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?]

Royal Weddings

Call me a romantic sap, but I recently spent a good portion of an afternoon perusing old wedding photos of American presidents. I find it so ironic, when the Royal Wedding took place last spring, America was riveted. We woke up in the wee hours of the morning, sipped tea and indulged our inner Anglophile. But oddly enough, we rarely spend any time reminiscing over our own leaders' nuptials. Of course, I'm partial to the Reagans and the Bushs, but, for the sake of being unbiased, I will admit that the the picture of the Obamas is equally heartwarming...


JFK and Jackie...

[I really love this one, she looks so happy]

The Reagans...

George and Barbara Bush...

The Obamas...

Mission-Driven

Last night I found myself feeling deeply saddened by the scandal going on with Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Planned Parenthood. A brief synopsis, in case you're unfamiliar: Last week Komen announced that they would no longer provide grants for Planned Parenthood's breast cancer screening program. Public outrage ensued, and several days later Komen reversed the decision. The argument was deeply polarized and politicized. Pro-choice supporters of Komen jumped ship quickly, offering contributions to Planned Parenthood totaling $3 million in just four days. Pro-lifers felt they had been duped by Komen, who made a quick change in the face of opposition. Planned Parenthood was quick to cast blame, pointing fingers at conservatives for "bullying" Komen into the initial decision. This morning, Komen's Vice President of Public Policy, Karen Handel, resigned.  

Fuchsia

I wear a lot of earthy neutrals, but when I want to mix it up with bright colors I most often gravitate toward orangey shades of coral. As far as vibrant colors go, I typically prefer (and look better in) warm tones, which seem so much more appropriate in the summer. But lately, a cool fuchsia has caught my eye...

It all started last week when I spotted this Kate Spade bag at... wait for it... TJ MAXX. I couldn't justify purchasing it, but I haven't been able to get it off my mind since. It is such a chic alternative to a bulky briefcase or otherwise sensible carryall.

Dying over this Pim + Larkin top. The peter pan collar gives a soft touch to an otherwise bold blouse. 

And for a more casual look, you can never go wrong with gingham. 

This post from {a glamorous little side project} combined my current color of choice with my longstanding, perennial favorite, gold. I'd say it's a match made in heaven. (links to these adorable valentines can be found in the original post)


I must admit, I do this every season. Come autumn, I'm head over heels for shades of cranberry, burnt orange, and mustard. And Christmas? I'm all about punchy reds and loads of sparkle. What colors have you been eyeing lately? I'd love to hear!


[p.s. for more bright inspiration to get you through the winter blues, check out this pretty post from Eliza's blog!]

Guilt-free Friday!

Hello hello and a happy weekend to you! The temperatures are supposed to drop just a bit, so I'm hoping to spend some time cuddled up by the fire this weekend. I'm looking forward to watching the Super Bowl (commercials) and eating spicy chili. I hope your weekend is delightfully cozy, too! Until Monday...


Hey! It's ok...


... to start shopping for bikinis in February. Or to banish the harrowing thought from your mind until mid-March.


... to wish Taylor Swift was doing the halftime show instead of Madonna [yep, I said it. sue me.]


...if you're still rooting for Tebow. [and if you just might have a giant crush on him... but seriously, who doesn't?!?]

Bordeaux

It seems I'm always on the hunt for the most perfect shade of red nail polish. Last February, I was head over heels for OPI's A Oui Bit of Red... très magnifique. 

And then in September I stumbled upon The Thirll of Brazil, also by OPI, and it is quite lovely indeed. 

[Thrill is not quite as pink as Oui]

Lately though, I've been a big fan Essie's Bordeaux. I think it is just prefect for Valentine's Day... deep and true, just like red- and love- should be. 

[note: it looks significantly darker in the bottle. the website calls it a deep red wine, and on my toes it definitely looks more red than wine. But while we're on the subject, do you mind pouring me a glass? Kidding, duh it's 9am... Make it a mimosa! ]

Do you have a signature shade of polish? Do you prefer pink over red?

February, February...

Happy February, my loves! You know what February first means here in SoliloquyLand... the official Valentine's kickoff! 


I'll let you in on a little secret (that's really no secret at all) I have always loved Valentine's Day. Want to know why? Valentine's Day is really just "Christmas's  leftovers." It's as if someone boxed up the extra love from Christmas, stowed it away, and we get to reheat it and enjoy on a random icy day in February. Typically I'm not the biggest fan of leftovers, but one of the greatest joys of college was having a stash of my mom's spaghetti sauce saved in my freezer. It was made with love and each bite brought comfort, nourishment, and joy. I know not everyone is a fan of Valentine's Day, but if you tap into that abundance of love and joy you stored up at Christmas, it's hard not to enjoy.


I'm so looking forward to sharing lots of love-ly things with you over these next 2 weeks (in addition to the regular chatter, of course.) Xo

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