Staycation in Napa Valley | Out & About

Renowned for its rolling vineyards and world-class wines, Napa Valley is a paradise for wine enthusiasts. Beyond the vineyards, it offers exceptional dining experiences, rich cultural attractions, and outdoor adventures set against breathtaking scenery. Read on to uncover some of the best spots to explore during a staycation in Napa Valley.

Stay Awhile

Surrounded by nature and exuding a sense of tranquility, the award-winning Bardessono is ideal for romance-seeking couples and friends who are seeking an outstanding stay. In addition, pets are welcome too. From the sublime vistas and enchanting gardens to the luxurious rooms and the private ambiance, Bardessono is great for the soul. The spa and rooftop pool provides plenty of ways to unwind and the on-site Lucy Restaurant and Bar offers a delectable field-to-fork dining experience and an extensive wine list.

The peaceful Meadowood Napa Valley is a top place to immerse yourself in the Napa Valley way of life. Spread over 250 beautiful acres, the estate is nestled in a private valley and provides easy access to nature. Menus in the on-site restaurant make full use of local seasonal produce and the wine center offers insights into the area’s wine-making traditions and culture. Three swimming pools, a modern fitness center, and five tennis courts are great for those looking to keep active, while the spa offers blissfully restorative treatments that are perfectly aligned with nature.

The Estate Yountville boasts two high-class accommodations: Vintage House and Hotel Villagio. There’s also a luxurious five-bedroom villa, ideal for larger families or groups of friends. If you love contemporary chic, Hotel Villagio is sure to impress. The spacious rooms boast deep-soaking tubs, fireplaces, sunny terraces, and elegant lounges. Vintage House provides a quieter retreat with lashings of natural charm. In addition, all guests can enjoy the swimming pool, sociable lobby bar, and pretty garden bar, as well as holistic treatments in the attractive spa and culinary treats in several on-site eateries.

Dine and Sip

Located within Riverside Mall, Morimoto is a sleek and modern restaurant with plenty of Japanese atmospheres. The open kitchen lets you watch in awe as dishes are skillfully created and the dining room is full of plenty of interesting features to admire. In addition, seating is also available outdoors on the riverside terrace. Savor sushi from the wooden sushi bar and enjoy dishes like seafood tobanyaki, pork chop and apple sauce, braised black cod, and wagyu striploin. Why not step into the atmospheric Momosan Sake Bar afterward for a glass of sake?

La Toque offers Michelin-star dining and an award-winning wine list in an elegant environment. Chef Ken Frank’s menus change regularly to make full use of seasonal bounties and diners can choose from two options: the a la carte menu or the exciting six-course Chef’s Tasting Menu. Both options include delicious dishes that are artfully presented for a veritable treat for the senses. Likewise, the wine pairing suggestions are truly outstanding, offering an unforgettable dining experience.

Specializing in all things fizzy, Be Bubbly is a relative newcomer to the Napa Valley wine bar scene. Open since 2020, the wine list includes Champagne and all kinds of sparkling wine from across the globe. In addition, the lounge often features live music and you’ll sometimes find food pop-ups too.

The brainchild of Chef Thomas Keller, classy Regiis Ova offers the perfect combination of Champagne and caviar for a truly indulgent evening. The opulent surroundings enhance the luxurious vibe, with lavish lounges decked in verdant hues and a gorgeous garden. Sustainable teak, Italian leather, and Belgian linens further add to the rich appeal.

Shop and See

Located in St Helena, Woodhouse Chocolates is a must for anyone with a sweet tooth. The appealing store stocks the finest chocolates and sweet treats in Napa Valley. In addition, they offer ethically sourced products and have sustainable ingredients.

Soar through the skies and lap up the incredible views with a thrilling ride in a hot air balloon. Likewise, watching the sunrise over the valley is truly magical. 

Ca’Toga Galleria D’Arte provides a visual treat in Calistoga. Home to works by Italian-born Carlo Marchiori, the gallery includes striking paintings, sculptures, ceramics, furnishings, and more.

Our Favorite Festive Wreath Ideas | Home Tips

‘Tis the season for a festive wreath to add a touch of the holidays to your home! While it is technically still fall, it’s not too early to get festive! We’re sharing our favorite wreath ideas to give your abode a well-deserved holiday boost. Read on for the best festive wreath ideas for the month of December.

