5 Ways to Use That Leftover Turkey

Ways to Use That Turkey

It happens every year, and it doesn’t matter if you buy a smaller turkey or invite more people to Thanksgiving dinner.

You’re going to have leftover turkey. A lot of it.

Here are a few ways to use it—some serious, some lighthearted. We’re thankful to have that leftover turkey, and sharing it is one of many options.

Send it home with your guests.

Often, we don’t think of this because the tryptophan in the turkey makes us semi-comatose. When everyone leaves, sending home leftovers just doesn’t register! Pack goodie bags for your guests right after dinner. Maybe you can steal everyone’s keys and put them in the goodie bags, so no one can leave without their turkey.

Try some new recipes.

Visit a recipe website, and learn something new while using up that turkey! Good recipe sites include Food Network, All Recipes, and Real Simple. If you’re more the Martha Stewart type, try her website. (Or if you’re not much of a cook, just cut it up and add it to everything you eat for the next week.)

Surprise your coworkers.

The people you work with want more turkey, don’t they? Whip up some turkey sandwiches and take them in for lunch the first workday after Thanksgiving. They’ll love you for remembering them. Won’t they?

Freeze for later use.

When you’re completely “turkeyed out,” parcel what’s left into small bags and put them in the freezer. You can always use that turkey later for delicious comfort food like turkey and noodles and turkey pot pie.

Finally, give it to the dog.

We’re thankful for the dog, and the dog is thankful for us. Why not spread a little Thanksgiving cheer and give him or her the last of the turkey?

Tell us on our Facebook page what you do with leftover turkey!

 

How to Safely Decorate for the Holidays

We’re in one of the most fun times of year for kids and adults alike. One of the most exciting parts of the holiday season is decorating your home and yard. Following are a few tips to keep small children and pets safe:

Keep common poisons out of reach. 

Many of us enjoy putting food out for guests, but we don’t think about how it can affect our pets. Even a little bit of chocolate can be too much for dogs and cats due to theobromine, a nervous system and cardiovascular stimulant that can cause illness and death. Yeast dough, grapes, and raisins are also toxic for your furry friends.

Be careful while cooking that nobody has access to anything he or she shouldn’t eat.

Be careful with decorations.

Pets and small children can easily knock over or be caught in decorations such as incense holders and candles, and some pets will try to eat or chew them. Poinsettia, ivy, holly, and mistletoe aren’t good for anyone to chew on. If you wouldn’t let a toddler near a decoration, don’t let your dogs near them.

Dogs often drink the water from Christmas trees, and males might use the trunk as a porta-potty, so keep an eye on your pups. If you dress up your small children or pets, make sure nothing can choke or suffocate them.

 

Keep important or sentimental items out of reach.

This seems obvious, but in the excitement of the season, it’s easy to forget to kid- and pet-proof ornaments. Decorations and breakable tree ornaments should be placed out of reach. Tinsel and metal ornament hooks can cause digestive problems if swallowed. Curious children and dogs can pull breakable items off tables and walls. Cats and dogs may knock over candles and other holiday items. Keep electrical cords off the floor.

You may wish to kennel or confine pets while decorating, and you can always decorate while your children are napping or sleeping.

Pick up everything as you use it.

Many decorations have small or sharp pieces that children, dogs, and cats can easily pick up and choke or hurt themselves. Items such as broken decorations, wire hangers, and loose pine needles can be harmful to the little people and critters in your home. If you need to, keep a vacuum cleaner handy to pick up small pieces of decorations.

If the holiday excitement stresses out your pets or children, consider taking dogs and cats to a kennel. Perhaps family members would like to take care of children for the day.

How do you decorate safely?

 

How To Make Gratitude a Part Of Your Life

At this time of year, we’re often reminded to be thankful for the blessings and happiness in our lives. We believe that gratitude should be part of our lives every day, and we should take time regularly to reflect on what we appreciate about the people, animals, and things we love. Someday they might not be there, and being a thankful person tends to attract more to be happy for.

