Winter Chocolate with The Ticket Kitchen

Browsing in a bookstore (yes, they still have a few around), I saw Hot Chocolate on a Stick. I immediately bought one, knowing it had to be a great treat for a cold day.

I decided to give it as my $5 contribution to the company gift exchange. At the holiday party, I ended up with a different item, but, oddly enough, the recipient of my chocolate treasure was walking around, not appreciating its wonderfulness, and I traded back--I ended up giving the gift of chocolate to myself.

Now it sits, waiting for the perfect time.

Hot Chocolate on a Stick is made by The Ticket Kitchen in San Francisco. The company was founded by two women (mothers of 3 and 4 respectively), who loved chocolate growing up and wanted to offer something special.

Visit the website to see the various flavors, including French Dark Truffle, Vanilla Mint and Salted Caramel. There are attractive gift packages available too, although Christmas is getting pretty close!

If I were truly test driving life, I'd tell you here how wonderful it tasted, but I'm saving it until just the right moment. But, like Scrooge, I'll have to change my ways and stop hoarding my little treasure.

Give the Gift of Hotrods for Christmas

The season is upon us, and it's time to consider what you might be selecting to give to your family and friends this holiday season. It's handy that I just received yesterday the Genuine Hotrod Hardware, Inc. catalog. This glossy 100-page book is filled to overflowing with every imaginable item for the hotrod auto and motorcycle enthusiast, from a wide range of brightly printed T-shirts to miniature vehicle models to tiny piston and spark plug tree ornaments. But there's more--so much more.

How about an authentic looking sign from a long-gone service station or car brand? A shelf that's an exact replica of the front clip of your favorite Corvette, '57 Chevy or Mustang? An illuminated Santa on a chopper for your front lawn? A sturdy tote bag shaped like the Chevy bowtie or Ford blue oval? How about a hotrod pedal car for that grandchild? A matching MAN CAVE pub table and stools? Historic dragstrip poster replicas? Die-cast engine replicas? The selection is mind boggling!

I'm looking seriously at the Ratfink clocks myself.