Today I am joining my pals Mary Ann and Annie for our Sunday favorites. This week let’s talk about The Ultimate Christmas Wish List for Him, and More.
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WINTER MINESTRONE
I have been making a version of Ina Garten’s winter minestrone (no recipe) soup for years. I have to be honest, my kids hated it growing up (too healthy). I omit the butternut squash and now substitute kale for the spinach. I find it holds up better. I also sometimes substitute turkey sausage for the pancetta if I am watching calories (always). You can’t go wrong with this recipe. It is a favorite at our house.
EASY DECORATING WITH FALL LEAVES
If you are looking for simple ways to decorate for Thanksgiving, look no further than fall leaves. Sometimes simple is better. Here are some of my current and past simple leaf arrangements. When I talk about arrangements I literally meann plop some leaves in a pot. What could be easier than that?
FIFTEEN HABITS OF PEOPLE WHO THROW STRESS FREE THANKSGIVINGS
I don’t know about you but I couldn’t wait to read this article Fifteen habits of people who throw stress free Thanksgivings.
GIFT GUIDE STEVE’S PICKS
Steve wants a new golf bag. He still has foot issues so it needs to be lightweight and practical. My son picked out this Titelist bag that he thought would work. We have this remote in our den. Steve just ordered another one for our great room. It is simple and it’s nice to have consistent remotes. Now that Steve is retired, he likes to wash our cars. Colin set him up with all the best “chemical guys” products that he loves. Steve has already reordered the hydro-speed ceramic cleaner. You spray it on and wipe it off. He loves their car wash and leather cleaner & conditioner as well. Steve’s ankle is pain free but still quite swollen. He has found these skechers golf shoes to be the most comfortable. This Banana republic shirt is his fave for comfort and style. They have now added more colors. Also on his list a waterproof golf jacket. This one from Under Armour gets high reviews. We are always looking for halfway stylish shoes that Steve can wear. We just ordered these Merrill Slip-Ons. This water bottle goes in his golf bag, and he needs a lightweight vest for golf. I am getting him this updated version of the meater thermometer. You can be farther away from the grill and it still works.
SIMPLE TIPS FOR HANGING A GARLAND FROM YOUR MANTEL
My friend Kris from Driven by Decor is my go to for how to install practically anything. I have vowed to not decorate until after Thanksgiving but I know we are all planning now. If you are planning to hang a garland from your mantel, you will want to read Kris’ post Simple Tips for Hanging a Garland on your Mantel here.
That’s it from my desk this week. I hope you enjoyed he Ultimate Christmas Wish List for Him, and More. Men can be so hard to buy for. I think it is because Steve is fully retired ,he has more items on his list. Last week I shared my gift guide for the hostess here.
I would love to hear what your significant others have on their list. There is always room for more ideas.
Let’s pop over and visit Mary Ann and Annie and see what they have to share.
MOST LOVELY THINGS
CLASSIC CASUAL HOME
So many great gift ideas! My husband loves to cook and we use Thermo-works thermometers for grilling, baking, etc. I will have to take a look at the Meater one.
If you are looking for a special gift for Steve and he likes to cook Check out Heat & Spade Forge https://www.heartandspadeforge.com Jed is an amazing guy and he makes the best pans. We have been lucky enough to spend a few hours with him at his forge and it was amazing. These are heirloom pans and are used by some of the best chefs in the South. I have several of the bakers and Bill have several of the “frying” pans.
If cast iron is more to your liking try Smithy, the pans are also beautiful and work so well. The only thing that would make them better is if they cooked for you.
We are hosting Thanksgiving this year for 12 people. What I have learned over the years is that I will always forget the rolls in the oven until someone reminds me and that no matter what happens the day is all about the people that you are with. The rest does not matter. I will check out the tips just in case there is something I need to know.
Thank you for the garland tip! Chris is an amazing decorator and always has the best ideas.
Have a wonderful week Cindy.
Hi Elizabeth
Well the only cooking Steve does is on the grill! He does do the dishes though. Oh god the rolls!! So true! In this house we have a warming oven so I can’t forget them as easily!! I am going to check out your pan friend! Thanks for the tip!
I eat kale and like it, but I really love spinach. I find that if you are eating any soup with spinach at several servings, then it helps to be a little creative — because as you say it doesn’t hold up well when reheated. So, sometimes I just mix individual portions of spinach into everyone’s bowl, which works well for thin salad spinach leaves. Sometimes, I will cook or microwave the spinach in some of the soup, chicken broth, etc., and then add to the bowls. The point in both cases is to ensure that the spinach goes in everyone’s bowls separately and not added to the soup bowl. Then when serving for the second time, you can either repeat the process or add the spinach to the bowl if you will be dishing it all out. This may sound complicated, but really, it’s simple. (I also don’t like soggy pasta, so I am careful with that as well or leave it out completely.
Hi Maeve
That is a great tip. I sometimes do the same with the spinach. Thanks for sharing that!!
Cindy, I was interested in the remotes but the link keeps sending me to the Merrill shoes. Love all the suggestions.
Hi Elizabeth
So sorry here it is
https://amzn.to/49uRvF9
Good ideas for the guys. My son is like Steve in that when he wears a button down shirt (as opposed to a tee), he wants soft fabric. I’ll check out these BR which seem perfect. A few years ago, as a stocking stuffer, my kids gave me a set of 3 cloths for drying a car. The brand is Maker’s Clean and have different amounts of absorbency. They work great when I go to the Quicky Wash drive-thru, then dry off the car myself.
Have a relaxing Sunday….get out of your office!!.
I will check those cloths out!!
could you take a look at the link for the remote? I’m interested but it is going to shoes.
Lol, here’s another Denise with the same issue.
Here is the link
https://amzn.to/49uRvF9
Hi Denise
Sorry! Here you go!!
https://amzn.to/49uRvF9
Me too…the remote link is for some slippers:0)
My husband is all about Olukai shoes. His favorite winter pair is actually a slipper, but it has a rubber sole, so he wears it as a shoe. It’s shearling lined! So cozy!
He has this “charcoal” color, which is really comes off as blue.
https://olukai.com/products/kipuka-hulu-mens-leather-slippers-charcoal
He’s been wearing them for several years, and they’re still in great shape.
Hi Lisa
Steve absolutely loves Olukai’s and until now wore nothing else. He currently cannot wear them (except the slippers) because of the ankle swelling from his surgery! We are big Olukai fans
SOUP! Love! I could eat that soup you shared every night! and I love Autumn leaves to decorate with, too! I am so not ready to leave Autumn yet and turn Christmas on. I want to inhale all the colors and smells and feels of this season.
Thanks, Cindy, for always inspiring!
Hi Dianne
That soup is a longtime favorite of ours and totally agree! Hanging on to Autumn!
Howard wants a smart thermometer too. (I got one for my brother). And thats a great looking flannel shirt for Howard and Tommy…thanks!!!
Hi Mary Ann
Make sure you get the plus version-the older one doesn’t have a far enough reach!