We are all thankful for different things. What one person appreciates, another might wish to be rid of. Gratitude is individual, and here are a few ways to work it into your daily routine.

Make a list.

Write down everything you’re grateful for, no matter how small. Tuck this list into a safe place, and when you’re having a bad day, read it and realize how fortunate you are. It’s easy to think everyone else has more or better than we do, but when you see that your list covers your children, spouse, family, and friends, you’ll feel like the luckiest person alive.

Practice gratitude daily.

Make it a habit to be gratified every day. It may be for something as simple as the car starts or the dogs come running to you when you call. Every day brings something to treasure.

Tell people what you’re grateful for.

Having gratitude and knowing what you’re lucky to have is wonderful, but when you express thanks, you send your happiness out into the world. Don’t be afraid to tell others what you’re happy to have in your life.

Be a model for others.

Let other people see you being grateful. So many are not appreciative of their lives, and when they see, feel, and hear your gracious thanks for your happiness, they may follow suit. When they see you model grateful feelings, they may be motivated to do the same.

Don’t allow others to trample on your gratitude.

Let’s face it—most people are not appreciative of what they have. Unhappy people often try to rain on others’ parades. See this negative behavior for what it is, and ignore it.

Journal.

Write down your feelings each day, or whenever you feel especially thankful (or not so thankful). Often, the mere act of getting our feelings out where we can see them will intensify the good and minimize the bad. Journaling can be done via computer or the old-fashioned way: a diary with a good lock.

 

How to Cook a Healthy Thanksgiving Dinner

Photo courtesy of:
http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/lowcarbsidedishes/r/cauliflowermash.htm

We get questions every year at this time: how can you cook a healthy Thanksgiving dinner, yet still feel satisfied? It’s easier than you think, and we have some great ideas to share.

Drain as much poultry fat as you can from the turkey.

This fat is not healthy, so you want to drain as much of it as you can. The fat helps keep the turkey juicy, but you don’t need to eat that fat once the turkey is cooked. Drain the fat, and give the skin to the dog or the cat.

Think veggies and healthy fats.

Yes, we said to drain the fat from the turkey, but that’s because it’s unhealthy fat. Other foods have good, beneficial fats, and you want to include those on your Thanksgiving menu. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in nuts, seeds, fish, and avocados. Try new recipes with those ingredients, or set nuts and seeds out with the appetizers. Make some guacamole and chips, or serve avocado slices during or after dinner.

Try mashed cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes.

This is one of our favorites, and we really enjoy the flavor of the cauliflower for a change. Following is a great recipe for healthy mashers. The recipe can be found at http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/george-stella/mock-garlic-mashed-potatoes-recipe/index.html.

(Catherine, photo is from )

Total Time: 21 min

Prep: 15 min

Cook: 6 min

Yield: 4 servings

Level: Easy

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium head cauliflower
  • 1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan
  • ½ teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1/8 teaspoon straight chicken base or bouillon (may substitute ½ teaspoon salt)
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon chopped fresh or dry chives, for garnish
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Directions:

  1. Set a stockpot of water to boil over high heat.
  2. Clean and cut cauliflower into small pieces. Cook in boiling water for about 6 minutes, or until well done. Drain well—do not let cool, and pat cooked cauliflower very dry between several layers of paper towels.
  3. In a bowl with an immersion blender, or in a food processor, puree the hot cauliflower with the cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic, chicken base, and pepper until almost smooth.
  4. Garnish with chives, and serve hot with pats of butter.

Hint: Try roasting the garlic and adding a little fresh rosemary for a new taste.

Per Serving: Calories: 149; Total Fat: 11.5 grams; Saturated Fat: 7 grams; Protein: 5 grams; Total carbohydrates: 8 grams; Sugar: 4 grams; Fiber: 4 grams; Cholesterol: 31 milligrams; Sodium: 170 milligrams.

Offer fruit for dessert.

