Host a Blind Wine Tasting Party

Last year, two of our colleagues and friends entered into a debate about whether or not the price of the wine determined its quality and tastiness. The conversation resulted in a blind wine tasting party that is now a Fitzgerald tradition. If you enjoy wine, at any price point, I highly encourage you to host your very own blind wine tasting party. You won't be disappointed with the results!

First step is to identify your guest list. This year, we intentionally brought together couples that we keep hoping to connect with but for some reason or another, our schedules do not seem to match up. J and I enjoy bringing together friends from different aspects of lives. It is both fun and an open space for us to truly walk in community with others.

Once you've determined your guest list, you can invite them to bring their favorite bottle of wine. We like to leave it up to guests to choose a white wine or a red wine, and award a prize for each category. You could have folks sign up if you'd like or even assign regions from around the world. There are lots of fun ways to personalize this aspect. Our guests this time around really loved red and we ended up not having a white wine in sight {fine by this red wine lover!}.

Part of my wine love involves the bites to eat that often accompany the sips. Our guests were also asked to bring an appetizer to share. Wine + small bites for dinner. My kind of party, for sure.

For my food contributions, I made a healthier buffalo chicken dip and a baked brie in phyllo cups with a walnut and craisin garnish.

As guests arrived, we invited them to choose a number to attach to their bottle of wine. I found this free printable here.

When the tasting began, each guest received a scorecard to rate the tasting. I like to give a few minutes in between tastings for chatting and preparing for the next sip. As we tasted each wine, we identified the number on the bottle but keep the secret of whose bottle it was and what type of wine it was. For us, it lead to a lot of fun guessing as to who brought it and what type it was.

We prefer to provide mini cups for the tastings and then toss them out each time. You could also provide guests with one glass and a dump bucket if you preferred that. I also recommend some palate cleansing snacks such as: crackers, goldfish, etc. for guests to munch on in between samples.

After all of our tastings were complete, we asked guests to vote for their favorite white wine and favorite red wine. In the case that all of your guests bring one type, liked ours did, have them vote for their top 2. As we announced the top selections, the bottles were revealed! After that, everyone was free to enjoy glasses of any wines they chose.

The winners of our categories took home gift certificates to the newly opened Mini Doughnut Factory, a personal favorite of ours {get the cotton candy one!}.

Of course, decorating for your party is also a fun aspect. Or at least it is for me. A few little pretty things go a long way.

For this party, I used a roll of brown butcher wrapping paper to create a table runner, picked up a fresh tulip plant, and used some thought provoking cocktail napkins to spur on conversation. {I pick up cocktail napkins all the time for this purpose and to be sure that I always have fun ones on hand.} You can use any embellishments you'd like to represent you and add a little fun for your guests.

Write down your own great ideas and invite your friends over for a lovely and lively night with good wine and even better company!

If you're curious about our winners from this year, the favorites were:

Cupcake Black Forest

Dreaming Tree Pinot Noir

Yellow Tail Cabernet Sauvignon

Cheers!

Remaining

I had never been to the state of Arkansas or even knew anyone who had been there when I visited campus for an interview in 2009. It was the furthest I had lived from family, the lowest paying job I interviewed for, and I did not know a single person for miles around, but I knew without a shred of doubt that I was meant to go there. I'm grateful, all the time, for that part of my plan.

While I was there, I met my friend Lyndsy. She inspired me with her pursuit in natural childbirth, living with less measures, and comfort in her own vulnerability. Her vulnerability often challenged my own discomfort in that arena. She would often allow me to give my first response to a question and then with patience and love, she would pursue my answer again, allowing me to have space to communicate what was really on my heart. Every time I felt thankful for her pursuit of me in those moments and the space she provided for me to be seen and known.

During my time there, I watched Lyndsy become a mother. I watched her find joy in the transition and struggle through the hard pieces with honesty and love, showing up each day with renewed strength. Her little one began these crying fits that lasted hours, requiring perseverance, a lot of faith, and unrelenting love. Her husband had to travel for work so I went over to assist in an effort of support and to help her not lose her mind. I LOVE babies, happy or throwing a fit for hours, so I felt up for the job. We could see the relief that he needed, mainly sleep and food, but he resisted, struggling through, fighting off our love and comfort, searching for something while missing the fact that we were offering all that he needed. So we kept pursuing him that night, giving patience while he fought us, providing what he needed even when he turned it down, wrapping him in love, until he finally surrendered to peace and comfort.

