Things I am Thankful For - Giveaway

I don't need a holiday to remind myself of all the wonderful things in my life and I am sure you don't either but the extra day off is awesome isn't it?

Sometimes things that happen in life which seem to be the WORST in the world (at the time) end up being the most remarkable gifts and you realize you are so thankful it happened the way it did - I said sometimes.

You wanna know what I'm thankful for?

My parents.
Even though they were hard nosed while I was growing up and I thought I hated them with every fiber in me, that was my teenagerism talking and really, they were awesome.  They loved me, they disciplined me, they tried to teach me real honest values and I am pretty sure they did a fantastic job because now my son is pretty darned good too.

I wake up each morning. 
I might not like getting up, I may have aches and pains and internal struggles but I'm alive, I get to see my Mr. and son, I get to talk to my friends and loved ones.

For my husband. 
Many moons ago he accepted not only me but my son into his life, he became the father my son never had (or rarely had I should say).  He always tries to impress me, support me, pick me up when I am down.  He pretty much is my rock.  I love him for who he is even with his movember 'stache.

My senses.  ALL of them. 
I have a friend who lost her sense of smell and taste after a terrible accident that she wasn't expected to recover from and I am reminded every time I see her just how lucky I am to still have those (and the others too).  I couldn't imagine trying to remember what things tasted or smelled like!  PS Sarah I love you and when I eat beans I'm glad you cant smell :)

That brings me to my friends. 
I am SO thankful to have a handful of really really good friends who surround me.  Without them I'm not sure I could have survived getting married as calmly as I did ;)
They helped me through some tough times and I hope they can say the same for me because I would do anything for them!

I am also extremely grateful for the friendships I have gained through the online blogging community!
Of course we talk about food, we help each other find recipes, we encourage, we support, we discuss, give tips and ideas but we also become much more than just "online friends".  We talk about our lives, we know what our kids (should we have any) look like or what their names are, we know what's coming up next in their lives, vacation plans etc.  Just because I may have never met any of them in person (YET) it doesn't matter.
They've got my back and I them!  Which incidentally brings me to my dear friend Carrie from Carrie's Experimental Kitchen.
She has officially created a cookbook, a real life cookbook!!

I am THRILLED for her!  Its one of my dreams to have one someday and to know someone personally who has had a published book is invigorating for me.
I ordered one. 
She signed it (you know, for when she's super famous and I really need to remind her who I am teehee).
I received it....and LOVE IT!
Beautiful photos, wonderful dishes inspired by the Mediteranian.  A fantastic addition to my collection and I have already started taking notes.

Carrie has graciously offered to send one of YOU her new cookbook.
Trust me, its fantastic, you want need it!!

So in order to win your very own copy of this cookbook you simply need to tell me:

What you are most thankful for?

Thats it!  Wait, that's not it...you should leave your email address so I can get in touch with you if you win.
This is open to the residents of the United States of America as well as Canada.  (sorry international friends!)
Once completed the winner will have 48 hours to respond to claim their prize and send mailing details.  Should we not hear back a new winner will be selected.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Chicken & Broccoli Mac n Cheese

Wanna make me happy?
Put a big bowl of creamy mac n cheese in my face.  I'm a simple gal.
It ranks up there with one of my favorite meals - a heaping bowl of mashed potatoes and gravy (nope, not even kidding, simply mashed potatoes, its been done)

Just pass me a fork.
ahhh who am I kiddin, I use a spoon, you can hold wayyyy more on a spoon.

I never bake it with a crumb topping as I have seen others do, the creamier the better.
Usually the sauce is seasoned with dry mustard, worchestershire, salt and pepper, simplicity at its finest.
And there's nothing better than the traditional sharp cheddar cheese either.
Except when you're into experimenting.
Not the kind like when you're in high school and someone passes you a glass and says here, try this - that's unsafe
This, totally safe.  And good.  Really good.
Unconventional but hey, that's what cooking is all about right?

This takes the kid friendly, comfort promoting dish you may be accustomed to and adds a little "adult" flare.


I'm listening to:  Jack & Diane, John Melloncamp

Gobble Gobble - Happy Turkey Day

It is a National Holiday here in Canada this weekend - Thanksgiving.
Tradition dictates turkey to be served.
Now don't get me wrong I am a HUGE fan of the bird that makes me want more gravy and potatoes piled high on my plate but sometimes that adds a few extra inches on my waistline.
So maybe I'll save some room by not going for seconds and having one of these little creatures instead?!

I peered these on Pinterest (love the creativity of people!) from the Kellogg's site and knew this was something easy, fun and could certainly engage my teenager with.
We worked together at the dining room table, smushing, stuffing, coating and just maybe eating a bit of the krispies while we worked.
Ahhhhh bonding....it was so much easier when he was little.

We even popped in a little pumpkin spice to kick up the "Thanksgivingness"

Who doesn't love a rice krispie treat?
We do!
Enjoy :)

We listened to:  DJ Got Us Falling in Love - Usher ft. Pitbull  (dont tell Little Ugh I told you he likes that song!)