Stress Relievers

So break just ended and  now I’m overwhelmed with all the work I have coming up in the next few weeks. I’m sure lots of people at this time are stressed so I thought I’d share a couple of ideas to help relieve the stress level. It’s common knowledge  that stress  relievers are essential in restoring inner peace and physical health, so here’s to staying healthy during the holiday season!

1)Yoga

2) Laughter

3) Music therapy

4) Take a walk

5) Drink green tea

6) Eat a balanced diet

7) Play games

8 ) Reduce caffeine intake

9) Progressive muscle relaxation

10) Don’t Procrastinate!!

Yes, it is a lot easier said then done but if you take just a few minutes out of your chaotic life and do one or two of these steps it can make you feel much better and reduce your stress level.  For more information on how to manage your stress during this busy time of the year click here!

Good Ole Memories

Since it’s Thanksgiving I thought I’d share a funny memory  when my family  was celebrating this day in 1998. There were 25 of us at my aunt and uncle’s house, having a great time as usual. My great aunt was in charge of the turkey. We all waited three hours for it to be ready to eat. We all started getting really hungry when my mother asked to check on the turkey. She saw that it didn’t even cook. Then it clicked. My great aunt forgot to turn on the oven HOURS ago!! The turkey was never going to be cooked in time. I will never forget how hard the entire family was laughing. Only my great aunt would forget to turn on the oven! It was hilarious! We had to ask the neighbors for their turkey leftovers. Luckily they were close to my aunt and uncle and wanted to help out, so we were able to have leftover turkey for dinner that Thanksgiving. Every year we always talk about it and still get a good laugh.

What is your favorite Thanksgiving memory?! Please do share!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope you are a enjoying it so far by watching the Thanksgiving Day Parade (I know I am!). This is a time to say what you are thankful for and spend it with the people you care about. Also, try not to eat so much that you feel sick the next day, you’ll be mad at yourself tomorrow morning!!! Have a great day!

Thanksgiving Traditions

As I was sitting in my apartment with my friend Jessica we began to talk about how excited we are for Thanksgiving break. After explaining my family tradition I wanted to hear what she has planned and what her Thanksgiving dinner usually entails.

Me: What are you doing for Thanksgiving?

Jess: Going home and having a great Thanksgiving with my family. I have an older borther and two amazing parents. I can’t wait to see my aunt and uncle and all my cousins

Me: Who makes the dinner?

Jess: My mom is a great cook but I tend to make a majority of the Thanksgiving meal tjust to help her out. Plus, you know me, I love to cook. It can sometimes be stressful with all the different types of food I have to make bbut in the end its so fun to look at all of it and enjoy it. But it does take FOREVER!

Me: What do you look forward to the most for Thanksgiving?

Jess: Like I said, my family, good food, friends, no homework. I get to see friends from home that I don’t get to see often becaue we are all away at school.

Me: What’s  your favorite thing to eat at  Thanksgiving?

Jess: I love pumpkin pie. Hands down. It’s perfect for the occasion.

Me: Do you plan on getting your Christmas tree right after Thanksgiving?

Jess: No. I don’t know. It seems kind of early. But then again, I’ll be gone before Chirstmas, so who knows when we’ll get it.

Me: What is your  family tradition during this time of year?

Jess: Um, we usually go pick out our christams tree in ann arbor and decorate our entire house with lights. We always have the tradition of getting our family together for the holidays and it’s so great. I’m lucky to have such a close family.

I loved  hearing what Jessica has planned for her Thanksgiving break and what her traditions are. It’s always fun to hear other peoples stories. After talking to Jessica maybe I’ll help my mom cook this Thanksgiving!

Definition of Fall

This is what fall means to me in a nutshell…

(photo credit)

(photo credit)

(photo credit)

(photo credit)

(photo credit)

Complicated Turkey

The most important step in creating a delicious smoked turkey is brining the bird. For you microwave chefs, brining is a strong solution of water and salt used for pickling or preserving foods.  When brining the smoked turkey it improves  both the taste and texture and makes a huge difference if you weren’t to brine the turkey. Another great thing about brining is it gives the meat more moister. Just think of it this way, the longer you leave a potatoe in boiling water the more soft and moist it becomes, the better it tastes! After you brine the turkey you then add a second layer of flavor. Either wet or dry seasoning to rub onto the turkey. This year your turkey won’t be as bland and traditional.

I read about one particular chef who likes to experiment with his turkey seasoning. He suggests a little cumin, coriander, or nutmeg. This sounds very untraditional, but great! Turkey with this type of seasoning and preparation will be memorable to your guests.

Anyways, after the second process you then have the smoking process. This adds a third layer of flavor to the turkey. This can be difficult to some cooks because you have to choose the right type of smoke wood to make this turkey perfect. The trick is to use the smoke wood as a compliment to the seasonings you used to brine and rub the turkey with. In other words, if you don’t carefully choose your smoke wood and correlate it to your previous used seasonings, your turkey could be ruined! Also, while cooking your turkey set it at a little higher than usual so that your smoked turkey is fully cooked and ok to eat. (If you do this it makes the process of cooking the turkey a lot faster!).

Now, I know Thanksgiving is usually all about tradition with most families, but start a new tradition with a delicious smoked turkey!

(picture credit here)

Turkey Trot

Time is ticking if you want to run in the 27th annual Fifth Third Turkey Trot in Detroit this Thanksgiving. The Turkey Trot is a tradition for many Detroiters. It’s so popular that every participant must register before the race. You can register on-line, or at any Fifth Third Bank location, or any Running Specialty Store. The great thing about running in the Turkey Trot is that EVERY participant receives a running shirt while registering so you can wear it while you’re in the race. There are races for all ages and abilities. There’s the Mashed Potato Mile, the 5K S3 Stuffing Strut, and the 10K Fifth Third Turkey Trot. Awards are granted to the top 100 Male and Female runners in all categories. This is a great healthy way to celebrate Thanksgiving. I encourage everyone to either participate or cheer the runners on. Plus, since you are already there so early, you will have great seating to watch the spectacular America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!!

(photo credit for both images)