After Thanksgiving, my mom and I usually do some type of {tea}. This year, my daughters came with us to a sweet tea house.
The tea was perfect....
The scones were warm and tasty....
The clotted cream was delightful...
The chatter around the teacups was sweet...
Sorry, bloggy friends, it's Black Friday! I can't talk right now! Off to find a deal and be part of the madness! Well, at least, stop and get a mocha!
Do you take part in the Black Friday sales?
What a fun day yesterday being the the featured blogger on SITS. I am so excited to go back and visit all of you who commented on my blog.
Of course, I must tell you ONE thing...
Yesterday, was my big day of cooking...family getting in from out of state...etc. etc.
HOWEVER,
I was on my blog...reading comments!
WHEN I should of been making strawberry pretzel salad. Last night, I realized not much had been accomplished! 
So I guess it's an early morning today but it
Was all Worth It!
May your Thanksgiving be full of love and laughter sprinkled with a {touch}of thankfulness! Hope your bellies are full and you eat lots and lots of leftovers!
P.S. My "little" Indians are ready for Thanksgiving...
Well, how excited I was when I heard my day to be featured on SITS was today! This little ole' blog is a mixture of everything from what I cook on Tuesday night to my daughter singing "Bad Boys, bad Boys what you going do when they come for you" EVERYTIME she sees a police officer.
It all started after reading blogs for over a year and sitting on the shore of my parents cottage....thinking I need to start a blog.
{that is how I got the name "Sandy Toes"}
Sometimes I know where I am going and other days I {wing} it.
Sometimes I am deep, political and searching for more but mostly I am a stay at home trying to find joy in folding those towels and undies. 
While raising a family of five and finding {purpose} in the simple things of life~ Of course, minus the days I walk into the mall and lose all control!
I really can't sew and do not do much "modge podge" postings but I have moments being crafty. I really like take out and drive-thru's but I still enjoy cooking a "hot" meal.
Suppose if I am honest with myself, I am that a-typical "soccer" mom and I do scream on the side-lines. But, then the next day, I will post about my favorite cup of tea and the {simple}things in life. This blog is not predictable but I {guess} either is life. Hope I will see you around here again...
Thank you for visiting "Shell In Your Pocket".
I hope you enjoy your visit!
Some of my favorite posts....
Minivan Express-Christmas Tradition
your own mother or
When you became a mother
0r
maybe your "grandmother".....
or some have a "god mother"
BUT there is another type of "mother" all in a category of it's own.....
ROOM MOTHER
these are the women who can stretch $1.00 per student and develop a simple "theme" into an amazing class party
They have over 100 ways to use gumdrops from art projects to class treats~
They have subscriptions to Family Fun, Parent magazine and probaly save every issue for {possibly} the next year~
They love being in the classroom (most are teachers themselves)...they can make a "killer" cupcake and serve it with a smile~
When you are thinking about what dishes to bring to Aunt Myrtle's house before school holiday...they are home trying to make a new food "creation" using toothpicks and kabob sticks instead of just serving fruit and cheese in bowl.
They are the women who are huddled around the $1.00 shelves at Target wondering what they can incorporate in the class Christmas party.
These are the women who probaly don't work out of the home but if they were paid by the hour they would be too expensive for the biggest corporation.
A room mother does it because she LoveS it and it gives her that outlet to express her
Creative side....
I love Fall...the smells, the colors, the food (yes, there is Fall food) but right about now I am in hopes that a big wind storm comes and takes all my leaves away. Well, I do love my neighbors so I don't wish my {leaves} to be on their perfect, manicured lawn.
{quick picture of my neighbor's lawn}
But, maybe a mini tornado that swirls up all the leaves and moves them far, far away!
We have been keeping up with the leaves. But, we have two big trees in the front that still have a lot of leaves to drop.
I just want to go out there and shake them but they are too big! Mr. Sandy Toes mows most of them but now we are getting to the {crucial}stage. 
