{MM} a giveaway! + light pre/post Thanksgiving recipes

christmas-decorations

This weekend we put up our Christmas decorations–I know–before Thanksgiving? sacrilege.

(That santa ornament, FYI, was handpainted by Joseph. An ornament painting husband–so sexy, right?)

But since Thanksgiving is so late in the month, we didn’t want to wait another week to partake in the holiday loveliness of Christmas lights & greenery.

We also took our boys to the symphony–Mendelssohn’s violin concerto with some Bach thrown in as well. It was a bit of surprise, as we got some free tickets the day before (4 tickets to the symphony? That’s at least an $100 value–such a blessing). People with musical gifts amaze me & nothing takes me to a wonderful place like listening to the violin.

And, maybe due to all my longings for snow, the weekend weather was chilly & rainy–& I loved every bit of it! It was fun to go to Hyrum’s soccer game & enjoy the frosty air for the first time in a good long while.

 

So many good links, such little time: 

I’m giving away a bring joy tote to 3 lucky readers

♥ conversation Jenga! — could be played before or after your holiday dinner, just write discussion prompts/questions on each piece

♥ these printable Thanksgiving placements & tablecloth from Caravan Shoppe will keep little fingers at the kiddie table busy

why Katie gave up running–I applaud her for adjusting her routine & listening to her body

♥ Am I a dork because I just think this is so funny? (You have to watch the whole video to get it.)

♥ rekindle that spark with your spouse with a thoughtful thank you note on Thanksgiving

♥ Oh boy oh boy. This movie looks like it’s going to be a-mazing. I cannot wait.

♥ Been contemplating buying a Blendtec?

Just in time for the holiday’s they’re offering SUPER duper savings on their factory re-conditioned blenders. Buy the world’s best blender (I LOVE mine & cannot live without it) now at $100 off!

Order through this link & get FREE shipping (& help support bring joy!). Their customer service & warranty is amazing. I will be a Blendtec customer & affiliate for life.

♥ Amy Poehler’s advice on body image — love her

still need ideas/inspiration for your Thanksgiving meal? check out my autumn & festive foods pinterest boards

No doubt with Thanksgiving (American friends) just around the corner,
you’ll be needing a few lighter recipes & meal ideas to off-set all the
wonderful indulgent Thanksgiving foods I hope you’ll be partaking.
This week’s featured recipes are with that in mind.

to pin:
(all recipes vegan & gluten-free, unless noted)

hearty vegetable soup

frosty pumpkin seed sweet green smoothie 
(uses coconut water–Alanna, I’m thinking of you)

sweet & sour tofu with cashews, veggies & cilantro

butternut, barley & lentil pilaf
(not gluten-free)

curry & coriander baked beet & turnip chips 

butternut squash noodle pasta

autumn salad with horseradish vinaigrette
(also, Sara announced she’s pregnant! such happy news.)

festive trail mix
(a healthy, easy, on-the-go snack)

Coming up for tomorrow’s Frugal Tuesdays installment: DIY christmas cards–so simple, frugal, & lovely (+ some of my fave round-ups of DIY gifts).

Have a mah-velous Monday. You’re beautiful.

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