Christmas thoughts...

Narrator: And he puzzled and puzzed, till his puzzler was sore.
Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before!
"Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store.
Maybe Christmas… perhaps… means a little bit more."
-The Grinch

Presents, trees, lights, caroling and snow. There are many images that represent the Christmas season, sights that spark the memories we've shared every year when December rolls around. We all have our own traditions, ways to celebrate this day, December 25th each year.

This day represents the birth of Jesus Christ, the son of God and the center of Christian religion. Whether or not you believe that Jesus was born this day or in Jesus in general, there is one universal truth in the matter. LOVE. No one can deny that the life of Jesus Christ was based on the philosophy of LOVE. He taught us to turn the other cheek. Ya know?

And while my purpose in this is not to preach, that's just not me. My purpose is to remind everyone to LOVE. Things such as black Friday turn us into consumer driven, deal getting freaks. When did our Thanksgiving traditions become waiting in a parking lot, spraying people with mace, and pushing people to the ground? Don't get me wrong, I love a good deal and shopping more than most but not at this cost. Christmas, my friend's is a day to share LOVE. This day isn't about how many gifts we get and how full our stockings are. These things only enhance the joy (Christmas word for ya) we should feel on that day.

Spending time with family and friends. Sharing a meal together. Probably a glass of wine or two. (in my case) This is what Christmas is all about. Remember when the Grinch stole "Christmas" from Whoville and they celebrated anyway? Because Christmas is about the spirit. Much love. And Merry Christmas!

Winter cocktails

Who doesn't like a nice relaxing cocktail to come home to? If you don't we probably aren't friend's. (kidding...sort of) As much as I look forward to coffee in the AM I look forward to a night cap in the PM. Home drinks should be uncomplicated & have just a few ingredients. No one wants to buy 5 items to mix cocktails at home. So aside from my usual glass of wine here are a few ideas for winter beverages.

Toasty white Russian
Ingredients you'll need:
Vodka (I prefer vanilla flavored...yum)
Kahlua or coffee flavored liqueur
Milk of choice (again I prefer soy, almond or coconut)

Heat up your milk (3 minutes in microwave) add 2 ounces of vodka & 1 ounce of kahlua. Top with chocolate sprinkles. (not required but fun & delish)

So good...it's cold in Russia so I'm not sure why this drink is usually iced!

Spicy hot chocolate:
Mix your hot chocolate mix with cinnamon & cayenne pepper for an extra kick. So delish. Mix with vanilla soy and spiced rum. So good! You could also use whiskey in the more mellow varieties. Or the vanilla vodka mentioned in the previous recipe.

These drinks are for my second mother. Hoping they are more your style. If not I've got more up my sleeve. And for the rest of you happy cocktailing! I hope you're all warm.

Snow!

A big Flagstaff storm is upon us. So it's time to cozy up, pull out the down jacket & get WARM! Personally my snow ritual is worse than it should be. I wear my heels as long as possible & choose a skirt over long johns. But I've lived through a storm or two so I'd say I'm alright. My new personal FAVE staying warm tactic is a fun new cocktail. The WHISKEY CHAI. Warm, sweet, and super cozy feeling.

So I'll go home, put on my coziest PJ's, turn on my heated blanket & prepare my beverage. Best part?! It's super easy!

Here's what you'll need:
* Chai tea concentrate (not a tea bag it comes in a cardboard container, most grocery stores have it)

*whiskey of choice: I prefer Irish like Jameson, but tonight I used Honey Jack because I had some

*milk of choice: I use vanilla soy or almond milk but you can use the old fashioned kind if you prefer

*cinnamon (not necessary just makes it pretty besides cinnamon has some great health benefits)

And here's what you do: mix half chai tea concentrate & soy milk (or whatever) and microwave for 3 minutes.

Take out of microwave (duh, I know but some people are slower than others)

Add whiskey, I like about 2 ounces (as I use a large mug) but 1 is good too especially in a smaller cup. Honestly I never really measure to the exact but this is my rough guesstimate.

Stir- quite a bit and top with cinnamon

Yummmmm! Enjoy.

Stay warm wherever you are!