My Favorite White Wines for Spring

I like red wine with my dinner.  Who am I kidding, I like red wine for lunch, appetizers, or snacks too. I had decided I did not like white wine. White wine (any white wine) was my drink of choice for my sophisticated collegiate palette.  I think I wore it out. Craig and I recently went to Napa. Early on at our wine tastings, I announced, "I no longer love white wine, but I'm willing to try."  I was wrong.  Our friends in Napa would try a glass of white in lieu of a cocktail, then turn to red for the main course.  After hours of tastings and re-training of my palette, I conceded.  I actually like white wine.  Luckily, I found a few favorites that are also easy on the budget.  It's nice to have white wine on hand for friends or for a warm day.  It's also nice to have economical options if white isn't all you drink but offers a sweet treat during spring and summer.  Here are some of my suggestions: 

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I've always been a red wine drinker but found these whites enjoyable.  If you're looking for a change with the warm weather, don't be afraid to expand your palette.  Taste it, tell me what you think.

How To Curl Your Hair

Some things never change. This weekend my girlfriends and I found ourselves packed into my bathroom doing each other’s hair as we got ready for dinner.  There are three bathrooms in my house but it felt most normal to all be packed into one gabbing as we put on makeup and fixed our hair.  Before we headed out earlier that day, Saturday morning I had curled my hair.  My friend Lindsey loved the ‘do’ and wanted to learn how I got the look.  to get her hair to look similar.  I shared my secrets with her and will share them with you.  Admittedly, my friend Grace taught me how to curl my hair and I had to practice.  Many a ponytail was worn after attempting to get the perfect curl.  Here’s how to get that wavy, beachy look. 


Step 1:  Using at 1 ½ inch curling iron place a large section of your hair and clip the curling iron near the crown of your head, facing away from your face.  

Step 2:  Slide the curling iron down your hair slightly loosening the clip allowing you to move down your hair, curling as you go.  The hair should be wrapping around the curling iron still relatively close to your head instead of moving down the hair away from your head.

Step 3: Once you’ve gotten to the end of your hair and it’s curled around the curling iron, hold the hair for 2-3 seconds.  

Step 4: Loosen the clip just enough to pull the curling iron out of your hair.  I pull it down to my shoulders trying to allow the curl to hold

Step 5: Spray your hair with hair spray.  You can do this after each curl or when you've finished curling your entire head. 

Step 6: Tossle your hair to loosen and combine the various curls allowing the beachy wavy look

Nashville: Girl's Weekend

This weekend I had some of my oldest girlfriends in town.  We ate a lot and did some serious shopping.  It was fun to catch up with old friends.Today I’m going to share some fun things for you and the ladies to do next time you’re in Nashville.  There are so many great options that it’s hard to boil them down but here are some of my favorites. 

Dinner:

Josephine’s on 12th – Josephine’s has a great bar area complete with a lounge making it the perfect place to get a specialty cocktail before dinner.  We ordered a few small plates and meat and fish portions to split amongst the group.  Each guest is given a small box of cookies tied with red and white twine as a thank you for dining.  Nice touch.

Merchant’s – It’s located right on Broadway downtown.  I love eating downstairs at Merchant’s.  The vibe is very old school and the food is wonderful.  You know you can’t go wrong anywhere that serves duck fat fried tater tots.  Merchant’s is the perfect spot to grab dinner if you’re interested in grabbing a drink at one of the local honky tonks afterwards. 

Lockeland Table – Lockeland Table is a quaint little neighborhood restaurant in East Nashville.  They have a wonderful menu and their food always tastes very fresh.  They have a great bar area perfect for grabbing a post- or pre-dinner drink. 

Brunch:

Adele’s Nashville – Adele’s food is complimented by it’s wonderful venue.  Belly up to the bar or sit outside on their skyline patio.  Adele’s is housed in an old tire center and has maintained the urban feel of the original space.

