Recipe4Living.com Launches 5th Birthday Celebration

If you've vowed to "cook more" is part of your New Year's Resolutions, Recipe4Living.com is here to help. They've got a few contests, giveaways and recipes going on which should help you get off to a good start stay on track for 2011 (and beyond).

January 1st, 2011: Recipe4Living.com Launches 5th Birthday Celebration
Recipe4Living, a recipe and cooking site with over 19,000 user-submitted recipes, is turning 5 and we're celebrating all month! We're making our birthday month special with all sorts of contests, giveaways, and recipe collections!

Here are all of the fun birthday features you’ll find on our site during the month of January:

***Contests and Giveaways***

The Recipe4Living 5th Birthday Contest, Sponsored by Scharffen BergerIt’s our 5th birthday, and what better way to celebrate then with a birthday cake! Enter your best birthday cake recipe and you’ll have a chance to win an amazing gift basket from Scharffen Berger, filled with baking chocolate, a cookbook, and tasty chocolate bars! Then vote for your favorite birthday cake, and watch and see which cake comes on top- the winner is chosen by you! Click here to read more and enter!

The January T-Shirt Giveaway: Help Us Get to 20,000 Recipes!
We’re determined to reach 20,000 recipes by the end of our birthday month, so we need your help! Submit a recipe- any recipe- and each day that you do so during the month of January, you will be entered into a drawing to win an exclusive Recipe4Living t-shirt! Prizes are given out daily, so enter now- you might just become the most stylish cook in town! Click here to read more and enter!

***Recipe Collections***

For our birthday, we decided to look back on the best of the best! From chicken dinners to desserts to crockpot creations, we found the highest rated recipes ever and put them into these special collections. Click the links below to see our users’ very favorite recipes from the last 5 years.

Our 10 Top-Rated Recipes EVER!

Our Top-Rated Recipe Collections of All Time!

Our Top-Rated Dessert Recipes Ever!

Our 10 Top-Rated Soup Recipes of All Time!

Our Top-Rated Salad Recipes Ever!

Our 10 Top-Rated Crockpot Recipes of All Time!

Our Top-Rated Chicken Recipes of All Time!

Our Top 10 Highest Rated Casserole Recipes!

Be sure to 'like' Recipe4Living.com on Facebook follow them on Twitter for updates.

Happy Birthday, Recipe4Living.com!

*Smooches&Hugs*

Season's Greetings!

Thank you for supporting my {stellar.SASSY.social} and 'DC Cheap Eats' Examiner endeavors. Stay tuned for more articles via my new Examiner titles: 'DC Tapas' (appetizers, small plates, desserts) and 'DC Beauty Products' (hair/skin/nail product reviews)!

No matter how (or if) you celebrate, please travel safe and enjoy your family and friends.

Best wishes from MY heart to YOURS.

*Smooches&Hugs*

Holiday Bags by ChicoBag

I can't remember the last time I actually wrapped a gift. I normally just toss items into a cute gift bag or wicker basket, toss in matching tissue paper and GO! Easy. Breezy.

This year, I've decided to "go green" with ChicoBag™. Just as easy and breezy, only this time the bags can be reused for something else, besides another gift.

It's the gift (bag) that keeps on giving.

I received two sample bags from ChicoBag™ which will be put to GOOD use this year. Here's what I did:

Samples: green and blue

Close up. Frosty the Snowman loses his hat!

This bag is thin, but HUGE! Fits my 17.3" laptop with plenty of room to spare.
It folds up small and is easy to carry when its not being used. There's also a small pocked inside that's good for small items, loose change, ID, lip gloss (or chapstick, if you're a guy!) and your cell phone

What's a holiday without Barbie!? Even four Barbie dolls (and their acessories) will fit
into these holiday ChicoBag™.

The bags stuff down into a small integrated pouch and include carabineers, so they can be easily tossed into a purse or glove box or clipped onto anything. They also wrap conveniently around gifts to serve as a three-in-one purpose for reuse, for the environment and as a gift inside a gift.

The Holiday collection is available for purchase at retailers nationwide and also online at http://www.chicobag.com/. 

Happy holidays!

 

*Smooches&Hugs*

3rd Annual Holiday Market

The 3rd Annual Holiday Market is coming to Capital Riverfront soon, so save the date.

