Five Faves Friday (Vol. 16)

- ONE - 

Winter Weather - Winter has finally arrived in Texas. And, it's bringing the serious with it. We have temps in 30's and it might even show a little snow this weekend. I know. Say whaaaatt?!

- TWO - 

Farm to Table Blogger's Dinner - I am so excited that this weekend has finally come. I will be joining several other Texas Women Blogger's for a feast this Saturday. We will be attending a special farm-to-table dinner hosted by Urban Acres Farms. I am so excited to check them out as well as meet some fabulous Texas Ladies, who happen to be bloggers too! It's sure to be a fabulous time!

Image// VIA

Now, onto what I am going to wear... 

- THREE - 

New Lip Color - I am loving my new Fall lip color from Mary Kay. It's called Apple Berry and it's all sorts of perfect for Fall and Winter. This picture is particularly creepy, but I had to share. PS - Please do not drive and take selfies. I at least waited until I was stopped at a red light. Safety first, people. 

- FOUR - 

Newest Food Blogger @ TWB - I have been given the honor to help host a "Foodie Friday" edition on Texas Women Blogger's, once a month. I am so excited to expand to other bloggers and readers and can't wait to share some special food creations. Stay tuned, as I will let you know when my first Foodie Friday post is up!

- FIVE - 

#WineWedensday Wine Glass Swap - Yay! The wine glass swap is officially underway. Registration closed on Wednesday and we have some great people signed up! I'm working on getting everyone together with their partners and should have those out no later than tomorrow. This is going to be such a fun swap and I can't wait to see everyone's goodies. Yay! for new wine glasses and new friends. Cheers!! {If you still want to sign up send an email to arhicks0427@gmail.com. I will be taking last minute sign up through today only (Friday, November 14th)}. 

Wishing each of you a Fun & Fabulous Weekend. Stay warm out there.

#WineWednesday: Making a Splash

Hey Y'all!!

First, I want to start by extending a HUGE THANK YOU to all of the wonderful readers who provided feedback on my post last week. I received some really fabulous feedback and can't wait to try some of your suggestions from the survey.

This week's wine is Cannonball Chardonnay

Let's Dive in, shall we?

I was suggested this wine from a dear friend, who also happens to work at a package store. You wouldn't believe the connects I have... 

just kidding. 

He assured me that it was quite tasty and that if I really enjoyed Chard (which I do) then I should definitely give this one a shot. 

No need to twist my arm. 

After, I came to my senses and let it chill for a bit.. Don't know how you do the voodoo that you do. So, well it's a spell, hell, makes me wanna sip sip sip. (no, wait... wrong place. Bonus points if you can name that song tho!) 

Anyway, I let it completely chill to get it at optimum drinking temperature. 

See here in the South, it's hotter than a which's tit, in a brass bra! I mean: It. Is. Smokin' Hot! 

The delightful little boy doing a Cannonball on the label really hit home for me. Shoot, it is Summer after all. (In case you needed any reminder) 

A couple of glasses down the wine hatch and I was doing a Cannonball myself! (no, really!)

This wine is the Perfect Summer Wine. So refreshing with light notes of citrus. Yet, still bold and oak-ey. (trust me, it's a word)

Customized Etched Wine Glass from Gifted Sistas

Reigning from Sonoma County, a little less than $15 a bottle and a ease-of-access twist top - this wine will now be one of my favorites! 

Pairs wonderfully with ribs (I would know) and I would totally bring this pool or LAKESIDE. 

Thank you for the wonderful suggestion, friend! 

Wishing you all a wonderful #WineWednesday & be sure to share your wine photos using the #WineWednesday hashtag. It's like a virtual wine tasting and I'd love to see what your sippin' on!

#WineWednesday: Give it to me straight

Hello, hello Everyone and welcome to Wednesday!

This week's #WineWednesday, I'd like to switch things up a bit and hear for all of you lovely readers.

I'd like to ask each of you for a favor. I'd love for your participation in helping me pick the next wine, or wines, that I try and review here on FITO blog.

