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!

On love.

Love comes in many forms. Friendship, relationship, spouse, pets, children and many more interpretations. It doesn't matter really, love is love.

As far as I am concerned love will rule my life. I defiantly am not a pro at the romantic type but in a world of love I think I'm alright.

I have always been sensitive, more so than most people. But as much as this has plagued me this has also benefited me. I appreciate those who are real. People that stick around and love you no matter what are the best of people. I have been so lucky to see the purest of hearts. People that love beyond themselves & give more than they should. I am beyond grateful to have seen these this kind of love. Most people cannot recognize such things.

My friend Jessie was everything that embodies life. Fun, funny, strong, successful. She made me feel welcome among people I never felt that way with. I've always been more quiet and reserved. She was more than out going. Not even close to shy. She was someone that I loved. Someone that I admired. She always had a passion for life. She was more outspoken than anyone should be sometimes. But in the best way.

In April of this year, Jessie will have been gone for two years.

I still have her number in my phone. I don't even feel like we were the best of friends but we were friends. Her being gone has more than impacted my world. It's hard to be mean when you realize life is short. Its hard to be hateful when you see that good people die. It's hard to know that the last moment you have with someone is truly the last. Life is just hard. Love is what carries us through this. The only thing. I will forever miss my friend but I do know that her laughter & love carry on. And I am better because of her. Every. Single. Day. Love is all you need.

Fixes for fashion "issues"

Scuffed your heel? Bored with your heels? Try the heel condom:
Thank you to my fabulous FB friend's for introducing me to these beautiful things. I buy a lot of shoes. Anyone that knows me knows this. But what's more fun than spicing up a pair of old heels with some fun accessories. Or hiding a scuffed heel with lace or feathers!! You all know you have a pair with a dent or two. How cute are these???!!! Check them out. Www.heelcondoms.com

Drawer full of summer clothes & it's cold!!!
Pair your summer casual shorts with a pair of textured tights & a blazer. It's fun, dressy & cute. And can be worn in the winter even when you think your shorts are a no go for a few more months. I love this look as it can be dressed up or down & is generally more comfortable than a skirt.

I was inspired by my sister's blog post yesterday (seen below). Beautifully written post for her charity wedding site. www.thecharitywedding.com

Here it is...


Long live…

burlap
bunting
suitcases
picnics
peonies
bird cage veils
skeleton keys
dessert tables
cake pops
chalkboards
Long live details that make you happy, elements that make you grin, and mementos that bring back memories and create new ones all on their own.

Long live modern, vintage, offbeat, eclectic, budget, extravagant, destination …

Long live shoe shots, ring shots, posed shots, jumping shots…

Long live mustaches, paper straws, balloons, and photo booths…

Long live weddings- however you interpret them.

Long live love- love for details, love for special touches, love for planning, love for each other.

Long live marriage because when all is said and done that is all that matters. Details or no details, you married your best friend and you should feel pretty great about that regardless of what anyone has to say.

Want to get fired up about something? Want to rant about something really terrible?

Do you want to really start a conversation?

Start fighting for marriage equality, we have far bigger problems than mason jars.

Thanks Alicia!

People like Kim Kardashian are rewarded & sought-after for her 72 day marriage. People continue to google her, watch the show & buy the magazines. These type of people should not be paid any attention. She's not only making a mockery of the institution of marriage but rubbing it in the faces of those that are truly in love and not legally able to marry. Everyone should be able to express their love and share it with the world. And if so inclined make it legal.

A healthy"ish" dessert for your Thanksgiving festivities

Those of you who know me know that I am constantly trying to achieve the perfect diet. Delicious & healthy which is hard to come by sometimes. And as I am not a meat eater my Thanksgiving meal usually consists of potatoes, bread & pie. Carb fest. I would usually try to avoid eating this way as I enjoy veggies and think they should come with every meal. But who eats healthy during the holidays?! So I've been on an Internet search for some alternatives to the traditional Thanksgiving goodies. I came across this dip on the Mayo clinic website. (thanks doc's) for a dessert or appetizer. Granted it's not supremely healthy but it's gotta be better than that second piece of pie.

Here it is complete with advice from Mayo's dietitians.

Dietitian's tip:
This light dessert stands in nicely for calorie-rich pumpkin pie. You can also use it as a spread for bagels.
By Mayo Clinic staff
Serves 12

Ingredients

Spread:
8 ounces low-fat cream cheese (room temperature)
3/4 cup of canned pumpkin (unsweetened, unsalted)
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Serve with:
6 apples sliced

Directions

Mix all ingredients for the spread together in a mixing bowl by hand or with an electric mixer (medium speed). Serve with apple slices for dipping.

Nutritional Analysis (per serving)
Serving size: about 3 tablespoons
Calories 107 Cholesterol 10 mg
Protein 2 g Sodium 91 mg
Carbohydrate 18 g Fiber 3 g
Total fat 3 g Potassium 177 mg
Saturated fat 2 g Calcium 39 mg
Monounsaturated fat 1 g

Sounds great right?!! I'm thinking you could add celery, strawberries (or other dip able fruits) and maybe even whole wheat crackers?!! So here you get your sweet fix and less guilt. I love to have my pumpkin pie dip & eat it too.