Kathiey's World

 I am always looking for fun things to do in the area.  I decided to take it further and see what events are occurring in North Carolina in a specific month.  Let's look at just a few things happening in December 2024 in NC that you may enjoy. I live in the Raleigh/Durham area, so I looked for exciting events to attend in December that are within driving distance.  I would love to attend them all! The Links to Each Event... (Be sure to verify event times and locations before attending.   You may need a ticket depending on the event) Things to do in December 2024  in the Triangle Area Nov 16-Jan 12 is the Chinese Lantern Festival in Cary NC Nov 29- Dec 1 is the Christmas Carousel Holiday Gift Market in Raleigh NC November 8-February 9 is Fenton Skate The Square in Cary NC December 5-15th on selected dates is Twas the Night Before ...by Cirque du Soleil in Durham NC Select dates in November and December is the Dessertery in Raleigh NC A Few Things to do In ...

I saw an ad on Facebook that talked about one of the largest Christmas Stores in North Carolina.  I could not just ignore such an interesting ad so I researched the store and it was less then an hour away from me in Cary so I decided I had to check it out.   DeWayne's Christmas Land in Selma NC. My main reason for visiting DeWayne's was to see the Christmas Land but DeWayne's has other offerings not just Christmas.  There is a Garden Center, A Gift Shop, The Boutique, a Men's Shop and a Sweet Shop.  There is something for everyone. Christmas Land... Here is how they describe their Christmas Land, "DeWayne's vision of Christmas is brought to life with room after room of colorful themes, unique decor, and inspiring ideas to make your celebrations even more memorable. We invite you to visit Christmas Land and celebrate the reason for the season with us!" DeWayne's Christmas World contains rooms filled with beautiful Christmas decorations.  Each room has a...

There are many ways to take care of ourselves and relieve stress in our lives.  One way suggested by many to achieve this goal is to light a scented candle.  Let's take a look at the benefits of lighting a candle. Did you know that lighting a candle can improve your mental health? The effects of a scented candle can relax and calm your mind.   Let's look at what lighting a candle may do for our mental health. Candles can help improve your mood.  The scent of a candle can help you relax and just enjoy the moment. A scented candle can help reduce stress and anxiety by promoting feelings relaxation and calmness. Candles can help improve concentration due to its ability to make us calm and relaxed. Scented candles can create a peaceful cozy atmosphere thus aiding in stress relief. Scented candles help soothe our mind and help us relax. According to a site called Fervor candlelight induced relaxation and reduces anxiety.  The scented oils improve mood, promote wellb...

 Let's continue on with our series on stress relief and self-care. Today let's take a look at Baking and Stress Relief. So how can baking reduce your stress, you may ask?  According to a site called Teeo Creations , baking is a form of comfort and also a distraction from our stress.  This distraction from whatever is causing our stress helps us decrease the stress hormones that come along with excess stress, at least momentarily.  Baking can give us a break from our stress and anxiety. Here is a quote from their site... "A study conducted by the University of Toronto found that baking is good for your mental health. The study found that participants who baked “felt less stressed, had more patience,  and were more creative than those who didn’t bake.” According to Step One Charity ... "Baking has been shown to be extremely beneficial for boosting mental health, with advantages such as enhanced mindfulness, satisfaction, and sensory pleasure. Bakers who suffer fro...

 I made the most delicious Quiche the other day. It is called Creamy Bacon Spinach Quiche, and I found it on a site called The Food Charlatan.  It rates high on my cooking scale, and I will definitely make it again. I read over the recipe, and I gathered my ingredients... Some of the cheeses I used were a mix of the cheeses in the recipe because that was all I could find at the store, but it worked very well.   This quiche is so creamy and custardy, I loved it and I would give it a 10/10 on my cooking scale.

Monthly Motivation Sometimes, fear does get in our heads and in our way.  The fear of failure, the fear of the unknown, and the doubt that we are incapable of success may block our progress.  We will miss many opportunities if we listen to that negative voice.  What does God say? "Have I not commanded you?   Be Strong and Courageous! Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged,  for the lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 Joshua 1:9 was one of my go-to verses when my 37-year marriage dissolved. I was afraid, and I was anything but courageous. God has helped me with the fear and uncertainty and continues to hold me daily, and for that, I am thankful. Overcoming our fears may be easier said than done, and I believe it is a process. I think to strengthen our faith, we must practice our faith. For me, this meant giving my fears to God over and over again as they continued to rear their ugly heads. Yes, our concerns may still ...

I love to try new recipes. I find if I don't sit down and make a list of new recipes to try or old recipes to re-explore, I will not make an effort to try the foods that sound delicious to me. So that is what I decided to do. I am going to make a list and try to accomplish everything on it during the month of November.  On my November Recipe Challenge, I have recipes ranging from breakfast to dessert and everything in between.  Of the foods listed, the only one I have already made is the White Chicken Chili, which I make every Halloween.  As I write this, it is very early on Halloween Day, so I will be making the chili tonight.  I can't wait:-) Breakfast- Easy Quiche Recipe With Bacon and Spinach Soups/chili- White Chicken Chili Pizza/Sandwiches- Margherita Flatbread Pizza Appetizer- White Pizza Dip Salad- Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad Entree- Parmesan Crusted Chicken Veggies- Melting Sweet Potatoes Breads- Cheesy Garlic Bread seafood- Golden Seared Cod with Herb Butter S...