With hints of pear, peach and grapefruit zest, the fragrant bouquet of this French liqueur is the perfect way to swallow the notion that we all get better with age.

As the temperature drops, warm the tummies in your house with these comforting recipes from Barrila.

Count down the waning moments of 2010 with these sparkling alternatives.

This week mommy mixologist tastes twelve beers for Christmas and tells you which ones are naughty and nice.

Give back while getting gifts for the holidays at local stores and online.   Online Salvation Army Angel Tree at JCPenney   Visit jcp.com/angel to be guided through the Angel selection process. After choosing an Angel online, you will receive a confirmation email with all of the necessary details to help shop for your Angel.

Make holiday memories for years to come with this all-in-one kit that Christmas lovers of all ages will enjoy. They also make great gifts for grandparents and teachers too. Supplies: Make it Christmas ornament kit (Reg. $9.99, $5 at 50% off) Includes 4 glass ball ornaments w/ribbon hangers, 1 paint brush, 1 set of ceramic paints.   Americana Glass Enamel paint set (Reg.

Last year for Christmas our daughter asked for a toy menorah. I asked her why, and she said, "I want pretend candles." After that exchange, I decided to teach her more about other religious customs and holidays. Here's some history and a project I recreated that will be a fun way to teach kids about Hanukkah. For teachers, www.2.Scholastic.com has great lesson plans and projects for many holidays.

This Friday, the highly anticipated first part of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" will be released in theaters. Our daughter, who is a huge fan of the books, turns 8 in a few weeks and we are celebrating with a magic-filled, Potter-themed birthday party. MAGICAL TREATS Bring the Hogwarts Express candy cart to your young wizards with these tasty treats inspired by the sweets in the books.

Mommy Mixologist: A busy mom’s guide to living life to the fullest glass   Bring the sweet smells and flavors of Thanksgiving dinner into your bar with this bountiful bunch of cocktails. For my first original recipe, I tackled one of my favorite holiday desserts.

Shake up the after school snack routine with these kid friendly recipes that I found on the back of the box of Kroger's Rice and Corn bitz cereals. Rancho Deluxe Mix 9 cups Rice or Corn bitz, or combination of the two 2 cups bite sized garlic flavor bagel chips, or regular size broken into 1-inch pieces 1 cup mini-sized pretzels 1/3 cup vegetable oil 1 teaspoon dill weed1/4 teaspoon lemon and herb...

Be the perfect Halloween host with these delicious and delightfully festive cocktails.   SKYY Balsamic Bloody Mary   2 oz SKYY Vodka 4 oz tomato juice 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar 1/2 tsp prepared horseradish 1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice 1/2 tsp fresh lime juice 1/2 tsp Frank’s Redhot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce 1/4 tsp Worcestershire Sauce 1/4 tsp celery seeds Coarsely ground black...

This twist on a classic holiday treat is elegant and super easy too. Caramel Apple Baked Brie   Prep Time: 20 Min  Total Time: 40 Min  Makes: 12  INGREDIENTS 1 tablespoon butter 1/2cup chopped peeled firm apple (Braeburn, Gala or Granny Smith) 1/4cup sweetened dried cranberries 1/4cup packed brown sugar 2 tablespoons chopped shelled pistachios or pecans 2 tablespoons brandy or...

Add some personality to your porch with this easy project that will last for many Halloweens to come. Supplies: Purchased at Michaels 1. Celebrate it flickering pumpkin light ($3) 2. Valspar glitter spray paint in transparent gold (Reg. $7.99, on sale for $2.99) 3. Black craft paint or black marker Purchased at Hobby Lobby 1. Orange carvable craft pumpkin ($34.99 on sale 40% off, $21) 2.

Save the Earth one cocktail at a time with these eco-friendly and organic vodkas. Prairie Organic Vodka Not only is this vodka certified kosher by the Orthodox Union and organic by the USDA, but it’s also gluten-free. Prairie is distilled in limited quantities in the same community in which the corn is raised, by a co-op of 900 Minnesota farmers who are stakeholders in the brand.

