#Florida Eggnog

[floridaegg]

"Florida Eggnog: A Global Tradition of Flavor and Craftsmanship 🌍🍶✨"

Florida Eggnog: A Global Tradition of Flavor and Craftsmanship 🌍🍶✨ At Florida Eggnog, we bring you a holiday beverage that transcends borders, combining organic, aged ingredients with a rich family history that spans generations. Whether you’re in Miami, Florida, or as far as London, UK, our globally inspired eggnog is crafted to perfection, celebrating tradition and innovation. Why Florida…

[emaya-chan-the-potato-headed]

CHRISTMAS CREEP has overcome me, already

And I allow it willingly!

HOHOHO!!! 🤶🎄🎅

[softmick]

🎄 Tag Game Wednesday 🎁

It's Festivus for the rest of us so grab your Chanukah bush, your mistletoe, your pagan ritual or whatever brings you joy and come gather round the fire 🪵 and celebrate your pocket friends 🤶🏻

Thank you Jess @jrooc and Kat @mybrainismelted and Ling @lingy910y for tagging me!

🔠 Favourite nickname you’ve ever been given: Boo

🗺️ Where are you located? florida

🥶⛱️ What season is it where you are now? winter, unfortunately

🥳 Favourite tradition this time of year: i love buying, wrapping, and giving presents and decorating and hot chocolate!

🥧 Favourite holiday food: all of it

☕️ Mulled wine, eggnog or hot apple cider? nope, nope, and idk if i've ever tried it?

🍗 Turkey, Ham or Nut Roast (Or Tofurkey?)? ham

🏔️🏖️ Would you rather spend the December holidays in:  A cabin in the woods surrounded by snow, or a house on the beach with sun and sand? a cabin in the woods

❄️ Are you pro-snow or anti-snow? pro, for short periods of time and only if i'm not actually in it. just let me look

⛄️ Have you ever built a snowman? yes!

⛷️ Skiing or Snowboarding? ew, no. That involves going outside in the snow. <- same!

🎍 Do you decorate for the holidays? normally i decorate outside and every single room in my house. haven't done anything this year though :(

🎬 Favourite holiday movie? the family stone

📖 Favourite holiday fanfic? i don't have one yet but i am SO excited to read everyone's answers!

🎥 If you were to star in a Hallmark movie, who would be your love interest? if it's not cameron monaghan i'm not interested rn. although i would follow florence pugh off a cliff honestly. either one. Where would it take place? we meet on a plane back to the hometown i've outgrown and kind of resent. i'm going for family, they just want to avoid christmas and anyone who knows them for reasons. we have one of those conversations where you're painfully honest because hey, it's a stranger you'll never see again and there's an immediate understanding of longing and loneliness. and then we part ways only to run into each other at the shitty local bar where my ex who turns me into a Idiotic Mess is trying to worm their way into my brain and i'm Struggling, but they cut in as my fake bf/gf and save the day but then we have to keep up the charade because if one person knows, everyone knows. and we rediscover the magic of christmas together and maybe each other's bodies and maybe it's not so fake after all.

tagging: @dynamic-power @milkovichrules @krystallouwho @jademickian @lovekenney

[fiddles-ifs]

The Box is Open. THE BOX IS OPEN

A VERY MERRY GREENWARDEN HOLIDAY

Warden’s winter season is marked by Christmas lights and tinsel on phone poles, bright snowflakes in green and red and white lit up when the sun goes down. There’s even a few chanukiyot in shop windows, gelt sold in the grocery stores. It’s also fucking cold. 

The mountains freeze early. It’s been snowing since October up here, but it’s only just now been cold enough for the river to go solid, enough that there are kids daring each other to seal slide across when their parents aren’t looking. They wear layers of socks on their hands, four coats and as many pairs of jeans, and little toboggans with puffs of color at their crowns or WVU stitched on their foreheads. You smile, shake your head, and breathe warm air into your numb fingers. It’s better than hurricane season in Florida, at least.

Devin and Nazeri sent you out to get last-minute groceries, things that they were too busy bickering to remember. They’ve set aside their differences -- mostly -- to keep the holiday somewhat calm. It’s still Irish Christmas at Devin’s house, though. Utter chaos.

The bags are heavy in your hands. You’ve gotten offers from a few, cautious Wardenites to hop in their car and they’ll drive you up the holler, but you’ve declined every time. You kind of like the walk now. It’s brisk, you get to see the decorations, and the eerie cracking of river ice as it thaws and refreezes is oddly peaceful.

You pass under the boughs of branches, and the whispers start. The steady pressure on the back of your skull. A shiver rolls down your spine.

...calm...

You stop on the trail, head tilted, straining to listen. Your ears rumble with blood.

...happy...

...Nothing.

You roll your shoulders and shake the tension from your head, a huff of hot air crystalizing and dissipating. The pressure subsides, just a bit, but noticeable. A contented big cat curling up for a nap. You walk a little faster down the trail.

Devin’s foyer is welcome warmth, Dean Martin’s crooner voice blaring through the TV speakers. It smells like God. Your mouth immediately gets sloppy wet, and when you walk into the kitchen to set the bags down, you already see Devin threatening Trace with a wooden spoon.

“Go on! Git!”

She scampers, muttley laughing, one of Devin’s homemade bread rolls in her mouth. Nazeri is on savory duty, reading over Devin’s recipe book.

“Are you sure I should put cumin in this?” He asks. Devin eyes him from whatever batter they’re whipping into shape.

“I’m sure.”

