Happy November!
The approach of November is the beginning of some of the best holidays of the year. Most of them, as they should be, very family oriented. However, none as family oriented as Thanksgiving. There is no begging neighbors and strangers for candy and no loading of the credit card to provide gifts for everyone you know. Instead, November's holiday is about family and food - the two best things we have in this world!! Because of that, most of our articles this month are either food or family oriented as evidenced by the articles below. We also have articles about getting your recipes into shape and organized before the holidays arrive, and another real life lesson for your kids; this time on clothing! My husband and I took a lovely trip out west in October and so I wrote quite a travel log about a similar family vacation we took a few years ago. It's only part 1 since I'm a real talker!! Matt has been doing projects around the house to get his home prepared for winter and he has a great article on adding door sweeps to cover all those little cracks that can allow the winter chill to seep in! So, check out the ideas below and let us be the first to wish you a heartwarming November!
NEWS: We've updated our seasonal category so fall comes up first making it easier to find just the right project for the season. I imagine by next month, winter should be on top! There is a new category in Around the House called "Home Matters" and our first article is by a professional realtor who explains foreclosures. It's full of very timely information. Make sure you check out our e-store with vintage room by room shirts. There are only a couple dozen left but they might be just the stocking stuffer someone in your family will love! And don't forget the napkin ring templates to download. It may be too late for bats, but either leaf or turkey napkin rings would really give your Thanksgiving table a fun conversation piece!! Order now so you have them finished for the holidays!
APPEARANCE: If you are in Rhode Island on the weekend of November 7 & 8, Matt and I will be speaking about the "outside" of your home and how to beautify and protect it while saving money. Check out our appearance page for more information.
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A Simple Thanksgiving Dinner |
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This year, I was thinking how nice and easy Thanksgiving has become and that I still use my Grandmother's recipes.
So, to those just starting out or to those interested in a simple Thanksgiving, I'd like to relay the process and the recipes of that meal we all shared and how Thanksgiving doesn't have to be full of exotic dishes made out of strange ingredients. Simple is best and I promise you'll enjoy it just as much! FYI, this isn't Martha's Thanksgiving, if you know what I mean!
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| Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes |
Are you looking for something a little different as a side dish for this year's Thanksgiving celebration? Or, maybe you're just getting tired of bland white potatoes? Well, this sweet potato recipe will awaken your taste buds and is sure to become a family favorite.
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Make a Leaning Wine Rack |
This wine rack is a very simple project, but it is a great way to display your favorite bottles of wine. The rack leans against the wall and the bottles are at a slight angle so that if the bottle has a cork (a lot of wineries are using screw tops) it will stay moist to protect the seal.
You can complete this project easily in a few hours, just in time to uncork or unscrew a nice Merlot or Chardonnay; pass me a diet coke please.
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| Making Gingerbread Houses |
Making gingerbread houses has become a new tradition in our home. It all happens during the afternoon of Thanksgiving. No, we've never started from scratch with the whole sheets of gingerbread and cutting out shapes. I guess we have patience for decorating but not baking!
However, while surfing the internet I came across a lovely gal named Vanessa. She makes some pretty great gingerbread houses and the one at the top of the page is hers. Her recipe follows if you are interested in making them from scratch. If you'd like to visit her site, the address is www.zinke.wordpress.com.
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If you've checked out all the new stuff, don't forget that the old stuff is still great and may be more what you're looking for at this time. Take notice of our new sponsors too. We have some pretty cool people believing in us and we appreciate their support. Click on their ads to learn more about their products and services. Remember we add new things all the time at mattandshari.com, so check back often and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Yours Truly!
Shari and Matt
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| Turkey Gift Bags |
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Looking for a creative way to acknowledge friends, neighbors, or teachers for Thanksgiving? Well, here's a fun project you can do with your kids the weekend before the big day. It's shaped like a turkey and inside it holds some of the makings for a turkey casserole to use up all that leftover turkey! The recipe dangles from his neck along with a sweet Thanksgiving greeting.
My son and I deliver them the evening before the big day and wish everyone a happy holiday!
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November
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Please Visit Our Sponsors
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| Newsletter special |
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Matt & Shari's First Book Real Decorating for Real People.
This is our way of Thanking you for being a member of our newsletter!
In Real Decorating for Real People, Matt & Shari show you how to transform your home into a haven that reflects your personality, fits your lifestyle and wins you rave reviews -- room by beautiful room!
Inside, you'll find: tried-and-true advice.
practical tips.
hundreds of photos.
easy to understand project instructions
with step-by-step photos!
And when you order we will autograph it as well, just make sure to let us know if this if for a gift or for a special someone.
Softcover $9.99 plus Shipping and Tax
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