Ugly Christmas Sweater PJ Party

Best Party Theme Ever... the Ugly Christmas Sweaters are purely enteraining and hideous while the PJs are comfy, festive and fun!

Most did one or the other, some did neither (party poopers) and the most clever did PJS pants and a sweater wooo!

We decorated the room with lot's of red, green, gold and foil based items. We dimmed the lights and used candles and bar spotlights.

We had a gift table for our gift exchange game and a table for sitting, eating, socializing.

We also had the bar stocked with booze, mixers, and some special features including a pitcher of special eggnog and some spiced apple cider.

We used apple cider, apple juice, apple smirinoff vodka and cinnamon sticks in a large punch bowl. There were no measuremeants for a recipe, I just added what I thought would work.. half bowl cider, quarter apple juice and several cups of apple vodka.

Delicious!

Here are a few pics from the party last night.

This is the sweater I made for my husband, who did not end up wearing it - so my girlfriends boyfriend wore it - - - wooo!

Good Times!

The Best Egg Nog Ever

My most favourite holiday egg nog mix is this:

-Just over Half a glass of Egg Nog (I use store bought)
-quarter glass of 2% milk
-a shot or two of Sailor Jerry's Spiced Rum
-dash of nutmeg or cinnamon (optional)

The thing about Sailor Jerry's Spiced Rum is that it is the perfect mixture of flavour. I think it's that carmel flavour but who knows. It is absolutely, by far (and I have tried many rums) the BEST rum to mix with egg nog.

Last year I posted some home made egnog recipies and other delicious ways to make egg nogg drinks. Click here to see.

Go - Try it!

Cheers

Meteor Showers = stars = star fruit drink

Tonight and Tomorrow there will be the Perseid Meteor Shower. Essentially, 100+ meteors per hours will light our skies. If you can find a dark location free from the busy city lights you can enjoy this spectacular phenomena with a bevvie and good company.

I hope to take my hubby and perhaps even the kiddo up to a local park where there is no hustle and bustle of lights and people.

"Can we pretend that airplanes, in the night sky are like shooting stars, I could really use a wish right now, wish right now..."

Now you can wish on REAL "shooting stars"

You can read more about the showers here but what I want to talk about is what I enjoy most...

r

Speaking of stars, Star fruit is the cutest way to garnish any drink. Slice is in it's star shape and place on the rim of a glass or even floating in the drink so when you take a sip you see the star shaped fruit.


Here is what you need to know:
Best to buy
Star fruit, or carambola, is available all year long.

Cut & clean
Star fruit does not need to be peeled. Simply rinse under cool water and slice.

The star of your next salad
When sliced, star fruit’s unique shape adds beauty, style, and a sweet, tangy flavor to cocktails, and fruit or vegetable salads. They make a great, edible garnish as well.

Power food
Star fruit is an excellent source of vitamin C.

Spiked Watermelon

This summer treat is my most favourite thing....

It's simple enough... Let me explain....

First, find the perfect watermelon... I get a big one and use half as "Mommy's Treat" and half for the family to enjoy sans booze.

Here's how to pick the best watermelon:

So how do you pick the perfect melon? Some people try their luck with a pick-and-go method. It’s like a drive by watermelon-napping. Picking one up and shaking it never works. Some people just lack the confidence to pick a good one and go for the pre-cut, pre-packaged watermelon. Pitiful, to say the least.

Next time you find yourself on a watermelon hunt, refer to the following tips to nab a sweet one.

When picking the right melon one should:

First check its shape. Symmetry is the key.

Pay attention to its weight. Watermelons are mostly water so a heavier melon means a juicier melon.

Press the skin of the watermelon in various places of its surface. A good melon will not have any soft spots. Get one that’s as hard as a rock.

Notice the color. A darker green color outside offers a sweeter melon inside.

To check for ripeness, look for the sweet spot. Search for a yellow spot on the melon. This is where it sat during its growth period. The yellowish color indicates ripeness.

Lastly, smack it like it’s a bongo drum. Listen for an empty drum-like sound. Like a “Toom-Toom” sound. If it just makes a dense thud sound, set it down and test another one.

