Happy week of Thanksgiving!!  It's hard to believe that we're already here.  I swear these months get faster every year.

Considering this is the Season of The Guest, I decided this week to focus on an area that gets a tremendous amount of use and very little attention: our downstairs coat closet.

Okay, so it's not a make or break space.  Most of the people who visit my home probably don't care if it looks gorgeous.  But it's a workhorse of a space that I look at every day and that is in some desperate need of a little TLC.  The pictures that follow aren't pretty.  You may want to sit down. #holdme

Yeah, so this is the current state of my closet.  Messier than a Trump 'do after a segway tour.

I honestly have no idea how it gets to this point.  I blame the cat.

Making it Clean

The first step was to pull everything out of it and sort it into piles: Trash, Relocate, Keep, Donate.

Trash and Relocate:

There wasn't a lot that needed thrown out - just a few tags and broken hangers.

Extra blankets got relocated to the bedrooms they belong to, the backpack went with luggage and the [exceedingly random] pile of washcloths was thrown back in the wash before being folded and put back in the linen closet (but seriously, how does that happen?).

After that I was left with the things that I generally wanted in the closet:  outwear, umbrellas, games, and a box of spare gifts.  But all of this needed sifted as well.

Donate:

I live in the northeast, so coats of varying weights are a necessity but they do tend to pile up.  I would much prefer to pare down to what I truly need and donate the rest.  After a quick sort, I found 9 (yep, NINE) that could go to a better home. I cleaned, and folded them and they're being donated to Burlington Coat Factory's Warm Coats and Warm Hearts Coat Drive. 

Donate a coat at Burlington and receive 10% off of your entire purchase!

I also kept a box nearby for Goodwill donations.  Superfluous hats, mittens, gloves and scarves made it into this box, along with games we no longer play, throws we don't need, gifts I'll probably never get around to giving and gym equipment I'm not likely to use (I mean, how many free weights and arm bands does one person need?).

Finally, I pulled all of my assorted hangers out and added them to a box of their own.  For a long time I've been wanting to replace them with matching coat hangers for both aesthetic and practical purposes (coat hangers are, in fact, better for your coats.  Who knew?).  In doing a little research a few months ago, I found out that dry cleaners are often in need of extra hangers and are happy to collect your old ones.  Perfect! (Any time I can avoid adding to a landfill, I'm a happy camper!)

Making It Pretty (And Using Gift Wrap as Wall Paper)

Once the extra stuff was out, the closet already looked MUCH better.  But I still wanted to make it a pretty space - something that made me happy when I opened up the doors to grab a jacket.

I started by giving the wooden shelf a fresh coat of white paint and cleaning the bar with a magic eraser.  A quick go over with the vacuum helped tremendously too.

I picked up some Bumerang hangers from Ikea.  Made of solid beech, eucalyptus, aspen or alder, these hangers come in white, natural and black and are only $4.99 for 8 (seriously good deal!).  I chose white to brighten up the space a bit, and made sure to have enough  for guest coats as well as our own.



As I've said before, living in a rental can be a little limiting.  I never want to sink too much money into something that can't go with me when we move, and many projects wouldn't be allowed anyway. But I really wanted to do something fun for the back of the closet.  Wallpaper can be expensive and is a serious pain in the rear to remove when moving (trust me, I've done it. #rookiemove), so I decided to try something a little different: wrapping paper!

Using a heavy, high quality wrapping paper and removable double-sided foam tape, I carefully measured, cut and adhered long sheets to the back of the closet.



I treated outlets the same way I would were I using real wallpaper: removing the face plates, cutting an X in the paper with a craft knife, cutting off any excess and then reattaching the hardware.


The results? A beautiful, neat space that makes me smile every time I open the doors.


Last but not least, I found some large pretty baskets (Michael's clearance for $5 each) for my gifts, then replaced things neatly on the shelf, bar and in the labeled drawers (Someday I want to replace the Sterilite drawer unit, but for now it serves its purpose).  I even found room to store our vacuum neatly! (Perhaps seeing it regularly will inspire me to use it more often.  Hey, it could happen.)

Finally, my favorite part: The Before and After!

After seeing how much I love the baby blue and gold polka dots on the back wall, I may add it to the sides along with some additional hooks.

How much better is that?! 

Next on the list: Putting up [a baby-proof] Christmas.  No pressure there...

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving week, friends!

It's amazing how the second Halloween ends, the Christmas commercials and sales begin.  I have to be honest, I LOVE Christmas, so it doesn't bother me too much, but I do think that it's important to focus on each holiday as it comes.

In spirit of both Thanksgiving as well as Christmas, our family is participating in Samartian's Purse Operation Christmas Child.  The organization is Christian based but their goal is to not only bring spiritual hope but also to bring physical aid to people who are in need.  That means they go into war-torn countries, poverty stricken countries, and areas that have experienced natural disasters (etc) to provide food, clothing, water, medical services and education where it is needed most.

