25 Festive Peppermint Holiday Treats

While some people rush out at the mention of Fall to find their Pumpkin Spice Lattes, I sit back and wait anxiously for the arrival of Peppermint Mochas and and Truffles and Bark.  I love the spicy sweet combination of peppermint and chocolate or just simply peppermint.  Don't you just love the way your mouth tingles and breath seems cooled after you've eaten a few bites of delicious peppermint!?  I certainly do!

Here are 25 Festive Peppermint Holiday Treats, plus a BONUS link to my coveted Peppermint Truffle Mocha recipe:

1. Peppermint Bark
2. Gluten Free Chocolate Peppermint Trifle
3. Chocolate Peppermint Trifle

4. Ultamint Christmas Candy Cookies
5. Peppermint Chocolate Cupcakes with Candy Cane Pop Rocks
6. Peppermint Popcorn Bites
7. Peppermint No-Chocolate Fudge

8. Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
9. Peppermint Fudge
10. Peppermint Martini
11. Peppermint Serving Tray
12. Peppermint Cake

13. Peppermint Bundt Cake
14. Peppermint Popcorn Gift Bags
15. Peppermint Hot Chocolate Krispie Treats

16. Chocolate Peppermint Milkshake
17. White Chocolate Peppermint Martini
18. Peppermint Mocha Poke Cake
19. Candy Cane Puffs
20. Christmas Pizelles
21. Vanilla Peppermint Milkshake
22. Peppermint Mocha Brownies
23. Peppermint Bark Donuts
24. Crunchy & Sweet Candy Cane Divinity
25. Crockpot Peppermint Mocha Hot Cocoa

BONUS! Peppermint Truffle Mocha

Which of these festive holiday treats are you most excited to try!?

      

The Doctor Is In

We received a complimentary Wee MD from B. toys for the purpose of this review.  All opinions are my own.

From the very moment Zion could grasp the idea of "being" something when she grows up, she has remained firm in her desire to be a Doctor.  We've been waiting for any kind of shifting, but she is still sure that it is what she wants to be.  I guess Jerry and I should start saving for medical school immediately, right!?  In the meantime, we have discovered a really cool new doctor play kit that allows Zion to "play doctor" to her heart's content, the B. toys Wee MD.

The Wee MD is a collection of 14 fun and interactive tools to play doctor with, including a house call case to store them in.  We love that the stethoscope makes real heartbeat sounds when you push the red button on the back of it while listening in the ear pieces.  Another favorite is the pager, which has three different buttons to push - each with a different hospital paging sound.  There is also a thermometer that has a sliding lever on the side that changes the color to red to indicate hotter temperatures.  Other tools included in the kit are a blood pressure cuff with gauge and spinning needle, tweezers, scissors, notepad and paper, reflex hammer, ear checker, doctor's name badge and bandage. 

While Zion's usual favorite patient is her daddy, she also loves lining up her dolls and stuffed animals for her clinical rounds.  To be honest, I love watching her play doctor.  She really loves playing into this role, often repeating the actions of her pediatrician or the things she has seen at my wellness visits - with hilarious accuracy.  Luckily in real life we don't end every doctor's appointment with the dreaded "shot."  Dr. Zion offers up the tip to "think of something happy" just before she sticks you with her pretend syringe.  

She also likes to call for back-up using her pager.  "Hi, I have a 'mergency and I need help with a patient," she states into her pager. (She has no example of how to use one of these so it's treated like a cell phone by default.)  Then after nodding her head as if agreeing with the doctor on the other end, she addresses her dolly and lets her know that the doctor will be there in 5 minutes.

We love the Wee MD from B. toys, it is the best play doctor's kit we've ever found.  You can get yours at Target (in-stores & online), for $22.99.

      

Peppermint Truffle Mocha

I love me a good Peppermint Mocha, and over the years I've perfected a simple at-home version that is easy and delicious!

Peppermint Truffle Mocha

Ingredients:
8-12oz Brewed Espresso Roast Coffee
2-3 Godiva Peppermint Truffles (Can be dark or white chocolate, white is sweeter, dark more bittersweet) OR if you can't find these try 5 Andes Mints, or another quality Peppermint Chocolate candy
1 Single Serve packet of Hot Cocoa or even better 1 Serving of Godiva Milk or Dark Hot Cocoa
1-2 ounces heavy cream or half-n-half (optional)

Directions:
Place unwrapped peppermint truffles (or similar candy) in large coffee mug.
Add 1 serving of hot cocoa mix to the mug.
Pour hot coffee into mug until just covering the truffles.
Stir until chocolates are melted and cocoa mix is combined.
Fill the cup to 3/4 full with coffee.
Add cream if you like (I prefer 1-2 ounces of frothed half-and-half).
Top with your favorite garnishes from the list below.

