Your Tiara

Date Nights bring out the diva in me- not really- but sometimes a girl needs to put on her tiara and walk down those cascading steps! Not you? Ok it's just me then!  I love my yoga pants and oversized sweatshirts (it hides the me in me) - but on date night I ditch those duds and try to sparkle for my guy!!  Now- although I do wear a dress and stilettos on some of my dates- sometimes I'm not feeling that- so I try to sparkle with my accessories!  

Truth be told I feel much like the lady I play on TV when I put my baubles on (HA)!! I can be wearing shorts and a t-shit-on I slip my necklaces and bracelets and BAM..that outfit turns into something out of the ordinary (which I tend to be).  I'm really into the whole layering thing.  I mean who can choose just one???  Certainly not me.  What I've learned is that I love textures and colors!!   Remember that old tale about not being able to mix silver and gold... yeah that's like saying blue and black don't go together (if you're in the camp that still believes this-please stop)!!!  JUST DO IT!!  Put them all together and WOW- you've got something there!!

Corrie from cwdrawings.com

Layering can give your outfit depth and direction.  For instance if you are wearing a really baggy top but you layer a heavy necklace-like above-right away you allow the contour of your body to shine through!!  You change your comfy cover-up into a hip, let's go rock this town outfit!

Don't get me wrong, BUT being uniformed is boring....Sure there is a time and a place for it (like parochial schools) but when it comes to accessorizing - MIX IT UP!!  Steer clear of matching sets...that works for sheets (well not always but for some it does).

Corrie from cwdrawing.com

A pop of color here and there can totally change your entire outfit.  I tend to dress more monochromatic at times- however- I use my accessories to really make a statement!  I have many current favorites!! A few of which are my Coordinate Collection Necklace, my Stella and Dot Jewelry- it's fun- yet most of it is timeless- and my diffuser necklace- you can be hippie chic and funky-while smelling great!!  I'm seriously obsessed with this Present over Perfect Cuff- I mean Shauna Niequist rocks my world- these three words need to be tattooed on my forehead! 

Click to see some fun examples

No matter what you choose- have fun with it!! In all things- especially when you're heading out on your date- you want to feel good about YOU!! BE YOURSELF AND OWN IT!!!

Make sure to check out Corrie's- our guest models Tongue in Cheek Animal Designs-  http://www.cwdrawings.com

Complaining

"Complaining is dangerous business. It can damage or even destroy your relationship with God, your relationships with other people, and even with your relationship with yourself." Joyce Meyer

We all have someone in our life that can not see the sun through the trees (is that a saying? – I typically mess them up).  Anyway you get the point.  It’s that person who when the phone rings your neck shrinks down a bit and your lip kind of curls- because A.  You’ll only hear how bad everything around them is.  B.  You’ll never hear or feel any joy in their tone.  We all have that person- so you know what I’m talking about.  How do you feel after that phone call?  Exhausted?  Overwhelmed?  Like next time you may let it go to voicemail?

What if that person was you?  I’m not proud of this but I’m certain that that person can be me when I engage my spouse at given times.  The kids are being difficult-fighting like crazy animals, the dog peed on the floor, there are bills to pay, school to get ready, oil questions to field and he calls and says “How’s your day going?”  BLAST OFF… I go into nuclear mode….On the other end of the receiver he must be thinking he called the Funny Farm-he did-Occupancy 1-ME!

In my opinion complaining is a habit- not a trait.  I don’t believe that people are born complainers.  In fact,  I think it's a used mechanism by someone to create camaraderie, companionship or sympathy- a huge struggle for me regarding the complainers in my life.   Like the song says WAIT A MINUTE.. Fill My Cup… oh wait it’s not that time yet..   I know that this is commonplace these days BUT, wait a minute- you don’t need negative feedback to fit in.  I’m getting OLDER (way older than I feel) but even amongst people my age and older (shocking) I find that they find companionship in denouncing their spouse.  I don't even think they believe what they are saying- they just buy into this perceived notion that if you tear one down you build another up.  This is a sad state of affairs. If your friends relate to you because you complain- reevaluate your friends.  (I AM NOT stating you can’t be REAL or have a confidant but if you are relying on negativity about your mate to relate to your people- they may not be your people- just saying.)

The mere fact that we had a ceremony and we possess a certificate that says we are married does not give us license to act any way we wish with no push back.  Life get’s messy.  Each one of us has responsibilities that seem bigger than us.  This seemingly chaotic life-my life, your life- that looks good on Facebook or to our friends causes us-at times- to unleash on the one person that we should be celebrating. They are navigating these murky waters with us!!  What the heck are we doing wasting our time- their time- complaining about….LIFE??  OUR LIFE TOGETHER.

