Wine Review: Rancho Zabaco Zinfandel 2012

Hey, Zin lovers... I found a remarkably good wine online at Wine.com, called Rancho Zabaco 2012 from Sonoma County. I learned through research that Sonoma County is second only to San Joaquin Valley for Zinfandel production in the U.S., so it's a pretty good guess they know what they're doing. Besides, being a Taurus, I liked the logo. 

This wine is 93% Zinfandel and 7% Petite Syrah. I did a little research on Zinfandel wines and, from what I read, Zin may just be the oldest varietal in the world, with evidence showing it in wine production as early as 6000 BCE. To put it in perspective, in 6000 BCE, Egyptians were just beginning to settle near the Nile.  

I also learned there is a technique in wine production that was developed specifically for Zinfandel, called Amador. There's some interesting controversy around this method which maintains the integrity of the alcohol content of the varietal.

This wine is a very deep violet red. The first thing I smell is spice and pepper over berries, typical Zin. And, on the first day, the taste was typical Zin... smoke, berries, licorice. I like it better on the second day. It's much smoother, with a velvety feel on the tongue and a nice, mocha finish.

Gotta be careful with it, though. It's very drinkable, but has almost 15% alcohol — which makes me think it should be enjoyed with food. This wine would probably work with any cuisine. I had it with a deli plate, and it was good, but what I wish I had been eating is a medium rare grilled steak with sauteed mushrooms, garlic mashed potatoes and sauteed spinach.

Wine Advocate rated it 90, I would go with that. However, I really think this wine could sit for a year or two, which would make it rate 91, at least. And, it's less than $20.

For the Love of Mushrooms

Courtesy Food Network

In order to get the full benefit of what my local farmers' market has to offer, I have to be willing to get my old butt out of bed early on a weekend... because in the case of my farmers' market, if you snooze, you lose. So, it all comes down to how willing I am to give up another hour of sleep in favor of scoring some really nice produce deals. Since I work full-time, that doesn't happen often. 

Don't get me wrong... once my bladder knows I'm awake, it becomes very insistent. But, most of the time, I fall back between the sheets and luxuriate in the knowledge that I can. But, some mornings, the old body gets to feeling frisky and says, "Let's do something!" This weekend was one of those times. 

At the market, I found an amazing deal on some white mushrooms for a fraction of the cost at the supermarket. Mushrooms are one of my favorite foods, because they are so versatile. I use them in omelets, salads, on sandwiches and, of course, every Italian dish I prepare. In fact, I eat them almost every day, for good reason. They are considered one of the "superfoods," right up there with blueberries and broccoli. 

I dug through my recipe stash for mushroom recipes and found this gem! If you like spinach mushroom lasagna, you're going to love this recipe. It's the same thing, only much easier to make with a couple of suggested modifications.

Following the recipe explicitly, it's 368 calories per serving. But, I decided to use bottled pasta sauce and eliminate the cheese sauce from the recipe in favor of a topping mixture of mozzarella and Parmesan only, which brings the calorie count down to about 300 per serving. 

Although the recipe considers a single serving to be three shells, I thought two was enough, which really drops the calorie count and makes allowance for a side salad and a nice red wine (I enjoyed it with Bogle Essential Red 2011)... or, maybe, some Italian wedding cookies or biscotti. (I'll bet that got your attention!)

Biscotti Toscani
Courtesy Food Network

You can't go wrong with the nutrition, either, especially the kind that is hugely important to boomers. Its ingredients are chock full of vitamins and minerals essential for vision, skin and cell health, immunity, bone health, heart health and boosting the body's antioxidents. 

Just in case you still are not convinced to try this recipe, I'm posting the picture of my first try to show that it's not hard. Even the culinary challenged could make this dish. Start to finish, it took about 40 minutes to prepare. (My version is half the recipe.) And, with some chopped fresh basil as a garnish, it's elegant and tasty enough to convince everyone you're a kitchen pro. Enjoy!

Ghost Pines Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Wine Review

Something new tonight, purchased online, but I think I've seen this offered locally, maybe on a restaurant wine list. It's Ghost Pines Cabernet Sauvignon 2011. This is a blend to rival all blends, not only with grapes, but with appellations. And, I'm thinking it may be my new favorite Cab.

I'm a little confused as to why the winery decided to call it a Cabernet Sauvignon, which makes up only 15%, with the majority of the grapes being Petite Syrah (48%) and Zinfandel (21%) with a little Petite Verdot thrown in 7% and 9% "other." Also, the grapes come from Sonoma, San Joaquin and Napa Counties. Here's what I found on the website:

"Each lot of our Ghost Pines 2011 Red Blend was fermented separately before blending. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah lots were cold soaked and fermented at warm temperatures to give the wine structure and depth. The Zinfandel was pumped over gently to liberate its spice characteristics, and we blended Petit Verdot from our Ghost Pines vineyard to add darkness and richness."