“I just think cardamom would be better-”

“I have stuff,” you haul the grocery bags onto the kitchen island before another fight kicks up. Both of them light up at the sight of you. Bautista pokes her head from around the overstuffed chair. She’s curled around a hot cup of coffee. The monstrously huge stack of firewood by the fireplace and her cherry red nose tells you all you need to know about what she’s been up to. You ask anyway.

“They won’t let me in the kitchen,” she says.

“Because you’re bud luck,” Devin rifles through the bags and pulls out produce, spices, and booze under Trace’s watchful eye. “She managed to burn rice. Rice!”

“Is that what happened while I was gone?” You chuckle. Not that you’re much better -- you have the sneaking suspicion Devin and Nazeri sent you to the store to get you out of the house. Otherwise, you’d be causing even more chaos. All of you woke up early this morning to make breakfast and get dinner done before Polar Express comes on this evening, and Devin quickly chased all but Nazeri out of the kitchen because the rest of you are functionally useless with anything but coffee makers and microwaves. Now, dinner is in its last vestiges.

You ladle a little eggnog into a cup and sip, casting around at the Kwanzaa kinara, the nativity scene, and Bautista’s dinky little handmade parols. Trace made paper snowflakes and plastered them to the walls with Scotch tape. She has her ear next to the speaker, quietly tapping away with her finger. It feels strangely like family. It’s not a feeling you’ve felt for years. Something stings, and something balms a wound.

You hide your face behind your mug for a bit.

You manage to slip in somehow, pre-rinsing dishes and running the dishwasher. It lessens the load a little, while Bautista and Trace play ninja in the living room. Sometimes you tag in. Trace wins. You and Bautista take bets on who would win at the game -- Nazeri or Trace; Devin chimes in with a five dollar wager, and then it’s on.

The ninja game lasts until Devin serves dinner for everyone. You curl up by the nativity scene with a plate of roast chicken, lumpia, tahdig. A second round of mashed potatoes, gravy, and green beans. A little bit of pie, a little bit of ice cream. You eat until your stomach hurts and your eyes droop, curled with hot chocolate. Even Nazeri and Devin are laughing at each others jokes.

Polar Express is an uglier movie than you remember, but it sparks a nostalgic part of you. None of you do Noche Buena -- Devin and Nazeri don’t celebrate, Trace doesn’t know what it is, and Bautista can’t stay awake too long. She’s got a two hour drive tomorrow to catch morning mass at the nearest Catholic church. Habits. If she doesn’t get a solid six hours, she won’t wake up.

You swallow a yawn beside Devin on the couch.

“Thanks for doing this for us,” you mutter, everyone enraptured by Tom Hanks’ eclectic hot chocolate burlesque.

“Sure,” they say, “you’re family now, pretty much.”

You can’t really argue. Not tonight, anyway.

It feels good to be family.

[hallmark-movie-fanatics]

See exclusive photos from 27 Hallmark Christmas movies (Entertainment Weekly) - Part 2, Hallmark Channel

Private Princess Christmas

Premieres: Dec. 6 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, Hallmark Channel

Cast: Ali Skovbye, Derek Klena

Official description: "Vi (Skovbye), better known as Princess Violet of Wingravia, adores the privileges of being a royal, if none of the responsibilities. After being disappointed by Vi one time too many, the Queen decides to test her daughter’s mettle once and for all and issues an ultimatum: Vi must pass a vigorous leadership boot camp in Colorado or lose the throne to her uncle. At boot camp, Vi and her fellow cadets are put through a rigorous grind under the uncompromising supervision of Captain Ryan Douglas (Klena)."

Sugarplummed

Premieres: Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, Hallmark Channel

Cast: Maggie Lawson, Janel Parrish

Official description: "Emily (Lawson) has always dreamed of creating the perfect Christmas, meticulously planning every detail year after year, only to feel like she’s falling short. Hoping to bring her family closer together, she makes a wish for a holiday as picture-perfect as the ones she sees in a made-for-TV holiday movie. To her shock, Sugarplum (Parrish), the film’s relentlessly optimistic main character, magically steps off the screen to make Emily’s wish come true — whether she’s ready for it or not. As Sugarplum applies her movie-world rules to real life, Emily gets caught up in the possibility of finally achieving the flawless family Christmas. But when Sugarplum's magical fixes start to backfire one by one, Emily begins to question what an ideal holiday really is. With time running out, Emily and Sugarplum find themselves on a heartwarming adventure – one that might just amount to an entirely different kind of Christmastime perfection."

Leah’s Perfect Gift

Premieres: Dec. 8 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, Hallmark Channel

Cast: Emily Arlook, Evan Roderic, and Barbara Niven

Official description: "Leah Meyer (Arlook) is a bonafide lover of Christmas – the trees, the ornaments, the eggnog! But she has always admired the holiday from afar because she’s Jewish. Though her family celebrates Hanukkah, Leah has longed to experience a traditional Christmas. When her boyfriend Graham (Roderick) invites her to spend the holidays with his classic Connecticut family, she eagerly accepts. Excited to dive into the quintessential Christmas she’s always dreamed of, Leah quickly discovers that fitting in with Graham’s uptight family and his not-so-welcoming mom (Niven) is easier said than done. As holiday traditions clash and awkward moments pile up, it is not quite the cozy Christmas that she expected."

