Dale Mackey

My very own cocktail recipe.  Dig it.

Add one part pear vodka to two-three parts pear nectar (depending on how strong you want it).  Add a splash of butterscotch schnapps and a generous squeeze of lemon.  Shake and strain.  Garnish with candied ginger.

I think I’m getting the title for this post from an episode of “This American Life.”  If I’m not, Ira should get on this topic as I think it’s a good one.  Tonight, though, I experienced it for myself.

In the words of Bright Eyes...

Tonight Shawn and I met for a drink after work this evening and while we were sitting and chatting, I noticed a man sitting alone at the bar. He kept glancing over at us and I just couldn’t decide if I found this creepy or sweet. Normally I would think it was a little weird to be making accidental eye contact with a man who seemed to be paying an inordinate amount of attention to me and boyfriend having a private but lively conversation at the bar, but for some reason this guy didn’t weird me out.  I know that I’ve been in situations where I’ve been alone and couldn’t help but listen to folks sitting near me, whether they were annoying or too loud or too interesting not to notice.  Hopefully we were the latter.  But whatever the case, a few minutes before Shawn and I were ready to leave, this man got up, said “Merry Christmas” to us, and left the bar.  He’d left his umbrella behind and Shawn ran out to give it to him.  When he got back ad we were to pay a few minutes later, the bartender told us the man had paid our tab and told him not to tell us until he’d left the bar.  That’s right, my friends. He paid it forward.

Sir, I know you don’t read my blog, but I’d like to say thank you.  It’s a dreary rainy night and you made it quite special for us.  In your honor, I promise this week to pay the bar tab of the folks next to me or the Krystal tab or the car behind me or the cover charge of the person behind me and make their evening like you made ours.

Cost: $65 for a half box

Time: Minimal

I’ve been hearing good things about the Glowing Body’s Glow to Go boxes, a delicious culinary bundle of super healthy soups and salads and entrees and desserts from the wonderful Glowing Body on Central Street here in Knoxville. I just picked up my half box and though at first I thought the $65 seemed a little steep, I’m oh so happy I decided to take the plunge. I rushed home after picking up the box and while I knew I should make myself a little plate and sit down for lunch, I instead stood at the counter and tasted each dish straight from their containers. There’s a ton of food in the half box and I think Shawn and I would have a seriously hard time consuming an entire box ourselves. See the food below and then go order a box yourself.

Cost: NOTHING

Time: 2 minutes

Materials: old sweater, scissors

This is the easiest way to up your winter fashion game you’ll ever hear, so listen up.  In one step you can take an old ill fitting sweater and turn it into a cute and functional winter accessory.  In make case, I had a short sleeved turtleneck babydoll sweater that just looked odd.  I liked the colors, but like I said, it was short sleeved, turtlenecked, and babydolled, hence a little awkward.  So I took some scissors and cut a straight line about two inches under the sleeves and voila- now I’v got a brand new scarf.

double loop for extra warmth

so cheap, it's free

1. Handmade Holiday Trunk Show- pick up handmade holiday gifts at this year’s Handmade Holiday, open Friday-Sunday this weekend and next.  Stop by tonight for an open house with yummy food, drink and music.  On Gay Street next to Downtown Wine and Spirits.
2. Liz and Tim CD Release Party- Come listen to the musical stylings of Liz and Tim to celebrate the release of “Love Came Down at Christmas,” their holiday CD featuring traditional songs for the holiday. CD’s will be available for $10 (cheap)! Refreshments! Fun! Holiday cheer!  Come to our place tomorrow night at 7 pm.
3. Holiday Market- Like the farmer’s market, but merrier.  Food, jewelry, soaps, and more food. Head on down to Market Square for the next three Saturdays from 11 am – 8 p.m. to get your fill of open air market time.

Do you believe in adult literacy?  What about karaoke?  Well then, I have just the event for you. And it’s taking place this very evening right here in Knoxville, TN. It promises to be great fun and if you come, I bet Mickayla over at Friends of Literacy will give you a big hug.

“What’s more fun than karaoke? Karaoke for a good cause! On Thursday, December 3rd from 8:00pm-11:00pm, Toot’s Little Honky Tonk, located just off Central at 114 Anderson Avenue, will host a karaoke contest to benefit Friends of Literacy. The evening will include a karaoke contest for a $5 entry fee, a bake sale, and a very special Guerilla Karaoke event wherein you can embarrass your friends to benefit adult education! Prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place as well as a prize for honorable mention. First place prize will include, amongst other fabulous items, your picture framed and hung on the wall at Toot’s! Friends of Literacy takes checks, but Toot’s Little Honky Tonk is cash only and 21 & Up with a photo ID! “

If you love perfect beautiful smart cute useful stuff as much as I do, then you will love Supermarket, an online store featuring products by  fabulous designers.  Like etsy, but more selective (and more expensive).  For your viewing pleasure, I’ve listed some of my favorite items below*.  

Blue Mittens, $50

Oracle Necklace, $70

Chicago Poster, $22

Bike Handlebar Bag, $82 holiday sale

Clock, $110

Pyramid Necklace, $70

*December is the month of Christmas AND my birthday. So if you’re a rich secret admirer, now is the time to make yourself known by buying me one or all of these lovely gifts.