Last year I made this for my family on Thanksgiving and they fell in love.  I wanted to contribute something to thanksgiving dinner in addition to Potato Salad.  Every Thanksgiving I have a routine that consists of watching the Macy’s Parade and looking at the Black Friday paper.  Well while changing channels I saw pineapples and cranberry sauce on tv.  I later learned it also had walnuts and mandarin oranges.   Everyone isn’t a fan of nuts and oranges, so I decided to stick with what I originally thought it was.  I had both in my cabinet.  Here’s the recipe in case you want to try it:

5 cans of 14 oz Jellied Cranberry Sauce

2 cans of 20 oz Pineapple Chunks Drained

1.5 cups of walnuts (optional)

1 can of 8oz Mandarin Oranges (optional)

Serves about 20 people.

In a bowl mash all cans of Jellied cranberry sauce.  (but not too much it turns into juice) Mix drained pineapples (walnuts and oranges)  and stir.   Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.  Must be served chilled.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Love Always,

Shenna Nanette

Every year we take so much for granted.  However, when Thanksgiving comes around we are reminded we have a lot to be thankful for.  Regardless of how Thanksgiving began, we can all agree that on this day we are happy to remember ….gratitude.

What is Shenna thankful for this year?  Dear GOD, THANK YOU! THANK YOU!  THANK YOU JESUS!!!  I’m thankful for life first.  I am also thankful for my 7-3 job.  I’m working on not complaining about the one I have.  Instead I have to work towards the one I want.   I’m also thankful for my Pastor and Church.  This year, I’ve built a closer relationship to God and this church has saved me.  I’m thankful for my family.  I love them more than they’ll ever imagine.  I am especially thankful for my cousin Kada.  She helped me this year when I reached my lowest point.  This year I learned the value of friendship.  I have 2 best friends I love dearly.  One is Talitha Scott.  We have been friends for over 20 years and although we’re over 1200 miles apart, I start my year with her.  Her phone call.  I love her so much and God knew what he was doing when he put her in my life. She is my sister.  Blood can’t make us any closer.  The other is Tree Jack.  Oh em gee!  The lord works in mysterious ways.  They say a stranger can become your best friend and God has sent me another angel in the form of one.  Words can’t express how I feel about her.  She is my rock!  She’s my Chrissy (from Love & Hip Hop) The both of them have taught me the true meaning of friendship.  One in the form of longevity and the other in the form of new beginnings.  I wouldn’t trade them for anything.   I am also thankful for the people who support my writing.  This is a God given talent and I will give my all to share it with the world.  Thanks for believing in me.  I truly appreciate it.   I am thankful for…. NEW BEGINNINGS!! I am thankful for… MY PURPOSE!!! I am… thankful!!!

I decided to ask my Facebook friends why they were thankful this year.  I received some wonderful responses I’d like to share with you all:

Semirra Marie Long I am thankful for my family, friends being gainfully employed in this economy and having the ability to give back to others who may not be as fortunate as me.

Andrea Cunningham My job, my car, my man, my mom, my brain

Keyonnia Wright EVERYTHING!!

Nicole Smith I’m Thankful 4 My Daughter & Family…there’s nothing better than them♥…Happy Thanksgiving Shenna!!

Charisse N. Galloway Gods love …. Life. Family.

Dyami Jakes My life!

Genette Destiny I’m thankful for life, a sound mind, the ability to love and family (the good and bad).

Melissa Mlr Robinson making it through any struggle that seemed impossible to beat while it was occuring. also, gummy bears ;D

Tree Jack I’m thankful for my family, the understanding person in my life, my bestie, my job, the food that nourish my body, the water that cleans my body, the house that shelters me and my family, all the positive people in my life, all of my senses, my health, did I already say my bestie….if I didn’t, I’m so thankful for a bestie like u. I love u

Tanyka Neek Rhett I AM THANKFUL FOR YOU SHENNA & MOMMY…THIS YEAR HAS BEEN ROUGH AND AT TIMES COULDN’T BARE! Y’ALL HAVE BEEN MY ROCK , MY STENGTH , MY INSPIRATION TO KEEP GOING AND SEEK GOD FOR HE ALWAYS HAS THE ANSWERS ! ♥

Ebony Green I am thankful for all of Gods blessing..my family, friends & good health

Tasean David Baldwin Life, health, strength, love… great friends, family, a beautiful common law wife (SNM) ♥ being sound in mind, body, & spirit… I’m thankful for a chance to do better than the day before…

Krystle Haynes I’m thankful for wht GOD has given me & tht is STRENGTH. Overcoming all Obstacles tht have entered my life for the past year & to show and exert unconditional love & appreciation ..LIFE is worth being thankful !!!!!

Dawn McKenzie forgiving hearts!!! Love life family

Rochelle Bennett Im thankful for my beautiful son making it through that struggle. I love him, my family & my friends.

Have a beautiful Thanksgiving Weekend and be careful Black Friday.  (Maybe I’ll come back with my Black Friday finds)

Until…..

Love Always,

Shenna Nanette

‎”Get from around those who have your same problem and get around those that have your solution” @TherealTaraji 

Last week I spoken about PURPOSE.  We will revisit purpose in most of my Shespires because it is within all of us.  This week I’d like to share inspiration from my Pastor.  He spoke about the people you allow in your life.  The reason this message affected me was because of the aforementioned quote by Taraji P. Henson.

The second person in line after ourselves responsible for our growth is usually a family member(s), friend(s), associate(s), and the list goes on.  We tend to remain stagnant in positions comfortable that prohibit our growth. We tend to remain around people who find comfort in places that they should seek promotion from. However, we are these individuals also.  ”Birds of a feather flock together.”  

In order to grow, you must to change your energy.  If you don’t have BIG thoughts, you’ll remain small.  If you plan to be productive you must remain productive.  You have to finish everything you begin.  Set goals and remember, if you don’t you’ll always work for someone who does.   You have to develop an optimistic outlook on everything, life especially.   Don’t you get too comfortable in a position not meant for you.

In case you forgot:

We keep ourselves small to make other people comfortable, and then we get mad at them for allowing us to stay there. -Oprah

Changing your energy also means changing those around you also.  If the people you’re around are depressed, miserable, unhappy, worried, and [insert negative emotion here] you need to get from around them.  You need to meet, network, socialize, and surround yourself with people who are going somewhere.   You can’t be around someone happy to reach the 18th floor when your goal is the 42nd. That’s not even half way.

Never hook up with an 18th floor mentality when you’re on the 42nd floor. @wdarinmoore

You can’t have a billionaire mind associating with hundredaire individuals.  (figuratively speaking) If two people are struggling together, it’s easy to give up… together.  But, when you reach your goal  return to that individual and help them. You are now on different levels.  You can’t save someone while you too need saving.   Those with your problem will never be your solution.

This week’s challenge:

Look at your friends, family, and the people around you! If they’re struggling also, it won’t motivate you. Put yourself in a position with people who aren’t struggling. Start a vision board and put millionaires on it. You’ll never grow in a room full of settlers. Change your energy, change your life!

Have a beautiful week!

Until…..

Shenna