Drinking and Driving.

Yes. I have had a lot of things happen that changed my life forever! But this, this has been the most life changing ever! This Valentine's Day was not only my youngest daughter's birthday, but also the day that I lost one of my best friends, my only brother. At about five am February 14, 2009 my bothers life was taken partly because of a drunk driver and mostly because of God's will. It is very hard to try to understand why. I shouldn't even ask why. It has been a week and one day... Seems like minute sense this happened. The funeral services and the graveside services all went so fast that I did not even have time to think. I am still going on shock mode right now. I have all these feelings that I have not even began to let out. Mad, sad, overwhelmed, shocked, numb, tired, Mad!, thankful, shocked and Mad. Just to name a few. I have heard from several caring loved ones and friends that it is a process. A grieving process. What in the world does that mean? I will grieve my brother's death until the day I die! I am also having to deal with all these feelings about this drunk driver, which was also a good friend of my brothers.

Please I beg of you, Please think of your children, your sister, your brother, your family, other families before you drink, must less drink and drive!

Could you live with your self if you were to hurt some one while drinking and driving. Could you live with your self if you involuntary murdered someone while drinking and driving?

No, I know that this is not something that usually crosses someones mind during a party or before leaving a bar or even your own home for that matter. I do know that somethings hit home, and will stick with you forever if you experience it first hand.
And I will tell my story over and over again until the day I die, so maybe just one person's eye will open and maybe some one's life could be saved.

Event Themes

The Sky is the limit when it comes to choosing a theme for your event. Let your imagination run wild! I have come up with a small list of theme ideas to help you get started. Remember to keep in mind your color choices and the color pallet that goes along with it.

Butterflies/Dragonflies/Fairytale/Garden/Hawaiian/Masquerade/Medieval/Military
Elvis/Monogram/Movie/Rain forest/RockNRoll/SilverandGold/Tropical/Vintage/Pacific
Winter/TiffanyBlue/Hearts/PerfectPear/Candy/Daisy/Summer/Fall/Christmas/Western/
Ocean/Angel/Victorian/Nautical/Beach/Birds/BlackandWhite/Casino/
Celestial/Cultural/Disco/Fantasy

Valentine's Day Is Just around the corner.

This is my one of my favorite times of the year! The time of year that reminds you why you fell in love with your special someone to begin with. Hearts, Flowers, Candy, Romantic Dinners, and the color Red ( my favorite)! Some people have that romantic sytle, and some don't... I have found some great ideas online if you need a little push on creativity.


This year don't forget about the kids... bake some cookies, send I love you notes in their school lunch. Give them chore free pass! My kids love that!

Me and my husband like to think of our parents on all holidays, so we make sure we either give them a call or send them a cute card.

Remember it's the thought that counts>

Wine of the Month - February 2009

We are creating a new post for Wine of the Month
We will be posting a new wine each month. Courtsey of www.winemonthclub.com

Wine of the Month February 2009

Pedroncelli Dry Creek Valley Family Vineyards Petite Sirah 2005 – USA
Lovingly made, Pedroncelli wines are known for their consistent quality from vintage to vintage: they always exhibit rich fruit flavors, layered balance, and a readiness to drink upon release. Above enjoying the quality of their wines, however, partaking in a glass of Pedroncelli wine is like becoming a member of the family and sharing in their love of wine.
Red grape varietals predominate at Pedroncelli. Merlot, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, and Zinfandel are just a few of Pedroncelli's finest Sonoma County offerings. Sauvignon Blanc is a real success at Pedroncelli, too, and it remains one of the winery's fairer claims to fame.

Accompaniments: Petite Sirah is the perfect potion with all kinds of flavorful foods. Grilled rib eye steaks served with garlic mashed potatoes; wood grilled double cut lamb chops brushed with extra virgin olive oil and seasoned with fresh mint and rosemary; grilled spicy Italian sausages, peppers, and onions; and just about any other meat or vegetable suitable for the grill will match up nicely with Pedroncelli's Petite Sirah. Spicy rubs and barbecue sauces won't phase this charming, hedonistic wine, either. Classic Italian favorites pair nicely with this Petite Sirah, too. Brick-oven-cooked pizzas and calzones; Pasta Fresca with fresh buffalo mozzarella, basil, vine ripe tomatoes, olive oil, and herbs; and Chicken Marsala constitute some of our favorite offerings with this wine. Moreover, complex Northern Italian specialties that rely more on rice, mushrooms, truffles, and complex sauces provide other excellent complements to Pedroncelli's masterful Petite Sirah. Enjoy!
 
For the Love of Cheese: Petite Sirah is a cheese lover's dream. It offers the ideal accompaniment to most cow, goat, and sheep's milk cheeses. Consequently, the 2005 Pedroncelli Family Vineyards Petite Sirah pairs equally well with Cheddar and Edam as it does with Chèvre and Pecorino Ardent cheese aficionados may even want to match this delicious Petite Sirah with traditional crusted French cheeses such as Brie and Camembert. For more information about gourmet cheeses and cheese pairings, we invite you to consult our In Pursuit of Cheese website at www.cheesemonthclub.com