Quote of the Week {Weekend Wrap Up}

So, how was your Thanksgiving?  Did you have to up your pants size? I think my brother said it best when he said “every single thing on my plate was amazing”.  Thanksgiving was so much fun. We started the day off with an amazing breakfast prepared by Sweet Mama and watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.  Next it was off to Mama Gatiher's for the big feast. There were about 18 of us and we had the best time coming together as a family and eating till we felt dizzy.  I didn’t snap too many pics, but here is a look back at Thursday.

 Here are some of the most wonderful 4 1/2 reasons I am so thankful this year.

(my Brother and soon to be "UncB"  Brent, "Sweet Mama", "The Man Who Hung the Moon" aka Daddy, yours truly accompanied by precious "Baby G", and my amazing husband Scott)

 

Mama Gaither always knows how to host a party!  I can't believe I didn't snap more pics of the food and decor but I did capture at least one. 

 

We made it back home around 7ish and immediately PJ's went on, Scott who NEVER stops 

fell asleep super early and I watched one of my all time favorite Christmas movies, Christmas with the Krank's.  If you have never seen this movie promise me you will check this off your list asap.  

Friday, we had planned to head the mountains with the Gaither family to pick out their Christmas tree, but I've been fighting a cold, and Scott and I were both exhausted so we decided to sleep in on Friday.  Once we were up and moving we were in full on Black Friday mode. We purchased several gifts and of course picked up a few things for Baby G.  I am loving every minute shopping for this little one. 

Saturday, Mama and I had a baby shower to attend then Scott and I did it again. More shopping. 

I love that my guy enjoys hitting all the stores with me. Once we were finally back home it was time for our second Christmas movie, one of Scott's favorites, Home Alone.

Sunday, we were up early for church and lunch with the family.  Then it was back to the normal routine.  Grocery store, laundry, and cleaning around the house.  About 2 months ago Scott decided that I was "banned" from our weekly Sunday afternoon grocery store trip.  He "claims" I get too distracted and toss too many "unnecessary" items in the basket.  I say this is totally bananas, however, I don't complain since he brings me home "surprises" each week.  Yesterday, I somehow managed to join him at the Teeter where I was only allowed to push the basket! Yall he CRACKS me UP!

He kept saying, "First, I start here, then I go here", and every time I happened to glance at an item he would say, "that is not on the list"!! He was so dang cute!

We wrapped up the long holiday weekend making tweaks on the outside Christmas decor.

As we started to snap a few pics, we noticed the most handsome photobomber! 

Our big boy, Lucian!  

He might be a doberman but he acts the way our Yorkie Presley should behave and our little girl Pres is as feisty as a doberman. 

Finally, we curled up on the couch with a cup of hot tea I picked up from The Spice and Tea Exchange on my last trip to Blowing Rock.

 

Tomorrow is the first day of December.  Let's make this last month of the year the best!

This is the most magical time of the year after all. 

From The Gaither Kitchen {Sweet Potato + Pecan Tartlets}

 

 

Last night for my brother’s birthday I decided to changes things up a bit.  Instead of the traditional pecan pie that he always request for his special day, I decided to put a new spin on things and make these darling little Sweet Potato and Pecan Tartlets. I personally believe they could serve as an appetizer or you can place them on the dessert table.  I was honestly torn on how I would serve them. 

 

 

My brother in the end made this decision for me when he arrived at our home and immediately started eating these tasties warm out of the oven. I barely had time to plate them and snap this pic!  Luckily I had tiramisu and double chocolate layer cake on standby for dessert.

  Sweet Potato + Pecan Tartlets

{Makes approximately 30} 

1 cup mashed sweet potato

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 egg white

1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/3 cup chopped toasted pecans (pop in oven for 10 mins on 250°)

1 tablespoon dark corn syrup

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 Packages Mini Phyllo Shells (2.1 ounces-15 shells per package)

Preheat Oven to 350°

Grab two mixing bowls

In the first bowl combine your mashed sweet potato, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Give it a good stir and set aside.

In your second bowl combine pecans, brown sugar, dark corn syrup, vanilla extract, and your egg white.  Give it a good stir and set aside.

Spoon 1 teaspoon of your sweet potato mixture into each shell.  Make sure you fill the shell and spread out evenly.  Next, spoon about 1/2 a teaspoon of your pecan mixture over the sweet potato in each shell.  Place each shell on an ungreased baking sheet. Pop into your preheated oven and let back for 20 minutes.  Once completed place each shell on a cooling rack for about 5 minutes. 

Plate and Enjoy!

Hostess Gifts for the Holiday Season

We are just a couple days away from Thanksgiving.  Do you have your hostess gifts ready?

If you are still debating what to take the amazing cook we have pulled together 5 items for you that we think just about any host/hostess would love. 

 

Shop the Look 

1. A bottle of wine wrapped in a  Cotton + Flax Tea Towel

2. West Elm Vintage Coasters 

3. Potted Rosemary Plant- dress it up by tying a ribbon around the pot

4. Thankful Coffee Mug 

5. Cook Books by Williams-Sonoma