Pinewood Social – Pinewood Social is a mess of things, between bowling, an outdoor pool, and an airstream bar, there is a lot going on.  But, it works!  Pinewood social is a fun spot to gather with friends.  You can sit at the bar, book a private room, rent a lane, or sit at one of the many quaint sitting areas set up with couches and coffee tables. The food is comparable to the atmosphere and will not disappoint.

Marche – This is hands down my favorite place to get brunch in Nashville! You will likely encounter a wait at Marche but grab one of their yummy coffee drinks and look around at some of the local products by some of Nashville’s artisans. 

To Do: 

Mokara Spa: Head downtown to the Omni to enjoy a massage and some relaxation at the Mokara Spa.  Each massage comes with a complimentary glass of champagne and access to the rooftop pool. The lounge area provides the perfect place to catch up and have some good old fashioned girl time.

Franklin, TN – just outside of Nashville is a quaint little town, Franklin, TN.  Franklin has great antique shopping, boutiques and tasty restaurants.  It’s a great place to spend the morning or afternoon.

Arrington Vineyards – Nestled in the Arrington hills just outside of Nashville, Arrington Vineyard is a beautiful place to enjoy the views and local wine.  Pack a picnic before heading out and enjoying Music in the Vines and wonderful setting.

Guestroom Essentials

As I mentioned yesterday, I am having a much needed girl's weekend with some of my oldest friends.  This is the first set of house guests that will be enjoying the two guest rooms in the old part of the house.  Now that we have more space and a place for guests to spread out and relax, I want to be sure they have everything they need.  In between the two bedrooms is an awkward little hallway.  I've never really known what to do with it.  Then it hit me. This is the perfect spot for a "guest station" complete with everything they might need for the weekend. 

I searched Pinterest to get some ideas.  I started with the basics.  Towels, water, washcloths.  I bought a cookie jar and filled it with all travel sized toiletries I picked up at Target.  If you travel, there are often great samples in your hotel.  If you don't use them, bring them home to make available for your guests.  Boutique hotels often times have local shampoos, conditioners, and lotions that would be a perfect addition to your guest station! In addition to the basics I added some water bottles and magazines for guests to have for the weekend.  

I also added a framed note including our wireless account and password so guests can access wifi if needed.  Hopefully this station will help my guests feel right at home and have everything they need.  I'm certain there is something I have forgotten. If you don't have a small hallway you can easily place a small basket at the end of the bed or fill a portable cart that can be put in the guest room when needed.  It doesn't take more than a little time and planning to make guests feel right at home.

Coffee Bar For Your Guests!

This weekend some of my best friends from high school are coming to visit.  There are four of us that try to get together once a year or so for some good, ole-fashioned girl time.  I love having a glass of wine and staying up late just chatting.  I also love waking up, pouring a cup of coffee, and lounging around in your PJs.  

I’ve set up a coffee station in my kitchen which allows for the early risers to get a head start on their morning cup of Jo.  The coffee station has everything you need to get the day started, complete with cups, sugar, creamer, and coffee.  I have the Keurig set on a timer so it will be ready for brewing when the first guest awakens (if they get up before the Keurig, they should probably still be in bed). During the winter, spring, and fall I keep a basket of blankets handy so folks can grab one and snuggle up.  

There is something so comfortable about grabbing a blanket, a cup of coffee, and just easing into the day.  It’s a welcomed change from the M-F morning grind. Inevitably stories come up from the night before which give everyone a smile.  Coffee with friends and family is just a really nice way to start the day.  You've made it this far, it's hump day! Here's to hoping you get to enjoy some down time this weekend!

National Puppy Day!

Yesterday was National Puppy Day! I was so caught up with celebrating the Persian New Year I didn’t give George a proper shout out.  George is my handsome four-legged friend.  He is a Wheaten Terrier and will give you the proper Wheaten Greetin’ upon first meeting. Before I met Craig I had my own dog, Lola, who passed away at a young age.  The sadness I felt after losing Lola made me really think twice before getting another dog.  It took months of convincing but finally I gave in.  Craig wanted a golden retriever and I wanted less dog hair.  We dog sat for a Wheaten Terrier and were hooked.  Wheaten’s are hypoallergenic meaning they don’t shed. I love that you don’t see or smell my dog as soon as you walk into my house.  Without further ado world, meet George.  

