My Pretty Little Head

My Favorite Pet Costume Ever!

2011-11-01T20:19:00.000-07:00

courtesy of Shannon Marie Kimbrough

I spotted this on Facebook and couldn't resist sharing. Isn't this the most clever/cute pet costume ever?

Espana!

2011-10-13T18:33:00.000-07:00

I'm going to Spain and I am so excited!

Off to go practice my Rosetta Stone while drinking a lovely Tempranillo....

The TV Guide of Cardio

2011-10-11T18:03:00.000-07:00

My workout routine is really hit a major hiccup. I now base when/if I go to the gym based on television schedules. I reflected that it is for two reasons, cardio has been challenging without some gossip tv and since I don't pay for cable, it is the closest I can get to it.

Tonight, Kim's Fairytale Wedding and The Rachel Zoe Project.
Tomorrow night, I have yet to find a Wednesday show shallow enough to hold my attention.
Thursday, Project Runway.

Oh my, what has my life come too? I hope I don't get fat once it is rerun season.

50/50

2011-10-08T20:27:00.000-07:00

50/50 is a fair title to the movie, but I'd actually rename it 40/60. That is 40% laughs and 60% cry fest. I knew I'd have tears rolling down my face, but I still couldn't resist. Why is it that on some days watching sad movies (although only 60%), listening to melancholy music and pondering the scope of yourself in the universe is so appealing?

Quite Impressed.

2011-09-26T21:50:00.000-07:00

For anyone as addicted to ice cream as me, this Dreyer's Key Lime Pie Frozen Yogurt is quite impressive. I found the flavor intriguing tonight on aisle four and had to give it a try. So glad I did! A tasty substitute to ice cream.

picture from shannalikebanana.wordpress.com

Anthropologie gets Creative with Corks

2011-04-29T21:03:00.000-07:00

REPOSTED from CasaSugar:

If you've been shopping at Anthropologie lately, you might have noticed a jar on the checkout counter soliciting wine corks. As it turns out, the store clerks aren't hoarders, but they've been collecting those bottle stoppers for a special window display project to celebrate Earth Day (April 22). The bohemian retailer has teamed up with the Cork Forest Conservation Alliance (CFCA) to promote the use of natural corks and educate shoppers about the sustainable resource. To spark the dialogue, it'll be using more than two million corks in its famously creative window displays this month, and each display will be unique to the store, created by its in-house, visual artists. In addition to staff and shoppers, Whole Foods has also hopped on the bandwagon and agreed to donate corks.

But what, you ask, is to come of these millions of corks when it's time for Anthroplogie to wow us with another jaw-dropping display? The installations will actually be available for "adoption" after Earth Day, in exchange for a contribution to CFCA. Remaining corks will be returned to the organization and recycled through its Cork ReHarvest program.

Want to get creative yourself with all those spare wine corks you have laying around? Anthropologie will be hosting a free workshop series at more than 60 locations during Earth Week, where kids and adults can learn to make cork animals, craft recycled cork planters, and more. Just head to the shop's Facebook page to learn more details.

Come along and check out some of the outstanding cork window displays Anthroplogie's artist have crafted!

Reposted from CasaSuagr

Reposted from CasaSugar

** It is so incredible to see what beauty they created. Sigh... I didn't know I could love Anthropologie anymore than I already did. I had the pleasure of working at Willamette Valley Vineyards when Cork ReHarvest was founded and it is a hardworking non-profit advocating for sustainability, the Portuguese cork forests, workforce and wildlife.

Quilted Perfection

2011-04-29T20:18:00.000-07:00

My Mom came to visit for a few days and bared many gifts including this quilt she made. We originally chose the fabrics together and I'm just in love with the color combinations. She even had a woman stitch flowers and a whimsical design as a finishing touch. Isn't it perfect? I think it looks great on my sofa and it is equally as great to snuggle with.

Thanks Mom! I love you.

Here's what I know:

2011-03-14T23:24:00.001-07:00

When a wind turbine gets knocked over or even explodes, they don't have to evacuate 500,000 people.

- via Grant Butler

My 'Modern Family'

2011-03-01T22:49:00.000-08:00

I am a truly amazing. I've somehow managed to squeeze all of Season 1 (and some of Season 2) of Modern Family into a few days. But, I'm not alone, we are all addicted!

My chubby kid got to the top of the rope

2011-02-15T21:59:00.000-08:00

My cat Tula is such an inspiration. She has been working at climbing the curtains since she came home with us, and finally she made it to the top!

Then, once she made it up there, she swung around for a few seconds like Tarzan.

You go girl!

My Valentine's Day 'Enchantment'

2011-02-14T10:35:00.000-08:00

Chris and I aren't very into Valentine's Day. I guess you could say we went on a date on Friday, but our date consisted of Mexican food and a visit to Corks Wine Bar because we had absolutely no food in our house and it's against our nature to walk past a wine bar without going in.

But, what I really consider my Valentine's Day treat was last night when Chris started reading Guy Kawaski's new book, Enchantment, to me.

Enchantment is an incredible marketing book. So, maybe marketing books aren't your idea of a wonderful read, but to me, its perfect. I found myself reaching over to doggy-ear a handful of the pages. Chris read for two hours before realizing that I was no longer just "resting my eyes." I can't wait to continue reading this book with him tonight and adapting Guy's advice to our wine brand, Cipher Cellars.

When was the last time someone read aloud to you? It is extremely cool.

The taxes of a poor entrepreneur with student loans and stock options

2011-02-10T00:46:00.000-08:00

Tonight Chris and I buckled down and did our taxes. After reading all the instructions and filling out all the schedules and forms that go with cashing out stock options, startup business losses and student loans, I sincerely hope that you'll vote for our business plan in this contest, so that next year we can afford to pay somebody to do them for us!

I can't believe that I was an accounting major for a year. I'm horrible at following directions (shhh... don't tell the IRS).

I've Got a Plan! Please Vote for It, So I Can Launch it!

2011-02-08T21:00:00.000-08:00

I recently wrote a 400 character plan and entered it into the Dockers "Wear the Pants Project" for my chance to win 100k and launch my business.

Here is my entry:

At 24, I’m the youngest person in Oregon with a winery license. I’ve poured my meager savings and energy into my wine brand, Cipher Cellars, and am awaiting my 1st release of 100 cases this summer. With this money, I’d not only like to increase production and marketing, but I’d launch Southern Oregon as the next BIG wine region. Raise a glass to no longer making wine paycheck to paycheck!

Please vote DAILY here: http://apps.facebook.com/dockerswearthepants/entries/7671

Piggyback Rides for Crazy Cats

2011-02-05T23:05:00.000-08:00

Yes, this is my boyfriend giving our cat a piggyback ride :)

Is it time yet to rename this blog Crazy Cat Lovers?

On a cuteness scale of 1-10, these are a 10.

2011-02-03T19:49:00.000-08:00

This little girl's mother is a computer specialist from Helsinki, Finland. While her daughter is sound asleep, she creates a the most imaginative photographs from items around her house. PRECIOUS!

This one is my favorite.

Living Room Makeover

2011-01-21T09:22:00.000-08:00

This past Fall my boyfriend set out to build a new TV entertainment center. I don't know where he got the itch, but I thought it was just a ploy to go out on Sunday afternoons to watch football games. I figured, give him until playoffs, then he'll cave and we'll go shopping for a new one.

Then, last weekend I went to see his progress and found a beautifully crafted piece of furniture stained in a dark walnut.

We jazzed it up with knobs from Anthropologie.

And viola! here it is.

(Imagine there is no xbox cluttering the shot.)

It is such a dramatic improvement from our hideous glass table that showed all the cords.

Good work, Chris! Now that I know you're so handy, I'm thinking I want a shoe rack...

Warm Hands are Happy Hands

2011-01-13T22:10:00.000-08:00

My boyfriend's mom is the best at making gifts. Remember those amazing yellow socks last year? Well, she followed it up with purple fingerless gloves this year. Could she be any cooler?

Fingerless gloves are perfect for blogging on your iPhone :)

Portlandia

2011-01-06T21:05:00.000-08:00

A new 6-part comedy series draw viewers into "Portlandia," the creators' dreamy and absurd rendering of Portland, Oregon. The show premieres Friday, January 21st on IFC.

Portland is so special. Here is proof:

Top 10 Wish List- Olivia Clare Designs

2010-12-06T11:46:00.000-08:00

With 168 items in the Etsy shop, Olivia Clare Designs does not make it easy on a girl to pick her favorites. Somehow I managed.

10. Antiqued Leaf and Organic Pearl Earrings. ($35) Romantic. Don't they just look so fun to wear?

9. Metal Mix Up Labradorite Bracelet. ($38) I actually already own this, so my wish is to wear it more!

8. Double Trouble Gold Hammered Hoops. ($28) I tell myself over and over to wear more hoops. They are a staple.

7. Winter Green Rustic Emerald Studs and Holiday Red Rustic Ruby Studs. ($28) The daily go-to.

6. Vintage Snowflake Hair Clip. ($28). One-of-a-kind.

5. Green Freshwater Coin Pearl Ring Wrapped in Gold. ($45). Gold will surely keep my fingers warm this winter.

4. Twisted Swarovski Stack Earrings. ($36). Are my ears worthy?

3. Romantic Rose Necklace. ($28). Delicate beauty.

2. Antiqued Brass Filigree Flower. ($28). Definitely a statement piece.

1. Ocean Bubbles Chalcedony Onion Teardrop Necklace. ($75). The only words that come to mind are "YES, please."

So, who wants to be my Santa Claus?

Olivia Clare Designs offers free U.S. shipping. Stay up-to-date with new releases, sales and other news on Olivia Clare Designs facebook page.

Christmas Stockings

2010-11-27T22:12:00.000-08:00

I've been in the arts and crafts mood lately. Though I have yet to finish a project (or really start one), I sure love buying the materials.

My next aspiration is to make stockings replicating this one I saw on Etsy. Christmas will be too tight of deadline for my wandering attention to complete four of them (yes, my kitties will each have one), because first I need to learn to sew better (this includes threading the bobbin correctly). I'm sensing my mom will be getting more than one "PLEASE HELP" phone calls before they are hanging (should I even venture to guess... in two years?).

