A New Spin on Hostess Gift Ideas!

Image by ZenOptic via Flickr

Tonight I am attending a cocktail party with my husband.  Usually, I bring a nice bottle of wine or sometimes an orchid, but I am in the mood to do something a little different. When I host, I never complain when a guest brings wine, but sometimes it is nice to receive something a little out of the ordinary and thoughtful.  This made me start to think of what other types of gifts are out there.

I started looking around in local shops and online to get some ideas.  Pottery Barn had some great bottle stoppers. The one that says "stop" is great. If you keep scrolling down they have martini shakers with glasses. This made me think, why not purchase a bottle of liquor, as well as the shaker, and then hand write a drink recipe for the host to try.  I think handwriting the recipe, on a nice piece of stationary, gives the gift a more personal feel. Or you could monogram the shaker and the glasses with their initials.
Thinking of monogramming, I found this wonderful website that has a plethora of monogrammed gifts! If the host is an organized person, you could monogram a bulletin board, or if they host often, they have serving trays and much more. Really is a cute site.
Now, for the hostess's that are Eco Friendly you could give personalized reusable shopping bags.  Flip and Tumble have some wonderful stuff! They even have produce bags! How fun.  I just ordered the bags with the birdie for myself!  Lastly, if the host/hostess is into stationary, a personalized stamp would be a fantastic idea!

These are a couple of non traditional ideas.  Just remember to not stress about it. Soaps, candles, and dishtowels are always wonderful as well.  Also, cookbooks or a Table-Top books are great ideas.  Keep in mind, you do not need to wrap it. A simple bow will do fine. 
Hope this helps and have fun at all your parties!

Some Unknown Facts about Coconut Water

For those of you who do not know me, I love being healthy. Okay, in total honesty, I am a huge health nut! To me, being "healthy" is finding a balance between staying fit, having a balanced diet, and finding things or hobbies that are enjoyable and make you happy. For me, I enjoy high intensity workouts and supplement them with sports, like tennis and golf. Everyone is different and there is no right or wrong. You have to find what works for you. Or what makes you want to go back for more!  I also love researching new trends, surveying the shelves at Whole Foods or Trader Joe's, and testing recipes for new ways to create a great tasting but nutritious masterpiece of a meal.
Over the past year I have added coconut water into my daily routine. I have seen a huge difference in my complexsion, energy, and getting rid of that craving for sweets. I really think that the stuff is amazing. A lot of people complain about the taste, but I actually look forward to it now. If I have an urge to open the fridge and snack, I just take a sip of the coconut water, shut the door, and then I can walk away without needing anything. It really is amazing stuff.

My usual brand of choice is Zico.  It would come in a non-plastic container and the only ingredient listed was "pure brazilian coconuts". So simple and yet so many health benefits.  I would pick it up at my local grocery store, which was very convientent.
About a month ago,  I was grocery shopping like usual, and I went down the health food isle to grab my Zico coconut water, and to my surprise it had been replaced! The brand name was the same, but now it was in a plastic container, and the ingredients said "coconut water and plant extract". The calorie content was higher as well as the sugar. I stood in the isle for a moment in bewilderment. What was this plant extract? What were they adding to my coconut water? Why is the container plastic? I needed answers before I was about to put this new beverage in my body.
As soon as I got home from the store, I ran to my computer and looked up contact information for Zico.  After searching for thirty-five minutes, I found an email for customer assistance.  So that night,  I wrote an email asking to please let me know if the plastic was safe, where this new product was coming from, and what was in this, so-called, plant extract.
I checked my email for a response daily and after one week there was still nothing. I was starting to go through withdrawal from my coconut water. So I decided to take a drive to Whole Foods and see what other brands it offered and if maybe it had my original Zico that I loved.
It was not their! It had been replaced with the new version, by Zico, as well. Whole Foods did have a variety of different brands of coconut water. However, I learned my lesson, that you must be careful and read all the ingredients. So many of these brands are trying to pose as "pure coconut water". Instead, they are mixed with other fruits, high in sugar and carbohydrates, and pretty much a non nutritious fruit drink. Naked, seemed to be the only brand I could find that was 100% Brazilian Coconut water. So, I bought enough to get me through the week. I was not going to go through another coconut water  drought!
When I got home from the store, I checked my email again, but this time I had a response. Everything around me disappeared as I became completely engaged in Zico's reply. They assured me that the plastic was BPA free and they used high quality plastics to make the bottle. However, the most interesting part was about the plant extract.  They could not tell me what was in the extract because that would be giving away their secret. What they could tell me was that the coconuts where now coming from Asia, as well as the extract. They could not disclose what countries in Asia.

