Happy Saturday and as always my random Saturday thoughts:
1) The inspired pairing of Folie à Deux wine et les bâtonnets de poulet
Well, the birthday dinner was divine. And the homemade chicken tenders, containing not a lick of fat, were a huge hit by all concerned. It turns out that when paired with a lovely Zinfandel, they can be quite fine...
The wine we drank was Folie à Deux, a lovely Californian wine that we have had once or twice before. So of course, as research for you all, I visited their website this morning and discovered that the winery was established "in 1981 by two wine-loving psychiatrists". Now sentences like that always make me go hmm, since I imagine many people who decide to open wineries are told they are crazy!
Anyway, I highly recommend this wine and quite enjoyed the unusual pairing!
Have you ever been to a California winery? I never have and would love to do a winery tour a la Sideways!
2) My Oscar Predictions
Okay, The Academy Awards are tomorrow night. This is a high holiday Chez WMM - we plan around the red carpet pre-shows, sip champagne, make predictions and generally have a good time.
Here's who I think Oscar will favour tomorrow night:
Best Picture - Argo
Best Director - I was torn here between Ang Lee and Steven Spielberg. I am going Spielberg.
Best Actor - Daniel Day Lews
Best Actress - Naomi Watts (I know there are lots of disparate opinions on this one - I think she comes up through from behind)
Best Supporting Actress - Anne Hatheway, who else?
Best Supporting Actor - another hard one. I am going with my heart - Tommy Lee Jones
Best Song - Adele - who else?
Any predictions?
3) I am a disorganized person
I am working on my NYC packing list and will blog on this tomorrow. It is hard. My good friend GetFreshPress sent me a little sheet that was to remind me what I would wear each day and how to combine things. I swear to god I have NEVER thought about packing like this. Does this make me a complete idiot? (be kind now!) So I am going to work up the plan and make the final list and show you what I am taking tomorrow, since we leave next Saturday! The one below isn't the one GF sent me, but it is the same idea. I am in awe that people are this organized!
Am I the only luddite when it comes to packing?
5) A shout-out to Kathy and a Well Styled Life
A few weeks ago, I wore the following outfit and got quite a lot of nice comments, especially from Kathy.
Well peacock that I am, I am trying to accommodate more neutrals in my wardrobe and loved the J Crew cashmere sweater in the soft heather flax colour that I scored for $23 and which finally arrived yesterday. So thank you Kathy!
And I followed A Well Styled Life's advice on another issue. I have had a store credit at one of our local shops (a reward thing-y). If you recall, a Well Styled Life recommended that I should buy the best version of whatever I was finding was most comfortable and flattering.
Since being on my sabbatical, i have practically lived in my Paige Premium Black Ponte Knit Pants, which I have had for about 6 or 7 months and which are flattering and can be dressed up or down. When I popped by the shop late yesterday, I saw that they had a gorgeous grey version of the same pants. Rather than spend the reward on some frippery (there was nothing there that fit my spring shopping list - it is VERY high end and expensive for most things), I used the rewards to purchase the grey pants (will show them in tomorrow's post), which will replace the charcoal minnies above which I find less flattering and very itchy. This was a little surprise to me, this smart shopping, but I wore them last night and they look and feel divine. So thanks, A Well Styled Life!!!! And I am still on budget track! Yippee!
Those are my random Saturday musings - what are yours???
Stay Safe out there! You can pick up your oscar for "best performance by patient people reading a blog" on the way out:
1) The inspired pairing of Folie à Deux wine et les bâtonnets de poulet
Well, the birthday dinner was divine. And the homemade chicken tenders, containing not a lick of fat, were a huge hit by all concerned. It turns out that when paired with a lovely Zinfandel, they can be quite fine...
The wine we drank was Folie à Deux, a lovely Californian wine that we have had once or twice before. So of course, as research for you all, I visited their website this morning and discovered that the winery was established "in 1981 by two wine-loving psychiatrists". Now sentences like that always make me go hmm, since I imagine many people who decide to open wineries are told they are crazy!
Anyway, I highly recommend this wine and quite enjoyed the unusual pairing!
Have you ever been to a California winery? I never have and would love to do a winery tour a la Sideways!
2) My Oscar Predictions
Okay, The Academy Awards are tomorrow night. This is a high holiday Chez WMM - we plan around the red carpet pre-shows, sip champagne, make predictions and generally have a good time.
