Thanksgiving Ideas

November 4, 2019November 18, 2020 RefreshHer7 Comments

I’m planning on hosting Thanksgiving for my family this year. I’m not going all out with decorations and table decor, but I want it to be special, memorable and fun.

I also want it to be stress-free as possible! For that reason this week I plan on getting some things done ahead of time. Here’s this week’s list:

Iron Tablecloths and napkins
Make pie crusts
Make Butterhorns
Make menu
Get centerpiece ideas ready

Let me share some of my ideas with you, in case you could use a little inspiration, too!

Mini Pumpkin Pie Slice Cookies — One year I made these with sugar cookie dough and piped names on them to use as place cards. So easy!

Thanksgiving Cheese Ball — Why not turn the cheese ball appetizer into a cute turkey?

Thanksgiving Table Setting - Rocky Hedge Farm — Gathering leaves from outside to add a touch to a napkin is so pretty!

Home Style Saturdays: A Place To Be Inspired For All Things Home | On Sutton Place — So easy yet so elegant!

Beautiful & Simple Thanksgiving Table by House of Harper. #thanksgiving #holidaytable #holiday #tablescape — If you don’t have a tablecloth or if you have children dining at the table, a roll of brown paper is a great alternative!

Why not try a little un-traditional color combo?

Thanksgiving table with assorted turkey plates, plaid tablecloth and easy centerpiece with pumpkins, oak leaves, nuts and votives | #thanksgiving #centerpiece #table #Decor — I love the simple beauty of the pumpkins, nuts and greenery as the centerpiece.

These cheap and easy Thanksgiving decorations willÂ spruce up your home and your Thanksgiving table. There are Thanksgiving centerpieces, mantel displays, candles, wreaths, table settings and much more! These festive decorations are sure to impress your guests. The trick to affordable Thanksgiving decorations is to use your natural surroundings. Do you have pine trees and maple â¦ — Simple and inexpensive idea! Use the same flower in canning jars and line them up down the center of the table!

{HOLIDAY} thanksgiving thankful tree - Creative Juice | @Mindy Burton Burton Burton CREATIVE JUICE — Here’s an idea to start even this week! What a great collection of gratitude you’ll have by the time Thanksgiving arrives!

Are you hosting Thanksgiving this year? What could you be working on now so you’ll be less stressed when the holiday arrives?

With love from my country kitchen,

denise a

Refreshed at a Retreat

November 1, 2019November 1, 2019 RefreshHer4 Comments

Oh friends, every time I get the blessing of sharing God’s Word with a group of women, I am in awe that my great God that would use a small, insignificant person like me! Going to speak to women is ALWAYS more about what God has taught me as I’ve prepared than it is them hearing from me. I am nothing, but God’s Word is EVERYTHING and I love being His messenger!

Last weekend I got to travel to Grass Valley, CA to speak at Wolf Mt. Camp. There were around 65 women who filled the camp and came to fellowship, rest, have fun and get refreshed in their spiritual lives. I loved every minute of being there and thought I would “take you along” via my pictures today.

Continue reading “Refreshed at a Retreat” →

Christlikeness · Responding to trials · trials

Look Like Him

October 30, 2019October 29, 2019 RefreshHerLeave a comment

Image result for Colossians 1:27 image

The funniest occurrence happened this week and I’ve lost track of how many times this scenario has happened in the past. I was out shopping and a couple walked past me and greeted me…warmly, with that recognition kind of “Hello!” I kept walking because I have never seen them before. Then they called a name ~

“Dianne!”

It was at that moment that I realized this person thought they were seeing my twin sister, Dianne! I turned and confessed that “Dianne” wasn’t being rude and ignoring them, but that I am her twin, Denise! They responded with,

Oh my! You look just like her!

These situations have happened out of the state in which she lives, which makes it even more crazy! Even as adults, I guess we must still look alike.! There’s something in me that makes them think they’re seeing Dianne.

The following day after this happened, I was thinking of a difficulty I’m facing and was praying about my responses. It’s so easy to turn cynical, sarcastic and even want to pull away, but then I was reminded that when others see me, they should see Christ in me. He should be so recognizable in my words, my actions, and even what my expression reveals. Is there…

Worry?
Anger?
Depression?
Disgust?

