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 Though it’s instilled in our heads that champagne is a luxury beverage only fit for celebratory occasions, or tables at the club! Believe it or not, its easy drinkability and food-friendly nature makes champagne one fabulous every day drink. Thankfully the holiday season offers one heck of an excuse to purchase as many bottles as possible! Many producers have even released limited edition, specially-designed bottles geared to holiday gifting. Below, I have come up with a collection of the 10 most show-stopping Champagne bottles I could find on the net! A mix of high end, everyday, and limited-run creations—that are as eye-catching as they are delicious!            The Recommended Posts widget will appear here on the published site.
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Thanksgiving Wine Pairings11/21/2017  Ohh, Turkey Day!!! I'm beyond obsessed with this ultimate feast and the ever-swelling gathering of family and friends crammed into a too-tiny, hectic and utterly delicious-smelling kitchen. I adore the sight of hands everywhere eager to help prepare, stories being shared and everyone sitting down together to a veritable smorgasbord. And while this uniquely American holiday's history has given us a fairly good idea of what to eat, the question of what to drink is perhaps not so easily answered. To start, let's get one thing out of the way! There's not a "right" or a "wrong" wine to slam with your pie, but there are wines that just might be more likely send you to sensory elation. So, where to start? Zinfandel Zinfandel could very well be the #1 All-American Thanksgiving wine choice given that it was once the most planted variety in California (prior to the Prohibition era). Here’s how this wine will behave when paired with food:
Pinot Noir Pinot Noir is the fine-wine lover’s #1 pick for Thanksgiving, which is due (in large part) to the grape’s prestigious pedigree tracing back to Burgundy, France.
Rosé or Blanc de Noirs Champagne This is a sommelier’s must-have wine for Thanksgiving because, for a somm, you can’t really start a meal without a splash of something sparkling wine. Here’s why:
Riesling One of the most aromatics of whites, Riesling meets the big flavors of the day with a bushelful of fruit. And as whites go, the variety is also deceptively mouth-filling and braced with acidity, giving it the wherewithal to keep up with everything from the sweet potatoes to the sausage in the dressing. And in this case, a touch of sweetness in the wine is your friend.
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Liberty Vineyards & Winery10/9/2017  This past Saturday we took a 45 minute trip up to Sheridan, NY to visit Liberty Vineyards & Winery. It’s crazy that I live ridiculously close to the Lake Erie Wine Country and yet never get up to the wineries. This is only the second local Winery I have had the pleasure of visiting since my husband is an anti-drinker and I rarely get invited anywhere. Unfortunately my invites either get lost in the mail or I’m just not anyone’s favorite person here in NY -_-  Liberty Vineyards & Winery was named 2016 NY State winery of the year by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, so I was pretty excited to see what all the hype was about! I always spot Liberty Vineyards & Winery bottles at the liquor stores since the bottle designs are definitely on the chic design side, so Saturday was my chance to see if I should be adding any of these bottles to my wine rack!  About Liberty Vineyards & Winery Liberty Vineyards & Winery is family owned and committed to producing award-winning wines for every palate. Liberty Vineyards & Winery wines are made from locally-grown grapes, most of them from the Burmaster family’s own vineyards–some of which have been in the family since the 1860s. Growing their own grapes ensures quality through each step of the wine-making process, something very important to the Burmaster family and Liberty Vineyards & Winery staff, who truly believe that Great Vines Make Great Wines! Named 2016 “Winery of the Year” by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation.  Liberty Vineyards is located in Western New York, in Chautauqua County. Liberty Vineyards & Winery is in Sheridan, New York, near Fredonia, Dunkirk and Silver Creek. It is located in the heart of Lake Erie Wine Country, formerly the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Wine Trail.  Tasting Room Open Monday-Saturday 10-6 Sunday 11-5 Click here for additional information about tastings.  Tastings cost $2 a person & you get to choose the 6 Liberty Vineyards & Winery wines you would like to try. I’m a red wine lover and the weather was reaching 80 degrees Saturday afternoon, so I was all about the sweet reds. It’s not very often we get warm days during the fall here in Western New York, so I was pretending it was summer all day long! Sweet reds to drink and rocking a maxi dress.  Purple Haze One of my favorite wines I had the pleasure of trying Saturday afternoon was Liberty Vineyards & Winery Purple Haze. This sweet, fruity wine is great with chicken wings, hamburgers, and snack foods & will cost you $9.99. DOUBLE GOLD – 2016 Florida State Fair International Wine Competition  Cool Cat Another favorite was Liberty Vineyards & Winery Cool Cat. I’m all about dessert wines, so I was pretty stoked to get to sip on one. Made from grapes harvested in December, this wine has strawberry, cranberry and watermelon notes. It is great served with fresh fruit, cheese or dessert. The pest part is it will only cost you around $14.99/ 375ml bottle! If you’re a dessert wine fan, you know this is a bargain. SILVER – 2017 Florida State Fair International Wine Competition  Harvest Carriage Rides The main reason we chose this past Saturday to visit Liberty Vineyards & Winery was for their Harvest Carriage Rides they offer weekends in the fall. We got to enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride through the vineyards. Our guide happened to be the owner of Liberty Vineyards & Winery himself and he showed us several varieties of grapes they had on their farm and told us a bit about how their award-winning wines are made.  Included in the Harvest Carriage Ride was a special wine tasting. Their was about a 30 minute wait for the Harvest Carriage Rides, so we had our special tasting before the ride rather than after.  $5 for adults (21+ includes tour and special tasting of two wines) $3 for children (under 21–includes tour and grape juice).  LOCATION 2861 US Route 20 Sheridan, NY 14135 716-672-4520  Let’s Chat! Have you had the chance to visit any of the Lake Erie Wine Country Wineries? Do you have any wineries local to you? I would love to hear about them in the comments section below!
