Today’s New to Me 2021 Recipe: Filet of Beef

New year, new recipes! That was my motto for the start of this new year! Cooking dinner 6-7 nights per week is getting old. I miss the pre-Covid days when my husband and I would have date nights, nights out with friends, or Sunday family dinner at my parents’ house. When the late fall and winter months started, and we stopped eating out, I felt like I was making the same recipes every week- they were good recipes, but I was looking for new ones to make cooking dinner an exciting event again. I am off to a good start and thought I should share these new recipes that I am definitely saving for my recipe rotation ! They were all a success and easy to make. Most of the recipes were found online, from some of my favorite and famous chefs, thank you for always sharing and motivating us to try new recipes!

The recipes I will be sharing over the next seven blog posts include Filet of Beef (which my husband made for us!), Warm Lobster Salad Rolls (my husband made these too!), Rigatoni Bolognese, Sheet Pan Vinegar Chicken and new side recipes including Internet Famous Crispy Potatoes, Simple Green Beans and Roasted Artichoke Hearts.

Today’s New to Me 2021 Recipe: Filet of Beef

This recipe is compliments of Ina Garten on http://www.foodnetwork.com (Thank you!)

Ingredients: 1 whole filet of beef (4 to 5 pounds) trimmed and tied from butcher, 2 Tbsp unsalted butter at room temperature, 1 Tbsp kosher salt, 1 Tbsp ground black pepper

Directions (including extra tips that worked for us) :
1. Preheat oven to 500 degrees F.
2. Sprinkle a thick layer of kosher salt on the bottom of the pan (this tip helps reduce the roast from smoking in the oven).
3. Place beef on a rack in a roasting pan.
4. Spread butter all over the beef with hands.

5. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
6. Roast in the oven for approximately 25 minutes for Medium-Rare. Tip: Make sure vent is on to help eliminate smoke from the high temperature oven and drippings.
7. Remove from the oven and cover the whole pan with foil and let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
8. Remove twine and cut into thick steaks.

Traditional Italian Recipes: Almond Biscotti

(Blog Repost)

2018 Holiday Gift Idea List for Women

2018 Holiday Gift Guide for Women 

It’s November, and if you have been to the mall or stores over the last week, you will have seen Christmas decorations and Holiday sales that have already started popping up. As much as I want to avoid it, planning ahead helps make my holidays less stressful. I usually keep a gift ideas list throughout the year, especially before Thanksgiving arrives.  If you are struggling for gift ideas this year for those special women (including tweens and teens too!) in your life, check out the list of ideas I have shared with you. I have included a variety of ideas at different price points. The ideas came from gifts I have given and/or received over the past year. All of the opinions are my own and I was not compensated for the items or to write this blog. Enjoy and Happy Shopping!

O

The Winter Street Series by Elin Hilderbrand

http://www.barnesandnoble

Uncommon Goods  Shades of Blue/Green Sea Glass Necklace

http://www.uncommongoods.com

Bed of Roses Snoozies Slippers

http://www.paperstore.com

I’ve Been Thinking by Maria Shriver

http://www.barnesandnoble.com

Red Envelope Inspire Cross Bracelet

http://www.gifts.com

Succulent Potted Plant

http://www.proflowers.com

Stitch Fix Gift Certificate

http://www.stitchfix.com

L’Occitane Shea Butter Ultra Rich Body Cream

https://www.loccitane.com

Gift Ideas for Tweens and Teens

Ivory Ella Tshirts and Hoodies

http://www.ivoryella.com

FujiFilm Instax Mini

http://www.target.com

Pura Vida Bracelets

http://www.puravidabracelets.com

Firefly Photo Clips

http://www.rue21.com

Bath Bombs

http://www.lush.com

For other gift ideas, visit my blog posts from the past couple of years: A 2017 Holiday Gift Guide for Women and Holiday Gift Guide: For Women

Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing Recipe

Christmas and cookies go hand in hand in our family. This year, my daughter and I were looking for something new and different for us to bake. I had saved this recipe clipping from The Food Network Magazine’s September 2015 edition. It was shared by the winner of The Food Network’s Kids’ Baking Championships, Hollis Johnson. The royal icing was key because we had never decorated cookies with anything other than homemade buttercream or store bought frosting.  Although our original designs were much harder than we thought, we ended up with some cute cookies! Here is the recipe for us to share with you.