Take the fuss out of feasting with Recipe Inspirations from McCormick. You can find these pre measured spice packs that include a recipe card in the spice isle at your local grocery store. With a few additional ingredients you can create inspired dishes everyday of the week. Apple &

Roughly translated “my cold beer” the Michelada is a thirst quenching cocktail for lovers of beer and all things spicy.   Tex-Mex Michelada   1 lime wedge Kosher salt, to taste 1 oz. fresh lime juice 1/2 tsp. worcestershire 1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 5 dashes Tabasco 1 12 oz. bottle or can of Mexican beer (I used Dos Equis Lager)  

Roughly translated “my cold beer” the Michelada is a thirst quenching cocktail for lovers of beer and all things spicy.   Tex-Mex Michelada   1 lime wedge Kosher salt, to taste 1 oz. fresh lime juice 1/2 tsp. worcestershire 1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 5 dashes Tabasco 1 12 oz. bottle or can of Mexican beer (I used Dos Equis Lager)  

Hit a home run in your kitchen with this crowd pleasing snack that is the perfect for the whole family. Ghirardelli Stadium Bars Makes 24 brownies Ingredients: 1 box of Ghirardelli brownie mix 3 cups popped kettle corn 1 cup salted peanuts 1/2 cup Ghirardelli semi-Sweet Chocolate chips Directions: Prepare brownie batter as directed. Spoon into lightly greased 13x9-inch pan.

Labor Day and back-to-school might signal the end of summer, but that doesn’t mean it has to end in your bar. Keep your beach parties going throughout the fall with these cocktails from Tommy Bahama Rum. For more recipes, check out the drink of the month section on tommybahama.com. Tommy Bahamas’

Are you always on the run? Try these ingredient-packed recipes that are easy to eat when on the go. Jumbo Breakfast Cookies Prep Time:15 min  Start to Finish: 45 min Makes12 to 15 cookies Ingredients 1 1/4 cups sugar 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened 1/2 cup peanut butter 1/4 cup water 1 tablespoon vanilla 1 egg 1 1/2 cups Gold Medal®

Every little thing Emma Thompson does is magic. Her new film, Nanny McPhee Returns , is no exception. Nanny McPhee (played impeccably by Thompson) is a magical nanny that “must stay when she is needed but not wanted, but has to go when she is wanted but no longer needed.”

  You go "Skinny Girl" margarita Created by Real Housewives of New York’s Bethenny Frankel, this low-cal (100 calories per 4 oz serving) bottled version of a bar favorite is nearly impossible to find. After an unfruitful search in Dallas, I got a tip from a Siegel’s manager that I could get a taste at Burger Girl, a new eatery around the corner.

Kids shoes go from floppy to fancy with this easy transformation. Ages: 3 and older Supplies 1 pair of flip-flops Two spools of 1/2 -inch-wide coordinating ribbons Scissors Dritz Fray Check Directions 1. Cut 40 7-inch pieces of ribbon; you will use approximately 10 pieces for each side of each flip-flop. 2. Tie and knot ribbons onto flip-flop straps, alternating coordinating ribbons.

Whether your toast is skål, salud or cheers, anyone can mix up these recipes to celebrate their favorite team in the World Cup. The victory dance A few of these will have you shaking what your mama gave you before the end of the game. 1 ounce Smirnoff vodka 1/2 ounce Blue Curacao (or triple sec) 3/4 ounce lemon juice Shake well with ice and strain into cocktail glass rimmed with sugar.

Here's some events for Friday, June 11 through Thursday, June 17: FRIDAY, JUNE 11   Snake Feedings: Watch the River Legacy Naturalists feed the snakes on display at the Living Science Center. Stay after for a brief Q&A with the Naturalist. Good to know: This event is every Friday.

Summer is hot on our heels. Cool down your summer parties with these tasty frozen pie recipes. Lime Margarita Pie Prep Time: 15 min total Time: 6 hr 15 min Makes: 10 servings Ingredients: 1-1/4 cups crushed pretzels 1/4 cup sugar 6 Tbsp. butter or margarine, melted 1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk 1/2 cup lime juice 1 env.

