Thanksgiving Holiday in Photos

 

We are back home in Florida after a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday in Michigan.  It was filled with friends and family time, walks, lots of shared cooking time, football (and MSU basketball) and of course baby cuddles. The turkey, stuffing, gravy and mashed potatoes (plus sides) for eight all turned out delicious,  Melissa was on pumpkin pie duty for the first time and her pies and homemade whipped cream were so good, we nominated her for a lifetime job.  

It was a long travel day yesterday, but happy we went and equally happy to be home.  Now, let Christmas festivities begin!

Lead up to Thanksgiving

 

We have been having fun in Michigan during the lead up to Thanksgiving.  Today, we will be traveling again to see Audrey who just turned one month old.  Nana and Pops will be reporting for duty (plus cooking Thanksgiving dinner too)

So far, we had a fun night in with pizza and basketball with Melissa and her fiancé, attended a good friend’s daughter’s wedding and made it to East Lansing for more MSU basketball fun.  It was a beautiful late fall day, bringing back memories of being on campus when the trees were colorful and the air was crisp and clear.  It will always be one of my favorite times and my favorite place.

Our Thanksgiving is all planned with a spreadsheet of who is making or bringing what.  Melissa and her fiancé will travel from the east side of the state to the west side and our family will have a few days all together.  With the new baby.  Can you tell I am excited?

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Cannoli Poke Cake

 

Just in time for Thanksgiving, this easy and delicious cake will be a great addition to any dessert table.  If you are like me, I love pumpkin pie, but also like to add something for the chocolate lovers in every family.

I made this cake for a dinner party recently and it was given rave reviews.  The recipe can be made ahead of time and only gets better the longer it sits in your refrigerator.  It is recommended to make 3 hours before serving, but based on how the leftover piece I had tasted, longer is better for blending the flavors.  The star is the ricotta and mascarpone frosting that gives the cannoli flavor to this cake.  And, the chocolate chips are a cannoli classic touch.

It’s a dessert that will have you giving out the recipe and thinking about the next time you can make it yourself.

Happy Wednesday!

She Said Yes To The Dress

 

This was my view yesterday as I went bridal dress shopping in Sarasota with Melissa.  It all worked out perfectly when after her engagement, she found a bridal shop here in Florida and made an appointment during her work trip this week.  Because the wedding will be in July 2024, the dress needed to be ordered promptly to avoid rush fees and this particular bridal salon does a big business with out of state brides, so that was not an issue.

We didn’t really plan to buy a dress and had other appointments booked in Michigan during my Thanksgiving trip.  But, when you find the perfect dress and the bride to be, the mother of the bride and her sister and matron of honor on FaceTime all are moved to tears when the veil goes on, you don’t have second thoughts.

The process is so interesting and special to be a part of as you work with the consultant to find just the look the bride wants.  You definitely narrow things down quickly and we had a good consultant that listened to what parts of each dress we liked or did not like.  She kept us in budget and found solutions to pretty much customize the wedding gown of Melissa’s dreams.  

This is my second time as mother of the bride, but as my two daughters are different, so will be their weddings; each a new experience and uniquely special.

No sneak peeks of the dress, but be assured there will be plenty of photos to come.