Tuesday and I have a meeting today. This weekend got my nails painted purple–you can do that when you’re a diva!

For those Chocolate lovers out there good news: According to a study at Harvard University Hot Chocolate is good for your brain. They found that drinking two cups of cocoa a day for 30 days significantly improved memory in older adults. Dr. F. Sorond, said they found that cocoa drinking boasted blood flow to the brain, particularly in those with impaired flow.

AARP Magazine in December 2013 issue gave ways to make cocoa even better (is that possible?)

Adding cinnamon to moderate the Blood Pressure

Peppermint to aid digestion

and chili powder to calm arthritis (it may ease headaches and helps with insulin control in diabetics)

Recipe
http://une-deuxsenses.blogspot.com/2010/12/red-velvet-hot-cocoa-with-cream-cheese.html
Red Velvet Hot Cocoa with Cream Cheese Whipped Cream
4 servings
4 cups whole milk
1 dash water
3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp. red food coloring
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 – 4 tbsn. whipped cream cheese, room temperature
In a stand mixer, combine the heavy cream and sugar. Whip on medium speed with the whisk attachment for 2 – 3 minutes. Just before peaks form, add the cream cheese and whisk for another 2 minutes. Taste and add more cream cheese to taste. Be careful not to over whip though, or else you’ll have butter! In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat. Add a splash of water and the chocolate chips, constantly stirring gently. When almost melted, add the red food coloring and stir. When the chocolate chips are thoroughly melted, pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top with the whipped cream.

So it’s chocolate items. My chocolate items include Oreo Christmas tins, M&M Halloween candy holders to name a few.

Let’s see Google:

Lots of old containers including chocolate packing box ($10); tall cardboard lithograph for $85 and tin box of lindt Swiss Chocolate for $290.

There’s also the more contemporary boxes (1980’s and 90’s) Cadbury for $5 and Hersey ranging from $8-$12.

Lots of antique chocolate molds with: Santa Claus ($45), Rabbit ($172), Hens–pewter (4/$225) and German Duck ($343).

Chocolate soda bottle (1960’s) by 7 Up/$8 (Orlando, Fl) to $10 (Pittsburgh, TX)

M&M Candy dispensers 1990’s (2/$32)

Weirdest: Old Tin Ex-Lax Chocolate laxative $5

My favorite: a Hummel Sister Berthal Chocolate Pot (think tea pot) for $32.

What you want to find in your closet: Ideal Cocoa Company tin sign (c1900) for $2,904!

Be brave, but cheerful, life has to be a combination of both to work well.

LOL