Ingredients

• 4 to 6 slices of thick, crusty bread **(for GLUTEN ALLERGY sub gluten-free/nut-free bread)**
• 1/2 15-oz can pumpkin purée
• 1 C brown sugar, divided
• 1 C water
• 1/4 C unsalted butter, softened **(for DAIRY ALLERGY sub dairy-free butter spread, like Earth Balance brand)**
• 2 T white miso paste **(Omit for SOY ALLERGY or sub 2 T sesame seeds)**

• Food Allergen Substitutions

  Mystical Miso Caramel Pumpkin Bread Pudding Nibbles

  • Gluten/Wheat: Substitute gluten-free/nut-free bread.
  • Dairy: Substitute dairy-free butter spread, like Earth Balance brand.
  • Soy: Omit white miso paste OR substitute sesame seeds.

  1-dice + soak

  Start by large dicing 4 to 6 slices of thick bread. Stale bread works best for bread pudding. Place the diced bread in a large bowl. In a liquid measuring cup, measure 1/2 can pumpkin purée, 3/4 cup brown sugar, and 1 cup water. Stir to combine, then pour the mixture over the bread. Stir a few times and allow the bread to sit and soak for roughly 5 minutes.

  2-measure + stir

  In a small bowl, measure 1/4 cup soft butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons miso. Stir until a dark brown paste forms.

  3-preheat + fill

  Preheat your oven to 350 F. Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners. Scoop roughly 2 tablespoons of pumpkin bread mixture into each of the cupcake liners. Then, place a teaspoon-sized dollop or two of the miso-butter mixture on top of each.

  4-bake + devour

  Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and eat while warm or cool them down for a tasty breakfast snack. Enjoy and have a happy and fun Halloween!

  This weeks starts our Best of Products Holiday Guides, I will be reviewing and sampling products that brands have sent me.  I will only recommend the products that I love! If you try any of the products that have been selected as Best of Holidays 2025 please let us know if you love the product as much as I did, you can #TheMariaLiberatiShow and we will share also!

  FOODS and BEVERAGES

  **Java Planet–Sustainably grown, low-acid coffee that’s smooth, mold-free, and perfect for health-conscious coffee lovers. Decaf also!

  Java Planet Organic Coffee Roasters offers a thoughtful and health-conscious gift option for anyone who appreciates a great cup of coffee. Their physical and digital gift cards allow recipients to explore a variety of freshly roasted, USDA organic, specialty-grade arabica beans. Each batch is small-batch roasted with the roast date printed on the bag, ensuring peak freshness and flavor.

  What makes Java Planet stand out:

  • Top 2% of coffee beans: Only the highest quality arabica beans grown at high altitudes are selected.
  • Low acid and mold-free: Ideal for sensitive stomachs and better overall health.
  • Sustainably sourced: Many offerings are Smithsonian Bird Friendly certified, supporting biodiversity and eco-friendly farming.
  • Flexible gifting: Choose between physical cards mailed to your recipient or instant digital delivery.

  **Mantra Matcha Elevate your energy with ceremonial-grade matcha infused with superfoods—smooth, vibrant, and never bitter.

  Mantra Matcha gift sets are a vibrant way to energize someone’s day—packed with premium ceremonial-grade matcha and superfoods, they’re perfect for wellness lovers and tea aficionados alike.

  Mantra Matcha offers a luxurious and health-forward gift experience that goes beyond your average tea. Their Super Premium Ceremonial Matcha is sourced from a private hillside farm near Uji, Japan, and stone-ground to preserve its smooth texture and rich nutritional profile. Whether you’re gifting a starter set or a digital gift card, Mantra Matcha makes it easy to share the joy of clean energy and mindful rituals.

  🎁 Top gifting options include:

  • Ceremonial Matcha Gift Set: Includes their highest-grade matcha, ideal for connoisseurs who appreciate purity and flavor.
  • Matcha Accessories: Bamboo whisks, scoops, and electric frothers elevate the tea-making experience.
  • Insulated Tumblers: Sleek and practical for matcha on the go.
  • eGift Cards: Let your recipient choose their favorite blend or accessory.

  **Local Hive Sweet & Heat Sampler-A bold blend of raw, regional honeys with a spicy twist—crafted for the honey connoisseur.

  The Local Hive Sweet & Heat Sampler is a bold and flavorful gift for foodies who love to drizzle, dip, and spice things up—perfect for elevating everyday meals with a sweet kick.

  This curated sampler from Local Hive Honey combines the best of both worlds: pure, raw honey and fiery hot sauce. It includes:

  • Original Hot Honey: A spicy-sweet blend ideal for pizza, fried chicken, or cheese boards.
  • Organic Hive Honey (12oz): Smooth and light, perfect for tea or baking.
  • Clover Honey (12oz): Mild and floral, sourced from U.S. beekeepers.
  • Original Hot Sauce: Crafted to complement the honey’s sweetness with a balanced heat.