Wish List- Champagne in a Can! Sofia Coppola Style.

2010-11-17T22:02:00.000-08:00

GENIUS! This product was made for me.

For a multitude of moods and "just because" occasions, Sofia Mini is a single—serving of our effervescent Blanc de Blancs. Zesty, refreshing, cool and fun, each dazzling pink can comes with its own straw for sipping, so you can take it anywhere—anytime you feel like sparkling.

Sofia Mini tastes a little like fresh juicy pears, a little like summer melon, a little like refreshing citrus and honeysuckle. It has a little zest, a little spritz, perhaps a little glitz. It tastes a little bit... bigger. Available in a metallic hexagon 4-pack box ($10-12) or sold individually.

Maybe I can finally kick my diet soda addiction by substituting bubbles?!

In need of a little {re} design, Southern Oregonians?

2010-10-24T10:57:00.000-07:00

Look no further than {re} design by Zoe Samczyk. Zoe offers personalized organizational and restyling services for your home and self. Her blog is full of great inspiration and ideas for all your organizing and decorating wants and needs. I even heard an etsy shop is in the works!

Bringing a fresh and innovative eye to every project, (RE)DESIGN is committed to creating attractive and functional spaces utilizing existing furnishings. Home is the most important place on earth, and we are hoping to help make yours everything you want it to be.

Take a peak!

My dreams of being a crazy cat lady are coming true!

2010-10-24T09:29:00.000-07:00

After a year of begging for a kitty, Chris and I finally drove out to the local Animal Shelter to scout out the prospects. We were ushered into the cat room where 15 kittens and a handful of older cats were kept. After holding all the kittens while discussing their pros and cons like a college thesis, Chris gave me an ultimatum and we eventually choose a female tabby cat. We named her Ramona.

Ramona is a firecracker that loves to pounce on my fingers while I type, chase her tale for hours, and climb up Chris' pant legs.

But, she also loves to cuddle, which makes me melt.

After two days of working, I felt horrible leaving Ramona home alone, so I caved and went back to adopt one of her siblings. We named her Tula. Pictures don't do Tula justice, because you can't tell how much of a fur-ball she is.

Her back side is so adorable.

Two cats is really better than one. They play together so well, groom each other and leave me alone for just long enough to blog.

Waking up in a Brewery

2010-10-05T09:07:00.000-07:00

I've always had an affinity for converted industrial spaces. This brewery turned residence in Berlin's Prenzlauer Berg neighborhood is no exception. Though styled a bit modern for my preference, the building's integrity stays completely in tack and I love the warmth and character of the exposed brick. Take a look inside this vast one-bedroom apartment that was once the ice machine room.

Designer Essicka Kimberly turned into a livable home. “I was inspired by the challenge of preserving the place’s un-domestic scale,” she said.

Drapes section off the entire upstairs to avoid a boxy feel.

Beautiful natural light.

See the rest of the pictures at nytimes.com.

Halloween Costume Idea

2010-10-05T08:43:00.000-07:00

This morning the New York Times had this Halloween costume poking fun at BP. Funny, huh?

Awww.... yes!

2010-09-27T13:00:00.000-07:00

Most adorable picture ever. If only I took the advice.

Realizations of a Southern Oregon House Hunter

2010-09-06T17:48:00.000-07:00

Searching for rental houses in Southern Oregon has not been an easy feat. Down here I've found there are code names for rental house listings on Craigslist or property management company's sites that I thought I would share for entertainment and educational purposes:

Cottage- Tiny, shack that may or may not be attached to a home, but is for sure a dump
Updated- The shag was replaced within the last five years with dark brown carpet, but there is still floor-to-ceiling wood panelling
Quaint- No style or architectural design what-so-ever and usual has been preserved in the 70s era
Cute- All the glass is still intact in the windows, but we cannot promise there is paint on the exterior
Inexpensive- Still shockingly spendier than Portland
Duplex- Yes, the people next door are crazy, loud, and wave Confederate flags
Freshly Painted- We had to in order to cover up the water spots on the ceiling
Great Neighborhood- Anywhere that is not West Medford
Quiet Neighborhood- Anywhere that is not West Medford
Close to Shopping- Close to Wal-Mart or the Dollar Tree
Country Living- There is no way you are getting internet out here, not even Hughes Net

As long as your listing does not contain one of more of these, you may be in luck and have found a suitable shelter. I think we might have :)

Lady Like Hair Clips

2010-09-06T14:57:00.000-07:00

There are few things I love more than cute accessories and I am so delighted of this new discovery in Southern Oregon.

I recently attended an Open House for Wreckless Photography and during the event I scouted out some adorable hair pieces made by Diana of Lady Like Designs.

Right now she has 21 variations on her Etsy site and I must admit I want to splurge on all of them. But, here is the one I settled on first. A romantic dusty rose colored design with antiqued leather and an elegantly knitted flower.

Many of Diana's designs incorporate fun unexpected color combinations and feathers. All fasten to your hair snugly with a metal clip or pin.

I also heard a rumor hand warmers in the the making... perfect for the upcoming seasons.

Photography by Kristy Behrs of Wreckless Photography who has new big accomplishments of her own like opening a beautiful natural light studio in a historic building in downtown Grants Pass (pictured). This airy space is going to be an amazing setting to her talented eye.

The Beautiful Truth

2010-07-20T17:54:00.000-07:00

"The blueprint for our future, cancer, is a bio-code gone wrong, and it's delighted by what we do to feed it." - The Beautiful Truth

Last night I watched an eye-opening documentary called The Beautiful Truth (thanks to Netflix), which centers around the Gerson Therapy of healing your body through natural foods. The film discusses many food-related topics such as MSG, aspartame, mercury used in dental practices, genetically-modified foods, and fluoride additions to water supplies that are all legal and all carcinogens.

MSG is marketed as a flavor enhancer and added to more processed foods than you'd like to hear. It has been studied numerously with results indicating it causes brain damage, endocrine disorders, retinal degeneration, behavior disorders, learning disabilities, reproductive disorders, obesity and more. Notice MSG isn't labeled on our foods? There is an organization combatting that problem, Truth in Labeling.

The dangers of aspartame poisoning have been a well guarded secret since the 1980s. Aspartame is a true toxin. No other food can be provided as a comparison to the toxic nature of NutraSweet. Upon closer examination, the available research revealed that the manufacturer (Monsanto) and the FDA are manipulating the public into thinking that aspartame is safe. It is not. There are over 92 different health side effects association with aspartame consumption. Watching this segment almost made me throw-up considering I am a huge Diet Coke addict- I'm switching to home-brewed iced tea, which will also lower my carbon-footprint of plastic bottles. It will not be easy, but it will be worth it.

There are over 1,000 tons of mercury in American's mouths thanks to the American Dental Association. Mercury is the most poisonous non-radioactive metal and it was used as fillings. Although it is not currently in use, it is not being removed either. It has been proven that dental hygienists suffer from very high rates of infertility. It is scary to think that the air quality at the dentist office could be toxic with mercury and not regulated.

Isn't it crazy that large pesticide/herbicide companies now control a majority of food supply? Well, to clarify, processed food supply. Monsanto and ConAgra are just two of the companies that are monopolizing seeds through patents (which should be illegal) and genetically altering non-toxic foods into becoming toxic. Corn, soy and cotton are among the most genetically-modified crops.

A doctor researched dental hygiene among native cultures and found no cases of tooth-decay until the cultures were exposed to processed foods like refined sugar and white flour. We now add fluoride to our water supplies, yet ingested fluoride has never proven to prevent cavities, only topical fluoride. Cities like Juneau, Alaska are now repealing the practice.

It was an eerie feeling watching and learning that our food is contaminated to the point it is killing us. I have seen it before in documentaries like Food, Inc., but I have never seen it compared to disease this significantly. I understand it is a documentary making a point, but the point is evident everywhere. The cure for many of our most-threatening illnesses is to mindfully eat sustainably/organic/non-toxic foods. There is simply to much money to be made by the food and drug corporations and to too much money used to steer politicians into not taking action. It is horrifying to think about.

At times I get anxiety going to the grocery store because it seems like there is nothing to eat. It's not true, it just takes more preparation, awareness, and sadly, money, to find. It helps to shop at a farmers' markets or stores that focus on natural and organic options. Our mindsets have to change from quick and ready to slow and thoughtful food decisions. There are many useful sites to find a farmers' market near you, like Local Harvest.

The Beautiful Truth left with a message of hope. There are solutions and cures already available, we just have to use them.

I'll leave you with the trailer to the movie. It would be a wise-spent hour and a half:

Highly Impressionable Transitioning Female... Beware.

2010-07-15T22:25:00.000-07:00

I am in an impressionable transition period this summer.

I graduated.
I moved to Portland.
On more than one occasion I have looked into getting a cat, an Old English Sheep Dog, an ancient RV, a plane ticket to anywhere for under $200, a plot at a community garden, a pool membership (even though I can't swim), and an historic farm house in the middle of nowhere Oregon.
I've learn to not despise the 7 a.m. hour.
I've gone on vacation, but I still feel that itch for a vacation.
I thought I knew what I wanted a career in, but now I don't.
I studied, but not enough, for a sommelier exam that I take soon, but now I find I despise memorizing things. Isn't that what Google is for?
My ENTP really seems to be shining- Innovative, neglectful to prepare, and moves quickly to the next challenge when things get boring.
I watched all five seasons of Weeds (in about 5 days) and fell in love with Nancy Botwin's character. I think we'd be best friends. And we drink similar quantities of Diet Coke when stressed.
I have realized I hate confrontation, phone calls, grocery shopping and checking bank statements.
I have become a firm believer in astrology- really. Aquarius with Libra rising confirms my ways.
I had a psychic do a reading and she said I would go to culinary school and someday own a restaurant. I can see the ownership thing, but cooking? More than eggs and microwavable burritos? Cool.

Look at all these questions, confusions and realizations. I think I need a road trip.

Up, Up and Away!

2010-07-13T22:09:00.000-07:00

Waking up at 3:45 a.m. to get to the launch site on time was beyond worth it...