Glowing With Holiday Cheer

Using a wooden wreath frame, all you need to add some sparkle to your holiday decor is sequin flower applique. Use wire sandwiched in between the applique flowers to give your festive wreath dimension.

Candy Cane Lane Festive Wreath

If you happen to have overstocked candy canes, you can turn them into a crafty wreath. Just position your candy canes together to create a circle in a size of your choice, and use waxed twine to fasten them together. Lastly, you’ll need a red ribbon to hang your wreath up for all to see. 

Christmas Ornaments of Christmas Past 

This festive wreath is easier to create than it looks. All you need is ornaments you no longer need (preferably the round bauble kind) and tinsel. Wrap the tinsel around a wreath frame and then hook the ornaments into place. Attach a ribbon of your choice to the wreath to hang it in place.

Deck the Halls with Green

Rather than toss out any fallen branches, you can turn those last bits of green into a festive scene. Using sprigs from your trees or bushes to create an assortment of small and cheerful wreaths. Hang your wreaths with red ribbon for the perfect holiday touch.

The Gift of the Season

For a wreath that gives the gift of holiday joy, this gift box wreath is chic and festive. Wrap an assortment of small gift boxes with weatherproof paper and secure each one with a bow. Once your tiny gifts are wrapped, glue gun them to a wreath frame for the final stunning product.

Economic Update | Week Ending November 16, 2024

Inflation ticked up in October – The Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed that consumer process increased 2.6% year-over-year in October, up from a 2.4% year-over-year increase in September. Core CPI, which excludes food and energy prices, increased 3.3% year-over-year, unchanged from its September annual increase. The Producer Price Index (PPI) also increased in October. It measures wholesale prices which increased 2.4% year-over-year in October, its highest level in 4 months, and up from a 1.9% year-over-year increase in September. The Core PPI level came in at a 3.5% year-over-year increase in October, up from a 3.3% increase in September. These increases were in line with analysts’ expectations as increased retail sales, consumer confidence, and other data pointed to the economy picking up. They forecasted inflation heating up a bit. In fact, Fed Chairman Powell spoke on Thursday. He also spoke about the signs of strength in the economy. While he said that the Fed still intends to continue moving down to more neutral rates, he stated “the economy is not sending any signals that we need to be in a hurry to lower rates.” We have seen long-term bond yields and mortgage rates increase sharply since the first Fed rate drop in September due to signs that the economy appears to be picking up steam.

The chart below shows the CPI rate since 2021. Even though it moved up last month, it’s still much lower than it has been over the past two years.

Stock markets – The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 43,444.99, down 1.2% from 43,988.89 last week. It is up 15.3% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 5,870.62, down 2.1% from 5,995.54 last week. The S&P is up 23.1% year-to-date. The Nasdaq closed the week at 18,680.12, down 3.2% from 19,289.78 last week. It is up 24.4% year-to-date.

U.S. Treasury bond yields – The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 4.43%, up from 4.30% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 4.60%, up from 4.47% last week. We watch bond yields because mortgage rates follow bond yields.

Mortgage rates – Every Thursday Freddie Mac publishes interest rates based on a survey of mortgage lenders throughout the week. The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as of November 14th, 2024, were as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.78%, down from 6.79% last week. The 15-year fixed was 5.99%, down from 6.00% last week.

The graph below shows the trajectory of mortgage rates over the past year.

Freddie Mac was chartered by Congress in 1970 to keep money flowing to mortgage lenders in support of homeownership and rental housing. Their mandate is to provide liquidity, stability, and affordability to the U.S.

Have a great weekend!

Weekend Events | November 15 – November 17

We are halfway through November and right on time for your weekend round-up of local fun! Check out what’s happening in your neighborhood from November 15 through November 17! We have all of the fall activities you won’t want to miss!!

Los Angeles Weekend Events | November 15 – November 17 

L.A. Zoo Lights

When: Until January 5 

Where: L.A. Zoo | Griffith Park 

What: The L.A. Zoo will remain open after dark most nights through January, offering a magical take on its holiday light tradition. This year’s “Animals Aglow” edition features enchanting oversized animal-shaped lanterns, creating a vibrant and charming trail that celebrates the zoo’s diverse wildlife.

