Thanksgiving

Happy early Thanksgiving, y'all! I don't know about you but I'm really excited about this year's Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, for work I only get Thursday off so my parents rock and decided to make the trip to Charlotte to see me! And to add to the fun my roomie...

...and my coworker, Rachel...

are going our Thanksgiving festivities because they can't be with their families. We decided to forgo all of the mess and hassle and eat out. For those local to the Queen City we're eating at BLT Steakhouse in Uptown. I mean if you have time and want to be jealous of me ;) check out the menu here. Our reservations are at 3:30 in the afternoon so we made some fun plans for the rest of the day.

My parents should get here around 10 in the morning and I'm going to make a delicious brunch. I wanted it to fill us up to make it to our reservations but also not be too heavy so we're ready to eat!! Here's what I'm whipping up...

Some egg, cheese, and pancetta breakfast pastries. The recipe calls for ham but I decided to get fancy and grab some pancetta. 

Recipe Source

Also, I'll be whipping up some of these lovelies...strawberry scones. I've never made scones before so pray for me people.

Recipe Source

I'll also have some fruit for the side, coffee, tea, and of course...mimosas! I mean I work every weekday so if I have an excuse to drink a mimosa on a Thursday, I don't let it slip by :).

We'll slowly eat our brunch and chat while watching the parade and FOOTBALL! I've made it clear that I love football so Thanksgiving is one of my favorites. I'm especially looking forward to the Panther's game on Thanksgiving...keep pounding, Panthers! 

But yummy food and football aside, Thanksgiving really hits home this year because I am so grateful for where I'm at. I want to take some time to reflect on some untraditional things I'm grateful for this year. Of course, I'm grateful for my family, friends, job, and health. Those are a given. But what small, everyday, minute things am I grateful for?

1. This blogging world. Y'all have been such a blessing to me. I look forward to hearing what my blog friends are up to and reading through everyone's comments. Keeping on top of a blog can be challenging when working full time but it's 100% worth it. Speaking of, sorry about Monday...oops! I am so grateful for you all and pray that you continue to read and feel enriched by what I have to say.

2. Finances. This seems slightly silly but it's something we often take for granted. I'm so blessed that my parents helped me out and supported me through college so that I could graduate debt free. But now that I have a job and have moved, I am financially on my own. Of course, they still help with little things but all in all I support myself. I pay my bills, invest my money, donate to charities of my choice, etc. But in my job, I often see how people can get stuck in such horrible financial situations so I'm grateful that I'm able to save for retirement and invest my money.

Grateful that I have the financial stability to see other parts of the world as well.

3. My coworkers. I guess this technically falls into the friend category but it is so different. They are way more than just that to me. They are my life here in Charlotte and I'm so grateful for them all! 

And of course, grateful that I have such a great relationship with my roomie! Who would've thought that Roommates.com would've worked out so well!

4. I'm grateful for the everyday grind...having a great gym, eating healthier, experiencing Charlotte, learning about myself daily, finding a church that enriches my soul, etc...life is good. I am so grateful and sometimes I have to shake myself to realize how much I really have.

Most of all I'm grateful for these people...

...they are my rock. Thank you for loving me despite my flaws. I love you!

I hope y'all have a great Thanksgiving with your family and/or friends. I love you all and am so thankful to have you apart of my day. XOXO!