Poll: Opening Presents - Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?

Its a big deal in many households- opening presents from Santa and family. But when is the best time to open the gifts- Christmas Eve night or Christmas morning? I suspect your views on the topic are swayed by when you and your family have always opened gifts, but here are my pros and cons for each!

CHRISTMAS EVE: I always opened my presents on Christmas Eve as a kid and loved it. Its what I still do. So I am a little biased! By opening presents in the evening, we were free to sleep in on Christmas morning. If we were having family over on Christmas, opening gifts the day before gave my parents time to clean up wrapping paper and boxes before guests arrived. However, this arrangement also means no presents to open on Christmas itself.

CHRISTMAS DAY: All the anticipation of the season is capped on Christmas morning. Opening presents also gives you and your family something to do until its time to go to church or visit family later in the day. But opening presents on Christmas morning also means a sleepless night wondering what is waiting under the tree!

What are your thoughts on when to open Christmas presents? When do you open your presents?

Ask Sassy Snowflake: Gift for the Boss?

Dear Sassy Snowflake,

Every year, when I am making my holiday gift list, I am always undecided on whether I should get a present for my boss. We're not particularly close, but I am not sure of the workplace gift-giving etiquette. I also don't want to be the only employee who doesn't give a gift! What should I do?

Thanks!

Workplace Worrier

Dear Workplace Worrier,

You bring up a lot of important and interesting points regarding workplace gift giving. Let me give you my thoughts:

• First, check your employee handbook. In many workplaces, giving gifts to supervisors is not allowed or the gifts must be under a certain dollar amount. I know this is the case at my job! If your workplace doesn't have a policy, you can take the lead and encourage one. I think many co-workers would be grateful to have a clear policy outlining what they can't and can do.
• If a comprehensive policy doesn't fly in your workplace, another idea is to suggest alternatives to gifts. Perhaps your team can host a potluck instead of buying presents. Or perhaps your boss would allow an afternoon of volunteering.
• You mention you aren't particularly close to your boss. In that respect, don't feel obligated to buy a gift. Remember, a gift is a gift- not a requirement! If you were close to your boss, give a gift based on your friendship, not on her role as your boss.
• See if you can discreetly check the mood of your co-workers. Perhaps they are just as confused about whether or not to give a gift, thus providing an opportunity for everyone to contribute to one office-wide present. This helps relieve the pressure of finding a gift thats "good enough" and no one in the office is left out for not giving a separate gift.
• And finally, whether you give a gift or not, a holiday card is always a nice gesture!

I hope this helps! Please let me know what you decide to do! And if anyone out there has other suggestions or disagrees with my thoughts, let me know too!

Yours,

Sassy Snowflake

Taste Test - Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate

Its starting to get cooler and with that, thoughts often turn to hot chocolate. The other day, I mentioned my favorite hot chocolate mix-in, but what about the hot chocolate itself?

I'll be honest, I usually just stick with the Diet Swiss Miss mix. Its cheap, low in calories, and if you are going to mix it with other items (be it alcohol, whipped cream, or other), you don't really notice the watery taste...

But what about other brands of hot chocolate? There are hundreds out there. So initially, I decided to stick with Swiss Miss- lots of flavors and easy to find. With the help of a friend, we taste tested three of their popular flavors: Rich Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, and Milk Chocolate with Marshmallows. We skipped the mix-ins and toppings and just added the mix to hot water. Here are our thoughts:

• MILK CHOCOLATE: This flavor was our least favorite. It didn't have a lot of chocolate flavor and wasn't as rich as the other two options.
• RICH CHOCOLATE: This version definitely had the most chocolate flavor. It was my favorite!
• MILK CHOCOLATE WITH MARSHMALLOWS: My friend thought this was the best of the three, even when liking the regular Milk Chocolate the least. I think it all comes down to the marshmallows. I love when they melt and you have the foamy topping.

My thought is to buy (or make!) your own marshmallows and add it to the Rich Chocolate flavor. But absent that, definitely go with the marshmallows!

Given the number of hot chocolate mixes out there, I am thinking a hot chocolate bracket is in order, until I whittle down the versions until I find the favorite. With that in mind, what are your favorite hot chocolate mixes? I want to stick to mixes right now- perhaps a bracket of real recipes will follow!

Christmas Store Review - Athens, Greece

A few weeks ago, in October, I took a trip to Athens, Greece. While there, I was excited to see what types of Christmas decorations, stores, and information I could find. However, when I arrived, I learned that, in Greece, stores devoted solely to Christmas don't pop up until November. In the meantime, I had to settle for some souvenir-type ornaments. Pictures to come soon!

So is the Christmas-store phenonmenon only a U.S. thing? I can recall finding a Christmas-only store in Germany- but it was on a U.S. military base. What have been your experiences?

Current Christmas Crooners

Its hard to argue with the fact that most of the famous and best holiday songs were written and recorded decades ago. On my poll of my favorite Christmas songs, unless you count "Sleigh Ride," performed by the Boston Pops (although I do mention it doesn't matter who performs, just as long as its an instrumental!), no other songs were recorded before the 1960s.

But what about songs written and recorded recently? The most common example of "recent" classic Christmas songs is Mariah Carey singing "All I Want for Christmas is You." But even that song was recorded in 1994. But what about songs recorded in the past few years? Its difficult to write or record holiday songs when the classics are so entrenched in popular culture. But here are my favorites:

Its much more common to find current artists re-recording Christmas classics. And I think the singers have a much better chance of success following this route. Among my favorites:

• I already mentioned I love Diana Krall. Her album, "Christmas Songs," was released in 2005 and is a jazzy take on Christmas classics. Very relaxing to listen to and great background music for a holiday cocktail party.
• Michael Buble released five songs on his "Let It Snow" CD in 2004. Michael has a super-smooth voice and his songs are festive and fun. Also jazzy, but more upbeat than Diana Krall.

As for modern artists writing new, popular holiday songs:

• The best example I can think of is Sarah McLachlan in her 2006 album, "Wintersong." While she records previously written songs, she also includes some new (and popular!) recordings, including "River." My personal favorite, though, is "Song for a Winter's Night." Sarah has such a great voice, and the lyrics and melody perfectly re-create a longing, holiday song.
• Maybe a little past the cut-off point to be "recent", but I still love Harry Connick, Jr.'s, song, "When My Heart Finds Christmas" from his 1993 album of the same name.

