Dawn Poteau, PCC, PMP, SHRM-SCP’s Post

🍁 My First Thanksgiving: Lessons in Gratitude, Branding, and Dessert 🥧 It’s 7:54 AM here, and while Thanksgiving dinner isn’t until later, I’m already thinking about pie. (Pumpkin? Pecan? Sweet potato? Yes, please.) This is my first-ever Thanksgiving since I’m in the U.S., and as a Filipina, it feels like such a novelty. Back home, Thanksgiving isn’t a thing—our Christmas season starts in September and pretty much steamrolls over every other holiday. Now, I have a confession: I’m not a turkey person. (Don’t cancel me!) But the desserts? That’s where I thrive. Thanksgiving sweets remind me a lot of branding—done well, they’re unforgettable, comforting, and keep people coming back for more. Much like the essence of Thanksgiving, great branding is about connection, consistency, and gratitude. It’s not just about showing up; it’s about how you make people feel when you do. The most memorable brands, like the best holiday meals, leave a lasting impression—and maybe a craving for seconds. As I gear up for my first turkey-free (but pie-filled) Thanksgiving, I’m reminded that gratitude is the ultimate brand message. It never goes out of style, and it’s something we could all use a little more of, personally and professionally. Wishing you all a day filled with warmth, good company, and desserts worth writing about. 😊 #TitaFridayPH #Thanksgiving2024 #GratitudeIsKey #FilipinaInTheUS #BrandingAndDessert #FirstThanksgiving

Got an unusual Thanksgiving recipe planned for this year (or one you’ve cooked in the past)? Send it in! This year, Thrive is reprising a tradition that Nora Ephron started at HuffPost in 2014: "Tell Us What You're Cooking This Year For Thanksgiving Dinner That You Didn't Cook Last Year."   Of course, part of what makes Thanksgiving so meaningful is the ritual of it, including the traditional menu – and that’s also why targeted departures from that menu can be special. When Nora started this campaign in 2014, she noted that at her house, Thanksgiving dinner was always the same – except for one change each year.    So how are you planning to depart from the usual Thanksgiving dinner? What is, as Nora put it, “the thing you've never cooked before on Thanksgiving day, the thing that proves conclusively that you're up for change, that you're not your mother, that you're open to new ideas, that you're flexible and full of surprises and with-it food-wise, even though the truth about Thanksgiving is the exact opposite –– it's about ritual and tradition and the same-old same-old.”   Message me your recipe with the subject RECIPE, along with photos if you’ve got them (either your own or from the site you got the recipe from). I’ll feature several in my next newsletter. 

Thanksgiving Traditions You Only See in Wisconsin 🍂🧀 Thanksgiving in Wisconsin isn’t just about turkey—here are some classic Wisconsin traditions that make our holiday one-of-a-kind: German and Scandinavian Side Dishes 🇩🇪🇳🇴 - Many families bring their heritage to the table. Scandinavian dishes like lefse and lutefisk and German favorites like cabbage, sausage, and potato salad are must-haves, adding a hearty touch to Thanksgiving dinner. Jello Salad 🍇🥕 - No Wisconsin Thanksgiving is complete without this sweet side dish, where fruit and carrots are suspended in jello—a true Midwestern treat! Other versions of this “salad” may include whipped cream or mayonnaise. Pickled Eggs 🥚 - While waiting for the turkey, pickled eggs offer a salty snack to keep everyone happy until dinner is served. Cranberry Relish - While eaten outside Wisconsin as well, Wisconsin grows more cranberries than any other state. As we celebrate these seasonal traditions, I can’t help but reflect on some of my favorite holiday moments—time with family, savoring that first slice of pie (are you team apple or pumpkin? 🍏🥧), and creating memories that last. Just like our financial goals, the things that truly matter take a little planning and a lot of heart. Wishing you a warm and wonderful Thanksgiving wherever you are! P.S. What are your favorite Thanksgiving traditions? #ThanksgivingTraditions #WisconsinLife #FamilyAndFinance