That’s it, simple enough. You can now confidently pick out a delicious watermelon for all to enjoy, perfect for the summer heat.

Bring your watermelon home and chop up what you need.

I cut just the edible part to marinade (why waste booze in the rind)

Put in a tupperware container with a few shots of booze and some water (enough to submerge the melon, I usually do a quarter of the container in alcohol and the rest water for a fresh taste that isn't too overwhelming)

Put lid on and refridgerate for an hour or so. (Sometimes I eat right away but the longer you leave it the more saturated the melon is in boozey deliciousness)

Note - Do not leave more than a day, it gets soggy and starts to go bad in my experience.

Eat!!!

I personally love Snirinoff Green Apple Vodka as my alcohol of choice, the apple tastes great with the melon.

You can add more alcohol than water if you wish but I did all booze the first time and it was too potent to enjoy (but got me hammered pretty quickly)

If you are just wanting a refreshing snack, use more water than alcohol.

Mix it up and try different flavours.

This is my own version of spiked watermelon after too many wasted and messy whole watermelons spiked (with the hole cut in the melon and the booze dripping in it over night)

My way is faster and more of a marinade :)

The best on a hot day - delicious, sweet, refreshing!

Just keep it away from the kids (lke jello shots, I always keep the boozey ones out of kids reach and ensure the children have their own alcohol free versions!!)

Green Apple-Pear Martini

I went to a friends last week and brought my usual "booze travel bag" with my mini-martini shaker and all the ingredients for that night's specific drink feature.

-sliced green apples
-grey goose vodka
-green apple smirinoff
-pear absolut
-apple juice
-ice

I mixed an oz. of grey goose an oz. of smirinoff and an oz. of absolut and an oz. of apple juice over ice in the shaker.

Served in a chilled martini glass with a green apple slice garnish - delish!

Busy Lives

I have let real life take over, and although it has involved plenty of drinking, I haven't posted about it.

That will soon change.

Stay tuned for lot's of boozey-delicious posts

Cheers

Mandy's Mandarin-Mango Martini

-1 oz. orange juice
-1 oz. grey goose
-1 oz. mango absolut

Mix in shaker with ice

Serve in Chilled Martini Glass with Mandarin slices as garnish.

Mmmm... sweetness!

St Patrick's Day in Vancouver

Looking for a place to celebrate with green beer tomorrow?

Go early!

All Irish pubs will fill fast and be jam-packed. I am glad I did a Pre-St Pat's Party Saturday.

Here is a list of locations to consider for an "authentic" (some more than others) Irish feel:

- Blarney Stone
216 Carrall Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 2J1‎ - (604) 687-4322‎
One of my faves. I was there Saturday for my Pre-St Pat's Party. They have renovated and it's amazing (and holds more people now too - yay). Great service, Irish food, beer, live music and dancing. Go early this place has lines around the block.

- Irish Heather
212 Carrall Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 2J1‎ - (604) 688-9779‎
Next door to Blarney Stone, I went here for the first time a few months ago for a friend's brithday. Great Irish food, Irish owners, a ton of beer and whiskey to choose from. Very small so go early or don't get in.

- Doolin's
654 Nelson Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 6K4‎ - (604) 605-4343‎
Doolin's is larger than many pubs and has an advantage at night as it's attached to The Cellar nightclub downstairs. Good food, great atmosphere, again, go early.

- The Lennox
800 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1K3‎ - (604) 408-0881‎
I have actually never been here. Let me know if you have and what you think in the comments.

- Ceili's
670 Smithe Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 1E3‎ - (604) 697-0990‎
This place has multiple floors and lot's of space, a variety of items on their menu though doesn't feel as "authentic" as far as Irish Pubs go. It's a good time and upstairs has lot's of windows to overlook Granville Street.

- Morrissey
1227 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1M6‎ - (604) 682-0909‎
Another one I have not been too, sorry.

- The Wicklow
610 Stamps Landng, Vancouver, BC V5Z 3Z1‎ - (604) 879-0821
Never been here either.