FunFREEFoodieFind: FREE coffee, bagels and pastries available on Saturday, December 18th!

Click here to view full flyer for a list of confirmed vendors. You may also contact Kathleen for sponsorship opportunities.

Be sure to join Capital Riverfront BID on Facebook!

*Smooches&Hugs*

Bake a Difference: The Holiday Joy Cookie

Bake a Difference: The Holiday Joy Cookie

Otis Spunkmeyer supports the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation in their efforts to deliver new gifts to children who might not receive a holiday gift otherwise

Available for a limited time from November 1 – December 31.

A blonde cookie dough made with red coated white candies and bits of peppermint – the peppermint flavor helps complement the holidays.

Get in the holiday spirit by conducting your own toy drive. 

*Smooches&Hugs*

3rd annual Trick-or-Treat Bag Design Contest

Halloween is right around the corner and ChicoBag™ is excited to announce our 3rd annual Trick-or-Treat Bag Design Contest! ChicoBag™ has partnered with Green Halloween® to promote safe, healthy and eco-friendly Halloween festivities with our national Trick-or-Treat bag design contest for children.

About the Contest:
The contest is open to children ages 1-13. They are to create a design that best captures the "Spirit of a Green Halloween" using the ChicoBag™ design template and their medium of choice. Winning designs will have their artwork printed on next year's ChicoBag™ Trick-or-Treat bag as well as cash prizes and eco-goodies! ChicoBag™ will donate 10 percent of the proceeds from each bag directly to Green Halloween®.

Entries can be sent via email (jpeg or pdf format) to halloween@chicobag.com or mailed (print format) to: ChicoBag Company, c/o Halloween Contest, 349 Huss Drive, Chico, CA 95928. Entrants must submit a signed agreement form which includes the artist and the parents name, age and contact information.

Click here for further details and to view last year's bag. I have samples of both and they're too cute. Nice and sturdy. They even include an inner "pocket" for small items (keys, cell, important candies, etc) I'll be sure to post pics after we put them to good use.

About the 2010 Halloween Bag:
The winning design from last year's contest is printed on the 2010 Halloween bag by ChicoBag™. Each bag is made from lightweight, machine washable material and holds up to 25 pounds of goodies. The bags can be used year after year, and once the goodies are all gobbled up, the bags can be stuffed back into their pouches for storage. The 2010 Halloween bag is available in two adorable designs and can be purchased at http://www.chicobag.com/ or at select retailers nationwide.
 
Social Media:
You can 'LIKE' them on Facebook and/or follow them on Twitter.

*Smooches&Hugs*

Contest: International Bacon Day

Attention bacon lovers and dog owners...

It's the holiday you've all been waiting for (or maybe didn't even know about): International Bacon Day!

Read on.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DOGS ARE WAGGING THEIR TAILS AND LICKING THEIR CHOPS IN ANTICIPATION

FOR THE International Bacon Day CELEBRATION in Cincinnati

Kevin Gillespie, Season 6 finalist of hit reality TV series, will kick off Beggin’® brand dog snacks bacon-themed party and Guinness World Record attempt for “loudest group bark”

The day dogs have been waiting for has finally arrived – a day to celebrate their passion for bacon! On Saturday, Sept. 4, in observance of International Bacon Day, Beggin’® is inviting all the four-legged, pork-loving maniacs to attend the Beggin’® Bacon Bash and declare their obsession for bacon.

This dog-friendly family event will take place from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Blue Ash Recreation Center, 4433 Cooper Rd., in Cincinnati, which is one of the largest pork-producing cities in the United States. The Beggin’ Bacon Bash will feature special cooking demonstrations by Kevin Gillespie, a finalist on Bravo’s “Top Chef” reality show known for incorporating pork into almost every signature dish.

“I’m a huge fan of the pig, and I’m crazy about bacon in particular, so I couldn’t be more excited to be hosting this event with Beggin’®,” said Gillespie, who is currently the co-owner and executive chef at The Woodfire Grill in his native Atlanta. “I’ll be sharing some of my favorite pork dishes with other bacon-lovers and hope to inspire them to embrace pork within their own cooking. Let’s get the party started!”