He loves taking car rides.  

Swimming in pools. 

Hunkering down...

And snuggling up. 

We can’t imagine life without this little fella!

Happy Nowruz: Persian New Year

This weekend we celebrated Nowruz, the Persian New Year.  Our good friend is Persian.  His wife thought this would be a great way for us to kick off spring while honoring her husband and his family’s traditions. Nowruz means “new day” in Farsi.  The afternoon started on the rooftop where we enjoyed cocktails, traditional Persian appetizers, and a wonderful view.  We snacked on pistachios, grapes, feta, crackers, cucumbers, and hummus.  Once the cocktail hour was over we headed downstairs to eat.  We were greeted with a lovely long table adorned with tulips and other gorgeous spring flowers.   

Just next to the table was the ceremonial Haftsin (the seven s) table. Traditionally, families gather around this ceremonial table that symbolizes success and happiness in the new year.  

We feasted on lamb, rice, chicken, roasted vegetables, feta, and fried rice.  We drank Shiraz wine as my friend's family originally came from Shiraz.  Following dinner we enjoyed pistachio ice cream with pomegranate seeds and pistachios.  The combination of flavors was wonderful. 

I loved being outside and enjoying spring with our close friends.  I also loved learning more about Nowruz. It’s nice to take some time out to focus on our blessings and the friends for which we are so thankful. 

Hippity Hoppity. Easter Is On It's Way!

Happy weekend y'all! T minus 8 or so hours between you and a few days off! This weekend we will be watching some basketball.  Saturday we'll be attending my friend Helen and Rod's Nowru party celebrating the Persian New Year.  In between all of those things I plan to do a little Spring cleaning and start working on my Easter tablescape.  This year the Easter Bunny has decided to make it's way to my house.  Here are a few things I hope he has in his satchel. Sidenote:  Santa had a sleigh.  How did that bunny get his eggs and goodies around the world?  Huh.

Easter goodies for the ladies: 

• Nail Polish: I'm particularly fond of this OPI color for the Spring!

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• Vino: Wine is always an acceptable gift in my book, especially if it's a bottle from one of my favorite Napa vineyards.
• Tea Towels: Anthropologie always has great kitchen accessories perfect for adding a colorful touch to your home.  These Tea Towels help to add a subtle pop of spring!
• Fresh Flowers: I love fresh tulips and daisies as they are a constant reminder that Spring has sprung.  Pick up a pretty vase with some flowers to enjoy around the home. 
• Candles:  My favorite spring candle is Bob's Flower Shop.  It's as if you died and went to flower shop heaven. 
• Cookbook: I have been eyeing these cookbooks for some time now. The photos are so vibrant and the food looks so tasty!
• Magazine Subscription: Domino is back in print. Many of us were in mourning for years when they went out of print. Get your lady a subscription to Domino or any other magazine that may fit her interests. 

  

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Easter goodies for the lads:

• Dollar Shave Club: Off with the winter beard!  I’ve heard good things about this deal.  And it’s a gift that keeps on giving.

  

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• Golf Balls: Craig insists that golf balls are his favorite gift year round.  If your lad doesn't play golf insert something from his favorite activity here.  
• Something for the Grill: The Spring is the perfect time to get out and enjoy the grill.  Pick up a salt block or salmon planks to help make that perfect spring dinner.
• Gift Card to a Carwash:  This really is a good gift for both the ladies and the lads. With the winter we've had everyone's car could use a bath!
• Boxers: Boxers are great gifts year round. 
• Magazine Subscription: Men love magazines too! Golf Digest, Garden and Gun are both great magazines for the lads.   

  

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