ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas 2014 Schedule

It's that time of year again. The 2014 Holiday Season is upon us, can you believe it? The older I get the faster time flies. It seems like I just took down our 2013 Christmas decorations. 

Has anyone watched a Christmas movie or television program yet? Well, I have! The Hallmark Channel started playing Christmas movies 24/7 on October 31. Yes, on Halloween. And yes, I watched one as soon as they started running them that night.

As much as I love watching Christmas movies on the Hallmark Channel—and will continue to do so—I have a fondness for the Christmas movies and shows that the ABC Family Channel starts running on December 1. The ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas not only schedules fun family movies but those awesome Christmas cartoons we all grew up on. Rudolph, the Grinch and Frosty, I love them all!

Get your Christmas shopping finished early and celebrate the season with some much needed downtime—sitting in front of the fire with your kids, a cup of hot chocolate and a bowl of popcorn watching a family favorite Christmas movie! Enjoy the season my sweet friends!

Corn And Bacon Chowder, Stove-Top or Crock Pot Style

Happy Tuesday, everyone! What's cooking in your kitchen today? Anything fun and delicious? Something Fall-like? I'm cooking for a crowd tonight and I am plotting a simple but hearty meal! CORN and BACON CHOWDER, served over MeMe's CORNBREAD with crispy PANINI'S on the side. DELICIOUSLY AUTUMNAL! What about you? What's cooking in your kitchen, and what are you looking forward to cooking the rest of this week?

ROLO Pretzel Delights

I'm sure that this little recipe is nothing new to some of you. But, if you haven't tried it before, then stop what you're doing and run out and buy a bag of Rolo candy. These are so simple and delicious. They're the perfect treat for your Christmas cookie and candy tray this year. Our family has been making these for years. They are my Daddy's favorites and they're always a hit!! Throw a few of these into your next outgoing cookie tin. Your friends and family will thank you.

CHRISTMAS BONBONS

CHRISTMAS BONBONS

This candy reminds me of Almond Joys. With the added Maraschino cherries, it takes this Christmas candy over the top. Beloved by all of my family and friends, it is the most requested candy I make during the holidays. 
I hope your loved ones enjoy as well!

MAKES 5 -6 DOZEN BONBONS

Tips And Tools For Making The Perfect Pie Crust

Everyone knows that a pie is only as good as its crust. But consistently achieving a tender, flaky texture, buttery flavor, and golden glow can be challenging for even the most seasoned baker. What’s an amateur to do? Start by following these 10 simple rules.

Before You Go Out Of Town: Tips on Burglar Proofing Your Home

There are things we never forget. One such memory occurred for me in the winter of 1979, just a few months after our family moved to Dallas. I was in the 8th grade. 

It was a cold, dark night when a ringing telephone woke us up. No - it wasn't our telephone, it was our neighbors. My Dad looked out the bedroom window to find a man crawling through the window next door. Our neighbors were being robbed! The burglar had gotten our neighbor's telephone number and someone was ring the phone as he was robbing them. This was his way of knowing no one was in the house.

Sausage Crescent Cheese Balls

Mr.P and I decided to make a few improvements in our home before the coming holidays. But let me just say, remodeling is never as easy as one thinks it's going to be! At least that's what we have found to be true. Leaving very little precious time for blogging. So what's a blogger to do?

10 Easy Tricks That Can Help Prevent The Common Cold and Flu

I have four doctor's appointments today. Yes my friends, you read that correctly. I am blessed to have good health, even though I have a very bad back. Today's visits are just preventative care. For all of you young folks out there, you most likely will think these are a waste of time. I used to think the same thing. But then you get older. One of my visits is with my OB/GYN, a wonderful man. The only man, other than my husband, that's seen me naked — I'd like to keep it that way. I was thinking how odd it is that I started seeing him a few months before I married 28 years ago. I continued seeing him through the birth of my children, then I didn't see him again until just a few years ago. Pregnancies and menopause — that poor man has seen me at my hormonal worst! Then there's my primary care physician, dermatologist, and I'm getting my yearly mammogram today as well. Have you ladies had the girls checked out this year?? It's never too early to start this yearly habit.

Thanksgiving Is Fast Approaching! Here's My Easy Plan Ahead Timeline

I'm a firm believer in planning ahead, hey I have already started buying Christmas gifts! It's never too early. If you're hosting Thanksgiving dinner for family and friends this year, advanced planning is a must. Don't let a long Thanksgiving to-do list overwhelm you at the last minute; here are some things you can do in the weeks leading up to the big day to keep your to-do list under control.

Viewfinder Christmas!

Looking for a unique way to say Merry Christmas? This year, instead of sending out the normal Christmas card, send a custom reel and viewer! How awesome is this? 

With the ability to create custom, unique, and awe-inspiring reels with your very own photographs, a 3-D View-Master and photo reel makes a rare Christmas card anyone would love. If not for a special Christmas card, you can also use your photos to make a reel for everything from one-of-a-kind gifts, weddings, keepsakes, special announcements, portfolios, school projects, and more.

MY FAVORITE THINGS - NOVEMBER

With the airing of 'It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown' last night I officially ushered in the 2014 Holiday Season and I could not be more excited! The cherished month of November is a feast - visually, emotionally, mentally and gastronomically. From the rich colors and flavors of Thanksgiving to the upcoming sweet and soothing traditions of Christmas, I hope you savor every image, every fragrance, every thought and every delicious morsel. Along with My Favorite Things collage, I send my very best wishes for joyful celebrations to you and all those you love. 

-Ronda, The Domestic Curator