Hanukkah on the Rocks

Premieres: Dec. 13 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, Hallmark Channel

Cast: Stacey Farber, Daren Kagasoff, and Marc Summers

Official description: "One week before Hanukkah, corporate lawyer Tory (Farber) finds herself unexpectedly unemployed and questioning the career she’s dedicated years to. As she helps her Bubby prepare for the holiday, she embarks on a quest across Chicago to find the last box of coveted Hanukkah candles. Her search leads her to Rocky’s, an Old Town bar, where she encounters Jay (Kagasoff), a charming doctor from Florida, his grandfather Sam (Summers) and a cast of quirky regulars who make her rethink everything. Torn between keeping her job loss a secret and embracing a newfound sense of belonging, Tory ends up bartending at Rocky’s, transforming it into the vibrant “Hanukkah on the Rocks” celebration. Through festive food, drinks, and games, she revitalizes the bar, bonds with Jay, and finds the courage to pursue her true calling. As Tory navigates the holiday, she learns that sometimes a detour can lead you exactly where you’re meant to be, lighting the way to a future filled with joy, romance, and self-discovery."

The Santa Class

Premieres: Dec. 14 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, Hallmark Channel

Cast: Kimberley Sustad, Benjamin Ayres

Official description: "Kate North (Sustad) finds herself reluctantly taking over her father’s once acclaimed and now struggling Santa School. In the weeks leading up to Christmas and the school’s next session, Kate and her new co-worker Dan (Ayres) discover who they believe to be the real Santa Claus, lost and without his memories after his sled steered off course and crashed near the school. They decide to help him remember who he is by inviting him to participate in the intense Santa training program. There’s a lot at stake this year; Kate’s school needs to best the rival St. Nicholas School or be forced to close their doors, and Nick (Santa Claus) needs to remember who he is, or the fate of Christmas might be at stake."

Following Yonder Star

Premieres: Dec. 15 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, Hallmark Channel

Cast: Brooke D’Orsay, John Brotherton

Official description: "Abby Marshall (D’Orsay), once celebrated for her role as an inspirational mother on TV, is finding her real life in shambles after dealing with a scandal. She retreats to a luxury Vermont resort for Christmas only to find herself without a room due to a booking mishap. All the local hotels are booked up due to a rare astronomical event – a beautiful star said to mirror the Star of Bethlehem will appear on Christmas Eve. Thankfully, Abby finds a room at a quaint B&B, owned by Tom Maguire (Brotherton), who is also a high school astronomy teacher. Since his wife’s passing, Tom has taken on a lot of extra responsibilities, including running the inn and directing the local church’s Christmas pageant. Empathizing with Tom, Abby offers to help with the pageant and various activities around the inn and finds herself enjoying both the projects and Tom’s company. Through newfound community, family and love, Abby discovers that hope sometimes comes in the most unexpected ways. A DaySpring movie."

Happy Howlidays

Premieres: Dec. 21 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, Hallmark Channel

Cast: Jessica Lowndes opposite the to-be-announced winner of Finding Mr. Christmas

Official description: "Mia (Lowndes), a meticulous webpage editor for the Seattle Tourism Board, finds herself unexpectedly navigating the holidays alone. As the only one working, she's drawn into an unusual encounter when she encounters a stray dog. Unsure how to handle the situation, she crosses paths with Max (Winner of Finding Mr. Christmas), a dog shelter owner. Mia agrees to let Max's ailing dog find solace with her newfound companion, in exchange for Max showing her the hidden gems of Seattle. Through their journey together, they both step out of their comfort zones, discovering new perspectives and forming a meaningful connection."

Note: This is my note here, but she's back. This is the first Hallmark movie Jessica Lowndes has done since she signed an exclusive with Great American Family. Guess her contract is up.

[rigginsstreet]

Christmas Tag Game

It's Festivus for the rest of us so grab your Chanukah bush, your mistletoe, your pagan ritual or whatever brings you joy and come gather round the fire and celebrate your pocket friends.

Tagged by: @svetlanayevgenivna

Favorite nickname you’ve ever been given? muffin but idk if that was given so much as my best friend and i picked a set of names for each other lmao

Where are you located? florida

What season is it where you are now? Winter

Favourite tradition this time of year? i enjoy baking various cookies for christmas. also christmas eve dinner italian style my favorite <3

Favourite holiday food? goes with above but for christmas eve my grandma makes stuffed shrimp and scallops and stuffed clams and i am in heaven

Mulled wine, eggnog or hot apple cider? eggnog

Turkey, Ham or Nut Roast (Or Tofurkey?)? ham but again i dont really eat typical holiday meat. honestly i cant even remember what we have on christmas day im always eating leftovers from the night before

Would you rather spend the December holidays in: A cabin in the woods surrounded by snow, or a house on the beach with sun and sand? beeeach. i would like to experience one white christmas but god i cant commit to the cold

Are you pro-snow or anti-snow? i am not from a snow climate so i really have no opinion. ive only seen it a few times in my life and one time it was just like old snow on the side of the road so. last (and possibly only) time i experienced SNOW snow i was really little and barely remember it i just know i had so many fucking layers on but i did go sledding so. i would like to experience it again at least one time as an adult

Have you ever built a snowman? Not that I remember.

Skiing or Snowboarding? i would like to try snowboarding but i dont think its realistic lmao

Do you decorate for the holidays? Yes

Favourite holiday movie? gremlins

Favourite holiday fanfic? anything bestie julia has written <3

If you were to star in a Hallmark movie, who would be your love interest? dacre montgomery i am on my knees...