Where would I be without mentioning Josh Groban on the list of current artists creating renditions or new songs relating to Christmas? I love Josh's voice. I remember when he sang the National Anthem at the Super Bowl and my friends and I made everyone shush until he was finished. I love his rendition of "O Holy Night." And if I am being completely honest, him singing "Believe" eventually made me watch "The Polar Express." So when his Christmas album, "Noel" came out in 2007, I was super excited. I rushed out and bought the album, but after listening to it once or twice, I can't say I have ever intentionally listened to it again. His songs pop up on my iTunes Christmas playlists, but I don't specifically seek them out. I'm not sure how to explain it. Maybe he is just to dramatic and overwrought to listen to regularly during such a happy season? Did I not give myself enough time to attach to his songs?

Do you have any favorite, recent holiday renditions or original songs? Would you like to defend Josh Groban's holiday album? I am always interested in new songs to download!

Drink Recipe: Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Schnapps

When I was in college, my roommates and I would always have “hot chocolate dates.” It would give us time to relax and catch up after running around all day.

Our favorite recipe added cinnamon schnapps to the hot chocolate. All you need is a packet of your favorite hot chocolate, a shot glass of peppermint schnapps, and hot water (or milk, if that’s how you like your hot chocolate). It helps to add the

schnapps to the packet of hot chocolate first and then stir. Its just enough liquid that you can dissolve the powder, but not enough liquid that its splashing over the sides. Then top with the hot water (and whipped cream!). Very yummy and minty! Perfect for the holidays and cold weather. I know there are a lot of other mixers out there that you can use to add to hot chocolate, but this has always been my favorite.

Do you like the recipe for hot chocolate? What other mixers do you like to add to your hot chocolate?

Holiday Travel Tips – Driving

Yesterday I gave some tips for flying during the holidays, so today I am focusing on travel via car. Obviously, these tips are going to vary widely based on where you live and how far you have to drive. But here are some of my suggestions!

• Have a good road map in the car. Not just so you get where you are going, but its super helpful for passengers. Being able to follow along as you pass exits and cities and view how much farther you have to sit does wonders for eliminating boredom.
• Play games in the car. One of my favorites is the license plate game- keeping track of how many different states you see on fellow cars and trucks. Another game that my parents created which I loved is a version of bingo. Each passenger gets a list of various objects you may see from the car (i.e. a barn). Whomever sees all their items first wins.
• Know an alternate route. In busy areas, sometimes the most direct route isn’t the fastest. If you know alternatives, you can always bail out if your primary route is too slow. And really, on heavily trafficked routes, this is the only alternative unless you are willing to drive super late or super early.
• If you are driving a long way or if the drive has been frustrating, switch drivers if possible. You don’t want the driver to be cranky upon arrival. Plus, the break allows the driver to refresh, making your trip much more safe.
• Have a good supply of Christmas music ready and available!

Are you driving anywhere for the holidays? Do you have any tips to add to mine?

Holiday Travel Tips - Flying

I travel a lot for work and for fun, but traveling during the holiday season is a completely different type of crazy than everyday travel. Here are some hints I have as you book and use your holiday travel! Today the topic is flying. Tomorrow I’ll discuss driving.

• Book flights as early as you can. The longer you wait, the more prices will increase. But make sure to wait until your plans and dates are solid. You’ll pay a ridiculous amount through the airlines if you want to change your travel. Likewise, don’t book super-tight connections. Winter travel often means de-icing airplanes, which can add anywhere from 15-45 minutes to your flight.
• Get to the airport early. Even if you are a seasoned traveler, many of your fellow passengers are not, which is going to add time to your trip. Plus, the sheer number of people traveling during this time also adds time. And the last thing you want to do is miss your flight. If you get to your gate super early, plan on eating or drinking or shopping. Just relax and enjoy, knowing you are on time and going to celebrate the holidays soon.
• Just go ahead and check your bags. Trust me, the $15 is worth it when the other alternative is trying to find overhead bin space on a packed flight. And then you don’t need to worry about only packing liquids under 3 ounces in a plastic bag. THIS RULE IS STILL IN EFFECT! I am still amazed, years since taking effect, people still forget or have no clue such a rule exists. But make sure to keep your claim ticket- you will want it if your bags are lost or delayed.
• WEAR SOCKS! Nothing is ickier than having to take your shoes off and not wearing socks. I don’t want to know what is on the airport floor. And, after you go through security, once your bags go through security, don’t stand there trying to put on your shoes and belt and put everything back in your purse or pockets. Most airports have benches and seats right after security- take your things there to get re-situated. Its more comfortable for you, and keeps the line behind you moving.
• Have the 1-800 number for your airline with you. So many times, my flight has been cancelled and the line to re-book is miles long. If you have the airline number, you can call them while in line. I guarantee you will be on hold for a while (probably even a long while) but every single time, I have talked to an operator before I ever got near the front of the line.

Are you flying somewhere this holiday season? What are your tips and hints for holiday travel in the air? Have you ever had TSA unwrap your wrapped gifts?

Food Recipe: Cherry Coffeecake

Another Sassy Snowflake Christmas Tradition. When I was growing up, we always had cherry coffeecake for breakfast on Christmas morning. My Mom would place our Christmas Pinwheel (is that what they are called?) on top and light the candles and we’d all sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus.

I am a big fan, so I inevitably have it on other holidays and special occasions. But it always makes me think of Christmas! And it’s a great breakfast to have on hand if you are having guests- and I think it tastes better the longer it sits. Here is my Mom’s recipe…

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup margarine
• 1 ¾ cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 3 cups flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 can cherry pie filling
• Powdered sugar
• Milk

DIRECTIONS:

Cream margarine and sugar together (hint- good time to take a taste test! Mmmm!). Add 1 egg at a time to mixture. Add vanilla, flour, baking powder, and salt. Keep a cup of batter separate. Spread remaining batter in a greased 11x12 pan and add pie filling on top. Take the reserve batter and roll in hands and spread on top to make a latticework (easier said that done. My batter is always too sticky and instead of latticework, I just end up throwing it in clumps on top. But still tastes good!). Bake at 325-350 degrees for 30-40 minutes.

