6 posts tagged “wine”
Thought these ideas might come in handy as you guys finish up (ahem…start) your Christmas shopping. I'm No Oprah or Julie Andrews, but here are a few of my favorite things:
Affirmawraps from Affirmagy
These are soft and comfy fleece blankets imprinted with positive affirmations or scriptures. Perfect for Ladies, babies and pets.
Cost: $29.99
Culinary Empire Gourmet Basket from Fabiene
An Amazing wooden chest overflowing with high class flavors of endless gourmet pleasures. 3 bottles from the 2005 Farnese collection - Montepulciano D'abruzzo Farneto Valley 2005, Chardonnay 2005 and Sauvignon 2005 and a grand, wide variety of top brand name gourmet goods. Perfect for Parents, Grandparents, & CoHabitating Couples
Cost: $299.95
Gunmetal Engraved Pocket Watch from Things Remembered
Pocketwatches are always a great gift and an instant keepsake when they are engraved. A very stylish pocket watch with matching chain from Colibri®. Perfect for most Guys (Husbands, Dads, Granddads, S/O)
Cost: $39.99
Ion Audio USB Turntable from Sharper Image
Know someone who still has a very impressive Vinyl collection?? This USB turntable spins old vinyl records into new digital music — MP3 or CD format! Perfect for DeeJays, Music Enthusiasts and anyone still scratchin' Vinyl.
Cost: $199.95
A Letter From Santa from The Santa Claus House
No kid will ever forget receiving a letter from Santa with a genuine North Pole postmark and keepsake photo. Letters themes include baby's 1st Christmas, Difficult Christmas, Not-So-Good Child Christmas, and 1st Christmas as a couple. Perfect for Kids, Grandkids, Adults, even Pets!
Cost: $7.50
A Lump of Coal from FireBox
A genuine chunk of coal gift wrapped and placed in an extremely Christmassy presentation tin. And that's it. No special features, no hidden treats, no nothing. Perfect for anyone who's been Naughty this year…they know who they are.
Cost: $2.95
Personalized Christmas Stockings from Land's End
Personalized gifts are my favorite because they are the most memorable in the years to come. These brightly colored personalized Christmas stockings are perfect to hang over the fireplace in the hopes that Santa Claus will fill them with toys, treats, and goodies for Years to Come. Perfect for Everyone - Individuals and Families!
Cost: $20.00
Gift of Stock from ShareBuilder
Better than Cash, Stock makes a great gift. Either make a 1-time gift to open an account or set up an Automatic Investment Plan and specify the dollar amount you want to invest on a weekly or monthly basis and have the funds automatically pulled from your checking or savings account. Open a new Account by 1/15/2008, and they'll contribute $50 to your investment after you place your first trade. Perfect for Kids of all Ages!
Cost: Any Amount
Sun Jar from Wishing Fish
Ever wanted to give someone the Sun? Well, this Sun Jar collects and stores sunshine so you can use it at night! A perfect garden light or night light for a child's bedroom. It is the green gift of the year! Perfect for Everyone!
Cost: $40.00
This Year I Will...: How to Finally Change a Habit, Keep a Resolution, or Make a Dream Come True by M. J. Ryan from Amazon.com
Help someone keep their resolution(s) this year and they won't ever forget you for changing their lives. M.J. Ryan (one of the creators of the bestselling Random Acts of Kindness series, author and life coach) outlines a concrete and practical strategy for following through on a resolution while dealing with all of life's other ups and downs and will prove welcome for anyone seeking gentle but solid help in achieving personal change. Perfect for Conciousminded folks and anyone who needs a light under their Fire!
Cost: $10.85
"A meal without wine is like a day without sunshine, except that on a day without sunshine you can still get drunk."
~~ Lee Entrekin.