Tagging: @memes-saved-me @frankiestein96 @maun3t @blood-mocha-latte @imsodishy

[talesfrommedinastation]

My aunt died today

CW: Meat Muffin got a big whammy today. She is The Sad right now. Sprinkling instant coffee into her spiced eggnog. Neighbor Doug is in Florida and it'd be weird to text him.

-------

Unlike my uncle Bill, we knew Aunt was going. But it hurts so much.

I found out from my mom on 4th of July weekend. Pancreatic cancer, 4th stage. It was everywhere.

Aunt canceled her trip to New Zealand, saying there was no way she was going to make it to next year. My mom told her not to do it, miracles happen.

They didn't. Not this time.

She died at 4:32 am, 12/23/2023. Her son, my mom's godson, called my mom sobbing. Jack never cries, he's a hardassed little punk who took his hardassery and got an MBA from Wharton, he is a VP of a company now. We used to clobber each other all the time as kids, and it drove me nuts, because he and his brothers (who are my brothers best friends) were some of the subjects in the Darth Maul tale, fierce and funny and so fucking smart.

All from their crazy assed mom, my aunt, who had the verbal whip of a Kirkson and Ellis attorney, the sass of a whole Southern church, and loved my mom like a seagull loves an open dumpster.

Aunt was my mom's best friend, her ride-or-die, and ever since I became an adult, I got dragged to their random lectures at Local Big University or art galleries, where Aunt would OPENLY ROAST THE PRESENTER.

One time we got kicked out of a lecture at MIT because my aunt was just being That Bad and my mom and I couldn't stop laughing. I think the lecturer cried. Ellen's response? "For a Ph.D with some Bronze Stars, he sure can't handle criticism!"

I hate this so fucking much.

Both her and my uncle Bill (who just passed as well) were my parents best friends. They weren't married. Hell, they were the opposite.

Bill was a quiet, introspective nerd with no children and only an ex-wife from the 90's, and Ellen was a loud, crazy, Metis Valkyrie with a pack of insanely successful sons and a church that loved her.

She's gone too. He's gone. Christmas Eve is tomorrow.

I don't know how I'm going to do it.

[bellafarallones2]

the winnebago speaks

My wheels settled easily into the dust and gravel of Eastwoods Campground & RV Park. There was snow on the ground, and the lowest bough of the tree above me almost brushed my roof. I liked how quiet it was.

You rarely stayed in one place long, before Kepler. We traveled together from Oregon to Florida and back, and so when we stopped in Kepler I was expecting to leave the next day, or maybe the day after.

My Indrid: you have not taken me to a mechanic in fifty years, the fifty years we have been together, no. The saffron magic of Silvain has flowed through your hands and into me, no need for oil changes or wheel rotations. My tire traction is always impeccable. The faux-leather of my steering wheel is stained with the sweat of your hands. I am not like a human, whose cells regenerate; I wear the evidence of every touch forever.

That day you sketched frantically, huddled over my tiny table with a mug of hot eggnog at your elbow. And when you’d drawn the ruins of Leo’s General Store you hurried out the door to the payphone on the other side of the campground.

You looked so cold as you talked on the phone, shoulders huddled, the wind pressing into you.

Whenever you are away I call out to you. I say, here I am, here are my four space heaters humming, here is my metal door to keep the heat in, here my little booth and formica table, here my microwave and hot-plate, here my refrigerator, here my ragged carpet, here our bed. Here we are.

Sure enough, when you were done on the phone you hurried back inside me, folded your knees to your chest as you sat on the sofa with your sketchbook, pen-tapping nervously. 

That was the first time you drew Duck Newton, standing authoritatively in the light of the Pizza Hut sign, though I did not recognize him then. And after you’d drawn him, when your visions had shown you whatever you were looking for, all the tension in your muscles ran out at once, the pencil dropped from your hand, and your head drooped backwards.

“I can’t believe they managed it,” you murmured, wonder in your voice.

–

The next morning three humans arrived. This was unusual. You rarely entertained guests, but these three you opened the door for an instant before they knocked. A gray-haired man in a loud tie, a young woman with dyed-red hair and scorch marks on her jean vest, and a man in a park ranger uniform who you couldn’t quite take your eyes off of. 

You spoke their words as they did - I love when you show off. You offered them mugs of eggnog. You tore down dramatically the drawings you’d hung on my wall, and announced that the funicular was going to crash. 

The three humans - the Pine Guard - left again, and you paced. My corridor, such as it is, is long enough for you to take five steps before turning around, and you took those five steps back and forth for almost an hour. 

Then, after the disaster was averted, you fell into a restless, twitching sleep. 

I am the cocoon you curl up in, your pale limbs soft like the flesh of an insect newly eclosed.

Sometimes on moonless nights you climbed up onto my roof and took your glasses off, spread your wings over the weather-worn metal. I keep the secret of your true form faithfully, just like I keep all your secrets, the things you murmur when you are alone in bed, and the many futures not-to-be. 

[ace-of-d1am0nds]

tag game wednesday!!!

ty for the tag @energievie

Favourite nickname you’ve ever been given:  my best friend calls me petunia (gender neutral). couldn't tell u why. she just does

Where are you located? currently south florida but there's a lot of movement happening this month

What season is it where you are now? winter technically but its like 70 degrees here. just left actual winter tho

Favourite tradition this time of year:  lighting hannukah candles!