Mix together the milk and powdered sugar to make a sugary frosting- this is done totally at your discretion. I like mine slightly soupy, so it pours easily over the top of the cake. If you like it thicker, add more sugar. Less, and add more milk. Drip on top of the coffeecake and enjoy!

Christmas Store Review - The Golden Goose, Occoquan, VA

My most recent Christmas store excursion was to the Golden Goose in Occoquan, VA. Here are my thoughts and review!

LOCATION: Let me just say, I do have a good sense of direction. Its one of the few things I will brag about. But, I got lost on the way to the store. If you follow the directions on the website (as I did), they direct to go "1/2 mile to the Occoquan turn off on the left, just before the bridge." Unfortunately, you don't realize what turnoff they mean until you are actually on the bridge and realize you went too far. My suggestion- follow the website directions, taking 123 north, THEN TURN LEFT ON COMMERCE STREET. This is the left they are referencing.

I arrived when the store opened at 10 am, and there was plenty of street parking. But overall, given the number of shops and restaurants, I am sure parking can become scarce. Also be warned, the store is a little over 20 miles from Washington, DC, and traffic on I-95 to get there can be (okay, is usually) a nightmare. So your 20-mile drive can take you anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour.

MERCHANDISE: Of the Christmas stores I have previewed, I think this store has the most ornaments overall. A few new unique themes I saw at this store, which I have yet to see elsewhere, include:

• A "guy" tree, filled with ornaments aimed at men, including hunting, fishing, beer, and sports
• In addition to the requisite wine tree was an alcohol tree with an extensive variety of ornaments, including a bottle of "North Pole Whiskey"
• A farming tree, with ornaments of tractors, corn, 4H, and farm animals
• A teacher tree, with decorations of school busses, blackboards, and apples
• A "USA" tree, with flags, military figures, and stars
• A crafts tree, with ornaments reflecting knitting, scrapbooking, and other arts and crafts

The store also had an impressive selection of flamingo ornaments- easily the most flamingo ornaments I have ever seen in one place. Finally, since this is Virginia, the store also had ornaments modeling Civil War soldiers.

In addition to ornaments, the store had a nice selection of holiday figurines and a HUGE selection of Department 56 items- shelves upon shelves of the models. And super-funny, the store was selling a replica of the leg lamp featured in "A Christmas Story" for $199!

ODDS AND ENDS: The store is much bigger than it appears. Rooms are tacked on to rooms making the store quite sizable. The store is definitely more traditional feeling- not as modern or fun as 3 French Hens or the Christmas Attic. The pathways through the store feel pretty large, but there were a few times where I had to wait for other customers to move out of a pathway or doorway before I could continue my shopping. Finally, you can tell the store is local- all price tags are hand written and even your receipt is filled out by an employee. But the price tags themselves are very reasonable- all the more reason to buy more!

PURCHASED: I ended up buying an ornament. Its a good thing I can add a picture, because the best way I can describe it is as a snowman, but all three balls are really snowman's heads...Again, I picked up and dropped off a few different items before settling on this ornament, including ornaments of a fat little gingerbread man, a cupcake, and a chocolate truffle.

OVERALL: If you are looking for an ornament to reflect a certain aspect of someone's life or personality, I am sure you would find it here. Likewise, if you collect Department 56 models, their selection is huge. But the hassle of fighting traffic to get to and from the store, as well as the shop lacking some of the "fun" factor, I am not sure if I would make a specific trip just to visit- my trip would have to be part of a larger visit to Occoquan itself (a super-cute old-town area filled with shops and restaurants) or a stop as I drove by on I-95.

Ask Sassy Snowflake: Christmas Card Lists

As we move closer to Christmas, I am beginning a new section on my website under Holiday Advice. Please send me your holiday-related questions (sassysnowflake365@gmail.com), whether it be related to etiquette, decorations, recipes, or whatever else you are pondering, and I will do my best to answer (and don't worry, I will take out any identifying information!)! Today's question:

Dear Sassy Snowflake,

I am preparing the list of people who whom I will send holiday cards. How do I decide who will get cards? What if someone sends me a card and I didn't send them one? Please help me make my holiday card-giving list!

Thanks!

Caught up in Cards

Dear Caught up in Cards,

You ask questions that I am sure everyone is considering as we approach the holiday season! Let me clue you in on what I do every year as it relates to cards:

• Its just a card. If you aren't sure whether or not to include someone on your list, just go ahead and send them one. It doesn't cost much in time or money and will probably brighten their day. If you have saved and stored someone's address, why not use that address to send a Christmas card? Honestly, if you don't send a card during the holidays, I am not sure you will use any other opportunity during the year to send another letter or card, so use that address now!
• With that said, I do keep two lists of people to whom I am sending cards. The first list is those people who I genuinely want to reach out to and will include a long, hand-written note in their card (don't worry, a post on those infamous holiday newsletters is forthcoming!). The second list is those whom with I don't want to lose contact, but don't want/need to invest as much time into a letter. They simply receive a card with a greeting and signed with my name. Obviously, the first list is shorter, but penning those cards takes much more time.
• I write my cards during November and send them out soon after Thanksgiving. Its inevitable that you will receive cards from people to whom you didn't send cards- in those cases, definitely quickly write out a card and return the courtesy. Its also inevitable that you will send cards to people who will not send one in return- in those cases, don't dwell! An important point of this response is that, in the whole scheme of things, holiday cards aren't that important.
• I know many people do not send cards anymore. Mostly because as the holidays approach, time becomes a commodity, and the next thing you know its Christmas and have never had a chance to write and address cards. Don't let that be an excuse!!! If anything, start NOW on your cards (Mom, I am talking to you!)! You can have your cards prepared as early as July, but if you don't send them until November or December, no one will know! And wouldn't it be depressing if everyone stopped sending Christmas cards and our mailboxes were empty?
• I know the world is doing so much more via the web and computers nowadays (like checking out my website!) but electronic holiday cards are not a substitute. For the amount of time it takes to find a card, type in a message and an email address, and click "Send," you could have signed your name to a real card, addressed and stamped it, and placed it in the mail. I know the price of stamps have increased exponentially lately, but how much are you spending a month on your internet service? Or on your Christmas decorations or gifts? Forty-four cents is not a lot to send a piece of paper across the country.
• Finally, one of my favorite tips: we know we will send Christmas cards every year. Take advantage of the after-Christmas sales to buy a few packs of Christmas cards. You can get a lot of cards for super-cheap and will have the cards available when you start writing and addressing them in August!

