They Made a Wine Just For Moi

Seriously.

While perusing the ever growing wine section at Target last week a label jumped out at me. I almost didn't catch it. The label on this bottle is totally me. If you don't believe me ask my brothers. My dad may know a little about this too, as do my friends, but I don't want to tarnish my reputation.

Here it is...

the story
Have you ever dated brothers? Worn leather pants to a wedding? Paired white wine with red meat? Then you just might be a mischief maker. You keep us up after bedtime on a school night. You change your hair color like most people change their socks. You make lives more complicated, but less boring. You'll be in the stories we tell our grandchildren. You love trouble. And we love you.

How does it taste? Yum! Pepper and cherries. It has a beautiful garnet coloring and has a lingering finish of cocoa and spices. I mentioned that I like the full bodied wines to pair with food. Something with less characteristics is still good...to me, for sipping without food. Tonight I made some BBQ ribs, corn on the cob and fresh fruit salad and I wanted to test the complexities of this wine against the fair. On it's own it's very tasty and filling. I think that's why I like the lighter bodied wines for just drinking. If I'm not eating, I don't want to feel stuffed...after a couple glasses of wine.

The wine faired well with the ribs, nothing special, the sauce may have overpowered. I really enjoyed this Cabernet with the salad. Romaine, tomatoes, yellow pepper, bacon and a balsamic vinaigrette. They complimented each other nicely. The Dove Peanut Butter and chocolate I had for dessert also paired well with Middle Sister's Mischief Maker.

This is a company up-to-date with computers and marketing. They have their own blog where each of the wines (characters) talk about their lives. It's a good read and a fun way to learn about wines and their processes.

$10.99 is a reasonable price for such a full bodied wine and I will definitely purchase this again. I'm looking forward to trying their other varietals.

Undercover Boss, Food Revolution and Spring Break~ Random Tuesday

Ready for some Random? Keely does it best. I enjoy it though. Read here and then stop by The Un Mom for more Randomness. I always learn new stuff on Tuesdays


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Does anyone else thing the Amusement Park guy on Undercover Boss looked like George Clooney?
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I'm still looking into life insurance rates. Why can I get some projects/tasks done so quickly and drag me feet on stuff like doctors appointments for me and getting myself covered?
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I hate being at a stand-still. Spring Break is next week and Hubster still has not found out a for sure on this new job he really wants. He's 99.9% sure the job is his but then start dates and compensation have to be worked out. The also mentioned having him spend two weeks at the corporate office and off site visiting a client (two separate trips). Looks like the kids and I will be staying close to home. Thank Goodness Busch Gardens will be open. Did I mention that his current job ends TOMORROW?
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I like to gamble. My parents just spent the weekend in Vegas and all they talked about was the wonderful food they ate and the great wines that went with them. Hmmmm. I know they gamble. Must not have won.
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Did anyone else watch Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution? I was so sad to see all those first graders who didn't even know what the basic vegetable were. I also made my first grader try to guess with them. He stumbled on the eggplant and turnip but knew the rest. I then took my three year old to the fridge. She knew what a tomato and potato were. The Romaine and yellow pepper stumped her. I'll admit that neither of my kids will eat salad...yet. Boog will eat lettuce and tomato on tacos so we try to have those at least once a month. They see me eat salad at least 4 times a week. I can't wait to see how the rest of his time in West Virginia pans out.
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That all I've got. I think I used up my WTH's for tomorrow but it's okay. Life deals out WTH's all the time.

What to do when the kids are both in school

Every once in a while I start to think that when Puddin Pop starts school I will go back to school myself. I just have no idea what I want to get a degree in. It's not really important I guess in my SAHM status, but having a degree is always something that I thought would have.

I was looking, the last couple days, at different schools offering an online degree. I think this would be the best alternative at this point in my life. The quiet times during the days with both kids in school would be ideal for studying.

I was looking into Western Governors University for their online teaching degree. Teaching would be ideal to match up with the kids schools schedules and even in a part time capacity would bring extra income into the household. I've never thought about becoming a teacher but my neighbor does a LOT of substituting at our kids school and seems to enjoy it. She also has the opportunity to say no. The biggest benefit to this degree would be the refreshers on the subjects that the kids will soon be learning so I can better help them with their homework.