From the Home Sweet Mama Mia family, wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year!

Basic Sugar Cookie and Royal Icing Recipe (compliments of The Food Network Magazine, September 2015)

The recipe can be found at https://www.google.com/amp/www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/basic-sugar-cookies-3363929.amp

There’s Still Time to Make the Simplest Gingerbread Houses Before Christmas!

In our family, we cannot believe that Christmas is only 2 weeks! At dinner last night, we made a checklist of our remaining Christmas To-Do’s! My son’s first item was to make our annual Gingerbread Houses! This is one of my favorite Christmas memories with my children. It started back when my daughter was a Girl Scout in Kindergarten, 8 years ago! It is the simplest recipe out there! All you will need are milk or OJ cartons, store bought frosting, candy to decorate it (leftover Halloween candy works perfectly!), graham crackers, and a plastic knife to spread the frosting.

Click my blog link below for the simple step by step directions! Good luck and we hope this becomes one of your family’s Christmas traditions!

Made by Kids for Kids: Gingerbread Houses…the easy way!

Thank you to my daughter’s Girl Scout Troop Leader for sharing this adorable and easy recipe!

A 2017 Holiday Gift Guide for Women

The holidays are here… I cannot believe it! If you’re like me, I try and make my gift shopping list before Thanksgiving arrives , so I can shop for the best deals. If you are struggling for gift ideas this year for those special women in your life, check out the list of ideas I have shared with you.I have included a variety of ideas for many different ages and price ranges. The ideas came from gifts I have given and/or received over the past year. All of the opinions are my own and I was not compensated for the items or to write this blog. Enjoy and Happy Shopping!

Holiday Gift Guide for Women

Joy Susan Mini Crossbody/Wristlet Cluctch ($39, 67 colors available) https://www.joysusan.com

MantraBand Bangle ($25, various colors and messages)  https://www.mantraband.com

Charter Club Double Knit Robe ($39 http://www.macys.com)

Giani Bernini Sterling Silver with 18k Gold Platted 1 1/2 inch Hoops ($80, http://www.Macy’s.com)

Bath and Body 3-Wick Peppermint Candle ($24.50 http://www.bathandbody.com)

The Wisdom of Sundays by: Orpah Winfrey ($27.99, http://www.barnesandnoble.com)

Vera Bradley Fleece Throw  ($49.99, http://www.verabradley.com)

Vera Bradley Toilettrie Bag ($58, various designs available  at Vera Bradley Outlet Stores for discounted prices)

Bliss Body Butter ($12.99, http://www.bliss.com and various retailers including Nordstrom Rack and TJMaxx)

L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream ($12 1oz., various scents, http://www.loccitane.com)

Hand Painted State to State Ornament ($12, http://www.etsy.com Sold by Kathy)

Charcuterie Board Acadia Wood Plank (approx. $10-30, various prices and sizes available at various home decor and kitchen retailers)

A Date Night Gift Basket (various gift card amounts for movie tickets, dinner at restaurant and Movie Sized Candy wrapped inside a popcorn container with yellow shredded paper that looks like popcorn). This was an anniversary gift from my kids to my husband and I this year!

Essential Oil Diffuser and Oil Set (approx. $20-40, available at various retailers)

For other gift ideas for the special women in your life, check out the Guide Guide List I shared during the 2016 Holiday Season. Visit Holiday Gift Guide: For Women

Dreaming of a “White Christmas”?

Well… in case your dreams do not come true, and there is no snow on Christmas Day, check out this activity my 12-year-old daughter planned with my 8-year-old son… make your own snow!

How to Make Snow at Home 
What you will need: 1 cup baking powder, 1/4 cup water, plastic container with lid, cookie sheet, pan or tray with a lip on the side, freezer

Instructions: In a plastic container, combine baking soda with water and mix together. Add to freezer for 15 minutes. Take out and play with snow on tray or pan.

Make Your Own Charcuterie

Charcuterie, or meat and cheese boards, are truly one of my favorite treats to myself when I eat out. I love being able to pick out what cheeses I want to sample, and meats to pick on, or olives from different countries to try. There is a local restaurant that I love  to visit that makes picking my charcuterie a joy! I recently made one for my husband’s’ birthday and thought I would share it on today’s blog as a suggested item for your upcoming holiday events … to serve or to bring.