Favourite holiday food: my mom's latke's

Mulled wine, eggnog or hot apple cider? never tried any of those

Turkey, Ham or Nut Roast (Or Tofurkey?)? if i had to choose turkey i guess

Would you rather spend the December holidays in:  A cabin in the woods surrounded by snow, or a house on the beach with sun and sand? cabin in the snow i love snow even though i didn't grow up in it

Are you pro-snow or anti-snow? pro! love snow

Have you ever built a snowman? unfortunately no. wanna tho

Skiing or Snowboarding? ive been skiing like 3 times but i do not remember how

Do you decorate for the holidays? we leave the menorah out during hannukah

Favourite holiday movie? wrong holiday but prince of egypt

Favourite holiday fanfic? currently reading none the wiser and they have a little holiday moment

If you were to star in a Hallmark movie, who would be your love interest? Where would it take place? either 90s wynonna ryder or kristen stewart but specifically from charlies angels (2019)

anyways im tagging @m4ndysk4nkovich @callivich @sweetbee78 and @juliakayyy

bro idk who to tag i dont have that many mutuals

[targaryenwriting]

ALWAYS YOU ft Rhea Ripley & Damian Priest

I apparently really love to torture Rhea with the fact that she doesn’t get to see her family at Christmas, so this is where we’ve ended up. This will most likely have a part two written in the next few days but for now.... here we are.

It had been a novelty once, charming her in ways that no one could understand. Even Toni, who had as much experience with snow as Rhea, couldn’t make sense of why the younger woman loved it as much as she did, running her fingers through the icy white coating on the top of their rental car, catching snowflakes in her hand, and staring up at the sky, eyes full of wonder. Snow had been magical for Rhea, something straight out of a fairytale, and she’d been desperate to share the magic with her younger sister. Now, however…

The blonde woman sniffed, pushing her knuckles into her eyes as hard as she could, as though that could stop the tears that had been threatening to fall since her mother had called. “We’re so sorry, sweetheart,” she’d said, for what felt like the hundredth time. “But the airline says it just wouldn’t be safe to land. The earliest we can get to Florida now is the twenty-ninth and we were already cutting it tight with your dad’s work… It’s just… It’s just not a good idea. We’d be spending more time travelling than we would with you.” Her mother’s words had winded her, and she’d had to make a hasty excuse to get her off the phone to re-compose herself.

The LED lights that backlit her television flashed from green to red in a stark contrast to the christmas tree which stood undecorated beside it. She had planned to sort out the lights and the baubles, to line stockings that she’d picked up for her family along the windowsill… She’d even bought that stupid eggnog stuff that Raquel had made her try their first year in Florida to make it ‘authentic’. Tugging her knees closer to her chest, Rhea sighed, not wanting to look at all the Christmas paraphernalia that surrounded Barry on the floor, the terrier enjoying the rustle of the wrapping paper, bows and all of the other stupid things Rhea had been so excited about until her mother called.

She tried not to ruminate on the sadness, on the mess that 2021 had become, but every time there was even the slightest bit of happiness, every time she dared to think things could get better…It all came tumbling down around her. The annoying buzz of her phone snapped her from her thoughts which threatened to darken all too quickly, and she cast a quick glance towards it.

[MATT to The 3 Amigos] : In the spare room cause L went through my phone hope you two are having a better christmas eve than i am.

[MATT to The 3 Amigos] : PS think I left Zs ipad in FL so might be looking for a roommate soon

A wet laugh escaped her as she read the message. Of course Matt was having a terrible Christmas - chaos followed him around like a bad smell, though he rarely did anything to help himself. Picking up the phone, she quickly typed back a message,

[RHEA to The 3 Amigos] : Flight got cancelled, fam arent coming. Hope you make it up to Lisa. Merry Christmas, when it comes x

Phone thrown aside, she turned her attention back to the mess on the floor, her beloved puppy watching her with big sad eyes. “I know, baby. I know,” she said, clapping her hands onto her leg to beckon him onto her lap. Her other pets were sick of her mood, sulking off to the bedroom to avoid her sniffling, but he had stayed. Admittedly, it was probably because he thought she had treats, but a win was a win when she was feeling so shitty. As the bull terrier scrabbled onto her lap, she pulled him tight, burying her nose into his short fur and letting the tears fall for the first time.

Christmas away from her family had never been easy, but when they’d first come to the States, she, Toni and Dakota had banded together, all knowing it would be impossible to fly home and back just for the holidays. They’d celebrated Christmas together, becoming their own little family with their own little traditions. But then Toni met Joe and Dakota met Shayna… As she pet Barry to stop him from whining, she knew there was a third part to that that she didn’t want to think about… She had met Kevin.

All three of them had celebrated Christmas 2020 with their respective partners, FaceTiming not only their families back home, but each other. It had, given the circumstances, been a great Christmas. She’d worn an ugly Christmas sweater, she’d actually cooked the turkey - something she’d previously let Dakota do - and she’d thought that things could only get better, that Christmas 2021, when the COVID restrictions had been lifted and she was making enough money to ensure the whole family could visit, would be the best year yet. And yet here she was, with no one but a puppy with attachment issues for company.

Her phone continued to buzz behind her, though she made no attempt to check it, even when Barry catapulted from her arms, confused by her sudden neediness. She knew who it would be - Matt giving minutely updates of his fights with Lisa and Damian responding with photos featuring his gorgeous sisters, just trying to make Matt jealous. It was always them, really. The three of them against the world.

When she’d won her first main roster title at Wrestlemania, it had been Matt and Damian who waited for her behind the curtain, Damian holding storm-ravaged flowers and Matt waiting with open arms for a hug that almost definitely cracked something. She hadn’t expected it - hadn’t expected anyone to be there waiting for her. Kevin had told her he couldn’t come, that he couldn’t be around ‘all of that’ knowing he was struggling to make it in the industry, and her parents had been stuck in Adelaide thanks to travel restrictions. But Matt and Damian wouldn’t dare let her celebrate alone.

