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Monday, November 7, 2011

Great Gift Idea for Wine Lover, Friend or Foe

This was a fun find I wanted to share, especially with the recent fly-by of Halloween which begins our rapid decent into Thanksgiving, landing us right into Christmas.  If the impending season has caught you off-gaurd, finding fun gifts like this, early, might be a good idea.



Firebox.com has a product called "Don't Break the Bottle" wine puzzle.  For puzzle and wine lovers alike, this mind-bender of sorts is attached to a wine bottle and in order to open and pour your wine, one must solve the puzzle!  I see this as a fun conversation starter at parties or a hostess gift for wine loving friends.  Be careful, friend could turn foe if unable to crack the lock; this puzzle apparently looks easy but is not.  Not recommended for serious winos,  good sense of humor required :)

You can find this gift idea here!

Has anyone ever tried one of these or something similar?  I would love to know what you think!

Cheers!

Friday, November 4, 2011

Friday TRYday: Lazy Bones Cabernet Franc 2009

In the words of Jimmy Fallon as the nasally disc jockey Dirty Dan on Saturday Night Live, "And We're BACK!"

Yes, it has been a while since my last post.  I took a short hiatus to focus on finding a job and lucky for you, after a valiant effort, I remain unemployed :)  If anyone has any suggestions about job hunting for an up-beat, can-do, creative, global studies major... let me know!  because I haven't just struck out...at this point, I have been benched.  On a positive note, I get to come back to what makes me smile, BWA and the people who read it. So, do you know what day it is?  That's right folks! It's Friday TRYday!

Today's Pick


  Winery: Lazy Bones
Type: Cabernet Franc
Year: 2009
Origin: Paso Robles, California

Bottle Description:
 "When the day is at my pace, I can relish small pleasures like ripe cherries, spiced blackberries, aroma of sweet wood and fresh herbs."

Thoughts from the Palate:
 BWA: Regardless of the super-cool graphic on the bottle, which is why I bought this wine in the first place , this is an all around yummy wine that makes you want to just sprawl out naked on a magic carpet in the hills and chill (this woman is now my idol).  The wine itself is a beautiful rich color that is at first simple on the palette then builds mildly in the back of the throat.  It manages to be both bitter and spicy at the same time, which makes for an overall balanced flavor.  I would pair it with a day of solo painting or a cool fall pic-nick with bf or some friends.

For $6.99, this Trader Joe's find is worth a try!

Cheers! and Happy Friday!

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Missoni for Target finally released to the public



Yes, it is true.  Bargain hunting, wheeling, and dealing fashionistas have gathered from a far to grab (what is left) of the highly anticipated fashions, accessories, and home goods made by the high-end brand Missoni and sold at Target for reasonable prices!  These adorably colorful items, ranging from scarves to bikes and everything in between, have the perfect hues and classic print to mix into upcoming potentially drab fall wardrobes.

I will provide you the link to the Missoni for Target site, but I will also warn you that CNN reported earlier that traffic to the website, because of this product launch, has temporarily crashed it!  I have already tried twice with no luck :(

Cheers! and Happy Shopping!

Click HERE to view Missoni for Target
 
Click HERE for the CNN article 

Has anyone been able to nab anything from this line?  I'd love to hear about what you found!

IMAGES: 
Bike - RedGlassesblog.com
Model and Scarf -LATimes.com

Thursday, September 8, 2011

"Wing House" takes repurposing to new heights

When you think of repurposed items what do you see? Hand made beauties like barn door desks or mason jar lamps? what the powerful trend of repurposing and an age of environmentally smart thinkers has shown us is that interesting and good looking projects have been reaching new heights, and I am talking sky high!


This beautifully designed home in Malibu was made almost entirely out of a 747 airplane's 4.5 million parts. The home features architectural wonders stemming from the use of the tail and wings, hence it's name Wing House, to construct the roof. The home also contains an art studio, animal barn, and guest house constructed from the plane's fuselage.

To read more about this repurposed wonder check out Design Milk's article, here!

Cheers!

Friday, September 2, 2011

Friday TRYday: Palo Alto Reserve

In lieu of being with my family in Texas this Friday I have enlisted a few extra troops to try two types of wine from the Palo Alto vineyard in Chile.  I grew up in the bay area, more specificaly in Palo Alto, Ca., a far reach from Chile,  however props to mom for picking this up for us to try.

My big bro, my mom, bf, and myself have tried both types of wine and have given our opinions below.

TODAY's PICKS 


photo.JPG

Winery: Palo Alto
Type: A blend - Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Syrah  
Year: 2009
Origin: D.O. Maule Valley, Chile

Bottle Description:
 Our wine is a unique blend of rich Cabernet Sauvignon, peppery Syrah, and sensuous Camenere, Chile's Signature grape Variety.  The ripe berry flavours and elegant  oak of Palo Alto create a complex yet balanced wine which is deep red in colour and rich in aroma and character.

Thoughts from the Palate:
M: It grew on me.It started out a little harsh and almost acidic, but the more I let it breath the better it tasted.

 BF: It resembled a restaurant's house wine.  It was nothing special, but I would drink it and not have any complaints.

