that blender we received at a bridal shower, right along with 10 other similar blenders) the reality still remains the same... sometimes we have gifts that we can't use, don't like, or otherwise don't know how to dispose of.

Here are some suggestions on how to handle just that situation.

Return the item: If you are fortunate enough to have a gift receipt or other receipt, return the item for store credit or cash.  This is always your first and best option for dealing with an unwanted present.

Re-Selling:  If you aren't able to return, perhaps you know of someone who is looking for the item that you have and is about to go purchase it.  Rather than them purchasing from a store, perhaps they would be willing to purchase the item from you.  Allowing them the much wanted item and you the much wanted cash.  Or if you don't know of someone you can always use sites such as ebay, craigs list, or local groups on sites such as Facebook or twitter, to sell your wares.

Donation:  You can always bank some karma bucks by donating the duplicate or unwanted items to a local charity.  So many charities are looking for all sorts of items and are happy to take new never used items off your hands.

Re-gifting:  This idea does not sit well with me personally, but there are certainly plenty of folks  who utilize this option... the re-gift.  This is where you wrap it up and give it to another unsuspecting individual.  Plenty of people like the re-gifting option so perhaps it works for you.

If none of the above suit your needs, then you could always put it to the curb (I never recommend simply holding onto an unwanted item as your home may then resemble an episode from hoarders).  I'm fairly certain if you don't want to take the time to donate the item that your trash man may very well find a use for the item even if he only donates or sells it himself.

I also recommend in order to avoid the problem of duplicate presents, especially when it comes to things like baby showers, bridal showers, grooms parties, go ahead and register somewhere so that people know the things you need, like, and desire.  This saves everyone a lot of time and effort and the need to do any of the above becomes unnecessary.

So whatever your situation, I hope the above is helpful this holiday season and that your holidays are merry and bright.

Christmas Cheers

During the holidays, there is a lot of baking, cooking and drink mixing that goes on.  Recipes range from simple to very complex.  And while I will make elaborate desserts or side dishes, I have a hard time making drinks that are anything but simple!

Here are two recipes I rely on during the holidays

Egg Nog

(Note: this recipe uses raw eggs.  I have been making the non-alcoholic version for over 30 years.  I have never had a problem  However, if you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system, then you may not want to use this recipe.)

5 egg yolks

3/4 cup sugar

1 cup heavy cream

2 cups milk

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp fresh grated nutmeg (+more for garnish)

1/4 cup spiced rum*

Put eggs, sugar, cream, milk and vanilla in the blender.  Blend on high until smooth and creamy.  Add nutmeg and rum and blend on low till well mixed and frothy.  Pour into glasses/mugs and top with fresh grated nutmeg.  Serves 4.

I use fresh grated nutmeg because it has a better flavor then dried.  If you have never had it, you might find that you want to put it in everything after you try it!

Warm Cider and Rum Punch

(This recipe comes from Martha Stewart's Every Day Food, December 2010)

8 cups apple cider

1 apple sliced thinly

1 orange sliced thinly

2 cinnamon sticks

1 inch section of peeled ginger

2 cups dark rum*

Combine all ingredients in a pot and place over high heat.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer about 5 minutes.  Remove from heat and add 2 cups rum.  

*For both recipes I used Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum.  I prefer it to dark rum, but that is just my preference!

Creating Vinaigrettes

Vinaigrettes are so easy to make and are all about flavor.  Building amazing flavor to add to a salad.  Bring a salad to a meal at the holidays is always a fresh choice when we are eating such rich foods.