I am sorry  but this is a huge red flag. Could this extract be coming from the same country that had all the problems with infant formula?  Personally, I do not trust China and many of the other countries,in Asia,  that use cheap labor and poor ingredients. I was totally appalled and wanted to share this with others. Taking pride in what you put into your body is very important.  Many of these companies deceive consumers that are busy with life and have trust that the companies are following through with their claims.

Needless to say, I have switched to Naked Coconut Water!

Here are the reasons why I drink it:

Coconut water contains organic compounds possessing healthy growth promoting properties that have been known to help

1. Keep the body cool and at the proper temperature.
2. Orally re-hydrate your body, it is an all natural isotonic beverage.
3. Carry nutrients and oxygen to cells.
4. Naturally replenish your body's fluids after exercising.
5. Raise your metabolism.
6. Promote weight loss.
7. Boost your immune system.
8. Detoxify and fight viruses.
9. Cleanse your digestive tract.
10. Control diabetes.
11. Aid your body in fighting viruses that cause the flu, herpes, and AIDS.
12. Balance your PH and reduce risk of cancer.
13. Treat kidney and urethral stones.
14. Boost poor circulation.

Delicious Peanut Butter Pretzels!

So, on Sunday, my husband and I decided to take a drive to Blue Mountain Brewery for some lunch and an ice cold beer. After our very delicious meal we decided on the way home to stop at Greenwood Gourmet Grocery to get some stuff for dinner and check out there fabulous wines. Well, as I was searching around all their shelves, that are filled with  interesting and delightful foods, I came upon peanut butter pretzels. Now, I must tell you I have a love/hate relationship with peanut butter. I absolutely love it but my hips and thighs hate it! There is something about the nutty, smooth, and creamy taste that always hits the spot.  Peanut butter to me is like ice cream to most people. On a cold night, I can whip out a spoon and some peanut butter goodness, lounge on the couch, and watch a romantic but funny chick flick.

Oh my, I am getting off topic! See what it does to me.  So, I found these pretzels. They were not the traditional pretzels filled with peanut butter. But, these bite size pretzels were dipped in peanut butter and then laid flat to dry. The bag had about 15 of these eye catching treats inside it and I could not wait until I got home to try one.  As soon as we got in the car I opened them up and YUM! Perfect balance of salty and sweet. I have to say I am happy that Greenwood Grocery is all the way in Crozet, otherwise my hips and thighs would be very upset!

Lastly, if you have not been, a trip to Greenwood Gourmet Grocery is a must! They have a large selection of wine and beer. Also, fantastic sandwiches, homemade salads, desserts, and local vegetables. Plus, a great assortment of chips and treats. And if that was not enough, they have a garden store as well with some really great finds!


I always stop there before Polo at King Family Vineyards! Just and idea

Is it okay not to always look for the bargain?