BB: Red is good.

BWA:  At first sip, I thought it was way too harsh.  Very full bodied.  The bottle recommends letting it breath for 15 mins. but I would wait longer if possible.  It did calm down on the palate after a few sips but this blend was not my favorite.  Two thumbs down from me.

Winery: Palo Alto
Type: Sauvignon Blanc
Year: 2008
Origin: D.O. Maule Valley, Chile

Bottle Description:
Our Sauvignon Blanc vineyards catch the cool sea breezes off the Pacific Ocean, resulting in this crisp fresh white wine.  Mouthwatering flavors of gooseberry and grapefruit mingle with mineral, herbal notes.

Thoughts from the Palate:
M: Too simple.  Not very full layers of flavor.  I would not recommend.

BF: There is some taste in it that is overwhelming, not in a good way.  I'm also not a fan of whites, especially this one...too sweet for me.

BB: White is bad.

BWA:  By looking at this wine you can tell it is going to be weak.  It is extremely light in color and has a slight green- yellow hue.  As you start to drink you breathe in a what seems like a nutty fragrance.  It feels weak on the palate and the after taste is not very pleasing.  I would not buy again.  

This wine was purchased from H.E.B grocery in Texas for around $4.99 a bottle.

Cheers! and Happy Friday!


"Secrets of a Stylist" Host Does It Again!

Howdy! That's right, I have just arrived in Texas and have yet to venture out of my mom's house to brave the heat. Getting off the plane at 2 a.m. felt like exiting into a sauna fully clothed; I can't imagine 2 p.m. out on the tennis courts later. But what I can imagine, rather what I have been daydreaming about is the map bfm printed out for me outlineing detailed routes to all of the best vintage and antique stores in Downtown Austin. I know it is a far cry from the antique marvel of Canton, but it will just have to do! :) In the mean time, while I wait for my chance to hit the streets, I have found some superb design inspiration to tide me over.

I have been known to watch a few HGTV shows in my time; Color Splash, House Hunters, House Hunters International, Income Property, Design Star, and of course Divine Design with Candace Olsen, just to name a few.

My newest tele addiction has to be designer Emily Henderson's show "Secerts of a Stylist". Emily blends client's tastes to make an entirely unique living space that suits the lot of them. My enjoyment comes in watching her seamlessly blend vintage, re-worked, and new pieces to make a new space feel collected over time.

Check out the stunner she designed and posted on her blog, here!

Polynesian Kitsch, whoddathunkit!

Cheers Ya'll!

Side Note: This is the correct spelling of Ya'll, not Y'all as previously posted. As stated by a true Texan :)

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Feeling Crafty? CORK IT!

I try to reuse as much as I can and re-purpose everyday items into cool crafty projects. 

With all of this wine I have been sampling I've acquired a nice little collection of wine corks. Even bfm has started saving her wine corks for my new venture.
My glass bowl of corks looks interesting, but seeing as it has been steadily growing I have begun looking for ideas for what to do with them.  I have seen them cut in half with an opening made on the top and used as place-card holders at a wedding, but with no major event like that on the horizon, I am looking for something else to do.

Makezine.com had a super cute idea on their blog that is definitely share worthy.

 
It is a wine cork trivet!  This is not only adorable and useful,  but made entirely out of a product that would have otherwise ended up in the trash. 

What other projects have you tried or are thinking about trying with corks?  I'd love to hear!
Cheers!

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Decorating Trends: Vintage Wedding

Reaching this level of vintage perfection is hard.  From the decor to the guests attire, this at home wedding is the perfect example of someone knowing, when it comes to vintage, it is all in the details.
Vintage Wedding Inspiration - www.iamkristenmarie.com
The beautiful photos of this wedding capture an exquisitely designed home with well upholstered wingback chairs in  modern prints, walls full of vintage frames, and rustic touches of natural wood and antlers.  The bride and groom, the wedding party, and even the guests are wearing vintage clothes making the event seem like a warm memory in a digital frame.  The house and wedding on their own look cozy and impeccably put together, but the photos are truly spectacular.


Check out the rest of Kristen Marie's photos from this wedding and her other photos, here!  They are totally inspiring and this wedding album is jam packed with great vintage decorating ideas!

My personal favorite, the mason jar cups!  Mason jars can be both useful and a nice decorative elemnet.  Using them to serve drinks is a smart idea because once you have your drink in hand, you become part of the vintage setting.  They help set the mood giving your event a down-home comfortable feeling.

Vintage Wedding Inspiration - www.iamkristenmarie.com
Try This at Home:  want to try this awesome idea for your own wedding or even an end of summer party?  If you are like me and are already a mason jar fanatic, then you know some of the coolest vintage jars are from companies like Kerr, Ball, and Atlas.  If you are looking for the real thing you will be able to find them at vintage and antique stores, but if you are up for it, try estate and garage sales for better prices, I have been able to pick up large mixed batches for around $15.  I try to do a little pre-sale research online via craigslist; sometimes people will advertise specific items for sale, like jars.  If you have a larger event coming up on the calender and need a lot of jars you can mix in less expensive reproductions which will still give you the same warm vintage country feel. I have seen reproductions at craft stores like Michael's



The key to using these fun jars as drink wear?  Look for jars that have the words "Wide Mouth Mason" on them.  This means they have a larger diameter at the top as opposed to regular mason jars that taper in at the mouth.  This makes them much easier to hold and drink from because they resemble regular glasses. 