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This post was sponsored by Cambria Winery as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.
Ahhhhh wine!!!!! I don't know how I would survive without it. Wine is definitely this mama's life juice that's for sure. One of my favorite ways to unwind after a stressful day of chasing my kiddo around!
Today I have partnered with Cambria Wines to share a few Relaxation Tips. We all need to relax after a long day, and I'm here to tell you how Cambria Wines can help you achieve such relaxation. It might just include alittle music too.
I swear music and wine were made to be enjoyed together! After a LONG stressful summer being home with my child 24/7, one of the things I look forward to the most is wine-thirty!!!! That time of night when the kiddo is in bed and I get to kick back, turn on a few of my favorite tunes and pop open that bottle of vino. Nothing says relaxation like that first sip of Cambria Wine while jamming out to your favorite song after one hectic day of listening to "I'm bored" all day long.
Now, what if I told you that music and wine blend together harmoniously!?!?! That's right, harmoniously! I never really gave such things that much thought until I listened to Cambria Wines: Notes of Cambria. Please take a moment and watch the the Four Part Video Series and you will see for yourself how crazy it is that wine and music go together perfectly!!!
In this totally neat 4-part video series, Cambria Wines challenged professional musician Kalei Yamanoha to create musical pieces that would capture the true essence and flavor of their Cambria's Benchbreak Pinot Noir and the Cambria's Benchbreak Chardonnay. Cambria Wines goal was to show how pairing wine and music elevates your senses! I must say after watching the video series, I can't help but say they totally nailed it!!!! These musical pairings were definitely a unique approach to experiencing, learning, and talking about wine!!!!
Did You Know?
That Cambria’s Benchbreak Chardonnay and Cambria's Benchbreak Pinot Noir are estate grown in California’s Santa Maria Valley! These high quality, immensely flavorful wines are the perfect addition to your relaxation plans that's for sure!
"Pinot Noir Waltz"
Pinot Nior is all-time favorite, go to wine, so I was pretty stoked to listen to the “Pinot Noir Waltz”!!! I must say the waltz was pretty dreamy! I could totally invision myself holding my beloved glass of Pinot at the Cambria Winery in total zen!!!! Nothing better than a tune that can take you to your happy place instantly! Instant relaxation is always a good thing, so I really enjoyed the waltz!
"Chardonnay Shanty"
After being at peace with my mind after listening to the very zen-like "Pinot Nior Waltz, I then decided to give the "Chardonnay Shanty" a chance. This tune however was totally different!!! Very upbeat since the tune is played on a banjo!!! Jam band, festival music is my jam & the "Chardonnay Shanty" definitely put a smile on my face. The Shanty had me feeling like I was at a festival since it made me want to hop right off the couch and start to boggie!!!
These unique musical pairings are a great way to experience, learn, and talk about wine with friends and family that's for sure!!! Next time I have a gathering at my house, you best believe I will be playing these jams.
Now, since we are talking about YOU in this post, I thought I would rattle off a few relaxation tips since I'm assuming you had a LONG day! 
