Turkey Cranberry Brie Grilled Cheese
Will Cook for Smiles

This looks amazing. Brie and turkey is a great combination and using the leftover cranberry sauce adds just the right amount of sweetness.

Black Friday Hand Pies
Zestuous

Mash it up and take it with you. Put your leftovers in one of these tasty hand pies.

Leftover Turkey Pot Pies
Damn Delicious

These pot pies are made individually so everyone gets an equal amount of delicious puff pastry.

Cranberry Butter
The Faux Martha

With leftover cranberry sauce you’re already half way to a delicious cranberry butter for morning toast.

Mashed Potato and Stuffing Pancakes
Pocket Change Gourmet

I don’t know how anyone ends up with leftover mashed potatoes (perhaps it’s because I’m not at the dinner table) but if magic happens and you have some left over, here’s a great way to make use of them.

Leftover Thanksgiving Breakfast
Jillian Harris

Left over stuffing makes a great breakfast when pared with an egg, this is a great recipe if you’ve got a lot of people to feed Friday morning.

(Leftover) Sweet Potato Fritters
Where the Cookies Are

Roll up those sweet potatoes and fry ‘em up for a delicious treat!

Turkey Parmesan Baked Rotini
Rock Recipes

All you Thanksgiving recipes taste a lot like Thanksgiving dinner?
Here’s a recipe for Rotini that is a nice departure from the Thanksgiving regulars.

Leftover Turkey & Black Bean Tacos
Noble Pig

Mix it up a bit by making Tacos from your left over turkey.

Turkey & Spinach Quinoa Casserole 
iFoodReal

After all that rich Turkey-Day food it’s kinda nice to have something that reminds you of when you were eating healthy that one time.

Penne with Goat Cheese, Kale, Olives, and Turkey
Martha Stewart

Of course Martha has a delicious way to use that left over turkey.

Hot Turkey Slow Cooker Sandwiches
Recipes that Crock

These creamy, comforting sandwiches are sure to be a hit with kids.

One Pot Pasta: Turkey Alfredo Ziti
The Gunny Sack

This recipe is made with leftover Thanksgiving turkey… but it’s probably one to keep in your pocket and use with chicken year round (as long as you don’t care about the fat content).

Turkey Stock
Good Cheap Eats

Why buy broth when you’ve got all the scraps you need to make your own?  Turkey stock can be used in place of chicken stock in any recipe (or is a great base for turkey soup).  Plus you’ll feel all warm and fuzzy inside because you didn’t let anything go to waste.

Thanksgiving Leftover Sandwich With A Moist Maker
Spoon, Fork, Bacon

Yes, Monica Geller’s amazing creation… the moist maker. Spoon, Fork, Bacon put it together and now we know why Ross was obsessed.

Our department is relatively small and we knew we could get together the makings of a single basket. We could possibly even do more than one. As we discussed logistics for providing more, one of my colleagues shared, “I think we should do as many baskets as possible. I have been on the other side of the basket. It really stinks not having enough money to even buy food.” My heart sank. Actually knowing someone personally that has experienced being “on the other side of the basket” is sobering. My mind raced to wondering what their specific circumstance was, what they thought about needing help and most importantly, how they got through it all.

Somehow, this made preparing our baskets all the more personal. I thought back to when I had put my first offerings in the basket on a recent trip to the grocery, and having not had the opportunity to have lunch until 2pm that day due to my work schedule, I was getting a little hangry. I placed my large can of yams in the basket and then, having checked that item off the list, I casually said, “I’m starving. I am eating lunch now.” No sooner than the words came out of my mouth, I regretted my poor choice of words. However, it also made me consider –  if I am grumpy after having a meal a few hours late, how are those coping that might not have eaten all day? Or for several days in a row?

So this Thanksgiving and beyond, if you are fortunate enough to give back, please do. Whether it is volunteering at the food bank, donating cash or canned goods, or making a basket for a family –  it all helps. The folks on the other side of the basket will be glad you did – and you will too.

If you need assistance OR can provide assistance, please contact FeedMore.

Psychologist and author Dr. Susan Newman makes the case that there are times when you need to treat your kids like employees. Sometimes, home life needs to look like business life. The holiday season, especially Thanksgiving, is one of those times. Being a busy, career-oriented mother means that you need to approach Thanksgiving like you do work—with a business plan.