How to Create a Charcuterie (“pronounced shahr- koo- tur-rtee“)

• The meats and cheeses can be purchased at your local deli or supermarket. I found a variety in the deli case and others freshly sliced at the deli counter. In photo: Parma Prosciutto, Genoa Salami, Sopprassata, Sharp Provolone, Fresh Mozzarella (bocconcini), fresh goat cheese, fig spread, Gaeta olives, Spanish Olives, Kalamata Olives  (not shown here, a variety of 3 crackers).
• Add a variety of soft and hard cheeses and mild and spicy meats.
• Serve along side crispy Italian bread and olive oil or a variety of crackers or bread sticks.
• Accent your cheese board with a variety of olives.
• Serve on a large platter or an actual wooden board, cutting board or plank.
• Makes for a great appetizer, luncheon platter, or open house style buffet.
• Add a fig spread or red pepper jelly to compliment the soft spreadable cheeses.

Reindeer Pancakes – Making Breakfast Fun!

Making your holiday breakfast extra sweet and  fun… Reindeer Pancakes! All you need: 1 large pancake, 1 small pancake, 1 Red M & M, 2 Chocolate Chips and 2 pieces of bacon … Duplicate instructions for each reindeer (child!)… Enjoy!

Thank  you to my brother and Pinterest for sharing this creative idea with us 3 years ago… always a holiday favorite in my family!  

Craft Box: Mason Jar Snowman

My 12-year-old daughter has taken on the holiday craft to-do list this year! Thanks to Pinterest for the inspiration!  Here is one she made last week with my son… Mason Jar Snowman… easy to make and it can “brighten” someone’s spirits this holiday season!

What you will need: Mason jars, Modge Podge, loose craft snow, pipe cleaners (for ear muffs, we used red and white,  but any color works), craft Pom Poms (for ear muffs, we used green and red, but any color works), black buttons (for eyes), orange air-dry clay (for nose), battery-powered votive, hot glue gun, paint or sponge brush

Note: She found each item in our craft box, at a local dollar store and a craft supply store… which made this a very simple and affordable craft! 

Directions: Shape the clay into a “carrot” nose. Glue on the button eyes and clay nose with the hot glue gun.  Paint the Mason jar with Modge Podge. Roll the jar in the snow. Twist selected colors for part of the ear muffs. Using the hot glue gun, glue on the Pom Poms and pipe cleaners to create the ear muffs. Once dry, add the battery- powdered votive. Replace the Mason jar cover.

Gift Ideas: Sweet and Homemade by Kids

At Christmastime, there are always small, thoughtful gifts that my daughter has made for teachers, coaches, advisors, volunteers, family and friends. Today’s blog is a quick snapshot of some of the gifts and treats she has made over the last couple of  years. I hope one will inspire you (or your kids!) to try this year.

Note: Click on website for supplies needed and instructions for each gift idea.

Star Shaped Peppermint Bark

What you will need: Wilton Star Shaped Candy Mold, white (Vanilla) candy melts,candy canes (crushed), cellophane treat bags, labels and ribbon

Directions: Melt candy waters according to package. Pour into candy mold. Crush candy cane inside a Ziploc bag and sprinkle onto each star shape. Place in refrigerator until cooled and hardened. Pop out of mold and add to a treat bag. Add ribbon and label.

Cupcake in a Jar https://homesweetmamamia.wordpress.com/2016/04/13/cupcake-in-a-jar/

Christmas Pretzel Hugs  https://homesweetmamamia.wordpress.com/2016/02/11/sweet-and-salty-valentines-day-treats-repost/

Vanilla Brown Sugar Scrub https://homesweetmamamia.wordpress.com/2015/05/06/vanilla-brown-sugar-scrub-a-mothers-day-gift-for-someone-special/

Candy Cane Sugar Scrub  https://homesweetmamamia.wordpress.com/2015/12/17/diy-candy-cane-sugar-scrub/

Santa Kisses https://homesweetmamamia.wordpress.com/2016/11/28/gift-idea-santa-kisses/