Operation Christmas Child is an international effort to provide Christmas gifts to children around the world who are in need.  According to their website, they have "collected and delivered more than 124 million gift-filled shoe boxes to children in more than 150 countries and territories."  I think that's pretty amazing.

I'm sharing this post in hopes that you and your family will participate as well.  It really is such a fun project to get involved with: collecting toys, wrapping boxes and playing Santa to children who are truly in need brings its own sort of high.  It's a great way to develop a little altruism in your kids as well! 

Collection week is November 16 - 23, and you can find your closest donation center here.

The process is simple: 

Get a shoebox (or other box with lid)


Wrap your box and lid separately (*Note: Wrapping is absolutely optional!)


Choose a gender and an age group: 2-4, 5-9, 10-14.

Then fill your box with gifts! 

Our first box is themed for a little girl around 6, and it includes Disney figurines, puzzle, stickers, crayons, coloring book, jewelry, hair accessories and candy.

You can also include a picture of yourself and a letter if you'd like, and for a donation of $7, you can track your package to see where it ends up.

All packed up, I hope this sparkly, pink and purple box of surprises will make a little girl smile.

That's it!!  Well, almost...

The biggest thing that Samaritan's Purse asks for is prayer - it's probably the most powerful tool we have.  We are oh-so-lucky to live in this country (despite its flaws), and it's important to remember our blessings and to share God's love with others when we can.

If you want to learn more about the organization, please check out http://www.samaritanspurse.org/.
Whether you can afford to give one box or ten, anything is appreciated.

I promise it's the perfect way to celebrate this season of Thanksgiving and Christmas!

There are certainly a lot of ways to cook a turkey: you can roast it, smoke it, or grill it.  If you want to get fancy you can braise it, fry it in oil, bake it in a bag or chuck it in a slow cooker (I have a loose definition of "fancy").  Want more options?  You can stuff that baby with a beer can, dressing or stuffing (they're different), vegetables and herbs or another bird (which is disgusting, if you ask me). 
But, despite all the options and cooking methods, all have one potential outcome that is feared by guests and hosts alike: You can cook that turkey til it's drier than an elephant's elbow.  Blech.

Luckily, this outcome is easily avoided.  A good brine and a dual temperature heating process will leave your turkey deliciously crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside.  Lucky for you, I've got just the recipe.


Brine 
Recipe: 
1 gallon reduced sodium chicken broth

1 cup kosher salt
1/2 c. dark brown sugar
2 tsp. peppercorn
2 tsp. all spice berries
2 tsp. candied crystalized ginger

- Bring broth, spices and seasonings to a boil (Stirring til sugar and salt are dissolved)
- Cool to room temperature.
- Refrigerate to chill completely (or stick outside if you live in north!)


To Brine (for a 14-16 lb THAWED turkey)
- Remove neck and giblets.
- Rinse turkey thoroughly (inside and out) with cold water. 
- Put turkey in a large zip lock bag (bags make clean up a snap!!). Add brine and 1 gallon iced water. 
- Make sure that turkey is completely submerged in brine, breast side down.
- Place bagged turkey in a bowl, or roasting pan and add to fridge OR place in cooler and cover with ice (this works well if your refrigerator is already full to bursting).
- Chill bird 8-12 hours, rotating the bird in brine halfway through.  (I almost wrote "flip the bird halfway through" but I kind of think that won't really help in the cooking process. Might make Thanksgiving prep at grandma's more interesting though...)

Roasting the Turkey
Prep:
- Preheat the oven to 500 degrees
- Remove from brine
- Rinse thoroughly with cold water (inside and out)
- Place on drying rack and pat dry with paper towels (inside and out).  Make sure turkey is completely dry.

Stuff:
- Take 1 sliced apple, 1/2 onion sliced, and 1 cinnamon stick and place in a microwave safe bowl.  Heat on high for 3 minutes.
- After heating, place contents into cavity of turkey.
- Add 6 sprigs of rosemary and 6 sprigs of thyme to the inside of the bird.

Prep (con't):
- Using butcher's twine, truss the bird. 
- Fold wings under bird to prevent burning.
- Liberally coat turkey with canola oil.
- Sprinkle with kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper. 
- **Create an aluminum foil tent to cover just the breast of the turkey.  Set aside. 

