Friday, November 18, 2016

Comfort Food

I'm more of a seasonal cook.  Spring and Summer are "eh" - I'm not that inspired.  But, when it comes to Fall and Winter, oh, the inspiration flows.  I can come up with a dozen reasons to make a new dish or craft a new cocktail.  If you've followed the blog, you know that I hate (wait - that's too mild a word), I despise Summer.  But, when Fall arrives, my soul comes alive.  Right now, I'm really into comfort foods.  The cooler weather insists that a meal be warm and comforting, savory and rich and always served with a glass of wine.


Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Falling in Love with Fall

Metaphorically speaking, I believe you go through seasons in your life, in your marriage, in your emotions.  Without these seasons, wouldn't life be so dull?  I catch myself falling madly in love with Fall each year.  She is one of my greatest loves!  And these are a few of my favorite things to indulge in at this special time of year.  Happy Fall Y'all!

Caramel Apple Cider Mimosa at The Bee & The Biscuit


Monday, October 10, 2016

The perfect ski coat . . . . now what to do with it?


My husband finally bought me the ski coat I've been coveting for years. It was a birthday present. I picked it out, I tried it on, he paid for it. Two extra sizes up because I like them roomy and long enough to cover my bum. Black parka with a faux fur trimmed collar. I will finally ski gracefully down the slopes as the diva in the perfect outfit as I've always imagined. Well, at least in theory. First and foremost, I am nothing if not ungraceful and clumsy. But, I live off the fact that despite skiing down the slopes disgracefully, By God, I will look good doing it.  I can't wait to rock that ski outfit albeit if I never ski down a single slope. Because the thing is, I had a minor incident on the slopes last year, tearing my MCL after a very clumsy right hand turn maneuver and am . . . . 1) slightly scared to re-injure my knee B) petrified of anything but the bunny slope and 3) not willing to mess up my beautiful new ski coat.

Memories from previous ski trips abound . . . . .


Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Hatteras Island


There is a place on the far Eastern Coast that is a jewel among the sea.  Off the coast of North Carolina and nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pamlico Sound, lies Hatteras Island.  It is an extension of part of the greater known and beloved Outer Banks.  It is isolated, picturesque and romantic.

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Shearling Clog - What Comes Around, Goes Around




Back in 2005, I purchased these Michael Kors Clogs. Shoes are something that I believe are works of art. Well, some of them are just meant to get you from point A to point B. But, others are meant to be admired. These were those shoes for me. They are still in their box, nearly brand new. I wore them a few times and felt like a rock star every time. But, they were the most uncomfortable pieces of art I'd ever worn.

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Vinley Market Bubbles and Rosé Club


I recently subscribed to Vinley Market's Bubbles and Rosé Club because well, who doesn't like getting a sweet surprise of Bubbly and Rosé.  Vinley Market is a boutique wine marketplace, selecting specially curated wines and delivering to your doorstep.  

Thursday, August 11, 2016

Biding my time until Fall


For those who know me well, Summer is not my season.  The picture below may look serene but deep inside, I was miserable that day.  I'm allergic to heat and sweat and anything that makes me dirty.  Thus - summer and specifically, the beach are my worst nightmares come true.  I can appreciate the beauty of the ocean and the soothing sound of the waves but I am petrified of the icky, gigantic, and monster-like creatures that reside there.  Life Lesson #1 - Stay far, far away from monster-like creatures.


Monday, May 2, 2016

A "Toast" to Toast

On a random afternoon, I ventured out in search of food and booze.  With plans later in the afternoon in Downtown Norfolk, I decided on Toast.  To be honest, it was their home-made Ginger Beer (which happens to pair well with Bourbon) that led my thirsty self there.


Monday, April 25, 2016

Hello Spring

In another life of mine, Spring was simply pollen, weeds and slightly warmer temps.  Seasons changed, time passed and just like the somber ground, my head was full of weeds and unwanted things.  The timeless quote, "Stop and smell the Roses", was taken in jest.  For, when can you really stop and smell the roses when you are knee deep in manure (also known as shit)?


Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Art

Vincent van Gogh once said, "If you hear a voice within you say you cannot paint, then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced."  I don't assume to be any good at painting but I know when I put that paint brush in my hand and the paint touches the canvas, I feel cheerful and elated.  

Other than taking art in school, I had never really considered doing anything artistic.  But, I found myself at a point in my life where the left side of my brain was tapped and the creative side of my brain was screaming to be harnessed and released.  There is no better way to relax and unwind than turning up good music, sipping a glass of wine and painting your worries away.  


Friday, February 5, 2016

Wear Red Day

The goal of Wear Red Day is to increase awareness that heart disease is the #1 killer of women.  Each year, it kills more women than all cancers combined.  Heart disease and stroke cause 1 in 3 deaths among women.  But, it is estimated that 80% of cardiac events can be prevented through lifestyle changes and education.

Living with Cardiomyopathy and an implanted pacemaker, this day is particularly close to my heart. I encourage all women to love yourselves.  Listen to your body.  Take care of your heart.  And, wear RED!

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Will Travel for Wine

We love to travel and we love wine!  These two loves of our lives have led us over the years to places like Las Vegas and Napa Valley.  But, when it comes to wine, we really love a good Pinot Noir.  And, Oregon makes the best Pinot in the country!  So, our vacation planning led us to exploring Oregon and their extraordinary Pinot Noir.

What was really unique about this vacation - not including the fact that we traveled exclusively for wine - was that we made no plans other than the flight to Oregon and reserved a rental car.  In stark contrast to other vacations where every single last detail is planned - hotel, restaurants, activities, etc. - with this vacation, we just decided to wing it.  We flew into Oregon, picked up the rental car and explored like "Gypsy Winos".  It was one of the best vacations of our life!


Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Cranberry Orange Moscow Mule

It was a cold winter day.  28 degrees.  And, something told me it was a perfect day to try a new winter cocktail!



Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Balsamic Steak Crostini with Herbed Cheese and Arugula

For New Year's Eve, we celebrated in our favorite place - Home!  With 80's music blasting, we danced, drank and feasted.  Wine and champagne aside, the highlight of the night was a special appetizer I made - Balsamic Steak Crostini with Herbed Cheese and Arugula.


Tuesday, January 5, 2016

The Homestead - Hot Springs, Virginia

For several years, our family has shared the tradition of spending Christmas at The Homestead. It has become the backdrop of many of our most precious memories.  The Homestead is an historic resort encompassing 2,300 acres amidst the mountains of Virginia.  Founded in 1766, The Homestead is a grand hotel with elegance and southern charm.  As traditional, historic and elegant as it is, the resort has mastered the art of comfort.  Going to The Homestead each year feels like going home.