Stewie: ... "what do you say to that broccoli ... stop mocking me ..."

So, anyone else really really craving salt?
Last night, I ate a whole bowl of home made guacamole by myself.
As if I never saw food before.

Tonight -- I got the kids subs for dinner as a treat.
I couldn't help but to eat all the hot peppers that my son didn't want to eat.
I posted previously about it -- something about Italian subs, is like crack. I can't resist it.
(Just to clarify, no - I have never tried crack, but if it calls to you like an Italian sub calls to me - oh my, I feel your pain.)

Speaking of calling to me... there is this fabulous little consignment shop that opened up across the street from the store a few weeks ago. This store is going to be a downfall for me, I think. I have never shopped at a consignnment store; actually, this is not entirely true. When I was little, my Mom used to take me to this consignment store where I grew up - and I would pick out jeans there (think Jordache, Calvin Klein) because my parents couldn't afford to buy me them from the department stores. I was so incredibly skinny that even back then, they didn't fit me -- I always ended up in spandex pants (otherwise known today as yoga pants.) I had no hips when I was little - I was barely a size 0. I had to wear boys jeans for the most part. After having children, well...those womanly curves made their appearance! But I digress...

So today, I bought a gorgeous Michael Kors gold trenchcoat - it's stunning. (Trust me, the photos on the link do it no justice.) I wanted it for a wedding I attended last Sunday, but I told myself if it was there this week again - I'd buy it. And there it was, calling my name... for under $50. I don't have a dress coat that isn't for winter - so it wasn't an incredibly frivolous buy. (yes, I think angels might have sung a bit as I walked out of the store. Just sayin'...)

Anyway, it's Friday - and I have a brand new crush on a Chardonnay. It's Curley Reserve, Oak Knoll Napa Chardonnay, and oh my.... it's a pretty one. Clearly with a high alcohol content because just a glass and this girl is a little tipsy. Not an inexpensive Chardonnay either I might add, but definitely the perfect choice to wrap this week up.

It's Mother's Day weekend....a fabulous and yet, just a little painful time for this girl. Mother's Day this year is the one year anniversary of my mother's passing. I'm running a 3.5 mile race that day - and I think that's a great way to celebrate the day. I miss my mother more than anyone could ever know...but I try not to dwell on that. Just focus on the happiness of the present.

And a little more Chardonnay....

Who put the "bomp" in the "bomp shoo bomp shoo bomp"...

So it's a humdinger of a night in sports.

Celtics & Sox.
Do the Celtics wrap it up tonight -- or do we go to Game 7.
If I was a gambling girl, I'd say the Celts in 7; but hey - I'm rather noncommital, hence my lack of interest in gambling. So who knows what will happen....

Just a quick question here... Victor Martinez as an All Star ballot? I'm sorry...?
Okay, I get why he was selected. But really????
(hmmph, flipping hair. changing subject.....)

Speaking of the Sox, the Red Sox wines are gracing the shelves on my store tomorrow. I wasn't going to do it because typically they aren't good wine; however this year's selections seem promising because the vineyard that's producing them is solid; the only one from years past that I'm bringing in is...you got it....Captain's Cabernet. It's really not that good (sorry Jason!) but I want it on the shelf to show him a little love. Besides, a portion of proceeds go to his Pitching in For Kids Charity which is a fantastic organization, so it's all good.

Speaking of Father's Day, my father has been staying with me and will be here through Father's Day. Actually, I believe it will be the first Father's Day that I will have seen him in over 10 years.

Imagine?!?!

Why I love my job....

Well, some of the reasons anyway.


Sunday, we're having a fundraiser for Dana Farber Cancer Institute. In conjunction with a local Boot Camp, we're sponsoring a shopping day where 10% of our sales from Sunday will be donated to DFCI . I love that I'm now in a capacity to give back in so many ways -- even more than what I do on a personal level.

Monday, is the airing of the Chronicle special...!! Exciting, scary, fun, all at the same time.



And seriously -- look at just a fraction of the fun stuff I get to bring in and sell to people. Truly, does this not look just delicious?!?! Trust me -- it all is. And I love, love, love to share it with everyone.


And then of course -- there's the wine.....
(anyone know what Jason happens to like? anyone....?)

