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Sunday, 07 March 2010
Allow me to introduce myself...

My name is Mischief... Mischief Maker.

Don't laugh. I'm serious. I am a Mischief Maker. Wait really? YES! And it is awesome, try not to be too jealous. Now that we are acquainted Middle Sisters, shall we begin?

I'm writing to share  with you my adventures, my mistakes, my loves, my life. My hope is to excite a sense of mischief and mystery within every Middle Sister and I think you will love me for it  by the end of this first post.

I was on an exceptional date this past weekend with a dude who looked just like Clive Owen, so I thus dubbed him 'Clive Owen kid.' Anyway, Clive picked me up from my apartment and we shimmied down to a swanky restaurant with decor similar to the inside of a genie's bottle. So sexy. Backstory: Clive wants me. Frontstory: I'm in to it... right now.

Even after two hours, our conversation is so intriguing that we're leaning over the table to speak closer to each other. And just as the check comes, I fnish my glass of wine and give him the smile. You know what I mean: THE smile. The 'lets get outta here' smile. I'll spare you the details, but we cab it back to his apartment and the diaologue goes something like this:

Clive: So... do you wanna stay?

Me: Do you have any wine?

Clive: Yes, a Cabernet Sauvignon.

Me: "Ok"

I think, in that moment, it was meant to be. Me and a good Cabernet? I'm drawn to it like a moth to the flame. Touche Clive, touche. And so on and so forth until I jumped in a cab and met my girlfriends for brunch... What happened? I'll never tell :-)

xoxo - M.M.

Posted on 03/07/2010 2:31 PM by Mischief Maker
Wednesday, 03 March 2010
Moving... Moving... Moving... and more moving!

So, moving can be kinda stressful, who knew?

Oh middle sisters, how I have neglected you so. Many apologies my Pinot darlings! But if you only knew how exhasuted I've been from moving this past weekend, you would completely understand my lack of posts. It has been terrible! First, my movers canceled and I had to scrounge up people last minute from CraigsList to assist me in my move downtown. That's right ladies, this Drama Queen is no longer an Upper East Sider-but I always will be in my heart :-). I am now a resident of the super hip East Village, where style, fashion, and art meet in a beautifully fabulous triangle of all things chic.

With this move came many complications. I mean, how hard is it to walk an antique, cherrywood armoir up 6 flights of stairs? Stop complaining movers, at least the stairs were short. And what am I paying you for anyway? To sit around chatting about how cute I am... that is a given! Now carry my boxes and be careful, the boxes marked 'CLOTHING' are fragile and very vital to my well being!

Good thing Rebel Red was there to calm me down with her delicious wine, I just do not know what I would do without her! When Middle Sisters unite, we are unstoppable! Whether it be helping a friend move, gossiping about the latest fashion do not's or sipping wine after a long day, remember to keep your sisters close :-).

I must retire now sisters, I have mountains of boxes to unpack... if only I could pay someone to unpack them...

Next week I shall return to posting about fashion rules you can feel good about breaking! Until then, cheers darlings.

HIgh heels and high flights (of stairs) - Marise, East Village Drama Queen

Posted on 03/03/2010 1:11 PM by Marise
Tuesday, 02 March 2010
Oh..... Ohhhh Canada.


Friends, loved ones, and Vancouverans alike,

Now... THAT was a show. The show I speak of is the closing ceremony at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. I didn't know whether to laugh, cry, both, or call my mother and ask her to tuck me into bed. Because, somehow I reverted mentally 20 years. I'm not exactly sure what they were thinking. Regardless, it certainly was Canadian, wasn't it!?

Let me note, I thought my humor was self-depracating. But, I can sincerely say that this ceremony outdid anything I'm capable of! Impressive! This mime pulled the fourth cauldron up in the center of the arena when it failed to rise on its own, in parody of the technical failure in the opening ceremony. What a tactful way to recover! And I loved the exploitation of Canadian stereotypes. Come on! Beaver and moose heads? Thank you! Giant maple leaf dancers? Love it. Lumberjacks? Have we gone too far yet?

Anyway, this show served its purpose as a way for Canadians to bring their faults to attention in a brave and shameless matter. Oh, did I say that out loud?