Hope this helps! And I hope you send a Christmas card my way this year!

Lots of love,

Sassy Snowflake

Drink Recipe: Whiskey Sour Slush

Every year, my family would (and still do!) drive an hour to get to my dad’s cousin’s home to spend Christmas evening. And every year, they had a pitcher of whiskey sour slush made- it would sit on the countertop and everyone would help themselves throughout the night. Growing up, I always thought it was a slushee. Little did I know! But, if you like bourbon as much as I do, you will really like the recipe, courtesy of my cousin. And its so easy to make and serve at a holiday party!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 can frozen lemonade
• 1 can frozen orange juice
• ½ cup lemon juice
• 2 liter bottle 7-up (or diet 7-up! Save a few calories!)
• 1 ½ cup bourbon

DIRECTIONS:

Mix everything together in a pitcher (you will need a gallon pitcher). Put pitcher in the freezer until frozen. The bourbon will keep it from freezing completely, which also makes for the perfect slushy drink. It takes several hours to freeze though- (speaking from experience) make sure you have enough time for the drink to freeze before serving! Then, serve with a spoon (and a maraschino cherry adds a nice touch!).

Favorite Christmas TV Specials

Its not Christmas without a plethora of holiday-themed specials showing up in your TV Guide. But which ones are the best? Here are my favorites- let me know yours!

• A Garfield Christmas Special: I even have this special on DVD at home. I love how earnest Odie is when he is building Garfield's gift! So sweet and thoughtful! And when Jon and his family is singing- great stuff! The main downside- the voice of Garfield can really grate on my nerves...
• California Raisins Christmas: This used to ALWAYS be on TV when I was growing up, but I haven't seen it on recently. I did some searching, though, and found a great clip on YouTube. It brings back memories! I love how the one Raisin's nose glows red! And don't they go ice skating later in the show?
• Charlie Brown Christmas: Probably the most famous Christmas special. I love the Charlie Brown Christmas tree. The Christmas message of the show and how it is conveyed is also really well done. For once, Charlie Brown is liked and loved. And the music!
• A Muppet Family Christmas: There have been several Muppet Christmas movies and specials over the year, but this one is my favorite. Very charming and festive! I love how the Swedish chef wants to cook Big Bird.
• Frosty the Snowman: This special is super entertaining. Frosty is friendly and funny and Karen is just a sweetie! She's so cute when she is cold on the train and her teeth are chattering. And, just like Frosty, Christmas will return every year!

And on the other hand:

• Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer: Not a favorite. I feel so badly for little Rudolph, who keeps getting made fun of. The voice of Rudolph really drives me crazy (more so than Garfield!), though- its so whiny! Although I love the roly poly snowman narrator! And the cute little forest animals!!

What are your favorite Christmas TV specials? Did I leave any out? Do you want to defend Rudolph?

Experimenting with Pumpkin Cinnamon Vodka Drink #3: Pumpkin Amaretto Martini

So, as you may know, I am experimenting with recipes based on the pumpkin cinnamon vodka I created. For today's recipe, I wanted to try a drink recipe that excluded the cream used in my previous two recipes, the Pumpkin Pie martini and the Pumpkin Cinnamon Cream. But I wasn't sure where to start.

A popular drink recipe on the web calls for pumpkin vodka (albeit made with vanilla vodka and beans) and amaretto. I do like amaretto, so its a promising recipe. I started with equal parts pumpkin cinnamon vodka and amaretto. But this amaretto overpowers the vodka. So then I switched to 2 parts vodka to 1 part amaretto- definitely tasty. The cinnamon is the flavor you will notice the most upon your initial sip. But the pumpkin and amaretto definitely add flavor and make the recipe, I think, more drinkable.

Then, I started to experiment. One of my favorite drinks is equal parts Maker's Mark and Amaretto. So how about adding Maker's Mark to the mix?!? Doesn't bourbon make everything better?

In this case- definitely not!! I will admit- I dumped the drink down the sink...First, the drink was just way too strong. Second, bourbon has such a unique taste of its own. Mixing bourbon, amaretto, and pumpkin cinnamon vodka was just too many flavors mixed together.

So lesson learned- stick with the vodka and amaretto. Although, be forewarned- the drink is still dangerously strong. And I am not sure if its good enough to join a drink rotation. I definitely like my other recipes better.

Did you try my drink recipe? If so, what do you think? And do you have a better name for the recipe other than "Pumpkin Amaretto Martini"?!?

Jazzy Christmas Carols

I own a lot of Christmas albums and songs. But one area of Christmas music where I feel I am totally lacking is in jazzy holiday songs. And I love jazz, so its a really huge oversight on my part. If you want the perfect background music for a holiday party or just something to play while relaxing in front of a fireplace or tree, its hard to go wrong with a Christmas jazz album.

I've listened to the Bill Augustine/Malcolm Cecil album, "A Jazzy Christmas," and am a big fan. For albums that include singing, I love Diana Krall and her collection, "Christmas Songs." And I already own "A Charlie Brown Christmas" by the Vince Guaraldi Trio.

But I need some more help and opinions! What are some other songs or albums that you recommend? I'll entertain any Christmas song suggestions- its doesn't need to be just jazz!

Food Recipe: Puppy Chow

This recipe, courtesy of one of my old neighbors, is one of my favorites. Growing up, we always made it for Christmas, and now I find myself making it as often as I can get away with it (holidays! parties! just because!). But it still reminds me of the holidays and makes a great, portable snack for get-togethers or to give to hostesses. And don’t get turned off by the food name- it’s a great conversation starter! Who wouldn’t want to eat puppy chow for dinner??!

