Reinventing Christmas

Now that Thanksgiving is over and we've all managed to be filled with gratitude, it's time to focus on Christmas. Ask yourself these questions:

1. Am I TRADITIONAL or CONTEMPORARY?

2. Am I ready to change themes or just add?

3. Will I be hosting a party- sit down or buffet?

With most of us, hanging on to what's in our pockets, how do we make Christmas look fancy without spending the gift money? Easy!

If you're a Traditionalist,

PURCHASE clearance white string lights and ribbon reels of the traditional colors, but with a modern interpretation.

REPLACE old light strings with newer ones to create more sparkle to those heirloom ornaments.

ALIGN each year's decor to according to how your family lives. Don't go country if you normally contemporary.

YELLOW GOLD decor items are better for more colorful theme. Stick with a matte or sparkly beige silvery gold shade to bring in some real bling to your style.

STAY within your budget. Not all theme is a good theme, so get your ideas and create your own according to what's affordable for you.

For Contemporary or Whimsical tastes,

POUR OVER the different colorful choices from the year before to either add or refresh your theme.

REFRAIN from starting too many ideas. Focus on the tree, wreath & garland first and incorporate the theme to the rest.

ASSESS your inventory. Don't decide on a theme until you are confident about the space and items you have. It'll save too many trips to the craft store.

YOU have to love it. Many contemporary or whimsical themes can be gaudy. Fit it to your own personality and lifestyle.

SUBTLY research the newest trends and incorporate your clearance finds from last year. From a hosting standpoint, you'll be hip while your colors and items are not in every home window!

However you answer the questions and decide on a theme, the worst critic is you, so enlist the whole family's help and ensure everyone's "oohs and aaahhhs"...

Fast and Cheap

Sound like a typical movie plot lately? Well, that's not what I meant here.

I am talking about the whole meal I made that only cost me LESS than $3.00! It fed all 4 of us, plus leftovers!

BRAISED BEEF RIBS w/ ROOT VEGGIES over GARLIC COUSCOUS

I found the great looking meat on Manager's Special corner in Kroger yesterday. It had a higher MS price tag of $4.63 than the original $2.56 so I inquired at the Butcher Shop and lo and behold, gave it to me for $1.53! Since I don't use a lot of meat, total score!

I needed and bought broccoli, milk, apples, marshmallows and bread. I spent a total of $10.62!

Braised Beef Ribs w/ Root Veggies

1 lb. beef ribs

3 med potatoes, peeled and cut into big bite pieces

1-4 small carrots, peeled and cut same as potatoes

1/4 large onion

Saffron

Beef Broth- 1 can

Basil, Oregano, Garlic powder, Paprika- 1 tsp. each

2 cups water

1 T veg. oil

1/2 lime juice

Worstershire sauce- 2 tsp

S&P

Nutmeg-pinch

In a deep pan or dutch oven, brown ribs on both sides. Then set aside.

Assemble ingredients for broth. Do not add nutmeg, potatoes and carrots yet.

Put ribs back in and braise for 45 minutes on Med High.

Adjust salt then add in the root veggies and nutmeg.

Braise for another 15 minutes until sauce is reduced.

Garlic Couscous

2 cups of water

Saffron-pinch

S&P

Garlic powder, turmeric- 1 tsp

Butter or margarine- 1 tbsp.

2 cups of couscous

Boil water and spices. Add in couscous, mix in well.

Put lid and kill heat. Wait 5-8 mins and fluff.

So let's see how PRAYS played its part in this wonderful meal.

I only PURCHASED what I needed and can afford.

By REPURPOSING the existing veggies I have, I was able to create a dish I didn't have to fuss over.

ASKING the kids for input helped round out the meal. Kids love to give ideas on food.

In saying YES to their input, we put together a great meal that's already in our kitchen.

SUGGESTING and hinting that you need help with dinner often makes for a better meal plan.

Can you find a great meal in your pantry?