Holiday Savings Tips Everyone Can Enjoy!

           Every year we always sigh at the thought that the holidays are near. Our wallets clinch and our budgets get much tighter. The thought does not have to be nerve racking and stressful as there are many tips that can help one save money and be able to breathe a little easier.  One of the best shopping tips that I have endured is to shop on a Monday or Tuesday when the crowds are less. I also find that it is always hard to get in and out of a store with only one item if a item is forgotten! This making the next tip even more a great focus for me. When one forgets and ingredient to a recipe there can be substitutions that can be made that can taste just as good as the the original recipe. I have done this on many occasions.

Making Holiday Lights Both Festive and Frugal
The lights are beautiful and make a eye-catching effect for everyone. However, the energy bills brings headaches when it is all said and done. It does not have to be this way as a end result. There are many tips that can help one to save money and costs. While saving money we can bring a festive look to ones home and brighten the eyes of many.

          I also found that even though one may feel like they are saving money by unpacking those holiday lights each year, it is not the case. Do you realize that those large older Christmas lights may utilize up to 10 watts per bulb! That will cost a lot as a end result leaving one with empty pockets after paying that electric bill. The newer bulbs utilize way less energy approximately 70 percent less energy. This leaving a more sigh of relief after the electric bill has been received.

           Timers also help to reduce the cost of electricity as well. This helps to keeps the costs down and ensure that the lights are not left on at times they are not needed.However, one would want to ensure that the timer can handle the wattage of the Christmas lights that are being utilized.
         

Save Thanksgiving! Black Thursday Interferes!

          We all enjoy savings and being able to prepare for Christmas has become more and more popular. Just to save a few dollars, it seems as though we would cut family time short. As Black Friday has been a tradition for many stores and very many years, it has began to cut into the Thanksgiving day. For many years Thanksgiving is being thankful for everything,enjoying family time and of course we cannot forget football. As many stores close for Thanksgiving and are now re-opening at midnight or even earlier. I have seen some opening as early as 8pm on Thanksgiving night. This is creating a huge debate as families Thanksgiving is being cut short by willingness to save a dollar or even being forced to work on those days. As stated by The Examiner "Black Friday, the busiest shopping day of the year, has traditionally taken place on the Friday after Thanksgiving. But this year, some retailers are moving the big day of savings earlier and opening on Thanksgiving Day. Macy’s has already announced its intention to start the holiday shopping season earlier than usual and now Kohl’s has added itself to the growing list." This has raised eyebrows for everyone. There are even petitions that are floating around to be able to save the holiday and not have black Friday sales on Thanksgiving day! 

You can make a perfect Turkey Too! Some mistakes people make when doing so!

          Have you ever wanted the golden brown turkey on the outside and delicious moist turkey on the inside? Entertaining Thanksgiving guests with the perfect Turkey is what most people thrive for.There are so many recipes that one can utilize to achieve a great turkey. There are also many mistakes that one could make as many people do not even realize they forget certain things when cooking the perfect turkey. Some of these mistakes include but are not limited to;

•  Letting the turkey get room temperature before cooking it. Letting the turkey get to room temperature is not good as  one should take the turkey from the refrigerator and brine it if you are brining as this helps to keep the turkey moist.
• Forgeting to dry the turkey inside and out can reduce the chance of getting that crispy brown skin. So, remember to dry the turkey inside and out before buttering it.
•  Make sure you buy your turkey sooner than later. Frozen turkeys needs at least 4 days to thaw prior to cooking.
• Remember to buy a roasting pan. As having a rack helps to keep the turkey to burned on the bottom and be dry as well.
• Everyone also seems to forget about the inside of the precious bird as we season the outside of the bird.  Ensure that the inside cavity of the bird has a little salt added as this seasons the meat from the inside out.

I have learned these things over the years as they have helped me to make the perfect turkey as a end result. My guests enjoy it as well.


 The following recipes will help you to achieve that!

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Thoroughly rinse the turkey, and discard the brine mixture.
2. Brush the turkey with 1/2 the melted butter. Place breast side down on a roasting rack in a shallow roasting pan. Stuff the turkey cavity with 1 onion, 1/2 the carrots, 1/2 the celery, 1 sprig of thyme, and the bay leaf. Scatter the remaining vegetables and thyme around the bottom of the roasting pan, and cover with the white wine.
3. Roast uncovered 3 1/2 to 4 hours in the preheated oven, until the internal temperature of the thigh reaches 180 degrees F (85 degrees C). Carefully turn the turkey breast side up about 2/3 through the roasting time, and brush with the remaining butter. Allow the bird to stand about 30 minutes before carving.

Another Turkey Recipe That is wonderful

!

• 1 (18 pound) whole turkey
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• 1 1/2 quarts turkey stock
•  8 cups prepared stuffing

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Place rack in the lowest position of the oven.
2. Remove the turkey neck and giblets, rinse the turkey, and pat dry with paper towels. Place the turkey, breast side up, on a rack in the roasting pan. Loosely fill the body cavity with stuffing. Rub the skin with the softened butter, and season with salt and pepper. Position an aluminum foil tent over the turkey.
3. Place turkey in the oven, and pour 2 cups turkey stock into the bottom of the roasting pan. Baste all over every 30 minutes with the juices on the bottom of the pan. Whenever the drippings evaporate, add stock to moisten them, about 1 to 2 cups at a time. Remove aluminum foil after 2 1/2 hours. Roast until a meat thermometer inserted in the meaty part of the thigh reads 180 degrees F (80 degrees C), about 4 hours.
4. Transfer the turkey to a large serving platter, and let it stand for at least 20 to 30 minutes before carving.

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Enduring The Holidays After the Death of a Child

          There are so many things that one can experience during the holidays after the death of a child. As many of my followers know from past blog posts, my 8 year old son Tyler past away February 12th of this year. Although, the holiday season has barely began to be in full swing, the emotions are in full force. Swinging emotions are a major issue. There are many triggers such as Halloween costumes everywhere and candy on display. Seeing these things are more depressing knowing that my child would love to partake in the activities that other children are. As I have mentioned before in previous blogs the sound of music helps to draw me out of my funk. However, it is becoming harder and harder to remain in control.  There are many things that work very well for me. As these tactics may help you as well. This includes but is not limited to:

1. Keeping a structured routine

2. Maintaining adequate sleep

3. Stay positive (even if it's difficult)

4. Join in on the fun!

I'm a deviled egg! 

          Now that Halloween is over I find that there are many other obstacles to endure. My son being the happy child that he was would not like to see mommy sad. I have found that writing about my thoughts helps very much. My son being the giving and loving child that he was would want to know that the monies that would have been spent on him would go to a child in need. I feel that if this reaches anyone that many can realize that the season is not about gifts or presents and I feel more compelled to help others more now than I ever have. I cannot compete with the gift of life my son gave through organ donation however, There are many organizations that are in dire need of things to help children and families in need. Please feel free to help someone this holiday by checking with local charities to see how you can help.






 

There comes a time when even though one remains positive and everything is going a little smoother something happens to bring one to their knees. When this happens one must try to remain on the better end of the spectrum. Turning to someone for support helps one with this.