Thanksgiving Catch-All

Thanksgiving has really creeped up on me. I had a great Friendsgiving with my buddies about a week ago, but other than that I haven’t put much thought into it. Now that I am not longer in school, I don’t get the usual ‘breaks’ that I am use to. However, it is here and I am very excited for the festivities to get underway. Taylor is playing in a Turkey Bowl, family from all over the country is coming in to town, my birthday is on Friday, I am participating in a Shop Local event Saturday afternoon, Finn is being baptized and there will be a great deal of eating and drinking.

Speaking of Shop Local – instead of participating in Black Friday Shopping at large stores, shop on #SmallBizSat, Nov 29, make a pledge to support the local businesses that matter to you by stopping in to #ShopSmall. Make a BIG difference and SHOP SMALL! 

My Thanksgiving day will be spent at my parents’ house and I am in charge of stuffing balls and broccoli casserole – two of my favorites! With delicious food, family, friends and everything I love all in one place for the holidays it is a great time to celebrate and be thankful.

No Thanksgiving post would be complete without my thankful statement. First and foremost, I am thankful for God and Jesus Christ – my life would be nothing without them.  I am also thankful for not just my family, but my growing family. As Taylor and I’s relationship has experienced a great deal and has grown immensely, he and his family have truly become a very important part of my life. Another special addition to my family, Gretchen and Finn, are also two that I am greatly thankful for. Lastly, my immediate fam – Mom, Dad, Bridget, Davis and Jigs. I love these five to the moon and back. As I have graduated from college, transitioned in to my career, experienced great change and continue to grow into a young adult their support and love have been something I depended on every step of the way. Without these guys, Lord knows where I would be, but I am ever so thankful that they are the most important aspect of my life and that I am exactly where I am today.

 

So, I hope everyone has an absolutely terrific Thanksgiving with friends and family – and if you are bored, trying to ignore your family OR ate too much and are currently laying on the couch and can’t move, read a few of my favorite entertaining Thanksgiving articles. Enjoy!

Turkey Thoughts

Outfits for Every Thanksgiving

Why Thanksgiving is Better at Nathan and Haley Scott’s

Turkey TV

Eat PA: Mamie’s Cafe

If you have recently been brunching, lunching and/or dining out at any time of day, no matter where you are, a restaurant that keeps it simple is one that can never go wrong. Many new restaurants have taken the idea of a simple and rustic eatery, added some chic decor and you have yourself a trendy little spot that everyone is raving about. However, if you are from Blair, or surrounding counties in Pennsylvania, you know that no one has seen simple, rustic and wholesome cooking/dining until you have visited Mamie’s Cafe in Martinsburg, Pa., my second stop on the Eat PA tour.

Mamie’s Cafe has reached and reserved a special place in my and my family’s hearts over the years through word-of-mouth from friends. Eating at Mamie’s and not talking about it after is something that just doesn’t happen. So, when my family and I made the trip out to the Cove several years back it was quite evident what everyone has been raving about.

Although they are known for having the best doughnuts and Ruben sandwich’s in the county, I flock to the cafe for my favorite meal of the day, breakfast. Not only do they serve breakfast items including; Creme Brulee Oatmeal, french toast prepared anyway you could imagine, seasonal pancakes, omelettes and more, but they have a full bakery consistently stocked with fresh doughnuts, cookies, pastries, pies, dumplings and more. Speaking of fresh, ALL of the ingredients are indeed fresh and everything is 100% homemade – all at a VERY reasonable price. 

When it comes to the simplicity side of things, Mamie’s is as simple as it gets. Order, get your own silverware, get your own drink and take your own seat. If you are looking for home-style cooking and dining, Mamie’s is as close as it gets without actually being at home.

This past weekend I made a trip to Mamie’s with my mom, sister, niece and nephew- the perfect morning all girls date, plus our sweet little Finn. Not even planning to do so, we all ordered something totally different which provides a great display of the wide variety of items that Mamie’s Cafe has on their menu.

Mom – Veggie Omelette

• onions
• peppers
• tomatoes
• mushrooms
• spinach
• broccoli
• cheese
• toast – rye

Bridget – A.J. Special

• eggs – dippy
• bacon
• fried potatoes
• toast – wheat

Me (Elle) – Peanut Butter Banana French Toast

• bananas
• peanut butter
• french toast
• maple syrup
  
  

Gretchen – Kids Pancake

Whether you are craving something hearty, savory, sweet or rich – Mamie’s can provide you any option you are looking for. And don’t ever worry about going home hungry – not only is the food literally to die for, but the portions are perfectly large.

I promise you, you will not be disappointed by this place – no one ever is. Like them on Facebook and be tempted everyday. Or, take a look here to see what they are all about – Simple, Fresh American Cuisine – perf.

Price Guide- 

Veggie Omelette: $7.50
A.J. Special: $9.00
Peanut Butter Banana French Toast: $7.50

Food For Thought –

Friendsgiving 2014

After experimenting in the kitchen, getting creative with my small dining space and coordinating with a great group of friends, my first Friendsgiving experience was a success!
The above homemade invitations were sent out a few weeks ago and my excitement that everyone was able to make it was overwhelming. Pulling together tables, chairs, decor and kitchenware was actually a fun experience. With limited resources and a few borrowed items, I was able to use our new home in a way that I never have before.

