“Accept what life offers you and try to drink from every cup. All wines should be tasted; some should only be sipped, but with others, drink the whole bottle.” ― Paulo Coelho, Brida
“Give me books, French wine, fruit, fine weather and a little music played out of doors by somebody I do not know.”
― John Keats
BeingErnest:
“As I ate the oysters with their strong taste of the sea and their faint metallic taste that the cold white wine washed away, leaving only the sea taste and the succulent texture, and as I drank their cold liquid from each shell and washed it down with the crisp taste of the wine, I lost the empty feeling and began to be happy and to make plans.”
― Ernest Hemingway, A Moveable Feast
“Wine is one of the most civilized things in the world and one of the most natural things of the world that has been brought to the greatest perfection, and it offers a greater range for enjoyment and appreciation than, possibly, any other purely sensory thing.”
― Ernest Hemingway
“Beer is made by men, wine by God.”
― Martin Luther
“Wine is the most healthful and most hygienic of beverages.”
― Louis Pasteur
“I like my coffee black, my beer from Germany, wine from Burgundy, the darker, the better. I like my heroes complicated and brooding, James Dean in oiled leather, leaning on a motorcycle. You know the color. (“Ode to Chocolate”)”
― Barbara Crooker, More: Poems
“Wine makes every meal an occasion, every table more elegant, every day more civilized.”
― Andre Simon
Pretty girls sample wine at the Vista d’oro Winery in Langley, B.C. Fun!
We’re all guilty of social indulging especially during the holidays or while vacationing.
THE GOOD NEWS: A month or so is unlikely to cause any lasting damage, according to internist David Katz, director of Yale University’s Research Prevention Center. As long as you’re not drinking to the point of absolute obliteration (anyone?) or you’re unable to stop topping up when the festivities end.
THE BAD NEWS: some minor issues to overcome from the night before – puffy eyes, sallow skin, a pounding headache, a more snug waistband. Ugh!
Little TIPSy that won’t make you feel the worse for wear:
PACE yourself before hitting a party. If you know you’ll be going out more than usual then it makes sense to try to be as healthy as possible the rest of the time. Get enough sleep, eat well and take care of your skin. Do not drink on an empty stomach because you will get very drunk, very fast. Eating protein like eggs, nuts & cheese are good choices beforehand because they’re digested slowly so the alcohol won’t be absorbed quite as quickly into the bloodstream. Oh, and if you go for a peel or microdermabrasion make sure to do it well before your event. Alcohol can increase bruising.
EAT (again) while Drinking. If you didn’t eat enough or at all – match every drink with something containing fat and protein. Since half the pain of a hangover is dehydration then water it down with a glass of water or seltzer to tame the alcohol. Studies show that clear beverages like gin, vodka or rum are less likely than darker booze to leave a drinker in discomfort. And the tannins in red wine increase blood vessel dilation which leads to ruddy, inflamed skin. Also calories to consider – you cannot drink a lot and eat a lot and stay thin. Something has to give and hopefully it won’t be your waist. That means that mixed drinks like margaritas can count as both a drink and a dessert.
POST PARTY – consider heading off a headache by taking an aspirin (non acetaminophen) and drinking a cup of coffee. In a 2010 study, rats were given both a dose of caffeine and an anti-inflammatory and were spared the production of acetate – the compound associated with hangover headaches. Another study found that a vitamin B6 supplement can reduce symptoms by 50 percent. The endorphins from a brisk walk can also go a long way toward making you feel good immediately. And ultimately, the bottom line with savvy drinking is similar to that of savvy dieting, it’s not about willpower, it’s about strategy.
Info. taken from an article by Liz Krieger about simple holiday drinking strategies that will help you enjoy the party season. And let’s face it shouldn’t life be party most of the time?
Also: Don’t miss listening to “Transforming Health” with host Brad King for the most evocative and informative up-to-the-minute interviews with leading health professionals – Live every Wednesday @ 12PM-PST/3PM-EST on VoiceAmerica.com – #1 internet radio station in North America.
I don’t know anyone who doesn’t enjoy a nice glass of wine everyday now and then.
So have you ever wondered how wine is rated and how they (whoever “they” are) set the criteria for arriving at a certain number to determine how good a bottle is?
