Sunday, 29 November 2009
Philanthropology - Get Yourself Some
  Philanthropology: the study of being fabulously charitable.
Darlings, you might not want to hear this, so pour yourself a glass of my deilicous Pinot Grigio and listen up: it is time to clear out your closets. Yes, yes, yes, it will be time consuming and I know that many tears will be shed over the loss of a few coveted items. However, you know very well that the sweater Aunt Agnes gave you for your birthday two years ago is absolutely never going to see the light of day. What you do not know is that somewhere in this world, someone will absolutely love that sweater. How dare you deprive someone of their joy! Here is what you do:
1. Put on some cheery, upbeat music (we're going to need it to get through the losses we're about to endure).
2. Pour yourself another glass of Pinot.
3. Grab your suitcase
4. Fill that suitcase to the brim with everything you have not touched in over a year.
That means shirts, jeans, blouses, trousers, hats, shoes, scarves. EVERYTHING that has depreciated in value by sitting in your closet, gathering dust, MUST GO INTO THE SUITCASE! You might find yourself saying, "But, but this lumberjack style plaid was so in last season." Let. It. Go. There are much more exciting clothes in this season.
5. Lug that suitcase to your nearest Goodwill, Salvation Army, church or homeless shelter and say "ciao bella" to your old, drab wardrobe.
Ok, breathe.. I think it is over...we survived...And look at the bright side: more room in your closet = more new clothes. We cannot have empty closets! This Drama Queen always knows when to give back to her community. It might not be entirely altruistic (hey, holiday sales are no joking matter), but we contributed our unused belonginigs to those who need them much much more. And that is something to toast to. Raise your glasses and repeat after me: "I helped someone today and I am even more fabulous because of it!"
Cheers darlings :-)
High heels and charitable giving - Marise, Philanthropic Drama Queen Posted on 11/29/2009 12:43 PM by Marise
Monday, 23 November 2009
Is too much wine ever really too much wine?
Too much wine? Eh, maybe...
Hello my wine loving darlings! I am here with sage Drama Queen advice: never, under any circumstances, should you ask your boyfriend about an ex-girlfriend after 4 glasses of Pinot Grigio...no matter how delicious my wine is. One would think certain topics might fall under the 'common knowledge' brain category; however, under certain function-altering-substances, some topics might slip into the 'perfectly acceptable to talk about' category. And that is where circumstances can get uncomfortably awkward.
My fabulous friends and I were celebrating our girl's birthday at the 6th Ward (a super fun Lower East Side spot), when a friend of my boyfriend accidentally let slip a story regarding his ex. The thing is, I was not aware of this particular ex who 1) works at his law firm 2) is best friends with his best friend's girfriend and 3) I have had to hang out with before at both work and friendly gatherings. It bothered me that he had failed to mention the relationship when she is in such close proximity to our social circles. I marched up, stated my business and awaited my deserved answers. Wine was drank, a few tears were shed and words were exchanged: "Would you like to explain yourself?" and "Oh c'mon, you cannot be jealous over her...she wears fake eyelashes (even though Halloween was last month) and she gets a spray tan." and "I'm sorry, what exactly was her appeal?" and "Oh... well.. you know..." and "No, I do not know. That is unacceptable, regardless of how bored you were." But it eventually ended with him proclaiming his undying affection for his beautiful, intelligent, fashionably chic and adorable girlfriend. How could I stay mad at that? The conversation did take place after 4 glasses of my delicious Pinot Grigio :-)
The moral of the story ladies: do not ask your boyfriend about his ex after 4 glasses of wine...but also, there is absolutely no reason to be jealous over a girl who has actually muttered the phrase, "Ugh, my spray tan is splotchy." This Drama Queen knows when she has won, even if the splotchy bimbo was not aware of the fight.
High heels and high glasses - Marise, Confident Drama Queen Posted on 11/23/2009 2:05 PM by Marise
Monday, 16 November 2009
Give Thanks! I'm here to help.
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Dearest readers,
Ah, what wine to serve up at those joyous holiday gatherings? Where people get together and peel potatoes and watch hours upon hours of football and then share a glorious meal. Later on, some have meltdowns. If you’re a three-year-old, we understand. But everybody else just needs to relax and have a nice glass of wine.
Thanksgiving is one of the more challenging meals to pair with wine. That’s because there are just so darn many flavors going on. Savory and salty tastes are not the issue; salty foods actually make wines taste softer and smoother. But sweeter tastes, like cranberries, sweet potatoes, and chocolate-covered green beans can make some wines taste bitter.
Luckily, we can offer you several excellent Middle Sister solutions. Any of us girls would be perfect gracing your holiday table, because our wines are made to for easy and effortless drinking in general. But if you’re in the mood for a white, may we suggest Wicked White? I'm a blend of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Gewurztraminer (Gewurztraminer is a classic Thanksgiving wine, by the way).
