Black Friday

Well, the title of this blog is what I like, don't and more.  Today.  I don't like Black Friday shopping.  I have NEVER liked Black Friday shopping.  I do however love my teenage daughter all the way to the moon and back.  And she desperately wanted to go Black Friday shopping.  *sigh*  What's a mother to do?  I did what any smart woman who's teenage daughter wants to spend time with her would do.  I went shopping.  I wasn't about to go in the middle of the night, but we did venture out during the afternoon.  (Lucky for me, she wanted to shop, but loves to sleep in more.)

We hit Kohl's, Target, Victoria's Secret and Ulta.  All our favorite places and found some really great deals.  Were there long lines?  Yes, of course.  Did we save a few dollars?  Yes, of course.  But more important than any of that, is that I am blessed with a 15 year old daughter who still occasionally wants to spend time with her mom.  We laughed, we people watched, we gossiped a little.  It is an afternoon I will treasure forever.  Please remember as you head into the holiday season that it's not all about getting the best deal, but sometimes about savoring the moment.  Remember that family moments and building relationships are what is more important than any gift.  You can always hit Amazon.com on Cyber Monday in your jammies anyway!

Thanksgiving Leftovers

I love everything about Thanksgiving.  It's so steeped in tradition for my family.  As a child, this was the holiday that we hosted at our house.  Even as a child, we all helped my mother peel potatoes, taste test pies and polish the silver.  Now that I have children who have left the nest, this holiday is even more important to me that we continue this tradition!  My sons bring their girlfriends over, and my daughter helps me just like I helped my mom.  It's a always a fun day filled with way too much food, family photos and of course, football!

Once all the shopping, preparing, and cooking are done, another wonderful thing about Thanksgiving is LEFTOVERS!  If you are wondering what to do with all that leftover turkey, the Butterball website has great ideas on what to do with it.  Of course there is the old standby, turkey sandwiches, but they give some great new ideas and recipes to put all those leftovers to good use!

Happy Turkey Day!

Jen