TAKE YOURSELF TO NEW HEIGHTS...

I am halfway there...

 

Enjoying a few festive cocktails between Thanksgiving and New Years can be quite a lot of fun….

As long as you drink responsibly I recommend sipping the following high-spirited concoctions over the holidays…. This first one will surely take you to new heights! I could only finish half.

The Aviation is not for the faint of heart. This is a strong drink with character:

2 ounces gin

1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 teaspoons maraschino liqueur, preferably Luxardo

1/4 ounce Crème de Violette (that’s violet liquor from France)oh la la…

Lemon twist, for garnish.

Combine the first three ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake to chill well, and then strain into a cocktail glass. Drizzle the Crème de Violette into the glass and garnish with a lemon twist.

Yield: one cocktail.

According to Chow.com The Aviation was once regarded as the prince of cocktails, but the scarcity of maraschino liqueur nearly sent the drink into tippler’s oblivion. The name of this feisty Depression-era cocktail is supposedly linked to air travel of the time—a risky venture not for the faint of heart. I say neither is this beguiling cocktail.  Bottoms up!

Another favorite is The Sugarplum Martini (above)…it is quite delicious…But, it’s a secret recipe that I have not been able to get my hands on. I only suggest the drink because I ordered one once in a restaurant and it was so good I featured it on the blog. See sugarplum.  The only ingredient the owner shared with me was the Pearl Plum Vodka which tastes exactly like sugarplums. Once you get your hands on a bottle of this tasty vodka you can get creative or search online for how to make this wonderful drink. Cheers~ Its’ like taking your mouth on a magical sleigh ride through a winter wonderland..

 

 

And last, but certainly not least, is a classic Egg-Nog… Old New England to be exact. Just looking at the bottle makes me want to drink it up. It even looks Christmassy. Once you chill and taste this flavorful stuff it’s quite good and heavily spiked! …. I cannot think of anything better to make you Merry and Bright! Just add ice and be Jolly …..HO HO HO…..If there really is a Santa I am sure he drinks Old New England!

a cup of cozy

 

 

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM AN ANGEL

 

"Aunty will always be by your side."

Angels are like that....

RECIPIE FOR A HAPPY CHRISTMAS...

A genuine smile helps make new friends

 

Here I am the morning before Christmas Eve enveloped in the wonderful spirit of the Season…and all lit up like a Christmas tree….

I am gobbling sugarplums, mixing egg-nog, sipping my famous Ho Ho Joes’ coffee, and playing my beloved and much acclaimed (by friends and family) Christmas Music! When you start to really feel and believe in the wonder of the season and the love and blessings that DO abound (no matter what else may be going on in our lives) there is much to celebrate…

Serenaded by Singing Santa's

My recipe for a Happy Christmas works every time…it’s easy. Just put yourself in a good place. Think of people or places that make you feel good. Or better yet, go in person to see them. Sip your favorite coffee, brew a festive tea, put on a big fury hat and walk down the street smiling, or call a dear friend. These simple things pack a profoundly good punch. And speaking of which…have you brought out the old punch bowl and lovingly prepared a Holiday Spirit for all to enjoy! There are over 135 thousand yummy yuletide recipes online.

 

You can fall in love with your Christmas Tree. Aunty did every year! I even give mine a name. Let me introduce Puffy Green. There is an Angel representing Aunty atop...

Even looks a little like Aunty

With Aunty in my heart and Christmas on my mind…. I am glowing with all the love and joy this holy and wonderful season can bring! From my heart to yours, I thank you for reading Ageless with Aunty. We wish you the Merriest Christmas and a Happy, Healthy, and Holy New Year….

I have been told that the childlike joy that thrives here at Ageless is contagious. My gift to you is to continue sharing my Ageless adventures and attitude. All you have to do is show up for a dose of good cheer! It’s still free and its so good for the soul…………

You can Google Ageless with Aunty or go to www.reneegold.com

 

 

UNBEATABLE CHRISTMAS GIFTS

 Some gifts are so good you have to buy two

 

I promised to post some unbeatable gift ideas. Most of these unique suggestions will not be found at the mall, but are sure to please the lucky recipients.

Books always make great gifts. I have a terrific one that you may want to consider.

Lunch with Buddha written by my friend Roland Merullo. This guy is one fantastic storyteller. And, as I have said before…he’s a genuinely great man! You should buy his entire collection! He’s prolific. There are lots to choose from. Some of my favorites are American Savior or In Revere, In Those Days….

I loved his latest book Lunch with Buddha so much I bought two. www.roldandmerullo.com

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Who doesn’t like Mermaids? My pal Ramune makes them by hand. She’s Addicted to Mermaids.

And that is the name of her wonderful and whimsical site. Check it out. By placing an order you can be sure you are sending a gift that is unique and creative. Ramune works hard and her quality creations make great presents. www.addictedtomermaids.com

Ramune & her mermaids

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Everyone needs a calendar. There is a fabulous site called Love’s Freeway. Treat your eyes and see for yourself. A former writing coach of mine is an expert photographer. Her calendars sell out every year! www.lovesfreeway.com

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For something exquisite Shoyeido Incense is my all-time favorite. The exclusive family recipe has been produced in Japan by hand for over 300 years! You get the feeling like you are in an exotic Japanese Tea house, a mist of puffy clouds, or soaking in a warm bath. The second to none mixtures are blissful.