When she’d lost the title - and, subsequently, been told why she’d been made to lose it - it had been Matt and Damian who had protested the loudest, with Matt swearing that Vince didn’t know shit, that she was definitely fuckable and that if she would have him, marriage be damned, he would be ‘all up in that’. Damian had taken a slightly more appropriate approach, talking in hushed whispers to Hunter and Shawn, and promising her that the best was yet to come.

When she and Kevin had broken up, it had been Matt and Damian who helped her move her things into the apartment she now called home. Matt had bought her the best security system he could find and Damian had even spent her first night in the apartment, laying on her couch under some threadbare blanket that she was sure she’d bought for Luna, just to make sure she wasn’t alone.

But none of that mattered at Christmas. Christmas was about family, and they both had theirs. Even if Matt was in the spare room and Damian had to referee multiple fights between his sisters… They still got to be with their families. Pushing to her feet, Rhea switched off the lights, carefully stepping over the mess on the floor and heading to bed, despite it barely being ten o’clock. There was no point in staying awake to think about all the things that had led to her being alone, the fights with Kevin, moving her parents’ flights to accommodate the Raw schedule, the multiple failed ‘talking’ stages with men who just left her feeling gross and unlovable… Pulling the curtains closed to avoid seeing the white snow flurries against the night sky, she curled up on her bed, wedging herself between dogs, and praying that sleep came soon.

She had always been an early riser, her need to work out when the gym was quiet meaning she often saw four am, but crying had exhausted her and Rhea slept on, her heavy curtains blocking out the bright, white glare from outdoors. Or at least she would have, had the door of her apartment not been shaken with the thump of a fist.

In Dragonball Z pyjamas, her blonde hair sticking out in all directions, she rubbed at her puffy eyes, not ready to deal with Mr King across the hall and his accusations that Barry and Luna were shitting on his doormat. Taking a deep breath, she tried to ready herself, but her bones screamed in protest. Had Matt’s security system actually ever been properly installed, she would have yelled at Mr King through it, but as it was still sitting in a box in the kitchen, she had to deal with him face to face.

“You got this Ripley,” she said, psyching herself up as the door rattled under another torrent of fists, causing her to jump. Hauling open the door, she yelled, “What?” But the word caught in her throat when the door opened properly and Mr King was nowhere to be seen. In his place, looking tired and dishevelled, stood Damian Priest. His eyes were obscured by his glasses, but she could see the dark circles forming, the way his baggy Dee Snider tshirt crumpled and wrinkled and the way his shoulders slumped in relief when he saw her.

“Do you not answer your phone?” he asked, his voice low and gravelly. Rhea’s toes dug into the ragged carpet of her hallway, and she fought the urge to kick the dog bowls and puppy pads out of sight.

“No I was -” the Australian stopped herself with a shake of her head. “What are you doing here?” As far as she was aware, he was supposed to be in Atlanta, where the annual family party was taking place and yet, here he was, staring at her with an intensity that made her tug at the hem of her shirt the way she had whenever she was asked to read aloud at school.

“I didn’t want you to be alone at Christmas.”

[floridaegg]

Aged Organic Eggnog

Introducing our Aged Organic Eggnog, a timeless holiday classic that has been perfected through meticulous aging to bring out the rich, creamy flavors you love. Made from the finest organic ingredients, this eggnog is a blend of tradition, quality, and love, crafted to create an unforgettable experience with every sip.🥛🕰️ At Florida Eggnog, we take pride in creating the ultimate holiday…

[wsct-wholesale-canopy-tents]

Promote Specialty Foods with Custom Pop-Up Tents

Gourmet Food Trucks Tacos from Austin, Texas

Custom Tent Idea: Vibrant, colorful designs featuring taco graphics and local landmarks. Highlight specialty taco ingredients and unique flavors like barbacoa or breakfast tacos. Philly Cheesesteaks from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Custom Tent Idea: Classic cheesesteak imagery with the city skyline. Use bold colors and logos to showcase different cheesesteak variations and toppings.

Regional Food Festivals Deep-Dish Pizza from Chicago, Illinois

Custom Tent Idea: A tent designed to look like a giant deep-dish pizza slice. Use mouth-watering images of cheese, sauce, and toppings to draw in pizza lovers. Clam Chowder from Boston, Massachusetts

Custom Tent Idea: Nautical-themed tent with clam chowder imagery. Incorporate elements of the Boston waterfront and seafood graphics.

Farmers Markets Fresh Apple Cider from the Midwest

Custom Tent Idea: Rustic design with apple and orchard graphics. Highlight the freshness and seasonal nature of the cider, with a farm-inspired look. Blueberry Pancakes from the Pacific Northwest

Custom Tent Idea: Bright and cheerful designs featuring blueberries and pancakes. Use visuals of lush blueberry fields and fluffy stacks of pancakes.

Street Food Events Beignets from New Orleans, Louisiana

Custom Tent Idea: Festive, French Quarter-inspired designs with beignet imagery. Use vibrant colors and New Orleans landmarks to attract attention. BBQ Ribs from Memphis, Tennessee

Custom Tent Idea: Bold, smoky graphics with BBQ rib visuals. Incorporate Memphis-style BBQ elements and a barbecue grill theme.

