Happy Friday! Eh….Happy Black Friday? Is Black Friday even a thing anymore? I used to go shopping with my mom at midnight on Thanksgiving but as I’ve gotten older I’d rather support small, local shops. The big box stores and sites like Amazon make SO much money (even more so during the pandemic). I’d rather shop small so that my money goes into my local community, not into a space adventure for some middle aged billionaire. Ok, enough of my preachiness 🙂 This week’s finds include some leftover ideas, a Christmas craft, a warming beverage, and some tips for shopping small.
Ideas For Thanksgiving Leftovers
I love a sandwich made from all the delicious turkey day leftovers. If you’re tired of sandwiches though, this roundup of ideas has some pretty tasty looking meals and snacks. Like fried mashed potato balls, turkey and stuffing stuffed peppers and turkey divan. It definitely makes you think outside the sandwich.
DIY Yarn Wreath
Crafting is my favorite. And while I really don’t need anymore Christmas decorations I’ve been in the mood to make a wreath to hang above our fireplace. I was inspired by this blog post I found when I was searching on Pinterest. Mine isn’t going to be exactly the same but I liked the simplicity of this wreath. Bottle brush trees are already some of my favorite Christmas decor, so why not add some to a tree? Also, I went down the rabbit hole on that website, it is full of fun holiday crafts and recipes!
Perfect Hot Chocolate
As the days get colder and the twinkle lights start the make their appearance around town, you know it’s hot cocoa season. I newsletter that I subscribe to, The Real Emily in Paris, shared her favorite recipe for this winter drink and it’s SO good. Recipe below, serves 2.
- 100g dark chocolate (plain cooking chocolate is best but whatever you have on hand will work)
- 450g milk
- Pinch of salt
- Marshmallows (optional)
- Break the chocolate into pieces and put in a saucepan. Cover with the milk and a tiny pinch of salt.
- Turn to high heat and whisk gently until the chocolate is all melted. Once the milk boils turn the heat off and whisk furiously for about 20 seconds to make sure everything is nicely combined.
- Serve topped with piles of marshmallows.
Tips For Shopping Small
Right in the middle of Black Friday and Cyber Monday is Shop Small Saturday. Get out and support stores in your local community. Many shops have sales or specials for the event and you can stay in the know by checking instagram or other social accounts. Here is a helpful post about how to shop small in your area.
Have a great weekend! (shop small!)