The memory of my friendship with her in that moment with her little guy makes me smile and think, of course, because it is how my relationship with God can look at times. He provides, calls me higher, deeper into His plan, and I gear up for battle, determined to create my own plan and turning away from Him and all that he is providing for me, failing to see that everything I need (and probably asked for) is being given to me.

Moving back to Tampa was not in my plan but the doors opened and I felt the call to return. It has been the best move and hardest move for many reasons. In the fall, I had this sudden awareness that the plan that was unfolding looked nothing like I thought it would, unfamiliar in a familiar place, and I got to work battling to fulfill my own expectations. It was tumultuous and exhausting, resting no where in my faith or identity. Still I fought, much like my friend's little one did that night, and so He pursued me with a greater amount of love, a brutal but needed mirror, a lot of forgiveness, and comfort to remain.

God used it, is using it, to teach me a lot about love. Falling in love can be quite easy - the thrill of the newness can be exhilarating but the great stuff happens in the remaining. I fell in love with God a long time ago but remaining, choosing over and over again to be faithful, to find humility in my moments of discomfort, staying when other things entice me or seem easier, is where I lose my way at times. I'm thankful in those moments that He pursues us more, allowing our hearts to better seen, and faithfully staying with us in it, through it, and after it.

I am learning a lot about how I walk out that love for Him and other people, when I choose to respond to my immediate emotions, rather than from the truth and joy that is within me. Real love is remaining - in community, kindness, forgiveness, grace, contentment, gratitude, and choosing to stay in the remaining when I could give up or throw up barriers. I don't always know how to walk out love in that way, and there will be moments when my fear threatens those spaces, but I surrender to that He does, knowing I will be taught, be given people that will walk out that out with me by asking the question again, when I need them to, in order to share what is really in my heart. I will be made brave in those moments.

"The foundation of bravery is about pursuing love.. its takes bravery to choose 

to continuously walk out that love, come what may."

dancing, dinner and cheerios

My past couple of weekends have been so busy that they seem more like I am going away on vacation, complete with a full list of activities, rather than the regular downtime I seek on those off days. I've been loving the time with friends and family though, filling my days off with great experiences and memories made. This past weekend was certainly no exception!

Friday night I set out for a night of dancing to celebrate my friend Jennifer's birthday. We sang along with the band and tore it up on the dance floor. I do not know about any of you but nothing decompresses me more than a good ole' dance party. It was the perfect celebration! She has exciting plans this year with her very own list, which I cannot wait to help her accomplish, and our trip to Greece. Here is to a great adventure this year, Jennifer!

Dancing with the birthday girl!

Saturday night I put away my dancing shoes to enjoy one incredibly delish meal at Grille One Sixteen. Mallory and I decided that rather than be those single people that hate Valentine's Day, we would celebrate our friendship and treat ourselves to one amazing meal. The food and service were impeccable. I had the scallops with grits for supper while Mal enjoyed the Salmon and Shrimp dish served with mashed sweet potatoes. Oh, and the dessert, oh wow! I think I was literally speechless during the amazingness that was happening at our table. First, we ordered coffees which came out in something more like a bowl rather than a the usual petite cup. Perfection. THEN. We ate the smore dessert. Yes, smore dessert. And, let's be honest, I am always trying to eat a smore. This one had peanut butter, chocolate ganache, vanilla ice cream, graham crackers, and marshmallow melted over the top. Really, it was too much for me to process. Still is. All of my favorite things in one dessert. Go and order it.

Happy Belated Valentine's Day!

After two fun filled evenings out, I woke up early on Sunday morning and headed to Orlando for little m's fourth birthday party at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Downtown Disney. The happiest place on Earth is not usually my thing but watching the little munchkin become her very own version of a princess was priceless. I was so happy to have been able to be there to experience it with her. And, of course, I always enjoy the moments I can sneak in with Melissa. The boutique was precious. If you have little ones who love the princes and princesses, this is definitely an experience for them.

