The Most Delicious Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes

It's November 1st! Can you believe it? Have you bought your turkey yet? Do you also have ham on Thanksgiving? We have both ham and turkey. And, like I said, I tend to panic...and, in my panic, I forget things. 

This year, I am on it! I will not forget the whole cloves in my ham. [It's a sore subject for my ham loving husband, even one year later.] I will not buy pre-made pumpkin pie. I will make a double batch of green bean casserole, even if I am the only one who eats it. [The older I get, the more I appreciate leftovers.]

In an effort to help me prepare for Turkey Day, I scoured Pinterest for the yummiest side dishes for your Thanksgiving meal. Or, maybe you don't live near family, these yummy side dishes will be perfect for your Friendsgiving. 

Green Bean Casserole was yucky looking to me, when I was a kid. Now, I can't get enough. I double batch it, y'all! And eat leftovers for dayzzz.

My husband's Aunt Debby makes an amazing cream corn something every year. I've never asked for her recipe...maybe, because I'm too busy shoving it in my mouth. LOL In my search, I came across this recipe and it looks pretty similar.

This roll recipe had me at honey butter. Is there a combination more delicious? Well, there's green bean casserole, but I digress.

Mashed potatoes are quite possibly the easiest of all side dishes. But, if done improperly, they can also be the most boring. Will you look at all of that BUTTAH on top of these mashed potatoes?!?! I say, YES, PLEASE!

Here's yet another Thanksgiving side dish, that I turned my nose up to, as a kid. I certainly wonder what younger me was thinking...who the heck doesn't like marshmallow?!?! Now that I'm older and wiser *snicker*, I will gobble this up, and go back for seconds!

Since the day I married my husband and became a wife, I've been on the search for a creamy, cheesy, yummy macaroni and cheese. My sister-in-law makes a good mac 'n cheese, but she's tight-lipped on her recipe. So, to the Pinterest boards I went. And, I think I've found us a good one!

What is your most favorite side dishes for Thanksgiving? Tell me your favorite recipes in the comments, or share it with me on Pinterest.

If you're looking for a few Last Minute Thanksgiving Craft Ideas for Kids, I got you! If you make one [or two] of them, tag me. I'm @jonahbonah on all social media. 

CALLING ALL GIRLS Ages 15-18! - Captain America: Civil War-Girls Reforming the Future

If you're between the ages of 15 and 18, and you're a girl, I've got some pretty amazing news for you! Keep reading to learn more!

MARVEL’S CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR – GIRLS REFORMING THE FUTURE CHALLENGE

Challenging Young Female Avengers to Create Positive World Change through Science and Technology with a Chance to Earn an Internship with

Marvel Studios

BURBANK, Calif. (March 11, 2016) — Disney, Marvel Studios, Dolby Laboratories, Synchrony Bank, Broadcom MASTERS and Science & Entertainment Exchange, a program of National Academy of Sciences are proud to unite to present the nationwide MARVEL’S CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR – GIRLS REFORMING THE FUTURE CHALLENGE in conjunction with the May 6, 2016 release of Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War,” starring Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Don Cheadle, Jeremy Renner, Chadwick Boseman, Paul Bettany, Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Rudd, Emily VanCamp, Frank Grillo and Martin Freeman with William Hurt and Daniel Brühl. 

In “Captain America: Civil War,” each hero is forced to take a stand and choose a side in their fight to reform the future. Although the team becomes divided, they remain united by the same goals: the commitment to safeguard humanity, protect the earth at all costs and make the world a better place for future generations. Marvel, continuing to build on the success of the Ultimate Mentor Adventure, Guardiansof the Galaxy: Guardians of Good, and Ant-Man Micro-Tech Challenge, is launching the GIRLS REFORMING THE FUTURE CHALLENGE to engage young women to further the Avengers’ goal of making the world a better place.  

This program, supported by the Science & Entertainment Exchange, a program of National Academy of Sciences, seeks to inspire young girls to create positive world change for their generation and beyond through science and technology. One exceptional young woman will be selected to receive a one-week internship with Marvel Studios. The challenge invites girls nationwide, ages 15 – 18, in grades 10 -12, tosubmit innovative STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics)-based projects that have the potential to change the world. Each applicant will be asked to submit a short video demonstrating her project and explaining how her science and technology-based project could make the world a better place. Five finalists will be selected to come to California and present their projects to a panel of experts. One grand prize winner will be selected from the five finalists to receive an internship with Marvel Studios.