Whatever... it's very good.

Definitely let this wine breathe. It's gets phenomenal after about 30 minutes decanted. There's lots of dark ripe berries on the nose with a slight hint of licorice. On the palate, there's baking spice and chocolate with a little dark cherry. It has a nice tannin balance. 14.5% alcohol, so don't get carried away with the great taste! I think it would pair well with anything, but it's good on it's own, too. It was rated 90+ by every reviewer I read, and I will definitely purchase again, especially at $20/bottle on Wine.com.

Luca Malbec 2011 Wine Review

On recommendation a friend and fellow Malbec lover, I purchased a bottle of Luca Malbec 2011 from Mendoza, Argentina. This wine has everything I buy Malbec for... lots of berry aroma with what I thought was a hint of BBQ. In reading another review, it was described as hoisin and, BINGO! That's what I smell. I love hoisin, so it was no wonder my mouth started watering right away. On the taste, I get pomegranate, peppery spice, espresso and a little bit of tobacco... aka the perfect Malbec profile. Nice long finish with the taste of cola. Wine Advocate rates it 92, International Wine Cellar gives it a 91. And, I believe the ratings are well deserved.

I think it's important to introduce the creator of this wine, Laura Catena, referred to by many as the "face" of Argentinian Malbec. She is a fourth generation vintner PLUS an emergency medicine physician at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center PLUS an author and freelance writer PLUS a mother. Oh, and she's beautiful AND smart, graduating magna cum laude from Harvard, AND she got her medical degree at Stanford. Who says wine isn't good for you?

It's a little pricier than most of my choices, about $30/bottle purchased online at Wine.com. But, if you want to impress dinner guests, this is the perfect choice, because they'll swear you spent twice that. My friend said it was phenomenal with beef tenderloin, but I can imagine it going well with BBQ, Mexican food, spicy Italian and anything charcoal grilled... which qualifies it as a great summer wine for those who prefer reds. At 14% alcohol, it's no lightweight... so, please, drink responsibly. But, if you like bold, full-bodied wines, definitely drink this!

Dreaming Tree Crush 2011 Wine Review

Angel Tree, Charleston, S.C.

Ready for a new wine review? OK, then. I just happened to get a new shipment today. 

I picked Dreaming Tree Crush 2011 for my first tasting of the lot, mainly because the name reminded me of the centuries-old Angel Tree I saw while on vacation in Charleston (without a doubt, my favorite vacation, so far). The wine is a blend of 55% Merlot, 17% Zinfandel, 13% Petite Syrah, 8% Syrah and 7% other. 

Dreaming Tree is a collaboration of Dave Matthews (yes, THAT Dave Matthews) and Steve Reeder, who has a degree in Fermentation Sciences from the University of California (leave it to California to offer such a degree) and has been brewing and fermenting since he was 13.

I smell mostly berry jam, with a hint of baking spices. It reminded me of my brother's homemade cranberry sauce (which is awesome!) There's lots of semi-tart berries in the flavor, but with a slight earthy smoke backdrop and a little bit of moss.

Overall, I loved the wine because it is highly drinkable on its own, but was really good with my charcuterie plate of smoked meats and cheeses, it had a nice long finish, AND it reminded me of a treasured vacation experience. Any wine that can invoke those kinds of feelings and images is a keeper for me. 

I think you could pair this wine with just about anything, but I plan on enjoying it with a dish of farfalle and a rich, spicy tomato sauce for round two tomorrow night. 

I purchased this at Wine.com for about $15 and will buy it again. I couldn't find a rating for this vintage, but previous vintages were rated 90, and I would give this a 90, easy. 13.5% alcohol, so please drink responsibly.

Isn't It Ironic?

Wow! I actually did it!

I've posted before about how baby boomers are going to change perceptions regarding retirement, basically by choosing to pursue a secondary, or encore, career that aligns with a personal goal or passion. And, guess what! I have managed to do just that. Ain't it great when a plan works?

After fifteen years at a job in which my role had become mundane and dealing with serious personal issues at the same time, I was beginning to feel like my life had become a movie — which made me feel really old. 

The movie was "Finnegan Begin Again," starring Robert Preston and Mary Tyler Moore. (It got really bad promotion, because it's a sweet movie — about old people.) For those who have seen it, I felt I was living the life of the Robert Preston character, Mike. Ironic, in a Freudian sense.

