Liqueur for Holiday Gift Giving........... start now

Holiday Gift Giving*

 

 

This year homemade elegant is in!   Coffee Liqueur is Absolutely in!

Irish Creme*

 

2 egg yolks
2 cups sweetened, condensed milk
1 1/2 cups heavy cream

 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
2 tablespoons strong, brewed coffee
1 tablespoon good vanilla
1 teaspoon almond extract OR almond liqueur (like DiSaronno),
2 cups good Irish whiskey (I used Finnegan Irish Whiskey)

1. In a large glass mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks for a minute until pale colored.  Add the sweetened, condensed milk, cream, chocolate syrup, coffee, vanilla, and almond extract, whisking until completely combined.
2. Add the whiskey, whisking to combine.
3. Pour into glass jars, using a funnel if needed.  Cap tightly and store in the refrigerator for several weeks.

Serve over ice, use as a coffee creamer, or get creative and use it in a cocktail!

                                                                  Kahlua*

 Ingredient List to Make Homemade Kahlua:

1 1/2 cups of firmly packed brown sugar

1 cup of granulated white sugar

2 cups of water

1/2 cup of instant coffee granules

2 tablespoons of pure vanilla extract

3 cups of your favorite vodka

Step 1: Combine the brown sugar and the granulated white sugar in a pot.

Step 2: Add the water and stir.

Step 3: Bring the mixture to a boil and boil 5 minutes while stirring constantly.

Step 4: Remove from heat and gradually add the coffee granules.

Step 5: Cool the mixture for ten minutes.

Step 6: Add vanilla and vodka and mix thoroughly.

Step 7: Pour into jars or bottles with lids.

Step 8: Let the Kahlua stand for three weeks

*i like to do mine for 4 -6 weeks in a cool dark place

*you can add 2 cups strong black coffee,

play with the measurements homemade means the way you like it!

                                                                    Amaretto*

 Ingredient List to Make Homemade Amaretto:

1 cup water

1 cup white sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 cups vodka

2 tablespoons almond extract

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Step 1: Put the water, the white sugar and the brown sugar in a saucepan.

Step 2: Heat the mixture over medium heat until the mixture is boiling and the sugar is dissolved.

Step 3: Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.

Step 4: Stir in the vodka, the almond extract and the vanilla.

Step 5: Store the homemade Amaretto in a bottle or jar and refrigerate to keep it fresh.

*Great Gift Ideas

ABSOLUT,CORONA,BUD LIGHT Homemade Gifts

You can cut glass bottles at home using materials you probably already have on hand.



Materials:
glass bottles
yarn
nail polish remover
lighter
sink full of ice water
sandpaper
Directions:

 1. Wrap the cotton yarn around your bottle 5-6 times, tie and cut ends. You can also braid three pieces together and tie that around the bottle. I actually had better results using the braided yarn.

2. Slide yarn off of the bottle.

3. Dip yarn in nail polish remover. I filled a bowl with nail polish remover and let the yarn sit in it for a few seconds to make sure it was fully saturated.

4. Slide the wet yarn back onto the bottle. NOTE: The bottle will be cut wherever you place the yarn, so make sure it is as straight as possible.

5. Holding the bottle sideways from the mouth, light the yarn on fire.  ****Please please be careful!**** Only the wet yarn will be lit on fire and the flame is very well controlled.

6. Rotate the bottle in circles as the yarn is on fire for 20-30 seconds so that all parts of the bottle warm evenly.

7. Holding each end of the bottle, submerge in cold water and watch the bottle parts separate.

8. Use sand paper to smooth rough edges.

The hardest part about this project is getting the cut in the right spot. Because the Corona logo goes up so high, you don’t have much room to work with. The glass on the neck of the bottle is thicker and harder to cut using this method, so it took a few tries for me to get the desired results. It was worth it though!
You can make more than just drinking glasses. Think vases and candle holders too! This method is supposed to work on wine bottles too, though I haven’t tried those yet.

PAY ATTENTION.......................

Have you ever wondered why traffic always slows when people are driving by an accident? Do you moan about the fact that people are attracted by the gruesome, and yet find that you glance over too as you drive by? Well, it’s not really your fault, you (and everybody else) can’t resist looking at scenes of danger. It’s your “old brain” telling you to PAY ATTENTION.



You have 3 brains — In my book, Neuro Web Design: What makes them click? I talk about the idea that you really don’t have one brain, you have three. The “new brain” is the conscious, reasoning, logical brain that you think you know best; the mid brain” is the part of the brain that processes emotions, and the “old brain” is the part of the brain that is most interested in your survival.


From reptiles to people — If you look at brains from an evolutionary perspective, the “old brain” developed first (hence the name “old brain”!). In fact, that part of our brain is very similar to the brain of a reptile, which is why some people call it the “reptilian” brain.


“Can I eat it? Can I have sex with it? Will it kill me?” – The job of your old brain is to constantly scan the environment and answer the questions: “Can I eat it? Can I have sex with it? Will it kill me?” That’s really all the old brain cares about, is food sex and danger. When you think about it, this is important. Without food you’ll die, without sex the species won’t continue, and if you are killed the other two questions don’t matter. So animal brains developed early on to care intensely about these three topics. As animals evolved they developed other capacities (emotions, logical thought), but they retained a part of their brain to always be scanning what is going on for these three critical questions.