Two Faced Ceramics classes at Hotel Figueroa

When: Until November 16

Where: Hotel Figueroa | DTLA

What: Two Faced Ceramics is bringing its home studio poolside to DTLA’s Hotel Figueroa for a series of beginner-friendly classes. For $75, each session includes all materials and equipment, plus mimosas and a hotel tote bag. Every class explores a unique theme, with this weekend’s session focusing on an election-inspired design.

Vulture Festival

When: November 16 – November 17 

Where: Hollywood

What: Catch exclusive Q&As, sneak peeks, and table reads at this star-studded pop culture festival presented by New York Magazine’s Vulture. This year, the event takes over Nya Studios in Hollywood, featuring an “Abbott Elementary” writers panel with Quinta Brunson, a special retrospective of The Skeleton Twins with Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader, an acting class led by Henry Winkler, and a stand-up showcase hosted by Joel Kim Booster.

Westside and Beach Communities Weekend Events | November 15 – November 17

WestEdge Design Fair

When: November 14 – November 16 

Where: Santa Monica

What: The WestEdge Design Fair returns, bringing top modern furniture and home accessories to design lovers. This three-day event features over 150 brands showcasing lighting, kitchen, bath, outdoor furniture, and more. Shop unique designs, browse artisanal gifts, and join special events, panels, and demos on topics like holiday entertaining. Kick things off Thursday night with an opening party featuring cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, early access, and support for the Hollywood Food Coalition.

Diane von Furstenberg: Woman Before Fashion

When: Until August 2025

Where: The Skirball Museum | Westside

What: Explore over 50 garments from Diane von Furstenberg, including her iconic wrap dress, in this career-spanning exhibition at the Skirball. The show also highlights her philanthropic work and the impact of her upbringing as the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, alongside artwork and fabric swatches.

Ice at Santa Monica

When: Until January 20 

Where: Downtown Santa Monica

What: Just a few blocks from the beach, Ice in downtown Santa Monica brings a touch of winter to this coastal city. The 8,000-square-foot outdoor rink is open daily from November to mid-January at Fifth Street and Arizona Avenue, a short walk from the E Line. Tickets are $24 for an hour, including skate rentals, and options for private parties and cabanas are available for a more exclusive experience. Enjoy treats for sale and special themed nights throughout the season.

San Fernando Valley Weekend Events | November 8 – November 10 

Googie World Expo

When: November 16 

Where: Valley Relics Museum | Van Nuys

What: Join the Googie World Expo at the Valley Relics Museum in Van Nuys for a two-day celebration of mid-century modern architecture and design. On Saturday, November 16, enjoy talks, book signings, and a 3-D photography exhibition, with proceeds supporting the museum. Highlights include insights on midcentury bowling alleys, iconic neon signage, and rare photos of L.A.’s architectural history.

 

Tequila Tasting & Celebration: Vintage Wine & Spirits’ 3rd Anniversary

When: November 16 

Where: Vintage Wine & Spirits, 16938 Saticoy St., Lake Balboa

What: Celebrate Vintage Wine & Spirits’ 3rd anniversary on November 16, 2024, from 4-7 PM at their Lake Balboa location. Enjoy premium tastings from top brands like Fortaleza and Lalo, exclusive discounts, delicious food pairings, and a chance to meet industry experts. Raise a glass to three years of excellence in wine and spirits!

Blended Worlds: Experiments In Interplanetary Imagination

When: Until January 4, 2025

Where: Glendale

What: In this collaborative exhibition in Glendale, artists, and JPL scientists unite as 11 creatives across various mediums showcase their interpretations of how nature and the night sky spark wonder within us.

Conejo Valley Weekend Events | November 15 – November 17 

Nutcracker Storytime at the EP Foster Library

When: November 16, 11:00am – 12:30pm

Where: 651 E Main St, Ventura

What: Join EP Foster Library and Ventura County Ballet for a magical Nutcracker Storytime on Saturday, November 16, at 11:00 am in the Topping Room. Families can enjoy a reading of The Nutcracker, mini dance performances by ballet dancers, and a chance for kids to learn ballet moves. A Q&A with Kathie Noblin, Ventura County Ballet’s director, and the dancers will offer insight into the world of ballet. This free event is open to the public.