Cook:
- On the lowest rack of preheated oven, place turkey in, legs first.
- Cook at 500 degrees for 30-35 minutes.
- Reduce temperature of oven to 350 degrees and continue cooking for 2 - 2 1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature of the deepest part of the breast reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.  Once removed from the oven, the bird will continue to cook (coast) as the temperature drops and will reach the required 165 degrees.  This prevents over drying. 
**If, during the cooking process the breast becomes overly brown, apply the aluminum foil tent. 
- After removing turkey from oven, loosely cover with aluminum foil.  Allow to rest for at least 15 to 20 minutes. 

Turns out the bird really IS the word.  That or possibly "Mmmmmmmm."

The majority of the house may be toasty from the residual kitchen heat, but around the table the temperatures are frosty.  Despite the glittering candlesticks and perfectly prepared potatoes, once again, one of your relatives has managed to push you to the say-one-more-word-and-the-turkey-won't-be-the-only-carcass-on-the-table point.

Fear not - you're not alone.  And though you can't control their behavior, you can at least be prepared for their worst.

 Managing Bad Manners: 

The Scene:  Whether it's the uncle who always feels the need to put down your career, the grandparent who wants to know when you're planning to get married or get pregnant, a parent or sibling who takes jabs at your appearance, job or lifestyle, or even the cousin who insists on dusting off the ol' soapbox for a fascinating political rant that lasts throughout two whole courses, preparation is key.  If there is a topic that comes up regularly, have a few responses ready so that you're not left fuming and at a loss for words when the time comes.

1. Don't answer or blatantly change the subject.  Don't feel like you have to answer any rude questions or engage any ignorant statements.  Avoidance is completely acceptable, and sometimes - if you're lucky- can quell the situation right there (assuming the person in question is self-aware enough to be embarrassed). 

Uncle Frank: So, when do you think you're going to quit that art-stuff and get a real job? 
You (After a pause, and smiling sweetly) : Uncle Frank, what are YOU thankful for this year?
- OR - 
You (with a stare at Uncle Frank and a moment of awkward silence; then turning to someone else): Aunt Mary, this casserole is delicious.  Who taught you to cook?

2.    Repeat their question back to them or politely challenge their asking. Sometimes just repeating the question, slowly and deliberately back to them is enough to give them pause.  Make sure to maintain eye contact when you speak.

Grandpa Joe: Putting on a little weight there, aren't you? 
You: I'm sorry, what did you just ask me? 
- OR - 
Did you really just ask that? 
- OR -  
Is there a reason that I should answer that?
- OR -  
Why do you need to know?

3.  Make a joke out of it.  The ability to turn someone's intended arrow into your own fodder is invaluable.  It takes the sting out of their words, and puts all of the power back in your court. That said, it's a skill that generally takes some time to develop.  And remember to temper any rudeness of your own - let the other person be the jerk (a smile and a wink help tremendously).  If you're not sure you're ready to rely on spur of the moment wit, have a few pre-planned answers in your arsenal. 

Aunt Lisa:  Are you planning to get married anytime soon? 
You: Then who would all of my married friends live through vicariously?
 ...
Cousin Devon: So how much are you making at that job?
You: Half what I'm worth. (I take it the corner's still treating you well?)
-OR-
Devon, you realize that was your "out loud" voice, right? 
...
Your older oh-so-perfect sister: When are you guys going to get around  to having a baby? 
You: We're still a little confused as to how the process works.  Maybe you could explain it to everyone? 
- OR - 
 Currently we're just enjoying the practice.  
- OR -   
As soon as your husband commits to a date.

 4.  Be direct. If the disrespect continues, be your own ally.  Take a breath, and inform the person that they are being rude and hurtful and these comments or questions need to stop.  You can do this in private, or, if you feel brave enough, right there in front of everyone.  Remember to stay calm and even and not engage in any sort of misbehavior on their part.  As much as you may not want to, Be the Better Person.  Trust me - people will remember that. 

You (to the offender): While your intentions may have been benign, I find these questions/comments offensive.  You need to stop.  
- OR - 
 These questions are out of line.  If they continue, I will need to leave. 

5. Leave.  If all else fails, just go.  Family gatherings are important, but not as important as your well-being.  The great thing about being an adult is that we're finally in the position to say "Enough" and then act on it.  Hopefully the offenders will start recognizing the boundaries and respecting them, and a relationship can be altered and improved.  But if not, it is THEIR loss. 

Black Friday ads are out! Check out tgiblackfriday.com or blackfriday.com and cybermonday.com for deals and to get a jump start on your holiday shopping.

Find discounts from department stores like Kohl's, Macy's, JC Penney's, Sears, KMartWalmart and Target.  And don't overlook stores like Michaels (great for decor, wrapping paper, and crafts), Bass Pro Shops and Gander Mountain (knock the guys off your list with sporting or gaming equipment), Express, Bath & Body Works and Old Navy (think sweaters, smelly stuff and stocking stuffers!).

Below, find some of my favorite Black Friday deals (and check out the ads for more!)