You Can’t Resist — What this means is that you just can’t resist noticing food, sex, or danger. It doesn’t matter how hard you try to not notice these 3 things in your surroundings, you will always notice them. It’s the old brain working. You don’t necessarily have to do anything once you notice, for example, you don’t have to eat the chocolate cake when you see it, you don’t have to flirt with the attractive person who walked into the room, and you don’t have to run away from the large scary guy that walked in the room with the good looking woman. But you WILL notice all of those things whether you want to or not.


Cake, Pretty Woman, and a Crash on the home page — I get emails from people who have read about the old brain in my book. They will write to me wanting advice about how they should fit a picture of cake, a woman in a bikini, and an industrial accident all at the home page of their corporate website. (I do get some interesting emails!). I’m not advocating that you do that! I am pointing out that if you want to get someone’s attention at a website, then any images or headlines that include or imply food, sex, or danger will definitely get attention. But you will have to decide what is appropriate!
Have you seen any good examples of websites that use these ideas effectively (besides just sex sites — don’t send me URLs for those)?

Originally published on WhatMakesThemClick.net.

Tags: Features, Presentations, Marketing, People, Psychology | 

45 Life Lessons

45 Life Lessons, written by a 90 year old

1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short not to enjoy it.

4. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will.

5. Don’t buy stuff you don’t need.

6. You don’t have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.

7. Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone.

8. It’s OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for things that matter.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.

12. It’s OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye… But don’t worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful.  Clutter weighs you down in many ways.

18. Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It’s never too late to be happy.  But it’s all up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words, ‘In five years, will this matter?’

27. Always choose Life.

28. Forgive but don’t forget.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give Time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn’t do.

35. Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative — dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else s, we’d
grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have, not what you think you need.

42. The best is yet to come…

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.

thank you to :  Men Who Dress Like Men

Everyday Items create a Masterpiece

Foam Printing

Materials needed:
Foam or polystyrene container
pencil
paint or ink
small roller
1. Cut a large section of foam from your container.
2. Draw or trace your design and press down with your pencil.  Not too hard but also not to lightly.  You need to make an impression without going all the way through.
3. Roller your design with paint or ink.
4.  Lay your paper or card on top of your paint covered foam and press lightly with the back of your hand all over.
5.  Gently peel away your paper or card to reveal your design.  Hey presto!
Happy printing!

Two Wolves

Two Wolves: A Cherokee Teaching An elderly Cherokee Native American was teaching his grandchildren about life... He said to them, "A fight is going on inside me, it is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One wolf is evil -- he is fear, anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, competition, superiority, and ego. The other is good---he is joy, peace, love, hope, sharing, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, friendship, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith. This same fight is going on inside you, and inside every other person, too." They thought about it for a minute and then one child asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win?" The old Cherokee simply replied: "The one you feed". The Cherokee people were forced to move from their lands in the southeast US to Indian Territory in Oklahoma in 1838. About 4000 Cherokee died as a result from the brutal 1000 mile march along the route known as "The Trail of Tears" or "The Trail Where They Cried". The legend of the beautiful Cherokee Rose which now prospers along "The Trail of Tears" tells how the flowers grew from where the tears of grieving Cherokee mothers fell to the ground during the march. The growing flowers would become a sign to inspire the mothers to carry on and stay strong so they could provide for their children. Today the Cherokee Rose is the state flower of Georgia. Consider requesting this beautiful and inspirational flower when sending flowers by post or visiting the shop, and send a message of hope and strength to your loved ones in memory of the Cherokee.

12 Smart Things Every Father Should Teach His Kids

12 Smart Things Every Father Should Teach His Kids

Real Men Pray

 There are some things, from common-sense knowledge to people skills to potentially life-saving tricks, all kids should learn. And no matter how hard or uncomfortable some of the lessons may be to teach, it's your job, Dad, to instill them. Be sure to hit these 12.   

Teach a Solid Handshake

 

 

Model proper technique by putting 'er there: Press the web of flesh between your thumb and index finger into his so he feels it; that ensures proper placement. Then wrap your hand around his and squeeze gently for two or three seconds. Key point: Eye contact and a slight smile are essential. The double pump, while conveying enthusiasm, isn't.

Instill a Healthy Respect for Guns

 

 

Your kid might become vice president one day. Demonstrate how to keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times—downrange, toward the ground or up in the air—while explaining that every gun should be considered a loaded gun.

Learn Left from Right

Righty tighty, lefty loosey. That's how to remember which way to turn a screwdriver, wrench—or the lid from a jar of pig's knuckles.

What to Do When Stopped by a Cop

 

 

1. Keep your hands where police can see them.

2. Never run, resist, complain or touch an officer.

3. Address the police officer as "sir" (or "ma'am") or "officer." If he's wearing three stripes or a single silver bar, saying "yes sergeant" or "no lieutenant," respectively, may score you some points.

