Thanksgiving...Better Late Than Never

Although my Thanksgiving recap is a few days past due, I thought that it was better late than never to post about our time with the in-laws in central PA.  After running five miles, we jumped in the car on Thursday morning and drove to Juniata County to visit Fred's family for a homemade, Pennsylvania Dutch-inspired meal that was second to none.  

To start, I brought over one of my favorite recipes ever...Ina's Rosemary Cashews.  I know I've mentioned them before, but they are super easy and a crowd pleaser every time.

My mother-in-law picked up this pumpkin-shaped bread at a local bakery near her.  Under all of the orange color, it was basically a country white bread in disguise. 

Beth {my sister-in-law} told me to bring something "green" for the table, so I tossed up an arugula salad with feta, pear, candied walnuts, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, and dried cranberries with a homemade dressing. 

Ready, set go...time to eat!

The abundance of desserts was overwhelming, including this gorgeous coconut cream pie courtesy of my mother-in-law. 

We stayed overnight and this was the morning view from their front porch.  It was breathtaking.

On the way home, we made a quick stop for gas, coffee, and breakfast.  I settled for a ham and cheese sandwich on a pretzel roll.  Not very healthy, I know.   

On Sunday, my sister hosted a "Thanksgiving" dinner for my side of the family since we weren't together on the actual holiday.  Before we ate, my mom and dad presented us with framed t-shirts of our most notable races in college.  Since we are both now members of the Moravian College Hall of Fame, they wanted to do a little something to show how proud they are of us. 

My sister will be the first one to tell you that she isn't the best cook in the kitchen, but the meal was tremendous, regardless of what she may think.

Yesterday I went to New York City with my mom and daughter to see the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall.  Stay tuned tomorrow for more on that fabulous trip!   

Top 10: Why I Am Looking Forward to Thanksgiving {Already}

Thanksgiving is a mere week away and there are many reasons why I am looking forward to this late fall celebration.  Move over David Letterman, here are my top ten reasons why I love this time of year…

10.  Deals!  Who doesn’t love to shop, especially when there are deals?  I normally don’t wake up at 3am to head to the local Target for the toy of the season…that’s just not me.  But in my experience, stores still have their Black Friday prices later on in the day, minus the crazy crowds and pushy shoppers.  

9.  Holiday Specials: Even though my cheesy Christmas movies began last week, their playing time gets amped up after turkey day.  I am a sucker for the Lifetime and Hallmark channels around this time of year, and I freely admit that I see almost every new release that is aired. 

8.  Mini-vacation from work: I have so much that I would like to do at home and these few days off will help me get them done.

7.  Decking the Halls {and home}: The weekend after Thanksgiving has traditionally been my time to get the house ready for the holidays and I look forward to it every year.  My theory is this: I spend a considerable amount of time decorating, so why not have my house looking festive for as long as possible?  

6. Blog Renovation: Something that has been on my to-do list for a while is to redo the overall look of this blog.  I have some ideas in my head, but I just need the time to execute them.  Hopefully #8 will allow me to spend the time needed to start this process. 

5. Pumpkin sangria: I have been meaning to make sangria that involves pumpkin liquor, apples and oranges all season because it sounds so tasty and that is exactly what I plan on doing over the next week.  

Taken from Food Network -- Sandra Lee's Pumpkin Sangria

4.  More time to run:  Running is normally one of my priorities, but sometimes I have to step out the door at inopportune times.  Having a few days off will allow me to run at a normal time in the morning, rather that at 6am, or afterschool when I am tired from my day at work.  Plus, I will even have time to stretch afterwards!! 

3.  Spending time with family:  I love having meals and celebrating with my friends and family.  This year, we will be heading to central PA for a Thanksgiving feast with the in-laws and I am looking forward to that since we rarely get to see them. 

2.  NYC Christmas Spectacular:  My mom and I will be taking my daughter to see the Christmas Spectacular at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall.  I’m not sure who is more excited, Payton or me.  I love the city, especially when all of the stores and streets are decorated for Christmas, and I know Payton will love the whole experience as well.  I’ve been holding off a trip to New York with her because she wasn’t quite old enough to enjoy it.  Now, I think she is going to have an amazing time! 

1.  Eating, of course! What better time of year to eat scrumptious food is there than Thanksgiving??  Turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, pie...the list goes on and on.  But before I partake in the amazing feast, I always make sure to go for a run first.  It helps to eliminate some of the guilt!  

So there you have it…my top ten reasons why I am looking forward to the long Thanksgiving break.  A little early to be this excited?  Probably, but what can I say?   

What are your reasons?  I’d love to hear them!!