1. Lavender Oils ~ You may have heard that breathing in the smell of lavender makes you drowsy; turns out, it's totally true! Research shows the scent lowers heart rate and blood pressure, putting you in a relaxed state. So to set yourself up for those zzz's, burn a little Lavender Oil or even rub some lavender lotion on your body. Burning a Lavender candle could work wonders as well!
2. Reading ~ There is no doubt about it, getting lost in a new book or even a magazine is a fantastic way to forget about the stresses of the day! Both take your mind to a different place, which if your days are filled with little people like mine, getting lost in a world of make believe is exactly what I need once in awhile.
3. Meditation ~ Meditation is a simple practice available to all, which can reduce stress, increase calmness and clarity and promote happiness. Learning how to meditate is straightforward, and the benefits can come quickly. So take a deep breath, and get ready to relax! Just a few minutes a day of clearing your mind can completely calm the mind for the day!
4. Music ~ Nothing more relaxing sometimes than listing to a tune that takes us back to a special moment in our lives!!! Maybe you have a childhood favorite song that brings a nostalgic feeling? Maybe you have a happy song you listen to with your friend that reminds you of all the fun you have had in your life? Music is definitely good for the soul, so have that jam session!
5. Wine ~ There is no denying it! As much as I love to dance around my living room or have a total meditation zen session, nothing does the trick like my beloved bottle of Cambria Benchbreak Pinot Noir! Or maybe you are a white wine lover and craving that glass of Cambria Benchbreak Chardonnay? Whatever your fancy may be, pour that glass and enjoy your peace, quiet and relaxation!!!
Don't know where to score that bottle of Cambria? Use the Cambria Wine Store Locator and find that perfect bottle today!
Cheers!
Let's Chat!
What is your favorite way to relax?!?!
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 On day two of our Gettysburg Pennsylvania adventure, we had the pleasure of dinning at Appalachian Brewing Company! When I was first in talks with the Gettysburg Travel Board, I had my fingers crossed that Appalachian Brewing Company would be on our itinerary. Law of attraction is real folks because it totally was. Manifestation I tell ya! I thought Appalachian Brewing Company into reality!!! So I was pretty stoked to not only try delicious food, but to knock off one more brewery off my been there brewery check list. Yes, I have one of those. There is a reason I have a "lush" tab on my site after all ;-)  Appalachian Brewing Company History Appalachian Brewing Company (ABC) was founded in 1997, with the original brewery and brewpub located in downtown Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. One of America’s largest brewpubs, this previously abandoned 100-year-old building was completely restored to create one of the most beautiful spaces in our capital city. ABC now operates six restaurants, two in Gettysburg Pennsylvania, each complete with their own small-batch craft beer brewery, as well as our full-scale Appalachian Craft Soda manufacturing facility located in Mechanicsburg, PA.  The first thing we did upon arriving at Appalachian Brewing Company was order a beer. I always get so overwhelmed when it comes to the beer decision, but when the waitress finally came around, I went with Mountain Lager. I played it safe.  Appalachian Mountain Lager The most "American" beer in the menu! The Dortmunder-Export style of beer was developed in Westfalen, Germany, and is a classic light lager with great character. This style boasts a light golden blonde color and exhibits a moderate hop palate. The finish of our Mountain Lager is rich yet mellow. Appalachian Brewing Company brewers have developed this beer as a tribute to the Appalachian Mountains where we live and play.  HANDMADE TATER TOTS Instant ABC classic! Shredded taters mixed with bacon, Cheddar Jack cheese and fresh scallions, served with ranch sauce for dipping. Honestly, my husband and I both assumed they would be gator tots loaded with toppings. So we were pretty shocked to see a basket of balls in front of us. Not knowing what to think, I took my first bit and omg!!!! I now need to create my own recipe for when I'm home. So yummy!!!  Brew Wings 10 large and crispy chicken wings tossed in our signature sauces with chunky bleu cheese dressing and celery. Living in Western New York, we have high wing expectations! I can honestly say, Appalachian Brewing Company wings pass the wing test. My hubby had wings for his entree and loved them. They are not dinky and they taste amazing! Just as a buffalo wing should be. Bravo Appalachian Brewing Company.  