A Very Merry Christmas From Candy's Daily Dandy

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through The Dandy,

Every creature was stirring,  not least of all Candy. 

The stockings were hung and the fake tree was trimmed, while the Christmas bling sparkled from each perfect little limb.

The Children weren't nestled, nor snug, nor in bed,

They were laughing and drinking and making merry instead!

Frick and Frack were adults, now living on their own while Candy and Her Guy kept the fires burning at home. With the college kids away for most of the year, the empty nesters adjusted but held the holidays dear. A full house was a joy to behold for a time. Is that so much to ask, or would the kids consider it a crime?

And Candy dressed in Gucci and her Guy  in Tom Ford,  while Frick regaled them  with stories from her time spent abroad. The crest on the sparkle of the new life they lead gave way to their happiness, no more worry or dread. Frack was so pleased living life in the South, and he told them of college adventures from his very own mouth! 

When out on the lawn Buddy was causing a clatter, Candy rose from her Manolo's to see what was the matter. Since Buddy was the lone dog left in the house, he was running and chasing things much bigger than a mouse. A deer? A turkey? A bird or a raccoon? Surely that dog was as crazy as a loon!

While the celebration went on, fun and joy was abound so Candy decided to reflect during some quiet time she had found. Another year, she thought,  she felt blessed and at peace,  such love to be part of, she hoped never would it cease. Content in this thought, Candy wondered what would her Christmas wish be, when she realized that really, she had everything she would ever need. 

So she wished for others the same joy that she felt, and she was grateful for another year under her belt. And I heard her exclaim to every person to hear,

"Merry Christmas to all and to all a Happy New Year!"

A Very Happy Thanksgiving To You And Yours.

A Daily Dandy shout out to all my peeps for a healthy and happy Thanksgiving holiday! 

Eat too much turkey, enjoy your day, laugh with the family and enjoy these very funny people's thoughts on our uniquely American tradition! Today's content is courtesy of Huff Post Comedy.

My Three Sons

While I was on vacation in Puerto Rico last week, (which was FAB-u-lous) I found myself at a New Years Eve celebration in the hotel with lots of happy families, happy people and music. I spyed a group of kids sitting on a sofa together. They were adorable. There were two boys age 14 and 13, two little girls-11 and 10 along with their baby brother who was 4- and was sleeping soundly on the sofa. Being a helicopter mom myself, I continued to watch the kids through the celebration right through the magic time that 2013 had turned into 2014. The girls were dancing and playing with noise makers, giggling and enjoying a festive evening being included in the adult activities. The boys stayed put, almost watching guard over their baby brother who was sleeping right through the party that was taking place around them.

I couldn't help myself.

I sat down next to the group at the sofa and began chatting with them. Affable, intelligent and way off the cutie chart, the kids and I enjoyed the normal conversation exchanges. "Where are you from? How old are you? etc." We were having a great time talking, as each one enjoyed their moment in the spotlight, explaining who they were and their ages. Their step-dad had gone to UMass, they told me and they stated that a trip to Boston is something they would like to do someday. The conversation then naturally turned to school. The boy to my left, Gabrielle, explained that they were from a town in Puerto Rico about an hour away but were there at the hotel for the week enjoying a family vacation. I asked them when they were returning to school, to which they replied "Jan 13th". "Why so late?", I inquired. Frack was slated to go back on Jan 3rd. They explained that the return was normal; it was in observance of Three King's Day.

I had never heard of this.

I had heard of people leaving their Christmas trees up until Jan 6th, because of "little Christmas" as they called it, but I never understood that this little Christmas they spoke of was the one my new friends were explaining to me. They kids told me it was just as big as Christmas to them and that the three Kings brought them just as many presents as Santa. "The Feast of the Epiphany", or "Three Kings Day" falls on January 6th and marks the biblical visit of the three wise men or The Magi, to the baby Jesus. It is the anticipation of this day by children mainly in Latin America and Spain that my new little friends spoke of.

 "According to the Gospel of Matthew, the men found the divine child by following the North Star across the desert for twelve days to Bethlehem. Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar -- representing Europe, Arabia, and Africa respectively -- travelled by horse, camel, and elephant in order to present baby Jesus with three symbolic gifts."

Anyone who has ever been to my house, my mom's house or anyone in my immediate family's home, would find displays of the Magi (the three wise men)  all over the house. And not just at Christmas. My mother was given a prayer by a priest when she was a little girl in homage to the Three Kings. It is to be said three times and is described as a very effective prayer. My mom believes, and always has, that the three Kings are the bearers of good fortune. My brothers and sisters and I all posses this prayer and many displays of the Magi in our surroundings. How could I have not known about Three Kings Day??

