Taste Wine Like A Pro With BevMo! Cellar Master Wilfred Wong

I was invited to a private wine tasting at the new BevMo! store in Riverside last month with Wilfred Wong, BevMo! Cellar Master.  A few awesome things happened that night - I was handed a glass of Veuve Clicquot which is a new favorite, I got to chop it up with Wilfred before the lesson started and my husband got to pick out hard-to-find craft beer before the store officially opened to the public.

Wine is intimidating to some people like me but Wilfred Wong is quite the character and sold us on wine without being a salesman.  I love when industry folks talk with us and not at us.  The biggest takeaway from the cellar master himself was that it's okay if you don't like a wine but know why you don't.  He certainly has the resume to back up his thoughts:  40+ year veteran of the industry, Wong tastes 6000-8000 wines, spirits and beers annually!  He is responsible for managing the wine rating system at BevMo!, creating product descriptions for all the wines and working with the wine team to develop private label wines.

The 4 S's of wine tasting:
SEE: The color of the wine.  As white wine ages, the color gets darker, and as red wine ages the color gets lighter.  Color can also help you determine how heavy or light the wine will taste/feel.
SWIRL: Coat the side of the glass to help the wine open up and release aromas for the next step
SMELL: Sniff three times and come up with three words to describe the wine
SIP: You will taste sweet, sour, salty and bitter

I actually preferred the more savory food with darker wines and the fruity and sweet food with white wine. Popcorn goes good with white and so does the tortilla chip with guacamole but my absolute favorite is Veuve Clicquot with the strawberry!  I'm definitely a white wine fan even though Wilfred Wong says Pinot Noir is the holy grail of wines.  

A lesson in "corkiness" - having worked in hospitality for years, I never heard of the term corkiness.  It is when you open a bottle of wine and it doesn't smell right.  It happens and BevMo! has an awesome return policy on wine - take the bottle back with the receipt and you'll get a new bottle!

Me with BevMo! Cellar Master Wilfred Wong!

BevMo! is your neighborhood beverage store and they have everything you need to make every occasion special #BevMo2TheRescue
The new 8000 sq. foot Riverside store will feature thousands of wines, spirits and beers along with hundreds of gourmet food items, cocktail mixers, glassware, bar accessories and more.


Get the ClubBev! card - it took a minute to fill out and I saved $1 on my visit!  

This label rocks!

BevMo! is popular for their 5 Cent Wine Sale - Buy one bottle of wine, get the second bottle for 5 cents. You have to love how it is clearly marked!  Over 200 bottles to choose from!

My husband Chris scored Lagunitas Sucks and Bootlegger's Brewery Knuckle Sandwich (not pictured) and I just might have won Best Wife that night!

Visit BevMo! to find a store near you - the new store is located at 7562 Mission Grove Parkway, Riverside, CA 92508

Get social with BevMo! on Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Pinterest

Get social with Wilfred Wong on Twitter / Instagram

Enter for your chance to win a $50 BevMo! gift card!

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Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post in collaboration with BevMo!  All thoughts are my own.

If You Don't Win This Vegas Giveaway, Go Anyway! #runawaytovegas

Disclosure:  #runawaytovegas is a media trip.  Plaza Hotel and Megabus are generously sponsoring this giveaway.  All thoughts are my own.

AJ, Chris, Julie, Marla and I are so excited to host this Vegas trip giveaway!  If you are a US resident, over 21 years of age, you can enter for a chance to win two nights at Plaza Hotel & Casino and round-trip travel from Los Angeles, CA to Las Vegas, NV via Megabus!  

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My Minions Love Despicable Me 2

We are so excited for the dvd release of Despicable Me 2!  Waiting felt like forever and now we can watch it fifty times a day if we want to!  There was a little bit of a party here when the review copy and goodies came in... I had two of the happiest littles in the whole wide World!  Not only are we huge fans of the movie but the 3 Minion mini-movies were a big treat.  "Puppy" is our favorite but who am I kidding... "Panic In The Mailroom" and "Training Wheels" are also our favorites - they are just so cute!  Without giving away the whole movie, Despicable Me 2 is about Gru adjusting to life as a dad, the girls growing up and Gru's adventures now being the good guy.  We absolutely loved the Mexican villain El Macho.  I would tell you more but you should watch it - out on dvd on December 10th!              

We are giving away a Despicable Me 2 Prize Pack to one lucky winner!  You will receive (1) Despicable Me 2 DVD (1) Minion Plush (1) Minion Beanie (it's reversible!) and (1) Minion Pen

I'm sharing my Despicable Me 2 folder with recipe cards and activity sheets, you can check it out here.


