An autumn wine tasting party

Even though it doesn’t really feel like autumn here in south Florida yet, the temperatures are dropping from a warm 90 degrees to the upper 80’s.  I also saw one tree changing from green to a pretty gold just yesterday….ahh!  It’s Fall at last. 

A few years ago while living in Fort Worth, Dear and I hosted one of many wine tasting parties.  My favorite one was in October which we set up in the back yard.  My friend Denise came into town to help with all the preparations including cleaning the house and setting up the back yard.  Of course, we hung little white lights in the trees  and all around the deck – right after cleaning up all the lovely dog poop!  That’s what good hosts do… We were very lucky since a cool front blew in the morning of the scheduled party day.  It was perfect outside.  We set up two long tables with white table cloths (which is always a requirement at a wine tasting so you can see the actual color of the wine when held next to the white cloth), lots of white candles, and a table full of sparkling stemware.  For dinner, we grilled freshly made pizzas (think mozzarella, basil, etc) for everyone right on the deck.  What a great party! 

 

If you are interested in having your own wine tasting party, here is a great website to get you started. 

http://celebrations.com/article/sensuous-wine-tasting-party

Cheers and Happy Autumn!

 

Project Runway meets Lipstick Jungle

Two of my favorite shows meet at last!  During this week on Project Runway, Brooke Shields was the surprise guest.  The designers were tasked with creating a look for Wendy Healy, Brooke’s character on Lipstick Jungle.  Brooke will wear the winning look on the upcoming second season of Lipstick Jungle. 

 

I actually liked the dress designed and created by Jerell and Stella although the belt was a bit “blingy.”  

In the end, Keith and Kenley’s  design won. 

I can’t wait to see it when the new season begins.

By the way, can you guess what Nina Garcia says is the biggest fashion faux pas?  You can check out her video response on the Project Runway website or I can tell you….. (Scroll down if you want to know NOW….)

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Crocs. 

Now, how many pairs do you own???

 

A cowboy and the B.S.B.

Last night was the season finale of “The Celebrity Apprentice.”  If you didn’t watch this season, you missed getting to know a great guy – country music crooner, Trace Adkins.  The final decision came down to Trace and Piers Morgan (whom I had only previously seen as a judge on “America’s Got Talent” – a near train wreck of a talent show – in my opinion, but I digress).   Piers was selected by Donald Trump as the winner last night after touting the pairing between Trace and Piers as “Good vs. Evil.”  I don’t know if Piers is really evil, although he is clearly ruthless and just plain mean at times.  Trace, on the other hand, is a good-hearted man who made me miss being in Texas where you hear that wonderful southern accent all around you (and particularly so in my family).  Although Piers raised the most money for his charity (The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund), Trace always played the game with honesty and class – which is more than I can say for Piers.  Trace’s charity (Food Allergies and Anaphylactic Network) is close to his heart as his 6-year-old daughter has severe food allergies.  (For more information about the organization:  www.foodallergy.org ).

The funniest part of the show last night was Trace’s interactions with the “B.S.B.” (aka Backstreet Boys).   The BSB was to perform at a fundraiser / auction and Trace had taken it upon himself to handle the band and their “rider” (i.e. their list of desires for their dressing room and any and all foods and drinks they wanted).  I have to agree with Ivanka Trump – how embarrassing that the BSB guys actually had Trace (a star himself!) running to the drugstore to get black nail polish (Oops!  One of the guys forgot his!!!).  Those poor BSB guys!  Trace was never able to locate the wheatgrass juice they wanted.  It’s amazing they were able to perform without it! 

My hat’s off to Trace Adkins – a cowboy with a huge heart (and a great sense of humor).

Watch this clip of Trace in the process of meeting one more BSB “need.”

http://www.nbc.com/The_Celebrity_Apprentice/video/#mea=233729

 

A waitress named Jenna

The other night Dear and I put the kids to bed and watched the movie, Waitress.  Yes, I know it is a 2007 movie but it takes us a while to get around to things.  I guess I didn’t really know what to expect from this movie, but it was a pleasant surprise.   A review in the New York Times describes Waitress as “A Slice of Americana, Served With a Sad Smile.”   The movie is about a small town girl (Jenna) just trying to make it through the day as a waitress (of course) in a pie restaurant while also trying to deal with an abusive husband. You wonder so many times, “Why doesn’t she just leave it all behind.” Well, she tries but gets caught by her husbandwhile sitting at the bus stop with a loaded suitcase.  I’m usually not interested in movies described as “sad” but this one is worth it because it has  lots of doses of “happy” too.  The NY Times reviewer perfectly describes it by saying it’s “not a feel-good movie.  It’s just a movie that leaves you feeling good.”   I admit having mixed feelings about Jenna’s relationship with her OB/GYN but I loved his personality as well as Jenna’s.  One nice surprise was seeing Andy Griffith in the role of the crotchety pie-restaurant owner.  He came a long way from Mayberry for this role. 

http://movies.nytimes.com/2007/05/02/movies/02wait.html

 

Mistaken identity?

In case you were buried under a rock last night, it was Oscar night!  I enjoy checking out the designer gowns year to year and which of those are the “best” and the “worst.”  Just chalk that up to a strange little amusement.  I rarely have a chance to see the nominated films before the big night  – nor would I always want to.  I am not a fan of “dark thrillers,” which is how “No Country for Old Men” was described.  However, I have a quick question.  Is it just me or does Javier Bardem look like Jeffery Dean Morgan’s long lost brother?  Jeffrey Dean Morgan, for those of you who aren’t Grey’s Anatomy fans, is the actor who portrayed a heart patient and was the target of Izzy’s affection, Denny Duquette. 

Javier Bardem    Jeffrey Dean Morgan

Seriously, aren’t they one and the same?

 

A quick quote

 ”If I had a million dollars, we’d be having this conversation on a boat!”  – Eddie on
the Fox television show, “Til Death.”

I love this quote.  It’s a great response for any parent presented with a “What if…..” question.  Think about it…if you saw the show, you get it!

Enjoy using this with your own children.

 

Bee Movie review

It’s simple:  two stingers up~!  It’s a feel good movie…and as usual, that’s what I like.  We all enjoyed it – Dear, Cubs, Aggie, and me.   There were some very funny moments but I caught myself smiling through the whole movie. 

That’s all I’ve got for today.  I know it’s short but I’ll be back soon – in full force.

Have a great weekend!