Think Pink

Last week I was invited to attend a wine expo and tasting in Wilmington, NC. I'm always looking for an opportunity to go to Wilmington to visit my favorite boys (and drink wine, for that matter) so it was perfect! Rob and I spent the afternoon with Choice Specialty Wines, swirling, sipping, and learning a lot. The event couldn't have come at a better time, as Faith recently asked if I would do a post on some wine recommendations!  


But first, a disclaimer: I am in no way a wine expert. Enthusiast? Perhaps. Snob? Never. I think wine-making is truly an art form and I have a love and appreciation for it, but I'm not delusional enough to consider myself a sommelier. I can't differentiate between apple notes and a hint of pear... but I am all for learning and enjoying.


We sampled some great wine from South Africa, a white from Argentina (I thought they only made Malbec!) and I was introduced to a sparkling rose. I broke my only wine rule: I typically don't drink pink (ok, maybe I'm a little snobby, but white zinfandel just doesn't do it for me...) One of the wine reps coerced me into tasting this French wine by promising that it was 100% pinot noir (that is Rob's middle name) and not the least bit sweet (I don't do sweet wine, I'm sweet enough already.) 

I won't lie, I was skeptical. I had even scoped out the nearest spittoon and devised an exit strategy in case it was truly terrible. But it was delicious! And pink! And bubbly! Every girl's dream, right? It is fresh, fruity, and crisp. 

So of course you can pick up a bottle of red for Valentine's Day (I'd certainly never turn it down.) Or mix it up and think pink! 

[video from Funny Face... have you seen it?]

cinemazing

I have admittedly bad taste in movies. Seriously, I tend to gravitate toward the cheesiest,  most girly chick flicks out there. But lately I've been finding myself disappointed at the cinema.* They just don't make them like they used to. As a result, I've been stocking up on some of the "classics" (& a few that will someday be). Oddly enough, they seem to have made their way to the bargain bin at my local superstore. Heartbreaking, but suits my wallet just fine. 

Most recent purchases:
Sabrina- which I've never seen! Shocking, I know.
27 Dresses- which I bought right after Lauren shared the news of her engagement and asked me to be a bridesmaid!
When Harry Met Sally- even though I've seen it 100 times, I still love it. 


What are your favorite films? I'd love to know.


*Exception: I recently saw Courageous and it was truly exceptional.

The Help (part 2)

In addition to being moved by the story, I was endlessly inspired by the music and fashions of The Help. I've always loved the 50s (soda shops and poodle skirts, oh my...) but the 60s have been taking their rightful place in my heart (big hair, even bigger cocktails...) Ever since my mom surprised me with the soundtrack these two tracks have been on repeat...


And bless my southern heart if this first little number is not to die for...

p.s. Sissy Spacek's character was my fave... total diva status. 

The Help (part 1)

The weather was a little dreary last Thursday, so my favorite 13-year-old agreed to lunch and a matinee. I spent $10 on candy at the drug store because I felt a little guilty over forcing him to see The Help (which I wrongly assumed would be overtly chick-flickish)

 [I had to change purses to fit all of our treats... my Kate Spade Stevie was just big enough for all our candy, and the cheery red provided the perfect dose of color for a dreary day]

[we like to save free movie passes for rainy day matinees]

We both loved the film. I found it to be the perfect balance of lighthearted and humorous while maintaining historical authenticity.  The Civil Rights Movement is not an easy thing to talk about, but the filmmakers did so candidly and openly. Many people fear that talking about such topics can have a polarizing affect, further widening the gap between races. I wholeheartedly disagree.


The Help showcased a very important time in our history as a nation without villainizing or pointing fingers. It showed that all men are created equal, endowed by their Creator, with certain unalienable rights. I left feeling thankful for the men and women, black and white, who had the courage to stand up for human rights during the 1960s. I also felt empowered to be one of those people today. The issues we face now may be entirely different, but I hope to always be a person who is willing to stand up for life.(see here and here)

the mean reds

Holly Golightly: You know those days when you get the mean reds? 
Paul Varjak: The mean reds, you mean like the blues? 
Holly: No. The blues are because you're getting fat and maybe it's been raining too long, you're just sad that's all. The mean reds are horrible. Suddenly you're afraid and you don't know what you're afraid of. Do you ever get that feeling? 
Paul: Sure. 
Holly: Well, when I get it the only thing that does any good is to jump in a cab and go to Tiffany's. Calms me down right away. The quietness and the proud look of it; nothing very bad could happen to you there. If I could find a real-life place that'd make me feel like Tiffany's, then - then I'd buy some furniture and give the cat a name!