- Smiley O'Neils
911 W.Pender Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 1L6‎ - (604) 662-8866‎
I went here for the first time when Vancouver's downtown lost their power. Somehow, Smiley's had it and I enjoyed their food, atmosphere and service. Reasonably priced drinks compared to many places and a diverse crowd.

I am sure there are St. Patrick's Day Thenes at all pubs in the city so go early and wait in line - have some Bangers & Mash, Fish & Chips or something Irish and Tasty... most of all enjoy some green beer and strong whiskey!

Cheers!

Pre St Patty's Day Pub Crawl

Pre Saint Patrick's Day Party this Saturday was a blast.....

I ran my annual Pre-St. Patty's Day Event Saturday Evening and it was pretty awesome. We had lowe numbers than usual but it made it more intimate. Everyone got jello shooters, a St Pat's tiara or hat, leprechauns gold coins (Chocolate) and VIP access to four venues in downtown Vancouver.

We started off at Blarney Stone in gastown for some Irish fun. They recently renovated and it looks really great inside. Our Emcee, Kyle, ran some activities for our group as well as others in the pub enjoying Green Beer and Traditional irish food.

After lot's of drinks and games we hopped on a bus and headed to Shark Club where we ate, drank and enjoyed the Canucks game and the boxing match on several flatscreens.

The Irish Activities continued and we gave away a bunch of cool prizes.

Our third stop, most were tipsy or beyond and we shook our botties on the dance floor at Au Bar. There were some models there in angels outfits, one of them was Brandi from Canada's Next Top Model. (On the right)

Our last stop was Gossip Night Club where we rolled up and gained VIP access and immediate entry to the club. Everyone had an amazing night and since I have been fighting a cold for about a week I headed home instead of dance the night away.

Overall it was a great time as always and I just wish I wasn't getting sick.

St. Patrick's Day is on Wednesday this week so I may go for my traditional Once a Month Wednesday that I have been neglecting for so long.... mechnial bull riding and 5 cent wings at Roosters... we shall see.

Green Beer

Pint of Beer (or a Pitcher)

Green Food Colouring

Add a few Drops.

Stir.

It is messy, it stains, it is a pain in the ass... but... it's fun!

Happy St Pat's

Olympic Videos from Canada's Big Win over USA in Men's Hockey

This is a good hour or more after we beat USA in the Gold Medal Men's Hockey Game. It was absolute insanity - but so much fun! Here are people on the roof tops, traffic lights, store ledges....




The downtown vibe last night was amazing !!! On Robson Street the crowd sang along to "We are the Champions" because... well... we are !!!





Canada beat USA for the 2010 Olympic Gold Medal in Vancouver for Men's Hockey. This also broke the record for most Gold Medals.... I am oozing with pride and have so much to blog and share.... tomorrow....

Here's a brief clip from the bar I was at in gastown after the big win....



Canada won Olympic Gold Medal against USA in Men's Hockey the pub erupted with pride and sang our national anthem in celebration.....



See my youtube for many more olympic videos.

One More Gold Canada... Come On!

One more Gold and we break a record for most Gold won.

Canada reached rare heights Saturday, becoming only the third country to win 13 gold medals at the Olympic Winter Games.

A new mark for Winter Olympics will be set Sunday if Canada beats the United States for men's hockey gold.

The 13 gold medals is also a record for a host nation, breaking the previous mark of 10 set by the United States and Norway.

GO CANADA GO!!!

Tomorrow, for the MASSIVE USA vs. CANADA Men's Gold Hockey Game, I will be with friends at the Shark Club Vancouver for celebration and to watch the game on several televisions.

Great food, booze, friends, atmosphere... and across the street from Canada Hockey Place so you bet we will be out on the street partying when Canada beats USA for the Gold.

Cheers!

Olympics Features - What will stay for Paralympics?

I had been wanting to look into what will stick around during the Paraolympic Games as lines have detered me fom experiencing all of the Olympic features Vancouver has added for the celebration.

The always informative Miss 604 has posted just that information.

Once the Vancouver 2010 Olympic party comes to an end it won’t be with a grinding halt. Many attractions will still be open to the public throughout the Paralympic Games March 12th until the 21st.

