Pommard, A Love Of Luxurious French Wines
April 13, 2009
I love wine, and as the evening arrives and all is calm and quiet- I love nothing more than to relax with a glass of Burgundy. Even when we have some guests over for conversation, a bottle of luxurious wine is always present- it makes us warm and happy.
I love all styles of wines, but burgundy- or pinot noir, is my personal favorite.
So I thought this evening I would share with you what I am drinking, and be forewarned, this is certainly an earthy, full, and rich red wine.
It is a 2005, and comes from the appellation of Pommard, France- where only red wines are allowed to be produced. The wines are known for their full bodied tannic quality, and because of it do well with aging. I admit I am opening this one early (five is generally a minimum with this one, and as many as fifteen or more does very well to soften the tannins and bring out the complexity of the fruit flavors and dimensions).
I used one of my fun little wine tools to speed up the breathing process as well as letting it rest, and I must say it was still quite the treat! Definitely holds well with food- something rich and meaty like a filet, especially something gamey like venison or elk. Nom!
Very rich of red fruit- black cherry, black currant, and plum. Love it. Without the Wine Aerator Tool I have it would come across more bitter, which is why it will do better with time. This is certainly something I would purchase again (and let rest for a future celebration or gathering).
Cheers, loves!
Seriously Delicious Sashimi Nomness
March 23, 2009
The other evening, my hunny and I had a sudden craving for sushi and decided to indulge- why not? I never turn down the chance, I adore sashimi and the place we love to go to also makes marvelous lychee martinis.
And whenever I go out to a restuarant, my favorite thing on the menu is what the chef selects for me. After all, the chef knows best. I love to let them have fun with a meal and create something they are especially proud of, and the experience is all the more wonderful because of it.
We like to sit at the bar instead of a table at this restaurant, that way we can interact with the chefs and watch the preparation (truly an art and delight to be a part of). I’ll usually ask what is fresh and recommended, and then let them chose and go all out with it. I am rewarded beyond my expectations each and every time- wow. (the last time I was there for a quick bite, I had the flounder sashimi which was presented in a gorgeous manner and pictured above)
I don’t even know what I am ordering half the time- since I let them decide. But I make sure to know afterwards so that I can order it again, as was with this case the other evening. The Aji sashimi (above) was presented so beautifully before us- and each bite was soooo heavenly- perfect! Subtle but lovely flavors with a great and tender texture. But it didn’t end there with the aji- the sashimi was just the beginning.
When we were done with the sashimi portion of the plate- the chef had the remaining fish head and bones fried and returned to us to eat.
I *love* the collar and cheeks of a fish, so this was a very welcoming surprise!
Needless to say, between the two of us nothing remained of this dish in the end, and it is one we are more than anxious to order again-very the “nom”.
As amazing as this was- it was not the best of the evening. The best would have to be reserved for the Live Scallop Sashimi we had immediately afterward. What a treat- I had to fight for the last bite on this one!
Sashimi (raw) on one shell, and then cooked and prepared on the other shell. The raw was definitely my favorite, as was the favorite for my hunny and the couple we became friends with next to us at the bar (they even ordered one, too!). This was incredible. I don’t think words would do it justice, but know that it was by far the favorite of the evening all around. And after having some incredible tastes beforehand, that is saying a lot.
And for dessert? A bite of uni- beautiful way to end a luxurious meal ;D
Bundled Up In A Gorgeous Fur
March 15, 2009
Ever since I was a very small child, an infant really, I can recall being held and being surrounded in fur- the feeling is what I remember most. The soft delicate fur against my skin, keeping me warm in the arms of loved ones. Two aunts in particular stand out in my mind with their incredibly gorgeous coats, and I remember it all.
I remember having my first full coat when I was about five or so, it was sized just for me and I loved it. I wore it every chance I had, even if it meant just being at the house. My mother even found a matching purse to go with it (be it a very small one, but an adorable one I still have to this day).
This particular coat I am wearing now is a vintage fox fur coat my fiance had gotten for me, knowing my love of furs. I adore it, as I am taken back to the happiness I felt as a child and feel marvelous now. A few select signature pieces are all I need, they are much more special and luxurious that way. And I still use and love the small fur accessories I had as a child.
Not many things survived the fire of my home years ago, but some of the items that were put away in storage or at family member’s house did survive- and it is those items that I cherish. Anytime I am able to replace an item lost in the fire that was once so valuable to me I am incredibly grateful.