If so, others will walk right on by, seeing only Denise instead of Jesus. But what if I allow the Lord to help me be mindful of His responses towards me so that I can show those same traits to others by His power? They will see:

Joy!
Love!
Trust!
Forgiveness!

Could people walk past you and me and see Jesus? Oh no, we’ll never be perfect this side of heaven, but there should be something so familiar about our lives and responses, that they would be reminded of Christ! Let’s pray that we look more and more like Him as the years pass!

I’m thankful for a twin so the Lord could remind me today that I need to look like Him!
Who are you showing to a watching world?

denise a

Chicken · Dinner · Mexican Food

White Chicken Enchiladas

October 28, 2019October 27, 2019 RefreshHer6 Comments

On a busy day before my recent trip to California, I needed a hearty dinner that didn’t take lots of time to prepare. These White Chicken Enchiladas were perfect! I roasted chicken breasts early in the day and cut them up and refrigerated them so that part of the meal would be ready. You could purchase a rotisserie chicken and simplify it even more!

The creamy white sauce in these enchiladas is simple to make and is so good! It’s a really nice change from the traditional red sauce! If you like Queso dip, I think the sauce tastes very similar. Mmm.

I served it with tomatoes and shredded lettuce.

Ingredients:

10 (8-inch) flour tortillas
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
2 cups Colby & Monterey jack cheese, shredded
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup sour cream
1 (4oz) can of diced green chilies

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9×13 pan or any baking dish.

2. Mix chicken and 1 cup cheese. Roll up tortillas and place into the prepared pan.

3. In a saucepan, melt butter; stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Add broth and whisk until smooth. Heat over medium heat until thick and bubbly.

4. Stir in sour cream and chilies. Do not bring to boil. You don’t want to curdle the sour cream.

5. Pour over enchiladas and top with remaining cheese. Bake for 20 min; then under high broil for three additional minutes until the cheese browns slightly.

We loved this recipe! I hope you’ll try it!

With love from my country kitchen,

Favorites

Fall 2019 Favorite New Things

October 25, 2019October 23, 2019 RefreshHer6 Comments

I always enjoy hearing from others what they buy or love! It helps me to make some good choices for myself! Here are a few things I’m enjoying that you might like, too!

Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew. I don’t indulge in this very often, but when I want a cold coffee, this is my choice!! I’m not usually a fan of pumpkin flavor in my coffee, but this one is absolutely delicious! I love Starbucks Sweet Cream cold brew, but this one is over the top with the frothy pumpkin goodness that’s floating above the coffee!
Profusion Matte Eyeshadow palette – $5.95? Are you kidding me? This palette has no shimmer. It is a really nice size! I love the colors. Also, the color is nicely pigmented!! It’s such a great deal and a wonderful product! I found it here on Amazon.
Maybelline Tattoo Studio Brow Gel – Though I haven’t tried this, my mom recently purchased it and loves it. It looks perfect on her and it really does last 24 – 48 hours. If you’re looking for an eyebrow color that stays put, this is your product!
Weiman Washing Machine Cleaner – I found this at TJ Maxx and had to try it. It doesn’t necessarily help with the rim of the washer, but it freshens up the inside of the machine. I was noticing a stale smell inside the washer, even though I leave the door open after a load has finished. This really makes the machine smell clean and fresh!
The Cozy Minimalist Home – I read this book a month ago and it has been such a help! She doesn’t really emphasize having nothing for decor, but using what you love in a way that makes an impact. If you have a space you don’t love, she will guide you through steps to get it in shape. Her process is so wise and helpful. I’ve only applied this process to one room so far, but I can’t wait to get to the next rooms!
Chocolate Stuffed Marshmallows – As you know from this post, I am a huge fan of S’mores! Recently while visiting my parents, my mom brought out a tiny plate for me with a melted marshmallow on it. I spooned a bite into my mouth and then tasted melted chocolate that was inside the marshmallow! Oh my word!!! These are so good. What fun way to make a simple s’more without a fire! Pop it into the microwave and place it on a graham cracker and Voila! These are dangerous, folks (in the very best sense of the word!)!

I hope my loves give you something new to try!

What new thing are you loving?

I’m in California this weekend speaking at a retreat. Pray for me, will you? Pray that Christ will be exalted and that women will be challenged and changed by the Word of God! Thank you!

Refresh yourself with something new!

denise a