INGREDIENTS:

• 12 oz bag of chocolate chips (this is where its fun to experiment with all the different kinds of chocolate chips available. White chocolate chips are a good alternative to the regular)
• 1 stick margarine
• 1 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1 box Crispix cereal
• 1 1-pound bag powdered sugar

DIRECTIONS:

Melt the margarine, chocolate chips, and peanut butter on the stovetop and mix together. Dump the box of Crispix cereal into a garbage bag. Pour the chocolate mixture into the bag and mix gently from the outside of the bag. I CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH- you need to mix everything in the garbage bag. Yes, it sounds weird, but if you don’t, you will have a mess! Once everything is mixed, add the powdered sugar and mix some more. And that’s it! I think its best if you let it settle a bit before serving (it lets the chocolate cool). But sooo good!

Let me know what you think! Do you know this recipe but call it something other than puppy chow?

Experimenting with Pumpkin Cinnamon Vodka Drink #2: Pumpkin Cinnamon Cream

So the other day, I experimented to make my own Pumpkin Pie martini recipe. And it actually turned out pretty tasty! So emboldened by my success, I set off to create another yummy drink using my infused pumpkin cinnamon vodka.

Today, I wanted to keep the spirit of my Pumpkin Pie martini, but, knowing many people do not keep a stocked alcohol cabinet like I do, I wanted cut out all the different types of alcohol my original recipe called for.

I started mixing 2 shots of pumpkin cinnamon vodka with 1 shot of cream (or, actually, half-and-half). Not so good. The vodka totally overwhelmed the drink- it basically felt like drinking straight vodka. So I added a shot of amaretto to the mix. Much better!

INGREDIENTS:

2 shots pumpkin cinnamon vodka

1 shot amaretto

1 shot cream (I used half-and-half, but use whatever you prefer)

DIRECTIONS:

Mix together and shake in a martini shaker with ice. Strain into a martini glass. This time, instead of using graham cracker for the rim of the glass, I mixed together brown sugar and cinnamon for the rimmer. And lastly, the ubiquitous sprinkle of cinnamon and cinnamon stick garnish.

VERDICT:

The drink is not as tasty as the Pumpkin Pie martini. It doesnt have as much depth of flavor. Its still good and definitely drinkable, but if you are going to make a special drink, I would stick with my previous recipe. Finally, while the brown sugar rimmer is good, its also not as tasty as the graham cracker!

Poll: Lights on the Christmas Tree- Color or White?

As I prepare to decorate my Christmas tree, today’s poll focuses on the use of lights on your tree. Specifically, do you prefer trees that are covered only in white lights or do you like multi-colored strands? The argument for each:

WHITE LIGHTS: There is something simple and classy about Christmas trees with white lights. The look is so clean and beautiful, and it really lets your ornaments and decorations stand out. I also benefit because my tree (yes, its fake!) is already pre-lit with white lights. No extra work necessary. Some cons- using just white lights can be a little boring. And its definitely loses some color and sparkle.

MULTI-COLORED LIGHTS: Colored lights on a Christmas tree are super festive. They are bright and fun and really exemplify the season. One of my favorite things to do once my tree is up is sit on my couch and stare at the tree, listening to Christmas music. And the colored lights add patterns and hues- perfect for relaxing. As for issues with colored lights- I think its easier to notice burnt-out bulbs on colored strands. Also, depending on your aesthetic, colored lights may not coordinate with your room.

VERDICT: I couldn’t really think of cons for either option. As I mentioned, my tree is pre-lit with white lights. But I also add strands of colored lights on top of the white. The more lights the better! It’s the best of both worlds!

Do you use white or multi-colored lights on your tree? Why do you use one over the other?

Odds and Ends

I just wanted to comment on a few holiday-related items popping up in the news (and in my head!) lately!

• The Rockefeller Center ice skating rink opened yesterday. I've been to New York to see the rink several times, but have never actually skated. Each time I've been at the rink the line was so incredibly long, I couldn't justify waiting. And those who know me will definitely vouch that I am not patient enough to wait in a long line! Have you ever skated on the ice rink?
• Several parts of the US are seeing their first snow of the season. I'm jealous! I LOVE snow! As long as I don't need to drive in it (to me its worth taking a vacation day to stay home and enjoy!)...I just don't get enough of it where I live- only one snowstorm left me with snow on the ground last year.
• I already have the first item to add to my 2009 Christmas list! Stay tuned for the full list coming sometime in November. In the meantime, what are you hoping to receive from Santa this year? I need some more ideas!
• Today, Mannheim Steamroller releases a 25th Anniversary CD, which is a compilation of favorite songs from previous Christmas albums. Also, apparently David Archuleta (of American Idol fame) is releasing a Christmas album today and also setting out on a Christmas concert tour. Can't say I am attending (and he isn't playing near me anyway)- but is anyone else? If so, give us an update...Tran-Siberian Orchestra has also announced their 2009 concert dates. I am always tempted to go, but never have. Give me your thoughts- should I or not?! $25 doesn't seem too bad to check it out.
• While they have yet to preview the rest of their Christmas collection, Crate and Barrel is now selling 2009 Christmas ornaments. C&B always has great ornaments, but best to wait until after Christmas (when they are 50% off!) to buy. I do love the Puzzle Ball ornament, though.

Only 74 more days until Christmas!

Experimenting with Pumpkin Cinnamon Vodka Drink #1: Pumpkin Pie Martini

So now that I have my pumpkin cinnamon vodka, what should I do with it? As I mentioned, the vodka was actually pretty tasty to sip. So, I need some drink recipes! My first goal is to try and re-create the drink that started this pumpkin-infusing business in the first place!! However, I have some obstacles to overcome- first, I had that drink in March and really can't tell you what was in it anymore (other than pumpkin!). Second, the restaurant where I had the drink does not have a website or menu, which will remind me what was in the drink.

So I did some searching online and found various mentions and recipes for pumpkin pie martinis. I used these recipes to give me some ideas- then I started experimenting!