Beggin’® Bacon Bash will feature live music and activities for both two-legged and four-legged bacon lovers. For the humans, All Pro Eating will sanction a bacon-eating contest as well as other hands on activities such as a Beggin'® Canadian Cuts toss. For the furry friends, there will be a canine costume contest for the most bacon-inspired costume and a bacon maze and bacon race. In addition, the Purina® Incredible Dog Team will perform canine agility and dock diving presentations. Local dog owners are also invited to bring their dogs to participate in an attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for the “loudest group bark” to officially declare their love for bacon.

“Because dogs – and their owners – share a hilarious obsession for bacon, Beggin’ wanted to create an exciting, dog-friendly event for the entire family that’s all about bacon,” said Stephen Trammell, assistant brand manager, Nestlé Purina Dog Snacks brand pet food. “There’s no better way to celebrate International Bacon Day.”

For additional information about the events and attractions at the Beggin’ Bacon Bash, visit http://www.beggintime.com/.

About Nestlé Purina Pet Care
Nestlé Purina PetCare promotes responsible pet care, humane education, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. The North American headquarters for Nestlé Purina PetCare is located at Checkerboard Square in St. Louis, Missouri. Nestlé Purina PetCare is part of Swiss-based Nestlé S.A. -- the world's largest food company. For more, visit http://www.purina.com/.

###

KEVIN GILLESPIE’S BACON RECIPES Spicy bacon popcorn
1/3 cup organic popping corn
3 T + 12g melted bacon fat
2 tsp espelette pepper
1 tsp fresh ground black pepper
2 tsp popcorn salt
¼ C finely grated parmesan
8g tapioca maltodextrin

Place three tablespoons of bacon fat in bottom of popcorn machine. Add popping corn and allow machine to run until the popping slows. Remove from the machine and toss in a mixing bowl with espelette, black pepper, salt, and parmesan. Mix remaining bacon fat with tapioca maltodextrin. Sprinkle bacon powder over popcorn and serve.

Bacon Whoopie pies
½ C unsalted butter, room temperature
1 C dark brown sugar
½ C granulated sugar
¼ C turbinado sugar
2 large eggs
½ C molasses
2 T grapeseed oil
2 C AP flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground allspice
½ tsp ground cloves
½ tsp kosher salt

Bacon Buttercream
12 egg whites
1 Tbsp salt
3 C dark brown sugar
36 oz butter
½ C rendered bacon fat

Special thanks to our friends over at:

Catalyst
New York, NY

POC: Megan Hueter (mhueter[AT]catalystpublicrelations[DOT]com)


Hint! Hint!---->There just might be some Purina Beggin’ Strips coupons up for grabs to readers who send/post photos of these delicious recipes and/or of your pet enjoying International Bacon Day!
<----Hint! Hint!

*Smooches&Hugs*

Three-O Vodka: Labor Day Cocktails!

Sip. Share. Smile.

Traditionally celebrated as the official end of summer, Labor Day is a holiday to kick back, relax, and throw one last backyard party before chilly autumn nights come knocking.

Below you can find a few recipes to help you bid farewell to summer, including a few cocktails that might even get you access to Sean “Diddy” Combs famed “White Party.”

Summer Sunset
1 oz. Three-O Pomegranate Vodka
1 oz. Three-O Mango Vodka
½ oz. coconut rum
1 oz. pineapple juice
1 oz. cranberry juice
Shake with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass/Garnish with a pineapple slice.


September Sunrise
2 oz. 1800 Silver Tequila
4 oz. orange juice
¾ oz. grenadine


Combine tequila and juice into a cocktail shaker. Shake with ice and strain into rocks glass with ice./Pour grenadine into the glass, it will naturally sink to the bottom.


The Working-man’s Margarita
1.5 oz. 1800 Silver Tequila
¼ oz. pear puree
¼ oz. fresh lime juice
½ oz. triple sec
Combine ingredients and blend with ice, or shake ingredients with ice and serve on the rocks


White After Labor Day
1 oz. Three-O Triple Shot Espresso
1 oz. white chocolate liqueur
1 oz. half and half
Shake with ice and strain into a martini glass/Garnish with espresso beans.

Whatever your cocktail choice(s), travel with care. Have a safe and happy Labor Day!