Thats Chris helping inflate the balloon with 225,000 lbs. of air. Isn't that blow torch insane?

Then all 10 of us climbed into the ballon and off we went. That morning three balloons launched, so these pictures are of our neighboring balloons. We got up to about 1,000-1,2000 feet high. I learned that hot air balloon pilots actually have to have a full pilots license.

We flew over beautiful wine country and the Willamette River. We even got to do a "splash and dash," where our balloon touched the river.

What an incredible way to start the day and our vacation! We flew with Vista Balloon Adventures of Newberg and I would highly recommend them. The company is run by the very passionate Roger and Catherine (waking up that early four months out of the year takes a lot of passion). Plus when you land they have a fantastic brunch waiting for you. They typically fly May-October, weather permitting.

This is going to become more than a once in a lifetime thing!

No Impact Man

2010-07-04T17:48:00.000-07:00

I just finishing watching No Impact Man and I am ready to give up electricity and toilet paper. Well... maybe not, but I did get some great ideas to apply to my life like further reduction of my plastic use and homemade cleaning products.

I started reading Colin's blog and I'll probably get around to reading his book soon too. But, I thought this post he wrote on March 10, 2010 was beautiful, inspiring, optimistic, and true. It seems fitting to post it on Independence Day- lets break-free.

Thoughts I come back to when thinking about environmentalism 2.0

1. Happier planet = happier people.

2. You make a difference.

3. Our culture is broken.

4. The personal is political.

5. Economic growth ≠ Life satisfaction growth.

6. Jobs are paramount but we should work to make our planetary home better not worse.

7. The concept of zero sum game is for people with zero sum brains.

8. There is a better, happier system out there.

9. If thine eyes (or thine economic system) offends thee, pluck them (or it) out.

10. It’s not about having less. It’s about having more. The question is: more of what?

11. There is dis-ease in our culture. People yearn for something better.

12. People are trustworthy and altruistic and good and will do the right thing if you let them.

13. This does not deny the fact that normal people act abnormally in abnormal situations.

14. Love and good company, the chance to be of service and to matter, connection to something bigger, the use of our most prized talents—these things make most people happier than stuff.

15. Being responsible for the world is not a burden. It is freedom from victimhood!

16. My happiness cannot be complete unless you are happy, too.

Oil Can Christine

2010-06-21T20:50:00.000-07:00

The other day I was getting an oil change and disgust came over me when the guy started reading the "recommended" services. Yeah, yeah, yeah- I know my transmission fluid is black instead of pink, my air filter is full, my radiator needs coolant- but I'd rather buy a new dress than spend money on car maintenance.

Then I got empowered! How hard can these things REALLY be? Sure, I have never opened the hood of my car. But, isn't that what YouTube videos are for? I searched for a video on how to change my transmission fluid and found a step-by-step tutorial (I love social media), then I recruited two boys, and simple enough... we did it... and it only took 10 minutes! Not only did I save $120, but I yelped "girl power" during the process.

Yes, we used my mom's dishes as drain pans :)

Strawberry Shortcake Stand

2010-06-19T16:11:00.000-07:00

I have a new goal in life to own a Strawberry Shortcake Stand just as cute as this one.

E.Z. Orchards - Salem, OR

College... Check!

2010-06-10T19:18:00.000-07:00

I'm officially done with college today! After 5 years and 3 schools, I finally did it. It is bittersweet, because no matter how much I complained or how many classes I skipped, I enjoyed being a student.

I will be graduating with a Bachelor's of Science in Business Entrepreneurship from Oregon State University.

My boyfriend Chris is also graduating from winemaking school this weekend. So, I have double reason to celebrate:

Kooza and Oba - Two words I don't know, but love nonetheless

2010-05-17T08:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Chris and I went to the Portland Waterfront go see Kooza by Cirque du Soleil. It was a mind-blowing performance of acrobatics. The standout set for me was of three girls that bent and tangled in ways I didn't know the human body could move- I think they had vertebrates removed.

This morning when I checked out the website to find a picture of the gumby-girls I saw a tab for job opportunities. Now the idea is planted in my head to join the traveling cirque... Maybe the hula hoop lady could take me as an apprentice?

We caught the afternoon showing just-in-time to make happy hour at Oba! in The Pearl. What is better than fish tacos and blood orange margaritas on a warm Spring day? ... I can't think of much.

I hope you had a great weekend!

Another new home: ChristineCollier.com

2010-05-04T20:20:00.000-07:00

Dear readers,

You're probably not shocked at this point that I have a new project! But, I am excited to bring it on... and I do enjoy a full plate!

I have a new site http://christinecollier.com focusing on my life of wine. Right now since all my free time is consumed in studying for my upcoming Sommelier exam, most of the posts will be sharing my newly gained wine knowledge with you.

The new site is definitely in its infancy, so bare with me on design and learning wordpress.org.

Thanks for following me around the interwebs!

Christine

Love Pinot Noir? Win a Trip to Oregon Wine Country!

2010-05-04T11:45:00.000-07:00

My work is hosting this contest and I wanted to make sure everyone knew about it!

Back by popular demand, Willamette Valley Vineyards is giving you the opportunity to win an all-expenses-paid trip to Oregon! We’re asking Pinot Noir lovers from around the country to tell us, in about 100 words, what they love about Oregon Pinot Noir. Our staff at the winery, from all departments, will choose their favorite entry and the winner will enjoy 4 days and 3 nights in the heart of Oregon wine country. Your trip will include great meals, great adventures, and of course, great wine.

To participate, just send your entry to contest@wvv.com or visit http://www.wvv.com/contest.

The winner will be announced July 6, 2010. I hope to see you in Oregon!

The New Wine Nook

2010-05-02T18:00:00.000-07:00

Our Saturday project was to "de-ghettofy" our wine collection. Our original idea was to buy a standard metal rack, but they all seemed so sterile (our bottles deserved more). We came across these simple pine wine racks at Cost Plus World Market and figured a little "do-it-yourself" wouldn't hurt us.

We chose a Mediterranean Olive colored stain.

BEFORE (sickening, huh?)

AFTER (Ahh... Much Better!)

We might need a third rack soon...

Wine "School" Here I Come!

2010-04-22T19:53:00.000-07:00

Pencils and paper are packed! Wish me luck as I am traveling up to Seattle this weekend for my first Court of Master Sommelier exam. I will be spending two full days (8 a.m.- 5 p.m.) learning about wine and wine service and then take a 70-question exam on Monday.

About the Court of Master Sommeliers: Established in 1977 to promote excellence in hotel and restaurant beverage service. Though its members worldwide come from diverse backgrounds and experiences, they share a proven mastery of the art, science, and history that informs a sommelier's work.

I am very eager to formalize my wine knowledge!

'Me' Day

2010-04-17T21:11:00.000-07:00

Today I took a well deserved 'me' day! I...

- Caved into cravings and ate margarita pizza at 10:30 a.m.
- Organized my room while listening to a new iTunes playlist then reverted to some Fiona Apple
- Went on a Target shopping spree buying every hygiene/cosmetic item I swear I can't live without (and a few cute tanks)
- Indulged in more salty carbs
- Watched two indie romance movies (Peter and Vandy is good... other one was...meh)
- Drank more Diet Coke than water
- Took a cat nap in the afternoon sun
- Didn't answer my phone
- Promised myself I'd workout, but didn't feel guilty that I never got around to it
- Fought off temptations to go rescue a cat
- Browsed Etsy

And I did it all with unwashed hair and no makeup.... today was all I could have ever asked for :)

Obselidia at The Ashland Independent Film Festival

2010-04-11T11:52:00.000-07:00

Originally posted on The Southern Oregon Wine Blog, I feel it is worthy to share with more people!

This weekend was the epitome of spontaneity and that means many blog posts are coming out of it.

On Friday we pulled up the schedule for the Ashland Independent Film Festival, saw a 12 o'clock showing, got in the car making it just in time to be let into the Varsity Theater to see Obselidia.

Synopsis: Believing he's the last door-to-door encyclopedia salesman in the world, George decides to write The Obselidia, a compendium of obsolete things. George believes that love, among other things, is obsolete. In his quest to document nearly extinct occupations, he befriends Sophie, a beautiful cinema projectionist who works at a silent movie theater. Sophie believe that nothing is obsolete as long as someone loves it. When they interview a reclusive scientist who predicts 80 percent of the world's population will be obliterated by irreversible climate change by the year 2100, the two must fact the question, if the world is going to disappear tomorrow, how are we going to live today?

I couldn't have written anything I agree with more than this review from Variety, "From the striking title cards to the beautifully composed visuals and unusual collected items that litter the protagonist's home, Obselidia has the look of a hand-crafted piece, something meticulously sculpted or painted in an artist's studio."

After the showing, Diane Bell, writer and first time director, got up in front of the audience for Q&A. Previously a yoga instructor in Barcelona, Diane moved to Los Angeles to pursue writing. After feeling dissatisfied writing Hollywood horror movies, Diane started working on Obselidia with inspiration from encyclopedias and climate change. Filmed in 17 days, on an extremely low budget of $500,000, and casting literally off the LA street, Obselidia was a Sundance Film Festival selection. This showing in Ashland is only the second festival the movie has been involved in, but plans to participate in film festivals in Texas, Florida, and in Diane's home of Edinburgh, Scotland are next up for the indie film. Hopefully the film gets picked up so more can enjoy its message, but if not, Diane and her husband, Chris Bryne, talked about taking the film a more viral route.

While leaving the theater, a woman asked me what movie I saw and I responded with my favorable recommendation of Obselidia and how impressed I was with my first visit to the film festival. She too saw the film and said it was movies like that which bring her back year after year to the Ashland Independent Film Festival. Next year, attending the film festival will not be a spontaneous event in my Friday, but rather a planned out trip to catch as many wonderful films as I can.

Obselidia will have one last showing at the festival tonight at 6 p.m. I cannot urge you enough to go see it. For more information go to http://www.ashlandfilm.org/.

If you miss its last showing tonight, or want to follow Obselidia success, join the facebook fan page.