The leaves are in the beds...no, Mr. Sandy Toes, you cannot take your driving lawnmower into my beds!!!
I guess it is time to pull out the old-fashion rake...
{good reason to have kids....they actually think it's fun! well, for about 10 minutes!}
Well, that dream did not come true....as a matter of fact my husband had a {coaches} meeting and I had 3 pairs of eyes staring at me {TO HELP}. They all wanted to be part of the Thanksgiving table but in my own selfish way and secretly to myself I wanted no HeLp.
Please tell me I am not alone on this????pretty please
Somehow my girls became distracted with other things. But, there was my son, who normally runs the opposite way with anything that has to do with setting a table or shining a piece of silver. He wanted to help. So I sent him on a task of finding the best pine cones he could find for table settings. He had to clean them...{unpine} them and make name cards for the guests.
After, it was all done...I was very pleased and so was he. He even added special touches to the name cards like a fishing rod on his Papa's tag or a drawing of a umbrella near the water for his Nana.
It was sweet and I am glad today I didn't "shew" him away in my Thanksgiving fury~
This week, I have been posting recipes and talking about Thanksgiving and all the EATING that goes on! But, besides the food, the smells and family surrounding me. This is also a time to "reflect" on the blessings and the freedoms that I have at this moment.Thanksgiving is one holiday that I tried hard not to skip over or rush through. Even though at times it is tempting to put up the tree or hang the Christmas wreath or sip on Peppermint mocha dreaming of sugar plums! This is a holiday that gives me an opportunity to talk with my children about their "freedoms" and "blessings".
A time to reflect on the pilgrims and what they sacrificed to find "freedom" and "liberty". They left their comforts, their family and "life to step on a ship where sickness and danger was all around them". They started a life with the "pure" sweat of their brow in order to worship their God freely and come out from the burdensome government across the sea.
They did not search for a government or place to take care of them...they sought for freedom. Sometimes, I wonder if the pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock right now, would they turn that "sail" around and go right back?
Before our very eyes, our freedoms are slowing slipping away. In the name of political correctness or "hate" crimes, social programs, environment/global warming or anything else that Washington labels it...our voice is being silented. If you don't see it, my dear reader, you better wake up!
So in our intent to celebrate Thanksgiving, we acknowledge with our children that our God moves in a mighty way through history and our Lord is ever-continuing and never ceasing in action in time and place. He directs this earth moment by moment to His glorious purposes. Also, God moves in his people through history and one ship began the start of great nation and a reason to give thanks~
Together we read God's Word and reflect on the His blessings...
A wonderful scripture to read at Thanksgiving in Psalm 104~
Bless the Lord, O my soul.
O Lord my God , thou art very great
Thou art clothed with honour and majesty....He sendedth the springs into the valleys, which run among the hills.
They give drink to every beast of the field; The wild asses quench their thirst.
By them shall the fowls of the heaven have their habitation, which sing among the branches.
He watereth the hills from his chambers; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works.
He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and the herb for the service of the man; that he may bring forth food out of the arth.
And wine that maketh glad the heart of man and oil to make his face to shine and bread which strengtheneth man's heart.
So I encourage you that before you take that bite of turkey or put that dollop of cool whip on the pumpkin pie...reflect on the "reason" and "history" of this wonderful, American holiday~
Thanksgiving Menu(& recipes)
Turkey
{I cook my turkey in the bag...it is wonderful everytime!}
with stuffing
{My stuffing is the normal with the onions, celery etc. but I also add cooked ground sage sausage....makes it delightful}
Baked Ham
Cranberry Sauce with orange
{1 lb. cranberries
1 orange
1 apple
2 c. sugar
Remove seeds from oranges, also white from inside of skin. Core apple. Grind cranberries, apple and orange until fine. Add sugar. Mix well.}
Mash potatoes with gravy
{I add cheddar cheese, sour cream, cream cheese and a packet of Hidden Valley ranch to my potatoes. For my gravy, I use the William and Sonoma gravy base then add my turkey drippings}
Cranberry Apple Sweet Potatoe Casserole (one of my favorite dishes!)
