so, last month i asked you to jump right in and tell me what you really think. and boy, did you! and that’s a good thing, because i’m writing this here stuff for you, so if i’m not getting it right, it’s a good thing to find out. i asked you to fill out a wee survey about how i’m doing here on the blog, and the good news is, for the most part you seem happy. yay! but there’s always room for improvement, so i’m going to share a bit about what you hope to see (or not see as the case may be). afterall, all i can do is follow my gut, and the majority seems to be with me on most of what i provide here each day. i had a few surprises, but that’s okay — i can take it. and i appreciate you all taking time to let me know. i also want to announce the winners of the giveaway for helping me out!

the three happy winners are:

sarah palisi / brianne ravenna girls / erica of mommy needs a minute.

and a little bit about sponsored posts, because i think it’s important you know what you’re reading here is sincere and my opinion, and nobody else’s. just little old me sharing what i love…

so that about sums it up, guys – thank you all so much for your valuable input! oh, there was one more thing. i’m keeping ‘oh, happy, happy friday’. it was voted back in. love you!

• top image via silver scents.

happy thanksgiving everyone! i’ll be taking thursday and friday off to spend time with my family. i hope you enjoy doing the same. today, i am most thankful for you, my friends and readers, my family and miss lucy. i wouldn’t be the same without you. see you back here on monday!

*photos courtesy of tartelette; alicia bock; mister sullivan; and olivia bell.

i just wanted to say how thankful i am for all of you readers for making sfgirlbybay what i get up for each morning, and start my day happy and fulfilled. i am so grateful to be able to share with you all the creativity i find out there in the world, whether it be interior design, wonderfully talented artists and photographers or just a unique bargain find. it’s a pretty great job to have, and i wouldn’t have it without all of you, so thank you so very much for checking in regularly. and thank you so much especially, for all the kindness you readers and other bloggers have shown me while my family and i struggle with the challenges of my dad’s illness. it means so much to me to have you all in my life, whether it be a ‘cyber’ version or not, it still feels mighty warm. so thanks.

y’all have a wonderful day with your families and friends and make some great memories. have a very happy thanksgiving. xo, victoria

I also gathered up some great fall salads that can stand to sit around for awhile while they wait to add a burst of color and crunch to the Thanksgiving feast.

Were you asked to bring a side dish? True, the vegetable sides have neither the glamor of the turkey nor the glory of a pie, but these autumnal side dishes can all be made ahead and reheated or simply served at a slightly warm room temperature, making it easy on you and the host when it comes to serving time.

Did I say pie? I think I did. Everything I know about pie is in this guide, from pictures of what the dough should look like to different ways to crimp the edge.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! May your turkey be moist and your pie be flaky, but most importantly may your fellow diners be charming.

***

Each week, the Friday Food Files are deliciously brought to you by Molly Watson. For more on Molly and her delicious recipes, you can visit her in one of many wonderful places:
Writer: mollywatsonwrites.com
Blogger: thedinnerfiles.com
Recipe Wizard: localfoods.about.com
Radio Girl: eatthatradio.wordpress.com
tweeter: twitter.com/mollywatson
teacher: mediabistro.com/courses/cache/instr404.as

[ Photos courtesy of Molly Watson. ]