From our friends at:
5W Public Relations

New York, NY
www.5wpr.com

*Smooches&Hugs*

Otis Spunkmeyer: The Pink Cookie

Bake a Difference: The Pink Cookie

Otis Spunkmeyer supports the National Breast Cancer Foundation in their efforts to save lives by increasing awareness and providing mammograms to those in need.

Available for a limited time from September 1 – October 31.

A luscious chocolate cookie dough with pink color coated candies.

To make a donation or learn more about the National Breast Cancer Foundation, visit them at http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/

*Smooches&Hugs*

FATHER'S DAY: Diamonds Dad Will Like

Maestro DOBEL Diamond Tequila is the ultimate, one of a kind, gift for fathers who already have everything.

 

 

Created by Juan-Domingo “DOBEL” Beckmann, the sixth-generation leader of the world’s most prominent tequila-producing family, Maestro DOBEL is indeed “diamond-clear” – a result of proprietary blending technique. Filtered to perfection, Maestro DOBEL Diamond Tequila is measured by the 4C’s - clarity, complexity, crispness, and craftsmanship – to provide tastemakers with smoother, brighter, and higher grade tequila.

 

Hand-crafted in Jalisco, Mexico, DOBEL is a distinctive blend of three aged tequilas: Reposado (rested 12 months), Anejo (rested 24 months), and Extra-Anejo (rested for 36 months). The agave is grown for eight to ten years and hand picked for quality at one of a small number of the DOBEL family’s best ranches, which is named on the label of each individually numbered bottle (making it one-of-a-kind for dad), and speaks to the expert craftsmanship behind each batch of Maestro DOBEL produced.
 

EL DIABLO MARTINI

2 parts DOBEL Tequila

½ part Domaine de Canton liqueur

¼ part Fresh lemon juice

¼ part Crème de Cassis liqueur

Glass: Martini

Garnish: Lemon wedge

**FYI/Reminder: Father's Day: Sunday, June 21st

*Smooches&Hugs*

Celebrate Father's Day Aboard the Odyssey or Spirit of Washington

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jessica Zachar

Jessica@lindarothpr.com

703.417.2701

CELEBRATE FATHER’S DAY WITH A RELAXING CRUISE ON THE ODYSSEY OR SPIRIT OF WASHINGTON

Washington, DC [June 2010] — The Odyssey and the Spirit of Washington offer the perfect way to honor dad this Father’s Day. Relax with the entire family and enjoy Washington’s gorgeous scenic views. On both ships guests are treated to musical entertainment, dancing and delicious cuisine to ensure a relaxing and sophisticated day.

On Sunday, June 20, the Odyssey offers early brunch, late brunch and dinner cruises. Brunch features a variety of sweet and savory brunch favorites, including Scrambled Eggs with Wisconsin Cheddar; Strawberries and Cream French Toast filled with strawberry cream cheese; and Penne Rigatta au Gratin tossed with broccoli, mushrooms, red peppers and a smoked gouda cream sauce. Brunch ends with an assortment of pastries and Odyssey’s signature chocolate fountain. Both brunches are priced at $69.90* per adult and $34.95* for children ages 3 – 12; sailing from 11:00am – 1:00pm and again from 3:00pm – 5:00pm. To book, call 866.306.2469 or reserve online.

Father’s Day dinner aboard the Odyssey begins with a variety of first course items like Lobster Bisque and Shrimp and Scallop Mélange with scallops, shrimp and blue crab baked with creamy spinach. Main courses feature Beef Short Ribs, Syrah braised short ribs with red-skinned smashed potatoes; and Roasted Chicken Santa Cruz, roasted smoked chicken breast served atop sautéed vegetables and chicken chorizo. End the night with sweet indulgences like Odyssey’s Signature Decadent Chocolate Truffle Torte and Peach and Blueberry Cobbler with vanilla bean ice cream. Dinner is priced at $79.90* per adult and $39.95* for children ages 3 – 12; and sails from 7:00pm – 10:00pm. To book, call 866.306.2469 or reserve online.

On Sunday, June 20, the festive Spirit of Washington offers afternoon lunch and dinner cruises. Both cruises feature a Grande Buffet with a carving station of Roasted Rosemary Beef and Old Smokehouse Carved Ham. Entrees include favorites like Wild Alaskan Salmon and Pasta Italiano with fresh seasonal vegetables and turkey meatballs. Finish your feast with Traditional New York-style Cheesecake and Sweet Chocolate Mousse Truffle. Afternoon lunch is priced at $65.90* per person and sails from 3:00pm – 5:00pm. Dinner is priced at $69.90* per person and sails from 7:00pm – 10:00pm. Both cruises are half priced for children ages 3 – 12. To book, call 866.306.2469 or reserve online.

