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New Year’s Gratitude with your Erin Condren LifePlanner!

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After the rebrand of THD, we started focusing much more on natural, whole-life living, which includes a deep connection to the Law of Attraction and its effect on our lives.  One of the biggest parts of applying the LOA to your life is the practice of constant, daily gratitude.  The New Year is always a time of reflection and planning for our next steps in life.  We create resolutions, reflect on past successes and hurts, and plan for the rejuvenation that the change in our calendars gives us.  Because of all of this, New Years’ Eve seems a good time to recommit to my daily gratitude practice.  For me, that means my Erin Condren LifePlanner is my sidekick for the next year.

Gratitude – A Way to Improve Your Life

The study and practice of the Success Principles and the Law of Attraction has been my focus for the last several years.  And it’s amazing how much this stuff works!  My life has changed dramatically for the better–even though I had an amazing life before.  These studies include an active, daily gratitude practice.  And I have to say, it’s changed my life.

…

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“Tahoe Snowdrop” Lemon White Chocolate Truffle Martini

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There’s a wonderful artisan chocolate shop here in Reno called”Dorinda’s Chocolates.”  They have seriously spoiled me to the point of not quite enjoying other, less wonderful, chocolate brands (of course, that doesn’t stop me really from still partaking in the other brands.  Lol).

One of my favorite truffles of theirs is a lemon raspberry chocolate truffle that, for some time, I have wanted to copy in a cocktail.  Last year, however, I had a really awful and wonderful lesson in culinary chemistry when trying to create this cocktail.  It turns out, lemon juice curdles the milk solids in white chocolate!  Who knew?!  Hahaha.  Apparently everyone…  But I digress.

This year, I still had not forgotten my goal to make a white chocolate lemon martini for the Christmas season.  And I thought I knew how to do it, but definitely took it on with more caution and experimentation this year than I did last year. I have to say, what has come out of it is nothing short of festive!  Of course, Dorinda, there’s nothing that is ever going to surpass your truffle, but I think with the help of Tahoe Blue Vodka and DoTerra Essential Oils, we came really close. (The recipe below is just for one cocktail so if you’re sharing, multiply as needed.)

"Tahoe Snowdrop" Lemon White Chocolate Truffle Martini
 
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Serves: 1 Cocktail
Ingredients
  • 2 Shots Tahoe Blue Vodka (This is seriously the only vodka I drink anymore... Visit their site at http://www.tahoebluevodka.com/our-story/ to see their story.)
  • 1 Shot Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur
  • 2 Drops Lemon DoTerra Essential Oil (if you don't use DoTerra PLEASE make sure to buy the highest quality oils which are formulated for human consumption--not all of them are safe to ingest.)
  • ½ tsp. Raspberry Jam Simple Syrup (Combine ¼ Cup Seedless Raspberry Jam with ½ Cup Water; Whisk together; Boil down until you get a syrup-y consistency)
Instructions
  1. Combine the first three ingredients in a martini shaker with a few ice cubes and shake.
  2. Pour the raspberry syrup in the glass to settle at the bottom or to decorate the glass (you can also add it to the shaker with everything else if you prefer).
  3. Pour the drink in glasses.
  4. Enjoy!

Pomegranate Martini

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Tahoe Blue Vodka is the only vodka I drink straight up.  But my mom is famous for her flavored martinis, so I have a special place in my heart for them.  Her Pomegranate Martini is a pretty standard go-to in our houses.

She likes hers made with Mandarin Vodka.  But honestly, I have a hard time stepping away from the TBV.  The mandarin flavor is really lovely with the pomegranate juice, so I’ve found a pretty good half way point if I’m completely craving this orange flavor.  Especially if I’m making this drink for a special occasion like Christmas.  I have a lot less issue with making a special simple syrup when that’s the case.

So without further ado, here is the Pomegranate Martini made with Citrus Simple Syrup.  Feel free to make it with a Mandarin Vodka and a plain simple syrup instead if you’d rather.

Pomegranate Martini - 12 Days of Cocktails Day 6!
 
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Serves: 2
Ingredients
  • 4 Shots Pomegranate Juice
  • 4 Shots Tahoe Blue Vodka
  • 1 Shot Citrus Simple Syrup
  • Juice of 1 Lime
Instructions
  1. Fill a martini shaker with ice.
  2. Add all ingredients to shaker and shake to combine.
  3. Pour into two chilled Martini Glasses.
  4. Enjoy!!!
  5. ***To make the Citrus Simple Syrup, combine 1 Cup Water with 1 Cup Sugar and slice a whole Mandarin Orange into the pot. Simmer on low heat for approximately 20 minutes (you want to make sure to get the citrus flavor really immersed in the syrup.) Add water as necessary.

 

Winter White Cosmo

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Last year, Russ Reyes (from Kilt & Cork) and I did a series on the 12 Days of Christmas Cocktails.  We had a total blast!  Three of those were videos instead of just posts.  Below is the video and recipe for a Winter White Cosmo, which was Day 8 last year.