MOCHA MOLÉ SHORT RIB Tender, braised, boneless short rib, brined in chocolate Ave Stout and served in a rich mocha molé sauce with creamy mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables. These short ribs were my entree while dinning at Appalachian Brewing Company and they were delicious. I'm all about cooking with booze, so when I saw a recipe on the menu cooked in booze. I just had to try it!!!! I was pretty satisfied with my entree decision.  Grilled Cheese This sandwich was definitely on the funky side. It was made with nacho-like cheese. I was scared my daughter wouldn't eat it at first, but she did. She ate every last bite. If you have a picky one, this is your warning that the grilled cheese may be delicious to some, but scary to others. If your kid gets scared of food, try something else.  HOMEMADE PEANUT BUTTER PIE Peanut butter mousse on a chocolate cookie crust topped with chopped Reese’s R Peanut Butter Cups and chocolate sauce. For dessert, my hubby spotted the peanut butter pie. It is his all time favorite, so we all ordered slices. Definitely a tasty dessert that's for sure. Perfect way to end your meal!  My Thoughts? Two thumbs up!!!! Honestly, I have dined at many breweries over the years and every last one of them has had killer food! Menu creators know they are usually dealing with drunk people, so the food is always top notch deliciousness. Appalachian Brewing Co. is no different. So many entree options that every last person in your party will find something they like. Even if you have a picky eater like my daughter. Nothing safer than a sandwich. If you find yourself in Gettysburg and want a bite to eat, head to one of the two Appalachian Brewing Co. restaurants and fill those stomachs. The Appalachian Brewing Company we dined at was located right next door to the Gettysburg Heritage Center. So tour that battlefield and head to Appalachian Brewing Company for a bite to eat and a few beers afterwards.  Appalachian Brewing Company Gettysburg Locations Battlefield 259 Steinwehr Ave Gettysburg, Pennsylvania Gateway Center 70 Presidential Cir Gettysburg, Pennsylvania Thankyou Destination Gettysburg for sponsoring this post.
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 Ruby Red Rosé is being served ALL over France. What started out as a mixed wine cocktail in Southern France has turned into wine makers all over the country bottling up their own versions of Ruby Red wines to eliminate the wine cocktail making process. The French just can't seem to get enough of Ruby Red Grapefruit Rosé!! It's one of their biggest foodie trends!! Living in Western New York, we are always the very last to get anything trendy in stores, so I assumed it would be YEARS before we got anything foreign AND trendy, so imagine the look on my face when I walked into my local liquor store and saw a bottle of Ruby Red Rosé sitting on the shelf! I couldn't believe it.  After purchasing the bottle and doing a little bit more Google research before popping the bottle open, I found out that apparently two Ruby Red Rosé wines have made it stateside just in time for summer! This Ruby Red Rosé just happens to be one of the two. But was it going to be any good? Would it live up to all the French foodie hype?!?!  My Thoughts? It's definitely a uniquely crafted Rosé that's for sure!!!! Infused with what the wine makers say are subtle Grapefruit flavors. But I will tell you right now, subtle?!?! Nope! It taste like straight up grapefruit juice! If you're a grapefruit lover like myself, this wine will definitely be one yummy treat.This is definitely a backyard Summer Rosé if there ever was one! Just make sure before serving to any guest that they know it is 100% grapefruit flavor that they will be sipping on. Grapefruit is always a love/hate fruit, so you don't want to serve to a grapefruit hater ;-)  Winemakers Notes Blended with 80% Cotes du Provence Rosé and ruby red grapefruit juice, it is wonderfully delicious and refreshing.
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 When you've just bought a bottle of wine, it's easy for your inner Veruca Salt to take over: You want it now. Not in the 2-3 hours it can take for it to cool in the fridge or hour in the freezer! We're an instant-gratification society, after all—especially when it comes to poppin' bottles. simple solution? Use frozen fruit. Many people already keep some in the freezer for smoothies, smoothie bowls (they're so hot, er, cool right now), and pies anyway. A few pieces of frozen fruit keeps your drink cool! Plus, you get a booze-infused snack when your glass is empty. Win! I came up with this handy guide to help you choose the right frozen fruit for your next glass of wine.  Frozen Strawberries In Prosecco  Frozen Blueberries In Sovereign Blanc  Frozen Pineapple In Pinot Grigio  Frozen Cherries In White Zinfandel  Frozen Peaches In Chardonnay  Frozen Blackberries In Riesling  Frozen Mangos In Moscato  Frozen Raspberries In Rosé  The Recommended Posts widget will appear here on the published site.