I did feel a little guilty when they had to have acts like Avril Lavigne, Alanis Morissette and Simple Plan play. I mean, not like they're terrible or anything.

Who are we kidding, they are terrible. But we appreciate their modesty and boringness all the same. Thanks, Canada. Where would we be without you? Who would we United Statesmen compare ourselves to? Whose healthcare laws would we be jealous of? You really give us something to think about, and that is irreplaceable!

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the lavish performance designed by our nifty neighbors of the north.

Amused, Smarty Pants

Posted on 03/02/2010 9:19 PM by Smarty Pants
Monday, 22 February 2010
Piercing or peace of mind? Which would you rather...?
Greetings Middle Sisters,

You know, there are a ton of great things about piercings. They can totally change your image. A hoop in your nose can make you look like a punk or a hip chick in the best way. A pair of pearls clasped to your ears makes dull pastels (the snooty oldest sister's usual choice for family functions, how boring!) seem clean-cut, classy, and astonishingly presentable. A little hole in your belly can bring you back 10 years, and a "Monroe" piercing on your upper lip can bring you all the way back to the 50's!

Anyway, I've had my fair share of fun with piercings. For a short while I had a nose ring, which my parents HATED, by the way. (I loved it, probably for that reason.) Unfortunately, I had to remove it from my face. The deal was, I was seeing this guy who was a great smoocher! So, of course, we snogged a whole bunch. That was wonderful! But, here lies the problem. The apparatus in my nostril would constantly be pushed around. And during our snogging sessions, I would have to put my finger up my nose to readjust it! It became very frustrating for both parties. And it looked like I was constantly picking my nose! I had to reassure him, "No, I swear! It's just this darn nose ring!"

Thus, one day I took it out of my nose! It was so sad that I didn't have this wicked cool looking accessory to make me look gnarly! But, it was so not sad when smooching became ever more pleasant.

So, there's my story. Any of you wacky Middle Sisters have similar stories you could share?

Slightly Scandalous, Smarty Pants
Posted on 02/22/2010 9:03 PM by Smarty Pants
Sunday, 07 February 2010
XLIV.

Oh. Hi. Fancy seeing you here. Ugh. UGH! Football? First, this country robbed poor Europe of the title of their football, or what we call 'soccer', which is obviously a more civilized, humane sport (with much better looking players. Noted...). Only Americans call it 'soccer' owing to our vast ignorance of what goes on outside our national boundaries.

Second, American football is really just a misnomer/watered-down version of rugby with all the danger and most of the skill removed. Way to go, USA! Yet another idea stolen from Europe, as well! Do we see a trend here?

Third, the sport adds to the growth of hyper-masculinity in this country. What I would like to see is some intelligent women thrown on that field with the same rules. I could only imagine how different, how much more culturally sophisticated the outcome would be! I say we give it a go.

Which brings me to... today. The de facto American national holiday, Super Bowl Sunday. Or, what I like to call the never-ending commercial. The sad excuse of a past-time has become a holiday for capitalism, frat boys, and expanding waistlines. (Although, the dips and desserts are usually quite tasty.) If anyone has any tips for surviving the overabundance of media, merchandising, and manliness of today's main event, could you please let us know?!

Ciao ciao, Smarty Pants

Posted on 02/07/2010 12:04 PM by Maria Diaz
Wednesday, 03 February 2010
Black (and Brown) Beauties... Together at Last!

Breaking the rules never looked so good.

Hello Middle Sisters! Drama Queen here with a very fashion forward post for you today. I am sure all of you remember the basic fashion do's and don'ts of yester-year, but I am writing to excitedly tell yout o throw them out with last year's faux fur trent! Last week, I touched on the fabulousness of wearing white after Labor Day (I hope some of you listened to my advice!) and today I am going to introduce you to some of my favorite--and not to mention modern--black and brown combos.

