Simply Wines

Believe it or not, I am a wine snob. I can spot a "newbie" right away. All wine drinkers start out "hating" red wine.. and drinking white zin. C'mon, remember the day?? We were all there. Then it gravitates to "Kendall Jackson". That's the wine everyone buys thinking it's the "in" wine. Kendall Jackson is not a good wine, people. Quit pretending that you like it. It's ok, no one really does.

I appreciate a good expensive wine, but my budget doesn't always allow it. So, I am always trying out inexpensive wines under $10. I love finding something inexpensive that tastes good and even great.

My favorite places to buy wine - World Market, Whole Foods, Central Market, Costco, Centenniel, San Martino, Tom Thumb, Kroger

I'm going to throw a wine out there for people to just "try", and I want welcome your comments. Before you get all "snobby" on me, just try it. It's called "Oak Leaf " Chardonney. It is only $2.97 at Walmart. Now, if you don't like Chardonney's already, well then it's not really fair. You have to like dry white wines in order to appreciate this one. Actually, the Pinot Grigio and the Merlot are good as well.

Another cheap wine is from the Barefoot winery. I like all the flavors. Pinot Grigio, Chardonney and Merlot. A regular bottle ranges from $5-7 dollars. They have the big liter bottles that range from $10 - 13 dollars. Pinot is usually the cheapest. This brand is carried at most liquor and grocery stores. They even have a champagne that I think is very good.

Whole Foods has a 365 Chardonney and Merlot in a liter bottle that is under $10. They are good. I think the last time I was there, they were only 8.99. It's not bad.

I recently bought a good red Argentina wine - Pascual Toso at Costco for 8.99. It is really good, and I would serve to guest.

Tom Thumb has a wine that comes in the liter bottle - I think the name is Oak Creek. It's only $6 or 7 dollars, but it is a good wine. I have bought the Chardonney and the Merlot.

So, this is my take on inexpensive wines. I have tried many. I do not like Gallo, Sutter Home, Beringer, St Genevieve, Vendage, etc. This is just a sampling from the different stores I've visited. I hope you try them, and if you do, please provide me your feedback. I would love to have a wine tasting and pair my inexpensive wines against some pricey wines, and see how they fare.

Nashville Star

I don't think many (if any) of my friends have been watching this show, but I have been a "closet" watcher from the beginning. There were so many talented people. I voted for Gabe Garcia and Melissa Lambert from the beginning. Gabe, because he has that authentic "George Strait" sound that is so country and sexy.. and Melissa because her voice is just that good, and I feared she wouldn't make it because she was overweight. Throughout the season, I believe she lost at least 70 lbs. There were some sexy, hot girls that she was in competition with, and this just proves to me that people are interested in a good voice. I'm hadn't been so sure after watching "American Idol" the last couple of years. I agreed with the latest winner, David Cook - but not a big Taylor Hicks or Jordan Sparks fan. Anyway, tonight was the season finale, and I'm so excited that Melissa won. I truly was surprised, and cried a little tear. She is very good, and a great example that when you are good at what you do, size doesn't really matter.

Friday Night, Steak Night

Apparently, this has been a tradition with Dad and Bev for many, many years. I had not heard of it until my brother, Steve came in town about 4 1/2 years ago. I've always lived in Plano, and Dad and Bev have lived in Kaufman for about 14 years now. Steak night was their tradition. I am excited that since I've moved to Forney (to spend more time with family) that Friday Night Steak Night has become part of my tradition too. Everyone at work knows about it. Especially when I had to go from the 10oz filet to a 5 oz. It's not been easy, and lately, I've gone back to the 10oz. Dad got me portabella mushrooms last Friday night. We marinated them in balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, and worchestershire sauce. They were delicious. Not sure I can give up steak every Friday night, but it's good to know it's a great alternative.

Day 10

Ok, so I have worked out every day except for Friday. I workout early on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Fridays are a skip day. I get to the gym on Saturdays and Sundays when I get there. Basically, I plan to work out 6 days a week. Of course, this week is an exception because I'm leaving for Chicago early Thursday morning and return back to Dallas early Saturday morning. So, Thursday, Friday and Saturday are definitely not for working out. I will have to get back on track Sunday.

I do like working out in the mornings. I started working out in February, and the guilt started then when I'd go straight home instead of the gym after work. Now, at the end of the day when I get the feeling of dread about working out, I remember that I did it that morning. YAY. Really, the morning workouts are not so hard. I hit snooze about 2-3 times, and get to the gym about 5:40 - 5:50am at the latest. I work out 45 minutes.. either on the elliptical or strength training. The first 5 minutes on the elliptical are hard, but before I know it, I've gone 15 minutes, then 25 minutes, then 40, with only 5 to go. Those last 2 minutes are hard... I just tell myself... you can make it to 45.. don't cheat yourself... Let's hope that I can continue this once I return from Chicago. I do have the high school reunion .. and I definitely have to lose weight before I can go .. might have to give up wine completely.. let's hope not.