My first experience with a Sommelier

A sommelier (pronounced /sʌməlˈjeɪ/), or wine steward, is a trained and knowledgeable wine professional, commonly working in fine restaurants, who specializes in all aspects of wine service. The role is more specialized and informed than that of a wine waiter.

Okay, that's the official definition of a sommelier, and we found one (from France, no less!) at a great new restaurant in the Hill Country called Hasler Brothers. Located in downtown Bastrop on Main Street, Hasler Brothers is a bit hard to find but so worth the effort!

Not only was this one of the best steaks I've ever put in my mouth (and my friends agreed!), but the service was impeccable. Having the sommelier stand at our table and give us a mini wine lesson only added to the experience. Our two wine drinkers in the party appreciated the lesson in wine "aerators", as well, and they swear by the tasting techniques he taught them.

It was a fascinating evening for sure! I hope to be back there soon!

Actual floor tiles found in a little shop in the Hill Country. Beautiful!

Worth the Trip to Bastrop!

 

Coolest display of chandeliers I've seen!

            

Artist creation from scrap metal. Love these roosters!

Fabulous Find!

On a recent trip to Lost Pines Resort in the Hill Country, my traveling buddies and I discovered something wonderful on the buffet in the VIP Suite. It's Thai Style Chili Sauce, made by Kikkoman!! By the time we discovered it we were using it for a dipping sauce for almost everything on the buffet. In fact, as you can see by the picture, we asked the hostess if she knew what it was and she was willing to divulge the secret. Lucky us! Now I just have to find it. So far it's not at my local grocery store. The search is on!!

Be sure and visit this store!

Extravaganza

Worth taking the time to stop in at this great little gift shop in Flower Mound. Not only do they have some of the most unique gift items you'll find anywhere and a wide selection of stationery and paper, as well as home decor, but they also do a phenominal job of printing special occasion invitations of any kind. We had a "wedding invitation disaster" and Extravaganza came through at the last minute and not only solved the problem, but gave us a finished product far superior to our original. Check out their web site at http://www.ex-travaganza.com/ and stop in for a visit soon!

Showing off a new grandchild

Speaking as a proud grandmother who was always looking for ways to show off her grandchild, I think this is one of the cutest ideas I've seen! Our newest is due in February and you can bet I'll be copying this idea!

Hot sellers on ebay

So apparently there is a top ten list of most searched items on ebay. If you have any of these brands or items you've been looking to sell, this is the perfect time:

ipod

ipod touch

iphone

Coach

laptop

xbox 360

digital camera

wii

iphone 3G

Ralph Lauren

Take advantage of the popular status of these items and get a little extra cash for things you might no longer use. These pics are purses I've had for a few years but are much too small now. Currently selling these on ebay. It's super easy to use - give it a try!

Recent discoveries and things we love!

Netflix!  http://www.netflix.com/

I'll admit that when Netflix first came on the scene I was the number one cynic (I mean skeptic) and I was sure it would never work. But now I have to say it's one of our favorite things. We only have the minimum subscription, which is one movie at a time, but I can mail it one day and have the next movie two days later. For around $8 a month it's a great way to stay current on movies. Plus it's a cheap date for sure!

RedBox  http://www.redbox.com/
Maybe because we are out of funds for what was previously the "entertainment" portion of our monthly budget, or maybe just because we love movies, but my other new favorite discovery is Redbox. Again, I openly made fun of this concept and couldn't imagine who would need to "vend" a movie, but the wait at the Redbox down the street from my house definitely proves me wrong! For just $1 (yes, I said it - $1!) you can rent a current or classic movie, and as long as it's back before 9:00 the next night you just pay the dollar. Very cool idea and very fun to use!

Here's to new beginnings!

Complete home redo for newlyweds while they were on their honeymoon. Enjoy your new life in your new space!!

Cotton candy on a plate??

Yes, I made Marie pose with yet another dessert. Our friend let us photograph her plate before she started in on this delectable creation - cotton candy and mousse with a hint of lilac. Go figure!

Beautiful dessert at The Mansion

If you dine at Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas, be sure and try this favorite of my friend, Marie (and me!) Nine flavors of ice cream on one dish, with a Texas-shaped sugar cookie to cleanse the palette between each bite!!! Each taste was better than the one before and your dilemma will be where to put your efforts before you get too full to finish. Hmmm. Worth the drive, even if it's just for lunch.

One more thing .....

"Birdie" greets customers at YaYa's House.

Great new store in Highland Village

YaYa's House

On occasion you find one of those places that makes you want to drop by and visit, just to see what's new and to get inspired by the creativity you feel when you enter. YaYa's House is one such place.

Opened in its new location barely one month ago, YaYa's House (previously Lewisville Flower Shop and Flower Mound Flowers) is not only a full service floral shop with an amazinly unique flair, but they have also added great accessories, bath products and jewelry. Check out the pics of some of my favorite things inside the store, and stop by anytime you need to order flowers or grab a gift for a special occasion. Birdie (the English terrier) is always there to greet you and the comfy chairs beckon you to sit awhile and visit while you watch the staff at work.

Best of luck to the creative minds at YaYa's House!