There are basically three respected wine point rating systems:
1) Wine Spectator –a lifestyle wine magazine whose editors review more than 15,000 wines each year in blind tastings held at their offices in Napa, New York and in the vineyards of Europe. So how do I get a job? I like both wine and traveling & don’t even mind being blindfolded sometimes.
85 – 89 very good, a wine with special qualities
90 – 94 outstanding, a wine of superior character and style
95 – 100classic, a great wine
2) Wine Advocate – a bimonthly wine publication that features consumer advice and ratings from wine critic Robert M. Parker Jr. and other reviewers from specific wine regions around the world.
80 – 89 an above average to very good wine displaying various degrees of finesse and flavour as well as character with no noticeable flaws.
90 – 95 an outstanding wine of exceptional complexity and character. In short these are terrific wines.
95 – 100 an extraordinary wine of profound and complex character displaying all the attributes expected of a classic wine of its variety.
3) Wine Enthusiast – a lifestyle wine magazine whose ratings are based on tastings by the magazines editors and other qualified panelists from around the world.
87 – 89 Very Good
90 – 93 Excellent
94 – 97 Superb
98 – 100 Classic
I’m thinking of starting my own club called “The Enthusiastic Wine Aficionados“. A lifestyle club, whose ratings will be based on tastings from me and a select group of complex characters friends with serious drinking problems expertise. We’ll drink to anything so we’re already way ahead of the game – just haven’t figured out our point system yet. It will probably go something like this:
Interesting facts about some of the most popular luxury fashion houses:
1) Hermès:
Details, details – jungle love
The majority of Hermès is still family-owned (71% is family; 29% is public shares), which means it has the luxury of taking risks when it wants to and staying the course when it doesn’t. The length of thread necessary to make 1,000 Hermès scarves is equal to the distance between the earth and the moon. One silk moth yields one scarf.
The Kelly bag (named after Grace Kelly and the second most sought after bag after the Birkin) is made with 36 pieces of leather and 680 hand stitches.
Hermès start in fine jewelry came from working with silver to trim saddlery – so the house’s first clients were horses!
2) Louis Vuitton: The Louis Vuitton brand is not just one of the most popular brands in the world, but also one of the most valuable. Focus on its heritage as a travel brand helps it to retain its core customer–the jet setter. What you probably don’t know is the fact that every single one of the Louis Vuitton handbags is handmade and this is definitely something that justifies the high price some of their items have. But it gives you a great feeling knowing that what you wear has been created especially for you by a person with passion for design.
Angelina Jolie for Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas
Automobile collectors probably know this, but what most women don’t know is the fact that there is an event called Louis Vuitton Classic that is sponsored by the brand and concerns automobile collectors. They also sponsor events that deal with sailing such as The Louis Vuitton Cup, an event that regards international yachting. I bet you never thought about that when you were dreaming of that beautiful Louis Vuitton bag.
3) Chanel: It is no secret to anyone who calls themselves a lover of fashion that Gabrielle Bonheur “Coco” Chanel is thought to be one of the most influential figures in fashion history. She has been credited as the person that gave the “little black dress” its fame. But there is also talk that she started the trend that made sun tanning popular. Rumor has it that in 1923 she was on a cruise bound for the Cannes and by mishap got a bad case of sun burn. She was able to somehow make a bad tan look fabulous, thus starting a trend in favor of sun kissed skin.
Kim Kardashian
Marilyn Monroe’s favorite scent was Chanel No 5. which led her to become the official face of the fragrance. This is arguably one of the first records of a celebrity endorsement.
As everyone knows, Karl Lagerfeld is the current Head Designer and Creative Director of Chanel and a legend in his own right. He is considered one of the most acclaimed fashion designers in the world. Known for his bold designs and constant reinvention, he’s been hailed in Vogue magazine as the “unparalleled interpreter of the mood of the moment.”
4) Gucci:
The loafer
In the grand Italian fashion, Gucci as long been known for its leather goods, and 2013 marks the 60th anniversary of the house’s iconic loafer. Over the years the preppy staple has been loved by such boldfaced names as Sophia Loren, Jodie Foster, and Jane Birkin (Hermès named their most popular bag after her) who famously wore the shoes with wide-legged white pants and a barely there lace crop top. The brand is celebrating in style by issuing new versions of the classic, including patent leather in a full spectrum of colors, including orange, coral, blue, green, yellow and red. Long live the loafer!