Proper Condom Use

 

 

 

When you have your "talk" with your son (or daughter—she needs to know this stuff, too), cover all of these points about condom use (and when you're done, present him with his very own box of rubbers).

1. Check the expiration date. Condoms are good for 5 years but those with spermicide expire after 3 years.

2. Never store them in your wallet or car glove box (pressure and high temperatures will render them ineffective).

3. Always use one, even with oral sex.

4. Break out a new one with every encore performance. Reusing one isn't worth the risks.

How to Console Someone

 

 

 

At some point or another while they're growing up, your children will need to console a relative or a friend who's just lost a family member. To make the encounter less clumsy for your kids, help them prepare a message that comes from the heart. (They should never say something like "I guess it's for the best that she's gone" when her friend's sickly Grandma Bertha dies.)

In the case of a grieving classmate or friend, they should invite the other child over to play or hang out or to go to the movies with your family. Even if the friend declines, the effort your kids made will not go unappreciated and will strengthen their relationship.

The Right Way to Dress

 

 

  While your son might be reluctant to hear it, give him this advice from Andy Gilchrist, author of The Encyclopedia of Men's Clothes.

1. Trousers are long enough if they have a light break in the front, and they should fully cover socks to avoid a "where's-the-flood" look.

2. Shirts should show a quarter- to half-inch reveal when wearing a suit or sport jacket.

3. Ties should descend to the belt line. A properly executed tie will show a dimple under the knot.

4. Socks should be long enough to completely cover the shins when legs are crossed.

5. Belts should match the color of shoes and end just past the first loop on your pants.

Calculate a Tip

 

 

 

Encourage your kids to tip well for good service—in our book that's at least 20 percent. (If they think that's too generous, lay this on them: "Some day you might find yourself working at Friday's.")

The simplest way for your kids to calculate a 20 percent tip is to multiply the pretax amount by 2 and move the decimal point over one position to the left. For a $135 tab: 135 x 2 = 270. Slide the decimal between the 7 and the 0, and you get a $27 tip. Feeling generous? Throw in a few more bucks. Does the server merit only 10 percent? Use the method above but instead multiply by 1. 

OR 2 1/2 TIMES THE TAX

How to Defuse an Angry Person

 

 

 

The best way to handle an uncontrollably angry person is not to say "Calm down" or "Breathe"—unless your aim is to fan the flames, says Rick Brinkman. Ph.D., who runs communication seminars for IBM and Boeing. Let the person vent for a moment while you compose yourself. Then calmly say, "I can see you're upset. I'll listen to what you have to say, if you're willing to listen to what I have to say. Okay?"

Follow that up with a question that leads him out of the situation: "What do you say we resolve it this way?" By asking a question, you give him the illusion of being in control. If this approach fails, walk away. 

Make Your Teen a Safe Driver

 

 

 

Have your kid log at least 100 hours of instruction at the wheel, says Phil Berardelli, author of Safe Young Drivers. "The 6 hours most states mandate is inadequate," he explains. "Take time to expose him to rain, snow, night, fog, highways."

Once he has his license, limit carpooling. A study by Johns Hopkins University's Center for Injury Research and Policy found that teen drivers with two passengers are 86 percent more likely to die in a crash than are teens driving alone. Also restrict night driving. The Connecticut Transportation Institute says drivers ages 16 to 20 are 66 percent more likely to have an accident at night than they are during the day.

Help Your Kid Get into College

 

 

 

Help Your Kid Get into College

To give your child the competitive edge, start planning in the ninth grade, says Michele Hernandez, an Ivy League—college consultant and author of A Is for Admission. Here's a quick guide to making the most of ninth grade.

• Freshman year is the time to perfect study skills and work on critical reading and vocabulary. Your teen should try to read for at least an hour per day, including areas outside of her interests.

• It's important for her to show teachers that she really cares about her classes by going above and beyond what the teachers ask for. Now's the time for her to become an active participant in class by contributing to discussions and showing initiative.

• Make sure she takes one or two SAT II tests before the end of the year if she is taking advanced science or math. Most top colleges require three of these tests along with the SAT I, and you don't want to save all until junior year.

• Beef up her academic resume. Enroll her in college-level classes over the summer.

Discipline Your Son for Drinking or Smoking Pot

 

 

 

Don't freak. "A vein-popping lecture will drive him away and shut down any chance of a meaningful discussion," says Xenia G. Becher, coauthor of Ten Talks Parents Must Have With Their Children About Drugs. After you've cooled down and talked about the issue with your wife, meet in your son's room; he'll be more receptive on his own turf.

Explain that you're concerned he's not making smart decisions. "Reinforce the message that he needs to stay clear-minded and focused in life and that drugs will knock him off those paths," says Becher. If he asks whether you smoked pot or drank when you were his age (and he will), don't let him steer the conversation away from himself. "Telling him what you did or didn't do isn't important," says Becher. "This is not a 'true confessions' moment. Disclose only if it helps."

 the picture at top is from this movie

worth an hour and a half of your life!

 Courageous The Movie