1.  Start with finely chopped ginger, onion, capers, shallot, garlic or herbs.  Honey, Dijon mustard or soy sauce also add great flavor.  Salt and pepper are always needed too for seasoning.
2. A vinaigrette needs acid - which comes from the vinegar....add red or white wine, sherry, cider or balsamic vinegar or lemon or lime juice will also work as an acid.
3. Add oil - olive oil is what I use the most, but safflower, vegetable or peanut oil. I like to do 2 to 1 ration or 3 to 1.  1 part acid or 2 to 3 parts of oil.
4. Mix - shake in a jar,  combine in a blender or  whisk in a bowl (don't use a metal bowl as it reacts to the acid and throws the taste of it off.)   I like using a jar and then just store it in for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Combinations to try:
* Garlic, thyme, Djon mustard, red-wine vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil
* Shallot, cilantro, roasted jalapeno, lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil
* Shallot, honey, orange zest, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil
* Shallot, tarragon, sherry vinegar, extra virgin olive oil
* Balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil
* Oregano, parsley, garlic, white wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil
* Ginger, garlic, honey mustard, soy sauce, rice vinegar, extra virgin olive oil
* Raspberry Jam,  honey mustard, white wine or balsamic vinegar,  extra virgin olive oil

Friday Favorites

How to blanch Vegetables - a basic for cooking, but something really I at times forget how to do

Last Minute Homemade Food Gifts - a list of some homemade gifts that you might have ingredients right in your house. Want to point out that I made Katie's Coffee Liqueur as my last minute gift and just stuck a tag on it saying "good after" with a little calendar on it and the date circled. Great last minute gift! It TASTES so good too! I had some last night and it was FAB!

Peppermint Bark Cookies - just look so festive and yummy!

Hostess Do's and Don't  - from Martha Stewart

Snowman Ornaments - a little craft to do with kids

Mocha Roasted Almonds

These yummy snacks make great party fare, awesome little treats for gift baskets, and truly yummy snacks to keep in the office drawer.  I imagine you could easily swap any nuts for almonds if you liked something else better.

Mocha Roasted Almonds

• 4 Cups Whole Almonds
• 2 Egg Whites, Beaten
• 1 teaspoon Coffee Liqueur or Vanilla Extract
• 3/4 Cup Brown Sugar
• 2 Tablespoons Cocoa Powder
• 2 teaspoons Instant Espresso Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt

Preheat oven to 275 degrees.

Mix together brown sugar, cocoa powder, instant espresso, and salt.  Beat together the egg whites and coffee liqueur until frothy.  Pour the egg white mixture over the almonds and toss together, add the spice mixture and stir until the nuts are coated.

Spread onto a parchment paper / silicone sheet lined baking sheet.  Bake for 45 minutes giving the nuts a stir every 10 to 15 minutes.  Allow to cool before storing in an airtight container. 

Buttery Rolls

I made these rolls for Thanksgiving and will make them again for Christmas.  They will be my standard go-to roll recipe from now on because they had such a great buttery flavor and held their shape and texture so well.  

3 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour or bread flour
2 teaspoons instant yeast
2 tablespoons potato flour or 1/4 cup instant potato flakes
2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
4 tablespoons soft butter
2/3 cup lukewarm water
1/2 cup lukewarm milk

Topping
2 tablespoons melted butter

Combine all of the dough ingredients in a large bowl, and mix and knead — using your hands, a stand mixer, or a bread machine set on the dough cycle — to make a soft, smooth dough.

If you use your hands or a mixer instead of a bread machine - place the dough in a lightly greased container — an 8-cup measure works well here. Cover the container, and allow the dough to rise for 60 to 90 minutes, until it's just about doubled in bulk.

Take the dough from the container or bread machine and gently deflate the dough. Transfer it to a lightly greased work surface.

Divide the dough into 16 equal pieces, by dividing in half, then in halves again, etc. Round each piece into a smooth ball.

Lightly grease with butter or cooking spray two 8" round cake pans. Space 8 rolls each pan. You can use use 9" round cake pans or a 9" x 13" pan, but, the rolls won't be spaced as close together, so their sides will be a bit more baked.

Cover the pans, and allow the rolls to rise till they're crowded against one another and puffy, about 60 to 90 minutes. Towards the end of the rising time, preheat the oven to 350°F.

Uncover the buns, and bake them for 22 to 24 minutes, until they're golden brown on top and the edges of the center roll spring back lightly when you touch it. 

Remove the buns from the oven, and brush with the melted butter. After a couple of minutes, turn them out of the pan onto a cooling rack.

Serve warm. Store leftovers well-wrapped, at room temperature.

Yield: 16 buns.