Princess Madi Kate and Princess Mackenna

Knight Connor

I have to admit that the best part of the day for me was stealing time away with the kiddos watching cartoons and eating cheerios before we had to get ready to leave. I cherish these little moments with them because one day they will be big kids rushing off to hang out with their friends and not cuddling up on the couch over cheerios with their old Aunt Jessica.

Hanging with the little ones

Little M & Aunt Jessica

Me & Moster

What a memorable weekend it was, full of so many of my favorite people. Let's hope all this fun settles down so I can catch up on my blogging though - a lot to write about!

A Sailing Adventure

Mallory and I set sail on a beautiful fall morning in Tampa. In the spring, we purchased a groupon for a half day sailing trip. I thought it would just be a fun little morning outing and it turned out to be one of my favorite days this fall.

We woke up early and headed to Tarpon Springs, a cute little Greek touristy town about an hour outside of Tampa, to begin our adventure. On our drive down, we enjoyed some Starbucks and chatted up a storm as we caught up on the happenings in our lives.

Upon arriving, we learned that Atlantis V Charters is a foundation that provides free sailing lessons for youth programs and children with special needs. Their charter services support their endeavors in the community. The captains and crew even donate their time. Mallory and I especially enjoyed learning that our fun adventure on the water also supported a great program.

The morning air was a bit chilly which I found to be perfect! There is something great about being snuggled up, all warm, with the cool breeze blowing and the smell of the ocean all around you. Once out on the water, we sailed out to a little island where we were able to get off the the boat to peruse for seashells and soak up the sunshine. After a few hours on the beach, we got back on board for a sunny ride into shore.

The funniest part of our trip was learning that my pal, Mallory, has a bit more of an obsession with Disney than I had previously realized. I became aware of this as she recounted Finding Nemo to me, scene by scene, hoping to jog my memory of her favorite movie. Being the non-Disney person that I am (I know, my poor kids!), I got a good laugh out of this. I mean, she knows the movie literally in scene sequence - its kind of impressive, really!

After our sail, we enjoyed a fabulous lunch at Rusty Bellies, a great local restaurant. I had some yummy grouper with black beans and yellow rice. Their menu is great and they serve delish hush puppies in a brown paper bag instead of the traditional bread basket, an added touch that I especially enjoyed.

View from the Rusty Bellies patio

After lunch, we decided to do a little shopping in downtown Tarpon Springs where we found a few little treasures. Having been bitten by the shopping bug, we decided to spend the rest of the afternoon at a local outdoor mall. We even had an afternoon treat of frozen yogurt topped with goodies.

The whole day was just perfect. We decompressed, soaked up the sunshine, got in some shopping, and spent some good, quality time together. If you are looking for an adventure to plan one weekend, definitely check out Atlantis V Charters (Warning: You'll need to book at least 2 months in advance!).

Bon Voyage! 

Painting with a Twist

A new hot spot for girls in Tampa is Painting with a Twist. While my talents do not extend to the artistic pursuits, this painting class can help even a novice like me achieve a piece of art. Kel, Melissa and I enjoyed a fun night at the Trinity location. Our instructor was fabulous and even indulged us in a conversation about Fifty Shades of Grey.

We painted, chatted and ate delicious snacks (you can bring wine and food) all of which equals a great night out with the girls in my book. What could be better?

Instructor table

Getting Started

My masterpiece!

Class Photo

"Always Color Outside the Lines"

Class are typically $35 for a 2 hour session. They now have locations nationwide so be sure to check for one by you.

Girls Night Out: After Dark

To my great surprise, Tampa has a hidden gem in Brandon. Della's After Dark is a cozy little restaurant that packs a great menu. While it is a deli by day, at night it turns into the perfect setting for a girls night out, romantic dinner, or just a great spot to be with friends over a bottle (or two) of wine.

I recently tried out this little spot with two of my girlfriends and we were pleasantly surprised with the atmosphere. There are only a few tables but rather than feeling cramped, we enjoyed the intimacy it created. Each night there is a live jazz band playing. One thing we especially enjoyed was that the music was not overpowering and we could enjoy the music but still have a conversation.

Corkboard Menu

Their wine selection is great. You can even bring your own bottle which they will happily serve you with no corking fee. The girls had white wine and I sipped on my favorite red, a malbec. For supper, we shared their knock out Baked Goat Cheese Marinara. Honestly, this dish was so good we were scrapping the sides of the bowl.