This complain train can be derailed with Date Night!  By fueling our relationship with purpose and intention we immediately change our hearts.  This, according to moi, is directly related to how our heads react to the stresses of everyday life.  If you are feeding your relationship with meaningful conversation, laughter, compassion, passion, time and physical touch you are creating a sanctuary of 2 (my argument would be 3 but we'll talk about that later) separated from the rest of this crazy world.  You’ve built a proverbial bubble that may (let’s be honest) get distorted at times, but will never pop because you are fortifying and fertilizing the nucleus of this sacred relationship- each other!!

Saturday's With Steph

Steph "I’m a lover of all things adventure: food, wine, traveling, live music, dancing, and making memories with family and friends. I am 23, and figuring out how to enjoy all of these things on… a BUDGET! My taste definitely exceeds my bank account. One of my favorite things to do in the summer is sit on a patio in Chicago with good food, good wine, and great company. I wanted to find a way to capture this feeling without breaking the bank. One thing I’ll be doing this summer is a weekly wine “tasting”. My boyfriend, Tyler, and I will pick out a bottle of wine once a week and have an “at home date night”, talking about the wine from a beginners perceptive (I know that I have a palate… I also know that it’s not yet sophisticated)."

WEEK ONE:

The Dreaming Tree Chardonnay

This Chardonnay is a collaboration between Dave Matthews (Yes, Dave Matthews!) and Sean Mckenzie (Wine Maker). Ty and I packed up a table and chairs, blankets, and a cooler and headed up to Ravinia to see Steve Miller Band. I had never been there before, and WOW! I would highly recommend getting a group of friends together to see a show there at least once this summer. It's hippie chic meets classy sophistication.  

The WINE— I am a very visual person. If I walk into a restaurant and see candles and exposed brick, I’m SOLD. The tree on this wine label tied into the feel of the night perfectly.. whimsical and light. The taste followed suit, with notes (learning the wine lingo!) of apple and pear. It did have a bit of an oaky finish, but not the big toasty, butter ball finish that I am usually attracted to. If you like something that has a bit of that vanilla, oak finish, but is still on the crisp side, this is a great option for you. 

Overall- Wonderful experience! The wine, the music, the outdoors… it was the perfect combination of fun and romance.  A date night must!

Check out The Dreaming Tree Chardonnay at their website.

$15

www.dreamingtreewines.com

Joes Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab

DATE NIGHT HEAVEN!  You're in for a real treat!  

I hadn't been to Joe's in about a year- and I was so excited to get back.  In my opinion this isn't a traditional Chicago Steakhouse- the premier quality of the seafood sets it apart from the rest. It never disappoints. 

When you walk in through the doors on Grand Ave in Chicago you're greeted with a bunch of high top tables and a dark "Gentlemen's Club" looking bar.  It feels a little bit old school and I'm all about it.  The dining room is much the same with thick, dark wood beams and cream walls.  I certainly feel like you're special just because you're there!!  From the amazingly competent and friendly waitstaff to the manager who checks in on you- this place is definitely impressive and worth it for special occasions.

First of all their wine list is fantastic.  (You'll quickly figure out I'm not a cocktail person-so I can't talk about them- SORRY.)  If you're going in for just a glass of wine- because you've been out shopping on Michigan Ave- or more specifically Nordstroms (it's right across the street-  pssst ladies you can send your husband over there while you shop- WIN/WIN in my book) you want to check out their wine list!!  I really like (on the current list) the Nickel and Nickel 2013 Truchard Vineyard Chardonnay.   The link for the Chardonnay:  http://shop.farniente.com/?method=products.productDrilldown&productID=332A1D44-0D37-5ED9-4237-3EE97932AE9A&originalMarketingURL=product/napa-valley-chardonnay-2013-truchard Although I didn't have it last time we were there I love it's fruit forward flavors coupled with wonderful vanilla notes.  Makes for a wonderful treat on a stressful shopping day (insert huge smile face)!!!

For any kind of wine lover the entire wine list is spectacular and will not disappoint!!  Want to know a secret before we get into some amazing food selections?  Ready for this?  There's a naughty wine list that you can ask to see.  NOW this list would only be for rare occasions (like maybe never) or just to tease you but it's totally fun to look at and kind of an insiders must do!!