"Despicable Me 2 is the top box-office comedy of the year and is poised for spectacular success on home entertainment this holiday season,” said Craig Kornblau, president of Universal Studios Home Entertainment. “This adored franchise, with its iconic lovable Minions, stands apart from all others and is sure to be at the top of everyone’s wish list this December.”
Gru, his adorable girls, and the mischievous Minions are back with a cast of unforgettable new characters in the blockbuster sequel to the worldwide phenomenon.  Just as Gru has given up being super-bad to be a super-dad, the Anti-Villain League recruits him to track down a new criminal mastermind and save the world.   Partnered with secret agent Lucy Wilde, Gru, along with the wildly unpredictable Minions, must figure out how to keep his cover while also keeping up with his duties as a father.  Assemble the Minions for laugh-out-loud comedy in “one of the funniest, most enjoyable movies ever!” (MovieGuide®)

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Turning Leaf Refresh #WineOverIce Giveaway

Being a brand ambassador for Refresh by Turning Leaf clearly makes my top 5 favorite things I did this year.  A Summer full of good wine, an incredible growing and learning experience at BlogHer '13 in Chicago and a blurb on Collective Bias blog about What Bloggers Really Want From Brands!  The best way to celebrate is to share the love with a Turning Leaf Refresh Wine Over Ice kit Giveaway! Let's toast to pink moscato, red moscato, moscato and crisp white!  This kit will be the perfect addition to your holiday party or a relaxing night at home!

I partnered up with fellow Refresh brand ambassador Deb of Just Short of Crazy and we'll be picking TWO WINNERS to get this awesome kit!  Here is what's inside:

• $50 Gift Card
• Turning Leaf Refresh Blanket Tote (59" x 51")
• Turning Leaf Refresh Cutting Board/Serving Tray with Cheese Tools
• Turning Leaf Refresh Wine Bucket (not pictured - you can visit Deb's blog to see it!)
• 4 Turning Leaf Refresh reusable/shatterproof/recyclable Wine Glasses
• 8 reusable Ice Cubes
• 3 Dishtowels

This giveaway is only open to readers over 21 and ends on November 20, 2013.

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Win 2 Tickets To Danny Elfman's Music From The Films Of Tim Burton!

I cannot fully express how excited I am to host this giveaway for two tickets to see Danny Elfman LIVE at the Nokia Theatre at L.A. Live next week!  This is Danny Elfman's first live U.S. appearance in 18 YEARS.  What an early Halloween treat, these performances are so rare and you should take advantage.  His last performance was on Halloween in 1995.  Again, I emphasize rare.  Not only will Danny Elfman be bringing a concert of Tim Burton movie music but the award-winning composer will sing the role of Jack Skellington!  He has never done this LIVE.  The Hollywood Symphony Orchestra And The Page LA Choir Conducted By John Mauceri will back up Danny Elfman as the night is filled with movie music and visuals from Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure, Batman, Nightmare Before Christmas, Corpse Bride, Edward Scissorhands, Beetlejuice, Frankenweenie, and more.  15 films in all including newly created suites from the composer-director!

Tickets are available for the shows on October 29th and 30th, Halloween night is SOLD OUT.  Do not miss out!

And a special for all of you - you can download original music from Danny Elfman here.


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Mexican Inspired Chicken & Waffles #SafewayMarcela

I love when companies give me complete creative control.  There were no guidelines when I created this recipe - I was sent a box of Marcela Valladolid products exclusively from Safeway/Vons along with a gift card to cover other ingredients.  I went wild with ideas.  Some background on Chef Marcela Valladolid - she is a Mexican powerhouse.  Top-selling cookbook author and cooking show host with her own tequila and dinnerware.  Her own tequila, people!  I was honored to be invited to show off my skills but I knew I had to bring it.  I wanted to highlight the meat especially since it's already marinated with real flavors from Mexico!  I actually worked on a recipe last week but I wasn't happy with the pictures and decided to head back into my test kitchen today and I'm excited I did... Behold the bold Ancho Chipotle Chicken & Waffles sandwich.  Inspired by Mexican (and not-so-Mexican) friends that love flavors that pop!  This is for you!  

I decided to go Pioneer Woman old school style recipe on you.  (If you don't know what that means, the recipe will be between here and the pictures.)  This recipe feeds 4.  The waffles recipe is from allrecipes.com - make those and set aside.