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House Wine Canned Rosé REVIEW5/24/2017 This is NOT a sponsored post. I purchased this wine myself and these are my thoughts!  While it seemed like rosé was everywhere last summer, and had perhaps reached peak popularity (let’s all agree to forget about the obnoxious brosé meme), it looks like we had better brace ourselves for another round. Rosé in a can is here, from France, California and beyond!  Living in WNY, I'm pretty use to the idea that I'm the first to catch on to these internet trends locally! Social media is what I do for a living after all, but when you live in the middle of what I call Amish Antarctica, it can sometimes be a curse! While all the #instafamous peeps on Instagram were sipping boatloads of Rosés out of a can, I was only able to find ONE canned rosé in this area. That's right, only one!!! So I did the obvious thing and snagged it! But would it be good?  Being weary of this trend, I was expecting House Wine Rosé to taste like hangover wine. Wine in a can just seemed like it would have to be made for those who don't have the slightest clue how a wine should taste! Just buying it because social media told them to. So I'm shocked to say this, but I was WRONG!  House Wine Rosé gets two thumbs up from me! Now don't get me wrong, this rosé in a can won't be replacing my go-to rosé bottles, but for all those outdoor adventures I have planned for the summer, all those concerts, even vacations where I like to pack a few drinks in my luggage. House Wine Rosé in a can will be my go-to! Wine Tasting Notes Winery : Original House Wine Winemaker : Hal Landvoigt Three Word Taste Summary : watermelon , raspberry , crisp Food Pairings : Spicy foods, grill favorites Tasting NotesA light watermelon hue follows through to hints of juicy citrus and orange blossom on the nose. A fresh summer cocktail of watermelon, strawberry and raspberry flavors mingle on the palate and slowly float away on a crisp lingering finish.  The Recommended Posts widget will appear here on the published site.
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 They all sparkle!!!! They all taste fantastic!!!!! They all pop, fizz & bubble!!!! But that's pretty much where the similarities end. Have you ever browsed the aisles at your local liquor store or if your fortunate enough, browsed the bubbly section of your local Target & wondered what makes a Cava a Cava & a Champagne a Champagne? Thankfully for you, I have all the bubbly 101 answers for you right here in this post! So next time your at a girls night & your bestie breaks out the bottle of prosecco, you can wow the crowd with your bubbly knowledge!!!  CHAMPAGNE • Champagne is only made in France • Champagne is made from three grapes: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay •Champagne gets fizzy via a labor-intensive process called méthode Champenoise. • Only Champagnes can legally use the term méthode Champenoise. • Before Champagne is corked, each bottle is spiked with the dosage — a mixture of sugar and wine that determines the bottle's final level of sweetness. • That sweetness level is indicated on the bottle. • The term you see on a Champagne bottle, "Brut", means the Champagne is on the dry side.  Don't drink Champagne from a large cup In a large cup the Champagne gets warm very quickly so the champagne is no longer refreshing. Also, the bubbles will go very quickly and the flavors will also go very quickly so you miss part of the experience. Do drink Champagne from a flute  PROSECCO • Prosecco comes from Italy • Prosecco is made from a grape varietal now known as Glera. • Unlike Champagne or Cava, Prosecco’s secondary fermentation occurs in tanks rather than individual bottles. • This process, known as charmat, is cheaper and faster than the méthode Champenoise. • Prosecco tends to be sweeter than the average Champagne or Cava making it the better option for bubbly newbies or sweet wine lovers. • Prosecco now outsells Champagne worldwide.  Don't Decant Prosecco Decanting Prosecco, or anything that bubbles for that matter is something I don't advise. Wine is put in a carafe to better express the aromas because you increase the contact with the air and oxygen. In bubbly, the bubbles massively increase the exchange between the wine and the air, and as a result it's not needed.  CAVA •Cava is from Spain • Cava undergoes the exact same production process as Champagne. • However, the Spanish process is known as traditionelle, instead of méthode Champenoise, as only wine makers in France may legally label their products méthode Champenoise. • The most common grapes used in Cava production are Macabeu, Parellada and Xarello. • Cava's flavors can veer toward earthy.  Don't roll your Cava Sometimes you see people rolling a glass of bubbly in the glass. You don't need to do that. Cava, along with all other bubbly adult drinks are obviously sparkling so you don't need to agitate it. Let's Chat! Do you have a favorite bottle of bubbly? I would love to hear what you enjoy drinking in the comments below :)  The Recommended Posts widget will appear here on the published site.
