Another Erma Bombeck Quote

What we're really talking about is a wonderful day set aside on the 4th Thursday of November when no one diets. I mean, why else would they call it Thanksgiving?
Erma Bombeck

When a child is locked in the bathroom with water running and he says he's doing nothing, but the dog is barking, call 911.
Erma Bombeck

I'm now back home in Canada and I am going to miss the American Thanksgiving. But there is no reason why I can't celebrate them both... one in October for Canada and one in November for my second home. :)  I think that I like this idea!!

Have a great Thanksgiving

Just want to wish all of my Canadian friends a great Thanksgiving Weekend. Enjoy all that it has to offer!

How to Avoid Over-Eating at Thanksgiving

It seems a whole lot easier to gain weight than it is to take it off, but I found a way when I wasn't even trying. And it might have turned out to be the best thing I ever did.

* Eat every three hours approaching the big dinner. You probably have gotten into the habit by now as I have mentioned this little trick in previous articles. So, during the day, be sure to stick with the snacks every three hours. By the time dinner is served, you will be happy to sample the gorgeous dishes without needed monster sized helping. (Peanut butter on a couple of Arrowroot cookies is one of my favorites!)


* If you have the opportunity to contribute something to the get-together, bring a selection of chopped veggies. It makes it easy for you to snack and I'm sure that there will be a lot of grateful friends and relatives that will be pleased at the choice you have given them!

* You most likely have no control over the size of your plate if you are invited out to dinner, so simply fill your plate with items that contain the least amount of calories. That probably means lots of veggies that aren't soaked in butter or covered in sauce.

* I know that dinner rolls are a tempting part of any dinner, but if you are trying to watch your calories, pass on the bread and butter. That leaves a few calories left over for dessert!

* Dessert... it's a special day so I say go for it, but ask for a tiny portion and a cup of coffee. There's nothing quite like a slice of pumpkin pie and a cup of coffee to end the festive day.

Have a great Thanksgiving!!

Decorating With Candles... for Thanksgiving

You probably had no idea how much mileage you could get with a few candles. Be prepared to be very surprised at how many different ways you can decorate with a few candles and some simple ideas.
We are in the dining room and it's looking kind of boring. You don't want to spend a lot to decorate but you do want to create some atmosphere. Probably the easiest way to get the most mileage for your decorating dollar is to grab some candles and fancy them up!

1. Start with a fat round candle and then pick up some Indian corn... real or picked up at your favorite craft store. Glue in place using a hot glue gun and then tie a ribbon around the entire candle and tie with a bow.

2. Sort out some of your smaller glasses. You are going to use them to hold candles. When you have chosen the glasses, sink in a small votive candle into the center and then fill with acorns. Not a fan of acorns... how about bird seed?

3. Take three candles that fit in with your color scheme. Tie them with a matching color ribbon and then sit a charger that is a few tones deeper. Scatter the charger with some metal glitter for a bit of bling!!

4. Center a hurricane lamp in the center of the table and place a plain white candle inside and then fill with toffee. Don't ask me why... but it really works!

5. Here is another really simple way to show off a plain candle. This time, choose a pale brown candle and then nestle it on a bed of coffee beans. Not only is the color very rustic, your centerpiece smells good too!

6. If you have some colorful leaves still lying on the ground, make a watery glue and "glue" them to the candle. To continue the theme of the leaves... sprinkle some fake leaves down the center of the table.

7. Another idea to fancy up a plain candle is to wrap them with ribbon. Choose a color that fits in with your holiday and tie a bow. In a pinch, even curling ribbon will work nicely and you don't have to worry about managing a perfect bow!!

tags: thanksgiving, decorating for Thanksgiving, using candles to decorate the home

How To Set a Table

Just in case you are thinking ahead to Thanksgiving. Did she do everything right? The video is right here!

"Setting a formal table is more than just knowing where the salad fork goes. It's paying attention to the small details that add up to a gracious experience."