So exciting!!!

So, yesterday I got a phone call from the television show Chronicle asking if they could come and interview me on a piece they're doing on wine.

(Could they come to my store?!?!?
Shhaaa....yeah!)

Would you believe that in the two hours they spent in my store -- only 2 customers came in? I couldn't believe it. That has never, ever happened in the short history of the shop. I was beside myself over it, what are the chances?!! It was okay though, we had enough flow to keep it interesting.

And now, I'm pretty tired. Exhausted, actually. It was such an adrenalin rush, and then when it was over - I was drained. Sounds silly, but of course I was nervous a bit. I have the best poker face when it comes to these things but trust me..... the butterflies were there.

I'm crazy excited to see it but at the same time -- scared to watch. No one really likes the way they look or sound, right? And while I know I'm really good talking to people it was very difficult to shake the feeling of having to be just perfect while on camera - and I'm afraid I'm going to come off as contrived -- or maybe not having answered the questions properly! Did I roll my eyes too much; did I purse my lips too much so that those silly little lines around my lips are obnoxiously visible; the only thing I know for sure is that I did not talk with my hands -- those I kept in my apron! I just hope that I don't look absolutely ridiculous. He said I was a great interview - but wow, I didn't feel like I was.

This was a huge and fantastic opportunity for the store and truly -- it was so much fun.
I am so ready to unwind with a delicious dinner, and a nice glass of wine.

There are definitely worse jobs to be had.

Life is a Cabernet....

I have to say - though I live in a city that has some of the most fabulous restaurants - I rarely get to eat at any of them. When you've got small children and a lack of sitter availability, well....you do the math.

One of the nicer perks of being in the alcoholic beverage industry, is being invited to wine dinners and/or portfolio reviews. They're often held at some of the finer restaurants or hotels in Boston which makes it that much more appealing to try and attend. We don't typically go to the reviews because we're the kind of store that the reps bring the portfolios to us (Duckhorn tasting tomorrow by the way... how fun!); but there are often opportunities where you get to sample wine from some of the more relevant and prevalent players in the industry. Today, was one of those days.

I don't often leave the store during the week; it's my job, and I love being there - plus I feel as if things won't be the way I want them to be if I'm not there. I know, it's something I've got to get over, but we're a new store and so I think it's critical that I'm a constant. Anyway, today I made an exception and attended a luncheon that was at Abe & Louies. I was really impressed with the premises, and though I found a few minor glitches in my food (ahi tuna that wasn't fully thawed, but.... absolutely delicious!), I was really impressed with the menu and how it tasted. Perfectly proportioned as well -- it looked tres petite and yet, was quite satisfying.

The wine was Silver Oak, and we tasted out their Twomey line as well as their oh-so-famous Alexander Valley & Napa Cabernets. My personal favorite-- the Napa Cab. It was really, really good. I won't bore you with the details of it, but trust me. To die for if you're a Cab enthusiast.

I have to say, for a Monday.....today wasn't half bad!!

Let it snow, let it snow....let it snow!

1. It was so nice to wake up to the snow today. I left the house early to go to the supermarket -- why go before the storm, when you can go during? C'mon, I'm a New Englander -- what's a little snow?!? So, I went and did the bulk of my holiday menu shopping done - with the exception of the lobster for the bisque because truthfully, I don't want to make it that far ahead. I did however make the lasagna today and promptly froze it. Funny enough - every time I've done that, you know - made it ahead and froze it, people seem to like it better than when I make it fresh. Works for me, one less thing for me to have to do that day.

2. So, Tiger may have gotten his wish. Okay, so I may have mentioned on a sports blog that Tiger is probably praying that a celebrity died or there was some major tragedy to take the spotlight of off him for a change; while Brittany Murphy is by no means Heath Ledger-ish or Michael Jackson-like, she is a celebrity none the less and tragic with a death at 32. There's the breathing room he was praying for.
2a. Brittany Murphy was really only 32?!?! Was she like, 12 in Clueless? I guess she was only 22, but I certainly thought she was closer to 36. Funny how in La La land the ages seem younger and younger. Does anyone ever grow up?