Excerpt from Vintage Humor for Wine Lovers by Malcolm Kushner
From Springwise:
Australian provider of mobile ticketing solutions bCODE recently launched the newest in their product line: bCODE-Drinks, an online portal that enables consumers to purchase drinks for friends and colleagues through encoded text messages. bCODE encoding is based on standard phone text messaging and is supported by 99 percent of all mobile devices, including PDAs.
How it works? A generous buyer logs onto bcodedrinks.com or a venue's own website, selects a bar and a drink, enters the recipient's mobile phone number and pays for the drink online. The recipient receives a message, takes their mobile phone to the bar and holds the sms drink voucher under a scanning device. The voucher is verified and the drink can be grabbed at the bar.
Website: www.bcodedrinks.com
Received this via email today...Surprisingly accurate :-)
ARIES Drinking style:
Impulsive Aries people like to party and sometimes don't know
when to call it a night. Their competitive streak makes them prone
to closing time shot contests. They're sloppy, fun drunks, and they
get mighty flirty after a couple tipples. Getting Aries people drunk
is a good way to get what you want out of them, should other
methods fail. Aries can become bellicose when blotto, but they will
assume that whatever happened should be forgiven (if not
forgotten) by sunrise. They can be counted on to do the same for
you -- so long as you haven't gone and done anything really
horrible to them last night.
TAURUS Drinking style:
Taurus prefers to drink at a leisurely pace, aiming for a mellow
glow rather than a full on zonk. Since a truly intoxicated Taurus is
a one-person stampede, the kind of bull-in-a-china-shop inebriate
who spills red wine on white carpets and tells fart jokes to
employers, the preference for wining and dining (or Bud and
buddies) to body shots and barfing is quite fortunate for the rest of
us. This is not to say that the Bull is by any means a teetotaler --
god, no. A squiffy Taurus will get, er, gregarious (full of loudmouth
soup, some would say) and is extremely amusing to drag to a
karaoke bar when intoxicated.
GEMINIDrinking style:
Gemini’s can drink without changing their behavior much -- they're
so naturally chatty and short-attention-spanned that it's just hard to
tell sometimes. They can amaze you by conversing with finesse
and allusions, then doing something to belie an extremely
advanced state of intoxication, like puking in your shoe. Gemini’s
possess the magic ability to flirt successfully (and uninfuriatingly,
which is very tricky) with several people at once. They like to order
different cocktails every round -- repetition is boring -- and may
create a theme (like yellow drinks: beer, sauvignon blanc and
limoncello) for their own amusement.
CANCER Drinking style:
Cancer is a comfort drinker -- and an extra whiskey with dinner or
an after-work beer or six can be extra comforting, can't it, Cancer
darling? Like fellow water signs Scorpio and Pisces, Crabs must
guard against lushery. Cancers are never really drunk; instead,
they get "tired and emotional" (read: weepy when lubricated). But
there's nothing better than swapping stories (and spit) over a few
bottles of red wine with your favorite Cancer. Even your secondfavorite
Cancer will do. The sign also rules the flavor vanilla, and
you'd be adored if you served up vanilla vodka and soda.
LEO Drinking style:
Leo likes to drink and dance -- they're often fabulous dancers, and
usually pretty good drinkers as well, losing their commanding
dignity and turning kittenish. Of course, they're quite aware they're
darling -- Leos will be Leos, after all. They generally know their
limit, probably because they loathe losing self-control. When they
get over-refreshed, expect flirting to ensue -- and perhaps not with
the one what brung them. But Leo's not the type to break rules
even when drunk, so just try to ignore it (try harder, Cancer) and
expect a sheepish (and hung over) Lion to make it up to you the
next day.
VIRGODrinking style:
Cerebral Virgos are compelled to impose order onto their bender.
Their famously fussy quest for purity could lead to drinking less
than other signs, sure -- but it could also lead to drinking booze
neat, to sucking down organic wine or just to brand loyalty. They
rarely get fully shellacked -- but, oh, when they do! Virgo's
controlled by the intellect, but there's an unbridled beast lurking
within, and they let it loose when walloped. It's dead sexy (and
surprisingly unsloppy). As one Virgo friend used to declare, "I'm
going to drink myself into a low level of intelligence tonight." A
toast to the subgenius IQ!
LIBRA Drinking style:
"I'm jusht a social drinker," slurs Libra, "it's jusht that I'm so damn
social?" Libra loves nothing more than to party, mingle and relate
to everyone. Whether dipped in favor of Good Libra (with Insta-
Friend device set to "on") or heavier on the Evil Libra side (they
are little instigators when bored), the Scales can really work a
room. Charming as they are, Libras are notoriously lacking in selfcontrol,
however, which can get them into all sorts of trouble --
including wearing their wobbly boots waaaay too early in the
evening, flirting with their best friend's beau or even blacking out
the night’s events entirely. Oops!
SCORPIO Drinking style:
Don't ever tell Scorpios they've had enough, for they'll smirk at you
and quietly but intentionally keep tippling till they're hog
whimpering drunk, out of 100-proof spite. Scorpios like to drink,
and screw you if you have a problem with that. Most of them see
the sauce as something to savor in itself, and not as a personalityaltering
tool -- though if depressed, self-loathing Scorps seek total
obliteration. But generally, they're fascinating drinking pals, brilliant
conversationalists and dizzying flirts. They also remember
everything -- especially what you did when you were blitzed. Only
drink with a Scorpio who likes you.
SAGITTARIUS n vino veritas -- and, for Sagittarius, in booze blurtiness:
When buttered, they'll spill all your secrets and many of their own.
Tactlessness aside, Sagittarius is just plain fun to drink with. This
is a sign of serious partying (what else would you expect from the
sign of Sinatra, Keith Richards, the Bush twins and Anna Nicole
Smith?). They're the people who chat up everyone in the room,
then persuade the entire crowd to travel somewhere else -- like a
nightclub, or a playground, or Cancun. Good-natured hijinks are
sure to ensue (including a high possibility of loopy groping;
spontaneous Sag is a brilliant booty call).
CAPRICORN Drinking style:
Capricorn is usually described as practical, steadfast, moneyhungry
and status-thirsty -- no wonder they get left off the
astrological cocktail-party list. But this is the sign of David Bowie
and Annie Lennox, not to mention Elvis. Capricorn is the true rock
star: independent, powerful and seriously charismatic, not too
eager to please. And if they make money being themselves, who
are you to quibble? But just like most rock stars, they're either
totally on or totally off, and they generally need a little social
lubricant to loosen up and enjoy the after party, especially if they
can hook up with a cute groupie.
AQUARIUS Drinking style:
Aquarius and drinking don't go together that well (except for water,
that is). They have an innate tendency toward know-it-allism, and if
they get an idea while sizzled, they're more stubborn than a stain
or a stone. If they're throwing a party or organizing an outing,
however, they're too preoccupied with their duties to get combative
-- and they make perfectly charming drunks in that case.
Fortunately, they're usually capital drink-nursers. They also make
the best-designated drivers (if you can get them before they start
raising their wrist): Aquarius is fascinated by drunken people and
capable of holding interesting conversations with soused strangers
while sober.
PISCESDrinking style:
If you're a Pisces, you've probably already heard that you share a
sign -- and an addictive personality -- with Liz Taylor, Liza Minelli
and Kurt Cobain. Not only do Pisces like to lose themselves in the
dreamy, out-there feeling that only hooch can give, but they build
up a mighty tolerance fast. Who needs an expensive date like
that? On the other hand, they’re fabulously enchanting partners,
whether in conversation or in crime. With the right Pisces, you can
start out sharing a pitcher of margaritas and wind up in bed
together for days. The phrase "addictive personality" can be read
two ways, you know.
WomenInFilmChicago Awards-Bonnie Hunt & Thea Flaum
Date: Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Time: 11:15 AM
Location: Ritz Carlton 160 East Pearson St.
