Ah, the long weekend!

Hi folks, sorry I didn't post yesterday.  The Friday before a long weekend is always hectic in the ad world with last minute requests.  I love it!  Unfortunately, I wasn't feeling well yesterday so it made for a hard day.

I'm back feeling great today.  Currently relaxing in bed with a fruit and protein smoothie catching up on all that I missed this week.  Including catching you up on the progress of our home decor.

• Living room rug arrived from Mat King.
• Living room lamp shades were replaced with ones from Pottery Barn.
• An old mirror, candle stick holders and plant pot found a new home on our mantel. 

We still need to purchase or do:

• Purchase a floor lamp for behind the sofa because there really isn't enough light from behind at night.
• Art for the walls flanking the fireplace.  I was thinking of large floor mirrors but think blank and white art would also look very good.  This will take time and a lot of saving.  The less expensive version will win out. 
• Curtains!  I don't forsee this in our near future but over the next year it will get done.  
• Spray paint the ottoman tray a colour that has yet to be chosen.
• Hang the TV on the wall.
• Drill holes in the back of the console table to place the cable box, DVD player and modem inside. This is a must over the next few months. 
• Evenutally have another pillow made or bought with a little more pop of colour!  I haven't yet decided what the second accent colour should be.  

Here is the latest photo taken this morning on my iphone.  I appologize for the poor quality.  

I'm off to finish laundry, colour my hair, run a few errands, purchase the crib, cook potatoes and mash them up for dinner tonight at the in-laws.  I can't wait to have my first bite of Thanksgiving turkey tonight. 

Have a very happy Thanksgiving weekend!  xo

Turkey 101

I'm still thinking about Turkey so to continue on yesterdays theme, here is a recipe I found on House & Home.  I think it reads very tasty!!  Even though I have plans to go to my in-laws for next Saturday night Thanksgiving and then home to Kingston on the Sunday morning to celebrate with my family, I may try and make this myself in a few weeks time.  Who's in for a 2nd or 3rd turkey dinner?  Maybe I'll wait till November.  We'll See...

Ingredients:



The most important step in roasting a perfect turkey is purchasing a quality bird. This is about 90% of the work. You can order fresh naturally raised or organic turkeys from independent butchers. Brining is a restaurant trick for intensifying flavour and improving texture, and this "dry" brining method is easy and effective. Using kosher salt is essential; be sure to rinse all traces of the sugar-salt mixture from the bird before roasting.

Turkey Brin Ingredients:
Turkey
3 cups brown sugar, packed
1-1/2 cups kosher salt
2 tbsp dried sage
2 tbsp dried thyme
2 tbsp dried savoury
1/2 tsp allspice
1 13-15 lb. turkey
1 bunch fresh parsley
3 tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature

Brin Instructions:



Step 1: Combine brown sugar, salt, herbs and spices in a bowl. Rinse turkey and dry very well with paper towels. Place turkey in a large pan or even a plastic bag, then pack brown sugar mixture all over exterior of turkey, and place some in cavity as well. Cover and refrigerate 24 hours.

Cooking Instructions:

Step 2: Preheat oven to 450°F. Rinse brining mixture from turkey, inside and out, gently rubbing so it all comes off. Pat dry. Stuff parsley into cavity.

Step 3: Place turkey on rack in roasting pan, bend and tuck wings under the body and loosely tie drumsticks together. Rub all over with butter and tent loosely with foil. Roast 10 minutes, then reduce oven to 325°F and roast another 2-3/4 to 3-1/2 hours or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thighs (test both, do not touch the bone) reads 175°F. During the final hour of cooking, remove foil and sprinkle lightly with kosher salt.

Step 4: Remove turkey to a platter, tent loosely with foil and let rest at least 25 minutes before carving.

Step 5: To make gravy, carefully spoon most of fat out of drippings remaining in roasting pan, leaving behind about 4 tbsp, as well as all the browned bits. Place pan on stove over medium-high heat and stir flour into drippings until completely incorporated. Cook for 30 seconds then whisk in 2 cups turkey stock and wine (if using). Cook, whisking constantly, until thickened, scraping up and incorporating all browned bits from pan. Reduce heat to low and whisk in additional stock to reach desired consistency. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Now I couldn't possibly leave you without showcasing a mouth watering turkey or a beautiful kitchen to cook it in. 

Photo by Michael Graydon

The floor is very cool!  Not everyone could live with a patterned floor but it sure does look good.  I love the old harvest table, double oven and huge stainless steel fridge.  It looks like  a chefs kitchen. 

I hope everyone's weekend is wonderful!  Relax and have fun.  I took Monday off work to relax and work on the blog.  See you next week.  xo

Check out the tip left in the comments by Lifebegins@thirty.  It's awesome!

Thanksgiving Table Settings

What a week!  It has been go-go-go for me.  I'm exhausted.  I get home from work and errands and just melt into the bed or sofa.  It is my favourite time though because that's when Jelly Bean is most active.  I wish I could record how it feels.  It's the most wonderful feeling.  The last trimester is a week away.  It's crazy to think we only have 15 more weeks until we meet JB.  :)

I don't know if it's the type of day, the fact that I'm always hungry or that we are less than two weeks away from Thanks Giving but I have turkey dinners on my mind.  :)  It is my favourite holiday.  I love the smell of a turkey cooking, football on the TV, sitting around with my family and walking around downtown Kingston taking in the market scenes and fresh air.  Oh, did I mention we usually celebrate my birthday then as well.  :) 

Here are a few table setting ideas to get us started.

Country Living

Martha Stewart 

 Martha Stewart

Better Homes & Gardens

Via Apartment Therapy