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.

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)?

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.  

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Family is Everything

This is my family.  Ours has its moments.  Our family has its crazy and dysfunctional.  But amidst anything and everything, there's loyalty and unconditional love.  A special bond of love holding us all together.  Moments with each other are sweeter, lighter and funnier than ordinary moments. The opposing differences, unique personalities, and varying family backdrop are what balance us and provides stability.  Our souls are restored and healed by the love of this family.

This is my family.  This is it.  Everything.