Music, drinks, food and beautiful friends was all I wanted and it was exactly what I got. The afternoon was spent eating, drinking, talking, more eating, reminiscing and more eating. With literally ALL of my best friends still in school, pulling this together for us all to be in the same place at the same time was a delightful treat.

So, Friendsgiving 2014 was indeed a success and a festive gathering I hope I can plan for years to come. Furthermore, this post would not be complete if I did not mention how 100% absolutely positively thankful I am for each of these gorgeous women and how truly blessed I am for having them in my life. YOU ALL ROCK!

Old Factory Candle Giveaway Winner

Congratulations to Loretta from Duncansville for winning the Old Factory candle giveaway!

Thank you all for participating and for following/reading my blog.

Enjoy your Friday!

Feeling At Home: Old Factory Candles

What reminds you of home? Is it your favorite pillow, your mother’s home-cooking, family traditions? All of these remind me of that favorite place along with a few distinct smells. There a select number of scents that remind me not only of home, but a specific time of year and/or holidays. Pumpkin spice in the fall, Home Sweet Home in the spring and other scents allow me to feel a direct correlation with being home with my entire family. After moving in to my own home, filling every room with the scent of the season provides a warm and welcoming feeling to any visitor, and me after a long day at work.

Old Factory is a great company that makes deliciously scented candles that are hand poured in the USA with natural soy wax and premium fragrance oils. When purchasing you are able to choose from a set of three candles that are themed around a group of related fragrances – trust me, they are all so very good and it is very difficult to choose just one set. I chose Fall Harvest to complement the season, decorations and current overall feel in Central Pennsylvania. Lit one at a time or all at once, these candles allow autumn to enter the warmth of my home. 

Other sets include:

Fall Harvest
Happy Holidays
Winter Wonderland
Romance
Fresh & Clean
Spa Day
Vacation
Coffee Shop
Man Cave
High as a Kite
New Born Baby
50 Shades

Whatever delightful scent you choose, you will be WOWed by the perfectly powerful scents that fill the room. No matter what the occasion; visiting guest, the holidays or a simple way to remind yourself that you are home, Old Factory candles will act as a great reminder of any memorable moment.

Interested in receiving your own Old Factory candle set?!
Follow the link below, fill out the entry form and you will be eligible to receive your own Old Factory candle set.

| Fill Out The Entry Form Here |

All entries must be submitted by Thursday, November 6 at 8:00 PM
I will announce the winner in my Post on Friday, November 7.

The post is sponsored by BrandBacker.

Hey People, Go Vote!

Today are midterm elections and I don’t care who you are, you need to go vote!

Need a little background about what today means for our country and/or your state? My favorite news source gives you the ultimate rundown.

Eat PA: Golden Eagle Inn

One of my favorite things to do when visiting a city is explore and try eateries that aren’t chained. Cities can be the heart of delicious eats and unique spots to enjoy a meal, however, if you look close enough in the areas surrounding , you can locate restaurants that measure up to the uniqueness and  hospitality of those joints in the city. The enjoyment I have found in trying new spots and exploring to see what is really out there comes from three inspiration points.

1. My boyfriend’s hearty appetite and on-going interest in eating.
2. Working with three PA natives that have tried everything I have not, and our constant conversation about what is the best to visit.
3. My enthusiasm in restoring the interest and love for the small towns in PA.

It’s relatively easy to find a cute restaurant tucked away in a city, but exploring the back-roads of PA is much more fun, and I promise, you’ll be surprised with what you find. What else makes this a fun adventure is that most of these cafes, diners, restaurants, pubs, taverns etc. are full of history, history that provides a better understanding of the town you are in

The first Eat PA stop is in Bedford, PA at the Golden Eagle Inn. If you are on the Pennsylvania Turnpike or heading in one direction or the other on Route 30, the Golden Eagle Inn is a less than 10 minute drive when passing the Bedford exits. The Golden Eagle Inn is a Bed and Breakfast I have passed many times, but a friend recommended I stop for a bite to eat. The Inn has a rich history; from being the first brick building built in Bedford, to holding a place on the National Register of Historic Places, this is a spot that is worth a stop. First you walk in to a beautiful foyer where you are greeted. Covered head to toe in floral wall paper you immediately are able to feel the great age of the building. We were seated at one of the best spots in the dining room, a table tucked perfectly in the corner with a great view of downtown. The floral wall paper continued in the dining room, along with the vintage decor. The Golden Eagle Inn’s menu changes along with the season. As one season comes and goes, so does their menu – which is proof that their ingredients are fresh. For an appetizer we chose the Pretzel Flatbread. For lunch, I had the Rachel and Taylor chose the Pastrami Cuban.

Appetizer – Pretzel Flatbread

• pretzel crust
• smoked ham
• cheddar cheese
• sweet and spicy mustad

Rachel

• cajun turkey
• swiss
• coleslaw
• marbled rye
• served w/ hand cut fries

Pastrami Cuban

• pastrami
• ham
• swiss
• house pickles
• sweet and spicy mustard
• grilled ciabatta
• served/ hand cut fries

The meal, service and overall experience was nothing short of spectacular. The small details that both the decor and meal projected were what made the experience extra special. From the cute table setting, craft beer, a unique bathroom door and perfectly seasoned food – the Golden Eagle Inn and must see/taste.

 Price Guide- 

App: $7-15
Lunch: $8 -14
Beer: $5