Strange Daze Indeed

Preparing Thanksgiving dinner can be overwhelming if you’re trying to go it alone. Hopefully you have some help this holiday season! I’ve also found that, just like a carpenter or a plumber, having the right tools can make a world of difference. When I worked as a lunch chef, I loved being surrounded by the right restaurant equipment. I know that I cook better and food tastes more delicious when I am not using old or makeshift items, and this applies at home as well. That 2 qt Induction Ready Stainless Steel Saucepan is calling my name!

1. Pink Chocolate – By the time 4pm dinner comes around, you’re going to wish you were wearing something more stylish than the crumped cook’s apron you picked up 5 years ago at the hardware store. You may not want to take this pink and brown number off to eat! Also available in brown and blue, and brown and lime green. Buy it here.
2. Butcher’s Twine – Trussing your turkey is a great way to keep it moist. Get it here.
3. 2-Qt Induction Ready Stainless Steel Saucepan – You might think you have enough. But what if you are simultaneously boiling water for potatoes, cooking peas, reheating gravy, and making stock from your turkey innards? What then? No worries. Restaurant supplies to the rescue. Buy now, use for years.
4. 7-Inch Stainless Steel Potato Masher – Never, ever, ever try to mash your potatoes in a mixer or food processor. That said, using a fork will dampen holiday spirits in no time flat. This masher has an ergonomic handle, and lots of mashing surface to make quick work of your potatoes. Get your masher here.
5. Taylor Roast Meat Thermometer – Don’t even mess with wing wiggling. Insert this meat thermometer into the thigh of your bird. You’re done when temperature reaches 165 degrees. Find it here.
6. Rosie Spiral Whisk – That gravy you’re responsible for? Afraid of lumps? You will want to whisk as you add liquid, and if you make gravy in your roasting pan – which is really the best method – a flat whisk like this can mix in every last bit of pan dropping goodness much better than the vertical whisk you probably already have. Check it out here.
7. Silicone/Cotton Pot Holder and Trivet – In case you’ve taken off the mitts, because we all do, and you need to grab a pot handle, or set something hot down on a surface that needs protection. Buy it here.
8. 15 inch Stainless Roasting Pan– Stainless steel is far better than aluminum for roasting pans, and, contrary to popular opinion, non-stick is the wrong choice. You won’t get a good base for gravy-making unless your drippings stick and caramelize. Make sure you choose a pan that will fit your turkey, with enough room for air circulation, but not so much space that the juices spread out and burn in the pan. Check it out here.
9. Ultra Flex Kitchen Oven Mitts – Thanksgiving is prime burn time. Go all out on protection when you’re reaching into that hot oven, and across that hot stove. Don’t get burned!
10. Pie Cutter – Cut at the table, with a bit of hey presto! and this one-touch pie slicer. Get it here.
11. Laguiole Carving Set – The knives of French kings and queens, found in all the best restaurants, now playing at your Thanksgiving table. Beautiful wood handles, stainless blades, and a box for storing them safely until next year’s Thanksgiving. Get the carving set here.
12. M’heritage Roaster w/ Cast Iron Handles & Rack – If you want the spectacular option, go for copper cladding and never look back. You can buy it here.
13. Gravy Boat – Gravy is as important to the holiday as the turkey it blankets. And gravy boats, on a plate, are hands down the least messy, most attractive way to serve it. Buy it here.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Boombox Network . The opinions are all mine.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because it’s a time of gratitude and camaraderie. As we come together to enjoy our blessings, we also get to enjoy a delicious meal with family and friends including turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. Sometimes I wonder why we don’t have this meal more often, but, having it on Thanksgiving just makes it that much more special! We also get to exercise our creativity by putting together a beautiful table with fall colors and textures. Here are some easy ways to create the perfect ambiance. What is your favorite? I’m a bit in love with that Pumpkin Dutch Oven!

