Kelly and I met through friends at church. Shortly after I met her, I attended her birthday party and there were all of these guys there who wanted to date her. I thought, “There must be something to this girl!”. I began training her at our gym, and our friendship turned into mutual affection for each other. We took it slow, and a year and 8 months after our first date, I proposed.

NATE’S PROPOSAL:

My wife Kelly is a portrait artist, and had won the Best of Show award, as well as other top honors at the Williamson County Fair Art Exhibit. She invited me to come to the awards reception on August 6^th. We had been ring shopping earlier that week, and I was looking for the perfect opportunity to surprise her with a proposal. The afternoon of the reception, I contacted the people in charge of the show and arranged for the mayor of Franklin to present Kelly with the ring box on stage in front of about 250 people. This was no easy task, as we arrived together. It involved a sneaky hand-off of the keys to the car, a performing group to give us 10 minutes of their stage time, and more. She went on stage to accept her award money, and the mayor asked her to open this other gift in front of everyone because he “wanted to see where his tax dollars were going.” As she opened the box and saw my note with the ring that said “You are my sunshine,” I came up on the stage and got down on my knee. I had completely surprised her, and for the first time since I’ve known her, she was speechless. She let out a breathy “YES” and we hugged and cried. The media was there, and they captured photos and video of the whole event. They interviewed us afterwards, and we were featured on the news and in two different newspapers in the following days. We celebrated that night at J. Alexanders and called all of our family and friends.

Family, friends, football, turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, rolls and pumpkin pie are the beginnings of a great Thanksgiving. Can’t you smell the wonderful aromas? This holiday season, take some time to enjoy your family and guests. Create new memories that you and your guests can reflect back on. Don’t spend the entire day in your kitchen only to have that fantastic meal devoured in 20 minutes, leaving you with a gray blur of the day and how exhausted you are. Take time to reflect on the abundance in your life. Take time to enjoy your guests and get out of the kitchen. Here are a few fun suggestions:

Turn off the football and break out the home movies, have extended family and friends bring their’s and enjoy laughing and sharing.

Set out board game and make sure to include some of the old favorites: Monopoly, Clue, Yahtzee, Scrabble and Dominoes.

Have guests bring shoes or coats and donate them to such projects as “Souls for Souls” or “Charity Coats” for kids.

Ask guests to bring a few canned or boxed goods and donate them to your local food bank.

Have someone tell the Thanksgiving story or why we pull the wish bone or other harvest traditions from around the world. Make it fun and ask questions and those that answer right might be the ones to pull apart the wishbone or they are exempt from clearing the table or doing dishes or any other fun reward you can think of. This one could become the all time family favorite that creates memories for a long time to come!

Set out markers and colorful fall leaves you have cut from construction paper. Ask your guests to write what they are thankful for and then share them at the thanksgiving feast. A twist on this might be to have everyone write why they are thankful for their family. You then can take these colorful leaves and string them together to begin making a “gratitude garland.” You can add leaves to it each year and your garland will become a treasured part of your fall decorations.

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Well, Ladies, it’s that time of year again where we get ready for the Thanksgiving Feast, but what we are really planning is that Big Shopping Day called “BLACK FRIDAY”.  The one time a year where we, as women, boldly go where no man would want to go, shopping on Black Friday.  This is not an event for the weak at heart; it takes perseverance, patience, and sometimes blood, sweat, and tears.  So, for all you gals hitting the shopping scene on Black Friday, below is my Black Friday Survival Guide.  This will help you get thru it and be a survivor.  For my first timer’s, please make sure to strictly adhere to my list to make this as enjoyable as it can be for you.  Word of caution, once you become a B.F.S. (Black Friday Shopper), there is no turning back! Enjoy!

Black Friday Survival Guide

To Do: Wednesday

1. Make a list of the must-have products that you are shopping for this holiday season, including the names of the people for whom you are shopping.