The only thing I will say about this recipe is that sometimes White Cranberry can be difficult to find.  But when you do find it, this is definitely a winner for any holiday gathering because the pure color with some floating frozen cranberries in it looks ultra festive!

Happy Cooking! (or, you know, Drinking.  Lol.)

 

Winter White Cosmo - 12 Days of Cocktails Day 8!!!
 
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Serves: 1
Ingredients
  • 2 Shots Tahoe Blue Vodka
  • 2 Shots White Cranberry Juice
  • 1 Shot Cointreau Liqueur
  • Squeeze of Lime
Instructions
  1. Add Ice to a shaker.
  2. Pour in all ingredients in shaker and shake.
  3. Enjoy!

 

Frankovich Holiday Nog Cocktail

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I’m a firm believer that part of a healthy life includes a fair bit of indulgence at the appropriate times.  This Frankovich Holiday Nog is definitely one of those indulgences.  It helps, though, that it’s only available two months a year.  Last year, my friend Russ Reyes of Kilt and Cork and I did a series called the 12 Days of Christmas Cocktails.  And while we couldn’t get it together enough to do it this year, I have decided to repost my favorites from that series a few times this month to remind us all to spread that holiday cheer.  So without further ado, here is the repost of last year’s Frankovich Holiday Nog Cocktail!

Growing up in Reno, I’ve seen the bottles of “Frankovich Holiday Nog” my whole life.  I didn’t even really know what it was, but I always waited for those bottles because it meant Christmas was coming. I want to say I even asked my mom one time if we could get some and she avoided the question appropriately.  Who knew it would be one of my favorite spirits as an adult.  Lol.

I will say, though, it’s pretty telling that, while I LOVE the stuff, I still doctor it most of the time.  The sweetness of the nog is so intense that it really needs tempering with more alcohol (oh man, please don’t judge).  I sometimes would add a shot of bourbon, but honestly, my new favorite is Captain Morgan Spiced Rum.  Yes, it reminds me of college…  But the extra spiciness is an absolutely perfect compliment to this wonderful seasonal beverage.

I could say more, but this cocktail speaks for itself.  So the next time you’re having a Christmas brunch or a nightcap in front of the fire, do yourself a favor and pick up a bottle of Frankovich and enjoy the tastes of the season.

Happy…  Mixing?  Lol.

 
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Ingredients
  • 6-8 Oz. Frankovich Holiday Nog
  • 1 Shot Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum
Instructions
  1. Mix Captain's and the Frankovich in a highball glass and Enjoy!!!

Bourbon Honey Lemonade

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Fall must be on its way.  I’m sure most of you would guess I know that because of a cooling off in the weather and a shortening of the days.  NOT.  The weather here is so not cool.  Hahaha.  I know it because of the change in my drink preferences. Right around this time of year I start craving something heavier than my normal summertime choices of white wine, hard seltzer, or, God forbid, Smirnoff Ice.  But when the air starts smelling of the pungent sweetness that means fall is on its way, my taste buds start to change too.  At that point, nothing quite satisfies me like really good Bourbon.

But hey, summer isn’t even close to over, and I don’t want to live my life wishing away my favorite parts (summer is my second favorite season–fall is first).  So I want to make sure I still enjoy every last drop of the beautiful flavors and feelings of summer.  So how do I balance this thirst for a change with a longing to hold on?  Enter the Bourbon Honey Lemonade….

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Tahoe Blue Watermelon Cooler

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Happy Monday!  Admittedly, Mondays are not my favorite days–especially in summer when there are so many fun things to do on the weekends.  But if there’s one thing I’ve learned studying “attractive” living, you don’t want to wish away your life.  So nowadays, rather than wishing away “The Mondays,” I’d way rather do whatever I can to make them bearable and even wonderful.  One of my favorite ways of doing that this summer has been with the Tahoe Blue Watermelon Cooler.

Blossom’s BiFF and his kids have come over on Mondays and Tuesdays lots this summer to swim, BBQ, play, watch movies on my new outdoor projecting screen, and of course, to eat and drink.  This new drink came about when we had a bowl of cut-up watermelon that was clearly going to be on its way out soon.  None of us wanted to continue eating even MORE watermelon than we’d already consumed, and because BB is really good about preventing waste for all of us, the remaining watermelon ended up in the Ninja.  After realizing the flavor was light but still off the charts, we mixed it with some homemade soda water out of the Soda Stream, and some Tahoe Blue Vodka.  After adding a sprig of homegrown mint and a squeeze of lime, I think both of us realized we’d landed on something pretty special.

So soak up as much summer as possible.  Avoid the tendency to live weekend to weekend and make every day of these long, warm weeks count by creating special routines and ceremonies that make life worth soaking up with the sun.

Happy Summer and Happy Sipping!