Fruit is so versatile that you can use your imagination when it comes to serving a healthy dessert. Strawberry shortcake is always a hit, or you can try creating a fruit salad for dessert or during the meal. Some will eat the fruit as is, and a colorful fruit basket makes a wonderful centerpiece.

What tips for a healthy Thanksgiving dinner would you like to share?

5 Fun Ways to Reduce Stress

For many of us, stress is a permanent part of our lives, and all too often, we feel consumed by the tension and anxiety. We don’t take the time to release or relieve stress as we should, or we use unhealthy coping mechanisms such as eating or drinking too much. Suggestions for relieving stress sometimes aren’t much fun, so we thought we’d change that.

Sometimes feeling better is as simple as going back to an easier, more carefree time of life. Look below for some entertaining ways to release tension.

Dance, dance, dance!

Put on your favorite music (tunes from high school are a good choice), and dance like no one’s watching. Spin your kids or your spouse around, and feel yourself let loose. The more you release your inhibitions, the more you let go of tension and anxiety.

Sing, sing, sing!

Singing releases endorphins and helps you feel better, and you also breathe in more oxygen during each song. Belt it out at the top of your lungs if you wish! If you prefer, take it to the next level and go to a karaoke bar with some friends.

Make fun food.

What was your favorite food growing up? Which foods do you find completely silly? Whether it’s jello or grilled cheese sandwiches with the crusts cut off, make some simple, fun food you love. Remember those simpler times, and feel the stress melt away.

Go outside and play.

What do you truly enjoy doing? We’re so engrossed in our daily lives that we forget how to have some good, clean fun. Playing doesn’t have to stop just because we’re adults. Do you enjoy roller skating or hula hooping? How about simply lying on a chaise in the back yard reading a book? Do something you enjoy but haven’t been able to do for a while.

Pamper yourself.

That could look like a massage, yoga, acupuncture, a pedicure and manicure, or spending a couple of hours in the bathtub with a good book. Decadent is the name of the game. Indulge yourself in luxury, and stress won’t dare to stick around.

Visit our Facebook page and give us some of your stress-busting tips!

 

Don’t Like Drinking Water? Here’s How to Make It Delicious

We all know we need to drink water every day, but let’s face it… water isn’t the most exciting thing in the world. Depending on your pipes and where you live, your water may not be the best tasting, so here are a few ways to make it taste better.

Filter it.
You can filter with a home filtration system, a faucet unit, a pitcher, or a bottle. The choice is yours. You’ll be amazed at how much better your water tastes—just be certain to change the filter per the manufacturer’s recommendation.

Buy it.
You can buy just about any type and flavor of water you wish. From mineral to sparkling and from apple to kiwi flavors, take your pick! Try several different kinds to see which taste great and quench your thirst.

Add to it.
Add a squirt of lemon and / or lime, a little fruit juice, or just a splash of soda to flavor it. Use your imagination, and drinking your daily water will be something you look forward to.

Make your own.
Here are a few recipes from http://www.sheismynutritionist.com/8-home-made-vitamins-water-recipes/ to make your own vitamin water. Enjoy!

  1. Lemon and cucumber: In a pitcher, mix 10 cups of water, 1 cucumber, and a lemon, thinly sliced. Add 1/4 cup fresh finely chopped basil leaf and 1/3 cup of finely chopped fresh mint leaves. Leave in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
    1. Pineapple and mint: In a pitcher, mix 10 cups of water, 1 cup of pineapple cut into cubes, and 12 fresh mint leaves finely chopped. Leave in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
    2. Apple and cinnamon: In a pitcher, mix 10 cups of water, 1 cup of apples cut into cubes, 2 cinnamon sticks, and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Leave in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

 

How to Do a Breast Self-Exam

According to Johns Hopkins Medical Center, “Forty percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump, so establishing a regular breast self-exam is very important.”

We encourage all adult women to perform breast self-exams (BSE) at least once a month.