  🌶️ Why it makes a standout gift:

  • 100% pure and unfiltered honey—no additives, just nature’s best.
  • Sourced across the U.S., supporting local beekeepers and regional floral diversity.
  • Naturally rich in antioxidants, making it a delicious and health-conscious treat.
  • Versatile for cooking, drizzling, and gifting—from charcuterie boards to marinades.

   

  FASHIONS/ACCESORIES

  **bbfonts-A vibrant lifestyle brand offering heritage-inspired accessories and textiles with bold, expressive design. Their totebags are great for gifting!

  bbFONTS is a vibrant design brand offering playful, heritage-inspired accessories and home goods—perfect for gifting someone who loves bold colors, unique patterns, and expressive style.

  While the name might suggest typography, bbFONTS is actually a lifestyle label known for its colorful collections of bags, pillows, and home decor. Their products blend nostalgic motifs with modern flair, making them ideal for anyone who appreciates design with personality.

  🎁 Top giftable picks from bbFONTS include:

  • The Lulu Bag Collection: Eye-catching totes and carryalls with whimsical prints.
  • Canvas Totes: Durable and artsy—great for errands, books, or beach days.

  🌈 Why it makes a great gift:

  • Original designs that celebrate heritage and individuality.
  • • High-quality materials
      with attention to detail.
    • Perfect for creatives, travelers, and design lovers who want to stand out.

  **Wallaroo Hat Company-Stylish, UPF 50+ sun hats crafted for travel, gardening, and everyday elegance—where fashion meets function.

  Wallaroo Hat Company offers stylish, sun-smart gifts that show you care—perfect for outdoor lovers, fashionistas, and anyone who values skin protection with flair.

  Wallaroo’s hats are more than just accessories—they’re certified sun protection, fashion-forward, and thoughtfully designed for every lifestyle. Whether you’re shopping for a beachgoer, gardener, golfer, or globetrotter, Wallaroo has a hat to match their vibe and protect their skin.

  🌞 Why it makes a great gift:

  • Female-founded and B Corp certified, Wallaroo combines purpose with polish.
  • Over 25 years of expertise in sun protection and design.
  • Eco-conscious and skin-safe, with 1% of profits donated to skin cancer research.
  • Easy gifting: Hats ship free on orders over $100 and come with a 30-day return policy.

  Whether it’s for a holiday, birthday, or just because, a Wallaroo hat says “I care”—about style, health, and the planet.

  🎁 Top gifting options include:

  • UPF 50+ Sun Hats: Stylish and functional, these hats block 98% of UV rays and are recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. I love mine ! It is a way to stylishly keep your skin protected!

  **Traveling Pendants-Inspirational jewelry designed to be worn, shared, and passed on—each piece tells a story of strength.

  Traveling Pendants are more than jewelry—they’re wearable stories of strength, healing, and connection. Perfect for gifting someone who values meaning, mindfulness, and community.

  Each pendant from Traveling Pendants carries a unique QR code that links to real stories shared by real people. When you scan it, you can read others’ journeys, add your own, and pass it on—creating a living chain of hope and resilience. It’s a gift that grows in meaning with every wearer.

  ✨ Why it makes a powerful gift:

  • Symbol of support: A daily reminder that you’re never alone.
  • Interactive and inspiring: Scan, wear, share, and track its journey.
  • Beautifully crafted: Available in collections like the Guardian and Signature series.
  • Community-driven: Each pendant connects people through shared experiences.

  Whether for a friend going through a tough time, a loved one starting a new chapter, or someone who simply appreciates meaningful design, Traveling Pendants offer a heartfelt way to say “I’m with you.”

  BEAUTY

  **Mekaluna Shampoo-A botanical-rich shampoo that soothes dry scalp and restores shine with natural melaleuca oil.

  Mekaluna Shampoo is a luxurious, plant-powered gift that pampers the scalp and nourishes the soul—perfect for anyone who craves clean beauty with a tropical twist.

  Crafted with natural botanicals and essential oils, Mekaluna Shampoo offers a gentle yet effective cleanse that leaves hair soft, shiny, and refreshed. It’s ideal for gifting to wellness enthusiasts, eco-conscious friends, or anyone looking to elevate their haircare routine with something truly special.

  🌿 Why it makes a thoughtful gift:

  • Infused with melaleuca (tea tree) oil, known for its soothing and clarifying properties.
  • Free from harsh chemicals, sulfates, and parabens—safe for sensitive scalps.
  • Tropical-inspired scent that turns every shower into a spa-like escape.
  • Beautifully packaged, making it ready-to-gift without extra wrapping.