Image by scalleja via Flickr

Since moving here from Miami, Fl, I have really tried to learn about bargain shopping. I have made my first trips to Marshall's, where I felt I was lost in sea of overwhelming stuff. I was never quite sure where to turn or if the discount was real. I mean, I would pick up and item that had a good retail name but because the price was so cheap, I became weary and thought there must be something wrong with it. So I put it back on the shelf. At checkout my cart had a pillow and a work out shirt.
 I have also become much better at using coupons for the grocery store and try to wait for clothes to go on sale before I buy them. That wait can feel like eternity and I will admit I end up caving. Usually, I walk by the store the following day and there is the shirt, 50% off!
 However, I walked into my closet yesterday to grab some shoes for dinner and I stopped to think about what I had and I what I wanted to wear.  I have some jeans that I probably bought for $300, a couple of pairs of Manolo Blahnik shoes, and other nice quality items. Now, I am not trying to brag at all, I also have clothes from discount stores. But my point is, that my Manolo Blahnik's and I have spent 5 wonderful years together. My jeans probably 3 years.  Those jeans have helped cover up my wobbly bits and if could talk would have some fantastic stories to tell!
 However, something I have bought at target lasted only one wear and has not much to say. My question is, "Is it okay to indulge once and a while on a couple items?"  I think so. Quality lasts and I have not needed to buy more shoes, so am I actually saving money. Have my splurges here and there actually saved me money? 
I think if you have high quality staples in your closet you will always be able to put an outfit together. You can mix and match and feel great! The lines on high quality jeans somehow make my hips small. And items that will just be in for one season, I do not think you should spend a lot of money on. That to me is a waste.  Bargain shopping has taught me a lot of things and helped me to double think my purchases, but splurging on some high quality items can also be a bargain in the long run.

My love affair with my Roasting Pan

I must get better at taking pictures. Last night I hosted a dinner party for about 12 people. One of my good friends and neighbor is moving away, so I wanted to do something special for her before she left. I love to host and get so excited when I can pull my All-Clad roasting pan out!
When we lived in Miami, I became so spoiled. We lived on Miracle Mile above La Cuisine and I used every excuse possible to go down there and buy something. During the holidays I always hosted dinner parties, plus our staff party. My husband would come home and see a large box in the hall closet and just shake his head. He knew he could not stop me! The store is like a little piece of heaven. All the appliances are so new and shiny and the cookware surrounds you in a way that makes you feel peaceful and in a mood to create a masterpiece for dinner.  When I went down there one afternoon needing inspiration for the meal I need to create, I saw this pan and feel in love! If you do not have a roasting pan you need to run to the store immediately! Okay, maybe not immediately but this pan will make your dinner parties a success! I have cooked turkeys, chickens, leg of lamb, ratatouille, and more. Everything comes out moist and delicious.
So last night I pulled out the pan. I had to chickens that fit perfectly, side by side. I used lemon, olive oil, and some spices. It went in the oven at 350 and about 2 hours later we had moist, mouth watering chicken, that made my apartment smell lovely! The best part is the clean up is easy. My pan is back on its special shelf until next time!

Finished my website

I am proud to say I have finally finished my website. After lots of frustration and hard work I published my website Concierge 4 Moms. I will be making more adjustments but it is a start! Please email me with any questions and have a great night!

Is Craigslist safe?

Image via Wikipedia

I grew up in the time where craigslist was a home to predetors and money scams.  For rentals or buying things I always am sceptical.  I also had the opinion that the jobs posted were all scams.  When I moved here from Miami everyone reassured me that craigslist was the place to go for a rental, baby gear, and more. So, slowly I have started to warm up to the idea of checking for things on craigslist until now.  I have been using craigslist this week to check for apartments in DC and sure enough I found one that looked ans sounded perfect. It had pictures, an address, and an actual email to respond to. So I sent an email I was interested and if I could come check it out.  Wouldn't you know it, I get an email telling me he is a priest(like that makes him more believable) and he went on a tour in Africa, but the apartment is beautiful and his wife who is vacationing in the cayman islands will take care of all payments, etc. Oh, I do not need to see it, the pictures show it all.  I can move in right away, as well, I just need to send the money asap.

So I sit back at my computer and think to myself, "is this guy serious????"  I know it is only one time but the time and effort it takes to search through all those listings and finally think you might have something, is tiring!  I might have sheltered growing up and like things a certain way but this just feels dirty.  It just reassured me that it is better to get an agent.  To me it is to easy for people to scam you.  I would rather be safe and go to stores to buy things, use real estate agent to find proprieties, and use professionals for other services.