Then, ironically, the communications medium I had declared an invasion of privacy — and the first step in the loss of civil liberty — gave me my heart's desire... the dream job... the encore career. The National World War I Museum was wanting to fill a position, for which I was uniquely suited. And, I knew this because I admired the Museum and "liked" its Facebook page. 

Again ironically, the 15 years of experience at a career I had come to loathe was instrumental in helping me get my dream job. The seniority I held at that job turned out to be leadership in an induced coma. I'm pretty sure there has to be a beatitude that covers this. And, if there isn't, there should be.

The plan had turned out to be the right direction, after all. The belief had been real. I feel I am making a living without working. How many people get to say that and mean it? 

The definition of irony is life. 

My Boomer Feet Love Dearfoams!

I'm looking forward to the impact baby boomers are going to have on the shoe market. I hate to sound "judgmentally old," but seriously... some of the things flaunted as footwear today is less about fashion and more about science fiction. I'm hoping that we will enter the "age of reason" soon and designers will start having pity on one of the most overworked and under-appreciated appendages of our bodies by taking note of the bunions, corns and foot deformities caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes. 

I am now at the age that requires flats. Arthritis in my knees and hips makes wearing heels higher than two inches sheer torture in any situation which requires more than a couple of hours on my feet. So for work, it's flats, all the way. Problem with that is, there are few truly stylish flats for winter wear that look dressy. Loafers are my mainstay and are fine with slacks, but I think dresses, especially in a social setting, require something less clunky. Hopefully, a trend will emerge.

Because my foot has some anatomical challenges — small with a very high instep and very short toes — finding shoes that are truly comfortable is not easy. I also am not fond of anything between my toes and, because my toes are so short, even flip-flops and thongs are uncomfortable as they have a tendency to slip off my foot, even while walking, requiring me to keep my toes tensed to grip. In fact, I used to spend a lot of time at home barefoot in the summer and wearing moccasins in the winter. However, I've found my true casual shoe dream in Dearfoam slippers. I own several pair, but for summer wear, these are my favorite. 

The nice thing about these slippers is that every area that touches my foot is soft and plush. Plus, they are so flexible, they stay on the foot without effort from the toes. In fact, they are so comfortable, I almost crawled into bed one night before realizing I was still wearing them. And, they look snazzy, too! 

Dearfoam has such great designs in all types of slippers for men and women on its website, some stylish enough to wear socially, it may be hard to choose just one. Luckily, they're so affordable, you can do your old dogs a favor and buy several. 

Follow Your Dreams!!

OK, if you've been following my blog for any length of time, you know that I'm a big believer in non-retirement or, as I like to call it, encore careers. And, I think a lot of baby boomers feel the same way, for a variety of reasons.

Maybe they took serious hits on their 401k in the recent bubble bursts, maybe their parents didn't plan so well for longer life, or maybe their kids have discovered a degree doesn't mean as much as it once did. 

But, in my case, I have postponed retirement because I have been able to achieve the dream... working at a job that I not only have an intense passion for, but I lucked into the unbelievable situation of working with some really cool people. I am looking forward to working until my body stops. But, for those of you who are just now tuning in, here's the nutshell... I believe, and evidence is supporting the belief that, Boomers are going to redefine retirement. We are going to change the course of American history one last time. 

As I type this, my TV is tuned into the "American Hero Channel." Military history has always fascinated me. While I enjoy learning about the strategy used in battle, I'm most interested in the humanities of war. What caused the conflict? What part did culture play in the outcome? What was the real objective?

Finally, just this year, I have been able to live what I've always known was possible... passion for a job. After putting in years working for the sake of income, I have reached the point that I can actually work for the sake of something for which I have great passion. In February of this year, I started working with the National World War I Museum in Kansas City, Mo.

It fills me with great pride to type that sentence. I love my job, I love what it stands for, and I love this city. For the first time in my life, all the stars are aligned... life is good. And, here, I have to inject the well-worn quote of George Burns with a twist of my own — if I had known living this long would be this much fun, I would have taken better care of myself. Can I get an "amen"? 

What's my point? I want to say, to everyone 59+, follow your dreams. Seriously. You can draw on your 401k without penalty if an emergency hits you. You don't have to leave anything for your kids... unless your Daddy left something to you, then it's kind of, like, you gotta pay it forward, dude. 

But, for those of us who, by the hair of our chinny-chin-chins, have taken care of our parents AND our kids, it's time we set the standard for successful retirement and, in the process, put an exclamation point on our lives, do something for ourselves... follow that dream. Cue, Elvis. 

http://youtu.be/m7d2I3m59t4

I no longer am forced to work for an income. I'm working for something that I firmly believe is important to the generations that come after me. Baby Boomers have the inglorious reputation of being the "Me Generation." And, let's face it... it's the truth. But, we have shaped history since we drew our first breath. And, here is our chance  to show following generations the meaning of retirement. And, it doesn't translate into a vacation from humanity. 

We need to teach the next generation that old is a figment of the imagination... that their grandparents were heroes... that we fought, and won, critical battles for minorities... that they are the stewards of the generation that will require heroes, just like their great grandparents... that in order to die without regret, you have to have lived. It doesn't matter what "living" means... you need to die knowing you lived. Otherwise, it was a waste of oxygen. 

If you're at a point in life that you can, FINALLY, follow a dream, I urge you to do so. Step down. Go to work for a non-profit that needs your expertise. Promote and support what you believe in. It makes all the difference in the world in how you feel about yourself! And, it teaches a valuable lesson... very valuable. As in, the survival of our way of life valuable. 

La Spinetta Barbera d'Asti 2009 Wine Review

Another new wine for me! This one is an Italian I had the pleasure of learning about on a girls night wine tasting, Spinetta Barbera d'Asti 2009. It's a new grape for me, too. The Barbera grape sounds like it is Italy's answer to California's Cabernet Sauvignon. It's hearty, highly adaptable to various terroir, and provides consistent quality and yield. It has a food friendly profile, yet is equally enjoyable on its own. Barbera is believed to have originated in the hills of Monferrato in central Piemonte, Italy, where it has been known from the thirteenth century. However, some persone malvagie brought it down in the 1980s by mixing it with methanol, causing over 30 deaths and other serious injury for many victims. But, it's making a comeback. I watched a video on Wall Street Live in which a critic raved about a Barbera wine at $75/bottle. Mama mia!! I'm gonna make you an offer you can't refuse. This one is delicious for half that amount!

If you're impressed by the legs of a wine, you'll like this one. It's dark ruby with purple tinges on the edge. On the nose, I was able to pick up earthy lavender, tea and red fruit, like raspberries and very ripe plums. The earthiness is carried into the flavor with some balsamic cherry, nutmeg, cocoa and tobacco. It opens up really well, with a smooth mouthfeel and a wonderful clean finish.

The label has a mythical rhinoceros on it, for which the vineyard's website gives no explanation other than "because..." I love that! It's so Italian to me!

Wine Spectator rated it 90. Most consumer reviews I read placed it in 88-90. I agree with the high marks. 14% alcohol, so it's no lightweight. And, while I didn't drink it with food, I can't imagine it not working with anything. However, in my mind, I thought this is a wine I would want to share with my besties while sitting around a spread of hors d'oeuvres making small talk, connecting and celebrating friendship. Yeah! It's that kind of wine. For about $30/bottle. Cint'anni! Ciao!

The Monuments Men: For the Love of History

I just saw the movie, “The Monuments Men.” If you love history, you need to see the movie. However, if you ever doubted the significance of knowing history, you REALLY need to see this movie. 

Case in point, whoever wrote the script — and since I didn’t bother looking that up, I’ll just blame George Clooney — if you’re going to make a movie about a historical event, it’s pretty important that you get your facts right. Just to be clear… The World War 1 Memorial is NOT in St. Louis. OK? I can at least take some satisfaction in knowing you got the damned state right. Now that I’ve got that off my chest…

I fervently believe that the single most significant thing that sets man apart as a species from every other animal that walks, flies or swims on this earth is our development of written communication. Since the beginning of time, when prehistoric men drew pictures on caves, more or less saying, “I was here, and this is what I saw and did,” we have had the capability of understanding what went before us. 

Whether or not that knowledge is used for good or bad is a matter of choice. History tells us there were many bad choices. And, THAT is why the knowledge of history is important. How do we know who Plato was? How do we know who Michelangelo was?  How do we know who Jesus was? And, how do we know who Hitler was?

Go see the movie. It may be one of the best 1.5 hours you’ll spend all month. It’s entertaining, it’s heartbreaking, it’s uplifting, it’s well written… except, of course, for getting the location of the World War 1 Memorial wrong. I’m still a little pissed about that. 

But, more than anything, it will show any doubters who think history is lame how wrong they are. I’m not saying everyone should be as crazy about history as I am. But, I am saying we all need to respect its importance and realize that we’re lucky there were, and still are, people who ARE crazy about it… crazy enough to die saving it. 

As George Clooney says in the movie, our achievements are our identity. And, without recorded history, whether it be paintings, sculptures, buildings or just words in a book, we have no identity.

The REAL Monuments Men

God, Morgan and Me

I personally think Morgan Freeman is one of the coolest individuals living on the planet. This quote of his explained my beliefs better than I ever could. I believe that every time we put another's well being before our own, we become Jesus, Allah or whatever Deity a person holds sacred. 

I respect every belief system, and I applaud every faith-based post and meme I see on my Facebook feed. I think it's important to put those reminders out there, to remind everyone that we're all part of a whole and, therefore, responsible for ourselves AND each other. While I don't take the Bible literally, I personally think it is one of the most important books ever written. I've never read the Koran or the Torah, but from what I know of them, I believe they are very much like the Christian Bible, basically a calling to take a high road in how we live and treat all the other creatures that exist on this planet. 

There's a house down the street from me that has posters in the yard with Bible-inspired sayings on signs in the yard, like "Seek Jesus' Face" and "There is no Love greater than the Lord's." Some people would call that fanaticism. I know I did until, suddenly one day, the signs weren't there. I NEVER realized how much I counted on seeing those signs, how instinctive it was for me to SEARCH that yard for the assurance that there were people who were so strong in their faith, they were willing to openly share it in such a manner. I felt a loss when I didn't see the signs and was, honestly, relieved to see them return in a couple of days. I don't know the people who live there, but I have resolved to stop some day and tell them how much the signs mean to me. And, while I don't think I believe in exactly the same way as they do, I'm pretty sure our hearts are in the same place.

It's about respect. It's about belief that individually we are insignificant in the whole scheme of things, but majestic in our individual ability to make change in a society that is obviously corrupt and morally sick. 

"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13) 

I can't testify absolutely that it is Jesus or God who makes me want to be a better person, but I totally get that my strength needs to be a reflection of the tenets of Jesus, Mohammed, Buddha, Martin Luther King, Mother Teresa, Mahatma Gandhi and every other defender of faith we've been blessed to know. Because, whether you want to admit it or not, the message is the same from every faith... from the beginning of time. It's pretty simple really... admit that there is a power higher than what you control and love your fellow Earthly inhabitants as much as you love yourself. How hard can that be... seriously.

I'm not religious. I am, however, deeply spiritual. And, I truly believe most of us want the same thing... peace, respect and justice. But, here's the crux... how far are we willing to go to achieve that? I believe it's time we all take a moral evaluation of where we are, where we think we should be and just what we're willing to do to create the world we know we are capable of creating. It means taking a different road, setting an example, being the person you know you want to be. I know I'm ready... are you?

Wine Review: Francis Ford Coppola Black Diamond Claret 2011

I had the pleasure of revisiting another "old friend" yesterday... Francis Ford Coppola Black Diamond Claret 2011. I love this wine, but it's been hard to find. Finally, my favorite wine retailer got some in, and I just happened in during a sale. Normal retail is about $18, I got this bottle for $12. SCORE! I bought four.

First of all, I think it's important to explain that Claret is simply the British name for Bordeaux blends. Throughout the Middle Ages, England, France and Spain were off-and-on mortal enemies. Since England didn't have a climate conducive to growing grapes, wine had to be imported. To assuage the sting of deficient terroir, the English renamed the Bordeaux blend as Claret, referring to the wine's color... or, perhaps, I should type colour. So, if you're an Agatha Christie fan, and you've read that Miss Marple or Hercule Poirot enjoyed a glass of Claret, now you know it's referring to the blending of Bordeaux grapes.

That concludes the history and literary portion of tonight's program. On to the wine...
The blend is 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, 5% Malbec, 3% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, blended by Corey Beck and aged 15 months in French oak. Expert rating is 90.

There's a faint sweet floral aroma, kind of like dusty rose, with a little vanilla. The taste is fairly dry, lots of berries, a little licorice and a touch of coffee. The finish is really nice, not overpowering, just kind of a subtle lingering. I enjoyed this wine with a homemade, spicy hot, sweet and sour Chinese-inspired stew yesterday, but it was even better with the medium rare steak topped with melted blue cheese and carmelized onions I had tonight. I heartily recommend this wine, especially if you can get it for less than $20. Cheers!

Zolo Signature Red 2012 Wine Review

It's always nice to see an old favorite wine. Such was the case when I entered one of my favorite wine stores (Cellar Rat, downtown Kansas City) and found this Zolo Signature Red 2012 from Mendoza, Argentina. The Zolo winery is a progeny of Fincas Patagonicus, one of the most technologically advanced wineries in Argentina, where wine is sustainably produced. 

Check out that view!

The winery's signature wine is Malbec (duh), but they also produce this blend which contains Cabernet Sauvignon, Bonarda, Merlot and Malbec grapes. It has a very dark, opaque garnet color. I pick up aromas of coffee and smoky cranberries. Lots of mocha flavor envelopes the palate, leading into tart cherries, earthy herbs and a tiny bite of peppery heat. The finish is long and rich with chocolate covered cherries. And, I have a feeling it will be even better tomorrow, after it's had a day to soften.

What I like about this wine is that it does not have the fruity sweetness of most blends, so it will work with just about any food. Oddly enough, though, what I thought as I was sipping it was how well its solid tannins would work with rich lobster or crab dishes dripping in buttery sauces. Or, most assuredly with my all-time favorite stew, cioppino... and, yes, I'm talking about pairing fish with a red wine... I'm a rebel like that! 

I was surprised to find out it is rated between 86 and 90 by professional critics, yet I paid only $13/bottle. However, what was most telling was the high praise given by the everyday wine lover. I highly recommend this as an all-around versatile wine for almost any occasion, but it has 13.8% alcohol, so please drink responsibly.

Resolutions, Intentions and Other Paving Stones

"I like to encourage people to realize that any action is a good action if it's proactive, and there is positive intent behind it." ~ Michael J. Fox


Here we are again... that time of year when tradition says we should set improvement goals for mind, body and spirit. Do you or don't you?

I have to say that it has been only during the past few years that I've actually taken this tradition seriously. I attribute it to a health scare that came out of nowhere.

I knew I was overweight, but I had quit smoking. I knew I didn't eat healthy, but I ate balanced. I knew I didn't exercise enough, but... but... 

OK, I got nothing there. 

Anyway, because I always felt reasonably good, my only maladies being the common cold or occasional flu virus, menopause and arthritis, I considered myself healthy. 

Unfortunately, my heart had some bad news for me. And, I think we all tend to listen intently to messages from the heart. It was time to get serious. 

Unfortunately, the first year was pretty much a bust with regard to reaching my goal of treating my body kinder. But, I wasn't successful at reaching my goals, because I wasn't very good at setting them. I think this is the point where good intentions very easily could become purgatorial asphalt. 

During the second year, I got better, after I read some things about the power of positive intention. As in adopting other behavioral changes, I learned I needed motivation, objectives and a plan of action.

One thing I found out about myself is that I require motivational reminders. Daily reminders. Hourly reminders. Visually graphic reminders. Positioned in strategic areas throughout my house. This action demonstrates intent by changing the environment. 

I also have to write down the goal. In her book, Write It Down, Make It Happen, Dr. Henriette Anne Klauser, one of the leading authorities on communications and writing productivity, talks about the importance of putting goals in writing, citing studies which have shown a much higher success rate for people who write down their goals vs. those who do not. This demonstrates intent by making oneself accountable.

First rule... a resolution has to be specific. In other words, using as an example the perennial #1 resolution, deciding to lose weight in and of itself doesn't cut it. Targets have to be specified. How much weight? By when?

Second rule... the resolution has to be realistic and maintainable. Continuing with the favorite "lose weight" resolution, did you know a pound of body fat contains 3,500 calories? Just to lose one pound per week requires a change in normal lifestyle by either decreasing daily caloric intake by 500 or doing enough cardio exercise to burn 500 calories daily. And, you have to get some strength training in there to replace the body fat with muscle to keep the weight off. That means carving out more time for your workout schedule. So, while losing three pounds a week is doable, it's sure going to require a lot of gym time.

Lastly, you gotta own the goal. Why are you making the resolution? How badly do you want it? If your heart's not in it, you'll lose your motivation, setting yourself up for failure and self-reproach. And, who wants that?!? 

Regardless of your goal, whether it's reading a certain number of books (I also do reviews; see other posts), quitting smoking (c'mon... you KNOW you want that), losing weight (here's a link for some GREAT tips), whatever... choose wisely. Make sure it's one worthy of celebration when you achieve it. 

And, then DO IT! 

Good luck! 

And...

The Return to Normal

OK... we can finally see the end of the feasting table. One more holiday, and we will have a whole six weeks to recover before the sugar onslaught of Valentine's Day. If you're anything like me, your body is seriously feeling the aftermath of what it's been subjected to over the holidays and is ready for sensible food choices, exercise instead of frenetic activity and some rest and relaxation. To kick-start that return to feeling strong and healthy, it always helps to rid our bodies, as much as possible, of the residuals of our excesses.

First order of the day for dispelling that holiday lethargy that is keeping you glued to the recliner and TV is hydration. Nothing flushes the body of toxins better than lots of water. Many times we mistake bodily aches and pains for viruses or muscle strain, when it's actually nothing more than dehydration. My favorite Canadian chefs show how to create a perfectly tasty antidote to holiday intemperance. 

People often feel super tired after the holiday season and like to blame it on the high level of activity involved in shopping, cooking and celebrating, all in the name of holiday tradition. Rest is essential to helping your body and mind combat the post-holiday blahs. Yoga and meditation can assist in readjusting from the stress and hyperactivity of celebrating, in more ways than just helping you to fall asleep. Deep stretches and proper breathing techniques help stimulate the circulatory, digestive and lymphatic systems, each of which contribute to the elimination of things toxic to your system.

However, some of that lethargy is due to the rich, heavy, sugar- and fat-laden foods we've been pushing through our bodies for the past month. Increasing fiber input helps the body release all those things that are clogging up the works and return to its regular function, which helps us return to our normal energy levels and sleep cycles. 

Finally, it's important to realize that your body is a mass of muscle, and the only way muscles can remain strong is to work them. All that running around during the holidays was activity, sure... but, not exercise. Get outside in the fresh air and sun and take a brisk walk, work up a good cardio sweat, wake those muscles up with some strength training by lifting weights. Nothing is better for eliminating stress and increasing energy than a natural infusion of the feel-good hormones, endorphins and serotonin, sent coursing through your bloodstream by a high-level pumping heart. And, don't forget strength training to raise your metabolism and increase your body's ability to re-energize, repair, restructure and respond. Because, after all, you're just going to go through all of this craziness again in a year. Help your body heal and repair! 

Wishing you a Happy and...

Christmas Traditions and Reminiscences

This is my next-to-oldest cookbook. I bought this one myself for my "hope chest" when I was 15. That makes it almost 50 years old. You can tell from the condition that it has been used often. It contains the recipes for my annual Christmas offerings for my family — divinity (my mother's favorite), coconut macaroons (my Daddy's favorite), chocolate chip cookies (my daughters' favorite) and fudge, which everyone requests to this day. 


It's not the oldest cookbook I have. I have one that my mother got for me when I was 5. It's called "My First Cookbook," and was published by the Imperial Sugar Company. (I would post a picture of it, except that it's packed away in a box somewhere.) In it, there were blank pages for writing in recipes, and I have written — in crayon — my favorite recipe at the time, which was my granny's biscuits. Even then, I was an aspiring cook. I think Women's Lib, in which I was a fervent and active participant, clouded my life goals for a period of time. With maturity, comes clarity and perspective... thank goodness. The circle of life, right? If only we all listened to the inner voices of our youth...

Arger-Martucci 2007 Petite Syrah Wine Review

My wine mentors gifted me with a really nice wine. They often describe the wine they like as having a "complexity of taste." Now, I have to admit, the understanding of what that meant has been very vague — that is, until I tasted this wine. EUREKA! I get it!!!

There are so many layers to the aroma and taste, I'm almost afraid to attempt a review. But, I want to, because I feel this is probably a step up in my education about wine. 

On the nose, I smell a lot of smoky currant, some floral scents and earthy moss. However, describing the taste gets a bit more complicated. Starting with a smoky, slightly biting herbal taste, it exploded in my mouth and seems to communicate with every taste bud... the ones that identify saltiness, the ones that communicate sweetness and, even, the ones at the back that recognize herbal bitterness. And, all the time, there's this smokey rose (for lack of a better description) savor that just kind of fills in the empty spots of my mouth. I think this may be what the expert reviewers call "chewy."

Now, what food to pair this wine with... I can't help you there. I will tell you the taste sent me to the kitchen to gather some dates (which I happen to have fallen in love with just recently), nuts and blue cheese. But, I can imagine it pairing extremely well with rich, meaty entrees, such as prime rib or beef stroganoff, or a bold primavera, not to mention the traditionally rich holiday dinner.

If you're ready to move beyond the party/generic/everyday safe wines, this wine needs to be your entree. I would rate it 92, at least. And, without question, I would have to list it in my top 10 favorites. Almost 14% alcohol, so please drink responsibly.

RECOMMENDATION: Pick it up for your holiday dinner. Not only will you impress your guests, it'll help you deal with the inevitable family drama! 

Cheers and happy holidays, everyone! May your days be merry and bright for many years to come!

