I’ve always been a fan of a great at-home bar. I strongly believe it’s a must-learn life skill to mix up classic cocktails, and as an avid host, it’s important to provide an array...
Looking back on Easter as a child, I remember how excited I was to dig through my Easter basket. Full of chocolate bunnies, malt ball Easter eggs, Peeps, golden coins, and my favorite Cadbury...
Lets be honest, salads can be boring. So I’m always trying to think outside of the box to come up with salad recipes that I’ll thoroughly enjoy, but are beyond easy to make. Enter...
Lets be honest, salads can be boring. So I’m always trying to think outside of the box to come up with salad recipes that I’ll thoroughly enjoy, but are beyond easy to make. Enter...
When I heard about what Anna of In Honor of Design and Hilary of Dean Street Societywere doing to encourage beauty in women all over the world during the month of March I knew I had to be a part of it.
In their own words…”The root of the word “encourage” is “to put courage in”. You have the ability every day, to put courage in another person. You have the choice to use your words and actions to inspire confidence in everyone you talk to.” And from this simple, yet powerful idea the #encouragebeauty campaign was born.
It’s no secret I love wine. In fact I’d say its become a true passion of mine. So when La Crema (a wine I’ve been drinking for years) reached out about their Virtual Vintner program I was all in. In fact not only was I all in, but so where my girlfriends who I invited over for a little dinner party to test out the Virtual Vintner program and of course toast it with a glass or two (or three) of La Crema.
Virtual Vintner is a digital initiative of which the wine world has never seen. It allows consumers an intimate, hands-on look into the world of wine making. A “choose your own adventure” style journey captured through digital touch points and real time voting where consumers are able to learn about varietals, appellation, specific vineyards, barrel treatment, and even wine naming and label design. A journey that will ultimately determine a finished wine released in late Fall 2015. Its a way for everyone, regardless of who they are and where they are, to experience the beauty that is wine making. A beauty that I’m also thrilled (on cloud nine) to say I’m going to be experiencing first hand.
You see La Crema is making one of my dreams come true. They’ve graciously invited me to work harvest at their vineyards in Sonoma. That’s right, starting next Monday I’ll be heading back to my favorite place on earth to crush some grapes and make some wine. And just to be clear I’m not talking tour the vineyards and taste wine all day, I’m talking work. No matter the weather conditions, however many hours a day, bugs be damn, whatever harvest calls for is what I’ll be doing. I’m half scared (I mean I’m really not cut out for physical labor) half excited beyond belief. And I’ll be taking you all along for the ride through a digital diary on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook so make sure you’re following to see what a day in the life of a vintner is really like. Cheers! truly, MKR
P.S. I’m also sharing my Crostini 7 Ways recipe from above over on the La Crema’s Blog so while you’re checking out Virtual Vintner make sure you grab that for your next dinner party.
As you read on Wednesday, day one of our stay on Georgia’s Golden Isles welcomed us to the low country with easy, elegant charm. With The Southern Coterie‘s cofounders Cheri Leavy and Whitney Long at the head of planning, we knew we were in store for a wonderful weekend, sure to experience all of the gracious Southern hospitality this place had to offer.
On Saturday morning, the group convened for a little morning coffee and crafts with Grace Graffiti and Wake Up Coffee in Brunswick. Whitney and her husband, the duo behind Grace Graffiti, work together to created one of a kind hand crafted wooden pieces from chalkboard placemats, state themed guestbooks, and their latest creation chalkboard @ symbols. We painted and chalked our handcrafted @ signs while we chit-chatted and sipped cold brew, eager for a fun day ahead.
After working up an appetite we then found ourselves around the table for the most fantastic brunch at Nancy, a restaurant and high-end boutique on St. Simons with a fabulous array of nearly-impossible finds for sale. The brunch, hosted by one of our favorite organic beauty brands, One Love Organics, paired each course to match an OLO product, and the result was divine. Think coconut soup as a nod to One Love’s Coconut + Salt Mineral Body Lotion.
Full, but ready for our next adventure we spend the afternoon touring Sea Island and The Cloister, a legendary luxury hotel renowned for its utmost sophisticated elegance. Seeped in stunning Mediterranean-inspired architecture, the hotel features grounds full of lush gardens, every amenity one could possibly desire, and the most fantastic fine dining. But perhaps most noteworthy, are The Cloister‘s luxurious suites that offer spectacular views over the marshes, begging guests to bask in the low country in all its glory, all while enveloping them in utmost comfort and privacy.
We ended our day in true Southern Style with a party and planting workshop at The Vine. These talented ladies handle events, florals and landscaping with ease, and even the blackest of thumbs could find their joy and passion for crafting beauty from the earth contagious. Upon arrival oyster shell and orchid corsages were whipped up and tied on to each ladies wrist, mojitos were freshly muddled at the mojito bar, and we noshed and noshed on creations from Halyards Restaurant and Southern Soul BBQ until there wasn’t a mini taco or spec of cheese left. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.
I had heard about the glory of the low country coastline for years, and knew travelers from all over the world flocked to Georgia’s gorgeous Golden Isles. But now I can fully appreciate this elevated take on elegant relaxation that can only be found among these islands. The weekend was full of amazing company, breathtaking views, exceptional service and fantastic food…a weekend I’m already yearning to repeat as soon as I can. Truly, MKR
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