Interrupting your daily feed of professionalism to remind you- it's the day before Thanksgiving! 🦃 Are you feeling the heat in the kitchen? Don't worry, we've all been there. 😉 Here's a quick checklist of last-minute tasks to tackle before the big feast: ✅ Chill out: Make sure your drinks are chilling in the fridge. No one wants a lukewarm beverage with their delicious meal! 🧊 ✅ Set the table: Get those plates, glasses, and silverware ready. Don't forget the festive napkins! 🍽️ ✅ Prep for sides: Chop those veggies, measure out ingredients, and get your side dishes ready to cook. 🥗 ✅ Delegate: Don't be afraid to ask for help! Guests are usually happy to lend a hand with small tasks. 🙌 ✅ Plan your outfit: You'll be busy cooking and hosting, so choose something comfy and stylish. 💃 ✅ BREATHE! Remember what Thanksgiving is all about: gratitude and spending time with loved ones. ❤️ What are your go-to last-minute Thanksgiving tips? Share them in the comments below! 👇 #Thanksgiving #LastMinuteTips #HolidayPrep #Grateful #FamilyTime #verticalmarketing

"Father & Son Turkey Time: The Ultimate Thanksgiving Deep-Fried Turkey Guide (2024) Join us as we take you step-by-step through the BEST turkey cleaning, brining, and deep-frying process for Thanksgiving 2024! It’s more than just cooking—it’s a father-and-son tradition that’s all about creating memories and serving up the most flavorful turkey your family has ever had. 👨🍳 From cleaning tips to the perfect brine recipe, we’ve got you covered. 🔥 Watch us fry up a golden, crispy turkey that will make you the star of the holiday! 📌 What You'll Learn: The secret to safely cleaning your turkey like a pro How to craft the ultimate flavorful brine Step-by-step guide to deep-frying your turkey to crispy, juicy perfection 🎥 Perfect for: Families, first-time fryers, and anyone wanting to elevate their Thanksgiving dinner. 🎉 Make this year’s turkey a delicious tradition you’ll never forget. Don't just cook—create a memory! 💡 Follow for more recipes, tips, and Thanksgiving traditions that will make every holiday the best yet! 📲 Tag us in your creations and let us know how your turkey turns out! Hashtags: #TurkeyTime #FriedTurkey #Thanksgiving2024 #FatherAndSonTradition #BestTurkeyEver #ThanksgivingRecipes #FamilyFirst #TurkeyBrineTips#contentcreation #YouTubeGuidelines #limitations #contentpolicy #videoethics #socialmedia #onlinecommunity #digitalmedia #contentmoderation #platformrules

"Father & Son Turkey Time: The Ultimate Thanksgiving Deep-Fried Turkey Guide (2024) Join us as we take you step-by-step through the BEST turkey cleaning, brining, and deep-frying process for Thanksgiving 2024! It’s more than just cooking—it’s a father-and-son tradition that’s all about creating memories and serving up the most flavorful turkey your family has ever had. 👨🍳 From cleaning tips to the perfect brine recipe, we’ve got you covered. 🔥 Watch us fry up a golden, crispy turkey that will make you the star of the holiday! 📌 What You'll Learn: The secret to safely cleaning your turkey like a pro How to craft the ultimate flavorful brine Step-by-step guide to deep-frying your turkey to crispy, juicy perfection 🎥 Perfect for: Families, first-time fryers, and anyone wanting to elevate their Thanksgiving dinner. 🎉 Make this year’s turkey a delicious tradition you’ll never forget. Don't just cook—create a memory! 💡 Follow for more recipes, tips, and Thanksgiving traditions that will make every holiday the best yet! 📲 Tag us in your creations and let us know how your turkey turns out! Hashtags: #TurkeyTime #FriedTurkey #Thanksgiving2024 #FatherAndSonTradition #BestTurkeyEver #ThanksgivingRecipes #FamilyFirst #TurkeyBrineTips#contentcreation #YouTubeGuidelines #limitations #contentpolicy #videoethics #socialmedia #onlinecommunity #digitalmedia #contentmoderation #platformrules

