Get on your Mark, Get Ready, Get Set Go > this is the week that it all begins!
Thanksgiving preparations, Christmas shopping, then New Year’s Eve celebrations. There may be a nip in the air here in the MidAtlantic Area, but there are also some heated emotions and high anxiety brewing the closer we get to the holidays.
Before you begin to get yourself too stressed, check out these 10 Tips to help you de-stress during the holidays. Leave a few of your own in the comments section as we can all benefit from having a happy and stress-free holiday season.
10 Tips to Help You De-Stress During the Holidays
HOT BATH
Take a bath, add some Epsom salts to help ease aches and pains and to soothe your mind and body. Try using a lavender scent salt which will provide a calming aroma.
SLEEP
Sleep is the most important stress reducer to keep us healthy and relaxed. Don’t let your To-Do list cause you to lose sleep, stay in bed a bit later or go to bed a bit earlier then rise and shine rested and less stressed.
ENJOY THE MOMENT
Slow down and enjoy the little moments around you. Enjoy and appreciate God’s Gifts; a sunrise, a sunset, trees blowing in the wind or snow flakes falling, slow down and enjoy the moment.
SAY NO
Learn to say, “no” and don’t try to attend every meeting or event invite that pops into your email box or on your Facebook timeline.
DECLUTTER
Clear your mind by clearing the clutter from your closet, desk or dresser drawers. Pull out a drawer and sit on the sofa or bed to remove and discard old papers, socks or items that you no longer use. You will feel better the next time you open that drawer and are able to find exactly what you need without digging through the mess.
MEDITATION/DEEP BREATHING
Make and take some time alone to re-center yourself. Sit in a quiet dark corner of your home or apartment or even on the floor of your walk-in closet to pray, mediate and breath deeply.
DANCE
Put on your favorite music then dance or jog in place or run around the house or up and down the steps. Dance like no one is looking to boost your endorphins.
LAUGH
Laughter is a great way to reduce stress hormone levels, leaving you recharged and refocused. Turn on the television, your computer or Tablet and watch re-runs of old shows like “Everyone Loves Raymond”, “I Love Lucy” or “Everybody Hates Chris”
READING
Unplug and give your mind a rest from electronic and digital media then pick up a book or a magazine. Curl up and relax with a good story or a “rag mag” that is for “entertainment purposes only” and enjoy the stress-free read.
SERVE UP FAMILY, FOOD AND FUN
Buffet and Potluck meals are more fun and social than traditional sit-down meals. Ask family and friends to bring a dish and purchase pre-made items to cut down on your time in the kitchen. Let everyone relax and eat as they please then tell some jokes, play games or just catnap the rest of the day away.
How do you reduce stress during the holidays?
Cut down on time and stress in the kitchen with a Jennie-O frozen, No Thaw Turkey. It goes from freezer to oven to perfect on your table!
Disclosure: I am a member of the Jennie-O Switch Circle. All opinions are my own.
I can’t believe that Crocktober is over, however, that is not going to stop me from cooking and posting my slow cooked meals. Thanks to my friends over at Jennie-O I received a package of Turkey Tenderloins so I decided to add a few ingredients to make this mid-week tasty treat for hubby and our son, Tayair.
Ingredients:
1 package Jennie-O Boneless Turkey Breast Tenderloin
1 package of frozen peppers and onions
1 small can of Pineapple Tidbits
1 bottle Hawaiian Style Barbeque Sauce
Cooking Spray
Instructions:
Spray inside of Crock Pot with Cooking Spray
Add 1/2 bag of frozen peppers and onions
Add Turkey Tenderloins
Add Pineapple Tidbits
Add remaining frozen peppers and onions
Pour entire bottle of Barbecue Sauce
Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours. Serve over pasta or rice and enjoy. However, because we had enough for leftovers, my son decided just to shred it and put on a whole wheat bun with coleslaw.
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, have you started planning out your Turkey day recipes? If you need some inspiration, head over to the Jennie-O website for meal planning suggestions.
DISCLOSURE: I received the Turkey Tenderloins as a member of the Jennie-O Switch Circle. Recipe and all opinions are 100% my own.
Cooking in the fall is fabulous especially when you use a Slow Cooker or Crock Pot.
Last weekend I made a Slow Cooked Turkey Chili using Jennie-O lean Ground Turkey. This is one of the easiest weekend or weekday meals to prepare. The next day leftovers are equally good so make sure you make enough to have some!
I love any recipe that you can dump into the Crock Pot in the morning then come home to a fully cooked meal…and of course a kitchen that smell delicious!
Ingredients:
16 oz package of Jennie-O Lean Ground Turkey
14.4 oz package of frozen peppers and onions or Pepper Stir Fry
14.5 oz can of Diced Tomatoes
15.5 oz can of Black Beans rinsed in cold water
10 oz package of frozen corn
1 package of low sodium Chili Mix
Optional Ingredients: Cilantro, Green Onions, Cheddar Cheese, Sour Cream, and of course a little of Hot Sauce!
You can brown the Ground Turkey first in a little Olive Oil before placing in the Crock Pot, however, I prefer to use frozen Ground Turkey which allows it to thaw as it cooks with the other ingredients. If you brown the ground turkey first, cook on high for 2 hours, otherwise, on low for 4 hours.
This Turkey Chili can be topped with shredded cheddar cheese or sour cream and of course a little hot sauce. Hubby loves cornbread and served over rice.
I love my Crock Pot and use it not only to save time in the colder months but also in the summer, especially on Sundays. I can prepare a meal before I leave for church and by the time I get home there’s nothing to do but relax until dinner is done.
Thanks to Jennie-O I was able to create a Slow Cooked Turkey Cacciatore that the entire family enjoyed.
Ingredients:
1 – Jennie-O Turkey Tenderloin – sliced
6 – Sweet Peppers – sliced
1 – Medium Onion – sliced
2 – cans diced tomatoes
2 – tsps of minced garlic
Parsley or Italian Seasoning (optional)
Angel Hair Pasta or Rice
Instructions:
Wipe inside of Crock Pot with Olive Oil, use a paper towel
Slice Turkey Tenderloin into 8 equal slices
Add peppers, onions, diced tomatoes, garlic and seasonings
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours
Serve over Angel Hair Pasta or Rice
*Disclosure – I am a member of Jennie-O Switch To Turkey Club and received this product in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are 100% my own.
Happy Labor Day 2014, the unofficial end of the summer (BOO!!!). I can’t remember a summer flying by as fast as this one did, how about you?
So what are your plans for the grill today? It’s going to be a gorgeous day here in Delaware so I’ll be outside cooking later this afternoon. However, if you are staying indoors but still want grilled hot dogs you might want to try this tasty recipe.
I used Jennie-Oturkey products because we don’t eat pork and not a lot of beef. I wrapped a slice of turkey bacon around each hot dog then secured them with two toothpicks.
Pour a little olive oil in the skillet and allow the bacon wrapped dogs to cook for approximately 15 minutes, turning to keep them from burning.
Once the bacon is crispy, add chopped onions and peppers, turn heat on low allowing the peppers and onions to soften for a few minutes longer.
Remove toothpicks and turn hot dogs to ensure they are thoroughly cooked. In the meantime, toast your bun.
“Dress your bun” with your choice of condiments add chips or fries and enjoy!
What is your favorite way to cook hot dogs?
Can’t forget to include a little adult beverage, remember to drink responsibly!