Here's who I think Oscar will favour tomorrow night:
Best Picture - Argo
Best Director - I was torn here between Ang Lee and Steven Spielberg. I am going Spielberg.
Best Actor - Daniel Day Lews
Best Actress - Naomi Watts (I know there are lots of disparate opinions on this one - I think she comes up through from behind)
Best Supporting Actress - Anne Hatheway, who else?
Best Supporting Actor - another hard one. I am going with my heart - Tommy Lee Jones
Best Song - Adele - who else?
Any predictions?
3) I am a disorganized person
I am working on my NYC packing list and will blog on this tomorrow. It is hard. My good friend GetFreshPress sent me a little sheet that was to remind me what I would wear each day and how to combine things. I swear to god I have NEVER thought about packing like this. Does this make me a complete idiot? (be kind now!) So I am going to work up the plan and make the final list and show you what I am taking tomorrow, since we leave next Saturday! The one below isn't the one GF sent me, but it is the same idea. I am in awe that people are this organized!
Am I the only luddite when it comes to packing?
5) A shout-out to Kathy and a Well Styled Life
A few weeks ago, I wore the following outfit and got quite a lot of nice comments, especially from Kathy.
Well peacock that I am, I am trying to accommodate more neutrals in my wardrobe and loved the J Crew cashmere sweater in the soft heather flax colour that I scored for $23 and which finally arrived yesterday. So thank you Kathy!
And I followed A Well Styled Life's advice on another issue. I have had a store credit at one of our local shops (a reward thing-y). If you recall, a Well Styled Life recommended that I should buy the best version of whatever I was finding was most comfortable and flattering.
Since being on my sabbatical, i have practically lived in my Paige Premium Black Ponte Knit Pants, which I have had for about 6 or 7 months and which are flattering and can be dressed up or down. When I popped by the shop late yesterday, I saw that they had a gorgeous grey version of the same pants. Rather than spend the reward on some frippery (there was nothing there that fit my spring shopping list - it is VERY high end and expensive for most things), I used the rewards to purchase the grey pants (will show them in tomorrow's post), which will replace the charcoal minnies above which I find less flattering and very itchy. This was a little surprise to me, this smart shopping, but I wore them last night and they look and feel divine. So thanks, A Well Styled Life!!!! And I am still on budget track! Yippee!
Those are my random Saturday musings - what are yours???
Stay Safe out there! You can pick up your oscar for "best performance by patient people reading a blog" on the way out:
Why thank you Wendy -that was a big surprise this morning. I do love you in that outfit and am glad you're embracing neutrals. The charcoal pants seem like a good sound purchase - can't stand itchy pants.
ReplyDeleteI have no guesses about the Oscars, as it all is so "political" and to me, I seldom go with the "favorites". I loved Zero Dark Thirty, thought it was a much better film than Argo, but I do think your guess is probably correct.
Kathy - agree completely on the political nature of it all and it seems that the Argo juggernaut is unstoppable - Ben Affleck must be a likeable guy!
DeleteYou look great in neutrals, I love the brogues.
ReplyDeleteI don't like wine, I find it too bitter, it's such an elegant drink too, oh of course, I never say no to champagne!
Have been trailing round car showrooms to try to work out what kind of car I want, I'm stumped, I feel like Golidlocks.
Oh and I thought Zero Dark Thirty was brilliant, it stayed with me, for days afterwards but of course it won't be allowed to win.
That would be Goldilocks and not Golidlocks and the three bras.
DeleteYes Tabs - Zero Dark Thirty was brilliant and as you can see, my first choice for everything. Thought Lincoln was one of the most irritating films I've ever seen. Why is everyone down on Zero Dark Thirty - David and I found it the only film actually that's stayed with us.
DeleteHi Tabs (and Kathy!) - I haven't seen Zero Dark 30, so I have no point of comparison on that one. I think it doesn't stand a chance in that Kathryn Bigelow's Hurt Locker just won big recently. But I find this year interesting and am convinced there may be some surprises. I find the whole myriad of award shows now quite tedious - has really diluted the Oscars, which were always more suspenceful than the last few years!
DeleteOh and PS TABS - I have been giving this a LOT Of thought. I think you need a silver aston martin, two seater for you and the mum and hopefully a jump seat for the hubs!
DeleteA jump seat for the hubs - hilarious! I tried a sports car today, I don't think they're really me, but that aside, dear God, it was so low I almost fell in and you should have seen me trying to get out of it, you'd think my leg muscles had atrophied over night, so yep, already too old for a sports car!
