Author: Carrie

Turkey Day is Done, Christmas has Begun!

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This year I had a quiet Thanksgiving at home with my parents. Every year I go out to the local bar and see everyone come home with their significant others. While I wish that some day I find someone to share the holidays with, I am quite content with sharing the holiday season with friends and family. I gathered with friends on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday which made the holiday very festive. Since Turkey Day is over, it’s time to focus on Christmas.

I have quite a few Christmas parties scheduled in December. I need to decide if I want to create my own Christmas party as well. In the past, I have had a Tree Trimming Party and it was a success. If you’re looking for a party idea, that’s a great one because it gives your guests something to do and it gets your tree trimmed quickly.

I have already started the Christmas Extravaganza here at my house. I decorated the second floor today. Martha would be proud. The tree ornaments are from her line at Macy’s from a few years back.

This week I can tackle the main floor. On Wednesday, I am going into Philly to go to Macy’s (the old Wanamaker building) for some Christmas shopping and of course the light show. By the end of the week, I need to start writing Christmas cards and planning the holiday baking schedule. There is so much to do and exactly one month til Christmas. May the spirit of Christmas be with you all in the coming days.

Give Thanks to Those Who Deserve It

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Happy early Thanksgiving everyone! I just wanted to take a moment to reflect on my life and all the blessings I have been given. I am always grateful for my wonderful friends and my loving family. This Thanksgiving I am especially grateful for the gift of life. With my grandmother passing on in the spring and my friend’s sister passing on last month, I realize that I am appreciative of the life I have been granted.

In the words of my dear friend, I am only a visitor on this earth. I am not sure how much time I have in this world so I have to make the most of it. I am no longer going to take life for granted. I am going to take advantage of every opportunity I have in this life and create moments that will only make my life better. There is no need to hang on to something or someone that I know is poisoning my life. I am going to use this holiday season as a time to put the final touches on my present life and allow myself to start on a fresh canvas in the new year.

Maybe you might want to give it a try too;) You never know what the outcome may be.

Manhattan Clam “Chowda”

Carrie1 Comment

This weekend, I really felt the chill in the air. It called for a bowl of clam “chowda” to warm the soul. It’s easy and it satisfies any need for comfort.

Ingredients
4 – 6 oz cans minced clams
2 strips bacon, chopped
1/3 c finely chopped leek or 4 green onions
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
2 cloves minced garlic
3 c. V8 juice
2 med. potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 – 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
1 – 11 oz can whole kernel corn with sweet peppers
2 bay leaves
2 tsp dried thyme leaves
2 tsp worcestershire sauce
1 tsp marjoram leaves
1/4 tsp salt and pepper

Directions
Roughly chop clams, reserving juice in a separate bowl. In a dutch oven, cook bacon over moderate heat until crisp. Remove bacon reserving drippings. Add leek, celery, and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes. Add V8, potatoes, tomatoes, etc. except for bacon and clams. Bring to a boil. Simmer for 45-50 minutes. Stir in clams and clam juice at the end. Do not boil the clams because they will become tough and rubbery. Enjoy with a fresh loaf of bread!