Finalists will have the opportunity to inspire other young girls around the world by participating in a LIVE global Broadcom Masters webinar during which the girls will discuss how their STEM skills enabled them to create their projects and become a finalist of the Captain American Civil War: Girls Reforming the Future Challenge.  The Grand Prize Winner will share her MARVEL STUDIOS Internship experience, giving girls everywhere a peak into STEM skills in action outside the lab and the classroom. 

Each finalist will receive: Two round-trip tickets to Southern California for the finalist and her parent or guardian, including scheduled meals, ground transportation to and from organized activities, hotelaccommodations, from April 10 through April 13, 2016; an opportunity to be on the red carpet at the World Premiere of Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” at the Dolby Theatre^® in Dolby Atmos^® and Dolby Vision™ on April 12, 2016; a tour of the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California; and  $500.00, deposited into a High Yield Savings account with Synchrony Bank.

Complete contest information will be available from March 11, 2016 through March 26, 2016.    Entries will be accepted beginning on March11, 2016 through 9:00 PM PT on March26, 2016. For applicationforms, eligibility requirements, official contest rules and more information about MARVEL’S CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR – GIRLS REFORMING THE FUTURE CHALLENGE, please visithttp://www.captainamericachallenge.com.

About the Contest:

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Contest commences on March 11, 2016 and ends at 9:00PM PT on March 26, 2016. Open only to girls between the ages of 15 and 18, in grades 10 -12, as of March 26, 2016, who are legal residents of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia. Limit 1 entry per person. Winners must be able to travel on or about April 10, 2016 through April 13, 2016. See Official Rules at http://www.captainamericachallenge.com for full eligibility and entry requirements, prize description, conditions, and limitations. Void where prohibited. The official contest sponsor is Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

Like CAPTAIN AMERICA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaptainAmerica

Follow CAPTAIN AMERICA on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CaptainAmerica

Follow Marvel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marvel/  

Visit the official CAPTAIN AMERICA website here: http://marvel.com/captainamerica

CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR opens in theatres everywhere on May 6th!

There's a New FINDING DORY Poster, Y'all! See It Here FIRST!

You guys, I simply can not wait until this new film, Finding Dory, from Disney/Pixar swims into theaters! Opening June 17 [not soon enough], 2016. 

Official Boilerplate: 

Disney•Pixar's “Finding Dory” reunites everyone’s favorite forgetful blue tang, Dory, with her friends Nemo and Marlin on a search for answers about her past. What can she remember? Who are her parents? And where did she learn to speak Whale? Directed by Andrew Stanton (“Finding Nemo,” “WALL•E”) and produced by Lindsey Collins (co-producer “WALL•E”), the film features the voices of Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Ed O'Neill, Kaitlin Olson, Ty Burrell, Eugene Levy and Diane Keaton.  “Finding Dory” swims into theaters June 17, 2016. 

Site: https://disney.com/findingdory 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PixarFindingDory

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FindingDory

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pixarfindingdory/

Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.com/disneystudios/

Tumblr: http://disneypixar.tumblr.com  

Watch the Brand New Music Video for Shakira's "Try Everything," An All-New Original Song from ZOOTOPIA!!!

You can purchase Shakira's single "Try Everything" here.

The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when rookie Officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman), to solve the mystery. Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootopia,” a comedy-adventure directed by Byron Howard (“Tangled,” “Bolt”) and Rich Moore (“Wreck-It Ralph,” “The Simpsons”) and co-directed by Jared Bush (“Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero”), opens in theaters on March 4, 2016.

Disney's THE FINEST HOURS Now In Theaters

This past Tuesday, I had the honor of going to see a pre-screening of Disney's newest film, The Finest Hours. In a theater filled with members of the U.S. Coast Guard, current and retired, and other media outlets, I sat on the edge of my seat for a full two hours. Cast members Chris Pine, Casey Affleck, Ben Foster, Holliday Grainger, John Ortiz and Eric Bana BRING IT in this film!

Based on the true story of the most heroic small boat rescue in U.S. Coast Guard history, the producers waste no time in getting right into the details. We immediately meet Bernie Webber (Chris Pine) and his best friend as they go meet the leading lady in the film, Miriam (Holliday Grainger) and her friend for a blind date. Bernie and Miriam's onstage romance was sweet...very reminiscent of a 1950's love story. However, don't be fooled by her angelic face. Girlfriend is feisty, and NOT afraid of the Coast Guard Commanding Officer. You'll see.