DeleteNEW LISTING Does seem to be a lot of "Not Zero Dark" since Academy won't award a Osama film and Bigelow won so recently. I am hoping for Naomi or Jessica, it's not that I don't think the hotly tipped Jennifer did her best. I would just like to see a bit more of a seasoned and "tough role" actress get it. Hope Anne's Oscar speech is less breathy-gushy (said with affection but annoyance.) And I saw Shirley Bassey (!) in rehearsal shots so I am really looking forward to what I can only assume is some Bond 50th song tribute. As for the pack-up WMM, I hope I haven't made you fussed by sharing my "neurotic" organization. I've just done some many rollaboard trips I know every inch counts. (And I HATE forgetting things.)
ReplyDeleteSmart about the new grey trousers - will they go in the NYC case?
DeleteOh and itchy trousers are a definite pass - I can only do the cotton twill minnies.
DeleteOh GF - girl, you are saving my ass, not adding stress to it! I just realized I have no inherent aptitude to think like that at all. It's weird. I am similar about mechanical things. WHen I look at things I really struggle to figure out how they hell they open. What does this say about me??? Yes, those new trousers will make the grade and I agree - like the twill minnies a lot and like the look of the grey minnies above, but realized this week I needed tights under them not to scratch like a maniac!
DeleteOh I can't do anything that itches, cashmere is even pushing it for me.
DeleteWow good buy on the trousers! You are doing an amazing job with your shopping and your budget!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe you leave in a week! How exciting!
Well you know how I pack, with my colour story, one handbag and 2 or 3 shoe options. So I've never used a list though if I had I probably would have made fewer mistakes.
Sometimes the mistakes are not our fault, like my excellent packing up for NYC last year, perfect colour story all in one little case, that didn't take into account that the hem would fall on my dress and that the arse of my pants would rip right open when I sat down!
I can't wait for the Oscars Yay!! I'll be planning our menu today and travelling to the Happy Store for some champers.
Oh and I would love to go to California, we've never been and it's very high on our list.
Dani, you will love Sonoma etc. a/o coastal Cali like Carmel area. Gorgeous inns, phenom farm to table restos, gardens, art and lots of laid back spots and markets etc., without even getting started on the wine and winery buildings. Kind of spoils one for NOTL.
DeleteOkay - will take Barry to NOTL first! :-) Carmel and Santa Barbara are on the list and then I will stop in at Kathy's studio and buy a painting. GF - that has to be built into book tour schedule!
DeleteDani - I think the list is going to make a difference for me as I always bring too much stuff or forget something crucial like, oh, underwear..
Carmel, is disgustingly chocolate box pretty - I mean that as a compliment, the houses in the main part of town are small but so so beautiful and the ocean laps at the bottom of the street - sigh.
DeleteCalifornia wine country sounds like a winner to me, too. I never go to the movies- no time, and a family of all males who certainly have no interest in what I want to see. So, I enjoy the Oscars with opinions solely from reviews I've read. The greay pants are a great purchase. Sometimes it is hard to buy the basics when there are so many more entertaining pieces to tempt. I am sure you have many unused entertaining pieces at home that will now have a match with those ponte pants. Including your amazing deal on a J Crew cashmere sweater! Great for travel too! Oh, and for the clothing! I pack without a list, and do very well, although I have to admit I am a very seasoned packer. We have always spent many weekends away, and I have been packing frequently for years. My two best packing tips ( which I may have shared on this blog already!) are to bring a few folded up zip lock and grocery backs- they condense to nothing. You will use them for everything! I also leave my wallet at home- I don't need all of those store cards, library cards and odd gift certificates for local places . I put my license, health card, credit card,etc in a nice wristlet, along with a comb, lipstick, tissue, key etc. This way, I can grab it and go, if I am sightseeing, or visiting a pool, or going to a dinner where I don't want to bring my large bag. There are some very versatile and elegant wristlet type clutches out there. So exciting. Your trip is coming up soon!Enjoy the Oscars.
ReplyDeleteOops blogger just got me - have to rewrite my comment! Yes to ziplock bags and no wallet- great ideas! ANd of course yes to Dani colour stories and lists. I am going to be prepared this time!
DeleteHappy Saturday, WMM! So glad to hear that the birthday celebration was a success! :)
ReplyDeleteDH is not a wine drinker, and I only partake every now and then, so we have not visited any wineries, although we do have one here locally.