Dad’s need time-outs too. Here are a few gift ideas to help celebrate all the years they’ve celebrated you. Gadget guru Turn the lid on this shaker from Pottery Barn ($39.99) to reveal recipes for 15 different cocktails. Recipes include classic drinks like the Side Car and Old fashioned and a few new favorites including an Orange Blossom and Palm Beach.

Mommy mixologist: A busy mom's guide to living life to the fullest glass Get out the Manolos, call up the girls and mix these signature Skyy cocktails to celebrate the arrival of Sex and the City 2 in theaters May 27. Glamour Gal This sassy and sweet cocktail embodies the spirit of Carrie Bradshaw.

If you're like me you love ranch dressing. So when I picked up a box of Hidden Valley Salad Dressing and Seasoning Mix, I was pleasantly surprised to find recipes on the back. An added bonus, the individual packets inside have recipes too. Here are a few I tried out for our family. Hidden Valley Cheeseburgers Valley Salad Dressing and Seasoning Mix 1lb.

What could be better than drinking on the job? The answer is drinking for your job. On the show Three Sheets, host Zane Lamprey gets to drink, travel and shoot the bull with bar patrons all around the world. With the fate of a new season up in the air, Zane is traveling via bus across this great land with his “Drinking Made Easy Comedy Show.”

Last week I got a few fellow moms together for a tasting of brunch recipes and pre-made mimosas and bellinis. The result, f our full tummies and a meal that dads and kids can prepare for a perfect Mother's Day feast. Brunch Oven Omelet with Canadian Bacon The whole group was amazed at how flavorful and fluffy this oven version of a breakfast classic turned out. Prep Time: 15 min 

Celebrate derby day by downing one of these classic race-day cocktails. The Early Times Mint Julep Kentucky Derby fans have toasted the winner of the race for almost a century with this refreshing drink.   2 cups sugar 2 cups water Sprigs of fresh mint Crushed ice Early Times Kentucky Whisky Silver julep cup or on-the-rocks glass  

Mommy Mixologist: A busy mom’s guide to living life to the fullest glass Can't go to Italy for a refreshing drink in a palazzo? Try these recipes to bring the country's bold flavors into your home with Luxardo Limoncello and Maraschino Originale liqueurs. Cuban Limoncello A nice lemony twist to the traditional rum and coke.

Take the heat out of the kitchen and bring the flavors of Spain to your backyard with this easy and delicious recipe. Paella on the Grill Prep Time : 45 min Total Time: 1 hour 45 min Makes: 6 servings Saffron Marinade 1 cup Progresso® chicken broth (from 32-ounce carton) 1/2 cup sherry wine vinegar  1/2 teaspoon salt 

A busy mom’s guide to living life to the fullest glass Basil’s not just for cooking anymore. Hibiscus bartenders Grant Parker and Florence “Flo” Kennard have cleverly added the fresh and fragrant herb to create two of the restaurant’s most-ordered signature cocktails.

Pop pie: Satisfy your headline hunger with a bubbly blend of news and pop culture Jolie as Maleficent in Sleeping Beauty? The big mouse's ears are burning with rumors (in a L.A.

Get even the youngest kids into the kitchen this Easter with these cute and simple recipes from pillsbury.com. Easter Chicks Cupcakes Prep Time: 30 Min Total Time: 1 Hr 25 Min Makes: 24 cupcakes Ingredients Cupcakes 24 yellow paper baking cups 1 box yellow or devil's food cake mix with pudding Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on cake mix box  

Who knew dragons could be so loveable? Based on the 2003 children's novel by British author Cressida Cowell, "How to Train your Dragon" is a coming of age story about a young Viking boy's (Hiccup) quest to win the approval of his father and tribe by slaying a dragon.

Done with dying the eggs? Get the whole family involved with these colorful and easy projects you can bring out year after year. Glitter Egg Centerpiece Give your Easter table a little sparke with this festive and easy project. Best for ages 4 and up.