Elizabeth Arden's New Fragrance "Untold"

OK, ladies, you know how it is. You want to know that you smell good, but you have to be respectful of the folks around you who are super sensitive to fragrance. Well, have I got news for you! I've discovered Elizabeth Arden's new fragrance, "Untold." Here's the manufacturer's promo on it:

"There’s an untold story behind every multi-faceted, modern woman who is thriving in her life’s journey.The world never sees all of her, but can only steal a glimpse at a time. Untold is the mystery behind her smile, the purpose of her stride, the inspiration in that spontaneous moment and the dreams that light up her eyes. Untold is the mystery behind every stolen moment of this woman life."

There are not many women I know who wouldn't want that description to fit them. So, kudos to the marketing team at Elizabeth Arden. 

But, let's get to the bottom line... what's the product like? To me, fragrance is kind of like wine. What appeals to me isn't going to appeal to everyone. When it comes down to fragrance, I prefer a bit of spice, a little musk, a touch of flowers and, above all, subtlety. I want people to be aware that I just walked by because there was a pleasant change in the air around them, not because they caught a whiff of perfume. And, this is that fragrance. It's no more obtrusive than the scent of a luxury bath soap.


Here's the "smelling notes": 

• Heart notes

  Gardenia, Peony, Jasmine

• Top notes

  Blackcurrant, Luscious Raspberry, Pink Pepper

• Base notes

  Sandalwood, Patchouli Heart, Musk

• Scent

  Oriental Floral

• Feel

  Feminine

And, I found the price to be reasonable within the realm of designer fragrances, especially if purchased on sale.

Unsolicited Dearfoams Endorsement

Don'tcha wish your slippers were hot like mine?

These are Dearfoams. And, let me just say, they are the most comfortable slippers I've ever worn. They have a hard sole, so are good to wear outside to put the trash curbside or grab the mail. The cushioning is superior to any I've ever felt. I catch myself scrunching my toes just to feel the softness. And, they look like diva shoes, which make me feel like singing "At Last," a la Etta James

 http://youtu.be/S-cbOl96RFM (For your listening pleasure.)

 If you've been good, I suggest you ask Santa to bring you a pair.

The Feasting Season

From the beginning of recorded human history, celebration has involved food, whether it's a traditional calendar event or an impromptu evening with friends. In truth, the act of "breaking bread" is in our evolutional DNA. In his book, Feast, archaeologist Martin Jones chronicles both historic and modern scientific evidence to illuminate how prehistoric humans first came to share food. Research has discovered that most mammals and all primates share food as a basis of forging relationships.

This week we kick-off the traditional season of thankfulness, celebration and holy observances. It is also the season of indulgence, over eating, bloat and pounds gained, all of which we regret and punish ourselves for on January 1, the secular day of mea culpa, atonement and resolutions. Contrary to what most of us think, the average weight gain over the holidays is only one to two pounds. Unfortunately, because the heavy eating season occurs during the winter months, when our activity level drops, studies show that those extra pounds can hang around for a really long time. Consistently, the No. 1 New Year's Day resolution is — drum roll, please — lose weight. 

What's deliciously intriguing about all of this is that it happens every year at exactly the same time, which can only mean 1) we suck at planning for the inevitable; and, 2) we equally suck at the practice of moderation. With a little self-awareness, we can make this year different. All the experts agree on these tips to avoid the predictable food overdose, post-holiday self-loathing.

First, don't starve yourself prior to the feast. Start the day with a sensible, high-fiber, high-protein breakfast. It will kick start your digestive system for the later ultra-rich food shock, as well as help to control your hunger and to maintain your dignity when your eyes behold the bounty. 


Remember, even if you're returning to the home of your childhood, you're an adult now. If you're expecting a barrage of "food pushing," insist on a smaller plate or take your own. It will fool everyone, including you, that you've got plenty. And, if Aunt Mary gets offended because you don't take second helpings of her macaroni and cheese, that's on her, not you.


Accept that this is a time of indulgence. Be prepared for the ultimate all-you-can-eat buffet by drinking plenty of low-calorie beverages and keeping your portions small. Think about the foods you know you will find hard to resist and research the nutrition. For instance, did you know a slice of apple pie is about 500 calories?

The "Enough already!" message will come from your brain, not your stomach. Eat slowly, savor the food and allow your brain to get the fullness message before going in for second helpings. 



Be sure to sit next to your favorite family member while eating. Studies show that engaging in conversation while eating suppresses the tendency to unconsciously shovel food through the pie-hole.  


Step away from the food! After round one of deliciousness, get up from the table and move around, take a walk, play with the kids, anything that will allow your body the time it needs to process what you've thrown in it. 

Finally, don't beat yourself up when the scales reveal the damage done. It's fixable. 

Remember, above all, the holidays are annual occasions to give and receive the one "food" we can never have too much of... LOVE!