No predictions for the Oscars, although I do think Adele will definitely win.
As for Zero Dark Thirty, the actual doctor who helped them find Bin Laden is still imprisoned and being tortured in Pakistan as of right now. There is a philanthropist in CA that is speaking out and has also taken out an add to press the stars of the film to push for the doctor's release. I will be interested to see if anyone will mention anything about it. I sure hope so. What a travesty it is to just leave him there.
FFM, I did not know that about the doctor, terrible. Off to do the google now.
DeleteTerrible - I didn't know about that. Where is the information?
DeleteKathy just reading now, found this:
Deletehttp://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/23/us-pakistan-binladen-idUSBRE84M0MM20120523
There is a video interview with the philanthropist and his wife which also gives more information about the situation here (after you get through the ad). Another article on the Huffington post about it here.
DeleteHere in germany they have written about this doctor a lot,they call him the forgotten hero.
DeleteOh my gosh - that is terrible - thanks for the information FFM! and the good wishes!
DeleteHiWMM, we love a good glass of wine in our house and californian wine is among them too.
ReplyDeleteRight now we are love Rioja from spain!
We actually did a tour of some of the wineries in california and enjoyed it alot.
I am a really bad packer and cant wait to see GetFreshs list.Last year when i packed for Italy, i tried to do it like Dani.It was def better than the years before.
Have a great weekend!
thanks Ina - you have a fabulous weekend, too!
Delete1. God I live for wine.
ReplyDelete2. I find the Oscars incredably boring. Love the Globes and the SAGS but not the Oscars. Now i do like the red carpet and will watch that but will you tube Adele's performance the next morning. Plus Walking Dead is on - love it. That being said, I liked Zero Dark thirty but didn't like Jessica at all in it. She grated on my nerves. Toss up between Naomi and JLaw.
3. I am extremely organized...almost anal.
4. What the hell happened to number 4? :)
5. Done good girl!
Oh too funny! BB - you are first one to notice, including me!! #4: Where did I misplace #4 - is probably with list!
DeleteGreat job on finding the perfect pants and picking up a 2nd color. Jeans/pants are a really hard fit for me so if I find a great pair and still like them after a few wearings I'll buy back up or another color or wash. Even better that you had some free money to use.
ReplyDeleteCA wine tasting is so fun-you'd love it. We don't go often as hubby isn't much of a wine drinker, but several of our friends have cellars so I tag along with them at least once a year to pick up some treasures. Napa Valley is gorgeous and when you make your way to San Francisco you should include at least a day trip for winery tours and tastings.
Julie - it is absolutely on the list! I cannot wait to go! When is the best time of year? early fall?
DeleteGood buy on the pants! California wineries, so much fun. I haven't been in a long time, but I'm sure they haven't changed too much. Like KnitYarns, I don't see movies very often, so I don't have an opinion about the Oscars, other than that they are too darn long and they need to just get to the point already and remove all the fluff lol. And they generally preempt other favorite shows I'd prefer to watch.
ReplyDeleteHa! Cate you made me laugh out loud about pre-empting your shoes! I understand - I feel like that most sunday waiting for sports to end so I can watch 60 MInutes!
DeleteI like the idea of the ponte knit pants instead of the wool Minnies but I'm sensitive to wool so just the idea of those wool pants makes me itch. I am fond of ponte for the shape retention and the figure-forgiving qualities of the knit. Not usually a fan of poly but for ponte, I will do it!
ReplyDeleteWe have been to Napa and Sonoma. Did the wine tours and the touristy WINE TRAIN in Napa, which was more fun than we expected as we both enjoy a bit of history. As for packing, I've traveled quite a bit so I have a system for business, vacation, event or family trips so there is no written list required, it's all in my head.
Ooh - wine train - how civilized is that??? I agree about the ponte knit. These are lovely quality - think they retail around here for around $200, so they are not cheap, but I am going to get rid of the minnies. They are just so comfy and forgiving!
DeleteGreat buy on the gray pants. You'll probably wear the day lights out of them. If I had an email for you I could send you a copy of what I used to use when I packed for clients. It lays it all out easily and makes dressing effortless. Email me and I'll send it along for you. Probably drink my fair share of wine watching the Oscars. I don't go to the movies very often but I love the red carpet part.
ReplyDeleteWine country is wonderful but I have my heart set on living in Carmel. It's the best.
Hi AWSL, sydforry@hotmail.com. Carmel looks amazing! Doesn't Doris Day live there?
Delete