8 Thanksgiving Dinner Must-Haves

As many of you know, I am European and have celebrated Thanksgiving only for a few years since I have moved to the US. Even the ones I did celebrate here, there were always prepared by my mother in law. Last year was the first time we were going to celebrate Thanksgiving by ourselves. However, I had a moldovan friend visiting and we just ended up making moldovan food. This year however, I am resolved to try a real american Thanksgiving feast and to keep myself accountable, we will probably have friends over. I had to google when Thanksgiving is and also what a traditional menu consists of.
So I put together a list of the must-haves, mostly for me, since I have no idea what I am doing. 

1. The Turkey!!! 

The star of the show. Lots of recipes out there and I am pretty intimidated by this part. I have the feeling I might end up just buying a ready made one. I don't know...haven't decided yet.

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2. The Gravy

Not much to say here - it pulls the meal together, and anything 

with some gravy can taste extra yummy.

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3. Sweet Potato Casserole

This is definitely my least favorite, but hey...it's traditional and most people like it.

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4. Mashed Potatoes

I didn't grow up with Thanksgiving, but we sure had plenty of mashed potatoes. I like to think of myself as an expert when it comes to mashed potatoes. I may have to post my recipe soon.

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5. Green Bean Casserole

I love this casserole and it is so simple to make.

I've made on so many other non holiday related occasions.

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6. Rolls

I am still looking for a gluten free recipe for rolls, so hopefully I'll have some on the my Thanksgiving table.

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7. Cranberry sauce

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8. Pumpkin Pie

I am not a big fan anything pumpkin or pie related (gasp), but I am pretty sure my other guests will enjoy some. I may do some sort of variation of the classic pie...cupcakes anyone?

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Do you have any yummy recipes you use for Thanksgiving? Did I miss anything? Share in the comments. 

Not to freak anyone out, but Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away, 

and then we can decorate for Christmas!

Hugs and Thank you,

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Happy Thanksgiving + Black Friday Preview

Just wanted to take a moment today and wish you a Happy Thanksgiving to all those that celebrate it. I am from Europe and we obviously don't have this Holiday, but we do celebrate the fall harvest and so this does have some aspects of home.

I think it's awesome that there is a holiday that reminds us to express more gratitude. After last week's car crash that my daughter and I were in, I feel so grateful for life. I can't even begin to tell you how scared I was that we were going to die, but in the end we were protected immensely and I got away with some bruises and road rash, and my daughter with just a bit of mark from the car seat straps.

I am grateful for car seats and that it did its job of protecting my child, even though our car flipped over and sled across the highway down unto the frontage road. Our bodies and this life are amazing.

Please stay safe and have an awesome thanksgiving!

source

Also, I just wanted to let you know about a huge Black Friday sale going on at Craftaholics Anonymous. There are a ton of wonderful handmade shops participating, including my shop YouLeeAna Boutique. Today is the preview, and tomorrow is the actual awesome sale and giveaway.

                                                             Source: craftaholicsanonymous.net via Iuliana on Pinterest

Head on over to Craftaholics Anonymous and then to the individual shops and see what you might like to buy on Black Friday. The sales are amazing!

Love and hugs,

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Give Thanks Burlap Banner

Here's a last minute Thanksgiving project for you - it is simple and very easy to make. I had some burlap I found at a garage sale last year, so I decided it would look cute to be used for a Thanksgiving mantle banner.

All I did was cut the burlap and stencil the letters with black acrylic paint. 

I attached them all with some twine.

I hope you all are able to thank the people you love for their love, and most of all God for His love. I thank you for your encouragement and support on my little blogging journey.

Hugs,

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12 awesome Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes

I am not a leftovers person - just don't like it and if we do have any, hubby is the one that will eat eat. Now, if I can take those leftovers, tweak a bit and turn it in a new dish - I am all in. So, this is a list of dishes that sounded good to me for the Thanksgiving Leftovers.

Turkey Croquettes

Pocket pies

 Savory Turkey Stroganoff

 Turkey Pot Pie

Turkey and Swiss Panini

Thanksgiving Turkey Cake

Mason Jar Leftovers

Open Face Turkey Sandwich

Frittata 

Freeze Leftover Mashed Potatoes

I hope you all have a wonderful week filled with thanksgiving and service. 

Hugs,

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Mini Pods Wreath

Here's a wreath I started making back in September, but after a very unhappy mishap with my glue gun AND a two month separation, I just finished in time for my fall/thanksgiving decor. 

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

1. Wreath form (I used a twine one that I already had)

2. A pack of mini pods (I found mine at Michaels)

3. Glue Gun

4. Ribbon

It's a relatively easy project. It is a little boring though. Just go around and glue your little pods to the wreath form, pressing tightly. TIP:  if you're watching TV or a movie while doing this project, make sure you look at what you're doing when using a hot like lava glue gun. Just sayin'.

Add some ribbon and attach wherever your heart desires. 

Hugs,                                                                                                                       

Linking to these awesome parties.

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