Holiday Cranberry Wine Spritzer

Add a little sweetness to your cocktail selection this holiday season with a Cranberry Wine Spritzer.   I enjoyed this cocktail at my friend’s holiday party last year and then served it at my Thanksgiving Dinner this year. Thank you to Martha Stewart for the simple recipe (and for my friend for serving it to me!) Recipe can be found at https://www.google.com/amp/www.marthastewart.com/329038/cranberry-cocktails%3Famp?client=safari

Cranberry Spritzer : A Wine Cocktail

Ingredients:  Prosecco, 2 1/4 cups of fresh cranberries, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, fresh cranberries as garnish

Directions:

1. Make a cranberry simple syrup: in a small sauce pan, combine water, sugar and fresh cranberries and simmer for approximately 10 minutes. Let cool and strain in a mesh colander.
2. Store in air tight container in refrigerator until ready to serve.
3. To make an individual wine cocktail, pour 1/2 cup of chilled Prosecco and add 1 tbsp of  cranberry simple syrup.  Garnish cocktail with fresh cranberries.

Start a New Christmas Tradition!

One of my favorite Christmas traditions that I have passed onto my children is The Advent Calendar. Some may call it a Christmas Calendar or a Countdown to Christmas … but whatever you refer to it as… it truly is a fun and joyful Christmas tradition in our home!

Here is my family’s Advent Calendar…

My husband and I received Advent Calendar as a Christmas present 14 years ago from my husband’s sister and brother-in-law.

Here is what you do:

1. Find a calendar that fits your style or taste. Many stores and holiday shops have them. Our’s is from Restoration Hardware, which no longer seems to be available per their website. This Christmas, I have seen unique styles at Crate & Barrel, Home Goods, Hobby Lobby, Target and Party City. Make sure the openings are big enough to fit a small treat or prize inside.

2. Fill the calendar with surprises that are appropriate for your childrens’ ages. I fill our’s with their favorite individually wrapped chocolates and candies, dollar bills and coins, and special tokens. The past 2 years, as my children have gotten older, their “special tokens” have been tickets for extra tech time, later bed time, family movie night, pick a treat night, etc. A little extra something special for them to enjoy. Other suggestions for varying ages, plastic rings, bouncey balls, stickers, tattoos, mini-figures, cars, lip gloss, and other mini trinkets.

3. Put the calendar out on display and filled by December 1st! Now that they are older, we have each child take turns opening a door each day (when they were younger, there used to be a rush down to see who could open it first, that did not end well on some mornings!)

Have a Happy Countdown to Christmas!

Gift Idea: Santa Kisses

---

Here is a sweet and simple craft your kids can make as a gift for all of their teachers, coaches and volunteers this Christmas. My daughter found the idea on Pinterest (thanks Pinterest!) last Christmas and surprised me with it on Christmas morning! With a few simple supplies, your kids can also add a little sweetness to someone this Christmas!

What you will need: small Mason jar with cover, white spray paint, black satin ribbon, silver glitter glue, and red foiled Hershey Kisses

Instructions:

1. Spray paint  the Mason jar cover white. Let dry  completely overnight.
2. Using a hot glue gun, glue the ribbon onto the middle of the Mason jar.
3. Using glitter glue, make a “square” to represent Santa’s belt (see photo).
4. Once dried, fill jar with red Hershey Kisses and close jar with painted lid.

Hot Cocoa Cupcakes : A Festive Cupcake Design

This Hot Cocoa Cupcake design is so sweet and simple…yet looks like it was bought from a bakery!

My 11-year-old daughter baked these festive cupcakes for my husband’s birthday this week. She actually saw the cupcake design in a catalogue for Pier 1 Imports this holiday season. It was displayed on one of their festive dishes that was for sale and came up with the recipe by looking at the picture.  Follow these simple instructions below to create your own Hot Cocoa Cupcakes this Christmas or Winter Season.

Ingredients: plain chocolate cupcakes, white frosting (homemade buttercream frosting, store bought vanilla frosting or Cool Whip), mini marshmallows, mini candy canes, and milk chocolate chips, red cupcake liners.

Directions:

1. Bake chocolate cupcakes according to package instructions. Cool completely.
2. Swirl frosting on top of cupcake to resemble whipped cream in a hot cocoa mug. She used homemade buttercream frosting (Recipe here: http://www.wilton.com/buttercream-icing/WLRECIP-41.html ) in a decorating bag with tip.
3. Top each cupcake with mini marshmallows and milk chocolate chips. Crush candy canes and sprinkle on top of each cupcake.
4. Gently place the mini candy cane on the edge of the cupcake to resemble a “mug” handle.

