Boxed Wine Make A Turn For The Classy

Are you ever rummaging around the refrigerator, for a little remnant of wine to use in a recipe - or perhaps a little nip after a long work day?

Its difficult to keep those 750mL bottles fresh. The Europeans laugh at us having trouble making our way through a bottle of wine - oh well!

Behold CBW (my new special abbreviation) - Classy Boxed Wine. Putting wine in pouches in a cardboard overbox is actually one of the best ways to store wine. As you dispense, the pouch collapses, keeping air and spoilage at bay.

One to try? Washington Hills Riesling from good ole Washington State. Lovely bit of sweetness with the nip of acidity you should expect from a cooler growing region.

Cheers!

When The Apple Doesn't Fall Far...

I cannot use the excuse of a busy weekend to explain the current condition of my kitchen sink.

Truth is, it always looks that way.  And for the most part it doesn't bother me.  Until I watched my kid do this in her "kitchen" sink.  ...to be just like Mommy!

For When Rainbow Hands Are Not An Option

This weekend was a whirlwind of wedding preparation, hair appointments, etc. with the culmination being my brother's beautiful wedding day. Ruby was a flower girl, which meant she needed to stay clean for an eight hour time span.

Minus a small incident involving Ruby rolling in a pile of cut hair at the hair salon, she managed to stay clean most of the day. (Photos to follow).

Allow me to introduce the series of Water WOW! Doodle Books for little ones that need to stay clean and occupied. Vibrant and reusable, they are a great deal at approximately $8.00 each.

A New Swap For A New Year!

While you're putting away those (pink) Christmas trees, decorations, and such - consider unearthing your sewing machine!  Tracey from Itching 2B Stitching is hosting her latest swap.  I participated in her We The People Tote Bag Swap last summer and it was loads of fun.  

Vote Now on what project everyone will work on.

I think we are going to get our house ready for sale, so I'm not sure if I am able to participate - but still cast my vote just in case!

I Bet You Thought I Disappeared Forever!

Sorry about the hiatus - just too much going on with Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.  Truth is, I'm so glad it is all over.  I really enjoy regular life - holidays - not so much.

Anyway, as a size 8 bridesmaid dress as my primary motivation, I've decided to take the Discovery Health National Body Challenge.  On their website, they have created recipes, menus, exercises, everything you need to get or stay in shape.

Sure, its totally cliché to start losing weight after the New Year - but getting fat is so uncool!

Burial Of the Carrots

I was so excited about my carrots.  They were so stinkin' pretty.

I cleaned them up, trimmed the tops, and put them in the freezer.  When I was ready to make stock a few days ago, I took out the first bag and defrosted them.  They were disgustingly squishy and smelly.

Evidently, you have to blanch carrots before freezing.  I almost cried when I had to pitch them all in the trash.

Seeing Magenta

I do enjoy the art of meditation but feel I don't do it as much as I would like.  Beyond the huge physical benefits of it, I also enjoy the strange spiritual benefits as well.  I find them so amusing!

So tonight during a quick 7 minute jobbie, I was a little taken aback when a was "bathed" in a magenta light.  I felt magenta all over my body.  I know - sounds totally out there.  But, as my meditation instructors taught me - I enjoyed the sensation and moved my intention back to breathing.

Of course when I brought my session to a close, I ran to the computer to do what I do best - OBSESS!

I was delighted to find out this:

Magenta is the color of the highest order, connected with spirituality, meditation, and letting go. It is an agent for change, for the clearing out of old attitudes and obsessions, and for making a break with the past.

For those of you that may be interested in meditation, but the thought of sitting silently with your own self for 10 minutes scares the heck out of you (me included!), I love the beautiful voices of this album and think you will love it as well.  Others find that drumming, rain, and other repetitive sounds help them find relaxation.

No matter what your style, find a quiet place, a comfortable position, and enjoy a moment of peace.  I'm always amazed by the boost in energy, creativity, and vitality afterwards!