🦃🕒 Thanksgiving Turkey Thawing Times 🕒🦃 Thanksgiving is around the corner, and if you're planning to cook a turkey, here's a handy tip for a safe and delicious feast. When thawing your turkey, remember to do it safely. Plan ahead and enjoy a fantastic Thanksgiving meal with loved ones! #ThanksgivingTips #TurkeyThawing #FoodSafety #CookingTips #bhhsgreatsmokysrealty #christymitchellrealtor

Speaking of traditions, what do you do to make this season memorable? The holiday season is in full swing, and the heart of many traditions is found in the kitchen! Whether it’s rolling out dough, sprinkling sugar, or sharing stories, holiday baking creates more than treats—it builds memories that connect us to our roots and loved ones. Baking together is about more than recipes; it’s about quality time, shared laughter, and even family history. How often do we hear, “Remember when grandma would bake her pies…”? These moments remind us of where we come from and help us create new traditions as life changes. Diane Collins, Clinical Nutrition Manager, shares ideas for celebrating food, family, and the simple joys that bring us together on this week’s Wellness Wednesday. Looking for ways to make your holiday memories extra special? Try these ideas: 🎨 Design Family Aprons: Have a craft day to make personalized aprons for your baking crew. 🥧 Share Dish Memories: Invite loved ones to bring a dish that connects to their childhood and share the story behind it. 📜 Recipe Boxes: Gift handwritten recipes from your family collection in a keepsake box. Add a new recipe each year for a tradition that keeps growing! What are your favorite holiday kitchen traditions? Share them below! 👇 #Holidays #WellnessWednesday

🍂 It's Thanksgiving in the US on Thursday 🦃 Planning to celebrate Thanksgiving in the US or chat about it with American colleagues? Here's a quick vocab guide to this heartwarming holiday! 💬 🎯 Key Words You Should Know: 🦃 Turkey: The star of most Thanksgiving meals, roasted to perfection. 🍞 Stuffing: A seasoned bread mix cooked inside the turkey or served as a side dish. 🍒 Cranberry sauce: A sweet-tart delight that compliments the meal. 🥧 Pumpkin pie: A spiced dessert that’s always a favourite. 🍗 Gravy: Savory sauce made from turkey drippings—perfect on mashed potatoes! 🛍 Black Friday: The shopping extravaganza right after Thanksgiving. 🤝 Friendsgiving: A modern twist where friends come together to celebrate. Thanksgiving isn’t just about the food—it’s a time to reflect, connect, and express gratitude. 🙏💛 What are you most thankful for this year? 🍁 Drop your thoughts below! ⬇️ #Thanksgiving #EnglishLanguage #LearnEnglish

🍂 Thanksgiving is just around the corner! 🍂As we get ready for the season of gratitude, it’s the perfect time to start planning a celebration that’s full of warmth, great food, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re hosting for the first time or a seasoned pro, here are some tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable Thanksgiving:1. Plan Your Menu Early: Decide on your main dishes and sides now. This gives you time to gather ingredients, test new recipes, or even order from your favorite caterer (hint 😉).  2. Prep in Stages: Take some stress off by preparing certain dishes in advance. Sauces, pies, and casseroles can often be made a day or two ahead and reheated.   3. Delegate: It’s OK to ask for help! Assign sides, drinks, or desserts to guests. Potluck-style dinners make for a fun and collaborative celebration.4. Add a Special Touch: Thanksgiving is about creating memories. Whether it's a new dish, special table décor, or a unique tradition, put your personal touch on the celebration.5. Don’t Forget to Relax: Thanksgiving is about gratitude, so take time to reflect on the year and enjoy time with loved ones.Let’s make this Thanksgiving one to remember! What are your favorite tips for preparing the perfect holiday meal? 🍽️ #Thanksgiving2024 #HolidayPrep #Gratitude #ChefLife-