One of those days, my dears, just one of those days...


[image here and quote via imdb]

Under the Weather

After a wonderful weekend in the mountains, I woke up yesterday morning with what seems to be a bit of a cold. I have intermittently been popping Zicam and chasing Dayquil with hot tea in hopes of a speedy recovery.  I had already planned a trip home to get my banged-up car repaired, so I look forward to spending the rest of the evening relaxing in my most favorite coastal town. I figure whatever the salty breeze doesn't remedy, my mom's cooking surely will.

And if Tom Hanks wants to show up with daisies at any time, I'd be more than willing to receive.

in review

After this, I promise not to talk about Valentine's Day for a very long time... but unfortunately I woke up feeling exhausted and uninspired so let's just discuss yesterday, shall we?

Ok, here goes.... Valentine's Day... according to Caitlin's iPhone (which I am in love with, btw)

 [8:30- woke up and picked up some greasy, southern fast food (gotta love eastern North Carolina) because they are notorious for their heart-shaped biscuits on V-day. Note: that biscuit in not a heart. To say I was disappointed would be a little bit of an understatement. Later I almost died on the treadmill, I guess my arteries have started clogging already.]

 [3:15- ran in T.J. Maxx to pick up resistance bands and out of the corner of my eye I spotted a plethora of Kate Spade wallets. Say whaaaa? Also, please note the iced grande nonfat mocha (it was that warm outside!) And as for the wallets, I chose the patent red one and picked up the metallic one for momma bear because she has the matching purse... Score!]

 [5:41- cute little text from my #1 Valentine... Dad!]

 [Taylor gave me a few options for dinner (in total third-grade-check-yes-or-no-style) but informed me that "cook to order" means I cook to his orders haha (I chose Riverboat Landing at 7) Jumbo lump crab linguine and watching the awkward and overly-affectionate couples around us made for an enjoyable evening.]

[9:15- sweat pants, one oreo milkshake, two spoons, and Roman Holiday (which was a Valentine's Day present) Unfortunately, I fell asleep within the first 10 minutes of the movie (not because it was boring, I cannot stay awake during movies for the life of me) My company couldn't complain too much because he was busy with lesson plans, and in reality it was probably easier for him to work without me chatting away]

All in all, a magnificent day. Managed to not take a single picture with my big girl camera. Photog fail. 

What did your Valentine's Day look like?

It was like... Magic.

Have you ever seen Sleepless in Seattle? Gosh, absolute cinematic perfection. I woke up this morning thinking about my favorite scene, and it only seems right to share. Pardon the poor quality and sketchy subtitles. Gotta love YouTube and good, old globalization. 

(In case you were distracted by the Shiite style subtitles, here is the transcript.)

Dr Marcia: Sam, do you think there is someone out there you could you love as much as you loved your wife?

Sam: Well, Dr. Marcia Fieldstone, that's hard to imagine.

Dr. Marcia: What are you going to do?

Sam: Well, I’m going to get out of bed every morning. And breathe in and out all day long. And after a while I won't have to remind myself to get out of bed every morning and breathe in and out. And then after a while I won't have to think about how I had it great and perfect for a while.

Dr. Marcia: Sam, tell me what was so special about your wife?

Sam: Well, how long is your program?

It was a million tiny, little things.When you added them up, it just meant that we were supposed to be together. And I knew it. I knew it the very first time I touched her. It was like coming home, only to no home I'd ever known. I was just taking her hand, to help her out of a car. And I knew it.

It was like… Magic.

And we're off...

"Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me want to buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly-sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address. On the other hand, this not knowing has its charms." 

-Joe Fox (Tom Hanks) in You've Got Mail

I cannot believe it's my last first day of school. If you're starting school today too, well wishes and newly-sharpened pencils to you!

(Photo via here)

Guilt-free Friday!

Happy Friday! Kicking off this weekend with a birthday celebration for the most handsome 12 year old I know! Hope your weekend is tons of fun too- be sure to find something to celebrate!

Hey it's ok...

To be completely dependent on your GPS, even after making the trip 15 times. I mean hey, that's what it's there for.

To still cry every time you say goodbye.

If Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks co-star in 2 of your top 3 favorite movies of all time.