For media quality images and more information about any of Entertainment Cruises’ unique ships, contact Jessica Zachar at jessica@lindarothpr.com.

*Prices are subject to change.


About Entertainment Cruises
Chicago-based Entertainment Cruises, Inc. was formed in 2006 when Spirit Cruises LLC, and Premier Yachts Inc., joined forces (http://www.entertainmentcruises.com/). The company serves 1.5 million guests annually with a fleet of 24 ships in nine cities – Baltimore; Boston; Chicago; Norfolk, Va.; Philadelphia; National Harbor, MD; New York; Washington, D.C.; and Weehawken, N.J. Entertainment Cruises’ brand portfolio includes dining and entertainment cruises Odyssey Cruises, Spirit Cruises, Mystic Blue Cruises, and Bateaux New York; Atlantica by Bateaux and Elite Yacht Charters, which offers custom private charters; and sightseeing excursion vessels, Seadog and Baltimore Harbor Cruises. Ships are one-, two- and three-deck vessels, and accommodate from 110 to 850 guests, depending on the individual ship, for lunch, dinner and sightseeing cruises year-round. The company and its products are known for outstanding product quality and service.

###

*Smooches&Hugs*

Mother's Day: Custom Cocktails

Everyone tends to take their mother for granted once in a while. With Mother’s Day right around the corner, this year give her exactly what she deserves…time to relax, put her feet up and enjoy a custom Mother’s Day cocktail.

Whether you’re planning breakfast in bed or heading to Sunday brunch, take a second to spoil Mom on her special day.

Below you can find Three-O Vodka’s take on the classic brunch cocktails.

Hot Mama

1 oz Three-O Tomato vodka

3 oz tomato juice

2 dashes of red hot sauce

1 dash Worcestershire sauce

0.5 oz lemon juice

1 pinch salt
1 pinch peppers

1 stalk celery

Add Three-O Tomato vodka, tomato juice, red hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, pinch of salt and pinch of pepper.

Pour back and forth between two mixing glasses and pour into an ice-filled highball glass.

Garnish with celery stalk.

Matriarch Mimosa

2 oz Sparking Rose Wine

1 oz Three-O Cherry vodka

1 oz Pineapple Juice

Pour Three-O Cherry vodka and sparkling wine into champagne flute.

Top with Pineapple Juice
 
 
 
I hope these recipese will help "spruce up" your already fab Mother's Day brunch/after dinner drinks menu. While you're here, be sure to check our our other Bottoms Up! recipes :-)
 

*Smooches&Hugs*

Cinco de Mayo: 1800 Tequila

Cinco de Mayo makes a few words come to mind. One of those definitely being…tequila!

The brand recently released three new flavors of cocktail mixers, where consumers just add tequila for the perfect Pomegranate Margarita, Ultimate Margarita or Mojito. 1800 also carries the vividly designed Essential Artists series, designed by up-and-coming artists for a dynamic visual on a unique medium, perfect for the tequila-centric holiday.

Below are a few recipes below for holiday imbibing, even for the non-margarita fan to help celebrate!

Want more? Be sure to check out our other Bottoms Up! articles for awesome mock/cocktail recipes.

*Smooches&Hugs*

Easter Meals: Brunch and Dinner

Sunday, April 4th will be here before you know it!

What's on YOUR menu?

Haven't figured that out yet? No worries, OpenTable has you covered (of course). There's something for everyone on your guest list; from prix-fixe menus to a la carte options to delish buffet selections to Champagne to Spring-inspired cocktails. Wanna try something different this year? Give Indian, Gastropub, American or French cuisine a try. **If this is a family affair, be sure to confirm Kids' Menu availability.

Some establishments are offering FREE/low-cost parking, valet parking and live music.

Check out the Easter brunch and/or dinner menus that select restaurants have available. Hopefully, the weather will cooperate this year. I'm anxious to dine outdoors. (Otherwise, I'll request window seating and people-watch.)