Pavilions
From my master list of pavilions the following will still be open:

•Canada House: Until March 21st
•Canada’s Northern House: Until March 21st
•Robson Square Ice Skating at GE Plaza: End time unknown
•CentrePlace Manitoba: Until March 21st
•Olympic Line free streetcar: Until March 21st
•Olympic cauldron in Coal Harbour
•Cultural Olympiad: Until March 21st

See more on what's happening during the Paralympics at Miss 604's page

I for one plan to FINALLY check out the ZIP LINE on Robson Street... those 7+ hour line up's this week have forced me to wait.

Colbert does Canada

Stephen Colbert, American talk show host, holds up an Olympic torch as the taping of his show begins on February 17, 2010 at a park in Vancouver, B.C during the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games.Photograph by: Ian Lindsay, Canwest News Service

Vancouver Sun Reports:

VANCOUVER — Hundreds of fans went wild Wednesday morning as late-night comedian Stephen Colbert brought his faux conservative talk show to Creekside Park, located next to Science World in Vancouver.

He shared the stage with a stuffed moose, First Nations' thunderbird totem, fake snow, assorted skis, hockey sticks, snowshoes and U.S. and Canadian flags.

There is also a giant poster of Colbert astride an eagle carrying an Olympic torch.

As hoot, cheers and hollers greeted the U.S. comic to the stage, Colbert implored the crowd: "One last thing — if I f---k up, forgive me."

After a countdown Colbert, well, messed up, stumbling over the introduction.

The satirist explained to onlookers that he was covering the games "without the help of marijuana."

After another countdown, the Colbert Report got under way, with the comedian pretending the show was taking place at the time in the evening when the program airs:

"It's 11:30 at night and the sun is still shining. And they wonder why there is no snow." Colbert is taping segments Wednesday and Thursday for his late-night show.

Guests on Wednesday included Michael Bublé (Colbert called him "Celine Dion without the white jumpsuit") and NBC's Bob Costas.

Just minutes before Colbert took the stage, a bald eagle soared across the enamel blue skies over False Creek.

I know a few people who re down there and the crowd was insane. I think it's hilarious that despite his "Canadian Bashing" so many go to see him.... it shows Canadians have an excellent sense of humour :)

Can't wait to see the episode air.

Olympic Martini Recipes

While buying gold, silver and bronze martini glasses to give to your friends is one way to do it, you can also use different coloured stir sticks, coasters, or glass trinkets.

Another way is to make your martini's based on the three prestigious medals....

Here are some recipes for Gold, Silver and Bronze Martini's.

Gold Cocktail

•2 1/2 oz Stolichnaya Elit vodka
•1 1/2 oz Malibu Coconut Rum
•1 tsp shredded coconut
•Garnish: Coconut flakes
•Edible gold powder (available at bakery/cake decorating outlets)

1.Coat bottom of martini glass with gold powder.
2.Combine remaining ingredients into a shaker with ice.
3.Shake well.
4.Strain into gold-coated martini glass. The gold powder should float to the top.
5.Sprinkle extra powder to deepen color.
6.Garnish with coconut flakes.

Silver Cocktail

•2 oz Malibu Rum
•2 oz Cupuacu puree
•Splash of fresh lime juice
•Edible silver powder (available at bakery/cake decorating outlets)
•Garnish: Lime wedge

1.Coat bottom of martini glass with silver powder.
2.Combine remaining ingredients into a shaker with ice.
3.Shake well.
4.Strain into silver-coated martini glass. The silver powder should float to the top.
5.Sprinkle extra powder to deepen color.
6.Garnish with lime wedge.

Bronze Cocktail

•1 1/2 oz Kahlua
•2 oz Monte Cristo 12-year
•1/2 oz Grand Marnier
•Edible bronze powder (available at bakery/cake decorating outlets)
•Garnish: Coffee beans
1.Coat bottom of martini glass with bronze powder.
2.Combine remaining ingredients into a shaker with ice.
3.Shake well.
4.Strain into bronze-coated martini glass. The bronze powder should float to the top.
5.Sprinkle extra powder to deepen color.
6.Garnish with coffee beans.

