MOCHA MISTLETOE DRINK

Thanks to the peeps over at Feisty, Frugal & Fabulous for this super tasty treat, and it's very simple to prepare.  As you can probably tell by now, I'm hooked on chocolate this month, and probably all through December, too! *heh* 
Some people may call this a milkshake, and others consider it a spin on hot chocolate. Whatever title you choose, this recipe is sure to be a hit with friends and family.

Mocha Mistletoe Drink Recipe 

Ingredients

• ½ oz Bailey's Irish Cream Liqueur
• ½ oz Kahlua (basically I do a half shot glass of each...more if you're feeling extra festive!)
• ½ cup coffee
• ½ cup hot chocolate (if you don't have hot chocolate, a teaspoon of chocolate sauce works too!)
  

Instructions

1. Serve with whipped topping - you can make it even more festive and fab with crushed candy canes as a glass rim, colored sugar, candy cane sprinkles on top, chocolate drizzle, etc.  The sky's the limit!

In the blogging world, we're celebrating with many holiday themes, book tours, the sharing of recipes, or discussing our plans.  It's fun to read and write about and we love it.

Sadly, those who are homeless or in frightening domestic violence situations are struggling and afraid.  Many wonder where the next meal will come from, or what violent act they'll be forced to endure.

If you can, please donate to a homeless/domestic violence shelter, or your local church to help someone in need. Also a hug of encouragement may be what someone needs to get through the day.

CHOCOLATE MAGIC WANDS & STUFF

Before we get started, let me give a super shout out to my girl Kim of http://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/, who lovingly does her weekly meme every Sunday about news, reviews, books and other great info.  Hey Kim!

This recipe is super simple, great for parties and a great treat for the kids.  Once again, I give mad props to Taste of Home -  5 Ingredient Cookbook.  This book is fantastic!

INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 Cups White Baking Chips
1 Package Pretzel Rods
Colored Candy Stars or Sprinkles
Colored Sugar or Edible Glitter

DIRECTIONS
In a microwave, melt chips and stir into smooth.  Dip each pretzel rod halfway into the melted chips, allowing the excess to drop off.  Sprinkle with candy stars or sprinkles and the colored sugar.  Place on waxed paper, letting stand until dry. Store in an airtight container.  Use Dark or other flavored chocolate if you prefer. Enjoy!

BOOKS AS GIFTS
If you enjoy reading as much as I do, one would think I'd get gift cards to Barnes and Noble or Amazon, but it NEVER happens! (lol)  However, even if you're not a hard booknerd like me and some of my fellow bloggers, there are a gifts that would work well under the tree.

1.  THE WINE BIBLE: In a 5 year period James Beard Award winner Karen MacNeil tasted over 10,000 wines to provide her recommendations for some of the best around the world.  It will require some time on your part, however, because it's over 1000 pages!  "PM"

2.  HOME: Do you love looking at pictures of opulent homes AND Ellen?  Be sure to check out this design book with pics and info about places she has lived in over the years.  Very cool!

3.  PLACES TO GO, PEOPLE TO SEE by Kate Spade is the ultimate Travel book for your coffee table.

4.  Can you imagine visiting a city and having just 36 HOURS...?  Yep, you can visit places all over the world right from your living room by reading this New York Times bestseller.

CLOTHING GIFTS
If your friends and family who are more into clothes, and would get excited about unique clothing, visit www.nastygirl.com.  Some things are a little pricey, but are definitely worth it.

Think outside of the box by visiting www.riverisland.com for cool and edgy style.

BLACK FRIDAY MADNESS
If you remember from one of my other posts, I used to do the Black Friday shopping deal all the time, but I stopped for a few years once I moved.  Well, I got back into the groove on Thanksgiving because I sort of missed the madness.  Yes, call me a nut, I know - but work with me, ok? (lol)  Everyone started out in a really good mood, giving me  plenty of people to chat and laugh with.  Uh...well, those feelings of cheer didn't last for long once the 32 Inch Roku Flat Screen ran out, AFTER customers were guaranteed receipt by having a red wrist band.  Yikes!  There was cursing and a near fight while I walked around.  I'm not surprised they ran out of televisions because many had 3 and 4 in 2-3 carts.

For those who may be worried, I was the 2nd person in line, and despite walking around looking for things that everyone wasn't fighting for, I was outta there in one piece in less than 33 minutes.  Not bad, huh?

SAYING "NO" TO YOUR HOST
This time of year, everyone is eating, everywhere, and at some point during the holiday, you'll be invited to someone's home.  There can be a smorgasbord available for your culinary delight, but you don't eat ANY of it! Now what?  Do you tell your host when she notices you slinking around hungry, or do you sneak out early and head for the nearest fast food joint., and hope no one notices?  Inquiring minds are eager to know.

SEX & INFORMERCIALS?

This has nothing to do with anything related to Thanksgiving, or food, or family (lol), but dang it, I just have to throw it out there.

What's up with the infomercials that promise "More Sex", "Better Sex", "Better Orgasms", blah, blah, blah. 

Back in the day, people were selling non-stick pans, Flowbees, bathroom cleaners, picker uppers. and flat hoses.These are the same items we're told can only be purchased on television, but I declare that every time I'm in Wal-Mart, they're staring me in the face - AND they're cheaper!

I'm a late night television watcher, and while flipping through and reading, these new age commercials are messing with my mind, guys!  They're everywhere!

Am I alone in my rant?  My fear is that somehow, someway, these items made to improve our sex lives will end up on the aisle in supermarkets or drugstores nationwide at a discounted price, begging to be purchased.

