Shake that bottle and make it *pop*

With the holidays upon us, it can be tricky to figure out what to serve your guests at your shindig.  I'm no wine connoisseur, but I'm learning so I figured I would share some wines that have been a success for me.

Red

Sonoma Zinfandel
A flavorful, spicy wine that isn't too heavy and light on tannin, which makes it easy for most party guests to enjoy.

I also recommend a cabernet sauvignon.  Merlots are nice, but they are a little heavy and may not be appreciated by all of your guests.

White

Chateau Ste Michelle Riesling
This is a sweet but not too sweet riesling that's easy to find at any grocery store.

A pinot grigio is a nice choice as well, I also like sauvignon blanc.  I'm not a big fan of chardonnay.

Sparkling

Bugey Cerdon
A delicious pink sparkling wine that's just as delicious as the picture above implies.  People love this wine - don't sleep on it!

Sant'Evasio Brachetto de Acqui & Moscato D'Asti
The brachetto is a beautiful holiday red and it's  not as sweet as it's partner.  The moscato is an amazing wine I promise you all of your holiday guests will enjoy, even if they don't drink wine.  It's sweet and bubbly and fun.  It's dangerously drinkable.  Together they are a perfect pair of flavorful and sweet.

And the only way to open bubbly is to saber

Learn how to here.  

If you don't normally buy wine and are set on bringing a bottle to the party, spend at least $10 - actually make it $12.  Nothing is worst than receiving a cheap bottle of wine from your guests! #firstworldproblems.  Or forgo the wine and bring something fun that you do know about - like truffles, toffee or heck, even a Chick-fil-A nugget tray.

Hopefully this wine list was helpful and inspired you guys!!!

Soul Food

I love my girlfriends.  They are pretty much like chicken soup for my soul.  They make me feel loved and cared for.  I can laugh about pretty much anything with them no matter how dreadful or shameful.  And better than any haircut, pedicure or spa day is a girl's weekend.  Nothing reinvigorates you like time away with your friends. :-)

In mid-October, I was lucky enough to enjoy TWO girl's weekends.  The first was in Charlotte and involved a swanky house party.

 We wanted to have the party on the roof, but it was way too windy, even for pictures!

 Posing in a tornado.  Aren't Robin's shoes to die for?

 Karoke :-)

 <3 these girls

After Charlotte's glamorous time, the next weekend I headed to DC for a girls' weekend with my high school crew.

'LoeDown crew (+Ying lol) 

:-)

Cookies so good they make you wanna smack yo' mama

OMG 

Snuggles

Aaron came to DC separately and tried to spy on us...creep! Jk.

Trying Ethiopian food...pretty good!

 Having friends who love to eat is a blessing.

I know so many amazing women but very few of them actually live in Raleigh.  Us being able to take time out of our busy schedules and have getaways is not only an amazing feat but a necessity!  I love you girls! Can't wait til next time.