A busy mom’s guide to living life to the fullest glass After a chilly spring break skiing with our kids, I’m in desperate need of some warm weather and drinks that go with it. T hese fresh recipes are exactly what I need. Peach and prosecco bellini Sunday brunches will be just peachy with this perfect mix of fruity flavors.

Mommy mixologist A busy mom’s guide to living life to the fullest glass Have a very cherry Christmas At first I was skeptical of vodka in eggnog. But to my surprise, this recipe offered a smooth and flavorful twist on a holiday favorite. Cherry Vanilla Eggnog Martini 2 ounces eggnog 1/2 ounce vanilla liqueur 1 1/2 ounces Van Gogh Black Cherry Vodka Pour ingredients into a cocktail shaker.

Boy, oh, Boy, does nine months go by fast. It seems like just yesterday I blogged about the unplanned pregnacy between Kourtney Kardashian, 30, and her boyfriend Scott Disick, 26.   Early Monday morning the couple welcomed a baby boy. Mason Dash Disick, was born in Los Angeles, weighing 7 lbs., 6 oz., and measuring 19.5 inches long.  

Crafting Fun, 101 Things to Make and Do with Kids By Rae Grant St. Martin's Press, $19.95 Online: www.craftingfunforkids.com What it is: Simple crafts and activities for kids. What parents will like: The crafts are organized by season, making it easy to choose a project for a particular time of year. What suprised me: There are no pictures of finished crafts.

Give your door a little personalized holiday cheer with this monogram wreath.   Supplies (Available at craft stores) 3 to 6 ft of artificial garland 2.5" wide wire edge holiday ribbon 1.5" wide gold ribbon 16" wide wire wreath frame Floral wire Wire cutters Directions Wire wreath form Cover form by wrapping it with 1.5" wide gold ribbon. This will serve as the base for the monogram.

Life's a B*!ch and then you drink   As a wife and working mom of two drama-filled girls, it's not hard to find a reason to drink. Although my palette is not professionally trained, in my almost 40 years I have formed an idea of what I do and don’t like. On a recent trip to Central Market, my interest was piqued by a pretty pink label with a twist.

Recently, I received a catalog that featured this gift. This product is absolutely adorable. Not only do I wish I had thought of this but I can't wait until I can give it as a gift.  The baby bunch is a bouquet that is made up of baby clothing basics.  They even have boxes of clothing cupcakes! Medium Pink Bunch contains, one bib, one t-shirt, one hat, two pairs of socks and two onesies.

In Sex and the City: The Movie, Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) asks job candidate Louise (Jennifer Hudson) how an unemployed girl in New York City can afford a pricy Louis Vuitton handbag. Her assistant responds, "It's rented". The website bagborroworsteal.com allows fashonistas who don't have celebrity bank accounts to live like they do for as little as $15 week.

Let's take a little trip back in time. Twenty-five years to be exact. Parachute pants, big hair and The Huxtables. Wednesday night I flipped the channel to a biography of the Cosby Show . I was instantly transported back to my teen years in the mid-eighties. It's not my greatest fashion moment but the music and television, in my opinion, were great. I watched the Cosby Show religiously.

The other day I was watching tv and a commercial came on that I related to in a way I never thought I would. Picture this, two women in a boutique make each other laugh by putting on a ridiculous sweater. Laughing commences....then leakage. The whole point of the commercial is that sometimes we just can't hold it so get "said product" with great absorption and you will avoid embarrassing moments.

Whether it's my bad back acting up when walking with a friend or pop culture milestones in the news, I'm regularly reminded that my age is quickly reaching the top of the hill. Here are a few examples that have me a bit irritated that I'm closer to 40 than ever before. 5.

Hi, I am Heather Witherspoon , one of the site editors and featured bloggers here on mom2momdfw.com. My bio will certainly not end up on the New York Times Best Seller list but if I did write my memoirs they will be titled Food on my shirt with the follow-up S*#! On my shoes! I was born in 1971 in Denver, Colorado and moved to Texas when I was 6 years old. My younger brother died when I was 9.