I know the world of wines is vast and deep but I'd love to know what wines YOU like. You see, this can't be a one way street here and I'd love to know about your wine experience.

What is you favorite go to wine? Or, your favorite vino to pop open during a special occasion? What is that one wine that you had and can never stop thinking about?  I want to know a little more about your wine tastes, and what wines make you tick.

I created a simple survey below (or can be found by clicking here) for you to share your thoughts about your wine tastes and preferences.

Also, I am trying to gain more insight for a wine glass/ wine accessories swap. Would you be interested in sharing your wine favorites with other wine lovers? If so, I want to hear from YOU!

Please feel free to share your thoughts honestly and openly. I will never share your information, and your wine secrets are safe with me.

I feel it's so important to know what my readers like, and what they don't like. I want this to be a place that you can come and enjoy - so by sharing you thoughts, I feel, will only help me be a better blogger for you!

Let's get an open conversation going about all things wine!

Share away, and thank you for participating.

#WineWednesday: Bringing Back the Box

... Boxed Wine, that is. Yep, you heard me right. I am bringing that shiz back and with a quickness too. You know what else, I'm darn proud of it too! I'm a hooked bag-slappin' Fool.

Okay, okay. So there actually are a few reasons why I'm now on the boxed bandwagon:

1. For starters, they've come a longgggg way since Pink boxed wines. I'm totally not hating on Pink Boxed Wines, trust me, I've had my fair share... but, I feel Pink boxed wine is slightly more appropriate with a pounding headache the next morning possibly accompanied with a bought of gut rot. I try to avoid both of those at all costs.

2. Speaking of costs. I think a $20 something box of wine is way more cost efficient, especially if your into a daily evening glass. It's always there, limitless, ready for a pour.

3. The equivalent of 4 bottles of wine packed into one convenient box. Easy to transport and less spoiled wine. Because, after all, you really shouldn't consume 4 bottles in one sitting. That's just plain wrong. So save a little. You don't have to worry about it going bad the next day.

4.  It's actually good tasting wine. Yes, it really is!

and, lastly ...

5. A Bota Box wine is environmentally friendly. According to the BotaBox.com website: "The smart, alternative packaging and size reduce greenhouse gasses by 75% and waste by 50%, cut fuel emissions due to its lighter shipping weight, and are produced primarily from paper which is a renewable resource" You get the wine. Mother Earth gets a a break. A total win/ win situation. 

The Bota Box brand offers a variety of boxed wines for your sipping pleasure. 

image // via

Look at those little baby ones in the front. Perfect for a picnic. 

My mom first introduced me to this wine and I clearly thought she was out of her mind.. and possibly having a mid-life crisis trying to escape back to hear early drinking days. She kept telling me "No, I swear it's really good wine!" and "It's just like bottled wine except there's more to share, consume, guzzle, etc.". I was at first a total skeptic, until she snuck me a glass. Unknowingly, I thought it was the glass bottled stuff. Sure enough it was a Bota Box. And you know what else. It tasted GREAT and it seemed endless. I've been hooked ever since. Thanks, Mom.  

Once I began researching a little bit more into the whole boxed wine trend, I realized how great this really is. By removing the glass bottles the saving is able to be passed down to the consumer. Who knew glass bottles were so overrated?!

 My favorite Bota Box is the Pinot Grigio. 

image // via

So there ya have it! 

What are your thoughts on boxed wines. Have you tried any recently? Don't you just love them?? Or, are you glass bottle all the way? I'd love to know, share you thoughts in the comments.

Feeling Fine with my Francis Wine

If you've been following along from my post last Friday you know that I've been doing my best "wine research". If you haven't been following along, shame on you...

A couple of weeks ago my local grocer was having a great sale on wine + 10% off if you bought 6 bottles. I was up for the challenge and assured myself that I needed to leave the store with 6 bottles of wine, because a) they were on sale and b) after all I am doing a weekly series all things wine. It was totally justifiable and complete with savings.

Yesterday I dove into my first batch of research and it did not disappoint. In fact, I liked it so much that I am going to pick up 6 bottles of it alone to stock my (imaginary) wine rack.