Details:
Join WIF Chicago at the Ritz Carlton Chicago Ballroom for this year's Women In Film/Chicago Focus Achievement Awards.
This year's honorees are actress/director Bonnie Hunt and television producer Thea Flaum.
The Focus Award honors women who have contributed significantly to the film, television, advertising and corporate production industries, and who have significant ties to Chicago and the Midwest.
This year’s October 10th luncheon gala has been timed to coincide with the 42nd Annual Chicago International Film Festival.
Amy Jacobson of NBC5/WMAQ will emcee the luncheon gala.
Tickets for WIFC members are $90, non-Members pay $125. Discounted rates are available for tables of ten. For tickets/more info email focus@wifchicago.org or visit WIFC online at:
http://www.wifchicago.org/
About WIFChicago: Women in Film/Chicago is a not-for-profit organization aimed at providing an educational community promoting women at all levels of the media creation industry through mentoring programs, networking events, career development opportunities and community resources.
Dean Kamen Lecture & Free Segway Rides
Date: Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Museum of Science & Industry 57th & Lake Shore Dr.
Details:
Dean Kamen, inventor of the Segway and owner of more than 400 patents, talks about the source of his inspiration.
There will be Segway rides--first come, first served. Rides at 6 PM, lecture at 7:30
Tickets $12-$20
773-753-6230
Around the World: A Night of International Cuisine
Date: Thursday, October 12, 2006
Time: 9:00 PM
Location: Stone Lotus - 873 N. Orleans
Details:
Stone Lotus and Hennessy invite you to a special evening- Around the World: A Night of International Cuisine & Cocktails. Savor the world's surprises.
Hosted cocktail reception 9:00 PM to 10:30 PM.
*Paris * New York* Shanghai* Moscow*
International Food Pairings and specialty cocktails.
RSVP Required: RSVP@Stonelotuslounge.com
Black Perspectives w. Spike Lee
Date: Friday, October 13, 2006
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Thorne Auditorium - 375 E. Chicago Ave.
Details:
Hosted by Spike Lee, the Black Perspectives 10th Anniversary Tribute and Party will honor stage and screen legend Ruby Dee with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Also honored will be Andre Benjamin (aka Andre 3000) with the Emerging Artist Award.
The Tribue presentation takes place at Thorne Auditorium, followed by an after-party at the River East Art Center, which the honorees are expected to attend.
To purchase tickets, visit Ticketmaster, Borders Books & Music at 2817 N. Clark St. and 830 N. Michigan Ave., AMC River East 21 or Landmark's Century Centre Cinema. Cinema/Chicago members can purchase tickets directly from the Chicago International Film Festival online at www.chicagofilmfestival.org or by calling 312-332-FILM (3456).
FWS: Tour de Champagne 2006
Date: Saturday, October 14, 2006
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Chicago Cultural Center - 78 East Washington ST
Details:
The Chicago edition of The “ Tour de Champagne ” will feature more than 20 prestigious brands of Champagne as well as the cuisine of 10+ talented chefs from the Chicago area. Local food and wine enthusiasts will taste the best in Champagne in addition to gourmet food provided by some of Chicago's best restaurants.
The night will end with a complementary “fin de soirée” reception at the Sofitel Chicago Water Tower including dessert buffet and Cognac. During the "Fin de Soirée," Champagne houses will uncork their prestigious"Tete de Cuvée" champagnes at a private tasting for all VIP ticket holders, and the guest Chefs.
$125 reg., $110 for FWS members + Limited VIP passes available
For Tickets & More Information Contact:
Marie Vavassori
French Wine Society – Chicago Chapter
Tel: (312) 952-9345 --
Email: mvavassori@frenchwinesociety.org
www.frenchwinesociety.org
I love a good Wine Bar and never pass up the opportunity to tell other folks about a new one.