3. Tonight is a marathon wrapping night. Hopefully I have wine in the house because this girl is tired and would love to have a nice glass of wine while wrapping. I don't have a choice -- I have no time between now and Christmas to get it done, so tonight it is.

4. My parents are coming tomorrow. I haven't seen them in almost two years -- and as I mentioned previously in posts over the summer, my Mother is sick and is finally going to see doctors at Dana Farber next week. Finally.

Well, that's about it for now. I'm off to ensure no little people are up so I can get crack-a-lacking.

Hi-ho, Hi-ho....it's wrapping I will go....
(whistles off into the distance.....fade to black.)

Mmmm, mmmm, good.....

I'm pretty darn tired.
It was a busy day today stocking the store - but then I flew home to shower before jetting out for a private wine tasting at a person's home tonight. I love doing those, they're so much fun - and I love, love, love to get people excited about drinking wine. This one was no different and lived up to my expectations. Lots of laughs, it was a great crowd.

But I'm sitting here now relaxing with a glass of Pinotage, eating the most delicious bread (one that I'm now going to be carrying at the store....I came home to a huge bag filled with delicious varieties sampled for me. Being in the food business isn't so terrible, let me tell you....!), olive oil that I seasoned myself, some fabulous Shelburne Farms 2 yr aged cheddar and a big ol' bowl of deliciously seasoned Kalamatta olives.

I don't think it gets much better than this....

Cream coloured ponies and crisp apple strudel, Door bells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles...

Key Lime Tea Cookies. "To Die For" dips - any variety. A very good and emollient hand cream, just lightly scented. Really good chinese food, like the kind I grew up on. Cinnamon Toast scented candles. A fabulously delicious Zinfandel, say "Sin Zin". The feeling of my floors when they've just been washed. The smell of my daughter's hair after a day outdoors. Seeing, touching, feeling when I shop. A perfectly made Spicy Tuna roll. Feeling proud and accomplished. Anything pumpkin. A dinner made by anyone else but me - for me. Watching home videos of my children. Spending time with my friends who are working with me. Missing yoga and running, but knowing I'll get back to it. A strong, deep tissue massage. Living life, laughing and loving every moment of it -- the good, the bad and everything in between.

If a picture paints a thousand words....

Be the master of your own destiny. If you do your research, and take risks that are calculated - anything is possible.



Opening day....

"I guess I fell into cooking." - Bobby Flay

I am basking in the after glow of the weekend.
I even have a bit of a sunkissed look which does not come from a bottle. I feel healthy, and alive after spending a fabulous weekend with friends and family.

So, I have to share my latest addiction: The Next Food Network Star.
Seriously, I can’t believe I have to wait a whole week for the next episode. I even have the kids hooked on it, they love it. I DVR’d last night’s episode so that my son could watch it tonight.

This was our conversation, yesterday morning:

T: “Why don’t you go on this show? You could do this.”
Me: “You think so? I don’t know if I cook that well…”
T: “Well, actually – don’t be sad, but - they might do better than you because they have all that great equipment. Look at their kitchen!”
Me: “Oh, no – the tv show gives them that kitchen to use”
T: “Oh, then you definitely should go on there! Can’t you go online and tell them you want to do it?”

Kids are the best.
Check him out, thinking his Mom stands a chance.
(For the record, I don’t have a bad kitchen --- but it’s by no means, the Iron Chef kind of kitchen, if you know what I mean. Clearly, my little guy has picked up on that….)

I ended up telling him that he and his sister are too young and I would never want to be away from them for any period of time to do something like that. Maybe when they’re older I’ll give it a shot.

Anyway - back to the show. I’m not really sure who will win. Nor is there anyone I really, really like at this point; there isn’t one of them that I actually would want to turn the television on and watch. The forerunner, Melissa – rather irritates me, and I’m not sure why. I love that she’s a Mom, and not in the industry – and she, like me – has all these “tried and true” types of tidbits from cooking in a home that one doesn’t typically get from a classically trained and unmarried kind of host. But yet... she doesn't do it for me. I think it might be that she reminds me too much of Rachel Ray....

I know what kind of a show I’d do if I could, but …. looks like I’ll have to wait before I give that a shot.

