Nija's Thoughts

This time of year most people are wondering what to get people for christmas, here are some tips to aid in the gift giving 1. Don't wait until the last minute, if you find something you think someone will like in jan get it and save it until christmas 2. Be practical, dont get a gift for someone just to give them something because they typically won't use/ wear it. ex. fill up their gas tank, give them money to pay a bill, take them on a spa day 3. Personalize, no one wants some generic gift that you give to everyone ex. if you're artistic write them a song, or a poem, paint/ draw a picure. Remember their favorite colors & what they like. 4. Don't be so commercial & save a shopping trip by making gifts that people will cherish, they will appreciate that you spent the time ex. pot holders, afghans, quilts, doilies, table cloths, coasters 5. Instead of giving people presents give them your presence, they will find you more valuable than any gift you buy e

When I hear those words I think tons of food, friends/family, and lots of laughing. The menu this year for us includes a ham, stuffed hen, dressing, mashed patatos & gravy, green bean casserole, rolls and an apple pie. Sometimes it's hard to come up with the perfect menu for you & your guests so here are a few tips that I go by 1. keep in mind any food allergies -http://www.eatingwithfoodallergies.com is a great site with recipes and tips 2. remember the number of guests & how many options you want to give them 3. its fall, so think fall flavors (personal culture can influence this) -desserts: pumpkin, apple, sweet patato, berries, nuts -vegitables: corn, green beans, patatos, carrot 4. common meats are turkey, ham, hen, & even German sausages. All of them can be served to give variety or pick what your guests typically have to make them feel more at home -ham glazes: brown sugar, honey bbq, mustard, & smoked (anything fruity is typically Chr