INGREDIENTS:

1 shot pumpkin cinnamon vodka

1/2 shot amaretto

1/2 shot half and half (or whatever cream-type product you prefer)

splash each of Kahlua and butterscotch schnapps

DIRECTIONS: Mix together and shake in a martini shaker with ice. Strain into a martini glass. For my drink, I used graham cracker for the rim of the glass. Just wet the edge of your martini glass and dip it in crushed graham cracker. Its super easy and adds a really nice touch. Finally, I sprinkled some ground cinnamon on the top and added a stick of cinnamon as a garnish.

VERDICT: Very tasty!!!!! The amaretto and butterscotch schnapps add a bit of caramel and sweet taste to the drink. But the cinnamon really stands out. And the cream makes it yummy and creamy (duh!). Its a perfect winter drink.

I am highly excited by how well my first attempt at creating a recipe for my pumpkin cinnamon vodka turned out. But I am not done experimenting yet! Look for a few more attempts in the near future- I'd like to try a recipe that doesnt call for so many different types of alcohol as well as one that does not use cream. Stay tuned!

Did you try my drink recipe? If so, what do you think? With what other mixers should I try to pair my pumpkin cinnamon vodka?

Christmas Store Review - The Christmas Attic, Alexandria, VA

I stopped by the Christmas Attic in Alexandria, VA on Friday. As I approached, the decorations were spilling out the front door- definitely a good sign!

LOCATION: The store is across the Potomac from Washington DC, located in Old Town Alexandria, an area home to numerous shops and restaurants and very pedestrian friendly. The shop is easy to find, but parking can be a little tight- street parking is the most convenient, but not always available. There are numerous pay lots scattered throughout the area, though.

MERCHANDISE: Its name is particularly apt- you feel as though you are prowling through someone's holiday-themed attic. A store employee asked if she could help me find anything in particular- "I'm a little overwhelmed!" was my response. She laughed and then imparted important knowledge- "You need to look up and down- basically everywhere to see everything!"

And she was right. Ornaments and figurines, along with strands of lights and holly, hang from the ceiling. Pillows, toys, and ornaments are stacked in bowls on the floor. And all around you is even more decorations, hanging on screen doors and fishing nets, propped on shelves and tables. And this is just the first floor! The first floor contains about 80% Christmas decorations- the shop also had a small section for Halloween and Thanksgiving. And if it couldn't get any better, it just did- the store also sells wine!

The second floor is solely devoted to Christmas items. Like 3 French Hens, the store displays many of its ornaments on themed trees. An example of a few- I saw another Irish tree; an international tree (ornaments of Big Ben and the Eiffel Tower, among others); baby girl and baby boy trees; a bird tree and a separate peacock tree; a princess tree; and finally, another food tree (this had super-cute ornaments of french fries, slices of pizza, and pumpkin pie!).

The store contains much more than just ornaments, though. It had a large collection of Department 56 items (I don't collect, but I know many do!) and various collections of Nativity figurines. My favorite- I counted 42 different kinds of Christmas pinwheels, including a few that were five layers tall. Another corner was filled with nutcrackers- probably over 100 different kinds (and a Christmas tree devoted to miniature nutcracker ornaments!).

ODDS AND ENDS: The employees are extremely friendly. I had three different employees ask me how I was and if I needed any help. They also provide boxes for purchased items. The stairs to get to the second floor are a little steep, though. As it gets closer to Christmas, I think it will be difficult to shop and maneuver when the store is busy with customers- because of all the items for sale and the method of display, the store doesn't have a whole lot of room to walk around as it is (but its cozy!). Overall, prices are reasonable, especially for the ornaments, but some of the more unique items can be pricey.

BOUGHT: I think I picked up and put back half a dozen different items. I ended up with an adorable ornament of a dancing reindeer. I almost bought a miniature glass martini glass ornament that was hand-painted with holiday themes. Finally, I did buy a Christmas present for someone who regularly visits this site- so I'll have to identify that purchase later!

OVERALL: Let me just say, I love this store! I'll definitely go back!

Pumpkin Cinnamon Vodka

Its been one week since my attempt at infusing my cinnamon-infused vodka with pumpkin. Which can only mean one thing- taste test time! Some notes:

Color-wise, the vodka doesn't appear as bright as it did when it was only infused with cinnamon. You probably can't see from the picture, either, but there are little bits of pumpkin floating in the liquid- when served, the vodka will definitely need to be strained. As for smell, the drink is still as cinnamon-y as ever.


Now, on to the taste test- I am pleasantly surprised! Cinnamon is still the main taste you notice, but the pumpkin has definitely mellowed it out. While I am not sure I can taste the pumpkin per se, the vodka does have more depth of flavor. Its actually pretty tasty just to sip.

So my conclusion? Since I am testing two bottles, I plan to let one sit another week. Meanwhile, I'm going to try a few recipes with the second bottle. Stay tuned for some drink recipes involving cinnamon pumpkin vodka!

Christmas Birthdays

I have a birthday during the Christmas season, so I know all too well the seasonal perks and pitfalls that comes from having a birthday so close to the holidays. But for those of you who may not know, but have to plan and party with people who do (ESPECIALLY if they are children), let me give you a little cheat sheet of decoded phrases- the phrases may not be what you are trying to say, but to those with Christmas birthdays, thats what you sound like!

• "This gift is your birthday and Christmas present combined!" DECODED: "I didn't want to waste the time and effort to find you two gifts." This is the prime offender. If you would give a gift to your family member/friend for both Christmas and his or her birthday, don't combine the gifts into one. This is particularly true when gifting children. It dimishes the feeling that your birthday is special (arguable the main point of birthdays!) and comes across that you didnt want to put in the time and effort to find another gift.
• "I'm sorry I forgot your birthday, I was busy with the holidays!" DECODED: "I was busy having fun and going to parties that were more important/special than your celebration!" Put the celebrant's birthday on your calendar! A happy birthday phone call takes maybe 5 minutes out of your day? Better yet, just drop a birthday card in the mail when you send of your Christmas cards!
• "We just saw everyone at Christmas" DECODED: "Your birthday is pushing us over my family/friend reunion limit!" Birthdays are completely about the birthday kid. Its a good mantra to repeat when dealing with birthdays. Any comments that smack of burden because of a birthday celebration are unnecessary and selfish. Next time the birthday girl or guy will be wishing you had actually forgotten their birthday instead!