Besides, I’ve got a wine & gourmet food shop to open!

Alls well that ends well....

So, today I went out for lunch with a girlfriend from my office – and actually had a glass of wine with my meal. Can I just tell you – it’s been years since I had a glass with lunch during work. Back in the day – it was very acceptable to do, but then somewhere along the line, it became unacceptable. But it seems that the group I work with, having a drink of wine with lunch is perfectly acceptable. And I felt like such a “grown up”! It was so funny; and good to know – because now there’s at least one thing (outside of my co-worker) that I have to look forward to while I'm here.

She’s looking to try new wine, so I had her try Dr. Loosen Riesling – which is really very good. A little sweet for my taste, but excellent when paired with seafood – which we both had salmon (hers baked with roasted veggies, mine grilled over salad). I ordered an Australian Unoaked Chardonnay which I was convinced the bartender gave me a Californian Sauvignon Blanc instead because trust me when I tell you – if I was blindfolded and someone asked me to name the wine, I would insist that’s what it was. I even asked the waiter if there was any possibility that the bartender could’ve poured the wrong wine – and he insisted he saw it being poured and that’s what it was. Even the color was off – it was straw like, rather than the vibrant yellow that a Chardonnay tends to have. It was herbaceous and acidic – all things consistent with Sauvignon Blanc and not at all the robust fruitiness that an Australian Chardonnay would bring. However, I drank it anyway and because I have no issues with Sauvignon Blanc – and, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Busy weekend on tap for this girl. I’ve got a sleepover at my house with my nephew tonight…tomorrow, we’ve got soccer games all day – and then the Sox game Saturday night. I’m not attending, but I will be in full attendance and attention via HD. Sunday, I think we’re packing up early and heading to Rockport for a day of walking the beach, browsing the stores and enjoying the salt air.

And I’ve got lots of excitement for next week….back to yoga, out door track running, all sorts of business venture “stuff” to discuss, so stay tuned…..
Have a fabulous Friday, and enjoy your weekend!

Wonders for Wednesday....

1. So last night's physical therapy session on my knee was très douloureux; I did have some help in trying to forget the discomfort in the immediate return home, where a Redbones chicken & ribs combo was waiting for me in the oven! G stopped on the way home and picked up some of the best comfort Southern food in MA - and this girl hasn't had any in years! It was...to die for. Seriously, good stuff if you have the chance to go anytime; I have yet to taste better. So if you know of any - hit me up and let me know about it. I swear, I better have this knee surgery soon because not being able to work off all these extra calories is driving me insane!! The 18th can't come soon enough.....

2. The offseason for baseball Is truly one of my favorite times of year. I'm really disappointed that CC Sabathia went to the Yankees; I had hoped to have landed him last year, but now the Evil Empire has tied him up for 6 years. Well, in some instances - going to NY can be a curse. So many "great" ball players have landed there the last few years, just to dud out. Sorry CC -- but I’m sort of hoping it happens to you too.

I don't know what's going to happen with Jonathan Papelbon's outlook on the future now that KRod has landed a mega contract; Jonathan was running off at the mouth last year about it before it should've ever been on the radar -- so, this girl thinks it's not going to be easy to keep him when the time comes. I mean listen, he's "the bomb" but seriously - I digress back to my many posts about sometimes it shouldn't just be all about the money. Isn't there something to be said about work environment, gratification and respect? Why split hairs over a few dollars...?

And finally, the thought I've been pondering for the last few weeks is....how does Youk feel about playing third?

3. I've got my company luncheon today. This is our "holiday party". Seriously? So, I get to leave in a few minutes to go eat a not so great meal (albeit free) with people I don't really know that well. Doesn't that sound fun! Truth of the matter is, I'll be happy and outgoing and chit chat with everyone, but seriously -- I'd rather have a bonus and no lunch. Or....a dinner holiday party! It's been years since I've worked for a company that does a holiday party. Again, it is still awkward because you don't know half the people from the company since we're all dispersed - so I probably wouldn't even go -- but the thought sure would be nice!

Tomorrow is the office holiday party, which will be a little bit more fun. At least I've gotten to know these people a little bit! And, it's in a conference room across the street so I don't have to travel far either.

