Holidazed Feed

NaBloPoMo 2015: Happy ThanksgivingChristmasNewYearsValentinesEaster!

I used to be a planner, also super-organized (and this is the part where my husband would insist otherwise and I would end any possibility of a long, drawn out debate, by insisting back "WAS SO!" Because I am a great debater, like that!), but those days seem so long ago. I knew if I just held out long enough, mismatched plates and glasses would become a thing (are so!). In our house, the holidays were my Olympics! I researched recipes, collected odds and ends for binge-crafting sessions with the kids and made lists for ALL things holi"daze". This year?... Read more →

© This Full House 2003-2022. All rights reserved.

Behind every strong woman, there's another strong woman, trying to do right by her family, probably.

The Katkics Women, Christmas 2013 I love this picture for so many reasons, but mostly because it captures the women in my family who are usually found behind the camera and are equally passionate about capturing moments, like this one: my mom, me and my sister-in-law Pam. It's been a tough year for the three of us. Physically, mentally, emotionally, and whatever else is left after throwing yourself into living life to the fullest...no matter what life throws at you....body, mind and soul-ly. Me and my twin bro, taken by my sister-in-law, who was all like "Get in front of... Read more →

© This Full House 2003-2022. All rights reserved.

From Our House, To Your House: It's A Krispie Carol

Like most families we know, the kids and I have our favorite holiday traditions: decorating Christmas cookies ranks right up there with tricking out a ginger bread house with leftover Halloween candy, if there's any left. Assembling said gingerbread house, not so much. So, when our good friends at Kellogg's challenged us to put a twist on a family-favorite holiday tradition, I thought it would be REALLY fun to replicate This Full House (the house) in Rice Krispies, but then I broke it. So, according to the directions, you're supposed to bake the pieces for about 20 minutes before assembling,... Read more →

© This Full House 2003-2022. All rights reserved.

Just in time for the holidaze: scented pine cone wreath.

Last month, my dear friend Beth (a.k.a. Life in The Bat Cave) took it upon herself to reach out and spread a little holiday cheer by organizing a Blogger Ornament Exchange -- sort of like a cookie exchange, only different. So, I signed right up and guess what?!? I got paired up with Beth :) Now that we're smack-dab in the middle of the holidaze -- you know, that constant "Uhhhhhhh, what year is it, again?!?" feeling you get in between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day -- and because my contribution to the ornament exchange got to Beth's house safe... Read more →

© This Full House 2003-2022. All rights reserved.

Thanksgiving Soup (a.k.a. Black Friday Soup)

I have served this yummy soup, every year on Black Friday, ever since the kids were little and I think they look forward to it more than Thanksgiving dinner...me too! It is a very simple soup that is also super-fast to throw together, which makes it a perfect meal for anytime of the year. INGREDIENTS: 1 large onion 3 stalks celery 1 green Italian pepper 3 large carrots 1 large tomato 2 cups cooked turkey 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons canola (or vegetable) oil 6 cups chicken stock 6 cups water 3 cups uncooked noodles salt and pepper to taste... Read more →

© This Full House 2003-2022. All rights reserved.

Decking the halls, like there's no tomorrow.

We've hosted Thanksgiving for more than a dozen years and, for all my talk of going on killer dust bunny hunts and finding new places to hide the laundry, I really do enjoy having family over for the holidays -- YES, on purpose! Aaaaaand, now that my kids are older (me too, dammit!) I don't worry as much about: The table setting -- nope, it doesn't match, but I hear that's a thing now The food preparation -- yes, some of it comes out of a can Cleaning and organizing the flow of the house -- seriously, I've got teens... Read more →

© This Full House 2003-2022. All rights reserved.

Teen-friendly Tapas: easy-peasy chicken and waffles recipe.

A drizzle of warm honey and a sprinkling of fresh chives dress-up these chicken topped mini waffles, very nicely! Last month, I was invited to meet with U.S. Olympic legends and athlete hopefuls representing Team USA in New York City to help kick-off the 100 day countdown to the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games. I know, who EVER thought a dork like me would EVER be able to say that, out loud, RIGHT?!? Aaaaaanyway, one of my favorite activities from this awesome event was participating in helping to create an absolutely awesome brunch, in my pretend kitchen at The Culinary... Read more →

© This Full House 2003-2022. All rights reserved.