What, if any, degree do you have and are you working in that field?

Pineapple Upside-down Martini

O.M.G.

Hubster went out to dinner with his soon to be ex-boss the other night and they decided to say their goodbyes over a butter slathered steak at Ruth's Chris. I had the leftover fillet for lunch today. Yum. Hubster rarely drinks but when in Rome... They decided on Pineapple upside-down Martinis and tonight we tried to recreate the recipe. Hubster called the restaurant and was told (by the manager) that the bartenders don't come in until 5. Shame on him. He looked up recipes online and then we created our own. I may have to use this nordic track coupon code because I'm pretty sure between these drinks and the bread maker my neighbor gave me, Wii Fit isn't going to be enough. Maybe because I've now let it sit for over a month. Anyway, here's the recipe we came up with...

Pineapple Upside-down Martini

3/4 oz Vanilla Vodka
3/4 oz Amaretto
1/4 oz coconut rum
3/4 oz pineapple juice
splash of grenadine

Mix together first 4 ingredients over ice and shake. Strain into a chilled martini glass and top with a splash of grenadine. Enjoy!

Tastes just like the cake. Who needs dessert?

WTHW~ Work, Idol and Hot Sauce

If you haven't started already, now is the perfect time to jump in on the WTHW fun. Stop by Elle and Stacy and play along.



Yay for Hump Day! The week is half over and the weekend is on the way. That's how I used to feel. Now it seems as though I'll be working on the weekends so my excitement is diminishing. What the Hell? I enjoy my get-me-out-of-the-house job but last weekend it was in the high 70's both days and I watched it through the windows and that kinda sucked.

A friend of mine posted on FB that she had put soap in her child's mouth. I'm not judging. I wouldn't do it. What struck me as odd was all the other parents who chimed in with similar stories. What the Hell? I couldn't tell if it was a competition of most creative ways to stop a behavior or a way to release some guilt and take comfort that others had done the same. Someone mentioned hot sauce for talking back and I have another friend who uses hot sauce for lying. What the Hell? Some people just don't tolerate spicy things. Even if it stops the behavior right then and there does anyone feel guilty when the kid is screaming the next day in the bathroom as it leaves their body or is that just a lingering reminder of the bad behavior?

I did so many things while pregnant that I would've never done otherwise. I made it to every appointment, took my prenatal vitamins even though they made me very ill (the second time around) quit smoking and drinking and read up on all the parenting advice I could get my hands on. Why now would I want to start inflicting unnecessary pain to these children I gave it all up for? I'll admit my kids are still little and I may change my mind when they become teenagers but What the Hell? That's where I'll stop.

What the Hell is going on with some of the Idol contestants? I had such high hopes for Andrew but I'm thinking he did peak with Straight Up and we'll never see that out of him again. Crystal remains my favorite girl, by a mile. My favorite boys are Big Mike and Lee DeWyze. I think that will be the top 3. The rest fall very short.

I haven't had any new or interesting wines lately. What the Hell with a capital W. T. H. I meant to stop at Total Wine yesterday on our way home from Ballet but I needed to go to the grocery store too and didn't have time for both. I'll need to make the trip before the weekend because I'm getting a little bored with the same old stuff. Any suggestions?

Now head on over to Blue Monkey Butt and find some more WTHW posts.

What's Better than Chocolate?

You know what's better than chocolate?

Chocolate with Peanut Butter. It's my favorite. I add Peanut Butter to my chocolate ice cream since the rest of the family likes the plain 'ol chocolate variety. I've also been known to get a big spoonful of Peanut Butter and then coat it in chocolate chips. It's something I crave. The combination is perfect. Chocolate and Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter and chocolate. They were meant to go together.

When the people at Mom Central and Dove Chocolate were looking for volunteers to try the new Dove Peanut Butter filled promises, I jumped up and down waving both arms screaming "Pick Me, Pick Me"...and they did. Yesterday I received this in the mail...