1. Hot Skwash Pumpkins – Rich, velvety pumpkins in warm hues with real pumpkin stems. Handcrafted in Oregon. Centerpiece on the table, the buffet or adornment over the mantle. See them here.
2. Branch iron candelabra – A rustic but elegant and certainly dramatic candelabra that holds 17 candles. Buy it here.
3. Dripless pillar candles – A set of 12 dripless candles in a color to suit your decor. Save your furniture and table linens from dripping wax! Get them here.
4. Leaf appetizer dishes – These glazed leaf dishes are the perfect size for each guest to use as appetizers or for the hostess to serve sauces, dips, olives… See them here.
5. Pumpkin Dutch Oven – A perfect Oven-to-Table piece, and certainly one that is an ode to the season. By Staub. You’ll have it forever. Buy it here.
6. Swirled tangerine glasses –  These goblets boast of seasonal colors and style. See them here.
7. Root wood bowl – This one-of-a-kind wooden bowl is crafted from reclaimed fir wood. It is food-safe and perfect to serve dry foods such as breads. Check it out.
8. Footed leaf tray – Highlight your hors d’oeuvres and desserts on this elegant pedestal tray. Get it here.
9. Live Thankfully napkins – A set of 6 natural cotton napkins that are very à propos with the “Live Thankfully” inscription. Buy these napkins here.
10. Wine carafe – Stylish wine serving is to be had with this hand-blown wine carafe with an oak wood stopper. Or use it for water or juice. See it here.
11. Wood candle holders – A set of 5 wooden candle holders, each with a different distressed finish. Love them for the Thanksgiving table and anywhere in the house for the rest of the year. Get the set here.
12. Flicker LED candles – Perfect for the wooden candle holders and you won’t have to worry about them. The natural flicker will make you forget these candles are battery operated. Oh, and remote control is pretty cool. Get them here.
13. Autumn floral basket – Preserved sunflowers, myrtle in orange and green, flax and natural wheat make up this decorative harvest basket. Put it anywhere in your home to announce Thanksgiving. Buy it here.

 

Disclosure: This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Boombox Network.

 

 

The Earthkeepers by Shawn Underhill

From the author of The Great North Woods Pack series comes a new adventure for you!

Lots of people talk to animals every day. If you’re someone who does, there’s nothing really unusual about you. But, on the other hand, what if animals spoke to you in return? What if you could understand them clearly, while the people around you could not?  That indeed would be very unusual, incredibly interesting, and would likely be tremendously fun!
For nine-year-old Ethan Dewfield, talking with his dog is an everyday occurrence. Add to this the fact that he lives not in a regular house but in a sprawling hilltop inn, and what you’ll find is a highly unusual boy with a unique tale to tell. In this personally narrated account he discovers the depths of his abilities, makes new friends, goes for a long walk in the snow, meets a special pack of wolves known as Earthkeepers, uncovers a nasty scheme devised by his even nastier uncle, eats a stack of pancakes, and does all he can to save his beautiful home from the greedy men plotting to destroy it.

 

*If you’re someone who likes a wide assortment of animals, with funny names and contrasting views of the world, and you like Christmas decorations, happy endings, and you’re open to the possibility of liking boys named Ethan, there’s a good chance you might enjoy this story.

 

*If you’re someone who admires deceitful, scheming, selfish people who manipulate others, who dislike animals, kids, beautiful buildings, and beautiful scenery, you might enjoy a long career in politics, but will probably not like this story in the least.
*If you’re someone searching for an epic, unrealistic romance between two people resembling Ken and Barbie, you are looking in the wrong place. You are now terribly lost. I’m shocked you’ve read this far. You should probably hit the back arrow now. There’s no telling what could happen if you don’t.

 

*If you’re someone shopping for affordable health insurance, you might try a different website.

 

Amazon

Author Shawn Underhill

The actually true story of Shawn Underhill may never be fully realized to the world at large. Theories and rumors abound, ranging from the fantastic to the absurd, but none can be entirely trusted.

Most scholars agree that he is certainly a devoted admirer of Jack London, while less credible claims suggest that he is loosely related to the novelist, merely adopting the false name Underhill as a means to anonymity. The most bizarre of all rumors state that Mr. Underhill actually is Jack London reincarnate, that in his spare time he pilots experimental aircraft on dangerous test missions, and is slated to appear on DWTS.

Attempts by this biographer to uncover solid evidence have proven frustrating at best, and dangerous at worst. Establishing contact with Mr. Underhill’s family in the slim hope of acquiring trustworthy information has been, for the most part, an exercise in futility.

The most viable explanation came by a series of mysterious phone calls leading to a secret meeting with an individual claiming to be Shawn’s second cousin. This unnamed source (who only spoke with me under cover of darkness behind a Dunkin Donuts off highway 93 in rural New Hampshire) states that the author was last known to be located within his secret writing cave–a high mountain fortress, heavily defended by steep ledges and rushing waterfalls. The grounds near the secret trail leading to the hidden entrance are said to be patrolled day and night by wolves, watchdogs and bears.

In an interesting side note, UFO’s and Bigfoot sightings have been reported in the general area of Mr. Underhill’s alleged stronghold, but none have been officially confirmed by any reputable organizations.

The author’s Facebook page, Shawn Underhill (Author) is the only known source of contact he has with the outside world.

Facebook * Twitter

 

 

 

 

Book Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 11/30/14

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

 

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It’s one of the hardest conversations you could have and yet it’s so important. As our parents and loved ones age, we often become caretakers for the ones who nurtured us for so many years. I remember when my Mom first started having heart issues. It was unexpected and frightening. She found that she had atrial fibrillation and had to get a pacemaker.