Obviously there is the always classic and oh-so-chic
Burberry - Funnell Neck Check Wool Coat
But here is a modern twist:
Alexander Wang - Trench Dress paired with a simple black belt and black peep-toe platforms. Wear this during a casual day out.
Or jazz it up with these Kathryn Amberleigh - Suede Over-the-Knee Boot for drinks out with the girls! Oh, and who could resist these super cute flats? Dolce Vita - Nove Leopard Flats with Small Studs. Love. Love. Love the studs

Now, on to the more challenging combinations of blacks and browns.

Check out this military inspired
Eryn Brinie
outfit!
And this
Rachel Pally - Tribal Camisole Dress

perfectly mixes a dark brown and rich black
in its chic pattern.

Ok, I have given you my sound advice regarding the beautiful mixing of blacks and browns, but DO NOT over do it! Use your own personal fashion intuition because fashion is not about trends or what's hot and what's not, fashion comes from within. And great personal style can break any rules and look fabulous getting away with it.

Next week's rule to be broken: mixing patterns and florals and stripes... all in the same outfit? Indeed! Ciao my Sisters :-)

High heels and handsome hues - Marise, Fashionably Daring Drama Queen

Posted on 02/03/2010 2:00 PM by Marise
Friday, 29 January 2010
Balkan-gypsy-funked-out BK? Give me more!!

Hola muchachas (and muchachos... who knows?!),

Just wanted to let you in on the most hip-hop-happening thing I've come across recently. A dear friend of mine who is a connoisseur of Eastern bloc artistry let me in on it, and I can't get enough!

Each Tuesday, Barbes Bar in Park Slope, Brooklyn hosts Slavic Soul Party. It's an ensemble comprised of American jazz musicians playing Eastern European Balkan-soul-gypsy-funk (probably the most common genre in America... Ha!), with a twist that no one else can bring to the style as candidly. 

San Francisco Weekly raves, "The group's residency at Barbes -  a small seminal nightclub in Brooklyn - has become a gathering for international musicians and the nexus of East Coast gypsy punk, not because SSP! is comprised of scenesters, but because the band is undeniably world class."

That review alone gives me CHILLS. And I swear to you, seeing them perform will take those chills away and make you HOT from all the dancing you will surely surrender to.

But, for real, ladies. Classy Brooklyn, classy people, classy atmosphere. I don't know what more I could ask for when it comes to a Tuesday evening escape. Maybe a light glass of some Smarty Pants Chardonnay to cool down afterward, who knows?

Explore more here (the bar) and here (the band).

Ciao ciao,
Smarty Pants

Posted on 01/29/2010 6:05 PM by Maria Diaz
Sunday, 24 January 2010
Rebel's Famous Black Bean Chili

This recipe is uber easy and uber delish.

Black Bean Chili

1 lb. Ground Chicken
Olive Oil
1 Large Onion chopped
1 Green Pepper chopped
6 Cloves Garlic crushed
5 Cans Black Beans drained
1 15 oz. can tomato sauce
1 15 oz. can diced tomatoes
1 Jalapeno pepper chopped
1 c. frozen corn
lots of chili powder
cayanne pepper to taste

1. Brown chicken, set aside.

2. Saute onion, garlic and green pepper in olive oil until wilted.

3. Add browned chicken. Add Beans. Add tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Add jalapeno pepper, corn and seasonings.

4. Stir together and bring to boil. Turn heat to low and let simmer for about 1 hour.

5. Eat. You can top each bowl with grated sharp cheddar, sour cream, chopped raw onions or not.

Serve with corn bread and Rebel Red, of course!

After you make it, let me know how it turned out!

Chef Reb

Posted on 01/24/2010 10:14 PM by Rebel Red
Thursday, 21 January 2010
Snow is not this season's only white accessory.

White weaved clutches, white satin stilettos, white leather necklaces!

Ok Middle Sisters, this Drama Queen is giving you the absolutely fabulous inside scoop to this season's best accessories: snow whites.

Forget about those dated fashion faux pas regarding white after labor day or memorial day or whatever day it is. Think about it! White is the best neutral, it goes with every color! Pair it with black or navy blue for a super chic, timelessly classic look; combo it with skin tones of light pinks, beiges, and nudes for an updated urban glamwear ensamble, match it with bold brights like grassy greens, sunny yellows, or firey oranges to offset the greys of winter and look forward to spring!

