Eat, Drink, and Be Thankful

I could not be more excited for the short work week and for Thanksgiving on Thursday! I'm hosting Thanksgiving at the house, and have finalized the menu which I thought would be fun to share with you all today.
Appetizers

I married into an Italian family, and we're big on caprese salad with some drizzled olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Always goes quick!
I also can't wait to try out this apple brie crostini from the gals at The Sequin Notebook. Perfect pre-dinner snack!

Mimosas because champs
Mulled Wine in the crock pot
Main Course

Mashed Potatoes from scratch
Green Bean Casserole
Stuffing

Package of Pepperidge Farms Stuffing
Butter
1/2 sweet vidalia onion
2 stalks of celery
1/2 package of Jimmy Deans Turkey Sausage
1 egg
1/2 macintosh apple
poultry seasoning

Sautee onion and celery in butter
Mix together with the rest of the ingredients and move to a greased casserole dish
Cover with foil and bake for one hour at 325-350 degrees
Gravy

1/2 stick of unsalted butter
flour
1/2 carton of reduced sodium chicken broth
poultry seasoning
onion powder
Candied Yams

4 lbs. of sweet potatoes, quartered
1 and 1/4 cups of butter
3/4 cups of brown sugar
3 cups of mini marshmallows, divided
Cinnamon to taste
Nutmeg to taste

Bring a large pot of water to boil.
Add potatoes and boil until slightly underdone, about 15 minutes
Drain, cool, and peel
In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, brown sugar, 2 cups of marshmallows, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Cook, stirring occasionally until melted.
Stir potatoes into marshamallow mixture.
While stirring, mash and break the others into bite size chunks.
Transfer to a casserole dish.
Bake for 15 minutes, and remove from oven and cover top evenly with remaining marshmallows.
Return to oven until golden brown
Turkey
Stuffed Shells 
Dessert

Pumpkin Pie Martinis
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Candy Corn White Chocolate Chip Cookies
What's on your Thanksgiving menu?
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Kicking off the Holidays Weekending

Tis the season for holiday parties and creating memories with friends...
On Friday, I finally received my VIB goodies from the Sephora VIB Sale.
Urban Decay Naked on the Run Palette | L'Occitane Shea Butter Festive Ornament |  Travel Pop-Up Brush | Glimmer In Her Eye Brush Set {sold out} - similar
On Saturday I went to get my hair done (finally) and went a little darker for the holiday season.
Then it was time to kick off the holiday season at our friend's annual party with good food and good times with friends.
How adorable is the pupper Maximus watching Emily put together her delicious cheese ball dip? 

Sunday was about mimosas, bunnies on bars, German food, das boot, and darts with Pamela
Don't forget that Barre3 is offering a free class all through Thanksgiving if you bring in 3 canned goods for donation.
Joining Biana and Meghan for Weekending
and
Erin for Weekend Snapshots

*Cheers to a fabulous week*

Smile It's Friday

Happy Friday! Our last weekend before turkey day, and I'm still trying to finalize my menu for the big day. What I do know is that there will be mimosas, sangria, and pumpkin cheesecake... you know the important stuff.
1. My Disney annual pass expired a few months ago, so I didn't get the chance to meet the fabulous Kristen when she met the other Orlando gals at Epcot. But we made up for it with a delicious dinner blate at Yard House.
2. Barre3 is running a special now through Wednesday that if you bring in 3 canned goods, you can enjoy a free class. If you've never tried Barre3, you can read my full review of Barre3 vs. Bar Method here. Round up some canned goods and go get your "turkey burn" on!
3. The Royals are back! I still love how this show reminds me of a cross between Tyrant and Gossip Girl.
4. Don't forget to enter the $325 Nordstrom giveaway celebrating Pamela's blogiversary. You can enter this fabulous giveaway here.
The Gorgeous Co-hosts:
5. Loving my recent finds on Pinterest:



Linking up today with Rebecca for That Friday Blog Hop, April for 5 on Friday, Tif for High Five for Friday, and Amanda for Friday Favorites. Hop on over and join us! Happy Friday!