We were worried and she was worried, but, sitting down and having some very down-to-earth conversations planning for long-term care proved to bring us closer and made us feel more calm. This planning can be a complex process. Care Conversations recommends getting certain documents in place to make the process easier. For example, Advance Directives ensure your loved ones have a say in their future care. I was glad to know my Mom’s views on these matters and, as it’s such a personal decision, I was really glad to have her wishes known way in advance of a medical emergency.

My sister and I sat down with Mom, shared some laughter, some tea and some tears. Ultimately, knowing that we would be respecting her choices made my sister and I feel better about everything.  Care Conversations is truly a wonderful resource to help plan and prepare for the future.

 

 

This video on Care planning is also very helpful.

 

Early planning goes a long way towards future peace of mind and heart.  And, spending quality time with those you truly love is more precious than anything.

Join @ResourcefulMom on Wednesday, November 12 at 8pm EST to chat about these important conversations and get some tips on making the best decisions for your loved ones. RSVP for the #CareConvo Twitter party here.

Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by Global Influence. All opinions are my own.

 

 

Purchase your own Beam N Read Reading Light from
AMAZON

 

Beam N Read Hands Free Travel and Reading Light

 

Are you looking for a wide and bright light that lights up two book pages and doesn’t disturb others?  Are you looking for a great gift?

This is  a true reading light that works with all printed books, Kindles and other eReaders (whether naked, skinned, or covered), PLUS newspapers, magazines, newsletters, loose documents, and other items that can’t support a clip-on light. Worn around the neck, there’s no need to shift it when reading paperbacks.

Included are two 2 special Relaxation Filters: BNR Orange for a softer, warmer light that blocks energizing blue light (especially useful when reading to relax in bed); BNR Red to block blue light and reduce ambient light for sensitive bed partners.

Standard alkaline AA batteries (not included) last an extra long 100 hours, far longer than flashlights and clip-on lights resulting in a lower cost to use (and fewer batteries in the trash). This light is still bright when others have gone dim. Save batteries for when you’re on the go with the optional USB/AC Power Kit with 12 ft of cable that lets you plug into the included USB/AC adapter. Or plug into a USB car adapter/charger, or a computer USB port, or a USB adapter/charger for cell phones, etc.

In addition to reading, this 3 LED hands-free light is great for crafts, travel, and walking in dim or dark places such as an attic, basement, or around the house during a power outage. Use it for writing journals, working, camping, changing diapers at night, and more.

 

 

Features

• For hands free personal light anywhere; extra bright light is easy on the eyes; doesn’t disturb others
• Wide light from 3 LEDs in a row lights up 2 book pages; works with ALL Kindles, eReaders
• BNR Orange Relaxation Filter softens and warms the cool LED light and blocks energizing blue light
• BNR Red Relaxation Filter blocks blue light, reduces ambient light, & helps maintains night vision
• Alkaline AA batteries (not incl) last Extra Long 100 hours, 3-10x longer than most clip-on lights

 

 

Also Available

Beam N Read USB/AC Power Kit

 

This will help you save batteries for when you’re on the go or the next power outage.

It works with all Beam n Read LED Hands-Free lights (3 and 6 LED lights).

In addition to the adapter’s 6 foot BnR to USB cable, this kit includes an additional 6 foot USB extension cord letting you work up to 12 feet from a USB-A socket. Need a longer cable? – just add a standard USB extension cable. Use the included USB/AC adapter or a USB DC car adapter/charger, or a computer’s USB port, or the USB adapter/charger for your cell phone, e-reader, etc. You may leave batteries in the Beam n Read or take them out to make a super lightweight light.

Please note this kit is for external power adapter and will not recharge batteries.

Purchase your Adapter from Amazon

Product Review Tour

November 10th to December 10th

$50 Blast Giveaway

Enter to win an Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 11/30/14

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by readinglight.com. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

 

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Martian Goods and Other Stories by Noelle Campbell

It’s a barren world. Air is priceless, women bought and sold. Meanwhile, one man longs for love, but is it really worth the price?

In this short story collection by science fiction author Noelle Campbell, Mars is the new frontier where men stake their claims for a new life. However, some commodities are harder to come by than others–including women, who are often willing to sacrifice everything to escape an Earth that is no longer free.”

Purchase your copy on

Amazon

 

Author Noelle Campbell

Noelle Campbell has been involved in science media for more than a decade, covering stories for the entertainment sections of syfy (when it was still the scifichannel), space.com, and local media in Houston, Texas—the home of the Space Center. As an advocate for the disabled, Noelle thinks the best way to prepare for the future is to imagine what it might be like and loves to imagine a life on Mars, which she does in her first published collection of short stories, Martian Goods & Other Stories.

 

Website * Twitter * Facebook

 

 

 

 

Book Blast Giveaway

$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 11/27/14

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway