Showing posts with label summer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label summer. Show all posts

Monday, August 11, 2014

Summer White Wines


It's important to not only have your favorite summer whites in regards to clothing, but with wine as well. I'm typically a red wine type of gal, but during the summer months, white wine is much more refreshing and pairs nicely with so many light dishes. From left to right are a few of my favorites:

Cotes de Provence Rosé found at Trader Joe's is my go-to summer staple. We usually have at least one bottle in our wine cooler at all times, and it's always sad when the store's shipments run out - a true sign summer has officially ended.

Chateau St. Michelle Chardonnay is another chilled white I can find  at any grocery store or restaurant. When I can't find another interesting white to try, this one can usually be found in my basket. It goes great with some fantastic cheese boards my husband puts together and is a crowd pleaser when we have company.

J Pinot Gris is described as "crisp, with bright fruit and a kiss of mineral," which fits perfectly, however I like to think of it as my "fancy wine." The bottle is sleek and minimalistic and the taste is just as elegant.  

Cupcake Winery Sauvignon Blanc is a white I like to drink with my girls while watching episodes of The Bachelor and snacking on treats. Their wines are usually pretty fruit forward but not too sweet and this sauv blanc is no exception. Always a winner in my book!

Gnarly Head Authentic White is a smooth, white blend you can enjoy anytime, anywhere. It's complex enough with the different grapes used and can be paired with anything from a fresh salad, to seafood.

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Wednesday, July 2, 2014

3 Things for July

July is my favorite month of the year; not only is it my birthday, but also the Independence Day holiday, which brings back many memories from my childhood. My siblings and I would ride our bikes around the neighborhood like fanatics, run through the sprinklers in sweltering heat and enjoy homemade vanilla ice cream that my grandma whipped up. Summer nights are especially my favorite because it doesn't get dark until late and dining alfresco is the best. Here are three things I'm looking forward to this month:


Yes, I love a good fireworks show. Although we can see the Sea World fireworks show nightly during summer from our place, I still enjoy the show put together every 4th of July. As I noted before, it's a nostalgia thing for me.



The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale which starts in a couple weeks (early access for card members starts next week on my birthday)! I just received my catalog in the mail last night and already see some goodies I would love to score for fall.

Image via Martha Stewart
Trying out Rose Sangria with this recipe from Martha Stewart:


Ingredients

Directions

  1. Step 1

    In a pitcher, combine fruit. Stir in sugar. Add Framboise; let sit at least 1 hour. Stir in wine and juice. Serve chilled.


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Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Summer Traditions

With summer quickly approaching this Saturday, I've been thinking of little traditions that my husband and I have made up over the seven years we've been together. One of them has been to go to the local county fair, hit up the photo booth for some goofy pics and take a spin on the 'ole Ferris wheel. Sometimes there is questionable fried food or sugary-sweet cotton candy involved, but we always do at least the first few items when we go. This past weekend I was graciously given complimentary tickets to the Hunter Hayes concert at our fair, so we were more than thrilled to combine my love for country music with our yearly trip to the fair. We had a great time at the show (maybe me more than my husband) and got to check off our fair bucket list. Needless to say, it was a great way to kick off our summer and I'm looking forward to more summer fun to come!

Do you have any summer traditions? I'd love to hear about them!

Waiting for Hunter Hayes to start
Photo Booth fun
The Grand Ferris Wheel

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Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Panzanella Bread Salad


Image via Italian Food Forever
 The other night I came home from work exhausted and could not think of a single thing to cook for dinner in the heat. Enter, Panzanella Bread Salad {a.k.a Tuscan Bread and Tomato Salad}. I love whipping up a batch of this when summer rolls around and the urge to turn on the stove is at zero. I modified this recipe from Cup of Jo by adding some fresh mozzarella cheese and cucumbers, but you can really add anything you want to it. I also suggest using fresh bread that you bake, as opposed to fake croutons that some recipes say you can sub {yuck}. It's such an easy, versatile recipe that I know I'll be making it for future barbeques and get togethers with friends.

What is your favorite go-to recipe for summer?

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Monday, June 2, 2014

3 Things for June

It's hard to believe that another month is already upon us. Where has this year gone; seriously? June is one of my favorite months because it's the start of summer, which is my absolute favorite season of the year. Here is what I'm looking forward to this month:


Getting in beach/pool time whenever I can. Luckily my husband and I live close to the beach and bay, so sun time is always in our horizon whenever the weather cooperates. So far we haven't seen much of the dreaded "May Gray, June Gloom" that San Diego can experience. I officially have my summer tote packed and ready to go at a moment's notice!



Jessica Alba's The Honest Company will launch at my favorite go-to retailer Target on June 15th. The Honest Company offers non-toxic and eco-friendly products that are better for the environment, families and wallets. I'm all about using natural products around our house, so I know I'll be picking up some these items on my next trip to the 'ole bulls-eye.

Image via Heartfelt Confessions
Nothing screams SUMMER like a fresh, white mani. I picked up Essie's Blanc polish last week and plan on updating my toes and digits ASAP.

What are you looking forward to in June?

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