For the Lads

Spice up your Thanksgiving and Christmas season with some extra special libations!  Mix up some Mulled Wine, Spiced Cider, Hot Toddies or Hot Buttered Rum for some seasonal warmth that will leave your toes a tinglin'.   

Now all you need is a smoking jacket, a wing-back and a guy named Jeeves to serve you. 

The ads have already started.  The buzz has already begun.  Husbands shiver and change the channel; children swiftly remove the circulars and burn the evidence with a backwards glance to make sure they remain alone; babies wail from the safety of their nurseries (but let's be honest, that's mainly what babies do.  If I had said "babies soil their knickers" it might not have had the same effect.) Yes, ladies and gentlemen, that most notorious of annual events is almost upon us: Black Friday.  **Somewhere, a woman screams.**  As the great philosopher Antoine Dodson advised: hide yo' kids; hide yo' wife.
 ...
Admittedly, there are some very strong reasons to dislike Black Friday: mass consumerism, greed, the horrific stories about mob mentality...and all to save a few bucks on the newest "must have" gadget or toy.  But, as I've stated before in my writings, most things in life are what you make of them.  Below, the reasons for my affection toward the craziest shopping day of the year.
 ...

Scott and I in 2005

It was 2005, and Scott and I had just moved across the country with everything we owned in a tiny trailer on the back of my trusty red '95 Honda Civic.  Our first few nights were spent on sleeping bags, with the TV between us on the floor and our one and only lamp lighting the way to our Keebler-Elf sized kitchen.  Craigslist quickly became our friend, and we had soon purchased a sofa, saggy mattress and fantastically ugly dresser for a grand total of 60 bucks.  We rescued a TV stand from the trash (along with an ironing board and another lamp) and we were living the high life.

But despite our seemingly lush lifestyle, we were still missing a few things - a means of sweeping up the multi-legged creatures that cohabited our lovely little apartment, for example.  Or, ya' know, silverware.

Enter: Thanksgiving and the kick off of holiday shopping.


Scott and I had saved up a little bit of money from his job and my background work.  I clipped coupons, and saved money from recyclables and we purchased a turkey with bonus points from the local grocery store, Food 4 Less (I bet you can tell it's classy from the name).  The morning of Thanksgiving, we got up early and ran out to purchase coffee and a newspaper.  After returning home, Scott started on the turkey, while I combed through the advertisements and made lists of stores and deals.  Several hours later, when our tiny apartment was filled with the smell of roasting meat, potatoes, vegetables and pie, Scott, my mom (who had flown in to spend the holiday with us) and I settled in to watch holiday specials on TV and review our plans for the next day.  Though it was the most humble holiday we have ever had together, it was also one of the most joy and thanks-filled.

The next morning, at 4:30 AM (yes, we were that crazy), the three of us woke and dressed, and climbed bleary-eyed into my little red Civic sleigh and began making the rounds.  We visited a Michaels (for a few holiday decorations and some wrapping paper), a Target (for blankets), the mall (for a few Christmas gifts) and, yes, even a Walmart (for a vacuum cleaner, silverware and our very first Christmas tree).  We hustled through the stores looking for doorbusters and deals, giggling like we were kids on a treasure hunt.

And while it might have happened SOMEWHERE, for us, there was no pushing or shoving - no punching, trampling or mass hysteria.  In fact, if anything, there was a sense of camaraderie.  Long lines led to conversations about traditions and jokes about leftovers.  Strangers informed one another of good bargains and exchanged ideas about where to go next.  Instead of a Colosseum-worthy battle, the day felt more like a 5K with neighbors.  And by 10:00 AM, we had wrapped up our shopping, stopped at a diner for breakfast,  and were headed back home for long happy nap.

We probably will never have another Black Friday quite like that one.  Our need (thankfully) is not as great, and, with the gaining popularity of Cyber Monday there's less reason to leave the comfort of our home.  But Scott and I still wake up early on the Friday after Thanksgiving.  We stop at a few stores to enjoy the hustle and bustle and then get some breakfast at a local diner.  If we're not feeling up to the early morning, we get breakfast first and then head to a mall midday, when the crowds are gone, and just wander around looking at Christmas decorations. 

Of course, I still enjoy the shopping aspect.  But that's not what it's about for Scott and me.  For us, the day has become a second day of thanks: a time to reflect on how far we've come and how blessed we are.  Maybe I see the day through a sepia toned lens that diminishes the motives of the majorities.  I recognize that possibility and, frankly, I'm okay with it.  You see what you want to in this life.

But that single moment, however fleeting,  when I scan the crowd and catch young couple huddled together with their list of needs and their plan of attack; their excitement over an item that they might not be able to afford otherwise - it makes me smile.  And it makes 4:30 am once a year, worth it.