Wednesday, November 25, 2020

How to of the Day

How to of the Day


How to Hang Christmas Cards

Posted: 25 Nov 2020 04:00 PM PST

As the holiday season gets closer, you may start getting Christmas cards in the mail from your family and friends. Although these thoughtful pieces of mail are a great reminder of your loved ones, they can start to clutter up your living space if you try to display them all standing up. You can put together some simple crafts using supplies from your own home to quickly hang up all of your Christmas cards in a single afternoon.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Hanging Christmas Cards on Your Wall

  1. Pin a length of ribbon to your wall for an easy display area. Cut a piece of wide ribbon down to about in length. Use push pins to attach each end of your ribbon to your wall. You can hang the ribbon vertically or horizontally. Use clothespins to attach your Christmas cards to the ribbon.[1]
    Hang Christmas Cards Step 1 Version 2.jpg
    • Hang the ribbon horizontally if you have a lot of landscape-oriented cards or vertically if you have more cards that open like a book.
    • Put this length of ribbon in the entryway of your home for an eye-catching display.
  2. Hang cards off a vintage picture frame with ribbon for a rustic feel. Choose a large picture frame with an ornate design. Wrap 2 to 3 lengths of wide ribbon vertically over the front of the picture frame, leaving spaces about wide. Use hot glue to attach the ends of the ribbon to the back of the frame. Attach your cards to the ribbons with clothespins and then hang your picture frame up on your wall.[2]
    Hang Christmas Cards Step 2 Version 2.jpg
    • Pick Christmas cards of various sizes to make this display look more dynamic.
    • You can use multiple picture frames if you have a lot of Christmas cards.
  3. Make a fake tree out of yarn and nails for a cute wall display. Hammer 10 to 15 small nails into your wall in a triangular design to make a tree shape that is about tall and wide at the bottom. Wrap a length of yarn around 1 of the bottom nails to keep it in place and then stretch it out to the rest of the nails in a random pattern. Use clothespins to hang your cards off the yarn.[3]
    Hang Christmas Cards Step 3 Version 2.jpg
    • Use red or green yarn to stick with the holiday theme.
  4. Add ribbons to a wooden dowel to hang your cards on the wall. Tie a length of ribbon to either end of a wooden dowel. Put a nail in your wall and hang the dowel from the ribbon. Use a hole punch to make small holes in 4 to 5 Christmas cards, and then add lengths of ribbon to each one. Tie the top parts of the ribbon to the dowel to display your cards.[4]
    Hang Christmas Cards Step 4 Version 2.jpg
    • If you don't have a wooden dowel, you can also use a straight tree branch for a rustic option.

[Edit]Adding Christmas Cards to Your Decor

  1. Drape a large ribbon over your mantle to hang cards off it. Choose a length of ribbon that is at least wide. Drape it over your mantle and hang it down the sides, and then use clothespins to attach your cards to the hanging ends of the ribbon.[5]
    Hang Christmas Cards Step 5 Version 2.jpg
    • Using a ribbon eliminates the clutter of standing up each card individually on your mantle.
  2. Attach ribbons to the top of small cards to use them as ornaments. Use a hole punch to make small holes in the top of your Christmas cards. Tie lengths of ribbon to each card and then tie them to the branches of your Christmas tree.[6]
    Hang Christmas Cards Step 6 Version 2.jpg
    • You can also use metal hooks instead of ribbon for a more permanent ornament.
  3. Clip your cards onto a garland for a festive decoration. Hang a garland on your railing or above your doorway with some adhesive hooks. Use clothespins to attach your Christmas cards about away from each other on the sides and top of the garland for a festive and Christmasy look.[7]
    Hang Christmas Cards Step 7 Version 2.jpg
    • You can even hang some Christmas ornaments off your garland for an extra holiday decoration.
  4. Hang cards off a sled with ribbon for a statement piece. Find an old wooden sled and set it against your wall so it stands up. Cut a length of ribbon and wrap it around the sled in diagonal lines. Tie the ends of the ribbon to the sled so that they stay on, and then attach your cards to the ribbon with clothespins or hot glue.[8]
    Hang Christmas Cards Step 8 Version 2.jpg
    • This is a great decor option if you have a rustic-themed room.
    • Look around for a vintage sled at a thrift store near you.
  5. Tie cards to branches in a vase for an eye-catching display. Collect some thin, bare branches and put them into a glass vase or pitcher. Use a hole-punch to make small holes in the top of each of your Christmas cards and use lengths of ribbon to tie them to the ends of the branches.[9]
    Hang Christmas Cards Step 9 Version 2.jpg
    • Try to find branches with twists and turns in them to create a more interesting look.
    • Match your ribbon color to your pitcher or vase color for a cohesive look.
  6. Attach your cards to a ribbon to hang them off your chairs. Use a hole punch to make 2 holes on either side of your Christmas cards. Use a length of ribbon to thread your cards together and then tie the ends to the back of your chair. Make enough for each chair in your home to display your cards all over.[10]
    Hang Christmas Cards Step 10 Version 2.jpg

