As if I needed another reason to be thankful…
Ooooh yah. Who’s comin’ over for dessert? 
I wish I could take the credit for these. But no. I actually wasn’t even involved in the baking process. Mom did all the work. I just came home to a glorious smelling kitchen. She used the “Outrageous Brownie Mix” from Barefoot Contessa. Oh Ina, you outdid yourself.
We get this mix at Fresh Market occasionally. It’s a tad pricey, but worth EVERY penny. And then some. Seriously, you need to try this mix…seriously. What are you waiting for…go now. 
Well, brownies aren’t the only thing I have to be thankful for. Doggies are among the mix…
And of course, my friends and family mean the world to me. Last night was a wonderful example. After a challenging 90 minute yoga class, my friends Jen, Ashley and I went to dinner at a little restaurant in Hyde Park Village. I loved sitting with them, talking about what’s going on with each other, laughing hysterically over some of the more comical stories, and sharing good food and wine after our yoga class. When I left and made my way home, abs slightly sore from all the laughing we did , I was so thankful to be right where I am. Makes me realize I have something to be thankful for everyday, not just once a year.
We flip-flop every year between having dinner with my Mom’s side of the family, and my Dad’s side. This is our year with Dad’s side of the family and I can’t wait to spend time with everyone, especially my sweet Nana.
She’s famous for saying witty things like “Well, when you got it, you got it. You just can’t fight it!” Guess that’s where I get my spunk from
Can’t wait for Thanksgiving dinner. And by dinner I mean one giant meal around 2:00pm. That’s just how we roll..We are bringing a sweet potato casserole and some white sangria. Yum! More on that to follow.
Dessert is to follow with Mom’s side of the fam. I’m pretty sure the brownie’s will not disappoint!
Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I’ll leave you with a quote in the spirit of gratitude. It was read in my yoga class last week and I’ve been thinking about it ever since. It really embodies the idea of giving thanks all the time, every day, not just every once in a while. Enjoy!
“You say grace before meals. All right. But I say grace before the concert and the opera, and grace before the play and pantomime, and grace before I open a book, and grace before sketching, painting, swimming, fencing, boxing, walking, playing, dancing and grace before I dip the pen in the ink.”
– G.K. Chesterton
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Looove Ina Garten! Can’t go wrong with her recipes and products :)
Enjoy your Thanksgiving to the fullest, girl.
Have a great Thanksgiving! My family does the one giant meal around 2pm as well :)
you and your nana always manage to put a smile on my face. Such a sweet sweet family you have – and the apple certainly doesn’t fall far from the tree!
p.s. can I please just tell you how happy I’ve been now that you’re back in blogworld?! :)
I am so glad to see that you are back to blogging and that you are going to have a great thanksgiving with your family!! I am going to have a great thanksgiving with my mom and only my mom tomorrow at 3!!
I cant wait!! :)
Brownies look so delicious. I love a good workout with friends.
The photos of your dogs are so cute that it physically hurts me. :) Happy Thanksgiving!
I’ve seen that brownie mix before. Good to know it’s amazing, since I’m sure it’s not low cal ;)
Count me in for dessert- it looks delicious!!
Enjoying family during the holidays is definitely the best part. Happy Thanksgiving dear!
Those brownies look SO good! Hope its a great turkey day!
PARIS!!!!! You will have the time of your life. Sounds like it was meant to be, the way it all worked out like that :-)
That’s a really great quote by Chesterton.