Menu planning for a week of family

My holidays mean I'll be having lots of extra visitors in the house during the week of Christmas to New Years. Specifically, in our case, we'll have a future mother-in-law, three tweens, and several out of town guests staying with us. For me, hostessing will not only mean keeping the house clean, laundry caught up and having several evenings where we host game nights or holiday events, but managing all the meals-- and this is during my "vacation". No small feat.

So I've started to plan out meals, taking into consideration any dietary restrictions and allergies as well as family traditions. I also started to make ahead a few things so I can whip them out of the freezer and into the oven while entertaining guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why plan ahead? It allows me to make sure we're eating healthy, balanced meals even in the midst of the holidays. It keeps me from being on autopilot and serving chicken for four days straight. And it helps to eliminate last minute runs to the grocery for forgotten ingredients for spur of the moment dinners. I even plan how to use the leftovers creatively so it's not just a case of "last night's dinner... warmed up". Best of all, it saves money and time.

Getting started:

• I use spreadsheets. :) The first page has a week's worth of days, broken down into meals (even breakfast) and allowing for afternoon snacks and a dessert. I insert direct links to recipes if I plan on using one specific one. The second page is the grocery list that will be generated from the meal plan.
• I check the pantry, fridge and deep freeze inventory first. If there's anything I already have on hand that I want to use, I populate the spreadsheet accordingly. I don't want to buy anything I already have on hand... especially during the holidays.
• I check my grocery ads to see if there's any specials I want to take into account when selecting recipes.
• I plan on buying once, using twice. If hamburger's on bulk sale, I may make half of the ground meat into tacos one night and save the rest for slow cooker sloppy joes, but brown up all the meat at once and THEN divvying it up into the two batches for separate meals. Leftover roasted chicken can be shredded for a tortilla soup for later in the week, or a quick chicken salad with pita chips... so I tend to roast extra because I already have uses for the leftovers in mind.
• Look for common ingredients in different recipes so you can buy once for multiple dishes.
• I also plan out my hors d'oevres when having people over to be sure I'm not missing anything.
• I pull out my tried and true recipes, but usually add in one or two new ones to keep it interesting for me. Pinterest is a good resource. So is epicurious. If they are available, I always read the reviews to see if there's something to account for it making the recipe (did the majority of the people complain about not enough seasoning? Is the cooking time off?)

Getting into it:

• I make ahead casseroles the week or two before, double up the recipe and freeze the extras into smaller portions so that it's a great side to pull out and just stick in the oven. Rice broccoli casserole freezes well. Baked mac and cheese does as well. You can also freeze twice baked potatoes. That way, all I need to do is roast up some meat, toss together a quick salad or steam up a bag of veggies and I'm all set. My prep work has been halved... and so has my cleanup.
• Fresh herbs brighten and refresh frozen dishes you prepared in advance. Frozen lasagna? Chop up fresh basil and parsley to sprinkle onto it before serving.
• My recipes for banana bread and pumpkin breads always seem to make two loaves, so I wrap them up well and freeze them. Same with muffins. I defrost the day before for a quick breakfast- I usually have some yogurt, fresh juice and fruit to complement the breads and they can help themselves to breakfast while I am sleeping in :)
• I cook what I can for Christmas dinner in advance so that the actual work on that day is minimal. I want to be refreshed and focused on family.
• I have quick standbys in case things don't work out. I tend to grill up extra chicken breasts for my own salads so I always have extra on hand. In my case, it's salad with grilled chicken and the always present frozen bags of steamable veggies. I also have homemade soups frozen in smaller batches on hand for a quick meal of salad, soup, and crusty bread.

Simple Desserts:

• I have a homemade pound cake in the freezer, waiting to be defrosted. My menu plan gives me the head's up when to defrost it so that it's thawed for the next day's dessert. Fresh berries and whipped cream are a quick complement.
• Each time I made Christmas cookies, I held back a dozen or so of each recipe to freeze in small balls with cooking instructions Sharpied onto the ziplock bag. I can bake as many or as few as I want- straight out of the freezer and onto the baking pan, and have a variety of fresh cookies made by the time I've made the eggnog or hot cider.
• I also keep vanilla ice cream and a 2 liter of root beer on hand for rootbeer floats (possibly one of the simplest treats out there).