 

Tree Lighting Celebration at the Simi Valley Town Center

When: Sat, November 16, 4pm – 9pm

Where: Simi Valley Town Center, 1555 Simi Town Center Way, Simi Valley

What: Join the Simi Valley Town Center for its 20th Annual Tree Lighting Celebration on Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 4-9 PM! Enjoy festive dance performances, a live set by the Moorpark Jazz Band, Santa’s grand arrival, “snow” in the center court, and much more. Hosted by five-time Grammy nominee Bridget Brady.

 

Welcome Walk at Malibu Creek State Park

When: November 17, 10am – 1pm

Where: Malibu Creek State Park, 1925 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas

What: Enjoy a relaxed 2.5-hour nature walk at Malibu Creek State Park with a docent guide on Saturday at 10 AM. Learn about local wildlife, native plants, and the park’s unique Hollywood history. Meet at the Main Trailhead Parking Lot; families welcome. Parking is $3 per hour or $12 max.

 

From Apple Smart Home to Fire TV Omni and More! | Tech News

Stay updated with the latest in tech innovation! This week’s blog brings you a roundup of top headlines you can’t miss. From Apple’s rumored smart home display to Amazon’s new Fire TV Omni and Microsoft’s “Xbox Everywhere” campaign, there’s plenty of exciting news to explore. Dive in for all the details!

Google Tests Removing EU News Articles from Search Results

In a significant move, Google is testing the removal of EU-based news articles from its Search, News, and Discover platforms for 1% of users in nine EU countries, including France, Italy, and Spain. This “time-limited” experiment aims to gather data on how news content impacts traffic and the search experience, responding to EU regulators’ requests. While non-EU news content will still appear, the test highlights potential traffic losses for EU publishers without Google’s support. This follows ongoing tensions, with Google previously facing fines and content removal in response to regulatory pressures worldwide, including in California, Canada, and Australia.

 

Nike Unveils Adaptive Elite EasyOn Backpack for Athletes

Nike’s Elite EasyOn backpack, designed for accessibility, is now available for $150, featuring innovations to support athletes with limited dexterity or motor skills. Initially crafted for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, the backpack offers a full clamshell opening for easy access, magnetic closures for one-handed use, and modular straps adaptable for wheelchair compatibility. With large U-shaped zipper pulls and illustrated usage instructions, this backpack addresses the needs of adaptive athletes while ensuring convenience and functionality for all users.

 

Snapchat Adds Parental Location Controls in Family Center Update

Snapchat is enhancing its location-sharing features to give parents more control within its Family Center. Soon, parents and teens will be able to request each other’s locations, view who the teen is sharing their location with, and set up automatic travel alerts for designated spots like home or school. These updates, similar to Life360, provide built-in safety tools in an app families may already use. Snapchat emphasizes that these features are opt-in and limited to friends already connected on the app, with additional reminders for privacy setting reviews.

 

Microsoft’s New Campaign Promotes Xbox Gaming Across All Screens

Microsoft’s new “This is an Xbox” campaign redefines Xbox as a gaming platform for multiple devices, not just consoles. With ads on digital billboards and buses, Microsoft aims to show that laptops, TVs, handheld gaming PCs, and even VR headsets can all be “Xbox” devices. This campaign highlights Microsoft’s “Xbox Everywhere” initiative, which began with Xbox Cloud Gaming, allowing users to play Xbox games on platforms like PlayStation, Switch, and Samsung TVs, with no console required.

 

Amazon Launches Fire TV Omni Mini-LED Series with Enhanced Features

Amazon introduces its new Fire TV Omni Mini-LED Series, its first Mini LED TV, offering up to 1,344 dimming zones and 1,400 nits of peak brightness. Priced lower than top competitors, the Omni series includes Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10 Plus Adaptive, Dolby Atmos audio, and gaming features like AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and a 144Hz refresh rate. It also features AI-based Intelligent Picture adjustments, hands-free voice commands, and ASHA-enabled audio streaming for hearing aids. Available now, the Omni series starts at $819.99, and Amazon also released the Fire TV Soundbar Plus for $374.99, designed with Dolby Atmos and dialogue enhancement.