Tangerine Dream

2010-03-13T14:55:00.000-08:00

As I am stuck inside ALL day working on my final projects, I have found myself dreaming of tangerine. Maybe it is because I want to see a light at the end of the tunnel...

Piecing Together

2010-03-12T21:44:00.000-08:00

Tonight my mom and I laid out the squares for the quilt she is making me. Isn't it beautiful? This will be a really sentimental piece, especially being of my mom's creation. I will cherish the heck out of it. We shopped for the fabrics together and after searching and searching, found this cheery collection in McMinnville. The tomato/rosy red really pops against the antique tans and creams.

Rrrrrrrrip

2010-02-25T21:45:00.000-08:00

There hasn't been much excitement at my house tonight. Just reading, writing, and cranking out school assignments. But, then as if the gods knew I needed a laughing break, my boyfriend crossed his legs and ripped his pants! Now I have been laughing for 5 minutes straight. Highlight of my day.

DECA 2010

2010-02-24T20:48:00.000-08:00

Last night was the Grand Awards for the 2010 DECA State Conference. All the students dress up to celebrate the end of the conference and anxiously await to see how their projects did. The night started off hot with six of the kids earning trips to Nationals in their series events. Then, a girl who wrote a 30-page Public Relations manual got 1st place in her event. Most shocking of all was that Klamath Union DECA got Chapter of the Year! Chapter of the Year is the best award you can win as a chapter. With only 20 students this year (last year there were almost double that), we never thought we would beat out chapters with over 150 members! After the awards, the kids, their parents and advisors took pictures then we go back to the chapter's headquarters for a closing meeting.

The meetings are always emotional with the students reminising over their time in DECA, the passion for the projects, and the relationships they have made. Last night their wasn't a dry eye in the room. For 3 hours we cry, we hug, we laugh, and we support each other. The seniors always talk about how thankful they are they joined DECA and how it is the best thing they have ever been involved in. I sat their last night and felt so inspired by these kids. How common is it in life to see mediocre people, and here I am in a room of 15-18 year olds being truly moved by how amazing they are. And not just by winning, but by being a team. It is crazy to think, but I have participated in or helped DECA for 9 years, been on numerous sports teams and associations, but I have never seen a better example of a team than the past three days. The kids supported each other and genuinely cared for how the other students in the chapter competed. All of us pulled long hours each night cooperatively benefitting each other. When a member of our chapter got on stage we all jumped up in enthusiasm and cheered at the top of our lungs. Other schools were envious- it was that awesome.

On a more personal note, last night was probably the first time I have ever felt more proud of the kid's accomplishments than of my own when I was competing. It was an incredible feeling and one that I look forward to experiencing. I came to work with Klamath Union DECA in a very unconventional way. I didn't go to high school there, but yet I am consider it my chapter. My mentor in high school went to teach there and I followed his work returning each year to work with the students on their business plans. Someone did that for me and I want to do that for these students.

There are about 220,000 high school students that do DECA annually. 1,200 compete at the Oregon State Conference and about 13,000 will be at nationals in a few months. It is an amazing organization.

Here are the kids on stage with their accomplishments:

Mr. Nielson, my DECA advisor, and I:

Pampered Wine Vacation + Me

2010-02-15T20:43:00.000-08:00

I got home this evening welcomed by a nice sized package on the kitchen counter addressed to me! When does that ever happen? I gracefully opened it to find the goodies for my upcoming wine country getaway! If you recall I was awarded this $2,000 trip by winning the Oregon Wine Board's Photography Contest back in September. I got to choose how to spend my winnings and this is what the weekend will look like:

2 Nights at The Allison Inn & Spa

1 Hot Air Balloon Adventure

Dinner at The Joel Palmer House

Dinner at The Painted Lady

Additional money for wine

My boyfriend and I are going on March 19th during our Spring Breaks! I am the luckiest girl in all the land :)

We Are the World

2010-02-12T22:38:00.000-08:00

I doubt I was the only one that teared up watching the new version of "We Are the World." But, I am wishing they would have taken at least $100,000 out of the Olympic Opening Ceremony production budget to help the Haitians.

Hey "Phriend," Thanks for the Birthday Gift

2010-02-02T10:15:00.000-08:00

My birthday gift from my boyfriend:

The love of learning about obscure things is a similarity my boyfriend and I share. A few months back Phrenology, the 1800s brain science study of the relationships between skull shape and a person's character, popped into the conversation. How coincidental that while he was gift hunting for me that he found this Phrenology model at Urban Outfitters!

Just Call Me Mr. T

2010-01-29T21:42:00.000-08:00

Doesn't everyone love getting special deliveries in the mail? My boyfriend's grandpa sent me a gift of gold chains for my birthday! He is quite the character. When we visited him last summer he kept giving me gifts left and right. These nine gold chain necklesses and five gold chain bracelets are joining the collection of similar size he give me last summer. Isn't he adorable. Like I said, soon I will be Mr. T. :)

Here he is smoozing with the University of New Mexico cheerleading squad on his 80th birthday!

Another new adventure for me!

2010-01-28T22:41:00.000-08:00

I am the newest Portland Wine Examiner! I will be writing about a variety of wine topics, including events, reviews, and recommendations of Oregon wine. Of course, a lot of my articles will be focusing on spreading the love of Southern Oregon wine, as it is my personal mission. :) I have five articles currently posted along with my bio. If you become a subscriber, you will be notified when I post new articles and you will be contributing to my bank account (or wine buying account)!

Thanks for all your support!

I can't believe I am posting this picture, but if you can't laugh at yourself...

A Little Bird Told Me.

2010-01-25T17:24:00.000-08:00

I almost feel sorry for my co-workers and boyfriend today as I blabbered on and on about my obsession with this Anthropologie hand-carved mobile. You can see why- its gorgeous! Sadly, it is sold out, but I found one similar.

Flock of Sparrows. That wasn't mean to be for me.

Driftwood swallows swoop and dive beneath curved branches. That I want want want want.

Soon, I will have a place to decorate to my little heart's desire and I am loving these bird influences.

Thanks to Carey at CorksandCaftans for sharing her mobile, so I could go gaga.

Comments Modification

2010-01-09T14:20:00.001-08:00

I think I have it worked out now that you don't have to have a Google account to comment on my blog! Yay. Happy chatting.

Move Over Penelope, Watch out Zooey!

2010-01-08T19:42:00.000-08:00

After I watched Amelie for the first time last month, Audrey Tautou is now on my list of girl crushes- joining the likes of Penelope Cruz and Zooey Deschanel!

Audrey is as-cute-as-a-button and I am so envious of her honor of playing Coco Chanel in the movie Coco Before Chanel.

One look at Audrey's wardrobe and it was obvious she cares about fashion. Her street style is easy and careless mostly wearing jeans, black blazers, and flats. But, she knows how to pump it up on the carpet with girly dresses and fun hemlines.

My Beautiful New Companion

2010-01-08T17:54:00.000-08:00

I got a bike for Christmas and I am just now revealing her to the world!

Globe Vienna 2

I have so many aspirations for our relationship including leisurely rides, sustainable transportation, Tour de Vinos, and things like this:

Jeremiah Ducate pedaled 962 lbs. of food to donate to the San Francisco Food Bank!

Thanks to Don at Don's Bike Shop in Grants Pass, Oregon for having the perfect bike for me!

Top Wines of 2009

2009-12-31T10:12:00.000-08:00

I visited my fabulous share of tasting rooms, wine bars, wine festivals, winemaker's dinners, and restaurants to be able to share with you my favorites of 2009.

The Wines:

It was exciting to have the list unfold and see the variety and value of the wines I adored.

10. Illahe Vineyards 2008 Viognier, Willamette Valley ($15)

9. Stoller 2007 SV Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley ($40)

8. Brickhouse N.V. Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley ($20)

7. Arcane Cellars 2007 Riesling, Willamette Valley ($16)

6. Griffin Creek 2005 Syrah, Rogue Valley ($45)

5. White Rose 2006 Soverae Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley ($75)

4. South Stage Cellars 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Rogue Valley ($26)

3. Willamette Valley Vineyards 2007 Elton Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley ($45)

2. Paradise Ridge 2004 Sparkling Syrah, Sonoma County ($45)

1. Piluso Vineyards 2007 Tempranillo, Willamette Valley ($24)

The Locations:

Where I am drinking wine is just as important to me than what I am drinking.

8. Sneaking the Stoller 2007 SV Pinot Noir into the movie theater

7. Savoring Willamette Valley Vineyards 2006 Quinta Reserva Pinot Noir Port at the Bentley's Winemaker's Dinner

6. Storytelling after hours in the Piluso Vineyards Tasting Room over Thanksgiving Weekend.

5. Sitting around my boyfriend's Mom's table doing our own wine tasting with 12 wines at 1 o'clock in the morning.

4. Eating a delicious lunch with Grenache at La Boca in Santa Fe, NM.

3. Salsa dancing and tasting Cubanisimo Wines in the sunshine on Memorial Day Weekend.

2. Thirst Wine Bar in Portland, OR. Although I had no clue at the time, it was my boyfriend and I's first date.

1. Enjoying a plastic cup of wine in Zion National Park where we paired the Brickhouse N.V. Pinot Noir with hot dogs roasted over a campfire.

2009 was full of great wines and fun times. But, I see 2010 as topping it!

Comings (2010) and Goings (2009)

2009-12-30T19:51:00.000-08:00

I will never forget 2009, ever.

2009

So many wonderful things happened to me. I loved hard. I got back to being a real working girl. I hiked, and hiked, and hiked. I got a camera and starting building a relationship with it. I had my hair bleached and vowed never to do it again. I fell madly in love with wine, visited over 30 tasting rooms, and spent more money on my wine collection than on my education. I jetted to Florida. I went on a two week road trip that was unforgettable. I got an awesome business opportunity brewing. I didn't have one kidney stone. I became one of the most frequent visitors to the local library. I experienced life changing music. I started liking parmesan cheese. I made my first pie and everyone loved it. I popped more than a few bottles of champagne. I found friendship in the oddest places, including this blog. I laughed until my stomach hurt more times than I can count. I postponed learning to drive a stick because although I say I want to learn, I really don't. I pushed my limits and it was worth it. So long 2009!