4. Speaking of tomorrow -- it's the Beacon Hill Holiday Stroll! If you're in town, or are planning to be in town -- it's a really fun event for the whole family. The neighborhood businesses serve refreshments and spread cheer as the tree lighting takes place, Santa visits - carolers stroll Charles Street, and I do believe there will be horse drawn carriage rides. (At least there used to be!). Check it out if you can!

5. I've decided to give freelance writing a try....I'll let you know how it works out. I've gotten a few bites, and there's one wine site I'm going to be contributing to - so once I have a few reviews out there, I'll be sure to share.

Off to lunch!
Au Revoir....

What a day....

Soccer was cancelled, which was odd considering it was practically 70 degrees today! I think I got a little tan while out at the soccer field with the kids this afternoon. Today was all up in the air..soccer was on - it was off. Soccer photos were on -they were off. Then they were on - but soccer itself was cancelled. So, after the photos - the kiddies and I hung out at the soccer field and park. It was gorgeous! We left just before the skies opened up and it poured outside. And now....screaming sunshine yet again.

Very exciting, tomorrow we're going to the shelter to adopt a cat! We have two cats/kittens at home, but we really need one for the wine shop. The store is in a brownstone, and though we use an exterminator monthly, there's clearly some tenants upstairs from us who aren't very clean, and so we've decided a cat will do the trick. So off to find a very friendly, people loving and fun to be around cat to live at the store. Since we're open 7 days a week - it's perfect. Our staff is excited - the customers are excited ( yes, they've been polled!) We've also come up with the perfect name for him/her: Bordeaux.

So now, the kiddies are freshly bathed...I'm sitting here frustrated with the Yankees being up at the top of the 6th....and waiting for my friend Nancy to come over later for a little takeout and maybe some Prosecco. I'm hoping to order from this restaurant close by that has sushi as well as chinese food. I'm such an addict, I know....

Must be doing something right....

So, last night I had a phone conversation with a person from "In Style"
magazine.

Seems they called down the store looking for me yesterday morning. When
I found out, I was shocked and awed to say the least. I mean, "Me???
Why would THEY call ME?" was exactly what I said. And so I started
feverishly thinking about the different casting ads I might have
answered, and was one of them for "In Style"? Turns out that's not the
case. However...

They did call because they are doing a coast-to-coast design issue and
they are featuring a high profile and amazing interior designer from
Boston who was kind enough to say some lovely words about our shop! So
glowing in fact, that they called and asked if we could send 3-5 bottles
out today for a photo shoot - along with a writeup and brief description
of each wine and why we'd recommend it as a Springtime selection. They
told me the designer's name, and what puzzles me is that I don't recall
meeting him personally so I'm not sure why my name specifically was
mentioned -- but I'm not complaining! So I said that I would be
thrilled to do so, and to please -- when they speak to this designer --
pass along my personal humble thanks for thinking so highly of us.

Immediately, my creative juices started flowing and I thought to myself
"if only I can impress them with my writeups enough that they'd say
'hey, this girl isn't bad...maybe she can write a little somethin'
somethin' for us occasionally on entertaining...". It's so hard to let
go of the possibility of "if's". "If" I could just get an interview for
NESN maybe I could do on-air work..."If" I could snag an interview for a
radio station I could possibly find my own little talk show..."If" I can
get a good acting audition, I just might "wow" the casting director.
Sigh... A girl can dream, right?

Once the issue is released, I do believe we are going to send this
designer a "thank you" card and a bottle of wine. Never in a million
years could we afford even a text ad in "In Style" - let alone pictures
of our product and by name mentioning in an article. So, while it's
always the goal to be the wine shop that everyone loves -- it's really
just so nice when someone in a position of capability to afford you a
little exposure - is kind enough to do so.

Um yeah, you can keep those....

So tomorrow is our office holiday party, and it's held at lunch time here on base.
As a contractor, I'm only allowed to be paid for the time that is "lunch". Everything else must be vacation, leave or unpaid.

Isn't that just a Ho. Ho. Ho.

