Cocaine Princess here.
We all know during this time of year The Salvation Army are set up in the shopping malls with their kettles and ringing their bells for donations.
One mall has banned the Sally Ann from ringing their bells:
The ringing of Salvation Army bells has been one of the iconic sounds of the holiday season for more than 100 years in North America, but one of the largest shopping malls has silenced them because of noise complaints from mall retailers.
Salvation Army volunteer Riley Blake spends many hours with his red Christmas kettle inside the downtown mall collecting donations from passersby.
The plastic kettles have become synonymous with the Salvation Army's yearly "Fill the Kettle Charity Campaign" but some people don't even know he's there.
"A lot of people ask us questions, said Blake. 'Why don't we use the bells?' We tell them it's because of rules and regulations we're not allowed to. There's not much you can do about it — just stand here quietly and smile."
Oh how things change in a week:
When it was reported last week that the familiar sound of the Salvation Army’s kettle bells had been muted by bans imposed by the mall, the shopping center elicited harsh criticism and accusations of Grinch-like behavior: "What’s next? The mall Santa banned from saying Ho~Ho~Ho?"
One ticked off volunteer had this to say:
"If the mall honchos are annoyed by us ringing those bells then why don’t they walk a day in our shoes, do some volunteer work by standing in the cold to help those who can't afford clothes, or put food on the table when no money is there for them. The Salvation Army helps those in need and surely is not a selfish company. The Salvation Army’s kettles and bells are symbols of hope to those living in poverty at Christmas and throughout the year."
A mall shopper gave his opinion:
"I love those bells because I know that in my time of need that those bells have saved me and my family much heartache and suffering. As long as I live and am able I will sacrifice a little of my time to those wonderful Salvationists and volunteers at The Salvation Army."
Many said the bells serve as a reminder:
"A reminder that there still is faith, hope and charity in this troubled world."
On Sunday, a representative of the mall permitted the bells a-ringing once again.
Question: Does the sound of The Salvation Army ringing their bells bother you?
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But it is also due to the stress of the period, too. Office parties can cause anxiety. Families drive us crazy. Old friends lure us out to old haunts. Some of us have no family or friends at all. Those brightly lit shop windows act like a magnet on our wallets.
In order to combat, or at least ameliorate, the impact that holidays have on our psyches and bank accounts, it is hardly surprising that many people indulge in seasonal binge-drinking. In fact, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States in New York City, the $49 billion distilled-spirits industry makes more than 25% of its profits from Thanksgiving to the New Year.
Of course, all that alcoholic intake does more than simply make one's mother-in-law more tolerable. It also can have a detrimental physical and social effect long after the hangover has worn off.
Sure, a glass of red wine delivers healthful antioxidants, but that’s just one glass, not two or three. And the last we checked tequila shots had no conceivable health benefits whatsoever.”
My lovelies, it's that time where I post the Friday Christmas themed drinkie.
“There are many reasons why alcoholic intake escalates during this season. Partly, this is due to the convivial air that pervades the run-up to the New Year. Companies throw office parties. Families come together over magnificent feasts. Old friends come to town. The streets are lit with festive lights and stores are filled with wonderful things to buy or eat.
“There are many reasons why alcoholic intake escalates during this season. Partly, this is due to the convivial air that pervades the run-up to the New Year. Companies throw office parties. Families come together over magnificent feasts. Old friends come to town. The streets are lit with festive lights and stores are filled with wonderful things to buy or eat.
But it is also due to the stress of the period, too. Office parties can cause anxiety. Families drive us crazy. Old friends lure us out to old haunts. Some of us have no family or friends at all. Those brightly lit shop windows act like a magnet on our wallets.
In order to combat, or at least ameliorate, the impact that holidays have on our psyches and bank accounts, it is hardly surprising that many people indulge in seasonal binge-drinking. In fact, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States in New York City, the $49 billion distilled-spirits industry makes more than 25% of its profits from Thanksgiving to the New Year.
Of course, all that alcoholic intake does more than simply make one's mother-in-law more tolerable. It also can have a detrimental physical and social effect long after the hangover has worn off.
Sure, a glass of red wine delivers healthful antioxidants, but that’s just one glass, not two or three. And the last we checked tequila shots had no conceivable health benefits whatsoever.”
Hmm, I think it’s safe to say December is ‘Tis The Month To Be Tipsy.’
"Angel's Delight"
"A drink where Love is the main ingredient! The perfect drink to be served at any Christmas party. It is a sweet fruity flavored cocktail which uses Sloe Gin. “Sloe gin is a red colored liqueur flavored with sloe berries, the fruit of the blackthorn, a relative of the plum. Sloe gin has an alcohol content between 15 to 30 percent by volume." {ecurry.com}
INGREDIENTS:
1.5 tsp Cream
1.5 tsp Grenadine
1.5 tsp Hiram Walker Sloe Gin
1.5 tsp Hiram Walker Triple Sec
DIRECTIONS:
1. Pour the ingredients into a shaker with ice cubes.
2. Shake well.
3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
INGREDIENTS:
1.5 tsp Cream
1.5 tsp Grenadine
1.5 tsp Hiram Walker Sloe Gin
1.5 tsp Hiram Walker Triple Sec
DIRECTIONS:
1. Pour the ingredients into a shaker with ice cubes.
2. Shake well.
3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
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My loyal and dear readers it's finally time to say T.G.I.F.
Whatever your plans are have a splendid weekend.~x
XOXOXOXO,
Cocaine Princess