So book fast, rack up those Dining Points and cash in that Dining Cheque!

**Bright Idea: Create cute Easter Baskets or holiday cards for your guests.

*Smooches&Hugs*

Cocktails: St. Patrick's Day

As the old saying goes, everyone is Irish on March 17th! For the few celebrating souls that have sworn off whisky, you can still imbibe ‘till you’re green in the face with these St. Paddy’s Day themed cocktails from Three Olives Vodka and 1800 Tequila.

Lucky-tini

2 oz. Three-O Grape Vodka
1 oz. Melon Liqueur
Splash of Pineapple Juice
Shake with ice and strain into a martini glass
Garnish with an orange slice

The Shamrocker
1 oz. 1800 Silver Tequila
1 oz. Melon Liqueur
1/2 oz. Triple Sec
Splash of Orange Juice
Mix with ice, and garnish with an orange slice




Don't forget...wear green or get pinched!

Have a safe and happy St. Patrick's Day!

**We've got plenty'more Bottoms Up articles.

*Smooches&Hugs*

2010: Happy New Year

!Happy New Year!

I do hope everyone enjoyed their 2009 holiday season. (I know I did!)

The last resolution I can recall actually keeping was to STOP biting my nails. That was about 3-4 years ago & I haven't made any resolutions since. Actually, I think my last resolution (2006, maybe?) might've been to just give up on making resolutions in the 1st place. I'm more interested in obtaining goals all year 'round. I just always hope (& pray) for a better year.

I did, however, start a new NYE tradition: Movie Nite! Now, anyone who knows me know that I love Movie Nite. I figured I'd spend my evening doing what I love most, instead of breaking from my norm & partying. I will say, it was the best NYE I've ever had. My ONE regret was choosing Righteous Kill (Al Pacino, Robert DeNiro) as a starter. I was super duper anxious to see this, since Pacino-DeNiro haven't been in a film together, since Heat & The Godfather II.

HATED IT! *2 thumbs down*

Although they're 2 of my fav actors, I was VERY disappointed with the storyline. I watched 1/2 & deleted it. It was a major let down & a waste of my precious DVR space :-(

Anywho...Any resolutions/personal goals that you care to share?

*Smooches&Hugs*

Bottoms Up: Three-O's "Three Step Hangover Helper"

Happy New Year's Eve!

(Finally.)

OK, party people...Resolutions or not, the last thing you wanna do is bring that mean 2009 hangover into 2010. Trust me. I've heard the stories, viewed pics, re-wound (is that even a word? *shrug*) the video footage, replayed the voicemails & have read the text messages. With that being said, I hope you've been paying close attention to my recent "hangover-helper" posts -- like you have my holiday cocktail/Bottoms Up series.

But, in case you haven't...Here's a recap ----> Happy Hangover-Free Holidays!


2010 is fast approaching, bringing with it New Year’s resolutions (blah!), a final slew of parties, champagne toasts and the dreaded first hangover of the year.

The Bloody Mary has long been appreciated as the ultimate hangover cure, but if you’re not feeling well enough to get to your favorite brunch spot, Three-O Tomato Vodka makes it simple to mix up “the hair of the dog” at home – even if you can’t bring yourself to turn the lights on.

(You may recall my previous Three-O Vodka post "Bottoms Up: The "Brunch-Worthy" Bloody Mary)

Capturing the essence of this classic cocktail, the Bloody-Mary-Ready Three-O Tomato is already infused with tomatoes, pepper, horseradish, and spices to formulate a smooth flavor with a zesty kick.

Three-O Tomato 3-Step Hangover Helper

• 1 1/2 ounces Three-O Tomato Vodka
• 1/2 cup tomato juice
• Lemon wedge
• Mix ingredients with ice
• Squeeze in lemon wedge
• Garnish with celery stick

Have a safe, happy & hangover-free New Year!

Until we sip again...

*Smooches&Hugs*

Bottoms Up: Put some 'sparkle' in your Cider!

It's New Year's Eve-Eve!

*flings confetti*

Words cannot politely express how ready I am for 2009 to be over AND done with! This has been quite the year for me. It's had its ups, its down & somethings in between.

*le sigh*

I'm babbling. I digress.

Anywho, if you're anything like me & my friends, you'll be private-partying for the holiday. While you're in (or out), feel free to try out a few new recipes to wow the crowd. Get creative. Get cute. Let me know what you come up with.