Which leads to me thinking or rather, noticing that this year is different in the respect that people just don't seem to be in the holiday spirit. Normally, I notice that everyone is in a good mood and festive -- things just seem merry and bright. Not quite so this year. And I’m not exactly sure why. I mean, it's not a deflection of any kind because I’m in good spirits overall -- I'm not projecting my own mood as everyone else's. It just seems a little "ho hum" this year as opposed to "Ho Ho!"

Speaking of "ho-ho", how about all those pairs underwear from the Red Sox players that seem to be the topic of conversation all over the newspapers and NESN. I'm sorry, but as much as I love love love Jason -- I do not want to find a pair of his used underwear under my tree!!! STOP! That has got to be one of the grossest things I'd heard of. Listen, I'm all for him in his underwear under my tree (sorry, I couldn't resist!) but game used laundry? Um, yeah. How about no? I'm thinking 1.) clearly there's a sick person working the locker room collecting all of these well worn garments, and 2.) how horrified must these guys be to know that their skivvys are sitting in someone's closet -- and that someone's actually BUYING them?!?!

So if for some reason, Jason Varitek is a fan of my blog (doubt it but a girl can dream)…here's a gift giving guide for this girl: You under my tree with a red bow, great. Your game worn underwear wrapped with a red bow? Um, thanks anyway. As enticing as that might sound…I'm going to have to take a pass.

Ahhh.....

So, my role within the exercises at work are......over.
And it's been me, without yoga - for a week now.
Need. to. find. center.

Well, I attempted to go to a lunchtime class today, but the base was "closed" and I wasn't able to make it to the class on time. However....while I've been unable to actually take a class, I will be at the studio tonight. My yoga instructor is having a wine party this evening - and I am happy to say that I am not hosting it. It's with a company called "The Traveling Vineyard". Think "Pampered Chef" but with wine. So I'm curious to see their whole approach to the education aspect, because I hesitate to think they hire people who are wine savvy. I've done a little "secret squirrel" research on them in the past, and they generally seem to be people who are looking to do the "work from home" thing as with the "Pampered Chef" crowd. But, I'm looking forward to finding out in person.

A little wine, and a decent night's sleep.
Yup, just what the doctor ordered for this girl.

Wine is good for the heart... and friends are good for the soul

So yes, I’m pretty tired today.

I haven’t drunk any wine on a “school night” in a while. Not for any reason other than since I started running a awhile back, I just haven’t really felt like drinking it much unless I’m out for dinner. And even then, I often opt for champagne or a martini. I used to drink at home pretty regularly, typically every to every other night. No – not alcoholic type drinking, but just getting my palate educated for when I do wine parties, or make recommendations for people. It’s difficult to recommend product if you either a.) haven’t tasted the inventory you’ve got, or 2) don’t have a good understanding of different wine styles.

The restaurant food was delicious although petite portions. I am a big portion type of person. I know that food is supposed to be “pretty pretty” and all of that, but I really would prefer good food in larger portions. I may not eat all of it, but psychologically it just makes me feel better. One of my little quirks I guess! Out of the four wines they paired with the meal, I preferred the first one. It was an Australian Roussanne – which to me, tasted almost exactly like an Australian Chard/Sav Blanc blend. It was really, really nice. The other ones sort of left me as just “okay”. The second one was an Austrian red wine, I forget the grape – but it tasted exactly like a Beaujolais with the body of a Pinot Noir. Okay, but nothing spectacular. The third was a Chilean “Merlot” (36% Merlot, 34% Cab and 30% Carmenere) which to me tasted nothing like a Merlot, but exactly like a “too young to drink” Cabernet. Not my taste. The fourth one was a Ruby Port – and I hate Port of any kind. Blech. It tasted like stewed raisins. Not my cup of tea....

The only downside to the night was that we girls didn’t get to do much “girl chat”. It can be such a small world....as it turns out, we were sharing a table with someone who is a new hire at my shop – who I hadn’t met in person prior to last night. He's a very nice man – and he was there with his wife and a friend – but they sort of monopolized all of our conversations last night. So it went from my being able to have fun with my girlfriend and her friend that I had never met before – to my having to wear my wine shop “hat” and talking “shop” all night.

I think we’ll do this again though – at least I hope so! I think we’ll try a different restaurant though, maybe with a bigger separation between us and the other people – so that we can truly have a little girl time!