{1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1 can (40 oz.) cut sweet potatoes, drained
3/4 cup packed brown sugar, divided
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 Granny Smith apple, chopped
2/3 cup chopped cranberries
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup old-fashioned or quick-cooking oats, uncooked
1/3 cup cold butter or margarine
1/4 cup chopped PLANTERS Pecans
Make It!
HEAT oven to 350°F.
BEAT cream cheese, potatoes, 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon with mixer until well blended. Spoon into 1-1/2-qt. casserole; top with apples and cranberries.
MIX flour, oats and remaining sugar in medium bowl; cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in nuts. Sprinkle over fruit layer in casserole.
BAKE 35 to 40 min. or until heated through.}
Spinach Bacon Salad with homemade dressing
{Wash fresh spinach thoroughly and drain. Tear into bite-size pieces and place in salad bowls. Top with sliced hard cooked eggs. Dressing makes enough for 4 to 6 salads.
Cut 6 slices bacon into 1/2 inch pieces. Fry in skillet until almost crisp. Drain and reserve. Drain off all but 2 tablespoons of the drippings. Add 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon each of cornstarch and salt to skillet. Cook and stir over low heat 3 minutes. Combine 1/2 cup water with 1/4 cup vinegar. Add to skillet. Bring to boiling, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in bacon.}
Sausage (bought fresh from the butcher)
Green Bean Casserole
{* 2 tablespoons butter
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon white sugar
* 1/4 cup onion, diced
* 1 cup sour cream
* 3 (14.5 ounce) cans French style green beans, drained
* 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
* 1/2 cup crumbled buttery round crackers
* 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth, and cook for one minute. Stir in the salt, sugar, onion, and sour cream. Add green beans, and stir to coat.
3. Transfer the mixture to a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish. Spread shredded cheese over the top. In a small bowl, toss together cracker crumbs and remaining butter, and sprinkle over the cheese.
4. Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the top is golden and cheese is bubbly.}
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
{2 c. crushed pretzel sticks
3/4 c. melted butter
3 tbsp. sugar
8 oz. cream cheese
1 c. sugar
8 oz. Cool Whip
1 (6 oz.) pkg. strawberry Jello
2 c. boiling water
2 (10 oz.) pkgs. frozen strawberries, partially thawed
Mix first three ingredients and press in bottom of a 9"x13" pan. Bake at 350 degrees (metal pan) or 325 degrees (glass pan) 8 minutes. Let cool completely. Beat 1 cup sugar and cream cheese. Fold in Cool Whip. Spread over pretzels. Mix Jello and water until dissolved. Add strawberries. Stir into Jello, then set aside for 10 minutes. Pour over cheese mixture. Chill.}
Rolls and honey butter
Pumpkin pie and usually another type of dessert with cool whip
{served with hot coffee}
Come back tomorrow and we are going to talk about something even more important than the turkey and gravy!
P.S. I am featured this week in Tip Junkies Favorite Thanksgiving Traditions....here!
{there are some great ideas}
I have cut-up cheese, meats and assortment of crackers. I make several appetizers plus cut-up fruit. This is about the time the parades on t.v. are ending....the men are gathering around the couch to get the best seat for the football games to begin. With a assortment of drinks plus thick egg nog brought down from a farm in Michigan....the "snacking" begins...
Here are a few of my appetizer recipes I use....{This is one thing I change up each year}-
Swiss Cheese Dip
{even if you don't like swiss cheese...you will like this}
In a microwave-safe dish (spray with Pam) or pie plate, mix 1 softened 8oz. cream cheese, 1 tsp. of onion powder, 1/3 cup of mayo, 3/4 cup of shredded swiss cheese.Mix all together and spread on dish.