The procedure is below. We recommend you do it one week after your period, but it’s more important that you do it regularly at around the same time each month. (Menstrual changes can make your breasts temporarily lumpy.)

Mammograms detect early cancer, but BSE give you the confidence to know what your breasts look and feel like, so you can contact your doctor any time you notice changes. There are three main parts to a BSE, described below. If you feel anything out of the ordinary, contact your doctor.

While Showering
Examine each breast with the pads of your fingers, moving around your breast in a continuous circle from the outside and working to the nipple. Extend the exam to your underarm area. Check both breasts for any thickening, hardening, or lump.

After Your Shower
Stand in front of a mirror with your hands at your sides. Look for any irregularity or change in your breasts. Look for lumps, new spots, dimpling, or nipple changes. Raise your arms over your head, carefully look at your breasts, and then press your hands into your waist or hips to flex your pectoral (chest) muscles. Look for any changes, and know that your breasts will not match exactly.

While Lying Down
Put your right arm behind your head, and move the pads of the fingers of your left hand around your breast as you did in the shower. Cover the entire armpit and breast area with circular motions, using varying pressures. Lying down flattens your breasts and makes them easier to check. Pinch the nipple and check for discharge or discoloration. Repeat on the left breast.

Doing a BSE every month helps you know what is normal for your breasts so you can alert your doctor to any changes. Four out of five lumps are not cancerous, so don’t hesitate to call if you have any questions or concern.

 

BRA Day USA, The SHE Event, and Paint the Town Pink!

National Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day, or BRA Day, will be October 16.

BRA Day promotes awareness and education about post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. Most women do not know anything about their options regarding breast reconstruction, and even fewer know about the proper timing of cancer treatment and reconstruction surgery and the variability in outcomes.

BRA Day USA supporters hold local events to help spread awareness of breast cancer treatment and the plastic surgeon’s role in breast reconstruction. Supporters help educate about surgery and financing options. The goal is a broader understanding of the options available to women after mastectomy.

Jewel, the singer and songwriter, is the national spokesperson for BRA Day and has written a song to benefit patients, “Flower.” If you would like to start a BRA Day event in your area, visit the website for a free BRA Day Starter Guide and Marketing/PR Toolkit to help you plan your BRA Day activities. Past BRA Day events include art contests, flash mobs, seminars about reconstruction, and fundraising events to support the BRA fund.

At the end of September, we were sponsors for the SHE Event at the Convention Center. A celebration of everything woman, SHE was three days of events just for her, with plenty of style, food, entertainment, arts and crafts, shopping, and healthy living. For more info, check the SHE Event website here. Events included an opening night party, a fashion show for mothers and daughters, wine and cocktail tastings, and a workshop on how to use color effectively in your home. 

Flower power at the SHE event!

Paint the Town Pink

Our Lowcountry Race for the Cure® affiliate has challenged all area businesses to get creative with the color PINK! Businesses have decorated their storefronts in a pink theme and displayed the Race poster. There is a competition, so be sure to check out the businesses downtown before the prizes are announced on Friday, October 18.

Remember, Saturday, October 19 is the 20th Annual Komen Lowcountry Race for the Cure®. Please join us, and for more information visit the Lowcountry affiliate page.

Put Some Zing in Your Hot Cocoa

Ah, there’s nothing better on a crisp fall day than a cup of hot cocoa. We found some new ways to enjoy that cup of steaming chocolate, and we hope you like them.

The easiest way to change it up is to add one new ingredient. Flavor extracts can work magic on the most humble cup of cocoa and turn it into a flavor explosion. Try mint extract (or let mint candies dissolve!) or almond extract to turn your cuppa into Almond Joy Cocoa.