2010

I am looking forward with copious amounts of optimism for 2010. It will be a year of finishing one life and beginning another. I will graduate college in June. Move more than an hour away from my hometown for the first time ever. Once I move I will go into a crazy hectic, wild ride of business, that will be worth every moment. My boyfriend is finally going to entrust me to take care of my very own cat. I am going to remember to feed it and change the litter box. I will, I promise future kitty. Many deep, long conversations that last into the wee hours over bottles of wine will occur in the new year. I will learn so much about myself and of the outside world. It will be a year of gaining confidence. I will climb many strenuous mountains and enjoy breathtaking lookouts. I am going to be more aware of my tone of voice and work on being less critical. 2010 will be a year of adventure, love, and devoting all of my energy into giving my best. Hello 2010!

Wishing you complete happiness in 2010!

Cheers.

Oh yeah, in 2009 I did a photo shoot with my favorite wines. :)

The Southern Oregon Wine Blog

2009-12-29T23:09:00.000-08:00

We all know by now I am a huge wino. Check out the new blog focusing on Southern Oregon wine- what i believe to be the next big wine region.

The Southern Oregon Wine Blog

The Staple to my Holiday Diet

2009-12-29T00:31:00.000-08:00

Peppermint Patties:

1 packet hot chocolate mix

1 shot peppermint schnapps (brand of choice, Rumplemintz)

Serve graciously.

Or forget the hot chocolate all together and gather the family for a holiday shot of schnapps!

Fashion Foul: Socks and Sandals

2009-12-28T23:59:00.000-08:00

I may have to violate one of the greatest fashion rules of all times to show off my new socks to the world... socks with sandals! Gasp... never! Instead, I will show them to you all now.

My boyfriend's mom knitted me yellow socks for Christmas. My favorite things combined- the color yellow and comfy socks.

I am so unbelievably spoiled.

I am hand-washing these beauties to preserve them forever.

Triple Axels at the Ashland Ice Rink

2009-12-28T17:19:00.001-08:00

Prior to this weekend I have never been ice skating. When I heard Ashland had an outdoor rink in Lithia Park my eyes lit up!

When I first got to the rink I was so excited to see the handicapped children enjoying ice skating. It was so heart-warming to see them skating around the ice with their walkers and huge smiles on their faces. I was so touched I even took pictures of them. Then Chris informed me that those walkers were ice skating training tools and they were not disabled children. My idealized dream died, especially when this kid started ramming his sister with his walker causing her to fall.

Here we are- Joe, Bonnie, Chris and I! No one fell, technically, although the wall did run into Bonnie. :)

The boys were getting pretty daring with their "jumps." If that is what you can call lifting your skate 3 inches off the ground. Not quite a triple salchow or lutz, but mighty close!

After hitting the ice for an hour we were ready to warm up at a local pub with peppermint patties (hot chocolate and peppermint schnapps=the staple of my holiday diet) .

The Ashland ice rink is open daily through the winter. They even have night skating on the weekends. I had a fantastic time and I want to make it a yearly tradition!

One Frazzled Female

2009-12-19T13:40:00.001-08:00

I thought Christmas break would be a time for me to cross the big players off my to-do list, enjoy shopping for gifts, finish reading all the books I started, organize my house, get back to a regular workout schedule and spend time with friends and family.

So far this break has been nothing short of early mornings, later evenings, constant work, errands that take way longer to get done because of the holiday traffic, highflying emotions, a room I can barely walk in to due to laundry piles, a purse I can't even find my wallet in, and a to-do list that doubled in size. My real break will be going back to school in January. At least then I get a 10 minute break between classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The True Way to My Heart...

2009-12-18T20:43:00.000-08:00

Is to buy me bubbles! A big thanks to my fabulous boss for being so thoughtful. I love the little family we have created in our office.

The color of this sparkler is so beautiful. I am so excited to crack it open!

My clothing needs shelter

2009-12-15T23:10:00.000-08:00

My clothes really want to call this their home (instead of the heaping piles they are in now).

I think I could even recreate this on my own... someday when I have time.

My Inspiration as of Late.

2009-11-30T21:58:00.000-08:00

Hopefully it strikes with you as well.

Here's to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the roublemakers, the round pegs in a square hole, the ones who see things differently. They're not fond of rules, and they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can't do is ignore them, because they change things. They push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who'll do it. - Apple, Inc. 9/27/1997

Snuggle Wuggle

2009-11-29T22:59:00.000-08:00

I have proudly owned my snuggie for two weeks now. I saw this commercial tonight and the corniness of it was off-the-charts. I had to share! I know when I put on my snuggie I want to 'raise the roof' just like the family in the commercial!

Here is my 92 year-old Grandpa modeling my snuggie on Thanksgiving. Hehehe. He is such a good sport.

Dandelion dreams

2009-11-19T23:03:00.000-08:00

All I can say is... today might have been the best day of my life. I feel so empowered and GIDDY! I remember as a young girl walking in a field, picking up a dandelion, closing my eyes, and making a BIG wish. I think all those wishes are coming true.

My First Photography Print!

2009-11-17T20:37:00.000-08:00

LOOK! It is my first photograph to be printed (and on such a large scale)!! This photograph of Willamette Valley Vineyards is hanging in the new Willamette Valley Vineyards Wine Center in McMinnville. It is massive, as in 6 ft. wide! Sorry this photo of the photo isn't great, I blame it on some shaky cam I had going on from all my excitement. Go check it out for yourself... pretty please. :)

One Perfect Autumn Day

2009-11-17T11:24:00.001-08:00

A few Sundays ago we went out to Piluso Vineyards, a beautifully quaint setting, and this is what happened. This is also a tribute to my boyfriends favorite jeans that just ripped and are deemed unfixable after hours of me trying. :)

I am a little concerned over the picture quality. I think I need to stop using blogger to upload my photos.

Pumpkins After Halloween?! Oh my.

2009-11-15T21:53:00.000-08:00

I have this theory that my mom feels so bad for gifting to me the curse of bad skin that she insists on having me try any type of skin treatment she hears of (I can recall the last one using apple cider vinegar...). The latest one consists of pumpkin pulp and sour cream. You mix up the concoction and apply it to your skin for 20 minutes. The sour cream works to open your pours if I remember right and the pumpkin is the astringent. Apparently it was the rave of some doctors on the news. Crazy combination if you ask me, but after day two it either works or I am fully fooled into the placebo effect. The first two nights I noticed it drew up a whole bunch of grossness to the surface and now it is reducing blotchiness and minimizing my pores.

But, what happens when pumpkins aren't in season anymore?

A picture is worth a thousand frustrations

2009-11-13T22:25:00.000-08:00

This is me right now. Thanks to A Beautiful Revolution.

Being Crafty with Corks!

2009-11-13T18:55:00.000-08:00

Two girls at work found this lovely cork wreath online. I am going to put my craftiness to work and recreate it soon. Soon as in, as soon as I can drink enough wine to have a hefty supply of corks!

You could also go to the original website and buy one, but that wouldn't be as fun now would it?

http://www.sterlingwineonline.com/catalog/item/wreaths/everyday-cork-wreath.htm

Drum Roll Please...

2009-11-06T21:52:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I confessed that I had a "huge work project going on." And finally I am allowed to tell you what it is all about! I don't even know how I was able to keep it under wraps for this long. My record in keeping secrets is not-so-great, just ask my brother who knew every gift he was getting for Christmas and his birthday. Anyways, I have so much excitement for this project. It has been a blast to work on and I have full confidence that everyone who visits will be just as impressed.

Drum roll please....

McMinnville’s Downtown Historic District will soon be the home to a brand new business! It’s the brainchild of Jim Bernau, the founder and CEO of Willamette Valley Vineyards, and one of his employees, Meg Murray.

Always a man brimming over with innovative ideas, Bernau put together the state’s only stockholder-owned and financed winery operation in 1988. He then built it into the third largest winery in Oregon with distribution in all 50 states and seven foreign countries.

His latest venture, The Willamette Valley Vineyards Wine Center, combines elements that could only have been conceived by someone wearing the hats of both entrepreneur and industry booster.

Scheduled to open on Saturday, Nov. 21, at 300 N.E. Third St., the center is designed around “sustainability” — a commitment that runs deep in the Oregon wine industry.

Murray said they decided to locate in McMinnville because it is the perfect place to begin a wine adventure. She will manage a staff of eight, offering tasting, sales, interpretive displays and detailed information about North Willamette Valley wine country touring, lodging and dining.

Visitors will be able to take advantage of a concierge-style service wherein employees suggest possible touring alternatives, assist in planning itineraries, help make reservations and arrange appointments.

The center’s interpretive element sets it apart from other retail outlets. Visitors will be able to view displays explaining the region’s geology, complete with samples of actual soil types.

Enlargements of American Viticultural Area maps will give them a comprehensive perspective of key growing areas, as well as the extent and specific locations of vineyard development within them.

Bernau said they intend to explore the long-term potential of the Willamette Valley’s wine future. Within the super-AVA’s 3.3-milllion-acre boundaries, more than 100,000 still unplanted acres have been identified as well-suited to winegrapes.

That fact, along with all the attributes that brought Oregon’s wine pioneers here in the late 1960s and early 1970s, will be conveyed within the Center’s 2,800 square feet of floor space. Fittingly reflecting the fundamental “green” theme, the flooring itself is made from recycled cork.

On the left, as you walk through the front entrance, a large wall will feature a 9-by-5-foot area upon which will be projected ever-changing, wine country images, including photographs by Carolyn Wells-Kramer and award-winning photographer and author Janis Miglavs.

One particularly impressive feature is a 19-foot-long table designed to seat 20 people for formal tastings.
The massive wooden piece was custom made for the space out of reclaimed poplar.

The central focus, of course, will be on the local industry’s ecologically sensitive practices, including LIVE and Salmon Safe, as well as the values and benefits of organics and biodynamics. Though primarily concentrating on the North Willamette Valley, staff members will also be prepared to provide information on the industry statewide.