Olympic Cocktail recipes courtesy of cocktailtimes.com

Olympic Bouquets of Green Flowers

CTV Reports:

The bouquets presented to medalists at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games have been seen on televisions and in pictures around the world.

But the bouquets are more than just pretty flowers. A lot of thought and design revisions went into making them, and they are helping to give people a second chance.

The bouquets feature plants and foliage were chosen to represent British Columbia and Canada and include various shades of green, from spider mums, hypericum berries and broad leaf greens to loops of monkey grass, leatherleaf fern and aspidistra leaves.

When I first saw them I was confused. I really expected red and white, perhaps dogwood which is our BC Flower and maybe even some symbolic red maple leaves... tee hee.

I am not a florist... I just know pretty.... and though green is my favourite colour, these bouquets just aren't that pretty.

CTV Continues:

The bouquets are green in more ways than one. They are wrapped in recycled, chlorine and acid-free paper, and the flowers are from environmentally-friendly farms in Ecuador.

"The problem that we have about [our] native plants and using some of our own plant material at this time of the year [is] we're in our winter months, where we don't have light levels to kind of sustain or be able to provide a supply of flowers," Ferragine said.

As well, many of the women making the bouquets are part of a program that trains people who have overcome drug problems and criminal pasts.

Well, at least they get a gold, silver or bronze medal too ;)

Can't be at the Games? Host your own Olympic Party

Not everyone can get to the games, but enjoying and celebrating the Olympics is easy to do from home.

First of all, the games are played (and replayed) all day on almost every channel. Invite some friends over and let the party begin...

Food:

Ask friends choose a country and make a dish that is authentic to that country. A variety of ethnic food will help everyone get into the spirit. Or choose a country you are rooting for and doo all the foods from that one country.

I root for Canada so I would make poutine, pancakes with Maple Syrup and maybe some smoked salmon ha ha ha. - - - OK - - - I am joking... mostly.

But there are many countries with such delicious food, it would be fun.

Beverages:

You have to have booze. Again, you could base your drinks on a particular country (I would say Canadian Whiskey for example) but why stop there?

Make Olympic Medal Martini's in Gold, Silver and Bronze.

Try drinks with your favourite countries flag colours.

Garnish with mini flag stir sticks or toothpicks (you can usually find at the dollar store)

Decorations:

Flags is the easy answer, big ones, small ones, a variety of ones... though you can use items from whatever sport you are watching to get into the spirit.

At a hockey party I had people over with their hockey masks and sticks with Canada Flags on them.... Very Fun!

Just don't use the olympic rings - Vanoc will get you ;)

Celebration:

As if the food and booze weren't enough... I have coloured sparklers and some fireworks in which I use to celebrate. When Canada got their first Gold (Love you Alex Bilodeau) we set off the red and gold while my daughter had red sparklers sizzling as she drew shapes in the sky wearing her Canada Jersey.

Of course hooting and hollering and screaming and cheering works well too ;)

So, no matter where you are - enjoy the Olympics and Celebrate!

Today Show at Grouse Mountain - Monday February 15, 2010

This morning my husband, daughter and I woke up at 3am and went to Grouse Mountain for another session with the Today Show.

It was busier than Friday and there were tons of kids there this time.

We didn't even try to find a spot inside but instead enjoyed the outdoor filming.

We knew Wayne Gretzky was going to be there and also KD Lang. We also new some of the USA Olympians would be there but what we did not expect was to see Canada's Gold Medallist Alexandre Bilodeau up on the mountain!

What an amazing experience to meet the man who brought the first gold home on Canadian soil.

Alex Bilodeau

I'm not gonna lie - - - I teared up with excitment and pride.


My kiddo was a superstar and got hugs and gifts from all the hosts and even got to pose with USA nordic combo Silver Medalist Johnny Spillane... with his silver medal!

We also met the very kind Shane Koyczan (Slam Poet from Opening Ceremonies) and the VERY talented KD Lang.