HERSHEY’S “Perfectly Chocolate” Hot Cocoa

(from www.hersheys.com)

Ingredients (makes 5 cups):

  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup HERSHEY’S Cocoa
  • Dash salt
  • 1/3 cup hot water
  • 4 cups (1 qt.) milk
  • 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Miniature marshmallows or sweetened whipped cream (optional)

Directions:

1. Stir together sugar, cocoa and salt in medium saucepan; stir in water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil. Boil and stir 2 minutes. Add milk; stirring constantly, heat to serving temperature. Do not boil.

2. Remove from heat; add vanilla. Beat with rotary beater or whisk until foamy. Serve topped with marshmallows or whipped cream, if desired.

Variations: Add one of the following with the vanilla extract:

SPICED COCOA: 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Serve with cinnamon stick, if desired.

MINT COCOA: 1/2 teaspoon mint extract OR 3 tablespoons crushed hard peppermint candy OR 2 to 3 tablespoons white crème de menthe. Serve with peppermint candy stick, if desired.

CITRUS COCOA: 1/2 teaspoon orange extract OR 2 to 3 tablespoons orange liqueur.

SWISS MOCHA: 2 to 2-1/2 teaspoons powdered instant coffee.

COCOA AU LAIT: Omit marshmallows or whipped cream. Spoon 2 tablespoons softened vanilla ice cream on top of each cup of cocoa at serving time.

SLIM-TRIM COCOA: Omit sugar. Combine cocoa, salt, and water; substitute nonfat milk. Proceed as above. With vanilla, stir in sugar substitute with sweetening equivalence of 1/2 cup sugar.

CANADIAN COCOA: 1/2 teaspoon maple extract.

MICROWAVE SINGLE SERVING: Combine 1 heaping teaspoon HERSHEY’S Cocoa, 2 heaping teaspoons sugar, and dash salt in microwave-safe cup or mug. Add 2 teaspoons cold milk; stir until smooth. Fill cup with milk. Microwave at HIGH (100%) 1 to 1-1/2 minutes or until hot. Stir to blend; serve.

Nutritional information per serving:

Calories: 180, Total Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 2.5g, Cholesterol: 15 mg, Sodium: 100mg,

Total Carbohydrate: 32g, Dietary Fiber: 2g, Sugars: 29g, Protein: 7g, Vitamin A: 8%DV*,

Vitamin C: 0%DV*, Calcium: 25%DV*, Iron: 0%DV*

*%DV= %Daily Values are calculated based on a 2000 calorie diet

Mexican Hot Cocoa

(from http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/drink/views/Mexican-Hot-Cocoa-241138)

Ingredients (makes 8 cups):

  • 2 cups reduced-fat (2 percent) evaporated milk
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup chocolate liqueur
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ancho chili powder
  • 10 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 dried red chile
  • 2 1/2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, broken into pieces
  • 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

Preparation:

1. Whisk evaporated milk, whole milk, liqueur, vanilla, sugar, cocoa, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and chili powder in a heavy saucepan.

2. Add 2 of the cinnamon sticks and chile and cook gently over medium-low heat until warm. Add chocolate and cook, whisking until melted. Gently bring to a high simmer; reduce heat and simmer until liquid thickens and reduces slightly, whisking often, 10 minutes.

3. Combine heavy cream with remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and beat until peaks form.

4. Ladle 1/3 cup hot cocoa into each of 8 teacups; top with 1 tablespoon whipped cream and

garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Nutritional information per serving:

218 calories per teacup, 7.8 g fat (4.8 g saturated), 20 g carbs, 1 g fiber, 2.3 g protein

Simple Health Remedies Found In Your Kitchen

Did you know that you can make your own simple preventive medicines and homemade remedies right in your kitchen? These solutions are within reach–on your shelf or in the pantry!

Check out our top 8 essentials for natural medicines. These hardworking ingredients multitask for culinary purposes AND maintaining  your optimal health.

AN IMPORTANT NOTE: Always use caution and consult a medical professional before using any herbal remedy. Remember to do allergy, taste and skin sensitivity tests before applying or ingesting any natural remedy!

