hello old friend

hi folks!!!

a lot has happened since 2008, and i've had to focus on things other than mocktail parties. but i've decided to make at least one new mocktail a week and post my recipes and findings with you. anticipate some posts promoting and endorsing sobriety as well.

this weekend i mixed a very simple mocktail. i can't take credit for the invention of this drink, but i don't remember where i found it. so i'll call it "mango champagne":

simply shake white grape juice with mango syrup, or mango nectar. pour and serve.

we had it with taco truck food on friday. pretty delicious combination, actually.

far east drinks

perhaps one reason why it was right for me to go to taiwan is due to the enormous number of non-alcoholic drinks that fill and dot this island. there are all manners of juices, smoothies, teas, herbal teas, sodas, yogurt drinks, and even milks.

and not just soy, rice, and dairy milks. like papaya milk, fuji-apple flavored milk, mango milk, strawberry milk, java milk. basically most things that you can think of as a kind of milk. and the best part is when they refer to it as a "lactic acid drink." mmmm, makes you wanna chug it, eh? take, for example, the drink on the left--which has a happy little something or other, we're not sure what it is, but it's all over the 7-11s and it has a rainbow on its head so it's got to be good, right?--this drink which you should OPEN! is mango juice & lactic acid flavor. i wasn't kidding!

my other favorite drink that i have tried. is apple sidra. it's a carbonated apple drink and it's completely great. i've had it on numerous occassions and it always tastes like a perfectly carbonated apple cider. i have seen grenadine in grocery stores, now i just need some marashino cherries to make manhatten martinis that would be perfect for thanksgiving dinner.

so yeah, i've been taking a lot of pictures of the things i eat and drink. i'm in a very foreign country!

if you think it's weird that i take pictures of drinks and other various foodstuffs in stores, get over it because it's already weird enough to taiwanese people that a tall blonde person is wandering around their grocery store, peering at and long-time contemplating things like canned roast beef, canned fried gluten, and shrimp-flavored potato chips. but the shrimp potato chips are good.

loves, meaygs.

taiwan me

this little piggy has not made any parties this year because this little piggy has been saving to get out of debt and this little piggy is also planning to go to TAIWAN this year to teach english for six months starting in JULY and STUFF.

!!!!!

one party is in pending and i'll probably make up a drink in celebration of the event of leaving to taiwan. it will be called "red dragon" and creation of recipe is pending, i have to create a little video of myself teaching before i can really officially saying that i'll be living in taiwan and stuff.

fugly sweaters!

so it's been awhile since the ugly christmas sweater happened and even longer since i've posted. regardless, these photos should be shared with the world. voila:


The Sparkling Christmas Mocktail stand


Sampling the Mocktail


WASL


Our photo booth


That sweater comes from Greece and is claimed to be a, and I quote, "work of art."


Catherine "La Queen" and Aaron, who found is orange piece in his mother's closet.


Chris and I at the other booth--a simulated fireplace.


Sam and I modeling our stuff.


Michelle & Spencer in turtleneck spirit and my scotty dog sweater.




Givin' Santa some smooches.




Dan & Tawni












David


Jessica & Russ

ugly sweater party

alls,

the ugly sweater party is rapidly approaching. for those who are a little trumped on how to go about this, please read the following advice on a charming blog i stumbled upon:

"1. Think Ironic. You probably have fond memories of your older female relatives at holiday gatherings wearing sweaters with Christmas trees and Santa Claus. The Ugly Christmas Sweater Party pokes fun at these wardrobe choices, and no one wants to be mean to Grandma. So mentally separate the Grandma sweater from the Party sweater. Pretend she wouldn't be hurt by the concept. And for God's sake, don't tell her about it.

2. Think Thrift Shop. Whether going or throwing, you might want to pick up some special specimens, and you won't find a better source than Goodwill. And you can't beat the prices. Just plan on spending a little extra for dry cleaning.

3. Think with a Twist. Move beyond the sweater. Add in a turtleneck, jewelry or a tie.

4. Think Regional. Florida, Hawaii...not the right spots for this concept. Compromise! Try an Ugly Christmas Hat or T Shirt Party instead so no one passes out unless it's for the right reason: eggnog overdose.

5. Think Unsexy. There's nothing hot about a Christmas sweater, unless you're wearing it in Hawaii (against our excellent advice). No bare midriffs, especially on guys."

(http://hellishholidays.blogspot.com/2006/12/ugly-christmas-sweater-party-guide.html)

if you're looking for further inspiration, you can also think: "sweeney sisters." behold....

*************

anticipate magic this season.

anticipate my first ugly christmas sweater party, complete with mocktails, white elephants gifts, a cheesy christmas greeting card photo scene, live music, and potentially, POTENTIALLY, an appearence by the sweeney sisters.

48 views huh

count is up to 48 views. not bad for not having any postings since june.

anticipate something big for the holidays. promise.