Happy Thanksgiving.....

Thankful for nostalgia...

There is a book store in Park City that I have gone to ever since I can remember. I have loved going in to Dolly's bookstore since I was a little girl and I still love it.
When I go to Park City, Dolly's is always a stop for me.
I went there about 2 months ago when we stayed there for my birthday~
It has changed a little but still resembles my childhood, my mom, and just a tiny bit excitement for knowing that you will leave with a little something special~
These are the things I took home that day...
I am looking forward to using my new calendar in 2012!
And I love the hair tie/ bracelets :)

My first stuffed peppers~

Thanks to my awesome fellow blogger ~ Jen ~ sharing her recipe on her blog I decided I would give it a try and they were delicious!
Her recipe is on her blog a few posts back (I am having issues trying to link to it).
I used ground beef instead of Turkey because that is what I had and only 1 tsp of cayenne because I am chicken about making things too hot. I think I will mix sausage in next time for an extra kick ~ And I did add the sweet potato YUM!
Here are some pictures of the steps along the way~

A weekend of cooking...

It started off on Friday night and my first attempt at making homemade meatballs~
I am proud to say that they turned out pretty good!
Sadly I only got pictures of them before they were cooked~
My kitchen actually looks like place that things are cooked rather than just opened and microwaved like it use to :) I don't think I have ever had 3 pots and pans on the stove at once! :)
Here are a few pictures!

Winter....

I know you are just around the corner~ Snow has already touched the ground...
I don't want to dislike you so much anymore.
In an effort to enjoy you more I purchased these snowshoes at Costco!
I hope it will be just the thing to help me wake up and be grateful for more snow ~
I am grateful to Costco for having an affordable alternative to Winter activities since most things are too expensive! :)

I'm falling more in love...

with my kitchen!
Another post of extreme gratitude for my friends who took the time to make over my kitchen while in was in Europe in late Spring~
I never knew it could become my favorite room in the house.
Where I can sit and write at the island...
Create meals for my family and friends and have everyone over more...
Where I can enjoy the simple smell of coffee in the mornings...
Where I sat morning and night doing physical therapy exercises for my hand, while propping a book on a plate stand and reading amazing stories...
It is such a warm and welcoming space given to me with so much love, I will forever be grateful!

Almost 35 years...

I know November sparks gratitude in so many of us because of Thanksgiving, I hope that I show gratitude in my life on a more regular basis...
A new goal for me is to be certain I am consciously grateful every day~
This month I will incorporate some specific gratitude posts~
'Tis the season! :) It will make me appreciate the oncoming Winter even more...
First....
I am grateful for~
The nearly 35 years that I got to spend with this woman walking beside me as my mother....
And I will be grateful today and the rest of my that I was lucky enough to be her daughter...

Hello November....

Welcome!
I am taking a vow to enjoy you and the Winter months that follow~
I will try so hard not to complain about the snow and the cold...
I will enjoy the down time and the time for movies and hot chocolate and blankets and Uggs and sweaters and dinners indoors with family and friends.
I don't always welcome the late Fall and Winter with open arms like I do with Spring and Summer, but it is a goal of mine to find more things to enjoy about the Winter!
Happy November!
I would love it if you would share with me your favorite things about Winter!!