The package calls for grilling but I pan-fried.  Add a couple tablespoons of vegetable oil to a pan at high heat for about 5-7 minutes on each side.  Finish in the oven at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.  It was so easy to cook and the flavors were on point.  I almost ditched this recipe and went for arroz con pollo with beans on the side.  And while I was waiting for the chicken to finish in the oven, I dreamed of laying the Chef Marcela's Ancho Chipotle Chicken flat on a waffle and topping with a sunny side up egg with cilantro and onions or pico de gallo!

While that's baking, make my Tapatio Ranch dressing and toss with Spring Mix.

You might have to cut the chicken to fit (there were 3 huge thigh portions in my package)
Assemble and serve!


Our favorite Marcela Valladolid products are the Arrachera Steak, Salsa Verde Tortilla Chips, Chile Lime Flaquitos and Corn Tortillas.  Authentic flavors that we love!  You can win a $50 Safeway/Vons Gift Card to try some!  Enter below!

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Skylanders Have Invaded Our Home!

The Skylanders invaded our home on Christmas but Duke didn't even open the package until the end of January!  I'm kinda glad he held off for so long because now he's addicted.  These fellas are hard to find and thank goodness the sales on 'em are easy on the wallet.  19 figures later... he beat the game over the weekend and unlocked Nightmare mode.  I have no idea what that means but he was so excited about it.  I just got my credentials to E3 in June and can't wait to report back on what Activision is doing with Skylanders SWAP Force!

I decided to do a formal introduction to Duke's blog, Days with Duke with a post on my blog and a giveaway!  I teamed up with Growing up Blackxican who is sharing "5 Reasons Every Kid Should Play Skylanders" and hosting a giveaway!

This photo set is styled and directed by Duke. I just snapped away.  This is a toy story of how Woody & Buzz welcomed the Skylanders into our family.

This is an amazing sale for Skylanders!  The starter packs, single figures, 3 packs, cases are all on sale!  Buy Two, Get One Free on Select Video Games at Target.com 
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Disclosure:  This is not a sponsored post.  All thoughts are my own.

Celebrate #KnottsSpring & Giveaway!

We love our city and one of the big reasons is because its also home to one of our favorite amusement parks in Southern California Knott's Berry Farm!  It has been one crazy cold & wet Winter here in Southern California and I am looking forward to Spring!  Knott's always has fun activities planned for every season and this year they are doing it up with their first ever Spring Fling!  

Knott’s Berry Farm, where fun is always growing, will be celebrating the coming of spring in a BIG way with live entertainment, interactive games and a food and wine events starting March 23 through April 7. From Ghost Town to the Boardwalk the park will be alive with new activities and décor for the entire family creating a park-wide experience that welcomes the new season.

• The Search for the Easter Beagle will have kids (3-11) scurrying across the park to find images of the famous beagle. All participants who complete the quest have a chance to win egg-mazing giveaways.
• Warmer weather means enjoying the great outdoors, which is just what the Peanuts characters are doing in “Peanut’s Party in the Park,” a new interactive live show located in Charleston Circle. This musical revue includes some of today’s top ten tunes that will have the whole family singing along.
• Looking for a little friendly competition? Then head over to Knott’s Boardwalk area for the big game, the Big Boardwalk Board Games that is. It’s family game night to the extreme as everyone becomes oversized game pieces in some of their favorite board games. From dominoes to tick-tack-toe – it’s game on! 
• For all those who get into art, Knott’s invites you to do so, literally. At the Grande 3-D Art Show at the Silver Bullet midway, guests can step into life-size drawings of some of nature’s most beautiful spring scenery for priceless photo opportunities. The park will also be filled with giant interactive displays that scream “spring”!
• For some refreshment, guests won’t want to miss a trip to Knott’s Towering Topiary Gardens located in Wilderness Dance Hall. Everyone will enjoy the display of sculpted greenery while the adults can enjoy a tasting garden featuring wines from around the world, craft beers and farm fresh food offerings (additional fees may apply).
• For the younger set, “Lucy’s Really Big Show” in Camp Snoopy features Lucy Van Pelt in her very own show at the Camp Snoopy Theatre. The darling diva is joined by her brother, Linus and good friends, Charlie Brown and JT in a show that’s sure to delight kids of all ages. For the teens, tweens and anyone who has rhythm, the nighttime Spring Fling Dance Party in Fiesta Village will provide an opportunity for everyone to take to the floor with some of their favorite dance music.

All of the exciting Knott’s Spring Fling activities are included with admission to Knott’s Berry Farm which also offers a full day of thrilling coasters and family fun rides. Knott’s will have extended hours, from 10 am to 10 pm for families to take advantage of all the Knott’s Spring Fling entertainment offerings.

For information about the day you plan to visit and available discounts, call (714) 220-5200 or click on www.knotts.com or download the Knott’s Berry Farm mobile app for your smartphone.

