Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Host a Holiday Cookie Swap

Too busy to do much holiday baking?
Then host a cookie exchange party.
 
 
 
Invite your girlfriends over and tell each to bring at least 2 dozen cookies to sweet treats.  Have a table set aside with empty trays and let your guest place their treats on the trays. Make sure there are plenty of treats to sample and some holiday beverages.
 
Plan to have a couple "door prizes" such as a cookie cookbook, a pretty apron, or a cookie jar.  Before they leave they can pick out and take home as many cookies as they contributed.from the wonderful selection.
 
 

 
The Visionary was the signature cocktail served at Glamour’s Women of the Year Awards
 
 
Ingredients
1.5 ounces Baileys® Original Irish Cream
3 ounces brewed Chai Tea
...
Raw brown sugar
Cinnamon stick

Directions:
Brew a pot of chai tea. Add 2 teaspoons of raw brown sugar for every cup. Stir until dissolved. Fill a coffee mug with chai tea and add Baileys. Stir with a cinnamon stick.

This recipe contains no more than 0.6 fl. oz. of alcohol per serving.
 
Offer this drink during a cookie exchange party with the girls. 
 
 
For more ideas on hosting a Cookie Swap, visit Robin Olson's page CookieExchange.com
 

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Thursday Thirteen - 13 Date Night Ideas



Juggling jobs, kids, after-school activities, and more, it is hard to find time together as a couple.  Setting aside one night a week as a Date Night helps relieve stress and keep the flame burning.  Consider not leaving the Date to just nights, include any free time during the day or weekend.

Here are a few ideas.

Ideas for staying home

1. Give each other a massage.

2. Cook a meal together.

3. Have breakfast in bed.

4. Have a movie marathon.

 

Ideas for going out

5. Go out for dinner.

6.  Skip dinner and just do dessert.  Try sharing a huge banana split!

7. Visit a local bookstore or hobby shop.

8. Stop in your favorite coffee shop.

9. Bowling or ice skating.

10. Go for a walk at midnight and go stargazing.

11. Take a winery or brewery tour.

12. Balloon rides.

13. Attend a festival together.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Wet & Wild Wednesday

The days are shorter and the nights are getting colder. Make time to pamper yourself with a bath.
 
 
Warm up on a chilly night in an extravagant array of bubbles. If you're a single person, treat yourself to a bit of romance in the tub.  If you're not one for bubbles, try a bath soak.  Bath soaks are usually a blend of ingredients you add to your bath water to create a desired effect, such as a sore muscle soak, stress-easing soak or relaxation soak. Most bath and body and drug stores carry bath soak products. Pour yourself a glass of wine, light some candles, grab a steamy romance novel to read or your favorite BOB.  (wink, wink)
 
For couples, a languishing dip in a steamy tub for two is enough to inspire romance for even the stodgiest of lovers. If you're worried about interruptions, arrange your water play encounter at a time when you can be together alone. A great way to do this and create the perfect memorable night is staying at hotel with a spa or Jacuzzi tub in your room.  Give each other the ultimate bath and spa experience with a little basket filled with spa items from you local bath and body shop.  Don't let the romance stop after the bath. Give each other a light, lotion-laden massage.

ENJOY!