Outdoor Festivals Kettle Corn from the Midwest

Custom Tent Idea: Popcorn-themed design with playful, retro graphics. Highlight the sweet and salty nature of the kettle corn with large, eye-catching visuals. Lobster Rolls from Maine

Custom Tent Idea: Coastal design with lobster graphics and maritime colors. Emphasize the fresh, succulent lobster meat and New England charm.

Food & Drink Markets Craft Beer from Colorado

Custom Tent Idea: Mountain-themed design with craft beer imagery. Showcase various local breweries and their unique brews with a rustic, outdoor feel. Key Lime Pie from Florida

Custom Tent Idea: Bright, citrus-themed design featuring key lime pie graphics. Use tropical colors and imagery to evoke the essence of Florida.

Local Community Events Hot Dogs from New York City, New York

Custom Tent Idea: Urban design with iconic hot dog imagery. Highlight classic NYC-style hot dogs and famous street vendors. Chili from Texas

Custom Tent Idea: Bold, Southwestern design featuring chili peppers and bowls of chili. Incorporate Texas flags and motifs to capture the essence of Tex-Mex cuisine.

Holiday Markets Pumpkin Pie from the Midwest

Custom Tent Idea: Autumn-themed design with pumpkin pie graphics. Emphasize seasonal flavors and holiday cheer with warm, inviting colors. Eggnog from the South

Custom Tent Idea: Festive, holiday-themed design with eggnog imagery. Use traditional Christmas colors and motifs to attract seasonal shoppers. Using custom pop-up tents designed to reflect these local specialties will help you create a memorable and engaging experience for customers, making your booth stand out at events and markets.

[ainews]

A recent study conducted by experts from the University of Central Florida has revealed that chub (fish) can be an ideal choice for a classic eggnog recipe.

Chub is rich in omega-3 fatty acids which provide a number of amazing health benefits, such as supporting cardiovascular and brain health. Research has also shown that omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation, making them a great choice for building a healthy immune system.

But its natural fat content isn’t the only reason why chub is beneficial for eggnog-making: an added bonus is that it’s rich in vitamin D as well. This important micronutrient helps the body absorb calcium, and is also essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth.

Chub also contains a variety of other important minerals, such as iron, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium. All these minerals are essential for our metabolism, allowing our body to better utilize vitamins and nutrients.

The fish’s high protein levels and low-fat content make it an ideal choice for a wintertime classic. But what makes it even more suitable for eggnog is that it has a mild and not-so-fishy taste.

This winter season, adding chub to your eggnog recipes is an easy way to enjoy the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids and essential minerals, while still maintaining the classic taste. So make sure to stop by your local grocery store and pick up some fresh chub for your favorite eggnog recipe this holiday season!

[trendilyyours]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: DKNY Faux Leather Oversize Long Sleeve Trench Shirt/Jacket.

[writer59january13]

“Son”...”say goodnight to grandpa”

Spurred by mother dearest as well as other politesse

drummed into her second born fobbing blandishments as incentive

tumbled off fingers of prodigal son

tripped wordsmith to splutter forth forthwith the following lines.

Back in the day quaint summertime of yore, the following popular refrain reverberated within hallowed halls of school. "No more pencils, no more books, no more teacher's/ teachers' dirty looks” Never did exotic vacations populate those twelve weeks when doors flung opened

at Henry Kline Boyer,

whence score years ago yours truly now (June 8th, 2023)

approximately same age, when mine paternal grandfather visited

me, and other members of family at then Route Deliver #2 Collegeville, Pennsylvania,

the home of mein kampf.

Figurative eons ago

bygone innocent childhood of mine oblivious to progressive political issues easily delighted, liberated, tantalized...,

especially when Sunkist grandpa Harris

(Aaron) indulged yours truly

jais nais sais quois

kibitizing lovingly, mirthfully

naturally offering pleasing qualities,

surrendering slender tanned arms

where upon left wrist dangled his

venerated wristwatch (analog),

I ecstatically fingered, prized, and toyed with said object fascinated

at the linkedin craftsmanship,

which yielded general squealing zealousness from an ordinarily

non emotionally expressive lad.

This towheaded grandson,

extremely excited when me daddy's papa

came to this figurative rural outpost, (despite his chastising behavior ridiculing favorite progeny's children),

where traces of early twentieth century

still evident when manicured formal gardens

pegged, limned, harkened... back

to a supposedly simpler time

when this elderly family member (who only completed eighth grade),

whose birth benchmarked, coincided

and demarcated with late

Industrial Revolution, whence

Philadelphia birthplace noisy with

horse drawn carriages competing with early model automobiles

crowding thee busy thoroughfares,

where the streets have no name.

Lemme return back

to the previous topic,

and explain how

I felt eager to interact

with cranky, yet doting old man,

which showcased chained metal links

wore a temporary imprint

upon his bronzed aged skin – dog

head lee remaining gently persuading him

to delay when departure time arrived

for favorite boyhood relative,

twas pure heavenly glory

conniving, finagling, inveigling... our favorite grandfather

to situate myself on right side

and toy with the wristwatch (analog),

winning three way verbal tussle

between yours truly and two siblings (an older and younger sister),

which when a kid

also exhibited glee at occasions

treasuring said older folk gave me a frog

tiled toy (sliding puzzle)

that required dexterity

moving pieces fastly secured,

which when complete

always left me agog

and this, that or

some other gewgaw, souvenir, trinket

(plus a bit of chump change given to me)

spurred mine late mum

to spark me mental cog

to say “good morning”, “good afternoon”,

“goodnight”, “thank you,” or when eggnog proffered to this

most senior chronological guest,

who sat at the head of table,

or blankly watching television

like a bump on a log

while chided, forced, induced...

to parlay social graces

from this mere pollywog,

who (much as delight arose fussing

with trappings worn

loss on atrophied flesh),

a skittishness found me

averse to follow orders

as if I happened to be a petsmart dog.