For our meals, Mal had their pork tenderloin with corn pudding, Jen enjoyed their gorgonzola chicken breast, and I loved their steak au pouvre.

Definitely check out this little spot. Here is to girls nights out! Cheers!

Welcome to the Speakeasy!

To celebrate Mallory's birthday we picked a restaurant that we heard had a great atmosphere, amazing drinks and stellar food. Ciro's Speakeasy & Supper Club in South Tampa did not disappoint. Actually, the only disappointment we felt was when our meal had come to an end.

A speakeasy was an establishment that illegally sold alcohol during prohibition. These clubs were secret and often ran by gangsters during the 20's. While they were often raided by the police their popularity did not diminish. Due to the illegal nature of the clubs, some of them required secret passwords. And thus the premise for Ciro's. You will not find their menu online (part of the secrecy) but you will find phenomenal reviews.

When you arrive at Ciro's you feel a little confused about if you have made it to the correct location because the restaurant is tucked away behind an apartment complex (it does conveniently have valet parking). Earlier in the day, you are given a password for entrance. Once your party has assembled, you are escorted to do the door to give the appropriate password and then the fun begins!

Knock, Knock

We were seated in one of their large lounge rooms. At first, I was a little curious about how this would work because it does not have traditional tables. I ended up loving this set up because, unlike most dinner parties, we were free to get up and move about the room to converse with different folks. I thoroughly enjoyed being able to talk with everyone in our party as opposed to just those that I am seated next to.

The drinks are definitely one of the biggest highlights. Ciro's only sells alcohol that would have been around during prohibition. While there may not be many of the drinks we commonly have today, their mixologists whip up some of the most delicious drinks I have ever tasted. Our server, Chuck, simply asked us what we normally liked to drink and then brought us back something amazing. For our second drink, Mal and I even said just bring us what you think we would like and that was the best drink of the night. I could not tell you what it was (he described it, I don't recall) but I enjoyed every sip.

The food is perfect to share. Mal, Dwayne and I ordered a couple items off of the menu that we wanted to try and then shared our dishes. We feasted on their truffle popcorn, chicken and waffles and crab cakes. No lie, this food was so good that we did not want it to end. For dessert, Mal and Dwayne had the waffles with ice cream. While theirs did look good, I wanted to die and go to heaven over my dessert. I enjoyed chocolate fondue with churros (my fave) and fresh fruit. This dessert was killer. I wanted to just repeat the whole meal as soon as it was over!

Don't worry, I shared

Chuck, the server, made the experience all that much better. He was insanely knowledgeable and provided us with great service. Our meal ended up being about $40-$50 a person but it was well worth the splurge. We had such a marvelous time that we keep trying to make up another excuse to go back, immediately.

If you are in the Tampa area, definitely check out Ciro's Speakeasy or look to see if there is a speakeasy in your neck of the woods. 

Dragon Boat Races

Each year, Tampa hosts the Dragon Boat Races. The annual festival raises thousands of dollars for local charities and has over 70 teams that compete in the competition. This year, one of my friends and co-workers signed up to participate on a team. A few of us from work went downtown for lunch at Jackson's Bistro and then decided that we would spend the rest of the afternoon watching the races.

The event was full of excitement and I thoroughly enjoyed watching the large boats race down the water. While we sort of stumbled upon the event this year, I look forward to heading down to the water again next year for the festivities.

Friday Night Concert in the Park

During April and May, Curtis Hixon Park and Lowry Park Bandshell host a Friday Extra Concert Series. Concert goers can enjoy live music, sweet treats and the great company of their friends. Did I mention that it is free?

I headed out to the Concert series with some friends. We hit one of my faves, Paninoteca, for supper. I had their tzatziki with pita wedges and spanakopita. It was a yummy splurge and a great break from my usual healthy diet.

After grabbing a bite to eat, we walked down to the park. We had a great time catching up on our lives and listening to the bands. The weather was absolutely perfect which certainly helped us to enjoy the evening, especially before the heat of the summer sets in.

Robert & Christine

Me & Jennifer

Concert!

Yummy Ice Cream Treat

While the series has come to an end, check out Curtis Hixon Park's Rock the Park Series to enjoy your own evening in the park.