Apple Cider Vinegar

For bruised skin: Make a compress for bruises! Soak a cloth in vinegar and apply to reduce the swelling and discomfort.

For fevers: Combine 1 part ACV with 3 parts water.  Soak cloths and wrap around calves and wrists.  Remove once fever is reduces (just a few minutes).  Re-wrap as necessary.

For nosebleeds: Soak a small cotton ball in vinegar and pack it lightly into the nostril. The astringent vinegar may help the blood to clot.

For poison ivy and sumac: To relieve itching, combine equal parts of water or alcohol and apple cider vinegar. Dab on affected areas, let dry, and repeat as often as needed.

For sunburn: Apply a wash of half and half ACV and water to the burn with a spray bottle, or make a cooling compress for a large area to relieve the pain. Keep the skin moistened.

Raw Local Honey

For a sore throat: Mix ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar and ¼ cup of honey. Take one tablespoon every four hours or as needed for pain relief.

For minor burns: Dab honey over the burned skin and cover lightly with a piece of cloth to keep from getting your clothes and furniture sticky!

For an upset stomach: Make a tea by mixing 1 teaspoon fresh ginger juice or freshly grated ginger and 1 teaspoon honey in a cup of boiling water; drink as needed.

Garlic

For earaches: Garlic juice has awesome antibacterial properties! To treat an earache, either nick the tip of a garlic clove and gently place just inside the ear. Or place 2-3 drops of garlic juice into the ear and pack with cotton ball. DO NOT put ANYTHING into the ear if there is concern about or evidence of a ruptured ear drum.

Onions

For asthma: An onion poultice is an effective (but smelly) way to soothe asthmatic breathing. Slice onions, wrap in a thin cloth and crush to create a poultice pack, place on chest, check 10-15 minutes for reactions.

For cough: Make an onion cough syrup. Yes, it looks less appetizing than the traditional red syrupy sweet stuff, but it’s just as soothing and has great antibacterial properties. Simply take a small jar or container, and layer chopped onions with small amounts of sugar or raw honey. The sugar or honey will help break down the onions into juice over two hours, creating a sweet onion syrup. Take 1-2 tablespoons as needed.

Chamomile

For anxiety or nerves: Chamomile tea has been tested successfully through time to be one of the best calming remedies! Simply steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers or a tea bag in hot water for 5-7 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups.

For diaper rash, eczema and other irritating skin conditions: Chamomile is soothing for skin. Make a strong chamomile tea or infusion, let it cool, then dip a cloth in it to apply to irritated skin. You can also use dried chamomile in a bath bag or cloth tea bag in your bath to help soothe larger skin areas, or pour a strong chamomile tea straight in the bath.

Cloves

For a toothache: Place a whole clove between the aching tooth and your cheek. It can be held in place by holding your finger on the outside of the cheek. Chew the cloves a little to release their juice, then leave them in place for half an hour or so or until the pain subsides.

(Call your dentist or care provider if you experience severe pain or a fever!)

For cold sores: Applying clove oil in small amounts can help speed up the healing process of a cold sore.

Cayenne

Caution: Do not apply cayenne powder directly to the skin! It will cause severe skin sensitivity and pain, or an allergic reaction.

For congested coughs: Mix ¼  to ½ teaspoon of pepper in a glass of water and use as a gargle.

For arthritis: Cayenne and other herbs such as white willow bark contain salicylates, compounds like those found in aspirin. When diluted in a gentle oil, cayenne can be applied in a salve to the areas around joints to relieve arthritis pain.

Ginger

For cramps or abdominal pain: Add one teaspoonful of powdered ginger root to one cup of boiling water. Drink up to three cups a day.

For sore muscles and arthritis pain: Treat yourself to a rosemary-ginger soothing bath. Make a strong tea with grated fresh ginger, about 1 1\2 cups of water to a tablespoon of ginger. Strain and add to bath water, with 6 drops of rosemary essential oil.

What are your go-to kitchen spices, foods and herbs for medicinal remedies?