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Disclosure:  I am a member of GigaSavvy Blogging Network and will receive tickets for this event as well as for the giveaway.  All thoughts are my own.

National Wear Red Day at Mimi's Cafe

Did you know that Heart Disease is the number 1 killer of women?  Ladies, take care of your hearts!  You can start by exercising, eating healthier and not stressing out so much!  If you are already taking these steps to prevent heart disease you are already on your way to a longer life!  Join me on National Wear Red Day, February 1st at Mimi's Cafe to raise awareness to our cause, our hearts <3     

Mimi’s Cafe is raising awareness throughout February, American Heart Month, by participating in the American Heart Association’s mission to turn America red. In its second year supporting Go Red for Women / Go Red Por Tu Corazón, Mimi’s is dedicated to shout louder and stand stronger for the fight against heart disease, the number one killer of women.

Beginning on the 10th National Wear Red Day, February 1st, Mimi’s will recognize guests who show their support by wearing red with a FREE cup of signature soup. Throughout the month, guests that donate $1 will receive a red heart-shaped tribute card to inscribe and post on a giant in-restaurant red dress display. A limited-edition sparkle red dress lapel pin will be given to those giving a $5 donation. As a thank you for every donation, donors will receive up to $30 in Mimi’s savings. Every Tuesday throughout the month, Mimi’s will thank warm-hearted guests that donate with a warm cup of FREE soup.

Heart health is non-negotiable. That is why in addition to fundraising, Mimi’s is taking the lead to elevate heart disease and heart health as top-of-mind issues for women and empowering all guests to make healthy decisions while dining out.

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Disclosure:  This is not a compensated post.  Mimi's Cafe is furnishing a gift card for me and my winners.  All thoughts are my own.

Madly Madagascar DVD Giveaway!

Duke and I finished our lunch of dino nuggets and salad, made ourselves comfy on the couch and got ready for a new Madagascar adventure! Madly Madagascar is so cute and funny - I loved the storyline!  Duke laughed, I laughed, we shared laughs.  It was the perfect way to end our day!
If you celebrate Valentine's Day with your kids or if you don't, you should totally get the Madly Madagascar DVD!

Your favorite Madagascar pals are back in an all-new adventure! Alex’s favorite holiday, Valentine’s Day, brings hilarious surprises and excitement for the entire gang. Melman plans a big surprise for Gloria, Marty tries to impress a new friend and everyone wants to get their hands on King Julien’s love potion. You'll fall in LOVE with Madly Madagascar!

Madly Madagascar will be available in stores and online on January 29th, 2013 but you can win a copy here!



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Disclosure: I was provided a copy of this DVD for review purposes.  Giveaway DVD is also provided but will be fulfilled by Fox.  All opinions are my own.

Shutterfly Valentine's Day Cards Giveaway!

Valentine's Day is our 3rd favorite Holiday.  I wasn't a fan till I met my husband.  Chris makes it special for me every year by bringing me beautiful roses and the best card.  Sometimes he makes the card and sometimes he buys it, all that matters to me are his words.  Our Valentine's Day is complete when we go out to lunch or dinner.  Last year was sweet because I was pregnant and Duke was in school so we enjoyed a precious hour of alone time.  But we're funny and rushed over to Duke's school after lunch to surprise him at his Valentine's party.  What can I say... we love our kids and Valentine's Day is a family tradition for us.

With four sons, we hope we're teaching them how to share the love on February 14th and it starts with cards.  I live for choosing the right card.  Yes, I'm a dork like that.  I checked out Shutterfly's Valentine's Day Cards and so excited to order our first personalized cards for family and #culturefanclub!  There are over 50 new styles, fresh color stories, artistic typography and 5 different card sizes!

I couldn't help but check out Shutterfly Photo Gifts and would love a Woven Photo Blanket!  I know my mom would love one with a picture of the boys.  Other fun photo gifts are iPhone cases that can be personalized with photos or monogram - this would be perfect for my sister!  The photo mugs are perfect for my parents - my mom drinks tea and my dad drinks coffee so I was thinking of making a gift basket with teas and coffees with photo mugs of funny pictures of my sons!    

Check out Shutterfly Photo Gifts and tell me your favorite for a chance to win 50 4x5 Cards and 5x5 Desktop Plaque!  
 

Get Social with Shutterfly:  Shutterfly Blog / @Shutterfly on Twitter / Shutterfly on Facebook / Shutterfly on Pinterest / Shutterfly on Instagram / Shutterfly on Google+

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Disclosure:  Shutterfly is providing products in exchange for this post and giveaway.  All thoughts are my own.