  Whether you’re curating a self-care basket, surprising a loved one with a clean beauty treat, or looking for a stocking stuffer that stands out, Mekaluna Shampoo delivers both performance and peace of mind.

  **Madami ShineSerum-Lightweight gloss meets frizz control—this serum adds radiant shine with macadamia and buriti oils.

  Madami Hair Serum is a sleek, salon-quality gift that transforms dry, frizzy strands into silky smooth locks—perfect for beauty lovers who crave shine, softness, and effortless styling.

  This lightweight serum from Madami, known for its professional-grade hair tools, is designed to nourish and protect hair while enhancing its natural texture. Whether you’re gifting it solo or pairing it with a flat iron or blow dryer, it’s a thoughtful addition to any haircare routine.

  💆‍♀️ Why it makes a great gift:

  • Tames frizz and flyaways with a smooth, non-greasy finish.
  • Adds instant shine and softness for all hair types.
  • Protects against heat damage, making it ideal for use before styling.
  • Compact and travel-friendly, perfect for on-the-go touch-ups.

  **Lino Cosmetics All-in-One Serum-This SPF 50 serum replaces five skincare steps—brightening, hydrating, and protecting in one radiant formula.

  Lino Cosmetics’ All-In-One Serum with SPF 50 is the ultimate skincare gift—perfect for anyone who wants radiant, protected skin in one effortless step.

  This award-winning serum, named an Oprah Daily Sun O-Ward winner, is a multitasking powerhouse that replaces five skincare products in a single bottle. It combines broad-spectrum SPF 50 mineral sun protection with the benefits of a moisturizer, vitamin C serum, primer, and anti-aging treatment. Ideal for busy mornings or minimalist routines, it blends in clear—no white cast, no layering, just glowing skin.

  🌞 Why it’s a standout gift:

  • 5-in-1 formula: Includes Vitamin C (brightens), Hyaluronic Acid (hydrates), Niacinamide (smooths fine lines), Green Tea Extract (calms redness), and 24% Zinc Oxide (SPF 50 UVA/UVB protection).
  • Clean and effective: Free from harsh chemicals, with a lightweight, non-greasy finish.
  • Travel-friendly and elegant: A sleek bottle that fits perfectly in any skincare bag or vanity.

  GAMES

  **Family Dates Game with scratch off dates-Scratch-off cards reveal surprise activities for unforgettable family bonding—screen-free and joy-filled.

  The Family Dates Game is a heartwarming and interactive gift that brings families closer—perfect for creating unforgettable moments and unplugged fun.

  Designed as a deck of 40 scratch-off activity cards, the Family Dates Game by Happy Duo is a creative way to spark quality time between parents and kids. Each card reveals a surprise activity—from silly challenges to thoughtful bonding moments—making it ideal for family nights, holidays, or birthday surprises.

  🎁 Why it makes a great gift:

  • Screen-free entertainment: Encourages connection without devices.
  • Easy to use: Just scratch, reveal, and enjoy—no setup or prep required.
  • Wide variety of activities: Includes everything from taste tests to trivia, suitable for all ages.
  • Compact and gift-ready: Comes in a sleek box that fits perfectly in stockings or gift baskets.

  **Tell My Story Teen Game-A heartfelt card game that sparks meaningful conversations between teens and parents.

  Tell My Story is a meaningful gift for parents and teens—designed to spark honest conversations, deepen trust, and support mental health through engaging gameplay.

  This 100-card deck is more than just a game; it’s a relationship-building tool that helps families connect on a deeper level. Created by the team behind the Tell My Story documentary, the game is structured into three levels of emotional depth:

  • 🟢 Level 1: Connection
  • 🔵 Level 2: Vulnerability
  • 🟣 Level 3: Affirmation

  Each card poses a thoughtful question like “What emotions do you find hardest to express to me and why?” or “How can I better support you in your toughest moments?”—making it ideal for one-on-one time between parents and teens.

  🎁 Why it makes a powerful gift:

  • Supports youth mental health by encouraging open dialogue

  CREATIVE GIFTS

  The Acorns Project Paint Kit-A heartfelt gift of hand-painted acorns designed to inspire hope, strength, and personal reflection.

  The Acorn Projects Paint Kit is a heartfelt, hands-on gift that turns creativity into a symbol of hope—perfect for anyone who loves meaningful crafts and mindful moments.