Ok so do you want your tastebuds to be all jazzed up?  Seriously my mouth is watering while I write (THIS IS WHY I WILL NEVER BE SKINNY)!  We LOVE crab.  We've been to Alaska and had crab right off the boat... JOES is right off the boat-like 24 hours- but we're in Chicago so that's pretty good right?  FOR SURE! To start if you're REALLY hungry, with a big crowd, or just want to try it-THE WHALE is incredible.  You get a whole variety of King Crab, Lobster Tail, Shrimp Ceviche and a few other exciting sea inhabitants- SO DARN GOOD!!  It's a must do just to say you did!!

Another favorite of mine is the Chilean Sea Bass... Holy oh my goodness!!  It's got a sweet- yet savory- miso glaze with some tasty Bok Choy to finish it off.  It will not disappoint!!  For sides we go all over the map but on our last visit we had Fried Asparagus- once again our waiters suggestion.  It comes with their chosen dipping sauce- but ask for the mustard sauce that comes with the crab- it's out of this world good!!!  As my husband would say STUPID GOOD!!  

Dessert is not something I order often HOWEVER Joes' Peanut Butter Pie with Fudge Sauce (at least I'm consistent with my Peanut Butter)is one of the best desserts ever created.  In fact for my birthday it's been a tradition (skipping this year) that I get that as my cake!!!  It's that good!! It's like this whipped semi light peanut butter goodness with warm fudge exploding in your mouth.  Strike 2  that I'll never be skinny:)!!!

I love romance and mystic... Joes provides this environment (at least in my head and that's all that matters right?) that is private and romantic...but not pretentious- it keeps us going back for more....date nights! Check them out http://www.joes.net

Passion

My lifes mission- to live with passion and permeate love to those around me.

"Those who live passionately teach us how to love.  Those who love passionately teach us how to live,"  Sarah Ban Breathnach

Peanut Butter is my passion :)- I kid (sort of).  Many different images or ideas pop into our head when we hear the word passion.  Some are private representations of relationships that we are in or have been in. A lot of times , however, when I’m talking to people their answers are about themselves and maybe their kids- but rarely when I ask people what they are passionate about do they answer their spouse.  It confuses me (but that’s not hard to do).

Examples of what I get..

“My kids.”

“Working Out.”

“Vacations.”

“Restaurants.”

“Decorating.”

"Peanut Butter." (only I said that)

These are all great things… who isn’t passionate about their kids??  I am uber passionate about Christ, my amazing kids, my fabulous family, my spastic dogs, my date nights, my oils, my accessories (guilty pleasure), and of course melted peanut butter with chocolate (don’t judge it’s so yummy- but looks pretty bad huh)- to name a few.  MY HUSBAND, period.

What I find is that we are consumed with societal ideas about SELF and Instant Gratification.  There is an underlying feeling that our lives should be exactly  how ‘I want it?’  ME. ME. ME. We (the proverbial we) place our own wants and our own  desires above the one relationship here on earth that should be above the rest- our marriage relationship. 

I have had many people commend me “you are so good you guys have date night.”  I’m not so good- I’m intentional.  I am passionate about having date night and I guard it at all costs because I know that if we don’t have passion and connection we’ve lost.  (Selfishly, for me, I connect the best when we are alone)

Occasionally it takes one person to initiate the date night- because let's be honest- life get's busy and sometimes we JUST DON'T FEEL LIKE IT- but you won't regret the time spent nourishing and embracing your relationship.

We mix it up and do date night, or excursions or whatever to purposefully reignite those flames (because let’s face it every marriage takes constant work and reconnection). We spend time flirting, talking, dancing (well what I do by others standards is not dancing- but I have fun doing it) dating  because #1 it’s FUN and I’m all about that (I mean who doesn’t want a juicy Cheeseburger and Foi Gras Scrambled Eggs) and #2 if I can’t be passionate about Him- then everything else is about me….That’s not who I was created to be.

Au Cheval- DATE DAY

Date Nights can be Date Days- one of my personal favorites is to spend the day with Jon on a 'workday'- makes me feel like we are getting away with something sneaky! And well that adds spice to a relationship.

Au Cheval… Oh shitake mushrooms..  it’s transcendent! I’m mean seriously people you want a fun date?  You must check this place out.

So you walk into this ‘DINER’- they can call it whatever they want but if this is just a diner then I’m not opinionated and well I’m raising the poop flag on that.   Back to walking in the door… right away hello funky urban meets cool eclectic scene.  THIS IS MY JAM.   If I could have stayed there all day I would have.  JUST FUN!

