Second Day of Christmas: Little Women

The 12 Book-Days of Christmas – Mini Beans to Fill you with Cheer!
literary-advent-6-edited-1
DAY 2 of 12

“Every few weeks she would shut herself up in her room, put on her scribbling suit, and fall into a vortex, as she expressed it, writing away at her novel with all her heart and soul, for till that was finished she could find no peace.” 

Little Women
by Louisa May Alcott

I love reading this Novel at Christmas time. It is warm and filled with meaning and joy. It also helps one to count and appreciate their blessings. The novel follows the lives of four sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March—detailing their passage from childhood to womanhood, and is loosely based on the author and her three sisters.

Rated: 4.3 on amazon.com

“I’d rather take coffee than compliments just now.” 

12 drinks of Christmas!

Book Bean: Orange Cocoa
Orange_Hot_Chocolate - Edited.jpgIn a saucepan heat 1-1.5 cup milk, .5-1 cup half n’half, a couple strips of orange-rind and 1 full slice of orange over medium heat. When hot add in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips ( like 45% cocoa semi-sweets.) Add 1 tsp cocoa and 2 tsp powdered sugar. Whisk well until melted and smooth. Top with whip, orange rind for garnish,
a sprinkle of orange-sugar, and spice of choice (clove n cinnamon.) 
Orange Infused Sugar: Mix 1/4 tsp of orange extract with 1 cup granulated sugar in a bag. Mush around and mix until evenly distributed. Spread sugar on large rimmed baking sheet. Let stand until sugar is dried (30 min.)

“Love is a great beautifier.” 
~Louisa May Alcott, Little Women

Advertisement

Cozy Christmas Readings

I love snuggling up with a book at Christmas time. Gathering by a warm fire and/or twinkling lights, sipping something hot and getting lost in a cozy wintery story.

Her are some books I really enjoy reading at Christmas time:
 (Click the pictures and/or titles for more info.)
Miracle on 34th Street
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.
babble-2-of-4.jpg
Book Bean:
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.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas
The wonderful classic story by Dr. Seuss. He is so brilliant in his creation of such a horrendously likable creature. We love and loathe the Grinch. Which is why the story is so compelling, and why the ending is so fulfilling. The Grinch has become iconic, he is like Scrooge a symbol to be used for those less keen on Christmas spirit.
cappuccino-on-sunday
Book Bean:
Nutcrackerccino
A cappuccino sprinkled and swirled with nutmeg.

 


A Christmas Carol
Speaking of scrooge. This book has to be the most timeless Christmas story of ever told. Everyone one knows the tale, and it has been made in to countless shows and movies. The book is fantastic and I wish more people actually took the time to read it. A Christmas Carol is a hauntingly beautiful book.
images (1).jpg
Book Bean:
Cinnamint Tea
Mint tea with a dash of cream sprinkled with cinnamon and/or a cinnamon stick.

rudolph_book_coverRudolph The Red -Nose Reindeer
Oh the wonderful story of Rudolph. I love this story. I love the idea of a character being different and then overcoming the struggles and pain that can come from it. I got my anniversary copy of this book at a black-Friday door buster, back when it was still a sane thing to do. This is a great story and the book is lovely.
images (3).jpg
Book Bean:
North Pole Cocoa
Rich hot chocolate with marshmallows and candy canes for stir sticks.


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.
808533
Book Bean:
Spiced Orange Chai
Your favorite Chai with a dollop of marmalade and a sprinkle of spice if you dare (mix while very hot.) You can substitute marmalade for orange liqueur.

 

Twas The night Before Christmas
A wonderful classic poem that has been made into a beautiful book. The poem alone is great, but adding such detailed and amazing illustrations makes it so special. The art work is stunning.

homemade-starbucks-gingerbread-eggnog-latte61Book Bean:
Gingerbread Steamer
Add hot milk and crushed gingerbread crumbs to blender, blend until frothy.  Sprinkle with nutmeg and/or cinnamon.

What books do you like to cozy up
with 
for Christmas?


70-christmas-decor-with-books
Fun Fact: According to the Guinness world records, the tallest Christmas tree ever cut was a 221-foot Douglas fir that was displayed in 1950 at the Northgate Shopping Center in Seattle, Washington.

Saga Saturday II

My pick for this Saturday is a favorite of mine. Also it is a books I love to read aroun the Christmas season, as it is rich with the Christmas spirit.

Here is my Saga Saturday Selection:

(Click title or picture for more info.)

Little Women
I adore this book written by author Louisa May Alcott. It is such a great story about family, friendship, and love. The story is about the life and relationships of the four March sisters. I can especially relate, as I have 4 sisters of my own, which makes it special for me. I can identify a little bit with each of the sisters, but mostly the character of Jo. She is the main protagonist of the story, Jo is a very passionate person and writer. The story follows her and her sisters through many joys, adventures, and tragedies.
This books is so delightfully old fashioned, which is one of the things I love most about it. I know there are so many people out there who love and cherish this heartwarming book as much as I do.

orange_mocha_5Rated 4.4 on amazon.com
Book Bean: Orange Mocha
I love chocolate and orange! Try adding a bit of orange extract, zest of orange, or orange syrup/liqueur to your next mocha or hot chocolate. It is simply heaven.

little-women-19333e6da0cb361974e30e6ab1c1b93125b6
Little Women as many know, was also made into a movie three times, once in 1933, again in 1949 and lastly in 1994. I think the book is best, which sort of goes without saying. However, I loved both movies that were made as well.lwwp

 

 

 

 

Have you read Little women, or perhaps seen the either of the movie adaptations?

Share your thoughts.
Fun Fact: Little Women was originally published in two volumes
in 1868 and 1869.


“I’d rather take coffee than compliments just now.”