Monthly Archives: February 2011

O’Tay Cupcake!

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Image: Courtesy of Cupcake WineryCupcakes seem to be all the rage these days. With countless cookbooks on how to make cute little animals out of frosting and licorice, to reality TV banking on a thriving cupcake business, I think everyone has gone just a little cupcake crazy. Honestly, I’m just not that into them. Accept for this one…Cupcake Red Velvet Wine! Hold on to your corks! Cupcake Winery in Monterey County, CA describes this divine sip of heaven in a bottle…”Red Velvet – a smooth creamy blend of Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s reminiscent of a blackberry chocolate cupcake with a mocha coulis. Shows an incredible nose of chocolate, deep rich blackberries, red fruits and a creamy mocha finish that is unmistakable in its intensity and length.” There you have it! Who needs the frosting? Pair a glass with appetizers or end a romantic evening dinner with cheese and fruit and a little Red Velvet.

To Have and to Hold

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Happy Valentine’s Day to all of you travel and treasure seekers out there. Today is a great day to pay homage to the one you love or to pamper yourself with a little overdue kindness. Whether you are planning a romantic getaway trip or spending a quiet holiday close to home, there are unique ways to say “I Love You”. One of my favorite gifts, to give or to receive, is a soapstone heart, available in multiple sizes and colors, made in Kenya from World Market (available in stores only). Useful as a paperweight or a decorative accent, they are just as great to look at as they are to hold and warm in the palm of your hand. Pop one in a Chinese takeout box, add some red or pink excelsior, a love note and you have a thoughtful and affordable gift.

An additional gift idea is original artwork by Marina Terauds.  Russian-born Terauds works in her Michigan studio, mastering the world of printmaking. Marina’s etchings, mezzotints, aquatints and drypoints depict nature. Her birds, moths, reptiles, trees, feathers and nests, are delicately romantic and a treasure to own. Her Bird Heart and Heart Tree prints capture a unique blend of nature and love intertwined as one.

Just remember, a single rose can be as romantic as a dozen roses. Most of us girls are flattered by the thought and not the content. No matter how you spend your day today, live in the moment, love those around you and seek wonderful treasures both big and small.

Reading the Leaves

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For all of us stranded by life in the snowbelt, there is no better way to start a frigid February morning than with a good book in hand and the swirl of the tea infuser. The birds outside scavenge for any last remnants of seed last fall has left behind, while snowflakes pass my window in slow motion. I inhale the aromas of my new love…Earl Grey Moonlight Tea (don’t let the name fool you, it tastes just as good in the morning light). On a recent shopping trip to Naperville, I discovered a new tea shop in town, Adagio Teas. Whether you prefer black, green, white or oolong tea, Adagio’s has an endless selection of loose or bagged teas that will inspire relaxation and provide some inner warmth for the soul.