[Edit]Tips

  • Stick with Christmas colors by using red and green in your display pieces.

[Edit]References

How to Cook Turkey Wings

Posted: 25 Nov 2020 08:00 AM PST

If you like chicken wings, you'll love delicious and savory turkey wings! They're relatively easy to cook, but because they take longer to cook than chicken wings, your best bet is to use your oven to bake or braise them. Once they're cooked, you can coat them in pretty much any sauce you like as well. With a little prep work and some patience, you'll be munching on delicious turkey wings before you know it.

[Edit]Ingredients

[Edit]Baked Turkey Wings

  • 4 turkey wings split into wingettes and drumettes
  • Olive oil or vegetable oil
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Buffalo, barbecue, or any other sauce (optional)

Makes 8 servings

[Edit]Braised Turkey Wings

  • 8 turkey wings
  • of Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 tablespoons (45 g) of Cajun seasoning
  • 3 tablespoons (45 g) of granulated garlic
  • 3 tablespoons (45 g) of dried sage
  • 3 tablespoons (45 g) of dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon (15 g) of kosher salt
  • 2 ribs of celery, diced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • of chicken broth

Makes 4 servings

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Baked Turkey Wings

  1. Preheat your oven to . Set the temperature on your oven as you start preparing your wings. Allow the oven to come to full temperature so it's ready to go once your wings are seasoned.[1]
    Cook Turkey Wings Step 1 Version 2.jpg
    • Most ovens will beep or indicate that it's reached the temperature you set.
  2. Season the wings with oil, salt, and pepper. Place the wings in a mixing bowl or on a cutting board. Coat them with oil and sprinkle salt and pepper over them as seasoning.[2]

    • You can use canola oil or vegetable oil to coat your wings. For a healthier option, use olive oil.
    • There's no specific measurements for salt and pepper. A light sprinkling should do the trick! You can always add more seasoning after the wings are cooked if you need to.
  3. Place the wings in a casserole dish and add of water. Use a casserole baking dish, which is deeper than a baking sheet and will help keep the wings from drying out. Put the seasoned wings in the bottom of the dish, then add the water.[3]

    • The water will steam up and also help keep the wings from drying out as they cook.
  4. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake the wings for 1.5 hours. Place a sheet of aluminum foil over the top of the dish to cover it and help trap in moisture as they bake. Slide the dish into your oven on the center rack and set a timer.[4]

    Cook Turkey Wings Step 4 Version 2.jpg
    • Avoid checking on the wings as they bake so the moisture doesn't escape.
    • Use the center rack of your oven so the hot air circulates around the dish and helps the wings cook evenly.
  5. Remove the foil and bake the wings another hour. After an hour and a half, take the baking dish out of the oven and remove the aluminum foil. Slide the dish back into the oven and let the wings cook uncovered for another hour so they get nice and brown.[5]

    • Don't taste or serve the wings after you remove the foil! They need more time to fully cook.
  6. Let the wings cool and cover them with sauce of your choosing. After the wings finish baking, remove the dish and place it on your counter or stovetop to cool down. If you want to add sauce, cover the wings and serve them while they're still warm.[6]

    Cook Turkey Wings Step 6 Version 2.jpg
    • You could use a sweet barbecue sauce or a spicy Buffalo wing sauce for your turkey wings.
    • You can also enjoy the baked wings "naked" style without any sauce.
    • If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in your fridge for up to a week.

