This Thanksgiving, I find myself reflecting and truly thankful for not just the good days, but the challenges that brought growth this year and for every moment shared with people (and dogs!) who make life brighter. This season, I’m especially grateful for the trust and kindness so many of you have shown whether as friends, family, neighbors, or those walking the same path. Every day, I try to live with intention: offering a helping hand, cherishing both the big milestones and the small joys, and building community wherever I can.
Wishing you and those you love a Thanksgiving overflowing with peace, compassion, and connection May you find warmth in simple moments, comfort in community, and the inspiration to give and receive kindness every single day
On a personal note, our hearts are heavy as Beethoven was recently diagnosed with a malignant tumor in his nasal cavity If you know me, you know how much our pups mean to our family Beethoven will begin radiation therapy next week
“When I look into the eyes of an animal, I do not see an animal I see a living being I see a friend I feel a soul ” - Anthony Douglas Williams
Helping neighbors & seniors
SMALL ACTS GIVE BACK
Check in on an older neighbor or someone who might be spending the holiday alone A quick visit, warm drink, or plate of leftovers can mean more than you realize, especially this time of year
Offer simple help like picking up groceries, shoveling snow, putting up a few decorations, or giving a short phone call just to say hi and see how they’re doing.
Helping animals
Support local shelters and rescues by donating food, blankets, toys, or gift cards, or by signing up for a one-time volunteer shift walking dogs or spending time with shy animals.
Consider “giving back in honor of your own animals” by fostering over the holidays or making a small recurring donation to a rescue you love even a modest monthly gift can help cover food, vaccines, or medical care for an animal in need
Ingredients
For the crust
MINI APPLE CHEESECAKE
14 cinnamon graham crackers, crushed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
6 Tbsp melted butter
1/4 tsp kosher salt
For the cheesecake
2 blocks cream cheese, softened
2 large eggs
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
For the topping
2 apples, peeled and chopped
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
Cool Whip, for garnish
1 Preheat oven to 325º and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners Spray liners with cooking spray In a large bowl, combine crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and a pinch of salt and stir until completely moistened
2 Press graham mixture into paper liners and set aside
3 In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until light and fluffy, Add eggs, sour cream, caramel sauce, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt and beat until combined Pour filling over graham bottoms
4 In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, flour, oats, cinnamon and salt, then cut in butter with a fork or pastry cutter Scatter some chopped apples and a thin layer of the mixture over cheesecake layer
5 Bake until centers are only slightly jiggly, about 30 minutes Let cool in muffin tin, then refrigerate at least 2 hours
6.Garnish with Cool Whip and drizzle with more caramel before serving.