As the New Year approaches, its time to get out with the old and in with the new. So, instead of toasting with the same old champagne, put some sparkle in cider with Maestro Dobel Diamond Tequila. This diamond clear tequila offers fabulous cocktails like its, Diamond Celebration, which are sure to ring in your new year.  

Diamond Celebration

• 1 PART MAESTRO DOBEL TEQUILA
• 2 X FINE SUGAR CUBES
• 1 SQUEEZE OF LEMON WEDGE
• 3 PARTS FINE CHAMPAGNE (CHILLED)
• (Build in a champagne flute.)

Bling!

Dobel Manhattan

• 2 PARTS MAESTRO DOBEL TEQUILA
• 1 PART SWEET VERMOUTH
• 2 DASHES OF ORANGE BITTERS
• 2 COCKTAIL CHERRIES
• FLAMED ORANGE PEEL ZEST
• (Build in glass with ice and stir to perfection.)

Smokin!

 

Dobel Cran-Apple Toddy

• 1.5 PARTS MAESTRO DOBEL TEQUILA
• 0.5 PART TRIPLE SEC
• 1 PART CRANBERRY JUICE
• 2 PARTS HOT APPLE CIDER
• (Gently stir in all ingredients and serve hot. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.)

                                      Liquid gold!

About Maestro Dobel Diamond Tequila

Maestro Dobel is a luxurious silver tequila with the complexity of an aged spirit. Created by Juan-Domingo “Dobel” Beckmann, the sixth-generation leader of the world's most prominent tequila-producing family, Maestro Dobel is diamond-clear - a result of a proprietary blending and filtration technique. Hand-crafted in Jalisco, Mexico, Dobel is a distinctive blend of three aged tequilas: Reposado (rested 15 months), Anejo (rested 24 months), and Extra-Anejo (rested for 36 months). Dobel is 40% Alc./Vol. and has a suggested retail price of $74.99.

Hint: Here's how to enjoy Tequila --->Swirl - Sift - Sip - Swallow

Enjoy & drink responsibly...Please & thank you!

*Smooches&Hugs*

Happy Hangover-free Holidays!

Hangover Helper: Enjoy the Holiday Season (Minus the Hangover)

I figured I'd better post this BEFORE New Year's Eve...

(You're welcome!)

The holiday season is a time for family, fun, laughter and THE HANGOVER! No, not the movie – the real life, palpitation causing, dreaded holiday hangover.

Thankfully, AgroLabs has a series of products that can help cure even the worst hangover, providing your body with sufficient vitamins and nutrients to help you bounce back to normal in no time.

The Acai Daily Cleanse combines all hangover cures into one drink, including Milk Thistle, a natural protection against liver toxins, as well as acai berry, pure young green coconut water, antioxidant green tea, healing aloe vera, anti-inflammatory ginger and laxative senna.

The Green Envy Daily Detox will awaken your immune system with a premium blend of natural superfoods that aid in total cellular cleanse, providing a necessary boost to counteract the body’s weakness when suffering a hangover.

AgroLabs Hangover Helper:

• ½ oz. Green Envy Daily Detox
• ½ oz. Acai Daily Cleanse
• Juice from ½ lime
• 4 Mint Leaves
• Ginger Ale 

Mix ingredients in a glass filled with ice, top with ginger ale and stir

Happy Hangover-free Holidays!

*Smooches&Hugs*

Naumes Fruit Gifts: Give Back this Holiday Season

Naumes Fruit Gifts will provide five pounds of fresh fruit to a food bank for every holiday gift purchased. It’s part of the Naumes Family’s long-standing involvement in resolving the hunger problem, through which the family has donated more than 10 million pounds of fresh fruit to Feeding America over the last seven years.

So you can order a gift for yourself or someone on their holiday list, enjoy delicious pears as part of their holiday meal, and help address the problem of hunger in America by having a donation made on their behalf to a local food bank.

It’s a classic win/win/win situation!

Check it...

Naumes Fruit Gifts

Post Office Box 996

Medford, OR 97501

1-877-740-PEAR

• Blog
• Facebook
• Twitter
• YouTube

Give a gift.

Donate fruit.

Feed the need.

*Smooches&Hugs*