To Do: Thursday

1. Eat a lot of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. This will not help your shopping, per se, but will make you feel happy and satisfied.
2. Go thru ads in the paper and compare to the list you created on Wednesday and add to your list what store had the best price for the item you want to purchase and what time they opened.  You will need to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the store opening if it is a popular gift you are wanting to buy.
3. Get a good night’s sleep the night before — thanks to all that food in your belly. it shouldn’t be too hard to fall asleep.

Helpful Hints:

• Leave the kids at home.
• Be caffeinated and full - don’t shop on low energy and an empty stomach.
• Pack snacks so that you don’t have to stop your marathon shopping day to grab food. A great idea would be to grab some brunch after shopping with your family or girlfriends.
• Bring along an MP-3 player or iPOD to help pass the time when you are waiting to pay for your finds.
• Don’t worry about the little stuff today, such as stocking stuffers, but rather focus on gifts that are bigger, harder to find, and more expensive.
• Take the time to look for that new winter coat or little black dress you need. Clothing sales are usually very good on Black Friday, because so many people are already in the stores looking for toys and gifts.
• If a product is not available, but the store offers a rain check, take it. Make sure that when you cash in your rain check you are getting the price that the product was listed at for that day.

Remember, there will be some people who are just down right nasty and testy out there, don’t be one of them.  If the occasion arises and you need to be aggressive, stand your ground, say it with a smile, and move on.  Don’t let bad attitudes ruin you experience as a B.F.S.

Have fun, Enjoy, and Behave!

GLIMPSE with Bella Gourmet: Your weekly gimpse into life from Bella’s point of view…

This past weekend, I had a whole girl’s day planned with one of my best friends from college: she drove up to my house, a mere 30 minute drive, and we went out to lunch, relived old memories, caught a movie, splurged at the mall, and talked late into the evening - I felt totally rejuvenated by being with her. So, I’m thinking today, why have I waited all year to have this time with my dear, sweet sister? As I thought through this, I became increasingly disheartened as I realized that this was actually the very first “just me and her” get together that we’ve had since I moved to “the big city”…then, even more disturbing, when we tried to plan it, we had to go six weeks out to pinpoint a day we could both do it! A 10 year plus friendship reduced to 6 or 7 yearly group birthday dinners, weekly Facebook notes, sporadically sparse phone conversations, and once a year one on one time - completely unacceptable, I scolded myself!

So, I’ve challenged myself to look outside my day to day life - to not get bogged down in just “plowing through” so that I can quickly get to my next task. This only leaves me completely depleted until I fall into bed far later than I need to only to wake up far earlier than I should have to…just to do it again. How exhausting…and am I really living with a life like that? I’ve realized that I must remember what rejuvenates me most - the people that know me, love me, trust me…who make me laugh so hard my stomach and face hurt, who are honest with me and give me real advice…don’t underestimate the power of quality time!

Fall is the start point of all the holiday fun…Halloween parties, hay rides, bon fires, Thanksgiving parties, Christmas parties…and our generation has allowed for this to become the only time that we catch up on the lives of our friends and loved ones - don’t wait! Make time all year round to glimpse into the lives of the people you care for - you will find you work better, sleep better, and just plain live better when you consistently make time to pour into their lives and let them pour into yours.

Until the next Glimpse,

Bella

BELLA APPROVED:

Food: To calm down the Thanksgiving frenzy, make sure to check out last week’s Katie’s Kitchen for all the Simplicity Gourmet holiday fun!

Craft: For special Thanksgiving keepsakes, check out Tara’s Touch - she always knows how to give any occasion that special “Tara Touch”.

Product: I may be biased because they’re mine, but they really are super fabulous…Simplicity has just come out with a whole line of gadgets and my new favorite is the spice measuring spoons. They aren’t the normal round ones, they are actually long, oval shaped spoons that dip into your spice containers so easily. Love them…and they’re on sale right now…call Katie this week to spice up your kitchen for the holidays - 866-897-7676!