[Edit]Braised Turkey Wings

  1. Preheat your oven to . Set the temperature on your oven and turn it on to start preheating. Wait for it to fully heat up so it's ready to go.[7]
    Cook Turkey Wings Step 7 Version 2.jpg
    • Allow your oven to preheat so your wings fully cook and cook evenly from the start.
  2. Combine the Worcestershire sauce and seasonings in a bowl. Pour of Worcestershire sauce into a medium-sized bowl. Add 3 tablespoons (45 g) of Cajun seasoning, 3 tablespoons (45 g) of granulated garlic, 3 tablespoons (45 g) of dried sage, 3 tablespoons (45 g) of dried thyme, and 1 tablespoon (15 g) of kosher salt into the sauce and use a spoon to stir it all together so it's fully combined.[8]

    • You can find Cajun-style seasoning at your local grocery store. You can also order some online.
  3. Rub the mixture over the wings. Pour the mixture over your wings or add the wings into the bowl of sauce. Use your hands to work the mixture all over your wings so they're fully covered. Coat the wings evenly in the sauce so they're fully covered.[9]

    • The sauce will add flavor and help keep the wings from drying out as they roast.
  4. Place the celery and onions in a baking dish and set the wings on top. Use a baking dish that's large enough to hold all of your wings. Line the bottom of the dish with 2 ribs celery diced and 1 small onion diced, then place your wings on top in a single layer so they cook evenly.[10]

    • The celery and onion will cook down to add more flavor and juices.
  5. Add the broth, cover the dish, and bake the wings for 1.5 hours. Carefully pour your chicken broth into the dish and use aluminum foil to cover the top of the dish. Slide the baking dish into your oven and let the wings bake undisturbed.[11]

    • Set a timer and avoid checking the wings so the moisture doesn't escape from the baking dish.
  6. Remove the foil and roast the wings for 15 minutes. Take the baking dish out of the oven and remove the tin foil. Place the dish back in the oven and let the wings cook for another 15 minutes so skin browns and gets nice and crispy.[12]

    Cook Turkey Wings Step 12 Version 2.jpg
    • After the wings finish roasting, you can serve them!
    • Store leftover wings in a sealed container in your refrigerator for up to a week.

[Edit]Tips

  • Don't rush the turkey wings by cooking them at a higher temperature or they could dry out.

[Edit]Warnings

  • Check to see if the juices from the wings run clear to confirm that they've cooked all of the way through.
  • Wash your hands well with soap and water after handling raw turkey wings.

[Edit]Things You'll Need

[Edit]Baked Turkey Wings

  • Casserole dish
  • Aluminum foil

[Edit]Braised Turkey Wings

  • Baking dish
  • Aluminum foil

[Edit]References

How to Celebrate Thanksgiving Alone

Posted: 25 Nov 2020 12:00 AM PST

Although Thanksgiving is typically thought of as a holiday enjoyed with family and friends, many people celebrate it alone, whether by choice, necessity, or circumstance, like what we are currently experiencing, the COVID-19 Pandemic. No matter the reason, you can still have a wonderful, fun, and relaxing Thanksgiving when you're by yourself.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Relaxing the Day Away

