Happy Post-Thanksgiving Friday! I don’t know about you, but I’m currently in a food coma, and my fridge is full of questionable leftover combinations. This week was a wild ride, from family chaos to full-on holiday prep mode. Let’s catch up on the Thanksgiving drama and what’s next as we slide headfirst into December.

Absolutely! The Thanksgiving aftermath is in full swing, and my fridge looks like a science experiment waiting to happen. I’m pretty sure I’ve created a new casserole with all the leftovers—turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce should not be mixed, but hey, desperate times call for creative measures. At this point, I’m living off a steady diet of reheated stuffing and pie for breakfast. No regrets.

As for family drama, let’s just say it wouldn’t be a proper Thanksgiving without a few unexpected moments. Between debates over the best way to carve a turkey breast and who gets the last slice of pecan pie, it was a true test of patience and pie-cutting diplomacy. Now, with all the Thanksgiving chaos behind us, I’m bracing myself for the whirlwind that is December. Bring on the holiday madness—I’m ready (I think)!

Post-Thanksgiving at Shady Pines has been a wild ride. Ma insisted on eating leftover cranberry sauce on everything—pancakes, toast, even mashed potatoes. Uncle R, meanwhile, decided to get creative with the turkey leftovers and made what he called a ‘turkey smoothie.’ Yes, you read that right. Turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and gravy all blended together. He said it was ‘convenient.’ I said it was a cry for help.

Midlife at 48 is realizing that the closest I’ll get to “partying” these days is binge-watching a show and finishing a whole bag of chips in one sitting. Staying up past 10 p.m.? Only if the show is *really* good. Gone are the days of late-night adventures—now, my wild side comes out when Netflix asks if I’m still watching. Yes, Netflix, yes I am.

I started meal planning to help me in the grocery store a little more. WE shop monthly and well lets be honest sometimes I don’t buy enough of something or I buy too much of something else. So, I thought I would share what our dinner plans are for next week and see what you think.

1. Monday: White Bean Soup with Grilled Cheese
2. Tuesday: Sausage and Potato Casserole with a side of Sautéed Kale
3. Wednesday: Chicken Enchiladas with Spanish Rice and Refried Beans
4. Thursday: Braised Lamb Shanks with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Carrots
5. Friday: Cod Fish Tacos with Cabbage Slaw and a side of Avocado Salsa
6. Saturday: Beef Stroganoff with Egg Noodles and a Mixed Green Salad
7. Sunday (Family Style): Pork Tenderloin, Scalloped Potatoes, Green Beans Almondine, and Pound Cake for dessert

I thought I take the time to share three things that you can do or read for a little self care, a moment of peace and quiet or more.

• Unplug from screens and enjoy a book.
• Practice a gratitude meditation.
• Try a new tea blend and relax for 10 minutes.

Did you know I write more than one blog? Well I do and here are a few highlights from Storied Conversation. Please note that clicking any of the links below will take you away from Rita Reviews. I just wanted to let you know but please click away and give these blogs some love as well. You never know what you may find.

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