Optional Toppings/Garnish:
Whipped cream (Optional - can be homemade, or from a can)
Cocoa Powder
Red Sugar Sprinkles
Candy Cane, whole or crushed
Chocolate Shavings

Enjoy!

      

The Sparkle Box

I received a complimentary copy of The Sparkle Box for the purpose of this review.

 The Holidays are almost here!  Thanksgiving is next week, which means Black Friday, Cyber Monday and the nationwide Christmas shopping frenzy is about to kick off.  I've been feeling a little deflated as the holiday shopping push gets started earlier and earlier every year, and to be honest a little overwhelmed.  It is so easy to get caught up on the commercialized aspect of the season that we miss out on some of the opportunities to teach our children good will toward others, and generosity - especially for those in need during this time of year.

I am so happy to be sharing with you today a book that is beautifully written and truly puts the celebration of generosity and service back at the forefront of the holiday season.  The Sparkle Box, by Jill Hardie, is a sweet story about a family getting ready for Christmas, and the excitement that surrounds the holiday.  Sam, the young boy in the family, is hoping he will receive the red train he has had his eye on when he opens his presents Christmas morning.  Before the presents are placed under the tree though, he notices a glittery box on the mantle which has him anxiously asking his parents about the contents.

Throughout the book, which is beautifully illustrated by Christine Kornacki, we see Sam going along with his mother to do various holiday tasks, shopping, and attending holiday gatherings.  At the same time, Sam continually asks about the sparkle box, hoping to find out what treasure is within it.  The book ends with a charming reveal of its contents that will be moving to adults and children alike.

I love this book!  "The Sparkle Box" brings the focus of Christmas back to the principles of serving others, looking out for our fellow man and being generous with the what we've been given.  It restores a healthy balance to the consumerism that tends to overtake the holiday season.  I loved that while reading this story to Zion, she was clearly moved by the message and became excited to find ways to help those who are in need in our community.

Reading "The Sparkle Box" gave us the perfect opportunity to discuss what Christmas is really about and explain the traditions we want to foster in our little family.  The book comes with a fold out sparkle box, just like the one pictured, so that you can find ways to live out the message of the story in your family.  We have already started putting together a list of things we'd like to do to participate in our own acts of service this Winter.

Jill Hardie and her family began the tradition of the sparkle box several years ago, and have experienced profound peace and joy as a result.  Jill wrote The Sparkle Box hoping that other families would be inspired to adopt this tradition and recenter Christmas in the true joy of the season.

Are you ready to find out what is inside The Sparkle Box?  One lucky reader will win their very own copy of The Sparkle Box by Jill Hardie, which includes a foldout sparkle box!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

      

Confessions of a So-Called Middle Child

I received a complimentary copy of Confessions of a So-Called Middle Child for the purpose of this review.

Charlie is a young girl facing modern challenges in her middle school experience while also being sandwiched between an overachieving big sister and an adorable little brother.  Confessions of a So-Called Middle Child is a humorous look at navigating the struggles of fitting-in, peer bullying and choosing between right and wrong.  The book follows Charlie as she learns from her insecurities, challenges herself to choose to do right even when it's not what she wants to do, and how she grows and matures in light of her choices.

Maria T. Lennon captures the essence of the middle school years with this book that openly and honestly explores bullying, peer pressure, social struggles and self-centeredness, while encouraging positive virtues like compassion, standing for what is right and self confidence.  Confessions of a So-Called Middle Child also provides a look into the typical struggles of being a middle child, often with charming and hysterical accuracy.  Anyone who reads this book will enjoy very much following Charlie's journey especially with her conflicted inner dialogue and wit.

I have to say, as a middle child myself, I felt as though I was reliving some of my tough middle school experiences as I followed Charlie's journey.  I especially identified with the struggle of finding where I fit in, and the battle between wanting to adapt myself to fit in versus being my true self.  Overall, I really enjoyed the book, and found myself unable to put down the book towards the climactic ending.  I think this book will be well received and appropriate for mature tweens.

Confessions of a So-Called Middle Child is listed as part of Harper Collins Publishers Stop Bullying, Start Reading campaign, which offers an extensive list of books that address bullying in meaningful and relatable contexts.  I would definitely agree that this book does not only address bullying head on but also helps former bullies to tap into their compassionate side by developing a sensitivity for those who are bullied.

The author, Maria T. Lennon, is a novelist, screenwriter and mother of four.  She was a third place finalist in Francis Ford Coppola's screenwriting competition.  She is also the author of the novel Making It Up As I Go Along.  You can connect with Maria on Facebook and Twitter.

Purchase Confessions of a So-Called Middle Child via Amazon or Barnes&Noble.