This lovely Diamond Collection Chardonnay (surprise!) by the Francis Ford Coppola Winery is superb!!

Absolutely smooth and light on my palate with all of its French Oak Barrel gloriousness. And, with it's alcohol content slightly higher than most Chards, I was feeling fine in no time. But, please, Wine Responsibly.

I must admit, I had a hunch that this wine would be Oh, So Good due to the fact that it is produced in the same area of California that my beloved B proposed to me. I felt it's magical Monterey powers as soon as I gripped the bottle. And, with each sip I reminisced about the magical sunset that I was asked to be his wife on the beautiful coast of California. I digress...

Coppola's Chardonnay is perfect all the way around. This Chardonnay has a great price point, around $15 a bottle, and can be easily paired with just about anything. I give this wine two thumbs up and a great big gulp.

We paired the wine with my Creamy Chicken and Mushrooms (recipe can be found here) and it made a great watering companion during my evening soaking of the begonias. (those are flowers people, not swamp man's rendition of the word)

If you're a Chardonnay lover, like yours truly, I know you will love this wine. Go grab a bottle, or six, and give a great big Cheers to Mr. Coppola - you did a great thing Francis, and we love you for that. I am looking forward to trying many more of Francis Ford Coppola's festive wines and of course, I'll fill you in. It is, after all, my wino duty.

Red, Red Wine Vinaigrette

Welcome to this week's #WineWednesday. Toady we're going to switch it up a bit and talk about Red Wine Vinaigrette. Because, after all, this blog is centered around food. So let's talk wine AND a new recipe.

I absolutely love making fresh sauces and dressing. There's just something about adjusting the sauce exactly to your liking. By adding fresh herbs here and there you have all the control over your dressing, which is always a nice change of pace.

I just love Red Wine Vinaigrette. 

A little sweet. A little tangy. Plus, a little wine. It's the perfect addition to any salad.

Not only do I use this tasty vinaigrette to dress my salads. I also LOVE it as dipping sauce with extra crispy bread. It's like a BONUS!

I adapted this recipe from my Better Homes and Gardens New Cookbook (11th edition). Found here. 

I usually keep a jar of this dressing in my fridge so I can throw together a quick salad, use it as a dipping sauce, or add some extra flavor to sandwiches. It hardly ever lasts long enough, but it's so easy to whip up. Maybe next time I need to make a double batch.

Are you ready to make your own Red, Red Wine Vinaigrette?

Let's go!

What you'll need:

+  1/3 cup oil (I used vegetable, but olive oil will work great as well)

+  3 tablespoons of White Vinegar

+  1 tablespoon Sugar

+  1 tablespoon Fresh Thyme, oregano (I used dried herbs because that was all I had on hand)

+  1/2 teaspoon Paprika

+  1/4 teaspoon dry mustard

+  3 tablespoons Sweet Red Wine

+  1 clove minced Garlic

To Prepare:

In a jar, or air-tight container, combine all ingredients. Cover and shake well. Can be stored in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks. Shake well before serving. 

Note: I like to mix my vinaigrette a little heavy on the vinegar side. Therefore, I use Sweet Red Wine. It helps to counter balance out the vinegar. You can always use a dry Red Wine, which will work great as well!

Fun Fact. One of my all time favorite songs, since childhood, is Red, Red Wine by UB40. Every time I hear it on the radio I have to jam out and it takes me to such a happy place. I love how music can put us in a certain mood or give us a certain feeling. Do you have a favorite songs that takes you back?  

Here's to great salads, get sauces, and great music! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

    oxox, 

Amanda

#WineWednesday

Happy Hump Day Everyone & Welcome to our 2nd installment of #WineWednesday

Today I am sharing my thoughts about Rex-Goliath Merlot

I picked up this bottle of wine precisely because I used to decorate my kitchen with all things Cocks... Chickens that is... Sheesh!

Therefore, the proudly displayed “Giant 47 Pound Rooster” on the label meant that it had to be good, right?

Plus, I knew if at the very least, if I only stored the bottle in my counter-top wine rack it would be a great addition to my kitchen decor. Priorities, People!