 

Apple Rumored to Release Wall-Mounted Smart Home Display

Apple is reportedly developing a wall-mounted smart home display, set to debut in March, which would control HomeKit devices, handle video calls, and feature voice support through Siri. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the six-inch device resembles an iPad, includes a built-in camera, and may have a stand with additional speakers. The display could adjust content based on proximity and support Apple’s Handoff feature, with both silver and black options anticipated. Apple is also said to be exploring a more advanced model with a robotic arm for screen movement, signaling a potential expansion of its smart home ecosystem.

 

Mortgage Rate Update | November 14, 2024

Mortgage rates – Every Thursday Freddie Mac publishes interest rates based on a survey of mortgage lenders throughout the week. The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as of November 14th, 2024, were as follows:

The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.78%, down from 6.79% last week. The 15-year fixed was 5.99%, down from 6.00% last week.

The graph below shows the trajectory of mortgage rates over the past year.

Freddie Mac was chartered by Congress in 1970 to keep money flowing to mortgage lenders in support of homeownership and rental housing. Their mandate is to provide liquidity, stability, and affordability to the U.S.

The Best Wine Shops Around Town | LA Eats

Thanksgiving will be here before you know it, and there is one thing your dinner cannot be without…Wine. Get through your annual family gathering with a curated selection of fine wines from your local wine shop. Read on below for wine shops around town to save the day this Thanksgiving.

Los Angeles Wine Shops

HONOR WINES AND SPIRITS

Honor Wines and Spirits combines convenience with class, offering hand-selected favorites and curbside pick-up. For those interested in dining in, however, the shop is located right next door to the popular South Beverly Grill and offers bottle service while you dine. 

WALLY’S

When it comes to wine shops, Wally’s in Beverly Hills is known for its vast selection of wines from around the world. Bottles line the walls from floor to ceiling, and the location is chilled to cellar temperature, creating the perfect environment for a wine-tasting session complete with cheese and hors d’oeuvres.

Westside and Beach Communities Wine Shops

DOMAINE L.A.

Domaine L.A. specializes in natural, organic, and biodynamic wines. With a concentration on grower-producers, this wine shop’s selection of nearly four hundred wines from Europe, Australia, and Chile, as well as some of the most innovative and unique blends from producers based right here in California.

ESTER’S WINE SHOP & BAR

Ester’s Wine Shop & Bar is famous for its chic yet comfortable atmosphere and well-curated selection of unique wines. Whether grabbing a seat at the bar or settling in on the patio, patrons will enjoy a delicious menu of perfectly paired cheeses and carb-rich entrees. Ester’s additionally offers weekly wine-tasting sessions every Sunday from 3:00 – 6:00 pm! We love wine shops that have it all!!

San Fernando Valley Wine Shops

VENDOME WINE & SPIRITS

Vendome Wine & Spirits is another family-owned shop known for being both a wine store and a local hangout spot. The location has a dedicated wine-tasting bar perfect for those looking to explore new varieties, and the staff is happy to serve any bottles purchased from the selection.

WOODLAND HILLS WINE CO

Woodland Hills Wine Co is a family-owned store with incredibly wine-savvy staff. The store boasts a comprehensive selection from around the world, currently offering over 2,500 wines. Woodland Hills Wine Co additionally has an in-house, direct importing program, allowing them to directly obtain some of the world’s finest, and sometimes rarest, bottles.

Conejo Valley Wine Shops

LUCAS SELLERS WINE

Lucas Sellers Wine is another boutique-style winery and tasting lounge. The location seeks to create an atmosphere conducive to fun and camaraderie. The wines are highly rated, serving as a passionate backdrop to gatherings and get-togethers. Wine tastings are available, and the staff is happy to share their knowledge and expertise in helping patrons make their perfect selection.

ALMA SOL WINERY

Alma Sol is described as a boutique winery known for producing and selling locally sourced artisan wines. They offer distinctly Californian blends, including their newly award-winning Rhone variety and a luxury wine-tasting experience.

Your Guide to Disneyland | Out & About

When it comes to the holidays, there is no place happier to be than the happiest place on earth! Plan the perfect Disneyland trip this holiday season by using our guide to a fun-filled day with Mickey and the gang.

BEFORE YOU GO

Disneyland FREE Crowd Calendars

The single most important part of planning a trip to Disneyland is determining when to visit to avoid crowds. Check out this totally free Disneyland crowd calendar for day-by-day guides as to when the parks will be least busy and busiest.

