November Notes

As I’m sitting here on the first of the month adding appointments and events to my calendar, I’m reminded on how much is going on this month. Besides all the commitments, there are lots of seasonal tasks to do.

Seasonal Chores

• On November 1st change your clocks (“fall back”) and change your batteries in the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Before the holiday entertaining begins, now is a good time to polish your silverware and check out the condition of your china and crystal.
• Move your house plants closer to windows to maximize their exposure to the sun.
• In the garden, do your tilling and soil preparation so you can plant the early bare-root veggies and fruits in spring. Also, mulch your garden with shredded leaves (I just use the lawn mower to gather and shred at once).
• Empty and store your outside hoses. And don’t forget to turn off the water to the faucets.
• Put up bird feeders in your yard. Find what birds to expect and what to feed them here.
• Nov 29 is the first day of Advent. Put up an Advent Calendar and begin the countdown to Christmas.
• Don’t wait until it’s too late – schedule a tune-up and winterizing appointment for your car.
• Oh, BTW – do you have a snow shovel?

Seasonal Shopping – Now is the time to shop for:

• Cooking & Baking Supplies: Flour, spices, chocolate chips, condensed milk, and much more will go on sale this month in most markets.
• Pre-Christmas: Start looking for stocking stuffers, gift wrap, and all your other winter holiday goods now.
• Clothing: Be on the look-out for fall close-outs and for coats & boots to be on sale.
• Quilts & Blankets
• Heaters & Humidifiers
• Toys: Many retailers put stuff on sale now so that they can see how much interest there is in a specific toy, and clear the shelves for last minute holiday toy stocking.

Related Post: My New Calendar

Cinco de Mayo Recipe: Nacho Dip

It’s Cinco de Mayo – why not celebrate with the family with a Mexican inspired dinner. Tacos, burritos, and lots of other foods would make a fun family dinner. Add a margarita and it’s perfect

I’m going to share an easy-peasy recipe that has been in the family for quite a while. It’s a staple at parties and is a great (and quick) dinner when served with a salad. While it’s not a traditional Mexican recipe, it has the south-of-the-border feeling!

Layered Nacho Dip

Ingredients:
1 large bag of tortilla chips
1 lb of ground beef (or turkey)
1 package of taco seasoning
1 can of refried beans (vegetarian or low-fat is fine)
1 jar of your favorite salsa
1 16oz container of sour cream*
2 cups shredded Mexican style or taco cheese

Directions:
Pre-heat oven to 350.
Brown the ground beef and drain the fat. Once browned, add the taco seasoning to the meat.
While the beef is cooking, spread the can of refried beans into the bottom of an 8×8 square glass cooking pan (a pie plate will do too as long as it’s deep dish).
Spread the browned and seasoned beef over the refried beans.
Next, spread the salsa over the beef.
And then spread the sour cream over the salsa.
Finally, thoroughly cover the salsa with a nice layer of the shredded cheese.
Bake for 25 minutes or until the cheese is completely melted.
Serve with the chips and some guacamole.

*Note: I do not recommend fat free sour cream for baking – it just doesn’t keep a nice and creamy consistency.

Like I said, this is a family favorite. All the kids love it, including my little dude. And remember, serve it with a salad and it’s a nice well rounded family dinner.

If you’re looking for more festive recipes to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, I recommend you pay a visit to one of my fave recipe sites All Recipes.