Having a birthday during the holiday season does have its perks, though! My birthday is just after Christmas. So when everyone is sad the holidays are over and there are no more presents to open, I know I only have to wait a few more days until I can celebrate some more! Having a birthday over Christmas also just adds to the festive atmosphere- why not add one more holiday to the calendar (thanks Mom and Dad for always making my birthdays special!)! And, finally, as a kid, I NEVER had to go to school on my birthday!

Do you have a Christmas birthday? Any phrases/actions that drive you crazy? What about those of you with birthdays near other holidays?

Christmas at the Theater - Buy Tickets Now!

Just a friendly reminder- I received my monthly newsletter for my local theater yesterday.  This is the time that most, if not all, local theaters (and ballets, orchestras, etc!) have finalized and are publishing their holiday performances.

Its the perfect time to book your tickets to shows in which you are interested.  Wait too much longer and the best (or all!) the tickets may be gone.

Also, keep in mind, if you are like me, you are spending your holidays in multiple locations while visiting friends and family. Its worthwhile to also check out the performance schedule in all locations- you never know if you have the opportunity to attend a new or different performance not playing at home.

Finally, depending on your recipient and their likes and dislikes, tickets to a performance may be a great holiday gift.  One year, as a Christmas present, I took my family to see Cats for the first time for all of us.  It definitely was a memorable gift!

As for me, I have my eye on a performance of favorite holiday songs by jazz pianists. And a stage production of one of my favorite Christmas movies, White Christmas.

Are you planning on attending any holiday performances at your local theater? Any shows that you have seen that can't be missed?

Poll: Top Christmas Songs

Okay, it was tough to narrow down this list to five. I have 79 songs just in my “Fave Christmas” iPod playlist. Not to mention the “ Relaxing Christmas” playlist. And the regular “Christmas” playlist. I feel multiple lists coming- favorite songs recorded in the past five years? Favorite songs to work out to (you had better believe it!) Favorite songs to decompress with at the end of the day while zoning out in front of the tree? But for now, here they are, my Top Five…(Disclaimer: always subject to change!)

1. White Christmas – Otis Redding. Okay, maybe I am biased because of this song’s prominence in the best movie ever, Love Actually. But this song is the perfect example of how Christmas songs can be great love songs. Or at least help you relax after a long day at work. With a glass of wine. While not quite making the list, I put “O Little Town of Bethlehem” by Elvis Presley and “When my Heart Finds Christmas” by Harry Connick Jr. in this same category.
2. Joy to the World – Frank Sinatra. I admit, I always have my iPod turned up, and when the trumpets sound at the beginning of this song, it nearly blows out my eardrums. But wow, how can you not get pepped up for Christmas? In this same category, I put “Winter Wonderland” by Bing Crosby. Not as famous and thus, not as appreciated as, “White Christmas.” But its so jazzy! It just makes you feel great!
3. Have Your Self a Merry Little Christmas – Frank Sinatra. Where “Joy to the World” was all bombastic, this song is wistful and heartfelt. When you listen, how can you not reminisce in your good memories and long for a better year ahead? I think I fall in love every time I hear Frank sing the first few lines. “I’ll be Home for Christmas” by Bing Crosby and “Merry Christmas Darling” by the Carpenters are other songs that makes me dreamy.
4. Sleigh Ride – Boston Pops. It doesn’t so much matter who plays it, as long as it DOES NOT include lyrics. And it CANNOT have a recording of a horse neigh at the end; it has to be part of the orchestra. I cannot stress this enough. Otherwise, it is NOT the real thing. I feel very strongly about this!
5. Home for the Holidays – Perry Como. To me, this song totally exemplifies all my Christmas experiences. When I hear it, I picture driving to my relatives’ as a little girl. Friends, aunts, uncles, arriving at my parents’ for the holidays. Me flying home for Christmas. All in a little picturesque  vision. Doesn’t Perry have the best voice ever?

So there are my top choices. What are yours? And while we are at it, how many Christmas songs do you have on your playlist? (And what are some categories for future lists of songs?)

2009 Holiday Sales Forecast

Today, the National Retail Federation released its holiday shopping forecast for the upcoming season. Overall, the NRF predicts that holiday sales will decline, but not as much as last year. Within their 2009 Holiday Kit, the NRF also gives some additional interesting shopping factoids! Both ends of the shopping spectrum have released holiday products in the past few days.  Walmart announced it would sell 100 toys for $10 leading up to the Christmas season.  Meanwhile, Neiman Marcus released its 2009 Christmas Book, including Customized Cupcake Cars for $25,000.

So I am interested in how you foresee your holiday shopping in 2009. Do you plan to cut back? Spend more than last year?

I'll be honest, I haven't thought much yet about Christmas shopping (decorations usually come first!). Although, I do plan to spend about the same as I did last year. Hopefully, sales will be great this year, too (for gifts and for me!). Meanwhile, I have a co-worker who has already FINISHED her holiday shopping!!!

Have you made out or received lists yet? Have your gifting list prepared? Or ideas what you may want to get for certain people?

Target Displaying Christmas Products

I was at Target this past weekend and noticed the store was starting to display Christmas items- albeit not many. Yet. Some of the more prominent items on display were tablecloths and napkins (shiny red and green with poinsettias) and large red, green, and gold ball decorations.

But most interesting was a large shelf full of nutcrackers. There were over 20 different versions- everything from soldiers to pirates to baseball players. They were really unique- and cheap too at $12.99. The nutcrackers are a good size too- about a foot tall. Its an interesting decision by Target to put these out so early, when very little other holiday items are available. But other than being nutcrackers, the figurines aren't Christmas-specific; you could display them at any time. I think the unique characters will be a big seller!

Christmas at Sur la Table

I honestly can't say I have ever been to Sur la Table before- but their catalogue showed up in my mail this week. And as a dutiful shopper, I had to check it out.