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Top Budget Rosé Wines Under $204/25/2017  Are you a baller on a budget? Do you need to buy mom a pink bottle of deliciousness for Mother's Day and have no clue where to start? Or maybe you are after the ultimate pink drink summer drinking guide? Whatever your reason for buying that bottle of rosé may be, I have you covered with my list of budget favorites! In no particular order, my favorites as of April 2017!  Dark Horse Limited Release Rosé Fortune favors the bold with this Californian number that takes after a classic Provençal rosé but is also loaded with aromatic red fruit flavors. Our reviewers preferred its "super smooth finish" and subtle buttery qualities. Average Price $12  Chloe Rosé This ballet-slipper pink Pinot Noir blend is bright and slightly acidic, but only to balance the fresh hints of raspberry and watermelon. Average Price $17  Johnson Estate Pink Niagara Rich, fruity, with grape aromas. This is the eighth most searched for wine from Lake Erie - New York. This wine has been becoming increasingly popular over the past year. Average Price $8  Johnson Estate Pink Catawaba NEW Medal Winner! Just awarded a DOUBLE GOLD, Best of Class at the 2015 International Eastern Wine Competition. This wine is sweet, crisp and grapey and is made with locally-grown American Catawba grapes Average Price $11  YELLOWGLEN PINK SPARKLING WINE Fragrant and pleasing, the blush-like non-vintage Yellowglen Pink is a Sparkling Wine with excellent acidity and crispness; very nice strawberry, peachy flavors. Average Price $14  Charles & Charles Rosé Fruits such as strawberry, raspberry, and cherry are interwoven with earthy flavors like herbes de Provence and grass in this vibrantly salmon-colored wine. Average Price $14  Club W's "Summer Water" A deliciously light and airy rosé made from pinot noir, this is the perfect sipping wine for summer afternoons. Average Price $18  Apothic Rosé This wine is from United States, California region, Sonoma County sub-region. The first cut, referring to the process by which still pink juice is bled off of the fermentation tank to make rose wine, the remaining juice continuing to make red wine, gives this wine its fresh, fruity character. Flavors of strawberry and watermelon lead to a crisp, juicy finish. Enjoy as a cocktail for picnics and barbecue. Non-varietal rose blend wine. Average Price $12  Korbel Brut Rosé AWARD - Gold Medal Winner, San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, January 2017. Flavorful, bright and aromatic, medium-dry Brut Rosé is one of Korbel's most award-winning wines. Average Price $14  Babe Rosé With Bubbles From the makers of White Girl Rose comes Babe, a canned, bubbly rose perfect for picnicking, pool-lounging, camping, concert-going, and more. It's a blend of Pinot Grigio and Primitivo varietals with hints of honeydew - and with about 160 calories per 8.4oz serving, a guilt free indulgence Average Price $14  The Recommended Posts widget will appear here on the published site.
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Budget Champagne For Mimosas4/13/2017  Mimosas might just be the leader of the great brunch cocktails. They’re super yummy, easy peasy to make, and they look like a glass of sunshine. However, picking the right Champagne for mimosas can be tricky if you aren't exactly a champagne connoisseur. The fabulous news is that it’s ok to use cheap Champagne for mimosas since you won’t be able to taste the subtle flavors of really good Champagne due to the orange juice. So feel free to grab that bargain bottle sitting on the shelf and I promise it will still tastes delicious. With this in mind, I've included some sparkling wines below. Real Champagnes are usually more expensive and you really can save a ton by buying sparkling wine. All the sparkling wines listed below are on the dry side, which means that they aren’t sweet. Dry Champagnes and sparkling wines are ideal for mimosas since the orange juice already has plenty of sugar and sweetness to it. To find a dry sparkling wine of Champagne, look for “Brut” or “Extra Dry” on the label.  Cupcake Prosecco NV Average Price - $14.00 Varietal - Champagne/Sparkling Wine Appellation - Italy Winery - Cupcake Vineyards Alcohol - 11.20% The Cupcake Prosecco NV is a versatile and delicious sparkling wine. With its bright flavors and affordable price, this bottle is perfect for a variety of occasions. Bubbly aromas of white peach, honeydew melon, and grapefruit abound on the nose. A hint of toasted brioche adds a lovely richness. This Prosecco is a delight to sip on its own, and it is also perfect for pairing with food or making cocktails. Pair it with foods like avocado salad, linguini with clams, or lemon short cake. It is also delicious in mimosas and other Champagne cocktails.  