Nov 26, 2014

My Very first Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Besides U.S. Thanksgiving, it's also National Game and Puzzle Week...what game have you played most recently, and who were you with? Have you worked a puzzle of any kind in the past week?

Games? We don't really play games anymore now that we only have our daughter left home. We played Phase 10 last and yes, I won!! I would love to put puzzles together but my family just aren't puzzle lovers. 

2. What is one place you were thankful for this year?

I'm extremely thankful for our little church. Victors Baptist Church in Varaždin, Croatia. It's a warm welcoming place. It's a rare church because we have no cliques or groups and everyone loves everyone. 

3. Take a nap, watch football, go for an after dinner walk, or hit the stores...which ONE is on your must-do list for Thanksgiving day? For those of you playing along who aren't in the US, answer as it relates to any big holiday meal.

When we were in the States for Thanksgiving stores weren't open on Thanksgiving so we would play games. We have a large family and groups would separate and games would ensue. We always knew to stay away from the card games with Uncle Bijan, he counts cards and it was impossible to win.  
4. Besides Thanksgiving, what's your favorite home cooked meal?

My new low carb favorite is chicken parm. My daughter makes it and it' delish! she serves it over zucchini noodles and We have it almost weekly. 

5. What product from an infomercial would you most like to own?

I would love to have the No No! hair remover. I've debated about getting it but always decided against it, plus it's expensive and who knows if it really works. 

6. Christmas shopping? Have you begun? Finished? Will you shop on Black Friday? How do you feel about stores opening on Thanksgiving Day? What percentage of your Christmas shopping is done online?

Wow, is Christmas coming up? It's actually crazy that we are already looking at Christmas right around the corner and how some folks have even decorated even before Thanksgiving. I've officially purchased one gift online and one from the store and i'm feeling like i'm even more ahead of the game than usual. I remember when stores weren't oped on Thanksgiving and we had no other choice than to play board games, football or just sit around laughing. Life sure has changed and I prefer it the way it was. 

7. What are you most grateful for that adds beauty to your everyday life?

Hmm, I am so happy for all we have it's hard to decided. I actually love my house plants. I was never able to keep plants alive when my children were little, I guess I prioritized and plants came in last. Now that my children are all grown, I've got somewhat of a green thumb. They make a room feel so alive. Now it I just had a larger room to house them. 


This is one of my favorite house plants. No, no not the girl, that's Hannah, she's 17 and suppose to be busy with school. I told her to pose and this is what I got. Anyhow, I love this plant, it was a housewarming gift from one of our sweet ladies and it's grown like crazy. 


Okay so this is what Hannah looks like normally. She's a joy! I'm so thankful for her. BTW, she blogs too over at Particularly Hannah.


8. Insert your own random thought here.

I've been thinking about snow. Since tons of Stateside friends have snow I'm wondering if we will. Usually when the States get blanketed we don't and vise-versa. I'm hoping with my everything crossed for a white Christmas.  At least some white on Christmas and then it can go back to being just cold. 


siggy

21 comments:

  1. Welcome to the Hodgepodge! Always fun to see new faces here : ) The holidays have kind of taken on a life of their own here in the US in recent years. Thanksgiving is my favorite, but it is overlooked between the now crazy Halloween frenzy which seems to roll right into the Christmas decorating. I love Christmas, but appreciate all the seasons and especially the focus on slowing down and feeling grateful we try to do on Thanksgiving. Enjoy the rest of your week! Hope you get a white Christmas and we don't this year...my daughter is getting married the week after and there is a lot of travel involved : )

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    1. Thanks so much Joyce! It's very nice to meet you too. Have a very blessed Thanksgiving!

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  2. I enjoy the hodge podge posts Tori...it really helps me to "get to know" my blog friends. As for the NoNo...a friend of mine got one last year for Christmas. I will see if she liked it and report back. Hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving across the pond!!

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    1. Arlene,
      I'm seriously curious about the No No! can't wait to hear your friend's review. Happy Thanksgiving!

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  3. You're in Croatia??? WOW.
    We said the same thing for the infomercial, but I couldn't remember what it was called! I haven't bought it for the reasons you said. It's so iffy buying things like that!

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    1. Hey Mary, Yep, Croatia has been home since 2000. Hope you have a great Thanksgiving!

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  4. Anonymous1:50 PM

    There is a theme that intertwines the hodge podge: gratitude for faith, family and church! A great post to read right before Thanksgiving. Thanks.

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    1. Thank you so much for visiting me today. Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

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  5. I enjoyed your answers! I've seen the "No-No" advertised too. Our local Walgreens drug store will often stock some of the infomercial products and I think I saw a No-No. It is expensive. I hope you get your snow! Have a great Thanksgiving.

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    1. Melanie, Praying you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!

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  6. Welcome to hodgepodge. Croatia looks like a wonderful place and I have it on my bucket list to visit.

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  7. I too would like to go back to the previous days when things weren't open on Thanksgiving. I did hear some stores that were open previously are closed this year, so there's hope :)

    I like your plant; I'm not much for growing things, I don't have the right color thumb, so I enjoy others' achievements!

    betty

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    1. Betty, Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!

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  8. It was such a blessing to read more about you, Tori :) Thank you for sharing and may you have a blessed day! Hugs!

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  9. Hi Tori!! Thank-you for visiting my blog. You have a nice one!! I love it.
    Wow, I love your plant. My plants are dying, it is so sad.They are not getting the attention they need. Your daughter is beautiful.
    I hope you get some snow. ((BIG HUGS))!!

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  10. Great post.. and chicken parm over zucchini noodles sounds DELICIOUS!! Maybe you can post a recipe?... Have a blessed and very Happy Thanksgiving! ~tina (aka beansie)

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  11. I'm like you. I have two presents bought and feel ahead of the game!

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  12. Welcome to the Hodgepodge! Your church sounds lovely and, oh, how I wish we could find a similar place to be. Chicken Parmesan...YUM! Zucchini noodles...double yum! I also love houseplants and how they can brighten up the house. Especially during the dreary days of winter. I do hope you get your longed for snow! Have a beautiful day!

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  13. Anonymous7:25 PM

    I downloaded a free app to my iPad for puzzles. We love it! No lost pieces. No puppy chewed pieces. No prices in the vacuum. It rocks. We love puzzles!

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  14. Always a pleasure to learn more about my virtual friends across the miles. I've seen the No-No advertised and often wondered the same thing..hehe! Hannah is lovely!

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  15. Loved the sharing!

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Hey thanks in advance for leaving a comment, sure do appreciate it!!