Loving The Cocktails, Mmm…
June 17, 2009
The following post has been presented for your viewing pleasure! Some cocktails just make your mouth water staring into them, these are definitly strong candidates, talk about yummy.
I could take a bath in this first one, it is so lovely. And it is a nice balance- you cannot identify any of the ingredients since nothing overpowers another, they just blend perfectly for a unique, clean, crisp and delightful taste. I don’t know all the ingredients in this one, but I do know that gin, pineapple, and a sage leaf are involved. This drink, called the “first growth” is perfect for any occasion or mood.
Next, how about a glass of “paradise”? Also a very refreshing number, the citrus is beautiful in this aperitif. With freshly squeezed orange juice, apricot brandy, and gin- this classic cocktail is easly found to be a paradise indeed.
Next up we have a mystery cocktail- and by that I mean something the bartenders came up with after having some fun in the bar. We were fortunate enough to be included in these games with a glass of our very own to enjoy. And it was a welcoming treat. I love the look of perfect ice cubes- such attention to detail. Being this was a surprise, I couldn’t tell you the ingredients so you’ll just have to enjoy with your eyes on this one.
And I’ll finish off with a dessert cocktail, which clearly this one is and a very yummy one at that. The classic “Brandy Alexander” for your sweetest dreams. With brandy, creme de cacao, half-and-half/heavy cream, and nutmeg this is a luxurious way to finish an evening. So rich and smooth!
All of these cocktails were enjoyed at Anvil and prepared by our favorite bartender, Sebastian- he always selects and creates the best cocktails for me. Gotta love that!
Some Looks Into Last Night With Cigars
May 26, 2009
I love what I love- and enjoy balancing my indulgences in pleasurable amounts. It keeps them special and appreciated. Those who know me know that I love my food and drinks as much as I do my fashion; I like to appreciate all the small details that go into something, whatever it may be. Of my loves, cigars definitely appear on the scene. And always with friends, wonderful drinks, and lasting memories.
There is something so relaxing and delicious about a cigar that the experience itself is the reward, for me. They seem to highlight events and successes and increase the bond between you and your guests.
Keep in mind that you never inhale a cigar- I’ve never been a smoker of cigarettes or ever cared to, but I do love my occasional and delightful cigar. They are two very different worlds.
So the other night at Anvil, when we unexpectedly ran into some dear friends- after having many delightful drinks we decided to make an event of the evening and enjoy some cigars outside. We had some on us just in case, it felt like a night of celebrating which is why we went to Anvil in the first place.
I have been enjoying the Habano Nub cigars lately- very impressive, they pull like a full cigar for their size and are very tasty. Beautiful construction.
It seems whenever I find out that a friend of ours enjoys cigars, the bonds become tighter and the stories that unfold are so wonderful. It is always a very happy and relaxing experience that leaves room for new ones to come.
Just thought I would share another glimpse into the other evening with you, I feel you are all so close to me it is only right that I include you in these moments, too.
I have some new cigars waiting for an occasion to come up, and will let you know what they are and how they taste as the time comes. They will have their moment. In the mean time, I have some fabulous fashion posts coming up that you will love- see you tomorrow!
A Love Of Wine And Its Fabulous Accessories
May 3, 2009
Do you love wine as much as I do? Then I am sure you will love these fabulous accessories. I’ve had quite a lovely collection coming along and felt the need to share it with you- some things make tasting a simpler and more enjoyable process. (Not to mention cleaning up and serving).
Let’s begin with the wine aerator- I love this thing! We’ve always had a decanter, but sometimes you have guests come over rather quickly and want to begin serving immediately (or perhaps you are alone at home and just want a glass without all of the fuss).
This is a gem we were given for Christmas- what an amazing gift, we use this constantly. You pour the wine through the aerator into the glass and it makes a funny little sound as it allows the appropriate amount of air to pass through, letting the wine breathe.
You can really taste what a wine has to offer with this little beauty, I highly recommend one! And they are so simple to use and require very little maintenance in cleaning or storage.
Next is the wine glass tree, pictured far above and right above with glasses. These make the cleaning process so much easier and takes up little space which is a nice bonus. Having a little tree that holds the glasses while they dry saves me a lot of time and work. I can clean the glasses and leave them to hang while I return to my guests- something I much prefer doing.
You can see one of our new pinot noir glasses hanging there, too- we like to have various styles of glasses for all of our varietals, it is fun and delightful for allowing the proper breathing room for the wine.
And finally there is our latest wine toy- the wine refrigerator! This one has two chambers so that we can separate our white wines from our reds. This one is just the right size (so many others can be huge, especially when two chambers are involved), and has the nice wooden shelves that slide out. There is a little blue light inside that adds a nice touch, and overall I like the look of this fridge.
