Mar 27 2012

Taboo Tip Tuesday – Red Wine & Chocolate

Catherine

I discovered this heavenly combination years ago.  But once in a while it becomes a necessity like the human body needs water!

I had a bit of a scare last night with my youngest.  She was riding a bus on JMU campus that  went out of control.  It crashed through a bus stop shelter, 2 trees finally halting once a cement wall was in its path.  Thank God, my girl is ok.  But it was one of many moments that we as mothers experience.  The reality that our force field of protection has limitations and at times is non-existent.  I’ve had several of these moments with both my girls.  Sitting there after learning the happenings directly from my daughter and her confirmed safety….reality set in.  In one moment, my life could have altered….forever.

So, time to dull the scare!  I partake of red wine for it’s positive health properties but more for  taste!  I had Horton Vineyards “Route 33″ red table wine opened from a few nights ago.  On the side  table was a dish of Dove Chocolate.  Time to get lost in a combined, rich, angelic flavor experience.  Truth be known my absolute favorite combination is Merlot and dark chocolate.  But this marriage definitely filled the void.  Specifically, Dove Milk Chocolate was consumed.  If you’ve never combined these two extraordinary elements together….here’s a little guide.

Step one: Sip red wine, flatten your tongue and slowly push to the roof of your mouth forcing the wine across the entire surface of your tongue.  Swallow slowly. (Ahhh…)

Step two: Take a bite of chocolate, hold it in your mouth until the chocolate begins to liquify.

Step three:  Repeat step one while the chocolate richness is still on your tongue.  (OH YES!!!)

Step four:  Repeat step one through three several times.

There are lots and lots of great chocolates out there.  Dove is a good one but one of my favorites is Gilberts Chocolates in Michigan.  Which chocolate do you fancy?  AND a favorite red wine to pair?

PS. Watch for my new wine blog!  Vino Tail!  Coming soon!
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Mar 6 2012

Taboo Tip Tuesday – The year of the Dragon!

Catherine

If you are so inclined to be entertained by horoscopes and fortunes, you probably already know it is the year of the Dragon!  My understanding is those of Asian heritage find this news very exciting!  The Dragon is believed to be a very lucky sign.  I read an article about how chinese business men were invading Las Vegas and playing to win feeling the influence of the lucky Dragon.

This excites me for two reasons; the first is I was born in the year of the Dragon!  Second, those born under the sign are predicted to have a very special, lucky and prosperous 2012!  GOOD!  I cannot express with more excitement, relief and hope how badly I am due!   It seems that on a few fronts, luck has not been my companion for a couple years.  I do feel the tides changing and with the independent, innovative, passionate and brave Dragon on my side…it is time!

So my tip for today, embrace what may come!  My personality is one that prefers to plan.  I take the time to examine something before making a decision.  If there is one thing that life has taught me, you can’t always see something coming.  You may plan and prepare, but there may be somethings that are thrown in your path making that impossible!  It isn’t in my nature to embrace what may come, so this tip is for me as much for you!  Maybe what comes is an confirmation that what you want and believe is realized.  Maybe what comes is the wind of change, leading to a path not yet known.  The old saying “the only thing that’s constant is change” holds true.  But there is some change that will knock you on your ass!  You’ll never see it coming.  I think the threads of fate are trying to teach me that I need to relax a bit and embrace what may come!  (Easier said than done!)

So, here’s to all you Dragon’s out there!  And to those who are lucky enough to have a Dragon in your life!  We are not an easy spirit to tame…but well worth the effort.  It is our year!  Time for a little luck and days of prosperity!  Tell me what you have planned for your lucky year?  I have some coming :)

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Feb 28 2012

Taboo Tip Tuesday – Maui Jim

Catherine

After a week on the  island of Jamaica and skipping a couple of weeks of TTT, I’m back!

There are so many “tips” that I want to share…more intimate ones coming.  This week I’ve decided to highlight a find that I can now not live without!  Maui Jim sunglasses!  If you’ve never heard of them…OH, you are in for a real treat!

I wear contacts and my eyes like most are a bit sensitive to the sun.  Or even strong light.  Over the years I’ve grown to completely appreciate and require polarized sunglasses.  The difference cannot be described in words.  You must compare for yourself to truly understand the benefits.  So I’ve invested, minimally, in such eyewear.  A couple years ago, I was given a pair of Maui Jim sunglasses as a gift.  I had no idea how the masterful design of theses God-sends would influence me everyday.  They are lightweight, flexible and the polarization is spectacular!  I wear them in rain, sun and snow!  They even the levels of light with expertise.  They come in different colors and polarizations for each individual needs.  The investment ranges from $150-$250.  WELL worth the price!  Here in Cville we have an expert in the field of eyewear and Maui Jim eyewear….The Spectacle Shop!  I personally know the owner John Bright.

With the summer months upon us, you owe it to your eyes to pick up a pair of these.  If you own a pair…post your cheers!  If not, what shades do you affect?

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