Usually, only when I travel do I get the opportunities to wear my furs; and I do love to travel. Though lately, it has been so incredibly cold out that my coat is perfect to wear here at home. And you can be certain this is an opportunity I will not miss.
And so these passed few nights and afternoons I have been happily warm in my coat and out with friends having sushi, cocktails, and burgers. Life is truly grand, and the details make the difference.
An Award To The Fabulous!
February 21, 2009
Something I greatly believe in is making each day an occasion and making all occasions fabulous ones. When an opportunity of the fabulous is presented to me, I am delighted to indulge and pass the luxury to those who mean the world to me.
I am incredibly honored to be presented with the award, “Your Blog is Fabulous” from an incredibly fabulous lady herself, Roxy of For The Love Of Beauty – a fascinating blog I have been following now for some time as well. She is such a delight to read and I am very grateful to have her as one of my fabulous followers!
What a marvelous award and inspiration to celebrate!
It is with great honor and appreciation that I am able to present this award to these notably fabulous blogs that I adore and follow. And though two are technically not fashion only blogs, they still hold the high ranking of being fabulous. It is difficult to select so few, however these gems stand high on my list.
Once presented with this award, I encourage you to participate in the rules of this prestigious award:
1. Place this lovely logo as a badge of honor on your blog or within a post.
2. Nominate ten blogs which you find to be fabulous.
3. Be sure to link your nominees within your post
4. Let them know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. share the love and link this post and to the person from whom you received the award.
This is fabulous and fun, and it is always a pleasure to give to those who have given you so much.
Beauty In Bubble Baths & (Sometimes) Being a Baby
February 17, 2009
Because sometimes you just want to be a baby, you know? I’ve been sick the past few days and sleeping longer than even the kitties cuddled up with me- much needed and definitely beginning to feel better now. Pretty much the only thing I could get the energy to get up and do was indulge in a bath.
And for me, when I am sick I feel like a baby. So why not take it to a step further and be a little bit of a baby? The bubbles are only one direction- and for it to be right, the more bubbles the better! Definitely a way to cheer up with a bit of fun. But when sick…it can be a little different.
And it is at times like this that a soothing vapor bath does wonders (not to mention feels incredibly luxurious on its own). Feeling like a baby never felt so lovely.
I like to go all the way and use the Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Vapor Bath, just like the babies. Why not?
Sometimes its the things of our childhood that brings us right back up to speed as adults, and more focused than ever. This is a treat I like to reserve for when I am sick, and it makes it all the more special of an occasion. Being sick doesn’t have to be a completely horrible experience – it’s all about getting better and doing so in style. That way we can get back to the things we love.
Caipirinha: Cocktail Luxury Of Brazil
January 22, 2009
caipirinha's as seen from story from LAtimes.com
I remember my first taste of a traditional caipirinha. Living in Miami, many of my friends were from Brazil and knew the drink well. I would see them drink it and it was only a matter of time before I began to indulge myself.
So what is a Caipirinha, anyway- besides a confusing to pronounce alcoholic beverage? A traditional one is quite simply:
muddled limes and sugar &..
2 oz cachaça
Cachaça is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from sugar cane and is most known for its relation to Brazil. It is very much the alcohol of Brazil.
A restaurant by the name of Table8 in Miami (though originally from LA as seen from the photo above) offered a black cherry caipirinha- talk about deadly and delicious! Their twist of the drink involved muddled black cherries with cachaça. It definitely was a moment of: oh, how delicious, let me devour a couple and then discover upon my first attempt to move that the world will move around for me first. It is quite potent! so beware and take caution.
Gourmet offers a recipe for a passion fruit caipirinha, which calls for the traditional recipe with the addition of pure passion fruit juice. The drink is quite simple to start which allows itself very open to fruit inspired variations.
All are grand really, it is difficult to mess up. Oh how I do love my cocktails, and I must say I have been quite happy to see this beverage show up in more and more bars across the states. This is one to keep your eyes peeled for. Try it (in small doses to start perhaps, or at a slower pace if anything else) and enjoy its luxurious flavor.
Don’t feel as though you have to wait for your bartenders to discover this for you first- they are simple to make at home provided you find the cachaça.
Make a traditional one and then make your own lavish concoction. Its really quite fun, invite some friends and make it an occasion to remember.
Alexander McQueen And Target Love
January 20, 2009
A man of design genius, the name alone makes my heart anxious. I adore the designs, the creativity, the feminine fantasies concocted by Alexander McQueen. Absolutely beautiful and heavenly.