  Rooted in the mission of The Acorns Project™, this paint kit invites the recipient to hand-paint their own acorn—a symbol of strength, growth, and new beginnings. Each kit is thoughtfully curated to deliver a sensory and emotional experience, complete with:

  • A real acorn to paint
  • Paints and brushes
  • A wax-sealed box
  • A letterpress card with an uplifting message
  • White moss for a natural presentation

  🎁 Why it makes a beautiful gift:

  • Encourages reflection and intention: Painting the acorn becomes a meditative act of self-expression.
  • Gift-ready packaging: Every detail—from the engraved message to the wooden box

  TOYS

  **Tiny Land Wooden Train Set-A 39-piece wooden railway kit that sparks creativity and hands-on learning—compatible with major brands.

  The Tiny Land Wooden Train Set is a timeless, imagination-fueled gift that turns playtime into a world of adventure—perfect for kids ages 3–7 who love building, storytelling, and hands-on fun.

  This 110-piece set is more than just tracks and trains—it’s a full city in a box. The folding storage case doubles as a colorful play mat, making setup and cleanup a breeze. Inside, kids will find wooden tracks, buildings, vehicles, character figures, and even a magnetic fishing pond with rods and fish toys.

  🚂 Why it makes a standout gift:

  • Premium wood construction with non-toxic paints, meeting ASTM F963 & CPSIA safety standards.
  • Compatible with major brands like Thomas and Brio, so it expands easily.
  • Encourages creativity and cognitive development through puzzle pieces and themed town-building blocks (hospital, fire station, etc.).
  • Designed for group play, making it ideal for siblings or playdates.

   

  HOME and FAMILY

  **Truuce Bedding-Zip-together duvets and sheets for effortless bed-making—designed for comfort and elegance.

  Truce Bedding Sheets are a cozy, design-forward gift that blends comfort with creativity—perfect for anyone who loves expressive home decor and a great night’s sleep.

  Whether you’re shopping for a music lover, a college student, or someone who appreciates unique bedroom style, Truce Bedding offers a standout option. Inspired by the song “Truce” by Twenty One Pilots, these sheets feature lyric-based artwork that adds emotional depth and visual interest to any space. Available in duvet covers, comforters, and full bedding sets, they’re as meaningful as they are comfortable.

  🛏️ Why they make a great gift:

  • Soft and breathable materials for year-round comfort.
  • Unique designs featuring hand-lettered lyrics and artistic motifs.
  • Multiple size options: Twin, Full, Queen, and King.

  **Silent Beacon-A wearable panic button that connects instantly to loved ones or emergency services—safety with a single press.

  Silent Beacon is a powerful safety gift that offers peace of mind in emergencies—perfect for loved ones, seniors, travelers, or anyone who values personal security.

  This compact, wearable device acts as a Bluetooth-enabled panic button, allowing users to instantly call any number—including 911—and send alerts with their GPS location to family, friends, or emergency services. It’s ideal for gifting to someone who may need help quickly but can’t reach their phone. I carry mine all the time especially when traveling!

  🛡️ Why Silent Beacon makes a smart and thoughtful gift:

  • One-touch emergency response: Calls and texts multiple contacts with real-time location sharing.
  • No monthly fees: Unlike many safety devices, Silent Beacon works without subscription costs.
  • Customizable contacts: Users can choose who gets notified—family, friends, or medical professionals.
  • Rechargeable and wearable: Lightweight design clips to bags, belts, or keychains for easy access.

  **Mug Hug– Cozy up with a comforting message—these mugs wrap warmth and inspiration into every sip.

  Mug Hug mugs are cozy, comforting gifts that wrap warmth and personality into every sip—perfect for friends, family, or anyone who could use a little love in a cup.

  Whether you’re sending encouragement, celebrating a milestone, or just saying “thinking of you,” Mug Hug mugs deliver heartfelt messages in beautifully designed ceramic. Each mug is crafted to feel like a hug—visually and emotionally—with uplifting phrases, charming illustrations, and a sturdy build that’s both microwave and dishwasher safe.

  ☕ Why Mug Hug mugs make a thoughtful gift:

  • Emotional connection: Messages like “This mug is a hug from me to you” offer comfort and care.
  • Versatile occasions: Ideal for birthdays, get-well gifts, sympathy, friendship, or long-distance love.
  • High-quality ceramic: Durable, easy to clean, and perfect for daily use.

   

  BOOKS

  The following books published by Two Rivers- TeNeus Publishers-all these books can be found at  teneus.com

  **The Watch Book of Rolex Next Generation-A stunning tribute to Rolex’s legacy and innovation—perfect for collectors and design lovers.

  **Creating a New Home in Mallorca-Designer Malene Birger’s visual journey of restoring a historic Mallorcan home—elegant and inspiring.

  **Basketball the Ultimate Book-A dynamic coffee table book celebrating the sport’s legends, lifestyle, and global impact.

  **Get your copy of the Gourmand World Award Winning book The Basic Art of Italian Cooking: Holidays and Special Occasions-2nd edition or give as  the perfect Holuday gift for any Foodie on your list!

  

   

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