We sat at a table in super comfy, overstuffed (but not too much) leather benches  with a thick old world table.  The whole place is just COOL.  Exposed brick , open kitchen and different wood grains excited our senses! I was a bit on stimulation overload (kind of like walking into Anthropologie- but that’s a story for another day).  The chefs were having a blast- which totally just made our date fun-talking about people who loved their jobs- dreaming about opening our own restaurant.   Our waiter rocked with his recommendations… OH the recommendations... never be afraid on a date to ask “If I never come back here-WHAT should I get.”  It sort of guarantees your waiter/waitress will pay attention to you.  And well HELLO AMAZING!!!

Can you say Foie Gras Scrambled Eggs… Seriously people unless you are some kind alien (which after consuming those I was certainly taken to another world) you MUST do this.  If you never have tried Foie Gras- you will go searching for it after this- PROMISE!!  Not only will you thank me-but you will be giving God high fives!!!  That just happened!!  

Au Cheval is famous for their Cheeseburgers (in case you live under a rock- which by the way I did) they have the #1 rated burger in the country (please don’t tell anyone- it may get packed).  SIDENOTE- we got there when it opened and while we were still eating they were telling people it was an hour wait!!   THIS CHEESEBURGER—ahhhh truthfully that’s all I should say about it.  I ordered mine with an over-easy egg on it, topped with their house made sauce and delicious pickles.   Serious pickles going on there.  The creamy sauce mixed with the soft egg yolk oozed out all over the juicy burger and begged me to take a bite.  I obliged and devoured the whole thing!   

THE ROOTBEER- did I mention it was on tap?  Yeah so like its got a creamy carmely goodness that screams of converse shoes, rolled up jeans and a flannel shirt, sitting on a bale of hay in the crisp fall air. I shouldn’t stop before I mention the Bloody Mary.  The right blend of spice coupled with sweet pickles and yummy peppers… yeah he should have had another!

Surprise your mate and head to Au Cheval.. I promise you not only will you have a serious good time- you will consume killer eats and an amazing atmosphere!  Check them out http://auchevalchicago.com

Balance

I want. They want. He wants.  I need. They need. He needs.  That's about how my life looks some days!  Does that look right to you?  It doesn't to me either!!  He NEEDS.  They NEED.  I NEED.  He WANTS.  They WANT.  I WANT... probably more like it.  But truthfully many days not my reality.

When my life doesn't follow HIM, THEM, ME... it get's messy.  I get messy and the rest follow suit! Jesus, husband, kids, work, sports, house chores, bills, family, friends, fitness...LIFE..  We all have it. Being honest sometimes I don't want to lead this ship (the me ship)... but I am, I do and I will...  So how do I manage (VERY MESSILY:))

Not reinventing the wheel here but I hear so many people complaining (sorry but they are) about how they can't do "this", and "that" doesn't work... WELL that's because you are spending your time complaining instead of doing.  Now I get that your 'gift' may not be balance... mine isn't either!!!  So what do I do to give my life some balance?

1.  Prioritize.  What can't you compromise on?  WHO/ what needs your attention? Who are you and does your life's time reflect that?  I get that in life we all have things that certainly need our attention and time- the grass has to get cut-TRUTH.  I would however challenge anyone to say that if you are posting pictures of your children's faces all over Facebook and Instagram but you aren't spending time with them... maybe you need to evaluate what your heart really feels.  We all get caught up doing things that are either mindless or that we have told ourselves we 'need' to do but they really aren't our priorities!!!

2. Be Intentional.  What's that mean?  I try very hard to follow through with people and things that need my attention.  I sometimes fail at this, but I really focus on who and what needs me.  At the top of that list would be my prayer time....(truth be told sometimes I do it better than other times).  I'm at my best when my prayer time is at the top.  You don't need my list because you have your own- but if fitness is important to you..make it happen.  Reading- pick up your book- it can't get read if you don't schedule the time.  

3.  Plan your time.  I have an amazing planner- yep old school style planner.  DO IT!! Best thing that I ever did.  I literally write - WORK OUT (even though I know I am going to) so that I can check it off.  I planned that time though and I have to do it- It's a mind game!!  If you are consumed with work (which I can be) you may have to write in TIME with Child XXX- that's ok!   In order to balance things out- you may have to let your mind see on paper your time allotments!! Check out my planner-  https://www.erincondren.com

4.  TAKE BREAKS.  We all have the needs of others and ourselves!  What I see in myself as well as many of my friends, however, is that we forget to stop.  Smell the roses.. (you may get a thorn in your nose).  Just kidding.  NO really... stop, take time.  Take that nap that you feel guilty about taking.  Don't beat yourself up because every minute of your day isn't filled with 'doing' something.  That is a man made notion that we must fill our time with monotonous work!! Relax a little!