My husband's fave was of course the great one - Wayne Gretzky

We met everyone, got photos and autographs and enjoyed ourselves until our toes were cold and we had to head home for school (kiddo) and work (me)

It was a long day - I have been up far too long.... Sorry for lack of details but all my photos are on my facebook "Mandy S Mind"

If you haven't gone to Grouse I suggest checking it out.

Go during the Olympics to see live taping of the Today Show - it's such a blast!

Go early as the first 100 people are free and the show begins taping at 4am LIVE. The guests and hosts move around *ALOT* so inside or outside you will get to see a lot of action and really appreciate how the show is created.

The crew is super awesome and helpful in letting you know what's coming up so you can avoid, or b-line for the next location shoot. Lot's of swag given out and just a great atmosphere!

Today Show at Grouse Mountain - Friday February 12, 2010

Thanks for your patience with this blog. My camera had died so most photos were taken with a friends camera, which I prefered shotting with as it is a MUCH better camera than mine. I also used it for video, but I think that will come later as it is being edited.

Anyways, Here is my story from Friday.... I also went today Monday February 15, 2010 and will blog about that tonight.

My Grouse Today Show Experience #1 - Friday February 12, 2010

Thursday February 11, 2010 - 10:00pm - My husband drops me off at the skytrain and I kiss him and my daughter good night.

10:30 pm - Meet Theresa and Emmy at Blenz. We grab essentials and hop into the party van as Amy pulls up.

10:45 pm - Stop at Tim Hortons for a Take Ten Giant Coffee Box, some sweets and some giggles.

11:15 pm - Park at Grouse. We take shifts of two people to wait in the line that is already about 20 people. It is not too chilly, or too wet. There are some rowdy teachers behind us and some snobby teenagers in front of us, but overall, everyone is in good spirits.

**The time in between now and the gondola rid eup is a blur of coffee and bailey's, photos and giggles, meeting new friends and winning free stuff (hats, umbrellas, pins, etc.)**

At one point the hosts and guests began to arrive.

We saw Al Roker, Matt Lauer, Meredith Vieira, Ann Curry, Michael Bublé, Emily Cook and Jeret "Speedy" Peterson all arrive at various times and load a gondola with their entourage.

Here are some snap shots:

Al Roker

Meredith Vieira

Michael Bublé

Jeret "Speedy" Peterson

Perhaps my best moment was getting a photo WITH Michael Bublé. Of course I was going on 18 hours of being awake at that point and plopped a free hat on my head to help look less horrific... it didn't help much, but I am ok with that.

Finally at about 3:30am we are amongst the first 100 people to load the first gondola up Grouse Mountain.

it is VERY cramped.

As the doors open we rush out. Somehow, I managed to run in rain boots on the snow and be one of the first 10 people inside claiming my spot up front for the taping.

I can easily see the comfy chairs for the hosts to my left, the tv reader prompts, a ton of cameras and lights straight ahead and to my right a piano, drum set and mic..... the rumours of Bublé performing outside seem to be false.

At 4am we go live - 7am EST and the hosts are outside with the crowd, some gathered around a fire, some ice skating. I am inside wondering if I chose the best spot to be.

I sit it out. The hosts are a flurry of movement. Between commercials, pre-taped clips and guest spots they move swiftly from inside to outside to the rink to the fire to the mountain side.... I am impressed.

We get to meet Bublé, Peterson, and Cook as well as surprise guest Premier Gordon Campbell, during breaks. I can see me on tv and keep my promise not to act crazy waving like a looney.

Bublé performs inside - I do have the best spot in the house - quite literally - just WAIT for the video I took OMG!

The show tapes, after Bublé sings two songs i head outside to meet with some of my friends. We get photos with some of the hosts and enjoy the fresh air.

Here we are with Kristi Yamaguchi

And Matt Lauer

It's beautiful up there with all the snow and lights and people.

A Great way to open the Olympics in my book.

**Today, Monday February 15, 2010, I went up again for the taping of the Today Show and met Canadian Gold Medalist Alex Bilodeau, The Great One - Wayne Gretzky, as well as several USA medalists and Slam Poet Shane Koyczan. Stay Tuned for Pix and Deets later today.