Bernie and Miriam meet, fall in love, and then he sets out on the rescue mission that will take more than luck to achieve  On a boat regulated for 12, but 32 men to bring to shore, do Bernie and his men save them all? Does Miriam wait for him to come home? As I said above, I was on the edge of my seat for the entirety of the film. A few notes that I jotted down were, "Inspirational, captivating, and suspenseful." The Finest Hours is an incredible true story of faith and heroism.

Buy your tickets now. Schedule a babysitter. Go on a date night.  Tonight. This film is a must-see!

Like THE FINEST HOURS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefinesthoursmovie

Follow Disney Pictures on Twitter: https://twitter.com/disneystudios

Follow Disney Studios on Instagram: https://instagram.com/disneystudios

Visit the official THE FINEST HOURS website here: http://movies.disney.com/the-finest-hours

I received complimentary tickets to go see The Finest Hours. I was NOT asked to write a review. All opinions are my own. 

Disney's 2016 NEW Movie Line-Up

Whew! Have you seen the line-up for 2016 Disney movies? We are in for a HUGE treat this year in cinematic greatness!! I'm not going to say another word, just take a look at ALL of these great movies we can look forward to in 2016!

January 29, 2016 – The Finest Hours (Walt Disney Studios)

#TheFinestHours

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March 4, 2016 - Zootopia (Walt Disney Animation Studios)

#Zootopia

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April 15, 2016 – The Jungle Book (Walt Disney Studios)

#JungleBook

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May 6, 2016 – Captain America: Civil War (Marvel)

#CaptainAmericaCivilWar

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May 27, 2016 – Alice Through the Looking Glass (Walt Disney Studios)

#DisneyAlice

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June 17, 2016 – Finding Dory (Disney / Pixar)

#FindingDory

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July 1, 2016 – The BFG (Walt Disney Studios)

#TheBFG

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August 12, 2016 -  Pete’s Dragon (Walt Disney Studios)

#PetesDragon

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Fall 2016 – Queen of Katwe (Walt Disney Studios)

#QueenOfKatwe

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November 4, 2016 – Doctor Strange (Marvel)

#DoctorStrange

November 23, 2016 - Moana (Walt Disney Animation Studios)

#Moana

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December 16, 2016 – Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (Lucasfilm)

#RogueOne

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TBD 2016 – The Light Between Oceans (DreamWorks Pictures)

#TheLightBetweenOceans

Which one [or two] of these movies are you most excited about? I have to say, The Jungle Book is a movie I grew up watching, I'm super excited for this live-action version! Pete's Dragon is another childhood favorite. Finding Dory is, hopefully, going to be as great as Finding Nemo. Moana has a new Disney Princess, so, of course, I'm excited for this one. Oh goodness, I think I'm excited for just about ALL of these movies. 

See you at the movies!

Enjoy Your Next Sweet Treat at Sweet Pete's in Jacksonville, FL

If you're a Jacksonville native, new to town or just passing through, be sure to put Sweet Pete's Candy on your short list of things to do!

Located at 400 N Hogan St., Sweet Pete's has given new life to the longtime abandoned Seminole Club in historic Downtown. {After reading further history of the Seminole Club, it's mind-blowing to know that Presidents Teddy Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy -- among many other famous people -- walked the same halls and steps as all of us who visit Sweet Pete's!!!!}

Sweet Pete's is such a treat to step foot into. The atmosphere will make you feel as if you've stepped right in to Willa Wonka's Chocolate Factory. The colors. The smells, The friendly faces. {Sorry guys, I didn't see any Oompa Loompas.} You'll become a kid in a candy store...for real. 

I knew this place was awesome as soon as I walked in, but then I learned they make their chocolate in-house. Oh my, when you walk to the second floor and open the door that looks down onto the factory, you'll want to lick the air. It's pure chocolately goodness in there! AND, if you're lucky, you can even catch a glimpse of Sweet Pete himself and wave hello. {His office is in the far right corner, behind that wall.}

This. Chandelier. Amazing details ALL OVER Sweet Pete's! Look up, look down, look ALL around!

Up every step, around every corner, Sweet Pete's is magnificent! I don't think there's a single color in the rainbow that wasn't used in renovating this 112 year old building. 

