SHS Christmas All Through The House

SHS For the Love of Christmas Trees

HappyThanksgiving Everyone!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I have to admit, I enjoy decorating much more than cooking. My virtual thanksgiving meals were so attractive because they looked easy to prepare in one pan.  When I asked which one he wanted me to prepare he asked for a more traditional thanksgiving meal. There was no way I was going to prepare a big turkey just for the two of us.  I was thinking I'd purchase a Costco chicken if we needed a whole bird. But, I love him, so we settled on a turkey breast which he suggested. I prepared small portions of the sides and we were both happy. He still has his leftovers.  

So, here is my menu:

Turkey Breast with Celery, Green Onion Stalks and Creole Seasoning

Collard Greens Seasoned with Neck Bones and Onions

Cinnamon and Sugar Crusted Sweet Potatoes

Hawaiian Bread Stuffing with Raisins (boxed)

Mashed Potatoes and Gravy (boxed)

Cranberry Sauce (Can)

 

A combination of fresh vegetables and packaged stuffing, potatoes and cranberry made the meal easy to prepare and enjoyable. We'll try this again for Christmas.     

SHS Celebrating Fall

SHS Siera's Room

It's not often I get to decorate a child's room, but this year I've done two. Siera's room was previously decorated with a princess theme. After recently have her 9th birthday she wanted a change. She also needed more space. Many children are spending more time at home due to the pandemic and a room that reflects who they are and their needs can be important. A few of the projects I completed were with her help. You may want to try them yourself.

The calendar wall art is one I've used for years. I purchased the calendar and the frame from Dollar Tree. It was just a matter of trimming to the size of the frame and hanging.

Another easy project was using wall decals. The large decal of the girl on the bike was purchased on Amazon.  It just took a little time to apply .

The chalkboard decals were from Dollar Tree. Their selection varies from time to time and at different locations.  Because most wall decals are repositionable, we were able to reuse many of the ones she previously had on her wall.   

The bead curtain was made from pretend play necklaces. They came three in a pack. I attached two to obtain the length I need. I than hot glued them to a rod. The remaining beads were used to accent the lamp shade.

Watch the video to see more Ideas.

Legacy Tea Recipes

The time of day or the occasion of your Tea Party will likely help dictate you menu. The virtual tea event I participated in was 11:30 am, so we had a luncheon tea. Here are a few of the recipes I used.  

                                                                                               

Mini Cheese Cakes

Ingredients

2 Packages of Cream Cheese(room temp.)

1/2 Cup Sugar

2 Eggs

1 Tsp. Vanilla

1 Cup Graham Cracker crumbs (prepared as package directed)

Cherry or Fruit filling

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

In a large bowl mix the cream cheese, sugar, eggs and vanilla. 

Line cupcake tins with mini baking liners.

Place a spoon full of graham cracker crumb mix in each baking

 liner and press into bottom. Spoon cream cheese mixture evenly

 on graham cracker crumbs. Bake 12 to 15 minutes. Cool and top with fruit.

 

Pasta Salad

1 12 oz. box of Rotini Pasta

1 16 oz. Italian Salad Dressing

1 12 oz. Imitation Flaked Crab

1 pint of Cherry Tomatoes (sliced)

1/2 cup of  green onion (chopped)

Directions

Prepare pasta as directed on box. Mix remaining ingredients together and toss with pasta. Cool in refrigerator 1 hour.

 

Chicken Salad

I pound of Chicken Breast (cooked and diced)

1/4 Cup of Chopped Onion

1/2 Cup of Celery

1/2 of Mayonnaise

1/4 Cup of Sweet Relish

Dash of Salt and Pepper

2 Dozen Mini Croissants

Mix all ingredients together and cool for  one hour. Spoon into croissant.  

A Legacy of Tea

 

Tea is a beautiful gift from God that nurtures both the body and soul.  It's health benefits, established traditions and etiquettes makes it one of the most popular beverages in the world.

Consuming tea began in Asia as early as 1500 and spread across multiple cultures and later became known to western civilization in the 17th century. Tea became popular in Britain and came to America with the early colonists. Asians consumed the tea luke warm from bowls. The British liked it piping hot so shallow bowls we know as saucers were used to sip small amounts for faster cooling, later handles were added to the bowl vessels mostly made from bone china. That resulted in the cup and saucer. 

The beauty of a tea cup or tea set and the heritage of passing them down in a family can be part of a legacy. The best teacup collections contain sentimental pieces that were inherited or acquired as special finds or gifts. View my video for more.