Outsourcing

Martha Stewart has demonstrated that she has the capability to make every little radish rosette and napkin swan but the odds are that she has someone do it for her. The Martha Stewart brand employs up to 500 people, reports Glassdoor. Like many companies in the U.S., she outsources secondary jobs. Thanksgiving Day decorations are important but they will never compete with a delicious turkey. Do not waste your time trying to create a centerpiece when you can easily buy one. Take a look at the holiday centerpieces from FTD and devote your time to creating an amazing meal.

Project Management

Qantas Airways’ director Maxine Brenner can cook. She showed that at the CEO Cookoff this year when she worked with a professional chef to raise more than $13 million for Australia’s homeless. Cooking a grand meal and running an airline have a very important thing in common: both need precise scheduling. List out everything that you need to do to pull off the perfect meal, including time frames and preparation overlap. Find recipes that you can make in advance to spread the project over a longer period. Remember that a big turkey takes several hours in the oven so you have plenty of time to do other meal time prepping.

Human Resources

You are not alone. You can manage people at work so do the same at home. Monaica Ledell of the website mommybreadwinner.com says that she runs her family like a business. She delegates to her husband and her two underage assistants. Make it clear that you are looking for help, not the extra chore of cleaning up after a failed attempt. Telling your adolescent that she is smart and can figure it out is perfectly acceptable. Just like at work, the caveat is that quality assurance is a standard, not a stab at perfection. Let everyone know, in no uncertain terms, what you need then empower them to deliver in their own way.

Inventory Control

The CEO of Campbell Soup Denise Morrison says that she has been preparing to run a company all of her life. You can guess that she does not run out of carrots for Campbell’s chicken noodle soup. Creating a Thanksgiving feast requires organization. When you create your grocery shopping list, make sure that it reflects the entree that you are creating with the ingredients. If you are using the same ingredient for several food courses, place the total amount on the list then parenthetically separate the quantities so that you know what you need for each recipe.

Marketing

We all like to think that our business and our cooking is the best, but how you market your meal makes a difference. Food advertisers spend millions of dollars annually to make people believe that their food is a little better than reality shows. Research in the journal Appetite shows that marketing, especially to children, positively affects the enjoyment of the food so present your food with a flourish and the disclaimer that it is delicious.

We warned you! The holiday season has begun! November 1st and the end of Halloween marks the unofficial start to the holiday season whether you like it or not!  We’ve pulled a list of holiday events and activities for the whole family to enjoy happening in the Richmond area to get you in the spirit of the season.

November 1 – 2, 2014

5th Annual Virginia Christmas Market  Choose from a high quality, innovative holiday collection of porcelain, pottery, quilts, folk art, fine art, reproduction furniture, flags, ironwork, carvings, leather, toys, tinware, candles, dollcraft, wovenwares, book authors, musicians, jewelry, basketry and more. Sample all types of scrumptious gourmet and specialty foods and wine from Virginia wineries– all set amid festive Christmas displays. Bring the children for pictures with Santa.

Virginia Thanksgiving Festival  November 2nd.  Find out about the REAL First Thanksgiving and party like it’s 1619! There will be period interpreters strolling the grounds, children’s games, family friendly activities, food and craft vendors.

November 7 – 9, 2014

The Craftsman Classic Arts & Crafts Festival This three day event features over 450 different artists and craftsmen from all over the US and Canada.

Museum Stores of Richmond Holiday Shoppers Fair. November 7th and 8th, Richmond-area museum gift shops sell their wares, including many specialty items. Proceeds benefit the museums. 9am-5pm both days. 20th Anniversary Reception: Friday, November 7 from 5 – 8:30 p.m.

Holiday Decorating For Your Home This class will teach you how to deck out your home in “grand style” for this year’s holidays! Table settings, fabrics, lighting design, wreath, tree, and floral arrangement will be taught.

Santa Arrives at Chesterfield Towne Center Friday, November 7th, 6pm. Santa is eager to meet and greet all his little friends who want to come and visit.   He will arrive at our food court and then head towards his Snowy Wonderland, located in front of Homegoods.  He will be receiving guests at Chesterfield Towne Center through Wednesday, December 24, when he then will depart for his around-the-world gift trip.

Community Tree Lighting Saturday, November 8th 6-8 p.m. Kick off the holiday at Stony Point Fashion Park with a community tree lighting, ice skating and more.