Holiday Themed Pot Luck Party

If you are anything like Himself and I (and our littles) the month of December is a whirl wind of busy and it feels as if you are always on the go.  This year I am determined to change that up a bit and carve out some time to enjoy friends.  We are always so busy with family obligations and commitments that we don't spend nearly enough time with our "family of our choosing"... our friends.

So this year I got the bright idea (hopefully so?) to host a holiday themed pot luck party.  I wanted to do a theme, to kind of create some fun and excitement around an ordinary pot luck.  So we decided upon Christmas Around The World.  Each family coming is bringing a different dish from an area of the world that is traditionally made at either Christmas or Hanukkah.  It should turn out to be a tasty evening for sure.

When throwing a pot luck you can either let the menu be carved out by the individuals ideas of what to bring (be aware, however, this can lead to everyone bringing a pie or a plate of cookies), or you can assign different dishes that you want people to bring (some people resent being told what to bring), or you can put guidelines or a theme.  (this is my preferred method).

In the case of our theme from Christmas around the World, I instructed 1/3 of my guests to make an appetizer , 1/3 to bring a main dish, and 1/3 to bring a dessert.  I allowed each of them to choose what region from around the world (this should make it fun).  They are also going to bring copies of their recipes in case others enjoy the dish and want to make it at home.

We are also doing a White Elephant exchange (also known as Yankee swap, gettem keepem, and a whole host of other names).  Essentially you set a dollar limit for a gift.  Everyone attending brings one gift.  you don't label who anything is from.  Then you draw a names or numbers from a hat to determine the order that people pick a gift from.  You can then either pick a gift from under the tree, or pick one that was already picked.  We have a rule (some don't use this rule) that you can't "re-pick" a gift more than twice.  So when a gift is picked a total of 3 times, its with it's final home.

The advantage to hosting a pot luck with a White Elephant type of exchange, is it lowers the cost of parties for all involved, everyone gets to enjoy a variety of good food, gifts, and camaraderie, and you aren't on the hook for the entire event.  A win for everyone.

It does take a little bit of organization prior to the party but you won't regret that effort spent when you are enjoying a fun evening with friends.

If you've never hosted a pot luck party, here are some links you might find useful to guide you in your first endeavor.

How to Throw a Holiday Potluck Party

Pot Luck Themes

How to host a potluck

10 crowd pleasing pot luck themes

Hope your next potluck or first potluck as the case may be turns out to be just as much fun as I'm sure we will be having this month with ours.

Andes Mint Brownies

I was going to do a great post this week about making homemade Egg Nog, but I've been under the weather and haven't really felt up to it.  I promise, however, I shall post it NEXT SUNDAY and how appropriate since it will be right before Christmas?  And we will all need a drink to celebrate surviving the Mayan Apocalypse!

This week, I needed to come up with something FAST for a holiday party at work.  Something EASY.  So I  made...

Andes Mint Brownies

Ingredients:

One box of ANY Brownie Mix.

Whatever ingredients you need to make those (usually 1-2 eggs, vegetable oil, water)

2-4 boxes of Andes Mints (my boxes had 28 mints each)

Following the directions on the box, make the brownies!  I used Duncan Hines Milk Chocolate Brownies for mine, but whatever is to your taste, as long as they are not frosted brownies.  While they are cooking, unwrap your Andes Mints and try not to eat all of them!  For my recipe, I used a 9x9 pan and I used a box and half (42 mints).

After the brownies are done baking, and while they are still hot, lay the mints across the surface of the brownies.  As you are laying them across, the heat from the brownies will make them melt.  When you have the desired amount of mints melting on your brownies, take a small spatula ans spread the melted mints across the top of the brownies.  Again, for a 9x9 pan, I used 42, use more if you want a thicker layer.   If you are using a 9x13 pan you will probably want at least 3 boxes.

And that is all!  Cool and serve!

(Sorry I don't have a picture of the brownies but well, by the time I thought of it... they were 3/4 gone!)  They were a big hit in my office!