5.  DATE NIGHT.  If you have a significant other... DATE NIGHT.  If you don't- have a date with a friend or yourself.  Take time to get out of the house and do something that is fun!!! FUN is good for the heart and the soul.  It makes the priorities of daily life more enjoyable.  Reward yourself!!!

Bottom line... to achieve balance we have to be intentional about it because there is always going to be distractions in our way.  I will never do it perfectly but when I plan my time appropriately... I get close to achieving the peace that I so desperately desire for my family and myself!!

Raising TEENAGERS-WHY I NEED DATE NIGHT

I never thought I would be here.. honestly I don't know if I'm simple or what but I never really thought past the baby stage.  Does anyone?  I mean you have these darling little bundles of joy (and work) and they're cute.  They are always going to listen to you, eat what you say, do what you say, wear what you say right?!!!!  
I should have known when they (the two teens- 12 mos and 3 weeks apart INSERT BIG WIDE EYES)  started saying "NO" at like 14 mos or something... BUT I STILL DIDN'T.
Fast Forward nearly 14 and 15 years... I'm confused!!  Teenagers are not for the weak of heart.  My mornings typically start the same... I hear the shower go on... Kid#2 is a rule follower and he heard probably once from me that he needed to shower when he woke up- SO HE DOES.  Then I hear footsteps, Kid #1 comes down the stairs and I say in my sweetest voice, "Good morning Princess, did you sleep like an angel."  
"MOM, not now."
"Ok, when," I say.
"M OOOOO M, seriously STOP, " she says louder.
Ok, so you get my point but this is just the tip of the ice berg.  They are like hanging all over me calling me "Momma" (which ended like 13 years ago) or they are like gremlins wreaking havoc through our house! 
My ten year old frequently states that he DOES NOT 'want to go through puberty.'  He conveniently also announces that he won't act like that (still trying to catch a video of that to play it back in the not so distant future).
Sometimes I feel like my head has been slapped from side to side- each direction getting a different personality...
The best part about all of this however is that anytime I share how I'm feeling with a wise confident... their response is always similar.  "Ahh, they're 13 and 14- I fear it may get worse before it gets better."  INSERT SCREECHING HAULT NOISE... WHAT????  UHM....truthfully the statement gives me comfort.  These people never look concerned.  They relate to me.  
The bottom line is that I never thought that my babies would turn into these thinking, opinionated, willful, affectionate, kind and loving individuals...but secretly I'm so glad they have!!  (and I'm hoping I get to play the video back to Kid #3 because that will mean he has too!)
THE VERY REASONS I NEED DATE NIGHTS!

NOMI- Chicago

You want to hit it out of the park?  You want to wow your significant other into thinking they are special... Yeah so NOMI Garden Chicago... DONE!!!

In the summer time the outdoor bar on the 7th floor is nothing short of romantic, fun, delicious and exciting.  Walk through the doors to white umbrellas, wood tables and gorgeous planters with cascading flowers!  You're in your own urban garden!

High above Michigan Avenue this semi hidden gem will wow you with fun cocktails, delicious wine and good eats!  One of my favorite choices on a hot day is the Bouchard Chardonay.  It's an elegant Chardonnay with subtle vanilla notes that will be sure to tantalize your palette as well as encourage feelings of romance!

One of our favorite snacks at NOMI Garden is the out of this world Truffel Popcorn..... Can you say heaven.  It is not always on the menu but just ask for it they will be happy to oblige!  Just do it- you will not be sorry!

You'll never go wrong with the Sushi Rolls.  Serious freshness and delicious flavor.  My personal favorite is the NoMI Roll- Spicy big eye tuna, eel and cucumber will be sure to wake up those taste buds!  One last thing to try is their Burata- holy creamy goodness that melts in your mouth.


When we are feeling like we need quiet, romantic conversations with a little bit of upscale atmosphere we make our way right  to NoMi Garden Chicago- 7th floor of the Park Hyatt.  Don't miss this! You'll be glad you came!  For more information check out their website http://www.parkchicago.hyatt.com/en/hotel/dining.html

Date Night

One of the best things that Jon and I did when our kids were little was Date Nights...Being honest- it wasn't all about spending time with Jon- although that was the main reason- I also NEEDED to get out of that house!  I was blessed and inspired by many friends and family that, like us, love to travel and explore-even places close to home- they helped with suggestions.