More so, though is the pleasure of having our wines at a lovely temperature and ready to serve. Combined with the aerator, the wine is cool and is allowed to breathe just right. Lovely!
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.
A Little Miso For The Heart
February 18, 2009
Nom. One of the things I have enjoyed while being ill this past week involves the simple pleasures of life. While being cuddled up and cozy in bed, my hunny who was taking care of me brought me one of these simple little treats that just made my day. Some miso soup.
I love miso soup, and for some odd reason never really thought of having it while I was ill. Usually it is something I have before a meal of sashimi and sushi. But my hunny, knowing what I love and being the wonderful man that he is, prepared some for me to cheer me up and make me feel better.
It was perfect, meeting all my cravings in one cute little bowl. When sick, for me- sometimes I want everything and nothing all at the same time. The texture keeps beautifully (very important since taste generally doesn’t hold up when we are not feeling well) and the subtly of the taste was enough for me to notice and enjoy.
Whether you are feeling ill or better than ever, a bowl of miso soup is always a pleasure.
A Time for Tasty Little Indulgences
January 28, 2009
Don’t you just love the special little treats that make a meal or an evening oh so special? Sometimes it means spending that extra on a fine wine or on an extraordinary appetizer. And other times it means being included in having a special home made and off the menu limoncello while dining at a restaurant with friends. This weekend I had the pleasure of indulging in both!
After experiencing another incredible Master Mind in Tampa, we enjoyed a lovely dinner at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse. A favorite appetizer of ours is their seafood medley pictured above- talk about delicious. This was a much awaited treat and we were not disappointed. Lobster, crab, shrimp, and more all pleasantly ready to be devoured- yum.
There is never a bite missed- and it makes for the perfect indulgence before our steaks. The best of both worlds, definitely a grand occasional treat. Makes it all the more special that we only have it with our friends.
Next, on the following evening Timothy and I were treated to a delightful dinner with his father and step mom at this hidden gem of a restaurant near their home. A wonderful Italian restaurant whose owner is from Italy- the food is always wonderful and better each time we go- quite difficult to do. The best part to me is the dessert, where the owner is kind enough to offer us some of his homemade limoncello- DELICIOUS! I love limoncello, and when properly done it is especially divine.
Yes, sometimes some special and oh so tasty indulgences are called for, and especially when loved ones can be involved. What are your special treats?
I Never Thought I Would Do This Fashion Nightmare
September 4, 2008
Oooooh, yes- so much for never. It all happened accidentally, and it would almost have to.
Its one of those 80′s looks of the past that is so laughable- my fiance insisted I try on these ridiculous jeans so that we may laugh at them together. We couldn’t believe they had so many acid washed jeans on display- it was such a joke we had to partake. And the joke’s on me apparently.
I totally like them- I mean I actually like these jeans. I NEVER thought I would say or admit these words, but these are a cute pair of jeans- darn them. It wasn’t until I had them on that I came to this realization. And by no means am I going to look for more or encourage them to return- but this particular pair.. darn their cuteness.
Even the buttons at the bottom are kind of cute to me now. And I am not a jean person to begin with, but these fit me like a dream. I couldn’t pass them up.
Ugh, okay but on an actually current and happy to
indulge upon fashion note- another killer top from Richard Chai has been added to my wardrobe (with the jeans no less).
It has extra long sleeves and is slightly open in the front from the top and bottom- with a low neckline and a high center line. I like how it flows out but still feels comfortable and fitted. It allows for movement- both functional and for show, and it moves lovely.
The little buttons on the shoulder are a nice touch, too. Again with the detail, I am quite pleased.
Alright- I’ve admitted to taking pleasure in my fashion crime, and even brought something nice to make up for it. Think what you want but I love it. Maybe the top helped me pull it off- I don’t know but I’m doing it.
Vintage Beautiful Vintage
April 28, 2008
In love with wine as much as me? Its such a beautiful thing, especially when enjoyed among loved ones. The other night I had the pleasure of a wonderful dinner with my boyfriend, his father, and a dear friend- and soon to be sommelier I may add as well. Wine with them is always a delight, and last night was no different. Always something beautiful and always something interesting. Vintage- we all notice the year but maybe do not give all the thought to it. Well, here is for a little more thought and practice.
Last night we had two wonderful bottles of pinot noir- and mind you of the same kind- or so it would seem. The first was of 2002, fruit forward and lovely. Along with dinner, and still a bit of wine remaining, we then moved to the 2005. Wow, you can really tell the difference from such a short little time- the harvest, the year, all that was done differently between the two- subtle gems that I insist you must try comparing side by side.
It was such a delight- look the next time you are shopping or at a restaurant and about to enjoy your favorite wine. If different vintages are available, having them side by side is a must to really reveal what the wine has to offer.
Explore the most of your wine and beloved vineyards.