10 Tips for Cooks

1. Keep knives sharp - trying to cut through caramels or meat with a dull knife isn't easy and wastes your time when especially in time such as the holidays when people get so busy. 

2. Cleaning up as you cook always saves time and keeps things more organized.

3. Always read through recipe before cooking.  It is better to know ahead of time that a recipe has to chill for 24 hours before baking so that you don't waste time.

4. Put the oldest first in the pantry and fridge.  Making sure you use the oldest items first so you aren't throwing things out because they were buried in the back of the fridge saves you money.

5. Don't try a new recipe or use a new ingredient for important people like a boss, a date or fiances parents. Try a tried and true recipe for those kind of occasions. 

6. A recipe is just a guideline. If you don't like thyme, but like another herb make some substitutions for things you like.

7. Taste before you serve so you know if it needs something else - like salt or pepper.

8. Do prep - the night or day before.

9. Make extras so that you can freeze it for a later time.

10.  Music on, shoes off,  glass of wine in hand, singing and dancing as you cook - enjoy your time in the kitchen.

Friday Favorites

DIY Cleaners and Water - it is a really good read. I know that when I started out making my own cleaners, I used water straight from the tap, but somewhere along the way I read something about distilled water and it was a moment that  made complete sense to me, but never had thought about it before. By the way - the whole Crunchy Betty site has so much good info for trying to live more sustainable. 

DIY Hostess Gift - this is a cute and inexpensive gift to make

Vintage Christmas Stickers - free printable 

Spicy Gingerbread Cookies with Citrus Glaze - these look so yummy to me just not sure they will make it the list this year, but maybe next year. 

Party Planning Free Printables - looks like some good worksheets to plan a party

Coffee Liqueur Two Ways

Looking for a quick last minute gift idea or just a way to fill up your liquor cabinet in a frugal manner?  Here is two ways to make coffee liqueur depending on the time you have available:

Coffee Liqueur - 1 Month Method

• 1 Vanilla Bean, split and chopped fine
• 2 Cups Sugar
• 2 Cups Water
• 1/2 Cup Instant Coffee
• 1 1/2 Cups Vodka

Combine the chopped vanilla bean and sugar in a saucepan, add 1 and 1/2 cups water and simmer for 10 minutes.  Combine the instant coffee with 1/2 cup water and stir until dissolved.  Add the dissolved coffee to the sugar syrup and allow to cool.  Add the vodka and let steep in a cool dark place for one month.  Strain the vanilla bean and bottle for gift giving or drinking.

Coffee Liqueur - 3 Day Method

• 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
• 2 Cups Sugar
• 2 Cups Water
• 1/2 Cup Instant Coffee
• 1 1/2 Cups Vodka

Combine the sugar and 1 and 1/2 cups water in a saucepan, simmer for 10 minutes.  Combine the instant coffee with 1/2 cup water and stir until dissolved.  Add the dissolved coffee to the sugar syrup and allow to cool.  Add the vodka and vanilla extract.  Let flavors marry for three days in a cool dark place.  Bottle for gift giving or drinking.

After the Party

The party has ended and now you have lot of leftover food, wine and decorations.  Here are some ideas to help you use them in other ways....

1. Food
* Omelets, Quiche or Frittata - leftover veggie trays, sandwich meats, sausage, and cheese
* Chips or Bread - leftover chips or left over bread can be ground into crumbs and frozen to use on the tops of casseroles
* Dips - use in a casserole or as a sandwich spread 

2. Wine
* Freeze left over wine in an ice cube tray to use in recipes later. Such as stew in the slow cooker.
* Pour wine into a smaller bottle and recork.
* Make a mulled wine syrup to serve on top of pancakes, ice cream or fruit 

3. Decorations 
* Use ornaments and garland for wrapping gifts 
* Christmas lights - are great fairy lights to use all year around the house 
* Wreaths can be converted to holiday wreaths for other holidays or celebrations 
* Greens - evergreen tree, wreaths, garland can be used to decorate packages or pine needs used to protect flowerbeds or garden during the cold months.

