Mini Italian Skewers and Busy Lives

This year was the first time in a while that I haven't hosted Thanksgiving dinner at my house and I have to say it was a little strange.  I've kind of become accustomed to the massive prep and recipe planning, the influx of visiting family, and the leftovers in the fridge.

Part of me really missed having that this year...and the rest of me was eternally grateful that I didn't have to handle the house cleaning, food prep, cooking, and everything else that goes along with having a house full over the holidays.

There is just no way I could have done it all this year.

Sooo...I didn't buy the big turkey this year.

No Leftover Turkey Tamales were made- though I am absolutely making tamales before New Year's!

I just brought along the Mac and Cheese recipe that everyone loves, some green beans, and these Mini Italian Appetizer Skewers from Lilly at Listotic to snack on while eggnog was being made, sweet potatoes were being chopped, and pies were being admired.

These things are so simple to put together...contributing them to the holiday festivities was literally the least I could do.

Quick and Easy Pizza Crust For Hungry Kids

My daughter loves slumber parties.

She loves throwing them, she loves attending them.

What girl doesn't, right?

It's not until you're a boring adult that the thought of the insanity that is a a house full of excited, noisy, crazy girls gives you a bit of a headache.

So what is a mom to do?

Herd them.  Herd them like cats.

Keep that energy channeled folks!

At least that has been my philosophy.  Keep those little munchkins busy!

A few fun games with dollar store prizes are a given- both a wonderful time-killer and a great way to redirect the kiddos when things get a little crazy.

Personally, I like crafts.

Crafts are fun.

Crafts are time-consuming.

Crafts double as favors the girls can take home.

Generally speaking, crafts are fairly inexpensive (woohoo!).

Super Snacks for the Super Bowl: Lasagna Stuffed Mushrooms

Well guys, another Super Bowl is in the books- for the blog that is!

Every year the week before the big game gets a little crazy with people flocking to those Super Bowl friendly game-day recipe- by the time Super Bowl Sunday rolls around the traffic is at a fever pitch.

Then come kickoff?

Crickets.

Total drop off until the next day when things get back to normal.

Honestly every year I find it kind of hard to turn away, it's just so much fun to watch.  :-)

This year was no different, though I do have to admit that I really slacked off this month when it comes to posting new recipes.  I normally spend the month of January ramping up and sharing new fun foods with you guys for your party planning but this year my low-carbing took a bit of the wind out of my sails.