As always, I love, love, love to hear from you - leave me your comments, thoughts, and musings! ~ Bella

How exciting it is for me to be given the privilege of writing to you each month - to give you all the special little touches that will strengthen your home and family - I am just sooo excited!  Twice a month, I will be your stop for news on being a wife, mommy, and homemaker and you can pick up the insights, advice, and home and craft ideas that will make your family and home set apart.

Being that this is our first edition, I would like to give you a little information about my crazy but amazing family and life.  I have been married for 11 years to the love of my life; I have two adorable children who are truly the greatest gifts in my life.  I grew up a military brat, relocating about every two years all along the gulf coast until we finally moved to Tennessee when I was sixteen. 

When my husband and I met, I was sixteen and he was my brother’s best friend.  We became friends and would occasionally hang out but it was that, “Oh, that’s my brother’s best friend, kinda can’t like him,” thing.  We did not date until I was nineteen, at which point we were both nervous but excited to cross the line of friends into dating.  It was through great thought and prayer before we made this decision.  Needless to say, I have never looked back and have truly relished walking out my life with my husband, my best friend, these past 11 years. 

We wanted time to share together and develop our relationship before having children, so we waited 5 years before having our little ones.  All in all, I can’t be more thankful for my family, the life lessons I have learned, the trials and tribulations I have experienced, and the countless blessings I have received.  Through this newsletter, I hope to be able to help you build a home of insight, laughter, thoughtfulness, creativity, and, most importantly, special memories that will last you a lifetime.  For more of Tara’s Touch, please visit the rest of our blog. Well, ladies, until next month, I leave you with a thought and little Thanksgiving craft. Enjoy!

Love, Tara

Tara’s Thoughts:

“The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind…we have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith.” ~ Margaret D. Nadauld

Tara’s Crafts:

Garland of Gratitude:

You will need to get a string of Garland at your local craft store, a sharpie of your color preference, and have fall colored slips of paper (maybe even jazz them and cut them into leaf and pumpkin shapes).  Until Thanksgiving, you can decorate your mantel, stairwell, or table with the garland.  On Thanksgiving Day, have a place in your home where everyone can write what they are thankful for and sign their name and year on one of the slips of paper; if you have little ones, you will need to help them. Attach these to the garland. You will have a charitable keepsake that you can decorate with for years in your home - memories that will you will never be able to put a price on. 

Festive Fun Treat

Here is a fun treat to make ahead and have on hand for entertaining. Print up the “Harvest Blessing” and put it beside the mix on a table in a pretty fall bowl or attach it to a bag with some colorful ribbon to give as a fun treat to teachers, friends or someone who needs a little lift. The sweet and salty flavors are such a yummy combination together!

Harvest Blessing

The Bugles are a symbol of the Cornucopia, a horn of plenty.

The Pretzels represent arms folded in thanks and prayer.

The Candy Corn reminds us that during the first winter, the pilgrims were allowed only five kernels of corn per day because food was so scarce.

The Fruit is a reminder that Thanksgiving is the celebration of the harvest.

The Peanuts represent seeds, the potential of the bounteous harvest for the next season if they are planted and well-tended.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and remember the daily blessings that are all around you!

While we slow down, sit back, and enjoy the view this Fall, October has quietly sliped away and we’ve surged into November before we could even count our Halloween loot! Then - it starts to loom over us - turkeys, hams, mashed potatoes, yeast rolls, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, pumpkin pie -Thanksgiving is here and it’s time to plan. What will I serve? Who will be coming? Where will they all fit? How and when should I start preparing?

…and the Thanksgiving stress has begun…

Here at Simplicity Gourmet, we strive for just that, Simplicity. We want to help you take your normal Thanksgiving recipes that take hours to prepare and cut the time down so that you are out of the kitchen and making memories with your family and friends. Thanksgiving should be a special time of sharing and laughing and should not be wrought with stress, sweat, and frustration.