I hear more times than not that couples don't know where to go, what to do, what to wear, and sometimes even what to talk about!!  I can't help you with the latter (try not to talk about the kids)- but I think we have some great suggestions for the others.

First there are a few rules that I tried to ALWAYS live by for Date Night....

#1.   Mix it up. There is so much comfort in each other but in a world where you are doing the monotonous things that you NEED to do when you have kids... Change it up girl!!  Suggest a different restaurant... If you always go to your favorite burger joint... go get Mexican.  All relationships need some spice:)!  If going out to dinner is too expensive.  Make some sandwiches, put your favorite drink in a plastic cup (not alcoholic of course- ha) and go have a picnic.  But whatever you do... Get out of the house... even if it's your back yard with a candle at night after your kids are in bed!

Order something new on the menu.  Ok I know, we are all creatures of habit, but step outside of your "I always order this" zone and keep him guessing.  Men like challenges.  They like to be surprised!

#2.  Dress UP!  I don't care if you have 3 shirts in your closet.  Save one for special nights with your man!  I'm not telling you to put 4inch heals on (although he may really like that)- but shower, freshen up, put a little make up on and get ready... After all this is a date.

#3.  Perfume, body spray, soap, Essential Oil (my personal favorite)- DO IT!  Men love things that smell lovely!!  SMELL LOVELY.

#4.  FLIRT.  Yep flirt with your hubby (or wife).  Smile, A LOT.  Bat your eyes.  Act like they're funny- just kidding-my guy is really funny... but you know what I mean... be engaged!

#5.  Touch them.  Get your head out of there.  Put your hand on their knee, on their back, on their hand... anywhere...men love to feel desired!

What made me the expert?  NOTHING!  I'm just giving you my own rules so that you can see where I'm coming from as I periodically tell you about great places to go, explore and see with your love!!

West Side Road

Many People feel intimidated by travel. Americans especially tend to trend towards pre-planned destinations that require little to no thought.  They require fine hotels that cater to their every need.  This kind of travel has a time and place for sure, however they miss out on opportunities to see the REAL world.   We like to get off the beaten path and make connections that are meaningful and find destinations that create a place in our heart.  Sonoma County, Ca offers such exquisite places that deserve to be uncovered... but not too uncovered..we like our little hide-away...

I've travelled many places in this world and Wine Country in California has some of the most beautiful land in all the world.  The smells are different out here.  It's clean, fresh and every breath is better than the next.  The terroir in Sonoma County is so perfect that in lends itself to beautiful wines that help to create a perfect vacation destination.

Our favorite place to start is West Side Road, just outside of Healdsburg, CA.  Their Pinot's and Chardonnay's are outstanding and the views are straight from Heaven!!  As you get onto Westside Road from the town of Healdsburg you find your senses heightened... I am in awe of the beauty surrounding me.  As the road gently winds through vineyard after vineyard and the colors, depending on the season, of gentle green to vibrant red hang on the vines, you appreciate Gods Country.  Each winery has something especially their's to offer.  Some are like beautiful hand crafted , or picked, masterpieces in a bottle and others are simple reproductions- the beauty that makes the wines so intricately unique also makes them part of your vacation memory:  It's their story.  The story is ultimately left in the bottle, but they all have a story to tell, and some of them will blow your mind and leave you craving more... WINE!

One of my favorite things to do has nothing to do with the actual drinking of the wine.  The image of the fog rising so delicately off the valley floor in the morning, with the steam from a hot cup of coffee in my hands, is the happy place I go to when I have to leave this amazing place.  Mornings here leave you breathless and actually seeing your breath in the fresh crisp air adds to the romantic mystic of a vineyard stay.

And then there is the wine.... Whether you try Thomas George Estates (my personal favorite), Rochioli Winery, Bacigalupi Winery or William Selyem... You are in for an extraordinary experience!  To taste the crisp Chardonnay tantalizing your pallet,  or watch the beautiful legs of that berry colored Pinot delicately painting your glass and warming your soul makes the hair on my neck stand in excitement!

This one road provides a special vacation within a vacation...It's like coming home.. Nothing says comfort like chatting over fine wine and great food with family and good friends.  This WINEding Road is HOME!  Cheers!

For more info check out http://www.thomasgeorgeestates.com