I can tell, after only fifty pages, that author Natalie McLean is someone that I’d like to spend some time with!

So far she’s presented lots of wine history, facts, and other information in an entertaining story-like fashion.  I’m hooked!

You can pick up the book through Amazon or at your local bookstore, and check out her website Nat Decants.  Her website has lots of useful information about tasting and buying wine, along with a clever food and wine matcher. 

Once I finish the book (I’m not in a hurry, this is one to savor), I’ll be writing a proper review.

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Pants are out.  No matter how attractive or flattering, a tea is one of those events that calls for a dress.

Nothing boring, just a classic day time dress — and poof, my mind immediate went to Diane von Furstenberg’s wrap dresses.

First introduced in the 1970’s her wrap dresses were immediately successful, and since then have become a classes.  Over the years there’s always several styles and and pattern in the collection.

This dress, in 100& silk jersey, is in a black island leaves pattern, with a collar and long sleeves.  It sells for $325.

Image:  Diane von Furstenberg

I found them at the Museum of Flight gift shop in Seattle, as well as online through Pan Am One.

Magnets come in a box of five and retail for $8.

Photo credit:  Pan Am One

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A chance encounter with a great smelling guy has me totally loving this scent from Versace.  It claims to be a fresh interpretation of the original Versace Man fragrance.

The overall scent is smooth fruits spiced with green leaves and warm notes of musk, amber, and sycamore wood.  That makes it sound a lot more deep and woodsy than it actually is, though. 

The additional notes of white lemon, rosewood, carambola, tarragon, cedar leaves, and clary sage mellow its earthiness, making it a fresh and clean scent.  Yet very sexy!

Buy a bottle for a special guy.  Available where fine fragrances are found, and online at Sephora.  A 1 ounce Eau de Toilette spray is $36.

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I’ve a Grisham fan, although some of his recent books have not held the same appeal for me as his earlier ones.  I’m hoping this one will break that trend. 

I’ve read the first chapter, and am only a little intrigued so far.  But, I’m heading off to the sun for a couple days, and this will be the perfect beach read!

Anyone care to give it a thumbs up or thumbs down?

I’m back from a couple weeks vacationing in Italy!

I spent a couple days in Rome, which was NOT enough time to see everything that I wanted to see.  Nonetheless, I managed to see the Vatican, the Coliseum, Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, view a few other cathedrals/basilicas, and wander the streets catching in a few sights and soaking up the culture and food of the city.

Following Rome, I headed out to a farm house in Contignano, a small town (population under 900) in the farm country of Tuscany.  I stayed at La Montalla, a working olive orchard and vineyard.  They’ve added an agri-tourism component to the business, and it was a wonderfully relaxing and scenic place to stay.  It was a perfect location to visit a few of the other hill towns in the area: Montalcino, Montepulciano, Orvieta, Pienza, and Radicofani.  Let me tell you, driving (or riding) those narrow country hill roads was quite an  experience.  As was the food.  The food is this part of the country is really great!

I managed a day in Florence, barely giving me time to see the Duomo (I climbed to the top), visit Michelangelo’s David, and take a brief stroll along the Ponte Vecchio.  It’s a city that I’d like to have more time to explore!

The last five days of the trip were spent in Sorrento, a hillside community along the western coast.  It was fun exploring the city, as well as a great spot for day trips to Pompeii (simply amazing) and the island of Capri.

It was a wonderful two weeks — and did I mention how much I really love vacation!  Now back to work.

Photo credit:  personal collection

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I was reading an article about a healthy “new” snack that has me willing to try again.

Pop Chips are made of potatoes, organic white corn, and whole grain brown rice.  Heat is apply to POP it, and it becomes a chip.  There’s no frying involved, so no unhealthy oil.  The popped chip is seasoned, and it’s tasty as is or with dips or spreads

Here are your flavor selections:

• Popped potato chips:  original, barbecue, salt & pepper, sea salt & vinegar, and parmesan garlic.
• Popped corn chips:  sea salt, cheddar, and salsa.
• Popped rice chips:  wasabi.

Looks like sufficient flavors for me to find something that I like.  Probably several somethings, in fact!

The company website has a store locator to help you find a place to purchase Pop Chips, but basically you can locate them at Safeway, Von’s, Whole Foods and Ralph’s, among others.  I’ll be looking for them next time I’m at the market.

Pop Chips embraces the motto “Snacking is Good and Should be Encouraged.”  You’ve gotta like anyone who thinks like that!

As I was browsing for summer clothes idea, I came across this Briar (also called khaki) dress with eyelet trim.  It has a caftan neckline, with beading and a tie detail. 

I’m not a big eyelet fan, because while it always looks light and summery, it usually looks a little too "little girl-ish" on me.  This dress, however, really caught my eye.  It may be a little short for me to wear as a dress, but it would be a dynamite swimsuit or beach cover up.  It’s made of linen, so the wrinkle factor makes me a little nervous, and at $329 it’s not an inexpensive options.  Still. . . it has me thinking.

The Devon Eyelet Dress comes in sizes X-Small (2-4), Medium (8-10), Large (10-12) and X-Large (14), and is available online, through Elie Tahari stores, or upscale department stores (check locations here).

Photo credit:  Elie Tahari

"Wherever my travels my lead, paradise is where I am."  (Voltaire)

Isn’t it fun to shop when you feel like your efforts are going to a good cause?

That’s how I feel about Spoon Fed Art, the creative outlet for Los Angeles designer Karin Collins.  As part of her treatment for an eating disorder, she began making one-of-a-kind pendants out of spoons.  After receiving numerous compliment on her designs, she turn therapy into a business and Spoon Fed Art was born.

I purchased the Purple Rose of Cairo (in photo) a couple years ago, and have had my eye on a couple of her new designs.  You’ll need to check back frequently, as items appear and are sold out quickly.  I regret that I didn’t see Iced Petals before it was sold out. 

I appreciate the opportunity to find a unique piece for myself, but I really love that I can support a small businesswoman and a good cause.  Spoon Fed Art is a member of the NEDA, the National Eating Disorder Association.

Shop — support a good cause — get personalized items.  Life is good!