Give Thanks

Every single year that first leaf turns an orange-red, the crisp breeze tickles my neck, and the warmth of some hot cocoa in my hands during a walk through a pumpkin patch, I can't help but be filled with this overwhelming happiness. There's something truly entrancing about this time of year.
Next to the enchantment of Christmas, Fall carries a magic all it's own.

Seriously what's not to love about Fall?  Yes, there can me some chilly days, but that's what fireplaces, warm drinks, lots of cuddles and some warm hearty soup is for! 

Both my children were born in Fall, so that makes it extra-special for us as well.

My husband and I like to enjoy either some coffee, apple cider or glass of wine some days after dinner (once the little ones are asleep) and sit outside savouring in the Fall beauty with a warm comfy throw and reflect on all the amazing (and not so amazing) things the year has brought us.

Most often, leaving us with many laughs and whole lot to be grateful for.

This past Thanksgiving, I came down with a horrible cold so we kept it very simple.

I couldn't miss preparing something especially because it was our son's very first Thanksgiving with us (and we are SO thankful to have him as part of our life now), so I just had to muster up some energy and a smile and do the best I can.

No turkey this year but we did have some delicious chicken complete with stuffing and sauce, roasted seasoned potatoes, green beans, butternut squash soup and a delicious apple crumble pie.

I hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving with those you love and let us continue to count our blessings each and every day.

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Thanksgiving Weekend Hangover

The dishwasher is still in full blast, the house needs a good clean and sluggish as we are, our house is still chirping with all the sweetness and deliciousness this past Thanksgiving has brought.

This past weekend, my family gathered together for our annual Thanksgiving feast for the first time in our new home and chattered about all the things we are so grateful for, including each other.

It has been a rocky year for us all -- different struggles, highs and lows. As much as we attempt to be thankful sometimes for many things, it's hard to shake all the struggles and tribulations as well. After all, we are human.

Life throws tons of curve ball's and capricious things your way, it's just up to you how you respond to them.

That's why I'm very appreciative of this holiday. It really makes us stop and remember to acknowledge all the wonderful blessings we have been granted throughout the year and throughout our lives.

Stop and smell the roses as the saying goes.

Ava also had the opportunity to go apple/pumpkin-picking with her Grandparents. She really enjoyed it!

What else do I love about Thanksgiving? LEFTOVERS! :) Still have some delicious stuffing, cranberry sauce, chicken (we didn't have turkey this year -- my husband & DD are not really fans so we went for an nontraditional, modern menu), sweet potatoes and my famous chicken macaroni salad (Recipe here)

    Chicken and mom's famous stuffing

Cajun sweet potato frites

Roasted veggies and mashed potatoes with gravy

   I love me my edamame beans! Always have 'em with a meal

What's Thanksgiving Dinner without some pumpkin pie? :) 

 And let's not forget... the wine of course! Cheers!

 Aside from the good food and good company, I also had the opportunity to spend one on one time with my mother-in-law, this is something very new as we don't see one another often and haven't really had the opportunity to get to know one another. She spent the night in our place and the next morning we took off on a "girl's day out" shopping trip and purchased some great items for our homes.

Overall, this Thanksgiving weekend brought many firsts to our family and I'm very grateful for everything.

My loving and supportive family (Husband and daughter & immediate family members), my health (and the wonderful help I get from my doctors), the beautiful roof over our head and just all the wonderful things we are able to have due to hard work. I'm very blessed.

What are you most grateful for this year?

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