5) Dior: J’adore!
Charlize Theron in DiorDior Saddle Bag
Christian Dior had a love for architecture and this is one of the features that inspired him to make clothes that showed the female body’s ethereal appearance. He designed clothes that showed the width of the hips and gave importance to the bust area.
Christian Dior believed in luck. In fact, he believed that the most important feature that kept him going and made him successful was good luck. It worked. But he was also known to be very superstitious and he never began a couture show without having consulted his tarot card reader.
In 1949, Dior was the first couturier to arrange licensed production of his designs. Having realized the importance of the complete look – and that the New Look could not be successfully achieved without the correct Dior shoes, gloves and hat.
On February 12, 1947, Dior showed his debut collection, presenting 90 different looks. The opulence of his designs contrasted with the grim post-war reality of Europe, and helped re-establish Paris as the joyful fashion capital it had once been. The house was inundated with orders and world-famous stars such as Rita Hayworth and Margot Fonteyn bought and wore pieces, raising Dior’s profile significantly. Dior was even invited to stage a private presentation of the collection for the British royal family – although King George V reportedly forbade the young princesses, Elizabeth and Margaret, from wearing the New Look in case it set a bad example at a time when rationing was still in force.
In 1955, a 19-year-old Yves Saint Laurent (does that name sound familiar?) became Dior’s design assistant. Of course the rest is history. Recently after long speculation on who would finally replace John Galliano ( who got fired from the job) at Dior, the word had finally gotten out – it’s Belgian designer Raf Simons who made the cut as the new Artistic Director of women’s Haute Couture for the house of Dior.
For a colorful presentation, serve the salad in red cabbage leaves. Serves six.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds skinless boneless chicken breasts, well trimmed. Grill chicken until done and shred (or cut up into bite size pieces if preferred). You can even use leftover roasted chicken.
4 ounces snow peas
1 small package of coleslaw mix (if you don’t feel like shredding cabbage plus it usually comes with grated carrots which are always nice).
sliced mushrooms
1 bunch chopped green onions
1/2 cup sunflower seeds (or less)
crispy chow mein style noodles
1/2 cup slivered almonds
toasted sesame seeds
Dressing:
1/3 cup rice wine vinegar
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
4 large garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon minced jalapeño chili (with seeds)
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seed oil
1 tsp. dijon mustard
a little brown sugar
(if you want a creamy sauce you can use about 1/4 cup of mayonnaise and less soy)
Preparation
Combine vinegar, cilantro, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, chili, dijon, sesame oil and sugar in medium bowl and mix.
Place grilled (or cooked) chicken, coleslaw mix, snow peas, mushrooms, and green onions in large bowl. Pour dressing over and toss to combine.(Can be made 6 hours ahead. Cover; chill.)
Just before serving toss in the sunflower seeds, slivered almonds and crispy noodles. Then sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over each plating. Enjoy.
A restaurant on *Fremont Street has, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, the world’s largest calorieburger – weighing in at just under 10,000calories. AND the placed was FULL……of oversize people of course. I can just hear the order: “Yeah man…make that a butterfat shake with a triple bypass burger. Does that come with flatliner fries? And to finish off I want one of those famous deep fried twinkies for dessert. I hear they’re to die for!”
Now if you came across a restaurant like this with a name like “Heart Attack Grill” where the writing is already on the wall……would you go inside??
Thanks, but I think I’ll have to bypass this place.
You know the saying “whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger?” In this case I’m not so sure.
God knows I’ve eaten deep fried before (like turkey once and a bite of someone’s deep fried Mars Bar just out of curiosity- it was delicious) but this drives home the hardcore reality.
*Fremont street is the oldest part of Las Vegas & it was issued one of the first gambling licenses in Nevada.
Just when we were getting used to Zumba wouldn’t you know that there are now four new classes that will have you feeling and looking better than ever:
Masala Bhangra
If you like Pilates try BARRE3 – where Ballet meets Pilates and Yoga with small handheld weights and high energy tunes. It targets your upper arms, abs, seat and calves. I think this is the one I’m looking for. Created in Portland, Ore., this exercise routine can be found at studios in California, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey , Ohio and Washington, with more planned.
