My Personal Fav – The Hazelnut Martini

I disovered the Hazelnut Martini at my favorite Halifax Restaurant & Oyster Bar several years ago.  I loved it so much, that I learned how to make it on my own at home.  It’s so good, I wanted to share the recipe!

Sipping one last Christmas – a decadent treat!

Besides the liquor (listed below), you will need a lemon slice and a small shallow dish of shaved chocolate.

First, rim your martini glass – you can do this with either the lemon slice (or some of the liquor).  Then, dip the wet rim in the shaved chocolate.

In a martini shaker, add:

• Ice
• 1 oz Polar Ice Vodka
• 1 oz Trader Vic’s Macademia Nut Liquor
• 1 oz Frangelico Liquor

Shake all ingredients, then strain into the chocolate rimmed martini glass.  It’s so delicious!  And, P.S.: It’s another one of the things that give me joy!

The Things That Give Me Joy

Some days can be tough. I get tired.  Or I have a rough day at work.  Or having to work full time is competing with (and usually winning against) having  too many domestic things to do.

But on those occasional days, I look at my Joy List.  I love lists.  They keep me focused.  They keep me in the present or they help me look ahead with hope or anticipation of things I want to do and eventually will do.

One particular list, my Joy List, is of some of very small things – things that cost nothing, nor take any time at all, really.  They are just a few simple things that make me happy and give me the most profound joy.  They are things that I do not and could not, take for granted.  For I am well aware of how everything can change in the blink of an eye and life as you know it is turned upside down – for better or worse.

Each time I experience, even for a moment, something on my list, my soul – my entire being,  is filled with gratitude and peace.  And no matter what I’m doing, my body inadvertently stops, and takes a moment or so to just breathe it all in.  Pure joy.

Here are a few things on my Joy List:

1. Getting into a freshly made bed with crisp, clean sheets.
2. The first sip of coffee in the morning.
3. The smell of honeysuckle.
4. The smells of sandalwood & patchouli.
5. Gazing at the miracle who is my son.
6. My cat, purring.
7. The sounds of a harp or the bagpipes.
8. Sipping red wine at it’s perfect temperature.
9. Sitting in front of a fireplace with a cup of Earl Grey tea.
10. The feel of washing my hair clean after a sweaty run.
11. The smell of the air in the Fall (chimney smoke mingled with crispy leaves)
12. Hugs.

Practice Good Blogging Etiquette, Leave Your Readers Satisfied

Really good advice. I’m a new (very sporadic) blogger and I tend to get bogged down in how busy life can get. But you’re so right – engaging in conversations is key.