Substance of Living

If you find yourself single for whatever reason on this Valentine's Day, send out thoughts of love and let the self-pampering begin.   Treat yourself special.  After all, aren't you the best person to be around? Whether February the 14th falls on a work day or not, enjoy some quality time throughout this month.  Here are some ways to luxuriate in your independence: Have fun! Make a Cuddle Basket the day before to enjoy during tonight's movie marathon or some good ol' binge watching of your favorite series.  Include items like a new throw blanket, hot chocolate ( here or here ), gourmet popcorn , and some semi-homemade cookies . Swaddle in your blanket and journal or read. Linger in your lounging wear. Dress up and go to a museum. Treat yourself to something at a spa. Try going tech-free; set your phone for emergency or to receive calls only from your favorites list. Go sightseeing in your own city or visit somewhere that's within a day's drive. Cook yourself a ...

There are times that we just don't feel like messing with the stove to make homemade hot cocoa but still want something hot and tasty.  Today's hot chocolate solves that problem and more. Pour milk (dairy or any non-dairy) into a microwavable cup, heat for about 1 1/2 minutes on high, open your favorite hot chocolate package, pour in cup, stir, and now add a 1/2 to 1 full shot of your favorite peppermint liqueur. You're done and the sensational sipping begins within two minutes! When you're hosting a gathering on a cold evening, try setting up a hot chocolate bar with instant as well as homemade.  Have hot milk, hot water, sprinkles, marshmallows, whipped cream, and of course alcoholic and non-alcoholic flavorings to add. Notes: We used non-dairy milk and of our favorites are almond milk or coconut milk.  Soy and rice would also be nice. We like dark chocolate and have found Swiss Miss Dark Chocolate to have a rich flavor. There are other varieti...

What do you think of the name "The Traveler" for a drink?  When I made this the other night, it made me feel a bit like a big city dweller at the same time a world sea traveler. The two drinks that I chose to combine for The Traveler are the Cosmopolitan (more widely known as the Cosmo) and the Salty Dog. Ingredients 1/2 oz. Triple Sec 1 1/2 oz. Vodka Grapefruit Juice Splash of Lemon Lime Soda * Garnish with a sugared rim or a wedge of orange dipped in colored sugar. Directions In a shaker add ice, vodka, triple sec, and grapefruit juice. Shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled margarita or martini glass. Add a splash of lemon/lime soda. Garnish. Note To garnish the rim of a glass, lightly dip the top of the glass in water, juice or rub a piece of fruit or rind around the edge of the glass top. After wetting the glass top, rub in salt/sugar/cinnamon/or any other garnish. We wanted to see how the taste and look would alter so we added a...

Black Pirate If you're over 21 years of age (that's the legal drinking age in the United States), this is a drink you'll enjoy during the cold weather.  It's also a nice drink over ice to stay cool in the summer heat. You may be aware of a drink called a Black Jamaican or My Maria that has Myer's Rum and Tia Maria.  This Black Pirate is our version. Can you see yourself serving up this nice drink at a fall or Halloween party?  The name alone makes me think of a movie screening party, pirate party, or a fun night of adult mischief including a scavenger hunt. Like most things, creation is born from necessity.  Well, it wasn't necessary that DH and I have a drink, but it does coincide with our game of choosing something new to try on a regular basis.  Anywhoo! We wanted to make a Black Jamaican but didn't have Myer's Rum and certainly didn't have Tia Maria.  I mean, do you?  But like many people, we did have some rum - which happened to ...

Homemade Hot Cocoa See all the dark chocolate swimming around in that rich and creamy cup of steamy hot cocoa?  If we hadn't drank all of it last night, I'd be sitting here with a cup right now.  Then again, there might be some chocolate left in the pantry.  As soon as I'm done here, I'm going to go see.   There are all kinds of cocoa. There are instant, homemade, kid friendly and of course adult versions. So let's start with your favorite version of cocoa or hot chocolate mix, whether that is from a package or a secret family recipe passed down through the generations.  If you don’t have a favorite, here is one I think you might enjoy. Ingredients: 4 cups Non-Dairy Milk 2 Tablespoons Vegan Butter 8 ounces Chocolate (candy bars, baking chocolate) 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract Directions:   Chop the chocolate very finely.  If you’re using dark chocolate you might need to sweeten your drink a bit.  However, i...

This month's selection is a bit eclectic.  We have some mysteries and a love story of sorts.  We also have a book that at first I wasn't too sure if I'd like since it has to do with government corruption.  Ahh, but I did keep an open mind for the first couple pages and found myself unable to put the book down. Whiskey Sour by Jack Kilborn and J.A. Konrath Are you a Whiskey Sour drinker?  Did you try "Jack" Daniel's drink of choice for this book? Just the Way You Are by Barbara Freethy Suggestions on where to find books other than a book store include, wholesale clubs, thrift stores , library, amazon , garage sales , family, friends, and flea markets. Murder on the Mind (A Jeff Resnick Mystery) by L. L. Bartlett Breach of Trust by DiAnn Mills If you're new to our book club and would like to get caught up, check out June , July , and August . What have you been or are currently reading?  What did you think about last month...