Cheers!

Friday, August 26, 2011

Friday TRYday - La Finca 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon

Every Friday myself, and who ever else would like to join me, will be trying a new wine...and sharing the experience with you!
TODAY's PICK

Winery: La Finca
Type: Cabernet Sauvignon-Red
Year: 2009
Origin: Mendoza, Argentina

Bottle Description:
 Deep red colors with sweet pepper aromas.  Its luscious berry fruit on the middle palate and its wonderful soft texture and finish is inviting.  This is a wine to enjoy with beef, lamb dishes, and mature cheeses.

Thoughts from the Palate: 
This is a goooood glass of wine.  It almost shocked me at first how smooth and unabrassive it was when it first hit my lips, almost like it wasnt there.  As you sip and then slowly swallow the wine, the flavor begins to build subtly on the back of your tounge. It felt light, not very sugary, and I would almost describe it as thin-bodied, like it snuck up and surprised you with it goodness.  Easy to drink.  Fun to share.  I would reccomend.

Would you be shocked if I told you I picked up this bottle of La Finca Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 at Trader Joe's for only $3.99?  After I tasted it, I was!  Don't believe me? Check it out for yourself here!

Check back every Friday to see what we try next!

Cheers! and Happy Friday!









Life Lessons: When you bite off more then you can chew, it can take a bite out of you

I had the brilliant idea to switch bf and myself's bedroom with my office.  This seemed like the Tomas Edison of ideas because seeing as we don't spend a ton of time in the bedroom, sorry bf it's true,  it has the largest square footage and the smallest closet.  On the other hand I spend quite a bit of time working on projects in my office where I have the most physical furniture but the least square footage, however it has the BIGGEST closet space.  My clothes needed a bigger home; it was like a constant flood of hoodies, denim, and heels spilling over a failing dam.  Bf said, no.  But, why? Couldn't he see it made sense?  I mean duh, right?  I couldn't live in this disorganized clutter of crap piling on crap piling on stuff that I didn't even know was there half the time.  There just simply wasn't enough closet space, and the extra floor space we had in the bedroom, was tragically being put to bad use by me and my spill over.  So I took matters into my own hands.  I said, "you wont have to help me do any thing except move the beds, I'll do the rest."  I got my yes, but I got the biggest pain in my ass along with it. 

Sometimes we think we are super woman and no task is too big for us.  I struggle with this way of thinking to a fault.  When I do a project I want to plan it, buy the materials, start it, change it, fix it, start it over, and finish it all in one day.  Whatever it takes to get it done nothing can stand in my way.  I am learning that while it is good to be motivated, sometimes pushing yourself too hard can make experiences in life seem less rewarding and even painful.  Is it about getting it done, or is it about enjoying what you are doing?  Yesterday while switching the rooms, I became exhausted after finally completing  just the movement of items from room to room.  Everything still needed to be put away, hung up, organized, and moved to the right places. As I started to move things around in the new office I could really feel the fatigue in my muscles.  In order to put stuff away I needed to move the bed around so I could put the desk and the book case where it needed to go.  I didn't want to waste time so I didn't wait for bf to get home from work, I just muscled my way through each task banging a lip here and a shin there.  I don't know why I am like this, and maybe you can relate, but I am one of those people who doesn't like to wait around for help.  Knowing this, I could feel this task start to get more and more daunting as it got later in the day but giving up felt like a failure to me for some reason.  This was a wrong feeling to ignore.  As I went to move a bookcase the shelves dropped off, hit the bottom level and broke the whole thing into two.  I had no book shelf and I had no where to put this clutter that had manifested on top of my guest bed.  I choked back a break down.  So, then I managed to carry my giant Ikea desk, by myself, through  two doors and into my office, an action deemed "HULK-ing it" by the guy who carries my Goodwill donations in for me.  Thanks bro.  And as I tried to push the desk into the corner to meet it's final resting place, I heard a deafening crack and then a boom.  Me and the desk both hit the floor, and at that moment I couldn't tell which one of us was in more pieces.  While the entire left side of the desk had snapped off in such an aggressive manner that the interior particle board was showing and it resembled the bite of a great white shark,  I  on the other hand was trying to hold back tears of frustration and whimpers of disappointment because my ego had been shattered.  I still couldn't just walk away. I tried to remove the broken desk from the room so I could keep working and in doing so I sliced my finger on the jagged edge of the desk.  I hit my wall.  I was tired, frustrated, and as I got more tired and more frustrated things kept getting worse.  I finally realized I am not super woman, and maybe I had bitten of more then I could chew, and some proverbial "it" decided to start biting back.  This was supposed to be fun and when it stopped being fun I should have stopped.   I am slowly learning, especially when it comes to matters of the home, that no one and nothing is perfect, everyone needs help sometimes, and that it is just the way it is.   

Cheers!