  1. Sleep in if you have the day off. If you don't have anywhere to be today, take advantage of it! Turn off your alarm before you go to sleep and take your time waking up. Lounge around in bed for a while and enjoy the freedom.[1]
    Celebrate Thanksgiving Alone Step 1.jpg
  2. Have a movie marathon or catch up on your favorite shows. Pick out some of your favorite old movies, or pull up your shows on your DVR or Netflix. Curl up in a blanket and pop some popcorn. It's your day to do whatever you want, guilt-free, so don't hesitate to relax with a few of your favorite movies.
    Celebrate Thanksgiving Alone Step 2.jpg
  3. Read a book and sip a drink. Many people don't have time to read on a day to day basis, so this free day is the perfect opportunity. Sit down with a new novel or an old favorite, or a stack of magazines you haven't had time to get to. Sip some hot chocolate, tea, or coffee, or pour a glass of wine or beer.
    Celebrate Thanksgiving Alone Step 3.jpg
  4. Pamper yourself to fully enjoy your free day. Take a warm bath with lots of bubbles. Schedule a massage or a spa day. Practice self-care and do whatever makes you feel warm, comforted, and loved.[2]
    Celebrate Thanksgiving Alone Step 4.jpg
  5. Order food if you'd rather not stress about cooking. One of the best parts about doing Thanksgiving alone is that you don't have to worry about preparing a big feast if you don't want to. If you don't feel like making a turkey, order pizza or takeout. Cook up something easy and stress-free at home. Finish it off with an easy, tasty dessert like ice cream.[3]
    Celebrate Thanksgiving Alone Step 5.jpg
    • If you're ordering out, look up restaurants online a day or so before Thanksgiving to see what will be open. Big chains and fast food places are the most likely to stay open.
    • This day is all about you, so eat whatever you want. Don't feel pressured to have a turkey just because you feel like you should.

[Edit]Going Out and Getting Active on Thanksgiving

  1. Go out for dinner if you want company. Being alone on Thanksgiving doesn't mean you have to stay in. If you feel like being around people and taking a break from cooking, look on the Internet or call a few restaurants to see what's open. You can chat with the servers and the other people at the restaurant while enjoying a Thanksgiving dinner that you, unlike most people, won't have to make!
    Celebrate Thanksgiving Alone Step 6.jpg
  2. Catch a movie at the theater. Most major movie theaters are open 365 days a year, so you shouldn't have a problem heading to a showing of a new film. The theater won't be too crowded, so take whatever seat you want. Grab some popcorn or candy on the way in, then sit back and relax!
    Celebrate Thanksgiving Alone Step 7.jpg
  3. Take a walk or go for a jog to get some fresh air. Even if you live in a big city, the sidewalks will probably be pretty empty. Take advantage of it by heading out for a refreshing walk or jog. Head to a nearby park or trail to enjoy some nature on a day where most people are stuck inside.[4]
    Celebrate Thanksgiving Alone Step 8.jpg
    • Remember to dress warmly if it's cold out!
  4. Do some holiday shopping or prepare for Black Friday. Look online or call to see what stores are open. Many stores are open on Thanksgiving Day or open their doors that evening to prepare for Black Friday shoppers. Get in early to avoid the rush and take care of some of your holiday shopping, or buy a few new things for yourself![5]
    Celebrate Thanksgiving Alone Step 9.jpg
    • If you'd rather not brave the crowds, try online shopping. Some stores even have online deals that don't apply in-store.
  5. Take a vacation to another city if you have time to plan. If you have the funds to travel, book a flight or take a road trip out of town. Head to a tropical destination, or go skiing in the mountains. Exploring a new area, even if it's not too far from your own town, is a fun and adventurous way to get your mind off of Thanksgiving.[6]
    Celebrate Thanksgiving Alone Step 10.jpg
    • If you can afford it, going to a foreign country is the best way to distract yourself from Thanksgiving, since it's not celebrated on the same day in any other country.