Today when I woke up, I thought about the kids I had shared that enjoyable conversation with in the early hours of 2014. I though about them putting grass and water out for the wise men's camels in anticipation of their arrival and I thought about them enjoying a wonderful day with their family. I don't think those adorable kids had any idea of the impression they left on me, but I carried it with me right through to today.

Happy Three King's day to them and all of you! I hope that the Magi continues to bring all of us good fortune all the year through!

Buy-agra!

Tis the season....

So I'm watching Sunday Morning yesterday and they did this piece on buying on sale and what it does to your brain. Journalist Mark Elwood, who wrote the book, "Bargain Fever", says we are more conditioned to buying items on sale than we are at full price. Elwood noted when we are presented with a savings when making a purchase, our brains release a chemical that makes us feel good about buying and makes us come back for more. He stated that a decade ago, retailers sold between 15-20%  of their inventory at sale. Today that number is more like 40-45% and rising. 

The dopamine in my brain responded to this. Yes, I could completely relate. Not only do I love to get a bargain, but as a retailer myself, I see an increase in sales when I offer a discount at The Candy Bar. Since Black Friday, I have seen offers of 20-30% off flooding my email inbox daily. I even took advantage of these deals this morning when I shopped at Old Navy and Macy's online. I received 20 and 30% on both purchases AND free shipping! (which I couldn't take advantage of because I worried that they wouldn't be here in time for Xmas) Even during non-holiday times there are coupon sites you can use to apply discounts to your purchases online and we offer discount incentives multiple times throughout the year. It's a must to stay competitive in the retail world.

It really is BUY-agra!  And I'm not calling my physician if the sensation lasts for more than 4 hours either! 

So what does this say about brick and mortar competing with online shopping sites? The jury is still out on that one, but if Cyber Monday's sales totals this year say anything, (the largest online shopping day to date with over $2 BILLION recorded in sales) all signs point to easy access with the click of a mouse. 

It just confirms that an online presence for any retailer is as important as great products at a great value.

Tell me what you think? 

Bring It Home Boys.

• The winter is coming. Fall has taken hold of this locale and dropped the cold air into the region like a crop duster spraying for mosquitoes. I've had to put the heat on! Time to break out the winter and  hooded coats we haven't seen since March cuz old man winter is settling down for his long Winter's nap and has grown a beard too. You think he's a Sox fan?

• We had some excellent rotisserie chicken take-out last night. The Modern Rotisserie is an upscale, gourmet take-out market in Newton, MA that we thought we'd try. The food was excellent! I got a breast and two sides; Mac and cheese (topped with Cheese-It's) and stuffing with gravy. Nothing says lovin like the cozy, delicious gourmet comfort food I had last night. Two thumbs, way up for some take-out !

• Frack is behaving! That boy has been feeling his "Senior-itis" for a few months now and he's quite possibly starting to reign it in. It's about time, too because he's been, shall we say, difficult. Frick was difficult too, but not like him. He's just stubborn. Are girls easier than boys? I'm not remembering her being too difficult. Selective memory, I think.

• I've started the Holiday shop. Now that everyone is older, the gift-buying is getting harder. Everyone has everything they need. I think a family trip is what's needed instead of a bunch of crapola that they don't need. Some team building in a warm destination is the best money spent for this family. 

And finally....

• We live to take the World Series home to Boston, where it belongs. Johnny Gomes...You be da MAN!!! Let's take it one game at a time secure in the knowledge we will see the World Series at Fenway again! Good luck tonite to the Sox and the Nation! Like it said in my Herald this morning: "sleep is overrated.".

Gobble Gobble...

I can't believe it's here already.

How did that happen??  I'm glad, because I love the holidays. I guess I've been too busy to notice that they were creeping up on me. Despite it all I am cooking a turkey just for Frick, Frack and My Guy this year which should be a welcome change. My little nuclear unit.

This year I'm Thanking for all the Giving and I'm going give back and not ask for Thanks.

I wish many blessings to you and yours and I thank you for coming here and joining in the discussion.


Happy Thanksgiving Bloggers, and make sure your belt buckle has a few extra holes in it...

NSFW Easter Wishes

Happy Easter Bloggers!

So I was searching the Internet this morning looking for a dirty little Easter ditty to share with you, and I gotta tell you, it wasn't easy.

But in my searches, I think I found something that won't disappoint.

This gem came up under dirty Easter jokes, and God bless Aunt Anna, she's so cute, she even cracks herself up!! This one is entitled, "Aunt Anna's Dirty Jokes-Easter Italian Style" and she's just my kind of girl! Stay with it for the entire 2:25, as Anna shares two jokes with her family.

Happy Easter to you and yours from Candy's Daily Dandy Bloggers, and may you enjoy the holiday making your loved ones smile.

