Thanksgiving is just around the corner. It's a great opportunity to consider your blessings and be grateful for the things that matter most. A nice meal and a good rest will also give you the energy you need to make it through the next 24 harried hours known to all of us as Black Friday.

Besides food and rest, here are a few more pointers to help make bargain shopping easier:

In the culinary world, it’s well known that presentation is just as important as taste. The best meal in the world just doesn’t taste the same if it’s all jumbled up in a Tupperware container.

Holidays are the same way – how you present them in the weeks leading up to them plays a large part in how much you and your family enjoy them. Family holiday traditions help take away the daily grind and give you something to look forward to.

As you get ready to head off to visit family or take a resort vacation this holiday season, it helps to be prepared for travel surprises.

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."  
     -John Fitzgerald Kennedy

by Naomi Cook

It's that time of year, and Santa is not the only one who will be slipping into your house. Yes, I am talking about friends and family descending into your home...hopefully not via the chimney!

by Aby Garvey 

My husband has a saying that stress is proportional to the difference between our expectations and reality. This helps to explain why the holiday season can be so stressful. If there's one time of year that's loaded with expectations, it's the holidays.

Welcome to November! It's an exciting time of the year, but it comes with a lot of stuff to keep track of: events, meals, traditions, gifts, decorations... and that's not including all of your usual day-to-day activities. We know it's tough, but we're here to help you keep it all together and make the most of the season.

Let us help you organize this month; you've got enough to worry about already.

We'll keep rolling out inspiring quotes and organizing tips on a daily basis, and here are a few new resources you'll want to refer to as you proactively take on the season:

By Alicia Rockmore and Sarah Welch

By Dave Ulacia

Can you believe Thanksgiving is almost here? Time to plan a rockin’ get together. Traditional food made even better by secret heirloom recipes, afternoon football in the yard, party favors, you name it. The trouble is, most parties never quite turn out the way we imagine they will.  Here are some suggestions that might make your Thanksgiving meal run a little more smoothly this year.

By Stephanie Vozza

Thanksgiving is the day to give thanks. It’s also the day to find guests knocking on your door anticipating the meal of the year. If you’re playing host or hostess this year, here’s a countdown to turkey day. Gobble Gobble.

November 1: Create your guest list.

November 2: Invite friends and family, and ask guests if they would like to contribute a special dish that was a tradition in their home.