[Edit]Volunteering and Giving Back

  1. Volunteer at a local soup kitchen or homeless shelter. Call ahead to see what you can do. You might be asked to make a dish, or simply to show up at a certain time to serve up mashed potatoes and turkey. You'll be able to talk with others, hear their stories, and help them out, even if its in a small way.[7]
    Celebrate Thanksgiving Alone Step 11.jpg
  2. Donate old clothes and other items to Goodwill or another charity. Go through your closet and drawers and toss anything you haven't worn or used in a while into a box. Call the charity to see if they're open on Thanksgiving. If not, label the box neatly and bring it to them when they're open, or arrange for a pick up.[8]
    Celebrate Thanksgiving Alone Step 12.jpg
  3. Visit a nursing home and talk with the residents. Look online to see where the nearest nursing home is to you. Give them a call and ask when visiting hours are on Thanksgiving. Plan a couple things to do during your visit, like helping them decorate for the holidays, sharing some turkey and stuffing, or simply enjoying some music or a movie. Ask the nursing home what activities they allow and recommend.[9]
    Celebrate Thanksgiving Alone Step 13.jpg
  4. Visit an animal shelter or donate pet food. Call up the nearest animal shelter and ask if they're open on Thanksgiving. Tell them you're interested in helping out any way you can and ask for their recommendations. You might be asked to come to play with the animals for a while, or for a donation of pet food, toys, or bedding. Giving back to animals in need, and even getting to see or play with them, will help you feel warm and wonderful on Thanksgiving, even if you're alone.[10]
    Celebrate Thanksgiving Alone Step 14.jpg
    • If the shelter isn't open, set aside some dog or cat food and toys to bring over after the holiday.

[Edit]Getting into the Spirit on Your Own

  1. Celebrate with local friends who are on their own too. A few days before Thanksgiving, ask your friends what their plans are. If you're not the only one spending Thanksgiving alone, ask if they'd like to do something together. You could do a Thanksgiving potluck together, or simply arrange to do something fun during the day, like catching a movie or going out for dinner.[11]
    Celebrate Thanksgiving Alone Step 15.jpg
    • A local friend might even invite you over for dinner with their family. If you want to accept, say, "Thank you so much. That would be great. What can I bring?" If you'd rather decline, just say, "I really appreciate the invitation. I'm set on just relaxing this holiday season, but maybe I could take you up on that offer next year?"
  2. Head to a community dinner if you want company. Many smaller towns and communities host a Thanksgiving dinner for residents, often through a church or rec center. Go online to see what options you have locally, or talk to your neighbors and local friends. You can chat with neighbors and friends, meet new people, and enjoy a home-cooked meal and maybe even some games.
    Celebrate Thanksgiving Alone Step 16.jpg
    • Check ahead of time to see if your community hosts a dinner, in case you have to RSVP.
  3. Deck out your home with Thanksgiving decorations. Make a Thanksgiving wreath or deck out your table in a festive, fall theme. Bring out Thanksgiving decorations and pictures or items that remind you of wonderful times with your loved ones. A few fun decorations can bring you into the Thanksgiving spirit, even when you're alone.[12]
    Celebrate Thanksgiving Alone Step 17.jpg
    • Some people find that decorating their home and thinking of their loved ones helps them feel warm and happy during a Thanksgiving spent alone. It's okay if you don't feel the same. If decorating for Thanksgiving makes you feel lonely or miss your family or friends, feel free to skip it.
  4. Skype or call in if your family is away. If you wanted to join your family or friends for Thanksgiving but weren't able to, use modern technology to feel included. Call them to say hello to everybody and hear their latest news. You can also arrange a Skype or video call to feel like you're right there with them.[13]
    Celebrate Thanksgiving Alone Step 18.jpg
  5. Make a Thanksgiving dinner just for yourself. Make a big turkey and some stuffing, mash a few potatoes and cook up some corn and other veggies. You can make the full meal and enjoy leftovers for a few days (or weeks!), or make a modified Thanksgiving dinner for one with deli turkey, a baked potato, and some corn on the cob or canned corn.
    Celebrate Thanksgiving Alone Step 19.jpg
    • Make whatever dishes help you feel the most Thanksgiving spirit. Don't forget the pie!
  6. Watch the Thanksgiving Day parade or football. Tune into the traditional Thanksgiving programming to feel a part of the holiday. Turn on the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and watch the elaborate floats and fun performances. If you like sports, tune in for big Thanksgiving matchups in football. Check other channels to see if any festive movies or shows are on.
    Celebrate Thanksgiving Alone Step 20.jpg

[Edit]Tips

  • If you're alone on Thanksgiving, that means you get to make the day all about you. Instead of feeling sad or lonely, embrace this opportunity to relax and do whatever you want to do.

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

No comments:

Post a Comment