Seventh Day of Christmas: The Snow Queen

Posted on December 20, 2018 by Abbie Lu

The 12 Book-Days of Christmas – Mini Beans to Fill you with Cheer!
Day 7 of 12:

“I can give her no greater power than she has already, said the woman;
don’t you see how strong that is? “

The Snow Queen
Hans Christian Anderson

Of course this wintry weather and yesterdays book have me thinking of another Icy Noble Lady “The Snow Queen” Honestly, the whole HCA fairytale collection is a great thing to have on hand! Keep warm by the fire and enjoy this wintery tale, a look into the inspiration for Frozen.

Rated 4.4 on amazon.com

“Roses bloom and cease to be, but we shall the Christ-child see”

12 Drinks of Christmas:

Cafe BookBean: Wintermint Mocha
Steam milk of choice to desired temp. In a large mug pour milk over 2 real peppermints or approx half a candy cane candy (allow to melt while preparing tempered chocolate and espresso.) If you have peppermint extract you can use instead. Temper or Warm 1 oz of white chocolate, or use 1-2tbs white chocolate sauce, add in 1-2 espresso shots. Brew espresso, then add to mug. Top with whipped cream and sugar sprinkles.

“When we get to the end of the story, you will know more than you do now…”
~Hans Christian Andersen, The Snow Queen

Six Day of Christmas: The Lion The Witch & The Wardrobe

Posted on December 19, 2018 by Abbie Lu

The 12 Book-Days of Christmas – Mini Beans to Fill you with Cheer!
Day 6 of 12:

“Always winter but never Christmas.”

The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe

I hope you are not sick of me mentioning this book yet. How could I not at Christmas time! This is one of my favorite books to read in general, but I especially love to read it at Christmas. It is a wonderful winterland story, that all ages will enjoy. I think it is a great book to read aloud in a group.

Rated: on amazon.com

“And Lucy felt running through her that deep shiver of gladness which you only get if you are being solemn and still.
“And now,” said Father Christmas, “for your presents.”

12 drinks of Christmas!

Book Bean: Gingerbread Steamer

Add hot milk and crushed gingerbread crumbs to blender, blend until frothy. Sprinkle with nutmeg and/or cinnamon.

“I’ve come at last,” said he. “She has kept me out for a long time, but I have got in at last. Aslan is on the move. The Witch’s magic is weakening.” ~Father Christmas

Fifth Day of Christmas: Velveteen Rabbit

Posted on December 18, 2018 by Abbie Lu

The 12 Book-Days of Christmas – Mini Beans to Fill you with Cheer!

DAY 5 of 12
“Real isn’t how you are made… It’s a thing that happens to you.”

The Velveteen Rabbit
Margery Williams

This 1922 classic is getting a makeover for the holiday season with a beautiful new festive cover for Christmastime. This edition illustrated by picture book great Don Daily still tells the precious story of the little rabbit stuffed in a stocking as a present and his love for a boy.

Rated 4.5 on amazon.com

the_velveteen_rabbit_shared_piece_1 I adore this book! The quality of storytelling and charming characters captivate and move my spirit. The best part of the books is the parallel meaning in-between the lines. If you’ve read it, really read it, you know and appreciate what it is. This is a book everyone should have a chance to enjoy, both as a child and as an adult.

“You become. It takes a long time. That’s why it doesn’t happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept…”

Book Bean: Velvety Eggnog Mocha
Your basic mocha but made with 1/3 parts eggnog 2/3 part milk (or to taste if like it extra sweet.) I also only use about half the amount of normal chocolate. Sprinkle with cinnamon.

“…Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off,
and your eyes drop out and you get loose in your joints and very shabby.
But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.”
~Margery Williams, The Velveteen Rabbit

Fourth Day of Christmas: Miracle on 34th Street

Posted on December 17, 2018 by Abbie Lu

The 12 Book-Days of Christmas – Mini Beans to Fill you with Cheer!DAY 4 of 12

“Christmas isn’t just a day. It’s a frame of mind.” …

Miracle on 34th Street
by Valentine Davies
You have probably all seen the movie, but it does not compare to the book (as usual.) I like the movie and actually the book is a nice extension of it. I was fortunate enough to have read it after the movie, which I think helps. It is a delightful book. The character of Kris Kringle is so enjoyable and jolly, you can’t help but love it. The story is wholesome and teaches us so many important lessons. If you have not read it, I urge you to do so, I think you will be happy you did.

Rated: 4.4 on amazon.com

“Well, this is the Imagination. And once you get there you can do almost anything you want.”

12 Drinks of Christmas:

Book Bean: Candy Cane Cream
In a sauce pan heat up milk and vanilla extract. Add white chocolate and candy cane pieces (or candy cane Hershey kisses work marvelously.) Whisk together until smooth.
Add mixture to blender and blend until frothy. Add in a dollop of whip and blend (you can also whip up your own whip cream which is double delicious.) Serve with a candy cane to swirl in extra yum.

“Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to,” he replied. “And you’ve just got too much common sense.”
~Valentine Davies, Miracle on 34th Street

Third Day of Christmas: Rudolph

Posted on December 16, 2018 by Abbie Lu

The 12 Book-Days of Christmas – Mini Beans to Fill you with Cheer!
Day 3 of 12:

“Could it be that some of you are not acquainted with the story of Rudolph?
Well pull up an ice block and lend an ear.”

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
by Thea Feldman Illustrated by Erwin Madrid
The original television special first aired on NBC December 6, 1964. Fifty years later, it has become a beloved Christmas classic―capturing the heart and wonder of generations of fans.
This prose picture book about self-acceptance features Rudolph, along with his pals Hermey, the elf who dreams of becoming a dentist, and Yukon Cornelius, a prospector. They escape an Abominable Snow Monster, and end up on the Island of Misfit Toys. After several hair-raising adventures they return to Christmastown and this time, despite their differences, are all welcomed back to the fold.

Rated 4.7 on amazon.com

12 drinks of Christmas!

cherryamarettosteamer2b-edited

Book Bean: Cherry Steamer
As red as Rudolph’s nose and as sweet as him too!
Steam milk with a tish of vanilla extract. Add grenadine to mug (to taste.) Pour in milk and stir. Add whip and place a tasty glowing cherry on top 😉