Animated Light Shows beginning November 9th at Stony Point Fashion Park. Animated light shows take place at the top and bottom of each hour, beginning at 5 p.m. at the Community Tree. Continues through January 4.

November 13 – 15, 2014

Champagne ‘n’ Shopping November 13th. Join us at the Garden for a special evening of shopping just in time for the holidays. Guests will be greeted with a glass of champagne or sparkling cider and enjoy live music and door prizes while you shop.  No admission fee required.

Illuminate Light Show & Santa’s Village Park. Opens November 14. The lights shine brightly for guests nightly, including holidays, and are enjoyed from the comfort of a vehicle. Also featured is Santa’s Village, complete with family-friendly activities, Christmas tree lot, pictures with Santa, tasty treats, and more.

Holly Jolly Christmas on Lakside Avenue. Lakeside is known as a unique shopping district with shops featuring home decor, clothing, antiques and vintage treasures, toys, gourmet food and beverages and much more!  Friday, November 14: Participating merchants (including the Garden Shop) extend hours until 9 p.m. Saturday, November 15: Regular hours apply

Holiday Weekend Celebration at Short Pump Mall, November 15 & 16. The celebration continues all weekend long with holiday performances at 1PM and 3PM in the Main Plaza, meet and greets with your favorite holiday characters at noon and 2PM and live music throughout the center!

Santa Arrives at Regency Square Mall November 15 at 9 a.m.  Watch in wonder has Mickey the Magician magically makes Santa appear. Santa parade follows.

November 20 – 23, 2014

Ladies’ Night Out: Holiday Open House & Sale Thursday, November 20, join Cross Creek Nursery for the 3rd annual November Ladies’ Night Out. All holiday décor, gifts for gardeners and blooming seasonal plants will be discounted 25%. Enjoy refreshments, music and design workshops.
3:00pm – 9:00pm, 501 Courthouse Rd, Richmond, Virginia 23236.

Busch Gardens’ Christmas Town™ Experience Christmas traditions from around the world and keep warm with a mug of Busch Gardens’ signature hot chocolate. This year, Christmas Town is brighter than ever with more than eight million lights. Of course, no visit would be complete without a stop at the North Pole to see Santa’s workshop and meet the jolly old elf-himself. Unwrap the gift of Christmas Town starting Nov. 21 select days through Dec. 31.

InLight Richmond Friday, November 21 in Monroe Park. InLight 2014 will kick off with the Community Lantern Parade and will feature performances, sculpture, large-format projections, and interactive projects that will illuminate pathways, walls, sidewalks, green spaces, trees, benches, building facades, and more, in and around the park.

The Victorian Holidays Begin  November 21st at Maymont.  runs through January 4, 2014, 12-5pm.For seven weeks, Maymont is decked out for the holidays! Kids and adults alike will enjoy the beautiful decorations and delightful events that attract visitors from all over the country and the world. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the season!  Tour the mansion to see the beautiful trimmings on the Christmas tree, the opulent dining room set for a feast, evergreen decorations and lavish gifts welcome the season in grand Victorian style.

Legendary Santa Holiday Breakfast at Saks Fifth Avenue November 22, Join the Legendary Santa for his first appearance of the season for a spectacular holiday breakfast at Saks Fifth Avenue.

November 27 – 30, 2014

The Giving Heart Community Thanksgiving Feast November 27. Each year, approximately 3000 volunteers and guests will gather to enjoy wonderful meal of traditional Thanksgiving foods. This event is open to everyone, with special emphasis on inviting area homeless, seniors, working class families, military and those who would otherwise be alone on Thanksgiving Day. All are welcome! The Greater Richmond Convention Center. FREE.

Santa’s Christmas Miracle opens at Virginia Rep- A holiday treat for young audiences, this charming musical comedy is set in Broken-Bone, Montana on December 24, 1883, where the sheriff has outlawed Christmas! It is up to a mysterious stranger and a bungling bandit named Big Bad Bart to unravel the plot and bring the true meaning of the season back into focus. This delightful story emphasizes love and the holiday spirit to the accompaniment of foot-stompin’ country and western music.

RVA on Ice Go ice skating in the heart of downtown Richmond. In addition to skating, there will be a Christmas tree lot with trees $25 – $35, hot chocolate, s’mores and holiday music and warm up near the pit fire and snack shack (provided by Johnny Rockets this year!). Free arts and crafts sessions will be offered Saturdays from 2 – 4 pm.

