For my office’s overly complicated cookie crawl later this week, I’ve decided to make cupcakes. Big surprise, I know. Believe it or not, it’s not because I’m partial to cupcakes. It’s actually because I can’t bake cookies. It’s the darndest thing. Anyway, when I was picking up the ingredients for my latest baking experiment (pomegranate mojito cupcakes), it occurred to me that I’ve started an unlikely collection in my house: bottles of liquor. I don’t typically drink. There’s not a particular reason, no moral or 12-step issues … I’ve just never acquired the taste for it. Well, that, and the fact that I’m not particularly sophisticated that way. But since my cupcake habit kicked in, a few recipes have found me venturing into the market’s liquor section. My biggest takeaway from the experience: the art! Omigosh, what fantastic illustrations on these labels. Especially the wine. It’s gotten to the point where I wander through there from time to time just to look around and feed my creative soul. Even this Pama bottle is quite beautiful. This photo doesn’t do it justice. It’s the richest gemstone red. But my ignorance/lack of sophistication has proven to be a bit embarrassing on occasion. Like today, for instance. In addition to pomegranate liqueur, my newest recipe also calls for “light rum.” When I went to look for it, there was an entire wall of rums in a full spectrum of colors, flavors and prices. Crud, which rum is light? A guy stepped up to the wall and grabbed a bottle. Since he reached above my head with such certainty, I figured he knew what he was doing. “Um, sir? Which rum is light?” He gave me a strange look, then pointed to the clear bottle right in front of me: “Light.” Then he pointed to the amber one right next to it: “Not light.” Apparently it’s a color thing. Ohhhhhh… thanks, dude. So I’m an idiot. No biggie.

Passing along a great article: The Beginners Guide to Simple Daily Happiness. 

This isn’t for beginners; it’s for everyone. I love this.  

For my simple daily happiness, I’m making hot cocoa. Mmmmm….warm….