At any given time, as many as a dozen tastes of selected wines will be available from Willamette Valley Vineyards’ current portfolio. Tasting options will be divided into three categories- complimentary tasting, reserve tasting and comparative flight tasting.

Isn't it great? From 19' reclaimed wood table to 126" screen projecting incredible Oregon wine photography, it will surely display the Oregon wine industry impeccably. I am putting together the photography show next week and the pictures are so much more than your regular vineyard landscapes. Carolyn Wells-Kramer of CWK Photography put together a collection of emotionally stimulating images that feature winemakers, vineyard workers, and Harvest activities. It will amaze you! Oh, and make sure to check out the window display I created today (then tell me how much you love it-haha).

Okay, no more details! You will just have to check it out yourself! The Willamette Valley Vineyards Wine Center will be open 7 days a week from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm with the GRAND OPENING taking place on November 21st & 22nd. Come enjoy complimentary tastings. I hope to see you there!

http://www.newsregister.com/blogentry/41998-wine+center+opening+downtown+mcminnville

Is it Odd...

2009-11-04T19:36:00.000-08:00

That I:

* Didn't sneeze for over two years? Then asked the Doctor if I can a health condition?

* Can shop for hours, try everything on in each store, yet come home with nothing?

* Can remember every phone number or date ever told to me?

* I twitch my feet until I fall asleep at night?

* Hate video games, but can't come up with strong arguments over why?

* Wake up early to take a bath then crawl back into bed to read my daily news and blogs?

* Hate washing my hair?

* Bought a Diabetes testing supply kit when I heard I had some of the symptoms?

* Can't read more than 6 pages out of my textbooks in one sitting?

* Am addicted to looking at wedding blogs even though I am not ansy to have one?

* Would rather spend the night writing business plans than go out?

* Love working out, but absolutely despise running outside?

* Get deathly hungry right after I eat breakfast?

* My closest is organized by color and style, but my dresser is just a hot mess?

* Still hum the Rihanna song Disturbia at least once a week?

* Will not eat unmelted cheese? Ever. Ever. Ever.

Still think I am normal?

What makes you normal?

Thank you Kelly of Just A Girl in the City for this fabulous idea!

Halloween Candy and Wine Pairing!

2009-10-26T22:20:00.000-07:00

I hardly ever cross-pollinate between my personal and work blog, but I think the blog I posted on Halloween candy and wine pairing is worthy of a repost. It was such a fun project to think back on all the Halloween candy I loved getting as a trick-or-treater and match it up with all the yummy wine I enjoy now that I am too old to get free candy! It would be a fun Halloween party activity too!

Here is the link to my list of pairings:

http://willamettevalleyvineyards.blogspot.com/2009/10/halloween-candy-and-wine-pairing.html

On one of my searches for pictures of Halloween candy I came across this picture and it reminded me of my brother and I. My brother and I have always had entrepreneurship on our brains. We would go trick-or-treating for hours then race home to sort, count, and trade our candy amongst ourselves. We weren't worried about consuming it like other kids, we were more into the competition and economics around it. My mom would have to hide one our bags of candy from each other so the other one wouldn't raid the others resources. We would somehow make our stashes last until Easter where we would get showered in candy again- starting the cycle all over. We were aware of the laws of supply and demand at a very young age. Isn't it funny to think back and laugh about how powerful candy was as a kid?

Where Do Kids Come Up With This Stuff?

2009-10-24T19:05:00.001-07:00

Quote from the 6-year old I am spending my night with after opening him a can of 7UP: MMMmmm.... tastes like Bud Light!

Uhh ohh... who would he have got that from?! :)

I want to kiss in a giant bird nest!

2009-10-24T13:36:00.000-07:00

While perusing my daily blogs, I stumbled upon this lovely picture on Snippet & Ink. This art installation stands at Nine Mountain Retreat in Massachusetts. Oh how I wish I had it in my backyard. It would serve as the perfect afternoon getaway. This couple was so lucky to have it as a backdrop on their special day- whimsical bliss!

The Sky Was the Limit

2009-10-19T22:45:00.001-07:00

I am a wild dreamer. Everything I think about is at least 6 months out. At times this can be very disappointing because that means there is an awful lot of lag time for dreams to be squashed, altered, or easily letdown. However, I have a BIG dream that is consuming all my thoughts lately, as in I can't sleep at all because I am constantly brainstorming, and I really truly in my heart of hearts think it will work out.

It will require copious amounts of work, along with overcoming a steep learning curve and relocating to a place very far from my city-ish ways, but if someone can do it, I can do it. Besides, I will have a great partner by my side enjoying the realization of a dream come true.

For five years now, I have battled with the unavoidable question of what I will become once I leave the formal educational world, I think I got it. Not "got it" as in figured out, because I will never say I have my passions "figured out," but "got it" as in something I believe in enough to dedicate years to pursuing. It is a settling of one anxiety and a open floodgate to many more.

I am currently in the process of writing up a very detailed business plan. I am also going to submit my business plan to the Oregon State University Enterprise Challenge, which is an annual competition. I will be presenting my plan to a board of faculty and investors. The top three plans are granted money to help start the venture. Free money would be really nice.

I think these lyrics of the classic Tom Petty song "Into the Great Wide Open," describe me perfectly :) I love how there is a lyric for EVERY occasion.

Into the great wide open,
Under them skies of blue
Out in the great wide open,
A rebel without a clue

Oh yeah, and that is me, a photo taken by my "man of many talents" boyfriend.

The Wine Tasting Saga

2009-10-16T17:44:00.000-07:00

Six wineries + the three of us = a whole day of crazy fun!

Our winery stops consisted of Sokol Blosser, White Rose, Stoller, Argyle, Torii Mor, and Lange. We came home with so many great bottles of delicious wine. Poor Jon can't travel with wine bottles, so we are going to have to "store" it for him. Haha, doubt that will last. Out of all the places we visited my favorite wine of the day goes to White Rose, the 2006 Soverae Pinot Noir made my heart skip a beat.

Here we are at Argyle. I love me some bubbles! I will mention that although Argyle is really known for their Sparkling wines, there normal wines are good too. I especially enjoyed the Cowhouse Pinot Noir.

Photo Op in front of the bins.

Straddling barrels proved to be harder work than I thought. Especially when they toppled over right after this picture was taken.

Then there was our brilliant idea to climb on this old piece of farm equipment. Although the picture makes it look like I fell, I did not fall, I was dropped face first into a pile of gravel. I have a beautiful little raspberry on my temple to show for it.

This is me picking myself back up with all the dramatic emotion I could muster. The wine definitely helped my acting skills.

But, we finally did make it up there!

I don't know who got the insane idea we needed more booze in our systems, but I do know who got the idea for Mexican food and you just can't eat Mexican without a yummy margarita... or two!

I am so sad Jon can't join our adventures more often. But, the ones we do get to have are UNFORGETTABLE!

Cha-Cha-Cha-Chia- Is this for real?

2009-10-10T22:30:00.001-07:00

I just saw this commercial on TV for the CHIA Proud to Be an American (as in the same slogan from Drop Dead Gorgeous!!) edition. The commemorative four piece collection is perfect as a gift. Don't you think? haha.

My Best Friend is Back in Town!

2009-10-07T22:33:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I hate to say "best friend," because I have two and even three if I get to count my boyfriend. But, I was so excited to reunite with Jon today for lunch. Jon is visiting from L.A. for two weeks (eeeeeek) before he leaves to perform on a cruise ship for 9 months. I can't believe the commitment of living on a boat for 9 months! I can't even sign a one-year lease on an apartment! However, a life in the Caribbean and Mediterranean Seas wouldn't be too bad and the pay is amazing.

So, today we went and grabbed lunch at Lifesource then drinks at a nearby bar. Seriously, drinking at 2:30 p.m. in the middle of the week in Salem, Oregon is hilarious. All the people in the bar were listen intently to our obscure conversations. It doesn't help that I talk insanely loud and Jon talks even louder and gayer. Overall, we could be the same souls stuck in different bodies.

Browsing through my iPhoto I have found so many funny memories of Jon and I. Our friendship really started back in middle school when we were in Student Council together and we developed fake Southern accents when we had to call vendors to use for the dances.

Here is a picture of us way back in high school when Jon and I caused great havoc on the tiny town we are from. This is us when we got caught:

Last time Jon was in town was last spring when we went out with his family for a night of karaoke. I think Jon put Salem in awe when he busted out renditions of Backstreet Boy songs and "I Will Always Love You," by Whitney Houston. Here is me being a groupie.

On Monday, my boyfriend, Jon and I are going on a whole day of wine tasting. It will be unforgettable.

I Fell In Love at the Apple Store

2009-10-05T22:35:00.000-07:00

You might not think of the Apple Store as a romantic place, but listen to this song and it will totally change your outlook! I was already convinced long before the video was made because I met my boyfriend at the Apple Store when we were both working there. Nothing like flirting over a little CPU knowledge :) I think this song will have you hooked from the start with the mac boot-up sound (listen for it- pretty clever). I applaud the dude, apparently he actually filmed this in the 5th Avenue Apple Store! I for sure thought he green screened it!

My new Fall Fetish

2009-10-04T19:55:00.000-07:00

Hot and steamy tomato soup! I gobbled up two bowls today. Mmm.... The perfect Fall meal.

Since I am not the best cook around, I prefer the Pacific Natural Foods Creamy Tomato.

Color-coding life

2009-09-30T21:33:00.000-07:00

Do you use a planner? I have always admired people that were that organized, but I have also always loved my ability to remember dates and times correctly. But, after today's work meeting and my very extensive to-do list (new mega-huge work project in the works that is top secret but will share soon, I promise), my school schedule, and personal errands my brain hit overload in the memory department. And viola! iCal to the rescue! Creating my color-coded schedule really tickled my fancy, but it also caused a mini-anxiety attack while looking at the big picture. But, it will be so worth it to get it all accomplished!

The Halfway Point

2009-09-29T14:32:00.000-07:00

First day of classes:

8 a.m. - Arrive on time to my first class. I haven't taken a class this early for a long time, let alone actually attend, so I was very proud of myself! Halfway through class my brain with spinning from a caffeine high. I just recently took on a pretty heavy coffee addiction. Even now that it is 2:33 p.m. my head is still in a haze from the Sumatra blend.