At that time

Florida orange juiced industry touted, popularized, and linked in

with Anita Bryant - American singer, political activist,

known for anti-gay activism and 1958 Miss Oklahoma

beauty pageant winner,

and a brand ambassador

from 1969 to 1980

for the Florida Citrus Commission.

Thee paternal grandfather

oft times visited our then rural abode

at that time one sturdy estate

(originally called Glen Elm)

wildlife twittered, jibber-jibber, crowed...

within the plush wooded tract

even then blueprints drawn up

land deeded, mapped, parceled,

and slated to explode;

our then eco-friendly family averse

to witness expanding commercialization

across wetlands horizons

(Canadian Geese flocked to pond, which liquid haven courtesy Donald Nelson got the plug pulled

and drained watery basin)

asthma late mum didst lament

misfortune of flora and fauna,

nevertheless chided me

against even thinking

about sabotaging property

after I played devil's advocate to goad conspiratorial natural forces

to undermine cookie cutter

look alike slap dashed, ticky tack

shoddy tinderboxes (vinyl city) growed

on formerly untamed, uber virgin woods,

perhaps early boondocks getaway hoed

and plowed, but indomitable

(naturally enshrined eminent domain

abandoned since pioneers

bushwhacked rustic habitations)

nature relished reversed

grape seeded tracery etched

yet 'pon reflection,

I ponder how early occupation knowed

no habitat foresaw wreckage

when decision via wealthy Leipers,

(original residents plus wealthy owners of

The Bell and Clapper)

unanimously custom made crafted mansion actually originally a summer getaway.

Self imposed endeavor

to indulge drafting literary effort,

though methinks love's labor's lost

hunt and peck typing

across qwerty keyboard

and captcha characteristics unique to house of my boyhood,

whereby selecting alphanumeric

and/or special symbols

instantaneously generate electronic signals

electronically communicating,

subsequently transmitting

byte size data packets description

to respective ip node (to create document courtesy OpenOffice)

analogous how modus operandi

to build stately

sturdy summer country villa,

(circa early 1900's)

which property whittled down

to 324 Level Road demesne comprising

about a half dozen acres

eventually acquired by Boyce Harris

February 28th 1968 -

for x number of years mortgaged he towed,

a near singlehanded undertaking

to gentrify house as elements of style witnessed once ship shape

wrought architectural structure weathered, subjected to degradation,

naturally deteriorated

him (in vain) to enlist by force if need be

grunt laborious services of singular son

the author of these words, who houses the ineradicable genes

and chromosomes of August Aaron.

[carlosbakery]

Christmas Muffins

Christmas is just around the corner. The holidays are all about fun and traditions. The best way to celebrate Christmas morning is with tasty muffins. Muffins are a delicious way to bring the holiday spirit into your kitchen. They're festive and fun, and who doesn't love a fresh, hot muffin on Christmas morning? Following are some of the fantastic muffin treats.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

Pumpkin and Chocolate Chip Muffins are packed with warm spices and lots of chocolate chips. They are the perfect dessert for any occasion. They make a delicious treat for after school or a morning snack, and we can also have them at holiday parties.

Ginger-Lemon Minis

Ginger-Lemon Minis muffins are loaded with fresh ginger and lemon for a burst of flavor. They're topped off with a sweet glaze, making them perfect for breakfast. A perfect bite for your next cup of coffee or tea.

Cranberry Eggnog Muffins

Cranberry Eggnog Muffins are a family favorite. With a hint of eggnog and plenty of fresh cranberries, these tasty treats will warm your heart and soul. With a decadently moist texture, these muffins are sure to please.

Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins

Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins are a delicious way to start your morning. This sweet and delicate snack offers the perfect balance of fruit, spicy kick, and creamy goodness.

Mini Cherry Muffins

Mini Cherry Muffins are a little burst of flavor in your mouth. Sweet and tart, they're a crowd-pleaser that you can make and enjoy individually or brought together for the whole family. These are perfect for plated desserts, cupcakes, or on their own; these mini cherry muffins are full of fresh cherries and just the right amount of sweetness. This is the perfect addition to your breakfast spread on weekend mornings.

Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins

Apple cinnamon muffins are the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon create a delicious crumbly topping in fluffy muffins that are so good you'll want them for breakfast or dessert. So easy to make and a crowd-pleaser too!

Chocolate Chunk Banana Muffins

Chocolate chunk banana muffins are the perfect breakfast or snack and are sure to please even picky eaters. These chocolate chunk banana muffins are moist, soft and full of chocolate chunks. They're perfect for grabbing on the way out the door or after-dinner treats with a scoop of ice cream.

Pecan Pie Muffins

Pecan Pie Muffins are the perfect fall breakfast. They're ideal for a weekend brunch or to enjoy on your way to work. Made with pecans, apples, and cinnamon, it tastes like a freshly baked pie in a portable form.

Carlo’s Bakery has received nationwide attention since the 2009 series premiere of TLC’s hit series, Cake Boss. Carlo’s has become a true pastry landmark establishment as we serve in Locations such as California, Connecticut, Florida, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Texas with freshly baked goods and shipped directly from the shop. For more information on Food Gift Baskets Near Me and Best Online Bakery visit our website.