Lo and behold, on the last two pages of the catalogue, the store displayed its "new collection of handcrafted ornaments." And they are ADORABLE! A little pricey (okay, a lot pricey), but super cute! They would make great hostess gifts.

Maybe its because I like food and drinks. But my favorites had to be the chocolate-covered strawberries. And the little bottles of champagne and Bordeaux! And there is just something so cute about the mini coffee-maker and toaster! The website has even more ornaments to choose from than the catalogue, so its definitely worth checking out.

And finally, while not identified as holiday-ware, their Quatrefoil Barware are shiny and festive and would make a great addition to your Christmas dinner- and party-ware.

But what is even more interesting- Sur la Table offers cooking classes. The classes last 2 1/2 hours and cover a whole variety of cooking and baking. Holiday classes range from Holiday Baking Fundamentals to Holiday Cookies to Holiday Tamales. There is even a class called Cocktails in a Box that shows you "how to create the perfect gift or party cocktails and mocktails with a variety of juices, purees, syrups and garnishes." Sign me up!

Have you attended a cooking class before? Am I missing out by not shopping at Sur la Table? Do you plan to buy any of their ornaments?

Infusing Cinnamon Vodka with Pumpkin

So hopefully you are following my attempt at infusing vodka with cinnamon. Now that the vodka seems cinnamon-y enough, I want to add pumpkin. Maybe its more Thanksgiving than Christmas, but if it turns out well, it will make some nice winter drinks.

With pumpkins in abundance right now, I picked out a small pie pumpkin. I cut it open, cut slices of the pumpkin meat, and took off the skin. I didn't measure how many slices I added to the vodka- just until it seemed full.

Some tips:

• The pumpkin (obviously) displaces vodka. So it helps to have another empty bottle or container handy for the extra.
• You don't need very much pumpkin at all- so if you have other pumpkin recipes, now is the time to pull them out!
• As you can see from my picture, I left the cinnamon stick in the bottle. I am not sure if this is a good idea or not. Will the cinnamon overwhelm any pumpkin flavor? Its too late now, but I wish I saved some pumpkin- I'd try and infuse plain vodka with the pumpkin to compare. Hmm...maybe I still will!

Do you have any ideas for recipes that can include my cinnamon pumpkin vodka? Should I have removed the cinnamon stick before adding the pumpkin?

Infusing Cinnamon Vodka- Week Two Update

While I have been busy updating this website, my cinnamon has been busy infusing its vodka. Just to recap: on September 18, I made my first attempt at infusing vodka with cinnamon. On September 25, I provided a one-week update.

Which can only mean- its time for the two-week update!!!

So to begin- the color. I honestly cannot tell much of a difference between last week and this week. Same with the smell. But HUGE difference with the taste!

Last week, the vodka tasted like cinnamon, but not overly so. This week, the cinnamon taste is definitely more pronounced. Actually, its quite strong. Definitely more suited for mixing.

Soo...what do I do now?!?! I guess its time to add some pumpkin to further infuse my cinnamon-infused vodka. Thankfully, its pretty easy to find pumpkin at this time of year! Stay tuned for my pumpkin-infusing adventure- starting tomorrow!

Real Christmas Tree vs. Fake Christmas Tree

The Christmas tree debate is often all about circumstance. What type of tree is most convenient and available to you? How much effort do you put into your decorations and Christmas theme? Or maybe that is all simplistic? That’s why, today, Sassy Snowflake is going to debate one of those great Christmas arguments- real tree or fake?

FAKE CHRISTMAS TREE: I know, its inexcusable. I use a fake Christmas tree. So let me explain why. And then everyone can tell me how lame my excuses are!

1. I own a little compact car. And I can barely open the trunk, much less tie a 6-foot tree to our roof. And even if I tried, I am not sure I would trust my efforts.
2. I travel a lot, even during the holiday season. Live trees need a lot of water- I don’t want to come home to a dead tree.
3. Live Christmas trees are available a lot later than when I plan to decorate. As I mentioned previously, I plan to decorate on October 4 (yikes thats this weekend! Okay, maybe not October 4...). The Christmas tree lots and forests aren’t exactly open before Halloween…
4. My pre-lit tree is great. Its easy to set up and, while I add more lights to the tree anyway, the existing lights add a nice touch.
5. Fake trees can be cheap. Notice I say “can be.” If you wait and buy a tree after the holidays are over, you can get great deals. Even if you buy a fake tree during the height of the holiday season, if you use it year after year, it becomes a great value.
6. A lot less set-up clean-up. Yes, you do have to pack your tree for storage, but there are no pesky needles that keep falling (and that your cat wants to keep eating!) or sap sticking your fingers.

LIVE CHRISTMAS TREE: Growing up, I would say about half the time we had a live tree, and the other half a fake one. So I am definitely familiar with the pros and cons of a live tree.

1. Nothing smells better than a real tree. Who cares about pine-smelling candles when you have the real thing?
2. Storage issues. One bad thing about my fake tree is the amount of storage it takes up when its not displayed. With a real tree, you don’t have that issue. Recycle it and your attic or storage bin is free.
3. Every year you get to pick your perfect tree. Your aesthetic may change from year to year or it may not, but at least you have the choice to get the tree of your dreams!
4. The whole experience of buying your tree. If you get a fake tree, every couple of years you will trek to the closest Wal-Mart or Target and pick the cheapest, prettiest tree you can afford. When buying a real tree, you bundle up and spend time outside, in the cold, drinking hot chocolate (if you pick the right lot/forest!), and sing Christmas carols going and coming (hopefully!). A true Christmas experience!
5. The cost for most live trees go to a good cause. Whether you buy a tree from the lot in the corner of the parking lot (money often going to a local school or other charity group) or a Christmas forest (money going to the planting and care of other trees), you can feel good that your purchase is also helping others during the holiday season.

FINAL DECISION: Maybe it all does come down to convenience and what tree is best for you at that point in time. While I made less points for a live tree than a fake one, I think I would give up my fake one for a live one any time (okay, maybe I would ADD a real tree to the fake one). But I don’t think using a fake tree makes me or my home any less Christmas-y.

What are your thoughts? Do you have a real or fake Christmas tree? Did I forget any pros or cons for each type of tree?