If you likeZUMBA (I do), try JUICYATHLETIC MOVES – a vigorous, choreographed blend of world music. Each 75-minute session builds endurance, blasts hips, and carves a svelte waistline. Stars like Pink and Minnie Driver used it to reclaim their bodies post-pregnancy. Malibu based founder and trainer Neda Soderqvist streams her 60-minute evening classes through the JAM Web site (juicyathleticmoves.com).
If you like Cardio Sculpt, try FLYBARRE. A fast-paced pop music-fueled sculpting class that merges light interval-based weight training and ballet. The hour long series of lunges, squats and stretches lengthens your core. You’ll get a lifted derriere (and who won’t appreciate that), trimmer thighs and toned arms. Fans flock to locations around the country, from Atlanta to Seattle. Visit flywheelsports.com for more info.
If you like HIP-HOP try MASALA BHANGRA – a funky, high-energy Indian folk dance with the glitz of Bollywood. This 45-minute routine engages every muscle while burning 500 – 700 calories. You’ll see the biggest changes in your biceps, deltoids and lats – plus, you’ll lose inches from your midsection. Classes are held in gyms nationwide (Crunch is one) and creator Sarina Jain offers instructional DVDs such as Masala Bhangra Workout: Bollywood Diva Style ($23 – masaladance.com).
Let me know if you try any of these and how you like them.
“There are shortcuts to happiness, and dancing is one of them.” – Vicki Baum
tango in Recoletta
“Nice men marry dancers. Real men become Dancers!” – Author Unknown
“I do everything the man does, only backwards and in high heels!” – Ginger Rogers
“The Three Styles of Tango: American tango is when you’ve just started dating, and you’re flirting in an atmosphere of sexual tension. Argentine tango is when you’ve just started sleeping together and you can’t keep your hands off each other. International tango is when you’ve been married for seven years and you’re only staying together for the sake of the children.” – Author Unknown
“There are only two places where indiscriminate hugging is tolerated; the brothel and the ballroom.” – M.A. Ham
“Great dancers are not great because of their technique, they are great because of their passion.” Martha Graham
IRIS Apfel is a New York Society Style Maven and the chicest ninety something we know. Below is a condensed version from her interview with Jennifer Alfano for Bazaar’s
From a MAC cosmetics Ad. Oh, Great Bangles.
“Fabulous at Any Age” issue. This goes to prove that you can be amazing at any age if you take care of yourself, have a sense of humour and don’t take life too seriously.
What’s wrong with fashion today: Since I became a geriatric starlet, women are always asking me, “What should I wear?” Honestly, women today take dressing way too seriously. Fashion shouldn’t get to a point where it makes you unhappy. Because when you’re unhappy, you look older. I do not intellectualize what I wear. I just put on what I feel like. People see me and say “Ooooh,” but I think it’s a crock.
Looks good no matter what your age: If your hair is properly done and you have on good shoes, you can get away with anything. That and having a good attitude – try to keep yourself on an even keel. All the plastic surgery in the world isn’t going to help if you’re unhappy.
Style is: Knowing who you are. Someone told me a good definition recently. They said, “Real style is having a deep curiosity about yourself.” And attitude, attitude, attitude!
I never leave home without: My eyeglasses, because I would probably fall down the stairs. But eyeglasses have become very high fashion these days. You can really change up your look with them.
My Uniform: For day, I live in jeans. I have so many, from the lowliest to the most fabulous. I think I was one of the first women to wear jeans; I had to fight to buy them once at an army-navy store. Jeans are very basic, so you can be creative with the rest of what you wear. I also have the most spectacular black-tie jeans. I like very simple, dramatic clothes. A little sense of drama is good.
Most proud of: I’m proud that I’ve been able to do so many different careers, and at 91, I’m still doing new things: I have a collection of eyeglasses for Eyebobs and a line of handbags, shoes and jewelry for HSN. I’m always trying to help women be themselves and teach them not to roll up in a little ball when they are a certain age. And this March, my husband and I will have been married for 65 years.
Favorite show: I just became addicted to Downtown Abbey.
Most overrated: Don’t get me started! I think the over stressing of technology is dehumanizing. People are always pressing too many buttons.
Signature dance: I like cheek-to-cheek dancing. My husband and I used to dance the rumba. Sometimes I put on jazz records and dance by myself.
Iris was on the cover of Dazed and Confused Magazine.
“Beer is made by men, wine by God.”
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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