37th Annual Model Railroad Show Opens November 28 – November 30th Enjoy the most magical train layouts in Virginia. Featuring all the bells and whistles, guests enjoy unique and traditional model train displays from across the state. Learn how trains work, conduct experiments, check out special demonstrations and enjoy a holiday weekend filled with fun for the whole family.

Dominion GardenFest of Lights 2014 Opens November 28th. This holiday tradition features more than a half million lights, botanical decorations, trains, holiday dinners, family activities and more. Visit often to fully experience Dominion GardenFest of Lights — the region’s ultimate holiday extravaganza!

The Day After Thanksgiving Art Affair November 28th, a great alternative to Black Friday. Enjoy yourself with music, door prizes, an auction and shopping in the hallways, nooks and crannies of Art Works where artisans and fine craftsmen have set up shop. Find holiday handmade gifts on Sugar Plum Street, Jolly Jingle Junction and Candy Cane Circle. All items are $50 and under.

Virginia’s Thanksgiving of Feast and Prayer at Henricus November 29, Join the Henricus interpreters and volunteers for a first-person living history experience where visitors will get to see how the English gathered; and discover why and how they gave thanks for their survival. See what they would give thanks for and how they would eat well during special occasions.

Wilton House Holiday Open House November 30 from 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm  Enjoy light refreshments craft, games, and performances by Barefoot Puppet Theatre and the Concert Ballet of Virginia throughout the afternoon. Tours of Wilton, elegantly set for Twelfth Night, will be available throughout the day.

Nov 28, 9 a.m.
Rain or shine.

On Thanksgiving morning, walk, run or waddle with the congregation of Salisbury Presbyterian Church in its annual Turkey Waddle 5k. All proceeds support the Central Virginia Food Bank. The Turkey Waddle raised over $8,000 and about 1,000 lbs of food last year – let’s beat it this year. These dollars helped provide over 40,000 meals to central Virginia’s neediest families during this key holiday time. Click here to register and learn more. 

I was looking up definitions and synonyms of grateful and thankful I wanted to know if there was a difference between the two since I can be grateful for what I have — my family, my home, food on the table, my pets, financial security, and more — but the moment someone DOES something for me, “thank you” are the last words I want to say.

On Sunday, my husband let me sleep in late.

When I finally rolled over to look at the clock, it was 10:00 a.m.. I hadn’t seen 10 a.m. from my bed since Mother’s Day and the first words out of my mouth were, “HOLY CRAP!” And not in a good way.

I immediately reviewed my calendar plans. Was I supposed to do or be anywhere this morning that I now missed? I sighed with relief when the answer was no, but my freaking out did not end there.

I next jumped to attempting to recall all my afternoon plans to see if the extra sleep meant I couldn’t do any of them. What if I needed to leave the house without the kids and now I would feel obligated to stay because I was allowed to sleep in late? Would I have to remind my husband that I didn’t ask to sleep in so no one could get mad at me for having to work/leave? Should I remind my husband of the last time I let him sleep in? Except he only slept in until 8 a.m.. And what happens tonight when I can’t fall asleep because I got so much sleep and my entire sleep cycle for the week is ruined. RUINED, I SAY!

By this point, I’m into the full-fledge insanity of not-thankfulness. It’s basically the second-half of those synonyms up there: thankfulness leads to obligation and debt. See, I can be grateful for what I have, but I don’t want to accept anything extra. I want us to stay even. I may even be more comfortable if I’m up one. It’s not that I’ll think you owe me because I don’t want anything from you. I would just rather help than be helped. I can easily be grateful for the opportunity to help, but I don’t want to do the hard work of accepting help and being thankful for it.

However, as my husband neared our bedroom door, I thought of all the times I ruined his kindness by explaining it away. Oh, I was about to do the dishes, you beat me to it! I can fold the laundry with you instead of reading this book. I know I’m sick but I’ll just help with the kids’ bedtime anyway. In the end, I’m ruining his thoughtfulness, his opportunity to help me, and my chance to be more full of thanks.

When he walked into the room, I said, “Thank you for letting me sleep in,” and nothing more.

“You’re welcome,” he replied.

And we had a wonderful, thankful, grateful day.

*synonyms from the Oxford American Writer’s Thesaurus