Skip to content

Category: Little Big Things

Wine Enthusiast -> Essential Items

As a wine enthusiast, I can go a tad overboard on my gadgets and specialty items. However, I am always game to try something that claims to enhance my wine-drinking experience. I have tried many items you will never find on the blog, but these… These are essential.  You might use the items in this post as future gift ideas for you or your wine enthusiast but trust that I have used every one of these items. In the post, I will also explain why they are deemed essential to me. Red Wine Enthusiast WHY -> Saves You TIME Wine…

2 Comments

Ecuadorian Seafood Ceviche

Before we get to the recipe for the Ecuadorian Seafood Ceviche, I wanted to share an image from several weeks ago when I had leftovers of the Hasselback Potatoes. After a quick reheat in the microwave, I fried an egg and some bacon, and this made an incredible brunch meal — definitely a do-over.   Ecuadorian Seafood Ceviche – The Recipe I had this Ecuadorian Seafood Ceviche at a party last summer and was immediately obsessed with how delicious it was. It is fresh, mildly acidic, and full of flavors. Each bite brings something new. I asked if I could…

Leave a Comment

Appetizer Platters – Dress Them Up !

Appetizer Platter, Cheese Board, Antipasto, Cheese & Charcuterie Platter… there are many names, but they all mean the same thing. Meats and cheeses mingled with pickled veggies, fresh fruits and veggies, dried fruits, nuts, sauces, condiments and just about anything your heart desires. At this time of year, these appetizer platters are made for holiday parties all around the world. I love making these platters, but I also know it is easy to get it in a rut putting out the same items time after time. So on Sunday, my neighbor Natalie along with her kids and her parents came…

2 Comments

Gifts for the Kitchen King or Queen

Great Gifts for Your Kitchen Royalty OK, I get it. It’s Cyber Monday already so why am I clogging your email inbox this late?  Well, its because it is never too late to share with you these fantastic gift ideas for the chef in your home. On Wednesday, I sent you Great Gifts for the Lover of Wine. Today is Great Gifts for the Home Chef. Below you will find great reads, serving items, skillets, dutch ovens, and prep tools. So let’s get shopping. Extra Large Rustic Olive Wood Serving Board – 20 x 10 Inch XL sells for $59.00 (smaller sizes available) Make your cheese…

1 Comment

Readers Questions & Favorite Things

Today I thought I would share with you some of the questions I have gotten from readers that pertain to wine and the consumption of alcohol. I am thrilled that folks will reach out and I figured that if one person asks a question, many others may be curious as well. But before I start, I have to give a shout out to one of my readers. On Monday when the post about Kelly Fleming Wines went live, I received this picture. That is a bottle of Kelly Fleming 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon that he received as a birthday present from a friend who…

3 Comments

A Great Little Book ** Transparency ** and a Recipe

Before I get to the book and the fun dessert recipe, I want to ask you a favor. Transparency When I started this blog over eighteen months ago, one of my goals was: The blog should generate revenue. Was I gonna be able to quit my “day job”? No, at least not right away. But could it supplement my income as I transition my photography business? Here I thought the answer was, Yes. As I moved forward, I learned that while women’s fashion bloggers can make a decent living promoting what they wear and blog about, wine and food bloggers…

2 Comments

Life Lately: A Balancing Act

Life lately has been a crazy, crazy period for me. Kind of like walking a tightrope and balancing plates on sticks. My blogging has been more sporadic, and I want to explain.  My plan is to post three times a week. Occasionally, it might fall to twice a week, but that would be rare.  But this Spring/Summer it has become the norm with some weeks only posting once (like last week), and that is unacceptable.  So I want to apologize. I am sorry, and I will continually try to do better. Life Lately – Photography One activity that has taken my attention…

1 Comment

Ceviche! With Shrimp and Scallops

It is about this time every year that I start to crave ceviche. Vegetables are local and fresh, and the shrimp is also from just down the road. Lime is the perfect acid to “cook” the seafood. It is bright, clean and oh so delicious. And let’s not forget, you do not need to turn on the stove other than to boil the shrimp for a few minutes so the kitchen stays cool. Now speaking of fresh. Gary and I are growing one tomato plant, and our first tomato is in the ceviche. Unfortunately, our second tomato was bitten and only…

2 Comments