Even worse, some products that we NEVER see all year, mysteriously pop up like the Ove Glove and the Chia Pet.  What the heck?! (lol)

DECADENT MOCHA FUDGE ICE CREAM DESSERT & BOARD GAMES

Before we get started, let me give a super shout out to my girl Kim of http://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/, who lovingly does her weekly meme every Sunday about news, reviews, books and other great info.  Hey Kim!

Now on to our recipe.  In some areas it may be getting a little colder, but that sure doesn't mean we don't crave a little ice cream every once in a while.  This is the perfect delectable treat for a holiday party, and it's very simple to make.  It looks so delicious that everyone will think you spent hours in the kitchen, or a lot of money. Once again, this is from one of my faves - Five Ingredient Cookbook from Taste of Home.

Ingredients

• 3-3/4 cups crushed cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookies 
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 jar (16 ounces) hot fudge ice cream topping, warmed
• 1/2 gallon coffee, chocolate chip, or cookie dough ice cream, softened, 
• 1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
• Chocolate curls or sprinkles, optional

Directions

1. Combine cookie crumbs and butter; press onto the bottom and 1 in. up the sides of a 13x9-in. dish. Freeze 1 hour or until firm.
2. Spread hot fudge topping evenly over crust; freeze 30 minutes.
3. Layer with ice cream and whipped topping. Cover and freeze 8 hours or overnight. Garnish with chocolate curls or sprinkles if desired. Makes 15 servings,or less if you like BIG portions (lol).

MARTHA STEWART
If you've been reading my blog, you already know that I have HUGE girl crush on Martha Stewart because she can do anything!  Recently I was thrilled to see her on Chopped Junior and she was super serious about judging the work of those kids. Anywho, next month is the 25th anniversary of her magazine Living which is filled with lots of blingy decorations and delectable treats.  If you're crafty and want to try some new designs, this is the perfect magazine.  Flower and Gem Ornaments, Floral Fantasy Trees, and Sequined Balls are just a few of the DIY projects mentioned.  Then she shares some cool knowledge on candles that is really interesting.  Congrats to Martha and her team on her Silver Anniversary.

By the way - if you want to visit New York and tour Martha's offices, enter for your chance to win at www.gilt.com/martha.  The prizes include a trip for 2 to New York, a $2,000 shopping spree, special cookbooks and hanging out at some of Martha's favorite places.

 
DO YOU PLAY BOARD GAMES?
Let's face it - unless you get a game from a yard sale or thrift store, it's gonna cost you a little moola.  Prices for Monopoly and my fave Taboo range from $11.99 up to about $22.  Scrabble, however is a different animal and can cost as little as $17.99 all the way up to 1, 155!  I play all three, (I have yet to beat my husband in Scrabble who is a true master of the game, and no one I know has either-lol) and thank goodness I picked them up for next to nothing at yard sales from people who were tired of playing or just wanted to get rid of them.

This guy wrote a really funny post on his blog called  "9 Undeniable Reasons Board Games are Awful" back in 2014.  I can't say I agree with all of his reasoning, because I like board games, but he had me totally laughing out loud with his thoughts, and I followed him of course. I do agree that sometimes it's awful dag hard to find the right amount of people, or in fact ANY people to play on occasion. (lol) Check him out for yourself at http://islaythedragon.com/  

But it made me wonder, are people still playing board games these days?  Has electronics and Social Media taken over?

Off to cook breakfast, head to church and back to watch Christmas movies on the Hallmark Channel.  Yes, most I've seen before, but I can't help myself. Of course, they'll be some reading going on, too!  Ridley Person's The Risk Agent is keeping me on the edge of my seat with all the suspense and action.  How's your day?

MAPLE SYRUP MARTINI & FUN STUFF

Nope, haven't tried this drink yet, but the thought of maple syrup in a drink sounded pretty cool. Even better, it's super simple to make for when you're reading a good book, or to show off for friends. Here it is:

In an ice-filled shaker, mix 1/4 cup Vanilla Vodka, 3 Tbs. Pure Maple Syrup, 2 Tbs Dark Rum and 1/2 Tsp Rum Extract.  Shake it up well for your aerobic activity, then strain into 2 glasses. Add a stick of cinnamon or a piece of yummy bacon if you like. Done! 

AWARDS
Did you know that 12 people have won all four major awards since 1950? Audrey Hepburn, Whoopi Goldberg, Helen Hayes and Mel Brooks are included in this esteemed list of entertainers who have won an Oscar, an Emmy, a Tony AND a Grammy.  

FRESH FRIDGE
Most of us use baking soda to keep the odors out of the fridge, but did you know that we can also get rid of those yucky smells with a lemon?  Place lemon juice on a cotton ball, then leave it in the refrigerator for about 2-3 hours.  When you go back later, that smell will be all gone!

TURKEY CHALLENGED
I have to be honest.  The first time I heard about this line, I thought it was a ruse, but it actually does exist.  Every year in November and December anyone can call the Turkey Talk-line for cooking assistance.  I don't know how they do it, but their team is able to figure out just about any scenario you can come up with.  I'm sure 30+ years of experience has prepared them for anything. (lol) 1-800-BUTTERBALL (1-800-288-8372) 

BLACK FRIDAY
Years ago, I remember getting up super early to head to K-Mart to purchase gold hoop earrings, and I was pretty much always first in line. It was a really fun activity allowing me to chat with others, or to people watch once I made my purchase. I did this for 3 years before moving to another state. Ah...how things have changed.  Black Friday Deals were so hard to find out about in advance that you had to know someone to get an early scoop. Now we can get bargains on Thanksgiving, and on-line that can be better than on Black Friday. We also find out about all those deals much, much earlier.  But what about you?  Any plans to head out with the masses, or will you let your fingers do the walking?