Happy 2012

On New Year's Eve, Daniel was in no shape to drive, so he sensibly left his van in the car park and walked home. As he was wobbling along, he was stopped by a policeman. 'What are you doing out here at four o'clock in the morning?' asked the police officer.

'I'm on my way to a lecture,' answered Roger.

'And who on earth, in their right mind, is going to give a lecture at this time on New Year's Eve?' enquired the constable sarcastically.

'My wife,' slurred Daniel grimly.



http://www.guy-sports.com/humor/christmas/new_year.htm

Cookie Monster

No wonder Cookie Monster is one of the most beloved Sesame Street characters of all time, because nothing reduces mature adults into little children more than a plate full of cookies. We had our annual Christmas party yesterday and we decided to participate in a cookie swap. Have you ever done this?

Everybody makes two dozen cookies; the recipe of their choice, and brings them to the party. The cookies get laid out on a table and the guests each get to make a platter full of two or three of each kind of cookie. We had 11 people and about 15 different varieties of cookies to make a generous platter of cookies from. The hostess bought us special Christmas platters to house the cookies and take home as a party favor. It was a blast, and all of the cookies were fantastic. We even ended up swapping a few recipes by the end of the party.

The best part of the cookie swap is that now everyone has all these different, colorful and fantastic cookies, we get to share them with our families! When I got home, the quiet household came to life and more than a few cookies were consumed before dinner. We had gingerbread men, candy canes with colorful frosting and Christmas trees. There were smores bars and wedding cakes and peanut butter cookies with Hershey's kisses. One woman made colorful bags full of a wonderful mix she called "White Trash", which was Check mix with melted white chocolate and another made homemade English Toffee.

I got a recipe for these little treats:

Pretzel Squares
Rollo Candy
Pecans

Put the Rollo candy on top of the pretzel square, then the pecan on top of that.
Place in an oven heated to 325 degrees.
Watch as the candy melts, just enough to adhere to the pretzel and the pecan to the candy, a few minutes.
Remove from oven and let harden.
Enjoy!

The tough part is now staying away from the cookie platter, especially when a cookie would make a nice breakfast on the go and great lunch follow up. Too bad there's not a fool proof way to remove all the fat and calories these colorful creations are chock full of.

Now that would be one heck of a Christmas present, right?

In The Black

We have lots of magazine subscriptions for the holidays!

It turned out to be a very Black Friday this year. I can report a brisk return to holiday shopping and so far, I'm encouraged. Better than expected, and I'm happy to report that it seems to be trending all over the country. According to today's news, the reports are in and this could be a very merry Christmas for retailers. Wall Street is also happy. The Dow rallied 291 points yesterday and consumer confidence seems to be growing.

Much of this weekend's hype was created specifically by the media and the retailers to create a shopping frenzy, and it worked because sales are up. "Black Friday sales were unbelievably good-really solid," said John Herman of Boston-based State Street Global Markets.
Shoppers were bombarded with Black Friday images and ads on most all media outlets, begging some to ask the question, "am I missing out on something?"

The common denominator in all this is discounts. In order to survive, retailers must be competitive and offer substantial discounts to their customers. And we did. For me, this translated into more volume than last year. With American Express sponsored and advertised Small Business Saturday immediately following Black Friday, the weekend turned into a Black Business windfall for small retailers.

Yesterday's Cyber Monday's numbers are not in yet, but early projections speculate sales increasing form last year by 15% and this could all bode well for the economy to start out the 2012 New Year.

I'm hoping to ride this wave of consumer confidence. Keep shopping America, and keep shopping local.

Talking Turkey

Ahhh, Thanksgiving.

It's that wonderful American tradition that is still held some what sacred. It's the only holiday that is completely, 100%, all about the food. Thanksgiving is a great feast.

Some observations:

• Stuffing seems to be the emotional favorite, second only to the turkey itself.


• There are those who prefer to eat out and those who prefer to stay home. I prefer to stay home.


• Cranberry sauce is in two categories: homemade and jelly. I always have to serve both because some like it jelly style, straight out of a can, and some will only eat the homemade kind with whole cranberries.


• Apple Cider. It's the only time I drink it and it is always a staple on my thanksgiving table.


• There's always one who's not speaking to so and so, and you have to be careful not to seat them next to each other or get in the middle of it for that matter.


• Thanksgiving is also synonymous with football.


• Is it legal to begin drinking on Thanksgiving day at 12 noon? It is a holiday after all.


• It's hilarious, it seems like the entire town I live in closes up shop around 3pm on Wednesday. People are either traveling or cooking, but no one is out and about after that.


• Is it legal to begin drinking wine on Thanksgiving morning at 10 am? It is a holiday after all. And I'm gonna need it to get through this one.

What are your observations bloggers?