So when I heard that he is to participate with a collection for the International line at TARGET, you can imagine my excitement- wow!
I don’t know if I can handle waiting, though I suppose I do not have the choice. Simply, I am pleased to know I will have a choice to purchase his designs and the oh so wonderful TARGET store! Yet another reason to love that place.
I haven’t seen all of the designs for this venture just yet, though I do believe a skinny jean is involved- yum, I know whatever he will do will be fantastic and fun. I am looking for some beautiful sleeves and dreamy dresses. In the mean time I felt it appropriate to bask in some of his other more luxurious designs.
Oh how much do I love these designs- they are gorgeous! So dreamy and luxurious! I cannot wait until the TARGET line is officially revealed and available, you can be certain I will be there early and ready. More to come soon on this gem of a discovery. It is planning to be revealed at TARGET stores in March of this year.
The Latest Belgian Beauty
January 16, 2009
What could be more wonderful than a luxurious abbey ale? I love my Belgian beers, and with good reason seeing as they are the best, in my opinion of course. Last night I finally was able to taste one in particular I have had an eye on for quite a while. And this one is making my favorite’s list without question.
It is the bottle that caught my attention this time- I love it. So cool to the touch with that unique texture, makes me feel at home. When I was a child, I remember actually having a water bottle of this same material. Keeps the contents extra cool and at just the right temperature. So now I have moved from a water bottle to beer, it is good to have both most likely. It does make things quite fun.
St. Sebastiaan Dark is a dark top-fermented abbey ale brewed according to the purity law of 1516. Old and true like so many of its Belgian brothers. They all have this velvety malty sort of texture that is filled with a luscious flavor- each beer having its own distinct taste.
This one, with a smell of spice and caramel has a slightly bitter sweet bite to it that is marvelous. Honestly, when I first tasted it, Gingerbread came instantly to mind. And I do love gingerbread. It works wonderfully in this form- so delicious! I cannot wait to purchase another.
Seriously, like dark gingerbread- so heavenly.
They have some other styles and tastes I will have to try from them; dark is usually my favorite so I grabbed it first naturally. I think the Grand Cru will be next on my list.
A gorgeous bottle with the contents to match- so fabulous. I would have been disappointed if it wasn’t anything other than great. My Belgian beers never let me down though, so all is well and better than ever.
This is a must try- loves! And what perfect timing, a taste right before my birthday. May have to try the other tomorrow in celebration, who knows.
Lavender Beauty with a Radiant Glow
January 14, 2009
When was the last time you were given a bracelet that you instantly loved and felt connected with? It glows when you wear it and somehow you just feel pretty and fabulous, and even invincible, to the world. It is rare to find such a charm, but you know it when it happens.
For me, it is my lavender beauty:
And what beautiful timing for such a treat! My fiance has done very well with this one 
I’m quite the lucky little lady, as he always surprises me with the most wonderful things.
I love everything about this bracelet- especially the way it feels when I put it on. It is so light and delicate yet you can really sense a strong and powerful energy radiate from it. It is gorgeous!
And for me, it matches my personality and love of fashion and femininity.
I love it when jewelry has a soft and unique sound to it, and when I move these glass lavender beads make such a beautiful and soft little song. I love how they dangle from a single thin and solid band- and just look at the beads themselves, the color is so rich and gorgeous, quite even more so in person. A heart with a delicate little design- love it. I will admit I do love hearts, maybe it is the girlie child love in me but I so do still adore them.
I can wear this and not feel like it was intended for a child as a toy, though- which I like. It isn’t always easy to pull a heart off in jewelry without looking forced or foolish. And I think once again LOVEMADDS accomplished it flawlessly here.
It isn’t often a luxury like this one comes along- and you can be sure I will not be letting this discovery go, either. I am constantly excited to see what she is creating next; Madeline Rhodes is a designer with an energy of her own you can genuinely see and feel in each one of her designs. Am looking forward to seeing even more from her.
As well as indulging and treating myself The beauty of each piece having a unique personality and charm, too is that it makes for the perfect present. I have some very fashionable friends who can be difficult to shop for at times- the will they love it or hate it factor can be troublesome in department stores. But with her collection and its uniqueness I don’t have to worry and know my friends will love it! Who doesn’t love a one-of-a-kind hand crafted gem designed just for them? So fabulous!
Am looking forward to a pretty and fabulous birthday this weekend- it arrived just in time!