Not much into candy? Have a cupcake or a scoop of ice cream or a slice of cake. It's all there!

BONUS: While at Sweet Pete's, you can stop in to the Candy Apple Cafe & Cocktails for brunch, lunch or dessert. The menu has everything from Angus Burgers to Cornmeal Dusted Flounder, Candied Bacon topped Mac N' Cheese to Sauteed Escargot. After your meal, be sure to ask for a Gourmet Candy Apple!

So, who's up for Sweet Pete's on their next trip through Jacksonville? You know you want to see what all of the fuss is about. It's genuine fuss, too. This place is a MUST SEE!!!

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical! is Coming to Jacksonville

OPENING NIGHT OF HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2015

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Join us on Opening Night of HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL, Broadway’s #1 hit musical, on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at the Times-Union Center for Chase Family Night on Broadway! The FSCJ Artist Series, sponsored by Chase, is partnering with Jax4Kids, PRI Productions, Savor…Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Public Library, MOSH, My Gym, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, and Sweet Pete’s to create special pre-show activities from 6:30-7:30 p.m. All Family Night activities, including children’s games, face painting, photo ops, coloring stations, crafts and more, are free with paid show admission tickets. Kid-friendly foods will be available for purchase from Savor…Jacksonville, the Times-Union Center’s official caterer. 

Save on Family Night tickets purchased through the FSCJ Artist Series. Buy two tickets at half price with promo code CHILD at fscjartistseries.org. Restrictions apply.*

The Grinch broke box office records for two consecutive years on Broadway during its holiday engagements at the St. James and Hilton theaters in New York. Since then, more than 1.2 million theater-goers across America have been delighted by this heartwarming holiday musical, which the Gannett papers hailed as “A genius of a show! A total delight for both kids and adults.”

Audiences will find their hearts growing a few sizes along with the Grinch’s when they experience the magic of the beloved tale on stage, which features the hit songs "You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch" and "Welcome Christmas” (written by Albert Hague and Dr. Seuss), from the original animated television special. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is "two sizes too small," decides to steal Christmas away from the loveable Whos.

Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical features magnificent sets designed by John Lee Beatty and costumes designed by Robert Morgan, inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original book, while the Music and Book of Mel Marvin and Timothy Mason breathe new life into this timeless story.

The 2015 production is directed by Matt August and choreographed by Bob Richard, based on the original choreography by John DeLuca and originally created by three-time Tony Award® winning director, Jack O’Brien.

The U.S. National Tour of HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL will be performed at Jacksonville’s Times-Union Center’s Moran Theater for nine performances only, matinees and evenings.

 

HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL Performance Schedule:

Tuesday, December 1 at 7:30 p.m. – Chase Family Night on Broadway!

Wednesday, December 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, December 3 at 11 a.m.

Thursday, December 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, December 4 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 5 at 1 p.m.

Saturday, December 5 at 7 p.m.

Sunday, December 6 at 1 p.m.

Sunday, December 6 at 4 p.m.

Tickets for HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSCIAL in Jacksonville start at $38.50 and can be purchased at fscjartistseries.org, (904) 442-2929, and the FSCJ Artist Series Box Office between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday-Friday. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more at (904) 442-2947 orgroupsales@fscjartistseries.org.

*Family night ticket offer is 50 percent off per ticket plus facility fee and service charge; facility fee and service charge not discounted. Valid for December 1 performance only. Subject to availability. Restrictions apply, not valid on previously purchased tickets, and cannot be combined with any other offer.  Promo code CHILD expires at 3 p.m. on December 1 or may be withdrawn at any time.

All photos courtesy of The Artist Series.

The Waters May Be Muddy...

The thing I love most about Instagram is all of the pretty pictures that I can scroll through each day. Sadly, those pretty pictures sometimes are only a piece of someone's story, where they are in life. We aren't seeing their season of struggle. Their walk through muddy waters is not evident. | Is there someone in your tribe who you're missing today? Reach out and tell them. Pray for them. This online space, while HUGE, can be small and intimate if you love on and engage with the people within it. | Hugs to you today. Yes, YOU! You're not alone in whatever you're battling today.

I posted this on Instagram a couple of weeks ago and had a great response, I thought I'd share it with you today, too! Have a super great Tuesday. If you'd like for me to pray for you in any way, leave a comment. Or, reach out to me on my Twitter or Instagram feeds, I'm @jonahbonah. We're in this together, friends.