Happy Hour

Happy First Week Back to School.  Or at least in my house. It's been quite the week. All the Things. All the Emotions. My baby girl started Kindergarten. My big boy started his last year of Middle School and my little boy started his last year of Elementary School.  We're doin' it. Getting back in the routine really is good for all. We all do miss our Summer nights in the pool with a glass of wine in hand. However, it was all smiles this week. A lot of Firsts and a lot of lasts. No one ever said being a mom was for the weak. If your a mom. Your strong. Because you have to be. For the first time in probably 13 years I am taking a moment to breathe. Putting myself on the priority list. Turning the music up. Going to the gym. Taking a Shower. Celebrating this little family of mine.  This party of five that gives me more joy than I could ever write down. My cup runneth over. And I am so very grateful. I was in it to win it this Summer ....with my 3 very special kiddos. We left it all on the table and had the best time. But now, it's game on. It's time for these kids to fly. Be their best. Learn, grow, and dream big. I smell greatness and I will be here cheering these kids on everyday. Because thats what I do. Thats what we all do as moms. It's our job. No paycheck for this job.  But its the most rewarding one...and I wouldn't have it any other way. I was meant for this one. With all that being said, my mornings are starting early! Couldn't be happier that it's Friday. I am ready for a fun family drive way happy hour. Time to get a good  bottle of wine to celebrate all the things. I got this little treasure over the Summer, and its  quite delicious. Meet Octopoda Cabernet Franc from the the North Coast. This red is a mouthful. It's luscious and fruity. It's a great bottle to sip on at the end of the day at the beach or with a delicious BBQ. It's complex with  its Cherry and Blueberry Flavors with a touch of leather and violet. You will love the way this wine feels on your palette. The package on Octopoda is fantastic. Presentation on this package is so good. Looks good and tastes good. You can find deals on this wine! It's $20 and under. It's a great value. It's a must try for your Happy Hours! Happy Friday Ya'll!  We did it! Have a great weekend. Cheers!!

Happy Hour

Happy Summer and Happy Friday Friends! After a long day with the kids in the Summer time I still crave a good glass of red wine even in warm temperatures. Crank the air down and pour a good glass of wine  in the evening and it's quite a nice Happy Hour. A great way to end the day with your favs! We recently got this great bottle of  wine called Cune Rioja Reserva. Its fantastic and under $30.  This red is fresh and well balanced bursting with plum flavors. The black cherry and licorice flavors make it great to drink on it's own or paired with many variety of cheeses or poultry. Cune Wines are found at most retail shops. Total Wine is always a good choice if you are looking for specific brands. You can always request from  your local wine stores. I am also obsessed with fresh sunflowers from local farmers markets for the Summer. It's so bright and cheerful for your home. Loving the new Vineyard Vines Pop up Shop at Target too. These adorable Kitchen Towels are my new fav. All around  feeling happy and summering with a great bottle of wine. Enjoy your Happy Hour. And Remember drinking good wine, with good food, in good company is one of life's most amazing pleasures! Cheers Friends! Happy Friyay!

Happy Hour

Hi Friends, It's a Fabulous Friday and we are about to take this Friday to a Friyay! Anybody else countdown the week till Fridays. It seems as if we all try and stay in line with eating and exercising during the week but when Friday hits...its like all bets are off. It's time to celebrate and let loose! We all work hard and deserve a little fun. Apparently most of Americans have hit record-high levels of stress and anxiety in this world of hustle and bustle! We must set our boundaries and be productive but stop and live in the moment and enjoy life. It's a happy balance. It's ok to say no!  We must dive into a fabulous Friday and weekend with excitement and preparation! Margarita's anyone? It is the big Cinco de Mayo this weekend! A good Margarita with some Chips and Salsa and we are in business. You can keep it simple and make some fantastic Margaritas by your pool or hit your local favorite Mexican Hot Spot and dive into the best! So, I have a weakness for Nacho's and a great Margarita! Ok, and Guac too! Who doesn't get excited for a good Mexican Night.  One of our favorite places to hit with friends is Rocco's Taco's. This place is legit! So darn good y'all! It's worth the spurge! It has a Menu of drinks and Food that will leave you with big smiles. Rocco's Taco's is local for my Tampa Friends. There are several locations all over Florida and even one in New York. The atmosphere is nothing short of a good time and the drinks and food do not disappoint. Let's get to the good stuff...the Margarita's. My favorite is a Classic Skinny Margarita....and  only skinny because I prefer Fresh Squeezed Lime and Real Aqua Nectar. I am not a  fan of all the fake mixes and ingredients that make it too sticky sweet and you know your up for a yucky hangover! I think a good Margarita is more tart than sweet. A good Premium Tequila is most necessary as well as all  Fresh Ingredients and never ever use a mix. Ever. It can be exciting and fun to get  infused Tequilas or yummy flavorful twists, but for me a good classic skinny margarita with few real  fresh ingredients and of course a salted rim is my best. BEST SKINNY MARGARITAS INGREDIENTS: 2 oz Silver tequila 2 oz Fresh squeezed lime juice 1.5 oz Cointreau 1 oz light agave nectar or simple syrup (to taste) Ice Coarse Sea Salt Lime Wedges Add all the tequila, lime juice, Cointreau and agave nectar or simple syrup to a shaker filled  with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into ice-filled glasses. Check out these glasses for Margaritas. And these too. Have a Fabulous Friday! May your Margaritas overflow with pure awesomeness! Have a great Happy Hour! Cheers!