A Night in Espana

I rang in 2012 tucked away in Fernandina Beach, a cozy little town just north of Jacksonville on the Florida/Georgia border. My parents and I were searching for a restaurant to celebrate the end of the year and we were surprised to find a charming Spanish restaurant called Espana.

The food was amazing! Authentic and delightful. Even on a busy New Year's Eve night, the service was fabulous.

Our meal began with Sangria and a plate of Entremes - Serrano Ham, Cured Chorizo, Manchengo Cheese, and Marinated Olives. We then shared Scallops Ole, Mussels Roijana and Gambas al Ajillo. Of course, any celebration requires a stellar dessert so we capped our feast with Crema Catalana (similar to a creme brulee).

Mussels Riojana

Scallops Ole & Gambas al Ajillo

Crema Catalana

If you ever find yourself in this beach town, be sure to check out this fabulous restaurant. You will not be disappointed.

Highlights of 2011

Source: pingg.com via pingg on Pinterest

Goodbye, 2011!

Before I say goodbye to this year, I thought I would reflect on the highlights. This was a big year of changes and settling in to the unknown. While there have been big things that have occurred, I think that some of my fondest moments have been the simple pleasures that I have been able to enjoy!

Kicked off the year by celebrating Dustin's 21st birthday

Had lots of snow in Arkansas

Spent Valentine's Day with my little friend, Heath

Visited Terra Studios with Angela and Ella

Enjoyed lots of good reading with my AR Book Club ladies

Traveled to North Carolina for Ro and Melvin's Wedding 

Ended an amazing academic year with phenomenal students

Saw Les Miserables with Kerri and Manda

Found my way back to the yoga mat

Wrote a letter to an old bf that gave me closure

Had a Girls Trip with Mel, Morg, and Kel

Spent time perfecting my Auntie skills to my little loves
Got quality time with my best friend, Micah and his love, Rebecca

Tapas and Flamenco with Momma and Doug

Got a new job at USF and moved to Tampa
Enjoyed live music with Mallory

Said goodbye to Nana, the matriarch of the Poe-Brown Family

Suppers with Mel at Tijuana Flats

Tried new things
Read along as Angie Away took on the world

Celebrated engagements
Visited Morg & Chirs in Ft. Lauderdale

Embraced eating alone 
Wrote 51 blog posts
Made new friends and rekindled old friendships
Sleepovers with Ella and Olivia
Turned Twenty-Nine
Created a Thirty Before Thirty List

Thank you for reading and coming along with me on this journey. My readership has increased beyond my wildest dreams and I appreciate all of your encouraging words and notes you send in response to my posts. Keep reading and sending me your thoughts!

Happy New Year!

Holidays at the Espinolas

A few weeks ago, one of my favorite Tampa families generously hosted  a few of us for a dinner party at their home. The night was full of scrumptious food and lots of laughter! Jen and Wayne are excellent hosts that create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. They also excel in creating delicious dishes for us to enjoy!

For the holiday party, Jen and Wayne brought their A game in the kitchen. For appetizers, we enjoyed bacon wrapped scallops (a personal favorite) and a crostini topped with a chicken and cheese mixture. Of course, no party is complete without a signature drink. We sipped on buttertinis and sparkling wine.

The dinner menu was nothing short of YUMMY! The meal began with this fabulous Roasted Pear with Blue Cheese salad. This starter would be an excellent addition to any dinner party you are planning or an excellent choice for a dinner for one special.

Our fabulous hostess in her kitchen

Before: Pears with Blue Cheese

After: Great starter to any meal

We also feasted on ham, mashed potatoes, rolls with a herbed butter, and fresh green beans. We topped the meal off with a buttery shot and tiramisu trifle for dessert.

Our host bringing out the after dinner delight

I cannot describe how amazing this was!

As a parting gift, we all received a Christmas Pickle. The tradition is that when decorating the tree, you hide a pickle ornament in your tree. On Christmas, everyone searches for the mystery pickle. The one who finds the pickle receives a special gift and good fortune for the year ahead.

I enjoy all of the fellowship with friends and family that comes with the holidays. This event was certainly a highlight of my season. I hope you enjoyed good food and great times with your friends and family!

A special thank you to the Espinola Family for their hospitality and allowing me to blog about the special event!