Baker’s Tip: For an easier recipe, use store bought vanilla frosting or Cool Whip and add it to a sealed sandwich bag. Cut the tip of one of the corners of the bag and swirl onto the cupcake.

Have a sweet holiday! See you in the New Year!

DIY Candy Cane Sugar Scrub

My 11-year-old daughter loves to search YouTube for craft ideas. She found this Candy Cane Sugar Scrub and a Vanilla Brown Sugar Scrub Recipe and made small jars for gifts last Christmas. We posted the Vanilla Brown Sugar Scrub Recipe this past Mother’s Day on our blog. We received great feedback and now we wanted to share the Candy Cane Sugar Scrub,  a perfect gift to give this Christmas!

This Candy Cane Sugar Scrub is a homemade remedy for those dry, rough hands, with a great scent! I keep my own jar by the kitchen sick and use it daily.

Thanks to YouTube RachhLoves (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZGVYSloIMs)  for this wonderful idea and recipe that inspired my daughter to make this craft gift! (Note: Adult assistance may be needed for younger children).

Candy Cane Sugar Scrub

Ingredients: 3 1/2 cups sugar, 1 cup LIGHT olive oil, 3-4 tsp peppermint extract, 4 tsp coconut oil (melted), red food coloring, small jars/container with sealed covers, ribbon, gift tags or sticker labels (optional). Note: This recipe makes approximately 6 – 0.5 oz gift container or 1 large glass jar.

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon.
2. Scoop portions into small individual jars for gifts or into one larger jar to keep for yourself!
3. Add a ribbon, tag or label.
4. Optional : For a real candy cane effect, split the completed recipe in half and add a few drops of red food coloring to 1/2 and stir. As you scoop the sugar scrub into the jars, alternate the red (pink) and white sugar scrub to make it look like a candy cane.

Scrub Instructions: Use a small amount and scrub on hands, heels, or elbows. Rinse off with warm water. Repeat daily.

For the Vanilla Brown Sugar Scrub Recipe that was posted in May, click here : https://homesweetmamamia.wordpress.com/2015/05/06/vanilla-brown-sugar-scrub-a-mothers-day-gift-for-someone-special/

A Christmas Countdown…

It’s almost Christmas Day! The final countdown has begun!

Check out my guest post on ModMommy.com that posted last December for fun family Christmas activities, recipes and traditions leading up to Christmas Day…keep the Christmas season alive with your family this year!  Click here  http://www.modmommy.com/christmas-countdown-12-days-of-fun-family-activities/

Thanks to ModMommy.com for my guest post!

Merry Christmas!

Made by Kids for Kids: Gingerbread Houses…the easy way!

Seven years ago this month, my daughter made a sweet Gingerbread House with her Girl Scout Troop using this simple method. Every year we continue this tradition and we have never made our Christmas Gingerbread Houses any other way! Give it a try and you will agree! Check out my guest post from last Christmas on ModMommy.com in which I shared the simple supplies (milk or OJ carton, graham crackers, store bought frosting and candy) and instructions…Click Here http://www.modmommy.com/make-it-easy-gingerbread-village/

 

Random Acts of Kindness : A Family Affair

A little lesson in kindness…for children…and adults too!

Every Christmas season, our family takes part in various community collections to donate toys, clothes and food. Whether it is organized through our children’s schools, employers or church, my husband and I always include our children in purchasing and wrapping the items. We talk to them about how blessed we are to have a home, food, clothes and jobs and how we can help others in our community who may be less fortunate.

Last year, we added another level of community service. We wanted to teach our children about “random acts of kindness” and purchased 5 gift cards at the beginning of December. We carried them with us and if we ever came in contact with someone in the community that went out of their way to help us, or someone else, we would approach them and hand them the gift card. To see the happy expression on these strangers faces, was a lesson in itself for not only my children, but also to us, the parents. With the hustle and bustle of this season of giving, we tend to forget the true meaning of Christmas.

Now, in 2015, we added two more levels of community service in our family.