Park Times

Like all amusement parks during summer, you can expect large crowds filled with tourists and those on vacation. Disneyland provides a block-out calendar filled with the days and times ranked most to least crowded to help you plan your trip. The most popular dates include spring and summer break, as well as annual holidays. Most pass holders are unable to attend the park during these heavy crowds days because the park wants to recruit new members, especially tourists.

ONCE YOU’RE THERE

Disneyland Restaurant Reviews

The stereotype that all Disney food is unhealthy food, like burgers and hot dogs, is entirely false. Disneyland has inexpensive unique dining options as well as expensive fine dining. Good dining can help define a trip! Read about which restaurants are best in our dining reviews.

Foods to Try:
  • Fire Cracker Duck Wings– Carthay Circle Restaurant: Enjoy these tasty wings coated in lime, Sriracha, and soy sauce that are perfect to pair with a glass of wine.
  • Lobster Nachos-The Cove Bar– These nachos are topped off with chipotle crema mixed in with lobster claw meat, cilantro, and additional toppings.
  • Cherry Milkshake– Carnation Café: This frosty treat was allegedly Walt Disney’s favorite due to the chunks of blended cherries.

Disneyland Ride Reviews & Guide

Disneyland has a ton of attractions, and a lot of visitors only have a day or two to spend at Disney. The article reviews every attraction at the park, giving each a numerical score out of 10, plus highlights key attractions that we consider the best ones, which should be prioritized if you have limited time at Disneyland.

8 Thanksgiving Host Hacks to Know | Home Tips

Cut out the stress when it comes to Thanksgiving hosting this year! If you are taking on the major task of being the head host on Turkey Day, you deserve some ease. Read below for ten helpful hacks to ensure your Thanksgiving is a breeze!!

Bake Ahead to Get Ahead 

How do you have a delicious Thanksgiving feast without stress? Rely on make-ahead options for the big day! If you’re used to homemade Thanksgiving rolls, then get the jump start on your from-scratch dough. Make sure your rolls are prepped, in the fridge, and ready to go on Thanksgiving day. 

Opt for White Plates

Along with being picture-perfect for food, white plates are a neutral color that is easy to mix and match with other holiday table settings. No matter the dish, you’ll shine as a Thanksgiving host with a feast that takes center stage on simple dishes.

Prep Your Pans

Make sure you have all the essential kitchen tools you need before you start baking. The night before, set out your baking dishes and label each one with a sticky note. Major hack: You can even purchase one-time-use pans at the grocery store to make clean-up easier.

Mulled Wine and Holiday Cheer 

Welcome your guest in for the holiday with a warm mug of mulled wine. With mulled wine, you can prep it ahead of time in a pot or your slow cooker. With ingredients like wine (of course), spices, fruit, liquor, and fruit juice, it’s an easy drink to make! Check out this recipe from NYT Cooking for simple steps to follow.

Let Your Guests Play Mixologist

Another way to be the ultimate Thanksgiving host? Skip playing bartender this year. Set up a well-stocked bar cart and let your friends and family do the rest. Your guest can create their own drink, or you can print out instructions for holiday-inspired cocktails. Just make sure you have the essentials like the following:

  • Liquor like vodka, tequila, whiskey, gin, and rum.
  • Fun mixers like club soda, tonic water, fruit juice, and simple syrups.
  • Garnishes like olives and fresh fruit.
  • Basics include ice, cocktail napkins, and straws!

Simplify the Centerpiece

Create a simple platter filled with seasonal gourds to give the table a festive feel. You can assemble a Thanksgiving centerpiece lightning fast with just a few sprigs of grass, autumn gourds, and pillar candles.

Keep the Kids Entertained

Looking for easy crafts to have for your Thanksgiving kid’s table? Try opting for printable holiday placemats to spark creativity and avoid boredom. All you need are pencils and crayons, and kids can amuse themselves by filling out silly puzzles and drawing a turkey feast of their own!

Show Some Love to the Slow Cooker

Create some space on your stovetop this Thanksgiving. As the Thanksgiving host/chef for the day, you can free up space on the stove with your slow cooker! Use it for recipes like mashed potatoes or stuffing, for a dish that can be hands-off and ready to go right on time.