Lucky for us, I had to pop that cork and taste the Jesus Juice/ Rooster Blood (whatever you want to call it) And, boy oh boy! Was I ever glad I did!

Specs:

Wine:  Rex Goliath Merlot Red Wine

Price: under $10 a bottle

Where: You can pick up this wine at any local Wal-Mart, CVS, and grocery store

(Please note: I like to shop around at only the finest of places… As you can tell)

Taste:  Bold, yet smooth. Light hints of fruit.

Serving Suggestions:  Serve at room temp. I also suggest pairing it with a nice chicken dish, like my Creamy Chicken and Mushrooms. DELISH!

Initial Thoughts:  mmmmm, mmmmmm gooood!

Final Thoughts:  No headache, no problem! That’s some damn good cock juice… okay, I’ll stop now!

So, what wines are you drinking this Wednesday?

Show me your wines using the hashtag #WineWednesday on Instagram and Twitter.

oxox, 

Amanda

and on Wednesdays...

We drink WINE!

Disclaimer: This is not a paid sponsorship. The products and opinions are soley expressed 100% on my own. If you're interested in having your product featured on FITO Blog please send an email to arhicks0427@gmail.com.

To me, wine is proof that Jesus loves me... and you.. and well all of US!

And shoot, Jesus drank the wine.

Therefore, you should too!

Since I love Jesus and I love the Wine, I decided to start a new series. 

Each week, on Wednesdays to be exact, I will be bringing my “Pick of the Week”  from the Vino aisle.

We shall call it #WineWednesday

Sounds sooooo good, doesn't it?

I know I want a glass now too!

This week, I am going to talk to you gals and guys about unoaked wine, specifically Chardonnay, and all its unoaked glory.

But first, lemme tell a story... (shit, I should hashtag that, huh?)

But first #lemmetellastory. 

(ahh much better)

Last weekend I went to my favorite place the Liquor Store and I was approached by the lovely teller (quickly after I just downed a tester of Texas Honey Liqueur - BTW delish!) I assume she thought I needed some help walking as I was quickly proceeding to the wines. It was urgency that I think she was mistaking for being drunk. Anyway, seeing as she worked there I thought she and I could share some great conversations about WINE and other sorts of spirits, and possibly become the greatest of buds - so I decided to take her on my trek to the wine aisle... However, there was a quick halt in the urgency as she directed me to the Kendall. I was out on that with a quickness. No offense and nothing against a cheap wine. In fact, I LOVE CHEAP WINE! Just not the Kendall, and definitely not Beringer (unless I am desperate buying roadies at the gas station to help soothe a hellacious day that was ending at wedding with no alcohol!! What?! I didn't even think that was possible) Anyway, I digress… and yes, I did sneak wine into a wedding. Call me what you want.

But seriously, and back to the story, if I am out in 90+ degree whether shopping for (& in dire need of) some wine, Kendall is definitely NOT what I had in mind. She was a wonderful lady, and I sincerely appreciated her kindness and company, and I guess subtle help, but I can only assume that she was new in the Vino district. So I took things over from there.

My new liquor store friend kept touching and pointing to a lovely little bottle that said unoaked Chardonnay. She proceeded to ask me if I had unoaked wine and I told her “I didn't even know that existed!” “What is unoaked wine?” Feeling slightly ignorant after my gag-face when she pointed to the dreaded K, and then realizing we were probably on the same level of Vino knowledge. I decided to try it regardless.

According to Liquor-store Lady, unoaked is wine that has been aged outside of the oak barrel…

Okay guys, I kind of figured that it had something to do with the barrel and production!! But what the hell does it do to the wine??

I grabbed the bottle and hit up the Google, and now, I give you my thoughts and knowledge on this whole Unoaked Wine Thing.

BTW, I did check with my very legit wine expert. One who I've know since middle school, and who happened to be one of our groomsmen in our wedding.