In addition to donating food, toys, money and clothes to various Giving Trees and organizations, we decided to adopt 2 families of our own and gift them their wish lists. We contacted a community action office in our city and were assigned 2 families. Right away our children became involved and created our own Giving Tree. We shared our community action with our family guests at Our Thanksgiving Day Dinner and they immediately wanted to help and took an ornament off our tree. As the gifts started arriving, and we shopped for our own items from the list, it became clear to us that we are helping to shape a better community in the eyes of our children…helping one person at a time…one family at a time.

Another service idea came to me through Pinterest (Thanks coffeecupsandcrayons.com on Pinterest!). It is an ACT OF KINDNESS CALENDAR FOR KIDS. For each day in December, a random act of kindness example is listed. We printed out the calendar and hung it in our kitchen. Each morning at breakfast, we discuss the act of kindness example and how we can accomplish it. It has been a few days…and once again…not only for my children, but even as a parent, I enjoy seeing the expressions on people’s faces when we approach them. The acts range from bringing someone a cup of coffee (or hot cocoa) to telling someone a joke. Once again, slowing down during this time of year and really seeing what the season of giving is all about.

I know for certain that every year I am being reminded of what Christmas is all about.  I hope that I can continue to share this with my children and make every day a learning opportunity for kindness and generosity!

Help spread Random Acts of Kindness and make this world a happier place!

Get Organized 2015 : Christmas Organization

Black Friday has come and gone. Cyber Monday seems like weeks ago. There is still time to get organized before Christmas arrives! Here are a few helpful tips to get you started:

1. Create a gift list. Add names and gift ideas to this list for every person you will be buying a gift for this Christmas. Don’t forget to include family, friends, neighbors, teachers, coaches, instructors, service providers, etc. Keep this list with you at all times ( I keep it as a note on my phone), you never know when you will find that perfect something for someone on your list! Tip: Throughout the year, continue to keep a list of gift ideas for these people, so when next Christmas rolls around, you are already ahead of the shopping game, or use the idea for their birthday, etc.
2. Develop a shopping map. Rushing out to buy presents without a list can become very disorganized and stressful… very quickly. Then, you find yourself turning into the Grinch! Once you develop your gift and idea list, develop a map of where to shop that makes sense and saves the most time. Consider a mall or department store that allows you to cross off many different people from your list.
3. Consider shopping online. If you are someone that does not like to shop or does not have much free time (especially without kids in tow), consider shopping online. Most online retailers offer free shipping and now also offer gift receipts. A perfect way to check items off your list while your kids are sleeping, your sitting in your PJs, and you don’t have to deal with the crowds!
4. Organize the gifts. Once your online shopping packages start arriving or once you return back from a big shopping day. Set aside an area in a closet or in your basement where you can store and organize all of the gifts you purchased. Consider creating a box or bin for each person, if you buy them multiple gifts, so you can remember what you already purchased or  keep a written list with these purchased items.
5. Build a gift wrapping bin. Take inventory of what you will need to wrap all of your Christmas presents. Create a bin of tape, tissue paper, gift bags (various sizes), scissors, labels, markers,  ribbon,  and decorative boxes. Once you cross off a bunch of gift items from your  list, and are ready to start wrapping, pull out this box, turn on Christmas music  and start wrapping.
6. Keep mailing addresses in an Excel file. If you send out Christmas cards, create an Excel spreadsheet of mailing addresses and update it throughout the year as family and friends move or get married, etc. Use this list to create mailing labels instead of writing out each address.
7. Organize your Christmas décor. A must have organization tool for Christmastime are plenty of storage bins. This keeps all of your holiday décor in one place. My favorite storage bin is an ornament organizer. We have 3 large ones and it safely organizes all of our ornaments that we have collected over the last 39 years! Other organization tips : store and label Christmas lights together and pack your mantle décor in one bin. I posted a blog on Holiday Organization back in March 2015 https://homesweetmamamia.wordpress.com/2015/03/16/get-organized-in-2015-storage-solutions-holiday-decorations/ with some additional tips.
8. Plan your Holiday Dinner. It is never too early to begin planning your holiday dinner. Check out my holiday dinner tips which I posted on my blog at Thanksgiving https://homesweetmamamia.wordpress.com/2015/11/17/get-organized-in-2015-hosting-a-holiday-dinner/ for organizing tips.