We hope you enjoy all of the classic holiday favorites that we have created just with you in mind. Make sure to let us know how your Simplicity Gourmet Thanksgiving turns out!

~ Miss K

Every year I decorate my front porch for Fall. I start with some basic components the first of October, Pumpkins of many varieties, scarecrows, and mums. In mid-October, I throw in a couple of Halloween items and carve a pumpkin or two. When the first of November rolls around, I take out the carved pumpkins and the other Halloween accents and add my “pumpkin pics” to turn my pumpkin into a turkey. It is so stinking cute!!!! I also add my giant turkey flag to my flag post hanger. I always try to repurpose items because it saves me time and money.

I know a lot of families have movie night once a week where they gather around the television for a good movie and have popcorn. So, I thought I would teach you how to make fantastic popcorn using your waterless cookware instead of the microwave…it’s sooo much cheaper and way more fun!

Traditional Popcorn

Utensils: Electric Skillet

Directions: Pre-heat Electric Skillet to 400 degrees. When temperature light goes off, add 3 tablespoons of oil and a 1/2 cup of popcorn. Cover and let pop until all corn is popped.

Makes about 2 quarts; season to your liking

Greaseless Popcorn:

Utensils: Electric Skillet

Directions- Start with a cold skillet, add 1/2 cup of popcorn and turn skillet to 400 degrees. Cover and let pop until all corn is popped.

Makes 2 quarts; season to your liking

I love the fall…cooler days and nights, beautiful fall color in the trees. It’s the time of year that I enjoying cooking warm, hearty meals. I need my meals to be quick and tasty because I get home later from work and the last thing I want to do is stand another hour over the stove cooking. This meal is a Fall favorite of my husband’s. I have shared this recipe with many friends and they love the simplicity and ease of preparation and it’s just sooooo good for you! I call this my “dump & go” soup!

Taco Soup & Buttermilk Cornbread

1 32 OZ box of chicken stock, 1 28 OZ can tomato sauce, 1 15 OZ can black beans, 1 15 OZ can corn, ¾ cup uncooked rice, 1 LB ground chicken, 1 package dry taco seasonings – If you want a Spicer soup add 2 pkgs, 1 package dry ranch dressing, Cornbread: 1 box Jiffy cornbread mix, 1 egg, 1/3 cup milk or buttermilk, Cooking Spray

INSTRUCTIONS: Fill the 3 qt saucepan with about 2″ of water. Place the colander in the pan and the chicken in the colander. Cover, whistle open, and cook on medium heat. When the whistle sounds, give it a stir and replace the lid. Close the vent and cook for 10-12 more minutes or until cooked through. In the 6 quart, open and dump in the remaining ingredients, do not drain the veggies. When the chicken is done, add to the rest of the soup, place the lid on, vent open (you don’t close the vent for this.) You will cook this on medium low heat until it whistles then turn down to low. Cook on low for an additional 20 -25 minutes. You will want to stir this a few times. The rice tends to sink to the bottom, so, it just needs to have a good stir every so often.

Once you have the soup cooking, prepare your cornbread. Follow directions on the box. I like Jiffy, 1 egg, 1/3 cup milk…I use buttermilk - I like the texture and the flavor better. The thing I adore about this is that I can cook my cornbread on top of the stove. This saves on my electric bill not turning on the oven plus I don’t overheat b/c my kitchen doesn’t get unbearably hot! Spray a small skillet generously with cooking spray so your cornbread will come out easy. Pour the cornbread mixture into your skillet, put lid on with vent closed on medium  heat, between 3 and 5 on most stoves. Cook 10 -12 minutes. When you stick a knife in the middle and it comes out clean you know it’s done!

This makes a wonderfully delicious Fall meal and the left overs are even better the next day. This will easily feed 4 people with hearty appetites! Enjoy and let me know what you think of this dish!