There may have been another bar and a couple more Promises that disappeared before the picture got taken. The kids begged me to open the box the minute they saw it in the mailbox. I thought about claiming the box was for Hubster so I wouldn't have to open it in front of them. They didn't know what was inside. I then realized if Hubster got in on the action that would be one more person I would have to share with...so we opened the box.

Holy Smokes. These are the smoothest, best combo of chocolate and peanut butter I have ever tasted. No lie. The chocolate is like silk and the peanut butter is buttery smooth. I gave the kids some spiel about needing to take pictures and "review" the chocolates and then hid them after they went to bed. I'm hoping they forget about them. I don't want to share.

The kids know I have a chocolate stash. They found it. I got tired of them always asking me for some so I moved it. They're sneaky though. If they even think they smell chocolate they come sniffing. I once got caught with a random flake melting on my hand and convinced them it was just age spots. Momma is serious about her chocolate. They have their own.

I enjoyed the other bar last night with a glass of wine and the two went together beautifully. I can't wait to put the kids to bed tonight. Is it time yet?

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of DOVE and received samples DOVE Milk Chocolate with Peanut Butter products and a gift certificate to facilitate my review.

My opinion would be the same if I had bought them myself. If you don't believe me try them yourself!

I Have a Ghost and It's Messing with the Wrong Person

I have a ghost. It has to be a ghost. This ghost is messing with the wrong woman. Let me explain...



Last night I was finally relaxing trying to catch up on some recorded shows that I missed last week while I was out of town. Everyone was in bed. I was alone downstairs, on the couch, watching Fast Forward and sipping on a glass of wine. My stemless wine glass was sitting on a cushioned ottoman in front of me. All was quiet except for the TV. Then I heard a "ting"... like the ting of a small pebble hitting a window...except it was closer. Upon closer investigation I saw this...




Yep. That's my stemless wine glass. Out of nowhere it just cracked? I'm not buying that. It's only been hand washed (due to our dishwasher not working for the last two years) and there is no excuse for this.

Dear Ghost,

I'm not afraid of you and don't mind if you hang around but you must follow some house rules:

1. 9pm and after is ME time, as in Momma time, as in leave me alone with my wine, quiet time. If you have problems sleeping take some sleeping pills and work it out.

2. My wine and wine glasses are off limits. Mess with anything else you'd like, clean the house, wash some dishes, do some laundry, build with Legos, whatever, just stay. away. from. the wine.

Follow these simple rules and we'll get along just fine.


Shelly

WTHW~ Doctors, Facebook beats Google and the Easter Bunny

Another addition of What the Hell Wednesday. Bought to you from Raleigh this week. Puddin Pop and I came down to take care of my brother and will be heading home tomorrow. If you're playing along or just want to read some funny stuff, head over to Elle and Stacy's Blue Monkey Butt and check out some other WTHW posts.

So. Darling brother had surgery on some herniated discs to relieve the pain and tingling in his arm and fingers. He was told his neck would be sore for weeks but the arm and finger pain would be relieved immediately. WRONG. His arm still aches, his fingers are still tingly, he has a massive headache and all of this over shadows the neck pain he is supposed to have. What the Hell? On top of that we can't get the doctor to call us back to explain. Not feeling the love at the moment.

What the Hell? It's St. Patrick's Day and I neglected to bring anything green for PP or I to wear. If you see us refrain from pinching due to our circumstance. ..or just pinch me as it is totally nor her fault. She had a bad mommy...at least in the planning and packing department. That's all I'm claiming at this moment.

I saw yesterday that Facebook took over the number one spot on Google from Google. What the Hell is up with that? I guess when you can post your questions to your friends rather than in a google search the answers are more believable? I've noticed people posing their questions and getting tons of responses. Usually someone "looks it up" and posts the link. The others just leave random comments, hence giving all the extra links to FB. It's more fun that way too. Just saying.

We went to see the Easter Bunny yesterday. Not something we usually do but we found ourselves at the mall...with the bunny...and no line. Just as we were coming up on the "area" a group of teenagers ran up to the bunny. What the Hell? They took at least 15 minutes to get their pics and didn't purchase anything. Should this be allowed? They did allow for personal pics to be taken, which I know some places do not. I think I now know why. We bought a key chain and a kick-butt unbreakable snow globe.