Happy ThanksGLiving

Bullets for a Thanksgiving edition of the Daily Dandy and not all Glee......spread around just like side dishes on your plate.

• So here's what you missed on Glee.....Glee clubbers at McKinnley tackled some seriously relevant and topical teen issues last night. Bullying and gay bashing were addressed in McKinnley school principal Sue Sylvester's office, where she took a staunch "no tolerance" policy and expelled the bullying student. But not before she bashed gay student Kurt by calling him "Lady". After Kurt protested, she softened her gay bashing by dubbing him with a more tame, "Porcelain".

• Kurt's dad and Finn's mom got married and the glee club was the band. A righteous ceremony production ensued and Finn serenaded his family and new brother Glee style, with "Just The Way You Are." Everybody danced and a few tears of joy were shed.

• I bet you though I was gonna say that "Just The Way You Are" was my download pick of the night, but you are wrong. Did you see Mr. Shue doing his Buble impression during "Sway with Me?" Dead sexy...I'm downloading that one pronto.

• Baby won the Silver Ball trophy. Dancing With The Stars newly crowned champion, Jennifer Grey took home the coveted prize and nobody shot out their TV and held a standoff with police!!

• I'm not cooking tomorrow and I'm not happy about it. My family will be celebrating at a club. The nice thing is that we will all be together and no one has to do any dishes, but Thanskgiving is about being at HOME with your family and unbuttoning your belt buckle just a tad while putting your feet up on the couch. My kids are pissed, so I bought a turkey and I will cook it tonite so we can have leftovers. Besides, My Tommy is playing tomorrow and I'd rather be in front of the TV instead of in front of the stove. For that, I am thankful.

• Come to think of it, there are so many things and reasons I am thankful this year. What are you thankful for?

• I'm also thankful to be part of this blogger community. I wish you and all of yours a healthy, happy and safe Thanksgiving.

Peace.

How Pumpkin Pie Is Made

My sister sent me this and it just about made me fall off my chair in hysterics!


They say the best thing to put into a pumpkin pie is your teeth, although after seeing how it is REALLY made, I think I'll pass on the pumpkin pie, thanks.


I found this next funny little ditty on Funny Thanksgiving Jokes, and thought I would share with you the absolute best way to cook a turkey.

How To Cook A Turkey:

Step 1: Go buy a turkey
Step 2: Take a drink of whiskey
Step 3: Put turkey in the oven
Step 4: Take another 2 drinks of whiskey
Step 5: Set the degree at 375 ovens
Step 6: Take 3 more whiskeys of drink
Step 7: Turk the bastey
Step 8: Whiskey another bottle of get
Step 9: Ponder the meat thermometer
Step 10: Glass yourself a pour of whiskey
Step 11: Bake the whiskey for 4 hours
Step 12: Take the oven out of the turkey
Step 13: Floor the turkey up off of the pick
Step 14: Turk the carvey
Step 15: Get yourself another scottle of botch
Step 16: Tet the sable and pour yourself a glass of turkey
Step 17: Bless the dinner and pass out

From Candy's Daily Dandy to you and yours, my best wishes for a wonderful and happy Thanksgiving holiday!

I am so thankful for wonderful blogger friends like you!
See you on Friday!!

DETOX

I am never eating again.


What is it about holiday's and long weekends that make us think we can just indulge in every food offering that is presented to us? And who in the HELL do I think I am, Twiggy???


Today I am all strung out on cheeseburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, chips, salsa and dip. It's like crack with calories. And the leftovers??? Holy temptation. I can't stand to look at it. I've been on a weekend bender.

No, no, no, I wanna make myself go to rehab.

Chicken, sausages, cookies, dips with veggies and crackers, these are my drugs of choice and they're going to kill me and all the hard work I've been doing getting ready for summer. The smell of the grill triggers my taste buds and suddenly I'm thinking; what's one little hot dog among friends?


But it's never one little hot dog, is it? One little cracker with cheese turns into ten. "Oh you have to try my homemade guacamole." Then the guacamole finds it's way onto my cheeseburger. Dirty smack pushers, all of 'em.

I can feel my body craving more and more and then I begin to sweat and shake all over. The pressure to conform is killing me. Look, everyone else it doing it. It's no biggie. Friendly summer cook-outs are a rite of passage, a time to bond with family and friends sharing good times and good food. It's all a big fat lie.

The truth is, it's good for nothing but a lifetime on the hips.

I'm a junkie. I was born into the addition and I'm a highly functional, as I always bring something to the table. Check out my addition to the barbecue. PURE EVIL.


With all this food leftover, what do I do? Pawn it off on my children, so they can end up with a $50 a day habit. Their innocent little faces asking for more. I have hit rock bottom.

Just say no to crack.