What red wine compliments the carnival of flavors on the Thanksgiving table? It’s Rebel Red, a carnival of grapes, if you will, (Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah), artfully blended for your sipping pleasure Can’t decide? Why not serve both a white and a red and cover all your bases?
Faithfully yours,
Wicked White
P.S. You can order Middle Sister wines online. Save 10% when you order 6 or more bottles. https://wineshop.winesisterhood.com/index.cfm
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Posted on 11/16/2009 10:41 AM by Wicked White
Thursday, 12 November 2009
Wine Tasting 101
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2. SwiRl aNd SniFf
Your senses of smell and taste are closely intertwined, so take the time to sniff a glass of wine. Swirling the wine in your glass opens up the wine (that’s wine speak for letting in air) and helps you take in the aromas. Place your glass on a flat surface and swirl the wine. Then quick - put your nose inside the glass and give it a good sniff. What is the first aroma that comes to mind? Is it a fruity or woody scent? Wines that are oak aged sometimes smell more like spices and wood than fruits; so don’t limit your thinking to raspberries or blackberries. You could also smell cinnamon, cloves or vanilla due to the oak aging. Some wines even have vegetal scents like grass or green peppers.
Grapes, like other fruits, have unique characteristics depending on the type (varietal). Think of apples – there are hundreds of different apple varieties, each with a unique flavor and aroma. Grapes are no different – some are sweeter or fruitier; while others are more tart or vegetal by nature.
I don't think the commonly held notion that the bigger your nose the better you sniff is true. What do you think?
Cheers! Rebel Red |
Posted on 11/12/2009 11:11 AM by Rebel Red
Thursday, 12 November 2009
Hello fashion: I love you.
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I do not think I can accurately explain how excited I am about this post! Ok, yes darlings, we are in a recession, but should fashion suffer? Absolutely not! I, Marise, do solemnly swear to post three of my favorite fall/winter fashion statements that will enhance your closet while preserving your wallet. Ok ladies, grab a glass of my delicious Pinot Grigio and pay close attention to my fashion tips!
Lets begin with the perfect trench coat. No, I am not talking about those ridiculous faux leather trench coat mafia knockoffs. I am talking about the classically classy trench coat. Burberry has perfected this design: THE classic trench coat. Oh how I love Burberry… but I do not love the $2,000 price tag. Now, here is a beautiful alternative to the classic design for a mere $250: Oooooooo I love this! Throw this chic coat over any outfit for any occasion. It is so versatile and should definitely be a staple in any woman’s closet.
On to the perfect day dress. I love love love to show off my legs (even in winter!) and here is a dress you can pair with a sheer pair of leggings to make it winter-appropriate while still looking fashionably fabulous: The perfect day dress. I love a cute boat neck dress, it’s my guilty pleasure and I happily feed the addiction! And did you see the price? $175! Fabulous Ann Taylor, simply fabulous.
And finally, the exclamation point at the end of every outfit…the shoes! Since we are traveling down the classic and chic route, look at these beauties for just $89: Shut up! These are $89!? If you want something a little trendier, get them in Pewter! It is still a classic style and the intense color only adds to the chic-ness of the design.
Ok ladies, enjoy my fashion tips and I better see you strutting your new looks around town! What are some of your favorite winter fashion trends? Share them with your middle sisters!
High heels and high fashion,
Marise – The Always Fashionable Drama Queen
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Posted on 11/12/2009 5:40 PM by Marise
Monday, 9 November 2009
Wine Tasting 101
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Four simple guidelines to help you enjoy wine AND look really cool.
Here's the first step…more to come!
1.sEe
As one of my FB friends said (I wish I could remember who!), “Hold your glass up to the light for maximum pomposity.” Actually, you can hold it against something white like a sheet of paper or napkin and you’ll be able to see the color of the wine more clearly. Is it reddish, reddish brown or more purple in color? Is the wine dark or light in color – can you see through the wine? Depth of color is a general indicator of whether a wine is a fuller bodied or lighter bodied wine. Is the wine cloudy and/or brownish – usually not a good sign – the wine could be oxidized. Epic wine fail. In a nutshell, too much air, for too long has come in contact with the wine causing a color, aroma and taste change. Blech.
A 'Corked' wine is a wine that has been bottled with a cork that is contaminated with TCA. It comes across as 'musty' aromas and flavors.
Have you ever had a bottle of "bad" wine? Was it at a restaurant or did you buy it and open it at home?
Cheers! Rebel Red (stay tuned for Swirl, Sniff, Sip and Spit!)
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Posted on 11/09/2009 11:18 AM by Rebel Red
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