Tahoe Blue Watermelon Cooler
 
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Serves: 1
Ingredients
  • ⅓ Cup Fresh Watermelon Juice
  • 1½ Shots Tahoe Blue Vodka
  • 1 Shot Organic Lemonade
  • Soda
  • Lime Wedge
  • Mint Sprig
Instructions
  1. Put ice in the glass.
  2. Rim the glass with Lime and squeeze the rest of the juice over the ice.
  3. Pour in the Watermelon Juice and Tahoe Blue Vodka.
  4. Fill the remainder of the glass with soda, to taste.
  5. Float the cocktail with Lemonade.
  6. Twist the mint and garnish.

 

Lemon Strawberry Shortcake with DoTerra Lemon Essential Oil

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I don’t think I could ever feel it was truly spring or summer without at least one meal which included strawberry shortcake.  I love all kinds of shortcakes too–pound cake, traditional biscuits, even angel food.  But this lemon strawberry shortcake gives a traditional shortcake just enough tang to feel like a gourmet indulgence.  Which is funny, because as far as cakes go (especially pound cake), it’s really pretty healthy….

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Homemade Christmas Vodka Soda – 12 Days of Christmas Day 11!

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Holiday food and drink doesn’t always have to be rich, heavy, and overly-sweet to still taste festive and holiday-esque.  Today’s cocktail is light while still maintaining the Christmasy flavors we all know and love so much.

I’ve said it several times recently, but my new favorite kitchen gadget is my Soda Stream.  One of the things I love is that I can make my own flavored vodka sodas; and with my favorite Tahoe Blue Vodka, I know I’m getting a tasty and natural concoction that’s way better than anything that comes out of a can or bottle.

I do love holiday flavors, though, so this year I decided to doctor up my homemade vodka soda to make it just a little more festive.  The addition of wonderful cranberry syrup, Orange DoTerra oil, and a Cinnamon rim, and you’ve got a wonderfully flavorful but perfectly-light Christmas Cocktail.

So here’s to our Day 11!  Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and our final day of our first annual 12 Days of Christmas Cocktails.  Merry Christmas to all!  And make sure to follow both Russ and I during the rest of the year for great recommendations, recipes, dating stories and suggestions, and natural living tips.

Homemade Christmas Vodka Soda - 12 Days of Christmas Day 11!
 
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Ingredients
  • 12 Oz. Filtered Water (or if you don't have a Soda Stream, just Club Soda will work)
  • 2 Oz. Tahoe Blue Vodka
  • 1 Drop Wild Orange DoTerra Oil
  • 1 Tablespoon Cranberry Sauce Syrup (Use your favorite Cranberry Sauce and put it in a saucepan with equal parts filtered water, simmer until syrupy and blend if needed.)
  • Ground Cinnamon
Instructions
  1. Rub the Rim of your glass with a slice of Orange and dip into Ground Cinnamon until coated.
  2. Make Soda according to Soda Stream instructions.
  3. Add Vodka, Soda, Syrup, and Oil to glass.
  4. Enjoy!!!

 

Wassail – 12 Days of Cocktails Day 10!

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***The following is a guest post by Russ Reyes of Kilt and Cork.  www.KiltandCork.com

Wassail is truly a beverage to be shared with friends and family. A medieval Christmastide tradition from the cider producing counties of South West England, there are many ways to make it and many ingredients to start with, but the way it is consumed it the same. Traditionally served in a “wassailing bowl”, the warm mulled punch is passed around and everyone sips from the same bowl. Of course, modern day punch bowls all have individual service, but if you want to enjoy wassail in the traditional method, find a medium sized bowl that would allow the person to hold the bowl and sip from it!

The tradition of Wassail ritual at Christmastide, was to ensure a good cider apple harvest the following year, or later, under the Christian influence, to thank God for his blessings and ask for a bountiful apple harvest the following year. Whatever the reason for sharing the communal bowl, it was a time of celebration and great joy, and shared with all of those who were loved!

Because it is a communal drink, it was inspired by the song “Welcome Christmas”, which the Who’s all sing around the tree at the end of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. That spirit of community and celebration is what the Wassail is all about!

This wassail is the ale based version because the earthiness of the ale compliments the spices and fruit, but it is highly customizable, and a nice dry hard cider can be used in place of the ale.

Wassail - 12 Days of Cocktails Day 10!
 
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Ingredients
  • 6 Small Fuji Apples, cored
  • 1 Cup Brown Sugar
  • 1 Cup Water
  • 8 12 Oz Bottles of English Ale or Dry Cider
  • 10 Whole Cloves
  • 1 teaspoon Allspice
  • 1 Cinnamon Stick
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Put the apples into an  glass baking dish. Drizzle the brown sugar onto each apple, dividing the sugar evenly among them. Pour the water into the bottom of the dish and bake until tender – about 45 minutes.
  3. Pour the ale into a large slow cooker or large pot. Mix in the cloves, allspice, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg. Set the slow cooker to medium heat or, if using a pot, set the stove to medium to low heat.
  4. Bring the mixture to at least 130 degrees F, but do not boil. Once brought to temperature, you may strain the wassail through a sieve to remove the excess spices and make it easier to drink.

 

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