Stella Rosa Imperiale Prosecco NV Average Price - $15.99 Varietal - Champagne/Sparkling Wine Appellation - Piedmont, Italy Winery - Stella Rosa The Stella Rosa Imperiale Prosecco NV is a delicate and refreshing sparkling wine. Showing a touch of sweetness, this wine is the perfect bottle for your festive or casual evening. Delicate flavors of Bosc pear, yellow apple, and lemon mingle on the palate. A bright acidity perfectly balances the sweetness in the wine, and the palate has a lovely round texture. Enjoy this sparkling wine as an aperitif or with freshly sliced fruits. It also pairs nicely with apple tart, fruit pies, and creamy gelato.  La Marca Prosecco NV Average Price - $17.00 Varietal - Champagne/Sparkling Wine Appellation - DOC Veneto Winery - La Marca Alcohol - 11.30% The La Marca Prosecco NV is a light and refreshing sparkling wine from Italy. A pale golden color in the glass, this bubbly wine emits fresh aromas of citrus and honeyed florals. The palate is effervescent and crisp. Flavors of ripe citrus, lemon, juicy green apple, and grapefruit abound, with an intriguing hint of minerality and toast. The finish is bright and refreshing. This is a sparkling wine to enjoy on a variety of occasions. It would be lovely as an aperitif or as part of a celebration.  Gruet Blanc de Blancs NV Average Price - $18.00 Varietal - Champagne/Sparkling Wine Winery - Gruet Alcohol - 12.00% The Gruet Blanc de Blancs NV is a bright and lively sparkling wine that is perfect for enjoying on a special occasion. "Medium lemon in color, our Non Vintage Blanc de Blancs presents aromas of brioche and green apples that follow through on the palate. Flavors of lemon zest, honeysuckle, and tropical fruit lead to a crisp, fresh finish."  Villa Maria Bubbly Sauvignon Blanc Average Price - $14.99 Vintage - 2015 Varietal - Champagne/Sparkling Wine Appellation - New Zealand Winery - Villa Maria Alcohol - 13.00% The Villa Maria Bubbly Sauvignon Blanc 2015 is full of style. This fun sparkling wine is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a special party or just a fun weeknight. Fresh aromas of ripe melon and lime waft to the nose, introducing a palate that is bubbly and refreshing. A sip of this wine is full of small, delicate bubbles in the frizzante style. This elegant structure makes it a delight to sip on its own and with various foods. Consider pairing it with seafood, and share it with your favorite people.  Poema Brut Cava NV Average Price - $13.00 Varietal - Champagne/Sparkling Wine Appellation - Cava, Spain Winery - Poema Alcohol - 22.00% The Poema Brut Cava NV is a delightful sparkling wine. Full of fresh flavors and lively bubbles, this Cava will bring a smile to your face. Aromas of green apple, citrus, and minerals combine for a fresh, clean bouquet. This freshness continues onto the palate, which is light and delicious. A hint of toasted bread gives this wine a little bit of richness that is much appreciated. Enjoy this Cava as an aperitif. It is also delicious in Champagne cocktails, and it pairs well with tapas, oysters, and other seafood.  Codorniu Anna Brut NV Average Price - $10.00 Varietal - Champagne/Sparkling Wine Appellation - DO Cava Winery - Codorniu Alcohol - 11.50% The Codorniu Anna Brut NV is a lively and refreshing sparkling wine. Aromas and flavors of tropical fruits will make you feel like you're on a sunny vacation. The nose shows fresh pineapple, citrus, grapefruit, and lime juice. These flavors continue onto the palate, which is bubbly (of course) and refreshing. This is a nicely balanced sparkling wine, and you will enjoy it from the first sip to the last. Enjoy this wine as an aperitif, or use it in a Champagne cocktail. It is also delicious with foods like sushi, shellfish, or lightly spiced carpaccio.  Campos de Estrellas Brut Nature Cava NV Average Price - $14.99 Designation - DO Cava Varietal - Champagne/Sparkling Wine Appellation - Spain Winery - Campos de Estrellas Alcohol - 11.90% The Campos de Estrellas Brut Nature Cava NV is a fresh and fruity sparkling wine. Bright aromas of peach and apricot mingle with a mouthwatering accent of freshly baked bread. The palate is luxurious and nicely balanced, with a cascade of bubbles and fresh fruit flavors. This Cava is the perfect wine with which to make a toast, and it is also terrific as an aperitif or complement to a nice dinner. No matter the occasion, this sparkling wine will be a great addition to the table.  The Recommended Posts widget will appear here on the published site.
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I finally did it guys!!!! I made the leap into foodie videos!!!! Now instead of spamming y'all with everyone else's videos, I can spam you with my own lol!!!!!
Not perfect, like I totally filmed like I was filming live video (up and down) and I was suppose to shoot horizontal. Oops!!! Blonde moment;-) but besides that, I think I did a great job for never opening iMovie before until today!!! Totally addicted to video now.
INGREDIENTS
Vodka
Strawberries White Chocolate Chips Sprinkles 
Pour your vodka into a large bowl.