Purging before the New Year

The New Year means a clean slate to me; a chance to create memories for the upcoming year; a fresh start and room to breathe and be. It is a chance to let go of all the baggage and 'stuff' we've been carrying around that we no longer need.

And of course, the New Year comes directly after a month of receiving new gifts and pulling out once-a-year items for limited use. Now, I don't want to start cleaning the slate on New Year's Day. I want it already clean, organized and ready to go when we let go of the old year and welcome in the new one.

Which means... the time between Thanksgiving and New Year's is when I make the time for cleaning, organization, repairing, donating and purging. Impossible, during the holidays? I say no, if you break it down into smaller tasks and do a "clean as you go" sort of approach.

Some tips:

• Make a list of goals to accomplish. Be clear. Be realistic. Estimate the supplies needed and the amount of time it should take. Schedule them as you can. Also, make sure to schedule relaxation time to counter all this uberproductivity.
• I use Remember The Milk to schedule in bursts of cleaning/purging amidst all the holiday stuff, even if it is 7 consecutive days of 60 minute cleaning sessions out in the garage. RTM also has handy apps to track your tasks and to-do lists on the go. I'd rather do small projects for 45-60 minutes each day for a few weeks than to set aside a week of hard core cleaning at the end.
• Got a spare evening while you are watching holiday movies? Pull out your makeup bags and sort through it. Purge anything outdated or expired. Then set up an automatic calendar reminder to do it again in 6 months.
• Pinterest is a good resource for cute, DIY organization ideas.
• Now is a good time to donate anything from toys to coats to food to used furniture. If you aren't using it, haven't used it in the last two years and you know it is still good and serviceable, consider calling a local charity to donate. Save your receipt if you need it for filing taxes.
• If you have clothing or items set aside for repair.... now is the time to either get them repaired or call it quits. *Especially* if they've been out of commission longer than 6 months.
• Check when your local trash service picks up bulk items, and schedule accordingly.
• If I bring gifts for others into the home, I mark them off my gift list, store the receipts, wrap as soon as possible and get them to their owners if they are being mailed out and gifted. There is no need for them to sit in the house any longer than necessary. 
• In the same spirit- make room for new gifts and put them away in their designated space. If you need to make room on a bookshelf for new books, find a few you will not read again and take them to a half price bookstore or donate them (or give to a friend who you think will enjoy them). If you receive new clothes, check to see if there's any existing clothes in your closet you no longer wear or have outgrown to make the room for the new items.
• Purge through holiday ornaments/trinkets/knick knacks as you pull them out to decorate. Check them over for any damage to be repaired or assessed for purging. Get rid of any items you don't like/don't want/don't use... even if you are holding onto it for sentimental reasons, ask yourself how important it is to you in the long run, given the current condition it is in. Only you can make that call, but it's common for people to hang on to "stuff" they'll never use out of sheer habit alone.
• Label your storage boxes for holiday gear. Take the time to wrap up the ornaments and knickknacks when you are done, and wind the lights with care. I tend to stock up on new wrapping paper, gift boxes/labels/ribbons, decor, cards and ornaments on Dec. 26th when they are on clearance, and will list everything out on the label when packing up seasonal items. I also tuck new scotch tape and extra scissors in with all of the wrapping gear so I don't have to scrounge around looking for it next year. 
• I try to have the decorations down and in their place by New Year's Eve- the first weekend of January if absolutely necessary. Once I'm done with the holiday, I'm ready to move on.
• When you receive greeting cards, verify the address to make sure you have the most recent location in your records. Track who you receive cards from, and who you are mailing ones to.
• If you need to, farm out the heavier cleaning or tasks. If you only splurge once a year on a cleaning service, this may be your time to do so without guilt. The holidays can be the most stressful times of year, particularly with guests and additional entertaining and it may be worth it to remove extra stress. Look for local groupons for discounts, or ask friends for recommendations for cleaning services. Decide if you want to handle the basic cleaning, and ask them to do the heavier once-or-twice a year chores, or if you want them to come in and handle everything for you.
• I try to air out the house as best as possible when I'm doing that end of year cleaning.. that will depend on your climate but if it's possible to do so, I find it helps.

Good luck!