10 a.m. - Paid the house bills for the month BEFORE I got the reminder email. Even more proud of myself for remembering.

12 p.m. - Walk to Venture Management class. Even more proud of myself for remembering an umbrella because it started POURING rain so hard I could hardly see in front of me.

2 p.m. - Buy 2 additional books for classes at the bookstore. No pride here.

2:15 p.m.- Forgot my headphones at home, so now I am sitting in the library writing this and reading the first chapter of The Endangered Species Act at Thirty, when I want to be watching last nights episode of Gossip Girl. Really not proud of myself.

Right Now - Closing my laptop to go to Power Step Aerobics class. Proud of myself for working out when all I really want is a nap. Go me.

Just My Type of Movie

2009-09-25T21:35:00.000-07:00

I don't mind cleaning up other people's messes, but I think I would have to draw the line at cleaning up a dead guys brains. However, watching Rose and Norah (Emily Blunt and Amy Adams) do it in Sunshine Cleaning was definitely worth my while.

The people who created Little Miss Sunshine came back with another signature quirky movie about two sisters who start a cleaning business cleaning up messes other people won't touch. They even went as far as to bring back the obnoxious Grandpa, Alan Arkin, to play another unconventional Grandpa.

I love movies of transformation. This movie has two great ones as the sisters forge through life seeking a semblance of meaning in their lives.

Happy Belated Birthday!

2009-09-25T21:27:00.000-07:00

I feel so terrible that I missed a birthday, but to my credit I didn't know her birthday was on September 21st. So, I want to wish Christine (my name twin) a Happy Belated Birthday! I am sure she will be surprised to see this! And I know she will laugh at this cheesy kitty cat video.

New Hair

2009-09-24T20:12:00.000-07:00

I have the best hairstylist. I love that I can trust his vision when I have none of my own. I went in with no idea other than I want to chop my hair off and came out with a fun cut and color.

I wanted to show you right away the new hair, so I don't even mind that it is a crappy Photo Booth picture!

1969

2009-09-24T19:07:00.000-07:00

I haven't shopped at the GAP for a really long time. But, to my pleasant surprise I read that the GAP updated their denim collection, so I decided to check it out.

I completely have fallen in love with GAPs new premium denim line- 1969. The GAP hired a new denim designer, Jason Sheeler, who has designed for Giorgio Armani and is using higher quality denim like that used in True Religions. Jason says that what makes the jeans premium is the fit. I agree. What makes me even more excited is the price. I picked up the Real Straight, Sexy Boot, and Always Skinny (in black) for the price of what one pair of my other "premium" denim jeans cost. Woohoo, look at me being thrifty! (almost).

Check it out and tell me if you agree. Another tip- the jeans shrink about 1/2 inch in length, but stretch out during wear about a half a size, so buy them snug.

Black & White

2009-09-24T18:50:00.001-07:00

I use to make fun of the store White House Black Market for limiting their inventory to just two colors! Now, look what I came home with after my latest shopping trip...

Black and white!

Thank goodness my hair is a bright blonde right now!

Fall fashion is my favorite.

I love sweaters, jeans, hats and layers.

I love this years stripes and plaids.

LIVE IT/SHARE IT/WEAR IT - The Monument of Our Hearts

2009-09-22T09:49:00.000-07:00

I tuned into Survivor for the first time since the second season to watch a friend of mine outwit, outplay, and outlast the other nineteen contests on Survivor Samoa. The show hasn't changed since I watched it in middle school, but CBS seems to be doing a really good job keeping the drama high with very volatile cast mates. I already have a deep dislike for Russell, the bully, as he is making the game a living hell for the yellow team. Thank goodness Brett is on the purple team right now!

Brett, has been pursing his dream of launching a cause-based clothing company, "The Monument of Our Hearts." The line strives to leverage his brand to actively support and advocate for health body image. I find the line and message so inspiring and much-needed in today's fashion. I also am so excited, being an entrepreneurship student myself, that Brett took the risk of opening his own label. If only I had the capital right now, I would fully invest in his company (let me know if you are interested and I will pass your name along to him). I am so glad he was able to display the clothes for the world on Survivor- great publicity for a great brand.

TMOOH just went live with the website a few weeks ago- check it out here: http://www.tmooh.com/ . You can't buy the clothing JUST YET, but it is coming soon. To check out some of the creative designs tune into Survivor on CBS Thursdays at 8 p.m.

Connect with TMOOH on Twitter for the latest news!

OOOO-SSSS-UUUU Oregon State, Fight, Fight, Fight

2009-09-22T09:12:00.001-07:00

I had to break out all my black and orange because football season is here! Although we did our best cheering on the Beavers, they still couldn't pull out a win on their home opener! Hopefully they have better luck with Arizona this Saturday. Chris and I we so excited to spend the day with Isaac and Jennifer.

And no football game is complete without chugging 40s during half-time!

Finishing Off Our Trip in Wine Country!

2009-09-21T21:09:00.000-07:00

The last time I was in Califonia's wine country I was 12. I complained about touring wineries and tasting grape juice. Now, it is a completely different story. Chris and I raced from Albuquerque to Sonoma to spend the end of our vacation exploring wine country. The first day was walked around the plaza in Sonoma and then went out to a few wineries off Highway 12. Our stops included Imagery Estate, Kunde, Chateau St. Jean, St. Francis and Paradise Ridge. I was not a fan of any of the Imagery Estate wines, in fact I tasted tire rubber in all the reds. But, the art they showcase on the labels is so creative that I wanted to buy the bottles just for decor.

On the first day I was so much more of a fan of the atmosphere and design of the wineries than the wines (I am just a biased Oregon varietal girl)! Kunde had a beautiful patio and water feature in front of the tasting room (think garden party).

But, my favorite winery look was Chateau St. Jean. I am the biggest fan of Mediterriean inspired design, but they winery went over the top with its French villa infusion. This would be the most perfect wedding location ever.

We went back to the Sonoma plaza for dinner. The next day we hit the wine scene early by visiting Artesa and Chateau Carnernos. Both are beautiful, showy wineries that feature many sparkling wine varietals (I love bubbles)!

Chateau Carneros:

Then we made our way to Ledson. Ledson was over the top for me. A little gaudy, don't you think?

Once we made our way out of Sonoma and into the Russian River Valley and Healdsburg, I was much more in my element. I enjoyed the more laid back feel after visiting all these more pretentious places. We checked out Foppiano, Merriam and Sapphire Hill. We ate lunch outside at the Healdsburg Grill, which I would 100% recommend. Healdsburg has great shops and tasting rooms to check out in the downtown area.

We left that evening and made our way up the 101 in the fog. We were so closed in, I never even saw the ocean. We got back to Grants Pass that night and our road trip was officially over. It was such an eventful and unforgettable trip. Chris is the best travel companion I could ever ask for. I loved spending all my moments with him! What a great close to summer!

Enjoy the Freedom of the Road.

2009-09-21T18:53:00.000-07:00

Shuffling through all the photos I took from my road trip is so overwhelming right now. But, I really want to share with you how incredible of the time I had. Chris and I drove down to southern Oregon really late at night to bunk with his family, and so we could get a 3 hour head start in the morning. This was us leaving the driveway!

We drove 13.5 hours the first day-from Grants Pass, Oregon to Salt Lake City (519 miles on one road). It wasn't so bad either (this is coming from a girl who had never driven over 5 hours consecutively in her life)! But, there was one freaky part... having the gas light come on in the middle of nowhere and having to make it 55 miles to the next gas station with no cell service if we broke down! Besides that mini-drama the rest of the drive was easy-going. I was entertained by an audio book called Under the Banner of Heaven that was one of the most captivating books I have ever heard, but I love non-fiction and I love hearing about twisted extremists. We spent 2.5 days in Salt Lake City visiting Chris' brother who recently moved there to work for the VA. Day one was my dream day as we shopped for 6 hours and hit up a sushi bar to replenish. Day two we watched a baseball game and day three we went to the zoo. This is Chris, Aiden (Chris' nephew) and I at the Salt Lake City Bees baseball game showing off our blue tongues from all the cotton candy we ate!

Here is Chris and Aiden at the zoo. Being on Chris' shoulders is definitely the way to tour the zoo! You can cruise above the crowds and you never get tired!

I was so sad to leave Salt Lake City, but we had so much more country to discover! Since we didn't have an itinerary (on purpose) we got a lead on an incredible place in southern Utah called Zion National Wilderness. So on we went!

For scenery, I thought it was equal to the Grand Canyon! I enjoyed it more than the Grand Canyon because there were less crowds and better hiking. Here is the view when you first enter the park:

Our first night camping was in Zion and we had so much fun making a fire, roasting brauts (bad idea), drinking wine, and stargazing. Zion had the most star-filled skies I had ever seen.

Here is Chris roasting a brauts. They were no good, so we had to use the camp stove on the rest of the package.

Enjoying the Brickhouse N.V. Pinot Noir out of plastic kegger cups!

Chris being the sommelier he is! haha.

The next morning we woke up and tackled the Observation Trail aka 4 miles of straight uphill climbing. Look at the trail below:

View from the top! We climbed 2600 ft in elevation, so we were standing at about 6600 ft.

From Zion we drove to the Grand Canyon to witness more exquisite views. We only stayed in the Grand Canyon for one night. We did a 3 mile mini-hike, but the thought of hiking downhill first to see what we already saw up at the top to then turn around and huff-and-puff back up wasn't so appealing to us! But, seeing the biggest hole in the ground was pretty dang amazing none-the-less!

After the Grand Canyon we jetted over to Albuquerque, New Mexico (I learned how to spell it on my own!!) to visit a bunch more of Chris' family. The first day there we drove an hour up to Santa Fe and had lunch at a restaurant that Chris' cousin is a chef at. It was so spectacular that I can't think of adjectives good enough to describe it. La Boca is located in downtown Santa Fe and is a quaint restaurant. We were so surprised they were able to fit us in for lunch on such short notice.

Here is Jonah, Chris and I outside La Boca.