Here are a few of my favs this season:


Fendi - White Cuoio Roma Firenze Bag


Michael Kors - Runway Sandal, White


Coco Chanel - Pleated Satin Bootie


Donna Karan - Chalk Double Links Leather and Bone Necklace

Enjoy Middle Sisters and remember, do not be afraid to break outdated fashion rules. Next week's blog: the beauty of blacks and browns... together! Be on the lookout for more rules to be broken in the weeks to come. Until next time my lovely Pinot drinkers :-)

High heels and pearly whites - Marise, Whimsically White Drama Queen


Posted on 01/21/2010 1:27 PM by Marise
Tuesday, 12 January 2010
New Years Resolutions Anyone?

How many of you darlings are keeping up with your resolutions!?

It is now 12 days in to a new decade and I am curious... have you lovely Pinot drinking beauties been keeping up with your New Years Resolutions?  A new decade can mean many new beginnings!  Whether it is shedding those last 10 pounds, vowing to spend more time with family/friends, promising to take at least one vacation this year, dontating to more charities, attending more fabulous galas, or (GASP) cutting back on your drinking habits (HA, not with my delicious Pinot Grigio lying around!), those pesky resolutions can cause quite the stir in your daily routine.  But how rewarding are they?

VERY!  Think about it.  You set a goal.  You work every day towards accomplishing that goal.  You accomplish that goal!  What a self-esteem boost!  A very simple equation, yet why do resolutions always fade into the background as the year progresses?  I am proposing a new approach.  Check yourself every month.  Put a reminder on your blackberry or your gmail calender or wherever you keep your life in order, for the first every month.  It should say something encouraging, yet harsh: 

"GET OFF YOUR A$$ AND GO TO THE GYM TODAY, YOU DESERVE A SEXY NEW BODY!"

"SET A DATE TO HAVE LUNCH WITH YOUR SISTER-IN-LAW, IT WILL MAKE YOUR BROTHER HAPPY... EVEN THOUGH SHE NEEDS TO CONSULT YOU BEFORE WEARING ANOTHER HIDEOUS OUTFIT."

"OH, I'M SORRY, ARE YOU ENJOYING THIS WINTERY BLIZZARD?  START PLANNING YOUR NEXT TRIP TO COSTA RICA TODAY!"

Instead of feeling overwhelmed and stressed about making these sometimes life altering resolutions immediately, you can space them out and hopefully make them last throughout the entire year!  What are some of your New Years Resolutions?  Share them with your fellow Middle Sisters and inspire those who have not set resolutions, to do something new and different!  I may be stubborn at times, but this Drama Queen always knows when a change needs to be a-comin'. 

High heels and high times - Marise, Resolutionary Drama Queen

Posted on 01/12/2010 3:24 PM by Marise
Monday, 04 January 2010
Happy Holidays Middle Sisters!
Hello wine lovers! Did you miss me :-) I apologize for the lack of posts, but it was the holidays and I was so busy with charity events and fundraisers and volunteering (yes, I aboslutely volunteer, especially over the holidays)! And it felt so great to be home. Yes, it is true, this Drama Queen might be going a little soft on you. But do not get used to it, it is only for one post.
 
My favorite event over the holidays was not at a fabulous red carpet gala posing as a fundraiser, it was making snow angels and building snow men with my 3 and 7 year old cousins, Connor and Kristen. They are quite possibly the cutest kids known to man (I know, everyone says that, but seriously, they are). We played in the falling snow with their dog George, we excitedly tossed snowballs at each other and we capped off the winter wonderful day with hot cocoa (my mother's special recipe). I swear, it should have been some sort of Christmas commercial or a holiday spread in Vogue because we were freakin' cute... pardon my language :-)
 
What was your favorite part of your holiday celebrations? It does not have to be something extraordinarily heartfelt…it can be something like you were drinking too much of my delicious pinot, ran into your high school sweatheart, drank and danced to classic 80's rock and before you knew it you were sneaking out of the event, heels in one hand and his fingers in the other hand. What? That totally did not happen to me…I swear…Ugh, whatever!
 