Yep, that's him. He's worked and lived in the beautiful wine country for several years now, and we happened to take a nice little trip to visit him the night after we were engaged. We talked about wine and even privately toured one of the wineries. Therefore, his wine knowledge is precious to me so I had to pick his brain over the whole unoaked thing. Now, this is where I have to tell you, he is not endorsing this wine, he simply made it sooooo easy for me to understand unoaked Chardonnay and I'd feel really silly if I didn't ask for his help. Plus, he drinks the good fancy stuff, it's practically right at his fingertips.

Basically, Chardonnay is typically fermented or aged (OR BOTH) in oak barrels to give it that beautiful rich bold flavor that I've come to adore. However, using oak barrels can become pricing which leads to an increase in price... did I mention I like inexpensive wine? But this wine, and it's unoaked process was so good and just as good as any of my other go-to Chards with bold nutty flavors.

So here's the deal:

Wine: 2013 A by Acacia Chardonnay Unoaked (love that it has my first initial right on the label)

Price: $10.49 + tax (to be exact - I would know since I spent an hour trying to peel of the price tag label for photos)

Taste: Very smooth and definitely BOLD (which is soooo my type of thing!)

Serving Suggestions: Serve this wine chilled, like I would suggest for any other white wine

Initial Thoughts: Now this is MY KIND OF WINE. Honestly, I was completely expecting to have a mouth full of sweetness (sorry, just not my thing), and sure enough it was right up there with my go to!

Final Thoughts: I would totally buy this wine again, especially for myself, or as a hostess gift if I am feeling generous. No dreaded headache the next morning like some other less expensive wines. Nope, just a nice all-around great wine. Go getcha some!

Have you tried an unoaked wine? Did you love it? Hate it? Share your thoughts, I'd love to know how you feel about unoaked wines.

  oxox, 

Amanda

Five Friday Faves

Image via// Eat & Relish

Disclaimer: The opinions and products reviewed and expressed below are chosen solely by me. I do not receive compensation to review these products and the products and services are simply ones in which I favor. My opinions are solely my own. If you’d like to be featured on FITO Blog please send me an email to arhicks0427@gmail.com


Happy Friday, Party People!!

I hope everyone enjoyed their week, and you are all looking forward to a fabulous weekend. 

I know we are!

Like I previously mentioned in my post last week here, I am was  going to share with you FIVE of my favorite things from each week to week.

Weellllllllllllll, {as I'm sure you're aware} I've been a little out of the blog world for a minute. To say that the hustle and bustle, and the overall craziness of life has gotten the best of my free time, would be a HUGE understatement.
But I'll spare you all the deets. 
(Like how my beloved doggie lost an eyeball over spring break, or that we BOUGHT A HOUSE, or that I am in wayyy over my head with Grad School and a million other things - I am sure you can relate)

So I am picking up where I left off, and decided to pick back up with my weekly top-picks, and I'm not looking back. 

Feel free to join in on the fun and comment with some of your week's faves.

Are you ready?
Let's Go!

1. Checkout51 app. - If you’re anything like me, you understand the feeling of running to the grocery store countless times on the fly during the week. Even if you can't relate, this App is for YOU! This App. is for everyone! Bye, bye to the days of coupon clipping. Or remembering to bring those pesky little sheets of paper with you to the grocery store. Oh, and, hello, clutter town. Ugh, I just hate, yet love coupons. I always wonder if it is really saving me any money to actually clip the darn things and then try to remember A: that you have a coupon for an item, or B: to bring your coupons with you to the store. Now, with Checkout51 you can literally EARN money as your grocery shop. Here’s how it works:

1. Browse through the weekly offers on the app

2. Purchase the products at ANY grocery store

3. Upload your receipt in the app, and claim your offers!

Easy, peasy. Once you earn $20.00 in your account Checkout51 will send you a check for the amount. Yeah, it's pretty awesome! Available on Apple and Android devices, and can be found in your app store.

