SHOULD FRIENDS AND FAMILY PAY FOR YOUR SERVICES?

I'm just going to call this a mini rant, sort of on behalf of the world. Let's say that you're a professional barber making a decent living cutting hair, but your best friend stops by your house to have his hair cut for free. You're a struggling author with excellent writing and grammar skills, and your sister wants you to write a thesis for college. Or maybe you're a famous author, and a friend wants you to ghostwrite her novel. Should you be paid?  As a researcher, you earn big bucks to find out information for a law firm, yet an associate would like you to do some fact checking for a project he's working on.  There's a fine line, however, because it's always important to be kind, but when is too much, just too much?

Do you get the gist of where I'm going with this?  Do family and friends ask you to do things because you possess certain skills that are useful at any given time? Should you be compensated, or is it just expected that you're supposed to do it, in order to keep the peace?   Inquiring minds just wanna know.

JAMES PATTERSON
It never ceases to amaze me how often I come across a James Patterson novel.  He writes alone, with partners, and is even writing children's books these days.  Having sold over 300 million copies of his novels, he has more #1 bestsellers than any other author in the world!  I wish I knew how he found the energy to do all that writing.  I don't read his work as much as I used to, but he's definitely a true writing genius!

PERFUME FOR CHRISTMAS
Have you noticed that during the holidays there are literally tons and tons of perfumes and colognes in the stores?  What's up with that? Some are super expensive, and you can find some at the budget price of a dollar.  I've always wondered if someone has broken out in a rash after receiving a fragrance that caused an allergic reaction, or even worse, the scent just plain sucked.  Still, every year all those gift sets are then marked down at 50% off the day after Christmas.(lol)  I'm just saying...

WHAT MAKES YOU STOP FOLLOWING SOMEONE ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Since I've had Facebook, there have only been 3 people that I "unfriended", and about 4 I've "unfollowed" on Twitter.  The Twitter unfollowing came about when I realized they were hard core advertisers, and Facebook was for business reasons. For the most part, I stay with the team, even when there are differing views.  Unfortunately, there a few who may not feel the same way, and may hit the "unlike" button, quickly when there is a disagreement. (lol)   But what about you?

No matter what, there are still the same hot buttons that we all know and love.  Politics, sexual orientation, race, books we love or not, and people who just plain get on our nerves.(lol)  What's also true, is that if you put your feelings out there for the world to see, be prepared for all the love, or all the backlash that it brings with it. No matter what, there's always the "unlike, unfriend, or unfollow" buttons.

MANDATORY CHRISTMAS TV
Do you find yourself watching the same Christmas programs year after year?  I'm definitely guilty of watching Home Alone, The Grinch (animated) and Trading Places every single year!  Never mind that I have the DVDs on the shelf of these very same movies, or that I know how the story ends. Something about these three is just plain entertainment.  Do you have any favorite Christmas programs?

SAVE MONEY ON SHIPPING
If you're one of those people who can't decide until the last minute what gift you need to get for your co-worker, or best friend, December 18 is the best day for you to shop!  Order your things on line through major retailers, and you're not only GUARANTEED to get your delivery by Christmas Eve, but the shipping will be FREE!  This includes the biggies like Amazon.  Visit www.freeshippingday.com on Thursday and you're all set.

GOLD RUSH BROWNIES, TOP EARNERS & DISNEY DEALS

As mentioned in my last posting, I'm on a serious chocolate binge all month long, and once again, this is a super simple treat with just 4 ingredients for parties or family desserts.  Yep, if you guessed this is another fab recipe from Taste of Home - 5 Ingredients, you'd be right on the money!

INGREDIENTS
2 Cups Graham Cracker Crumbs
1 Cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
1/2 Cup Chopped Pecans (Or whichever type nut you prefer)
1 Can Sweetened Condensed Milk

DIRECTIONS
1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees, then in a bowl, combine crumbs, chocolate chips and pecans.  Stir in milk until well blended (The batter will be stiff, so be prepared!). Spread into a greased square baking pan.

2.  Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  Cool on a rack, then cut into bars.  You're all set!

TOP PAYING JOBS FOR 2015
According to the Department of Labor, certain jobs earn hefty paychecks.  Some you may expect, but here's the top 10.

10.  - Pharmacists -                            $116,500
  9. -  Physicist -                                   117,040
  8. -  Law Professors                           122,280
  7. -  Pilots/Air Traffic Controllers     118,050 - 129,600
  6. -  Attorneys                                    131,990
  5. -  Managers(Various)                    123,000 - 136,540
  4. -  Petroleum Engineers                  149,180
  3. -  Nurse Anesthetists                     157,690
  2. -  Chief Executives                        178,400
  1. -  Doctors, Surgeons                      196,000 - 235,000

In the Spring, Parade will give a listing of annual earners for entertainers and everyday people.  More info to come...

If one of the things on your Christmas list is a trip to Disney World, make sure you get the best prices available by visiting www.MouseSavers.com.  You'll get discount codes unavailable anywhere else on rooms, packages and dining.  Checking out this site can get you savings of up to 40%!  Also, plan to get your steps in!  Visitors say they walk an average of 9 miles per day at the park!

Many may be surprised to know that there are homeless people, or victims of domestic violence right in your neighborhood.  These people don't have a place to live, survive from their cars, and wash up in gas stations, as they pound the pavement for jobs or a place to call home.  Your neighbor is being verbally or physically harmed every day and her cries remain silent.  If she has been able to escape, she's constantly looking over her shoulder, in fear.

As a book nerd, talking about novels and meeting other readers has been my passion, but I cannot never forget the plight of those less fortunate, who struggle on a daily basis to get their lives back.  This is a blog about recipes, contests, freebies, interviews and books, but it also a reminder to not forget about those less fortunate, particularly during the holidays.

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)