Living Well Etc.

  Celebrate With a Mother and Daughter Tea Party! May is all about Mother's Day and what better way to celebrate than to have a tea party with just the girls.  So, let's get ready for the big day by learning what to do for our special party!  Plan the Party Together!  Mom , it's best to involve your daughters in the planning of your party.  If you wish to invite other mothers and daughters, you will need to consider how many you can afford to host and accommodate.  Once this is decided, decide on what type of invitations to send.  Creating your invitations is so easy these days and will help to create the desired mood. Moreover, it is a fun activity to share with your daughters.  Note : E-invitations are acceptable as well.  Just make them special!  You may wish to include attire choice on your invitations.  Dressing up is part of the tea party experience.  Encourage your guests to wear d...

After many years of visiting our great state of California’s countless wineries, I've found the key to creating the perfect wine tasting experience.   Furthermore, I'm sharing it with you.   Shhhh...we don't want everyone learning about this.   It's our little secret. Create a Moment with the Pourer Just about everyone loves attention and the pourer at the winery is no different.   This person usually knows quite a bit about the wines and most often wants to share it.   So, inquire about the wines, how the grapes are grown, and where.   Ask questions, even if you consider the questions to be too simple.   The plus side is that you just may learn more as well.   My favorite question is, "What am I smelling in this wine?   I can't seem to identify it." Now if the tasting room is empty besides you and the pourer, usually, the more you engage this person, the more he/she will share.   For example, during a visit to Silverado Vineya...

Look out baby, Memorial Day is nearing so barbecue season has officially begun        I bet this sounds familiar.    You are standing in the middle of your backyard, drooling on the bucket of just pulled weeds, because an enticing aroma of yummy barbecue wafts through the air.    Sadly, it is not coming from your grill.    The bad and good news of this tasty temptation is that I'm that neighbor torturing you with mouthwatering BBQ aromas, but I'm letting you in on some of my secrets!   Good BBQ begins in the kitchen Although not a food snob, I am particular.  I believe that the best 'cue begins in the kitchen.   Fresh food is a must, and it has to be cooked just right.  Moreover, whatever goes on the grill must be bursting with flavor.  Luckily, I have a prolific herb garden.  This won't rub you the wrong way Since I tend to lean toward Mediterranean dish...