They are made with only the finest ingredients and there are so many scents to choose from. Your friends will appreciate the sensational aroma in their home. Everyone who enters will surely ask “What is that amazing scent?” Buy some for yourself too and mellow out! Sat Nam…

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If you are a BIG Spender and want to go all out and give a gift that truly lasts forever….then go to my BFF’s site www.dalefournier.com and buy one of her Antique Diamond Rings! My head Is spinning at the thought. I dream of having an array of brilliant colorful gems on all my fingers…. But, just start with one! Miss Dale will be glad to help you choose the one that is perfect for you. Her tastes are impeccable. She has me for her BFF doesn't she?!

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Last, but certainly not least, is the GIFT of your precious and valued time. Visiting friends and family over the holiday season is the best gift of all! Sharing memories over cups of tea, fresh roasted coffee….or a Mistletoe Martini simply can’t be beat! Pass the Eggnog please…. And scroll around this blog for the most exclusive coffee and tea selections on earth!
 

p.s. I love Uggs! One of my Christmas Dreams is to buy everyone I know a pair!

 

 

SIMPLY HAVING A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS TIME...

They call me Miss Merry

This picture represents what this blog is all about....finding the joy of living no matter what is going on in your life. As I have shared before on the blog...it's been very hard and even lonely at times without Aunty. I also have an enormous and frustrating challenge on my hands with a major creative project, and sometimes there are personal things, and family dysfunction that are profoundly unfair. I choose to focus on the positive. No matter what is going on in my own life it's still Christmas Time. Putting on all my festive garb elevates my spirits. My friend, who took this picture, got such a kick out of seeing me so high-spirited his own mood and outlook instantly changed! He put on a Santa Cap and we strolled along taking the music with us. (I tucked my miniature Christmas boom-box inside the shimmering blue purse you see above)...

Just now, during the writing of this post a friend called to ask "Do you have a tiara I can borrow for tomorrow night?" The animated question just made my day. Of course I do. She reads this blog, and she gets it. Why not have some fun? Why not lighten your heart. Why not wear a big fury hat, a jingle bell around your neck, red gloves, and Santa Uggs. I dare ask why not? I hope that by sharing this picture and this sentiment you will take an extra sip of some holiday tea, enjoy a holiday stroll, wear a Santa Cap outdoors, and partake in even a few more minutes of merriment this season.

I learned from the Master Merry Maker...Aunty! Beauty is not in the face, beauty is a light in the heart. And, as I have experienced firsthand, that brillance magnifies at least a trillion times when two "lights" come together! It becomes an eternal light....

together forever

Aunty's love inspires me, guides me, and protects me even in death

 

Who or what inspire you?

~next post will be those great gift ideas I promised.

FIT FOR AN ANGEL....

for Cherub-like skin 

 

We all know that the best gifts you can give anyone any time are your love, hugs, wisdom, and your precious time.  But, sometimes we love giving wrapped and lovingly packaged presents. Making someone happy with a well-thought out gift selected just for them is good for your own soul. I am glad to say that people seem to "LOVE" and "Appreciate" my gifts. So, after many requests I have put together some outstanding suggestions for THE BEST GIFTS EVER. 

 

Farmaesthetics Organic Skin Care and Bath/Body Products

I just received an early Christmas Present two weeks ago and I am still smiling! These products are surely top of the line. The smell, the texture, the ingredients, even the packaging are all impeccable. Sometimes I just like lining them up and looking at them because I know how the Lavender Rub and the Sweet Soy Oil, and the Rainwater Soap  make me feel. I don't have enough high praise for these products.

And for a real treat visit their stunning store on Bellevue Avenue in Newport Rhode Island. The shop, which reminds me of a French Country Kitchen is quite lovely and inviting. With advance notice they will even do facials in a room fit for a queen! It's a splendid indulgence and you are so worth it.

A perfect suggestion this time of year would be a stroll down Bellevue Avenue with all the Newport Mansions aglow, stop in at #144 to buy your best friends some soothing Farmaesthetics Products and then treat yourself too. They have gifts for everyone, like Their New Dreaming Oil, and Sweet Milk Exfoliate. And, they are safe and gentle. Aunty's very favorite product was their Award Winning Nourishing Lavender Milk. There will always be a bottle of it in my bathroom simply to keep that perfect warm and cozy scent of Aunty ever present. I honestly think that is one reason my "love face" looked so good for a woman in her eighties! It's also safe enough for babies..and I wouldn't be surprised if that lush milky wonder is what the Angels use....

love & lavender warm us on a cold winter night

 

GO TO www.farmaesthetics.com

and see for yourself what all the fluttering is about.....

 

Come back to Ageless with Aunty soon for more sensational gift ideas...