(Kiki's Corner by Kiki Angelos - Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

Last week I had the pleasure to decorate four trees for the United Way as always. I had a great time knowing that money raised from the auction stays here and supports families in our Mid-Ohio Valley. It is a huge need and we all need to support them for sure. You need to make sure to visit the Blennerhassett Hotel to see all those gorgeous trees of all sizes and wreaths. Let me make it easy for you to find my trees.

1) As you come in at the lobby of the hotel right straight in front of you, you can see my Mickey and Minnie Mouse tree. Mickey Mouse, a Walt Disney cartoon character who first appeared as Mortimer Mouse in 1927, becoming Mickey in 1928. During the 1930s, he became established as a central Disney character.

Minnie Mouse is an iconic and beloved character that embodies the values of love, friendship, and joy. She is an anthropomorphic mouse with white gloves, red or pink bow, polka/dotted dress, white bloomers and low-heeled shoes. Next to the tree, there is an animated Minnie Mouse moves and sings Christmas songs.

2) My second tree located in the bar to your right, there is a gorgeous lighted huge sleigh with a pink tree on it that will make any room look beautiful!

3) Go down the hall by the ballroom on your left you will see my green Star Wars tree that I know children and especially little boys would love.

4) And my fourth tree, go down the hall to your right and you will see my mermaid tree with the theme “Seashells ring, are you listening, on the beach sand is glistening, a beautiful sight, we’re happy tonight, walking in a warmer Wonderland! Seas and Greetings!”

I have to say, we have a lot of talented people in our area. It is a must go and see all those gorgeous trees.

NEXT: The West Virginia Symphony League-Parkersburg is holding our annual poinsettia sale fundraiser!

The sizes that we offer include: 6.5″pot, $11 (Red pink and white); 8″ pot, $21 (Red, pink and white); 10″ pot, $26 (Red pink and white).

Pickup date will be at Scots in Vienna on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 9 a.m. to noon. All orders need to be in by Dec. 3. Delivery is also available (by request.)

Those gorgeous poinsettias make a beautiful Christmas gift and beautify any home, office, church or any place.

You can call me or text me at 304-615-5454 and I’ll be more than glad to take your order or you can call any league member.

Proceeds from this West Virginia League fundraiser are used to promote and support the WVSOP.

Please join the West Virginia Symphony League-Parkersburg members on Friday, Nov. 21, at the Blennerhassett Hotel at noon for lunch to welcome the Christmas season. Bring your friends and after lunch, we can view the beautiful Christmas trees together again this year. At the same time you have a chance to purchase poinsettias that would be on display and also at the same time we can take your orders, we try our best to make it easy for you.

I am very excited that I was invited to be part of the “Taste of the Holidays” for another unique project for the Young at Heart senior ministry at First United Methodist Church. I will prepare a dessert and all the guests will try them along with other food demonstrations!

This will take place on Thursday, Nov. 20.

NEXT: Save the date for another exciting Christmas event that the Parkersburg Art Center is holding at the Parkersburg Country Club. You don’t want to miss and I’m thrilled that I was asked to be a part of it. It is called “Eat drink and be Merry, whether you have been Naughty or Nice, Don’t think twice.” Save the date, Wednesday, Dec. 3, because the good old girls are back. (Very clever theme).

There will be an auction for a grand prize for the good old girls luncheon, four of my favorite desserts donated by me four different times in a year. They name it “KiKiLISCIOUS.” Whoever came up with that name, I thought that was a fantastic idea.

So call the Art Center and make your reservations soon.

So much to do this time of the year! Try to be part of all of them if possible!

Till next week.

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Kale-Citrus Salad with Bacony Pecans

6 center-cut bacon slices cut crosswise into half-inch thick slices

1 cup pecan halves

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided

6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons minced shallots

3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

2 teaspoons honey

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 large navel oranges

5 cups baby arugula

5 cups thinly sliced steamed lacinato kale (about 4 1/2 oz.)

2 medium watermelon radishes, very thinly sliced

Heat a medium skillet over medium. Add bacon to skillet, cook stirring occasionally until brown crisp 6 to 7 minutes. Transfer bacon with a slotted spoon to a paper towel lined plate, reserving drippings in skillet. Add pecans to drippings, cook, stirring occasionally until it becomes browned. and toasted, 4-5 minutes.

Transfer pecans with slotted spoon to a paper towel. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of the salt, reserved drippings for another use or discard. Combine oil, apple cider vinegar shallots, honey, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and remaining half teaspoon salt in a small jar with a lid, shake well until emulsified. Cut off top and bottom of each orange. Stand each one upright, following the curve of the fruit, cut off the peel and pith. Cut orange segments away from membranes. Combine arugula, kale, and radishes in a large serving bowl. Drizzle with dressing, toss well to coat. Add oranges and toss to combine. Sprinkle pecans and bacon.

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Apply Cider Shandy