Happy Hour

Happy Friday Friends and Happy New Year! Happy 1st Friday of the New Year! Its a new year, Fresh Starts and Fresh Feels. I thought it was most appropriate to give you a taste of my New Year Happy Hour as we all are trying to focus, feel great, and be our best. Because if we are not trying to feel and be our best we are not living our best life.  And let's face it...everyone is soul searching and making New Year's Resolutions. For me I like feeling in control of my body which in turn helps me to be in control of my mind. So controlling what goes in our bodies is going to make a big impact. The old saying you are what you eat... well there's a lot of truth to that. Anyone have that holiday bloat. Feeling like the Christmas Cookies. Boo. It's time to clean up. Detox. Feel your best! Join me in trying the most amazing and delicious Fresh Juices. It's trendy but I have my favorites for different days. Meet Clean Juice made with lots of love. Certified organic, raw, unpasteurized, and absolutely so beneficial. Check out Clean Juice Here. They offer so many different kinds of varieties of Fresh Juices  at their bar. Some of my favorites include the Black, Yellow, Sweet Greens, and Cashew Milk Latte. Try them.  Make it a Clean Happy Hour. Cheers to 2019! Wishing you all Good Health, Happiness, and lots of Love!
"Dear Friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy  in body as you are strong in spirit." 3 John 1:2

Happy Hour

Hey Friends!

It's Here. Friyay!

We made it. Tis the Season. Get ready or not friends the holidays are coming

and friends are gathering, family is calling, and parties are starting.

It's time. Today I wanted to give you some of my "Red Wine Go To's".

A little Holiday Guide for Red Wine. Stay tuned for White and Sparkling Holiday

Guide. We should all buy our Wine and have it on hand so we are holiday prepared.

If you buy wine in a 6 Pack or Case Quantity most stores give you a price break. 

I know Costco currently has deals on Case Buys. Your Red Wine Go To's

will save you for those Holiday Gatherings. You walk in with a Fabulous Bottle of Wine

and a little knowledge of what your drinking and your Winning.

I like to take it a step further for Christmas and tie a special Christmas Ornament 

on the bottle for that extra special hostess gift. I am from the South, we don't show

up empty handed. Southern Hospitality. The key here is preparation and organization. Shop now for those special yet fabulous ornaments and bottles of wine and be 

ready to shine and sparkle all season long. A good bottle of wine

is a great way to connect and gather with friends and family over the holidays.

Making people feel together and special. Sharing that intimate

time together is what makes people grow in their relationships and friendships.

I am all for modern social media and connections, but I am old fashion if you will.

I like hand written notes. Hand written calendars. And most importantly face time

with the people I love. Life is short, make sure you take the time to connect and 

break bread, and at minimum share a good glass of wine.

Is anyone ready for some good Red Wine?

Here's my Holiday Guide for Red Wine:

Josh Cabernet

Petite Petite Michael and David Syrah

Mark West Pinot Noir

Baby Blue Cabernet

Campo Viejo Rojo

Avalon Cabernet

Get ready and get prepared!

It's Friday the only decision you need to make is bottle or glass!

Cheers Friends! Enjoy your Holiday Happy Hours!

Happy Hour

Hey Friends! Happy Friday! Are you ready to take this Friday and make it a Friyay! Sometimes I feel like a cool refreshing cocktail for happy hour is just what is necessary. Vodka is definitely one of my favorite spirits  to drink. It's versatile and low calorie. Very Mixable and takes on exactly whatever cocktail your dreaming of! Last weekend we celebrated our anniversary in one of our  most favorite spots. St. Petersburg, Florida at the Vinoy Hotel. It's one of Tampa Bay's Charming Little Cities that has so many quaint little gems. We bought our very first home right by the Vinoy Hotel. So going to St. Pete and enjoying the local treasures has a lot of meaning for us!  One of those gems is Old St. Pete Vodka. I am all for supporting a Local Craft Distillery. Most of the fun bars, restaurants, and hotels feature the Old St. Pete Vodka for their specialty cocktails. I fell in love with a Cucumber Cooler at the Vinoy Hotel. The Drink had my name all over it. I am huge Cucumber fan... I kinda think I am cleansing with my cocktail!! Ha! Old St. Pete Vodka is crafted in the sunshine state by a local family. The family is all about supporting the community. It's sunshine in a bottle, the family's passion for crafting good spirits is exquisite. This is a balanced vodka with a hint of sweetness. This is a nice quality vodka for the price. It's clean and delicious! You can find a 750ml bottle of Old St. Pete Vodka for $30. Anyone ready for Happy Hour! Happy Hour is the best hour! But why limit it to only an hour!! Cheers Friends!

Happy Hour

Hello Friends!

Do I have a wine for you today!

Cracked this bottle open the other night with some friends

and I am still thinking about it's fabulousness! 

Let me introduce you to Cooper Cabernet!

This Red will have you from the minute it hits your palate.

It's a winner! It might even turn into a 2nd bottle night with 

this Cabernet. We took an ordinary night and make it extraordinary 

and grilled Steaks and Lobster and paired it with this lovely bottle of cabernet.

The art of Cooper Cabernet offers dark berry flavors with luscious vanilla

and mocha to round out the palate. The tannins are soft enough to add

balance, while giving it structure and depth.

This bottle of wine can often be found as a BOGO at Publix for 

my Southern Friends. It's under $20 a bottle...but when you 

hit the BOGO it's like the lottery! Check this passionate family of winemakers out.

The Cooper's definitely have the art of making good wine! 

 It's a Napa Wine. Specifically the Lodi Region

which is well known for one of California's most exciting regions for producing wines.

This is a great bottle to share with good friends and family.

Is it Happy Hour?

It's definitely Friyay!

Cheers to the Weekend!

"In Barrel we Toast"