Slow week. Low drama. I actually slept until 8:15 this morning. What the Hell? Don't tell Hubster he'll think I'm on vacation.

Date Night~ Need Help

Tonight is Date Night. This is a new concept to Hubster and I. So much so that I think I may need to send both of us invitations for the next one. I booked the babysitter over a week ago and we both have been caught trying to decide what movie we are going to watch for Pizza and movie night with the kids...our usual Friday night gig.

We have so many new restaurants that have opened around us that we haven't tried yet. I just get excited about eating a meal, while it's hot, without cutting someone else's food or encouraging them to eat. It's the small things in life that excite me.

So now we need suggestions. What are your favorite restaurants? I'll eat anything, he's more of a steak and potato guy. He suggested Joe's Crab Shack. We always have fun there. I just want to try something new. I'm adventurous like that.

Now accepting all suggestions.

Delayed Titling, Bad Singing, and Too Many Pictures

Another Wednesday and more What the Hell moments. I've called it therapy before and I won't stop now. If you'd like to get some stuff off your chest, link up with the rest of us over at Elle and Stacy's Blue Monkey Butt. It feels Goooood.

I've noticed over the last couple months with my participation in WTH Wednesday and Random Thought Tuesday that I no longer title my posts before I write them. What the Hell? I sit down and empty my brain, re-read and then decide on a title. Does anyone else find that to be the better way?

We'll be down to the top 12 on American Idol after the Thursday results show. I had read in some forums that people are thinking this years contestants are the worst ever. I hope they didn't taint my brain because after the last couple weeks I'm beginning to think they are right. What the Hell ? It seems like almost everyone is singing way off key most of the time.

I've mentioned before that the acne I didn't get as a teenager has been haunting me since, gosh, I think since I moved to Virginia. What the Hell. I'm not above doing a shameless plug:

Dear makers of blue light therapy,

I would be willing to test and review your product. I'll even do before and after pics.

Call me.

Today is picture day. AGAIN. What the Hell is with all these pictures. When I was a kid we got one shot at it. Now we have picture day, class picture day, casual pose picture day and whatever else they come up with. Why would I order a class picture if I'm getting my first grader a yearbook (which we also didn't have at the elementary level)? Anyone else find this annoying?

I'll end my rant there and encourage you to share your What the Hell moments.

Surgery, Crystal Bowersox, Chef Ramsey and the President~ RTT

If it's Tuesday, which I've been told it is, it must be time for some more randomness. Random is good. Helps to get out the bits of thoughts swimming through my head. If you're playing, head on over to The Un Mom when you finish here and link up.

I didn't go to Raleigh last week as my brother's surgery was postponed. He had an upper respiratory infection and they didn't think it would be a good idea to do neck surgery. I have to agree. The surgery is rescheduled for this week and I'll be headed that way Sunday or Monday.

Does anyone watch Kitchen Nightmares? I've recently caught a couple episodes and they crack me up. After spending 17 years as a restaurant manager I can relate to some of these bone-heads who have no clue. Strike that. I can relate to Gordon's frustrations with the no-clue-boneheads. That last girl who bought a business (restaurant) after completing business school was laughable. Who thinks this is a good business venture when you know nothing about restaurants? I'm amazed the staff stayed around. Hopefully they got the epson tm-t88iv printers with their new computers. I'd like to know how they're doing now.

American Idol is dwindling to the top 12. Crystal Bowersox is my pick to win it. I just hope she can stay healthy to complete the competition.

60 degree weather yesterday. Puddin Pop and I planted some flower and strawberry seeds. Hope we don't get another cold spell before they sprout. We put some inside too, just in case.

I'm just finishing up my Ambassadorship with The View. It was a lot of fun tweeting during the shows. Now I'm a Juicy Insider (I know, sounds kinda pornographic) for Tropicana. They have some great savings on things here local. You get codes on qualifying purchases and can use the points for discounts on travel, lodging, museums and more. If it stays warm I'm going to take PP to the zoo this week. Free child admission with an adult ticket. It's always nice to save money on things you'd buy or do anyway.