Santa Fe is celebrating their 400th year anniversary with non-stop fiestas! I love mariachi bands! The cream outfits are so adorable!

We planned our trip around a major event- his Grandpa's 80th Birthday. To celebrate we all went to the University of New Mexico football game. Chris' Grandpa, Mike, was the kicker for the team in 1952 and received the nickname "Goldentoe." Here is the whole crew tailgating before the game:

More coverage of the road trip coming soon... up next- California Wine Country!

Yep. Uh Huh. You're Right.

2009-09-10T21:42:00.001-07:00

Love is a verb.

A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving. ~Lao Tzu

2009-09-03T19:01:00.000-07:00

The 14 day Road Trip is beginning in 3 hours! Tonight we will be driving down to Grants Pass, Oregon where we will be swapping cars. Then tomorrow morning we will be up bright and early making our way to Salt Lake City... Stay tuned!

Hoyt Dogs!

2009-09-02T21:25:00.000-07:00

To all my Portlanders:

If you ever go out in Northwest Portland you have to try a Hoyt dog! Last Saturday we met up with our friend Cushman and did the bar circuit in Northwest. We got to listen to some great and some not-so-great karaoke at Gypsy, take shots of Rumplemintz (our personal favorite hehehe) at Marathon and Ringler's, wander around downtown Portland for hours (from our own bad judgement), meet up with some people who found a brand new (in the plastic still) game of Candy Land (lucky!), play some arcade basketball game (Cushman dominated), and finally, eat a Hoyt dog!

The Hoyt Hot Dog Stand started out by a girl bringing her grill to the street one night to cook hot dogs for her friends. Since, it has transitioned into a hangout between the hours of 1 and 3 am. The original girl recruited her friends and they now BBQ hot dogs and sell them for $4. It was by far the best hot dog I have ever had. They offer Brauts, Lousiana Red-Hots, and 8" Beef with all the fixins' (even cream cheese, who would have thought?).

I love the idea and wish I had thought of it myself! It was a cool way to meet all sorts of new people.

The Upcoming Road Trip!

2009-08-27T17:19:00.001-07:00

The Road Trip is quickly approaching. Seven days away to be more precise! My excitement is at an all time high. Today I have been furiously downloading audio books for the drive. I have a plan to listen to all these self-improving books on our trip. That way we are being very productive and exercising our brains while we drive. You can laugh at me, my mom is right now too. :) We don't have much of a plan, but isn't that the beauty of it? We do know that we are driving to Salt Lake City to visit Chris' oldest brother and his son. Then we are venturing to the Grand Canyon where I WILL RIDE A DONKEY. We also plan on camping, hiking, and taking lots of pictures there. Then we are going to Albequeque, New Mexico for Chris' Grandpa's 80th birthday and a New Mexico football game. Finally, we will be traveling home through California, up the beautiful coast. We plan the trip to take 14 days. I can't help but smile.

Summer Doesn't Get Much Better!

2009-08-27T16:38:00.000-07:00

We recently got back from our second wonderful trip down to Grants Pass. Our first day there we hiked the China Creek Trail. We thought it was 5.9 miles... come to find out, that was just one way. The creek was fun to play in though and I did make a friend out of this crawfish Chris found.

Okay, maybe he wasn't really my friend. He didn't seem to like being taken out of the water.

We also went to the farmer's market. I think the Grants Pass farmer's market is awesome. Take this little girl for example, seven years old and she is an amazing violin player. She was fundraising for violin camp. Seriously, how cute!

On Saturday night we attended Chris' friend Nick and his now-wife Michelle's wedding. Here is the cute couple!
Like I said before, I love wedding dancing! I love this picture of us girls. They are so fun.

I did catch the bouquet, but then I tried to pawn it off on Rachael :)

After the wedding, we hit the town (funny thing to say about Grants Pass) and went to JDs, a local pub for some game with magnetic slidy things. I have no clue what else to call it. Chris and I lost anyway.

Then Chris and his friend Chris played Safari Hunter! haha. But, I threw this picture in mainly because I didn't take a good one of him at the wedding all dressed up. Doesn't he look great?!

The next day we went out to the Illinois River to hang out and swim. Gorgeous, huh? I think Grants Pass has unbeatable summers.

This dog made me laugh.

That is Chris jumping off a rock!

We were so devastated we had to come home that we drowned our sorrows in margaritas! Isn't it huge? We polished off two of those bad boys :)

Like always, I can't wait to go back. I like the small town life, the amazing weather, the river, visiting friends and family. It doesn't get any better for me!

It started with a book, now its a lifestyle.

2009-08-27T13:18:00.000-07:00

WARNING- This blog post is very much a public service announcement!

Two weeks ago I picked up a book a friend recommended called Master Your Metabolism by Jillian Michaels. Since then the book has really changed everything about my food intake. I kicked my terrible Diet Coke habit after learning about how harmful aspartame and any other artificial sweeteners are to the hormones in our bodies. I never thought Diet Coke and me would part ways. I was addicted to it for 8 years! And after one day of giving it up I could feel a huge difference in my body. I no longer craved sweet food late at night. I was more consistent in my weight due to less bloating. I haven't gotten one of my notoriously awful afternoon headaches. Simply put, I feel great.

Not only did I throw away a bad habit of soda drinking, but I also did away with diet food completely. It is shocking that I did this. I am the girl who had a nervous breakdown at an airport for not having non-fat yogurt at their Starbucks (the hormones were a tad bit out of balance that day). I am still eating non-fat yogurt, but it is the Nancy's organic kind rather than the kind filled with terrible chemicals like high-fructose corn syrup and other things that spite our leptin hormone levels. I feel like I am eating real food, which tastes way better, instead of all the processed food that use to make up 90% of my diet.

Switching to real food may seem expensive at first, but what I found is it was cheaper in the end because I am no longer buying as much processed junk food and I am saving a heck of a lot on all that soda I use to buy!

It is also extremely fun to go to the local farmer's market to pick up fruits, veggies, eggs, bread, etc. In fact, Chris and I just met a garlic expert that gave us a hot varietal of garlic that we are going to cook with this weekend!

Here is an insert from the book. I find this stuff so interesting and I really suggest reading the whole book yourself:

The term "organic" applies to a farming method that raises food without pesticides or other chemicals. The idea is that by allowing natural processes and biodiversity to enrich the soil, as opposed to relying upon synthetic chemicals or genetically modified seeds to protect the crops from pests, we'll get healthier food and- imagine that- a healthier environment.

Organics help you stay slim and prevent diabetes. More than 90 percent of endocrine-disrupting pesticides that hang around in our body tissues come from foods we consume- especially animal products.

Organics help you avoid scary hormones. The FDA currently permits six kinds of steroid hormones to be used in producing cattle and sheep. Eighty percent of U.S. feedlot cattle are fed or injected with steroid hormones. Each of these cows gains up to 3 pounds per day.

Organics help you avoid pesticides and other chemicals. A study at the University of Washington found that the urine of kids who ate mostly conventional diets had nine times the organophosphorus pesticide concentration of kids who ate mostly organic.

Organics help you prevent antibiotic resistance. Massive use of antibiotics in the meat and dairy industries leads to widespread antibiotic resistance, exposing us to potentially fatal bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA.

Organics make your food taste better. Organic food is an will always be fresher than nonorganic food- without pesticides and chemical preservatives, organic produce had to be eaten faster or it will rot!

Organics make your food more nutritious. Organic fruits and vegetables can't rely on pesticides- they have to fight off bugs with their own "immune systems," naturally raising antioxidant levels.

Organics help you save the earth. Produce grown in the U.S. travels an average of fifteen hundred miles before it gets sold. But organic farming uses 30 percent less fossil fuels while it conserves water, reduces soil erosion, maintains soil quality, and removes carbon dioxide from the air.

One quick example: Take tomatoes. Tomatoes have all the cancer-fighting health benefits- the best form of medicine with no harmful side effects. Now let's take our little tomato and see what happens to it in the name of capitalism. The tomato is grown conventionally, and sprayed with up to seven kinds of pesticides. Then it is picked too early because it must make the long journey across the country- or across the world- from its original location to your supermarket. Yes, you are now polluting the environment with all the gas used to transport the tomato. But, there's more. The tomato is still green because it was picked too early, so now it is sprayed with argon gas (also used to euthanize dogs) to make it turn red prematurely. Wow! We have just taken a natural medicine and turned it into poison. That is why we must make efforts to go organic.

The more each of us votes with our dollars for products not produced with toxins, the quicker we'll help right the wrongs and get this earth back where it belongs. As more people eat organic, organic food will become cheaper.

TALL GLASS OF HORMONES

Cows that produce organic milk are fed organic grains and are given access to pasture, but, most important, they cannot be treated with recombinant bovine growth hormone, also known as rBGH or rBST (recombinant bovine somatotropin). And thank god for that! Traditional dairy farmers feed this horrific synthetic hormone to their cows to boost their milk production, and so far, the USDA still approves them as safe. Unlike the regulatory agencies in Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and twenty-seven countries of the European Union, where rBGH is banned.

Studies have shown that rBGH increases the levels of insulin-like growth factor 1, or IGF-1, in the milk of these cows. Drinking just 1 glass of milk a day for 12 weeks can increase a human's blood levels of IGF-1 by 10 percent. At normal levels, IGF-1 does good things in the body; it's responsible for cell growth, division, differentiation. But, IGF-1 has been linked, in hundreds of studies, to increased breast, prostate, uterine, colon, lung, and other cancers in humans. Emerging research even links high levels of IGF-1 to autism. Rather than destroy IGF-1, pasteurization increases its levels, and because bovine and human IGF-1 are identical, this raging abundance of hormones is eagerly absorbed into the digestive tract and the bloodstream, where it can act on various parts of the body. Awesome.

Studies have shown that high levels of IGF-1 increases ovulation. In fact, one study found that rBGH is one of the reasons early puberty is on the rise.

The kicker? The USDA has consistently refused to mandate that milk producers warn consumers that their milk products include rBGH, and many state dairy boards are attempting to ban any mention of rBGH on labels at all.

Still promising- Wal-Mart, Starbucks, Safeway, Kroger, and many others are starting to use rBGH-free milk.