High heels and seasons greetings - Marise, Holiday Happy Drama Queen

Posted on 01/04/2010 2:20 PM by Drama Queen
Wednesday, 30 December 2009
Rebel Red's Foolproof Hangover Remedy
HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Let's face it. We all overdo it once in a while. Here's my simple but effective hangover remedy:

8 oz. Club Soda
5 dashes of Bitters
3 dashes of Tabasco or Hot Sauce

Some people think the reason it works is because it tastes so narsty that you forget you have a hangover.

Have you got a good hangover remedy? Post it here!
Cheers, Rebel Red

Posted on 12/30/2009 2:01 PM by Rebel Red
Thursday, 10 December 2009
Mmmmm food and wine: America's favorite pass time!?
Hello hello my Pinot Grigio loving darings! I have a rather delicious post for you this week. Who likes polenta!? Well it doesn't matter if you dislike it because I looooove it and I'm going to serve you up a tasty recipe. And here is the good news: it will pair perfectly with my Drama Queen Pinot Grigio! Ok middlesisters, preheat your ovens to 375 degrees F, pour yourselves a glass of my delectable Pinot and listen up!

Pleasurable Pesto Polenta

Ingredients:
  • 1 (18 oz.) package of polenta, cut into 1/4 in. slices
  • 1/2 (24 oz.) jar of bottled marinara sauce
  • 1/4 cup pesto
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Baking Instructions:
  • Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and oil an 11 x 7 x 2 in. baking dish.
  • Take a sip of my Pinot.
  • Arrange a single layer of polenta in the bottom of the prepared baking dish and spread a thin layer of pesto over the polenta.
  • Spread half of the marinara sauce over the polenta and top with another layer of polenta and sauce.  Don't be afraid to pile on the sauce, it is delicious.
  • Take a sip of wine!
  • Bake, uncovered, for 25 minutes.  And here is the fun part: turn on the broiler!  Top the polenta with mozzarella cheese and pine nuts.  Broil until cheese browns and nuts are toasted.

I served this dish last night at my annual Happy Holidays dinner party and everyone loved it! My upper east side apartment was filled with full tummys, mildly intoxicated brains and excited smiles. I love the holidays!  Enjoy this recipe darlings and please share your thoughts. Do you have any tasty recipes to pair with my Pinot? I'd love to hear them!

Cheers darlings :-)

High heels and happy holidays -
Marise, Chef de Cuisine Drama Queen

 

Posted on 12/10/2009 11:59 AM by Drama Queen
Friday, 04 December 2009
Wine Tasting 101 - Step 4

4.sPit oR SwalLow???

Be a rebel! While it may not be pretty, spitting helps keep your palate fresh if you’re tasting a lot of wines. It also prevents you from getting so inebriated that any glass of wine tastes great!

Let me know if you liked or learned anything from my Tasting Wine crash course.
 
Cheers, Rebel Red

 

Posted on 12/04/2009 3:03 PM by Rebel Red
Tuesday, 01 December 2009
Wine Tasting 101 - Step 3

3.SiP (the best part)

Most people tense up when they get to this part. Relax, there are no wrong answers. Think about it, when you are talking about flavors in the foods you eat, do you get nervous and tense? Of course not…so start sipping.
 
Try taking a small sip, hold it in your mouth for a moment, and before you swallow or spit, take in some air through your mouth. This enhances the aroma and the flavors. How does the wine “feel” in your mouth? Think of milk…when you drink skim milk – it feels “light” in your mouth. Now, think of whole milk. It feels heavy in your mouth – right?
 
Now, you can move onto what you actually taste. Remember most of what you taste in wine (or food, for that matter) comes from your sense of smell. So expect to taste similar flavors as the aromas you sniffed earlier. However, most people can pick out more nuances in the taste of wine than in the aroma. For instance, you may smell more fruit aromas, but you will taste more of the woody or spicy flavors in wine.

Cheers! Rebel Red

 

Posted on 12/01/2009 12:19 PM by Rebel Red
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.

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

Posted on 11/16/2009 10:41 AM by Wicked White
Thursday, 12 November 2009
Hello fashion: I love you.

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
 
Posted on 11/12/2009 5:40 PM by Marise
Thursday, 12 November 2009
Wine Tasting 101
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