Boog was helping the neighbor pick up some broken porcelain on her sidewalk yesterday. She told him if he continues to be this helpful and nice he just may find himself in the President's office someday. He thought that was cool. I have to say that I want my kids to do what ever makes them happy and be successful at it. I've never dreamt of my kids rocking the Oval office. Just sayin'.

Work, Snowday and Funny things Kids Say~ WTHW

Another episode of What the Hell Wednesday. I missed last week with a case of the bluey blues. I was just feeling yucky and unmotivated, What the Hell? But I'm back with a vengeance and joining the ladies at Blue Monkey Butt for more Wednesday fun. Get some stuff off your chest and join in.

I have a (very) part time job. One day a week (sometimes two) I venture away from my family for some quiet adult time. It's a store that is mainly frequented by men. It's a relaxing atmosphere even when busy. Some of the guys even try to flirt, What the Hell? So I had this guy over the weekend who was chatting me up and when it came time for him to check out he made some comment about hoping his credit card would work and asking if he could use mine if it didn't. I told him I didn't have any credit cards to which he replied, "You must be married. Did hubby cut you off?" What the Hell? I'm sure this happens but I'm not a huge shopper and can not imagine being married to someone who would "cut me off." Just saying.

It's March 3. I live in Virginia. It's a SNOWDAY! What the Hell? I have pictures of the kids from previous years in shorts...in January. My daffodils were already coming up. Now they are covered in snow. Fortunately the kids are playing nicely so far. It's only 9 am. Fingers are crossed.

I watched The Parenthood last night. I cried. Several times. What the Hell. This is going to be a really good show if they keep it up.

I had hope of a wine review tonight while the kids and Hubster were at church for choir practice. Due to snow it may not happen. I will only say WTH to that one as I don't want to say the "H" word in the same sentence as church. Just doesn't feel right.

Speaking of Hell. Pudding Pop enlightened me on the way to dance class yesterday. She said, "Mommy. When you are bad, bad, bad, you go down, down, down." I say "Oh really?" She says "Yep. All the way down to the devil." It was almost as if she was going to break into a song. She also told me that nice people go "up.". I asked where she thought she would go..."up", Mommy?..."up", Daddy?..."up". Ashley (the dog)..."up". Her brother?..."down, down, down" (again with the song) I asked why. "Because he is always mean to me." What the Hell?

Undrcover Boss, Olympics, Toast with Love~ RTT

Has anyone seen Undercover Boss? The idea is that CEO's of companies go into entry level positions to see what really happens within their companies and then they can report back to their Directors and make changes to better their businesses. First off, that pig from Hooters should have been fired. Period. I would also like to know how they can get another season out of this. People, if a new employee comes in to try out an entry level position and is doing a documentary about it (camera crews are following them around), you may want to find a picture of the "big boss". Chances are it's him/her. These individuals are putting on safety glasses and hair nets and jumping right in. They're usually pretty bad at it too.

The Olympics were great. The final game between USA and Canada was an edge of the seat nail-biter. I hope in light of the loss, team USA can be proud of what they achieved and of the medal no one expected them to win. Great job Guys.


I'll be spending the weekend in Raleigh taking care of my brother who is having neck surgery on Friday. I really appreciate Hubster taking Friday and Monday off to allow me to do this. I know my brother is a little scared of the surgery and the amount of time they expect his recovery to take (5-6 weeks) I may just have to bring him home with me.



Whenever Hubster makes chocolate milk for the kids they think it rocks. Puddin Pop wanted to know why it tasted so good. He told he he made it with love. He actually adds sugar. Who does that? So when Puddin Pop wanted toast for breakfast yesterday morning she insisted I put "love" in it. I did.

That's my random for this Tuesday. If you've got some random thoughts ready to get out of your head, post them on your site and link up with all of us over at The Un Mom, or The Bitchin Wives Club which for some reason in my browser still comes up as The Un Mom.