Soak your strawberries anywhere from 3hrs to overnight. The longer you soak, the more booze they will be soaked with!!
To melt your chocolate without burning it. Take a small pan and boil and inch of water. Then place a heat safe glass bowl ontop. Then pour your chocolate chips into the bowl.
Stir your chocolate chips until they have melted.
Take your strawberries out of the vodka
And start dipping your strawberries into the chocolate. I will warn you. Since they are soaked in vodka, the chocolate won't go onto the strawberries all smooth and fancy as you see above.
No biggie about that thigh because the sprinkles cover that up ;-)
Let the chocolate harden and enjoy!!!
cheers!!! 
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 Just a few more weeks until it's Super Bowl Party time!!!!!! If you're anything like me, themed everything is a must when throwing a fabulous get together for your besties!!!  If themed everything is your thing, you will absolutely LOVE my water bottle Printable!!!!!! Each sheet makes 6 football themed bottles.  All you need is the downloadable printable, bottles of water, scissors and clear tape.  Rip off the current lables on your water bottles.  Cut the prontable up into 6 labels.  Tape your labels onto the bottles.  Ta-Da!!! You now have cute and adorable water bottles!!!  As you can see they will match your football party theme PERFECTLY!!  Your friends will think you are the most creative person EVER, and all you did was take 5 minutes to tape a few labels on bottles!!!  To print out for yourself, just click the link below. 
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Glitter Champagne Bottles1/3/2017  How many of you have pins you have been dying to complete, yet they just sit there most likely never to be accomplished?!?! I can't be the only one with a million of these fabulous ideas just sitting there waiting for the day you actually have a free moment to do them. I've been on Pinterest since the Beta tester days and I kid you not, I have had several versions of glittery Champagne Bottles just sitting there waiting for me since the very beginning of Pinterest time! Well I'm happy to report that NYE 2017 became the day I broke out the bottles of glitter to make these fabulous bottles. They literally took me less than 10 minutes to make, so the fact I have waited this long to accomplish this crafty project kind of makes me laugh now.  SUPPLIES Champagne Bottles Spray Paint Glitter OPTIONAL Straws Ribbon  Spray the champagne bottle with paint.  Immediately after, sprinkle the glitter onto the bottles.  You want to sprinkle right away before the paint dries. So I suggest that you do one bottle at a time to get max glitter on the bottles  If you want to fancy them up like I did, tie a straw into the bottles with ribbon.  And that's legit it! You now have fabulous glittery Champagne Bottles for your special occasion!  The Recommended Posts widget will appear here on the published site.
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Skull Liquor Set10/10/2016 "I would like to thank JafGifts for sponsoring today's post. Regardless of compensation, all stories, opinions & typos, 100% my own!"  There is no denying it!!! Holiday decor is a total obsession of mine!!!! I might complain a lot about the weather not being as fab as I would like it to be this time of year, but all the decor and the themed awesomeness can definitely make up for that at times!!!  So when JafGifts.com contacted me about writing up a post on one of their many cute Halloween items I couldn't resist replying with a "hell yeah" after seeing this Crystal Skull Liqour Set!  Just look at how pretty this set really is?!?! A must have for any Halloween lover. Even my alcohol hating hubby told me we had to make a space in our kitchen to display the Skull fabulousness!!  I was rather impressed with the quality as well! Look at how thick those Skull Shot Glasses are. Since this is a novelty item I was kind of expecting Dollar Tree quality glasses and boy was I wrong. If you were to throw one of these shot glasses at someone (which I really hope you wouldn't!) it could possibly kill them. That's how heavy duty these babies are. As for the Skull Liquor Container, not as heavy duty as the shot glasses, but still rather impressive. Definitely not a cheaply made item.  I had a normal sized, unopened bottle of whiskey laying around. Cracked that baby open and poured it into the skull and all four shot glasses & still had a shot or two left in the whiskey bottle. So it's safe to say the Crystal Skull takes 3/4 of a bottle to fill.  Like what you see?! You can be the hit of your Halloween party and purchase your own by following the links below!!!! Skull Liqour Container Skull Shot Glasses Skull 5 Piece Set Let's Chat! Do you decorate for Halloween?  The Recommended Posts widget will appear here on the published site.
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welcomeCourtneyLynne is former model turned mommy & wifey! When not blogging all things foodie, fashion, travel, mom life & straight up fabulousness to the masses, she can be found chasing her daughter around in 6in stilettos & laughing at her own jokes her glass of wine told her to tell. |
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11/27/2017
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