2. 14 Hands Chardonnay - wow, I think it took me to write this blog post to realize that Chardonnay is spelled with 2 “N”s (World’s worst speller right here, ask my best friend). Anyway, I LOVE this Chardonnay wine from 14 Hands! It’s amazing how quickly one bottle of 14 Hands can disappear. Especially while you’re doing things like: chatting it up with your hubby on your blow-up mattress, in the middle of the living room, because you have yet to go pick out any furniture. OR during a Blogger Happy Hour (see below). OR while you’re chatting it up on the phone with your Momma for hours one evening. Then Poof it’s gone! Just like that! It really is that good!. So, do yourself a favor and go pick up a bottle (or 2, or 3) at your nearest Walmart… Yes, I DO buy my wine at Walmart. And, YES, you can buy your wine at Walmart too. And, pretty dang good wine at that! Plus, I wouldn't want to get too fancy on ya, and it’s reasonably priced.

3. The Crockpot - What a glorious device! With moving, being in between two residences (yes- we just bought our first home!! Whoo Hooo!), and the crazy schedule that is the end of the semester for teaching and Grad School, I have never needed, or loved, my crock-pot more than right now. And, let's face it, there are only so many times during the week that you can eat Subway or Taco Bell for lunch and dinner. A home cooked meal always hits the spot, especially if you've been having to grab meals on the go. So here’s the deal, I love to put stews, roasts, and other hearty meals in the Crockpot. You can prepare the dish in the Crockpot in the morning, then set the temp and let the Crockpot do all the work for you. Then, when you come home from a long and exhausting day you already have a delicious meal waiting, and typically your house smells pretty amazing too.

Easy, Hearty & Delicious

4. Blogger Happy Hours - So, I know lately it seems like I am obsessed with Erin, over at Living In Yellow (well, I guess I'm kinda am a little obsessed). Anyway, she is fabulous and you should definitely go check her blog out. Now back to the Happy Hour part. Erin (being the genius blogger that she is) put together this completely awesome idea called a “Blogger Happy Hour” (BHH). Once or twice a month she and another blogger host a Google+ Hangout with other like minded bloggers, including newbies (like myself) to chat all things Blog related. When you attend BBH you bring your questions, your favorite drink (for example, a bottle of 14 Hands Chardonnay, like yours truly), and pull up a chair. To your computer screen, that is. This month, Erin teamed up with the Hilarious, Taylor from The Daily Tay. BTW, Taylor has the most adorable dog, named Harlow. Which he joined in on our BHH, and all the girls swooned over him. Plus, those of us that join in were able to have Taylor and Erin's undivided attention for an hour or so. This past Tuesday I joined in on my first BHH with Erin and Taylor, along side some other awesome bloggers! It was so FUN, COOL, AWESOME, & totes AMAZING! Erin is hosting another BBH this month, you can check out all the deets here.

Cats & Dogs are welcome at this Happy Hour

5. Soft Cheese Tacos - WARNING: the following picture may not look appetizing. AT. ALL. But I don't care. These smothered, cheesy, Soft Cheese Tacos are the BOMB.com. I swear I think I could eat these every. single. day. Breakfast, lunch, AND dinner. When we began our move, the first night we stayed at our new house we decided to go out to eat to grab some dinner. We stopped in at a little Mexican food restaurant right off of the lake. One of many in the area, I might add. It looked very promising due to the fact the entire parking lot was full. So, we decided what the heck !? Gave it a shot. And, thank goodness! That evening I was introduced to my newest food love. This is the food you dream about and crave every single day. Seriously, I crave these on a daily basis. Thank goodness I don't eat them on a daily basis, but heck, I probably could! For reals. Every time we come up to the new house, our first stop is to get a whole platter full of soft cheese tacos. The rice and beans are a nice touch too. The restaurant also has this amazing dip they call “Crema”. Which is basically a mix of guacamole and sour cream - perfect to pair with their amazing tortilla chips and salsa. Next time you visit us at the new casa, I will be sure to take you to get a platter of soft cheese tacos. I don't know what more can I say - they’re simply AMAZE!

Ooey Gooey Cheesy Deliciousness

There ya have it folks, my top faves from the past week.

Feel free to join in on the fun and comment with some of your week's faves. I'd love to hear what you've been enjoying this week!

oxox, 
Amanda