Crumble up bacon on top (about 6 slices). Microwave the dish on high for about 4 minutes (until bubbly)...enjoy with buttered crackers on the side.
Bacon Wrapped Smokies
1 pkg lil smokies
1 pkg bacon sliced in half
Brown sugar
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Wrap lil smokies in 1/2 slice of bacon; secure with a toothpick. Arrange smokies to cover the bottom of 9 by 13 pan. Sprinkle brown sugar over smokies and bake for 45 minutes.
"Kick Butt" Taco Dip
1 8ox brick cream cheese, softened
1 cup 8 oz sour cream
1 packet of taco seasoning
diced tomatoes, sliced olives, cheese, slice green onion (whatever your heart desires)
Mix the cream cheese, sour cream and taco seasoning together. Spread in a thin layer on a pizza pan or other serving platter. My layer is about 1/2 inch thick! Then top with all the toppings. Serve with tortilla chips.
Thanksgiving Dinner is served at 5:00
football is off(this is ok with the "men" b/c they smell dinner cooking)
...the classical music is on...
come back tomorrow and I will share some of my favorite Thanksgiving dishes-
Well, a couple of my readers have asked if I would talk more about my Thanksgiving... recipes...table setting...etc.
So this week, I am going to post some of my "must" recipes...my table setting (if I get to it this week) and just my "ins" and "outs" of this coming holiday.
I have hosted Thanksgiving for 10 years now! You must know that my guests are all out of town and stay with us. They arrive on Wednesday so I have to plan all 3 meals for days....plus we celebrate Christmas with my family on Wednesday night. So I have to have beds/ towels and rooms made up plus all my Christmas shopping for my side of the family~
**Now do you see why I have a list???
So our Thanksgiving Day begins with a "hearty" breakfast...a light lunch of appetizers and snack buffet to the main Thanksgiving meal.
Today, let's start with breakfast~ On my kitchen island I will have fresh fruit, vanilla yogurt and granola with a swiss/egg "pie"....oh yum! It's so easy but there is NEVER any left over...
Swiss Egg Pie
1 deep dish pie crust
1 cup shredded swiss cheese
5 beaten eggs
1 cup half and half
8 slices of crumbled bacon
dash of pepper;dash of nutmeg;dash of tabasco sauce
Mix all the ingredients up and put in pie crust;Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes or until lightly brown and set; Let cool a bit and slice.
{If your guests are hard to get out of bed....the smell of bacon is sure to help them "rise"}
p.s. My mom brings the Wednesday night meal.....isn't she sweet? She somehow gets it here...5 hours away but in perfect and "delicious" condition!
I have found that I just need to write it all down...My life can be hectic and busy but as long as it's on the piece of paper and NOT all in my "head". All is good!
Do you feel better when you write all that {stuff} down?
Here is my pile of cookbooks I scanned today {I always try to add a new recipe or two but I have so many oldies and {goldies}.
Two hours later...I have one big list and I will be ready to push that grocery cart with all the other people and their grocery carts plus a {turkey} or two.
Now...I have to think about the table...YES, I set my table almost a week ahead....BY the time it's actually Thanksgiving...I have to pull out the feather duster and dust the plates and forks...
I posted this last year but I thought I would share it again~
This runner goes on our Thanksgiving table each year. After dinner, we write one thing we were thankful during the year on the runner. It has been so fun going back through the years and seeing what family or friends wrote...I just love it!!! It is simple and fun..my kids want to read everything written each year...they almost love it more than me! It ranges from being thankful for their "blanket" to being thankful that our house sold.
I was out cleaning some of my beds...I saw it! I touched it!
I thought {oh...it's dead}....WRONG!
Right now...I am loaded with poison ivy.....takes steroids and hoping that soon I will
stop itching and oozing!
Be careful what may be under those red, yellow or green leaves!
