Third Sunday of Advent

Welcome to the Third Sunday of Advent. The third Candle is pink, a symbol of joy. It is also called the Shepherd’s Candle, for when the angels announced that the savior was born, the shepherds were filled with great joy. The faithful believers wait in joyful anticipation of the coming of the Lord.

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Ribbon Pasta with Shrimp and Lemon Garlic

Did you know that today is National String Popcorn Day? Yep, it is. I’ve always wanted to string popcorn and make cranberry garland for my tree. When my children were little, the best Christmas we ever had was filled with paper decorations and a cardboard box painted to look like a fireplace. How else was Santa going to get into our tiny apartment?

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Saint Lucia’s Festival of Lights

The Festival of Lights and Saint Lucia’s Feast Day marks the beginning of the Christmas Season in some countries, especially Sweden, Norway and the Swedish-speaking areas of Finland. The day honors Saint Lucia (Saint Lucy); one of the earliest Christian Martyrs.

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Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Today is the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. She holds a special place in the religious life of Mexico and is one of the most popular religious devotions. Her image has played an important role as a National Symbol of Mexico. If we were in Mexico, December 3rd would have marked the start of the novenas to honor the Virgin of Guadalupe.

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An Old Fashion Christmas

When I was quite younger, I dreamed of an Old Fashion Victorian Christmas. The very idea of Plum Pudding and Roasted Goose got my heart to skip a beat. I always thought I was born out of step with my true self and that I was better suited in the past.

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The Second Sunday of Advent

We have reached the Second Sunday of Advent. Today we reflect on a message of peace. To bring about peace in the world, we must first have peace within ourselves. Life will always hold its struggles, dark times and difficult moments. To trust in God is to let go of the pain, the sorrow, the jealousy and anger. For only then will we be at peace.

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Microwave Oven Day and Holiday Candy

Today is National Microwave Oven Day. I’m not sure what that means. According to the National Day Calendar, today we are to honor the appliance that changed the way we use our kitchens. Hum, I don’t know about you but mine is on a shelf in the laundry room. Its main purpose is to warm left overs and make popcorn.

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Friday’s Feast of Saint Nicholas

December isn’t just about the traditional Christmas Holidays with big family meals and lots of presents. As a Catholic, we also celebrate one of my favorite Feast Days in early December, the Feast of Saint Nicholas. Most people today forget that jolly old Saint Nick is more than just a childhood story. Once upon a time, not long after the birth of the Christian faith, a man named Nicholas became the Bishop of Myra. He is the stuff of legends.

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Celebrating the First Sunday of Advent Supper

Today is the First Sunday of the Advent Season. It marks the beginning of a new liturgical year. While many associate Advent with Christmas and the birth of Christ, it is also a time of anticipation for The Second Coming. I cannot speak for other Christian Faiths, but I can share my Catholic Perspective.

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National Mississippi Day and Southern Eats

Today is National Mississippi Day. The 20th state to join the union, Mississippi is home to the Delta Blues. Mississippi is one of the first states children learn how to spell with a simple crooked-letter humpback rhyme. It’s also how many of us count seconds – one Mississippi, two Mississippi.

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The Story of Fish and Chips From Across the Pond

When you think of Fish and Chips, what immediately springs to mind? Jolly old England, of course. How much more English can you get? Right? Well, sort of. While Fish and Chips were made popular in England, and from there spread to the rest of the dining world, it’s roots aren’t English at all.

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Holiday Candy Gift Platters made with Love

Do you give out tins of home-baked cookies for Christmas? Me, too. I can remember one year in particular, when Kiddo and I spend an entire weekend hand painting sugar cookie cutouts. Wow, I just looked at the pictures of Kiddo’s cookie artwork – that was seven years ago! Where did the time go?

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Feast of the Presentation of Mary

It’s been a little while since I’ve shared any of my Catholic traditions with you. If you are uncomfortable with the subject, that’s fine. Please skip this as I’ve never wanted to offend anyone. If you’d like to hear more and get some delicious recipes, stick around!

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B.L.T. Canapés with Basil Mayonnaise

Aren’t these canapés simply beautiful? I love the play on Christmas Colors – the greens of the basil and the reds of the tomatoes. Perfect little gems if you ask me. What? Christmas appetizers and we haven’t even had Turkey Day yet?

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Louisiana Shrimp Étouffée 1

It’s only fitting that a state that gave us National Treasures such as Jazz, Creole Cooking and America’s best Mardi Gras would have its own special day. Part of the Louisiana Purchase of land from France in 1803, Louisiana was the first of 15 states to be carved out of the region. The great state of Louisiana entered the union in 1812.

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