Last night was the Inside Columbia “Arrive in Style” VIP event launching the new MoX location and debut of the Inside Columbia digital magazine. As with all Inside Columbia events - it was first class! Greeted on the red carpet with Missouri Sparkling Wine, Tom Andes at the grand piano, BMW’s, beautiful jewelry and a treasure trove of who’s who in Columbia. I spotted real estate mogul Aaron Rose, Norm Stewart and was introduced to Mayor Hindman.
Among Columbia’s movers and shakers was one of my personal favorite celebrities-Floyd. This guy is a legend; he is the wine, beer and spirit’s manager for Patricia’s IGA. If they don’t have it, Floyd will order it, and if he can’t get it, you don’t need it! Of course Patricia’s sampled an array of food and handed out their signature long stemmed roses.
Columbia’s new hot spot room 38 was serving three signature cocktails-I sampled the “X-rated Bellini” sweet and pink! Sushi from Bamboo, Churchill’s shrimp scampi and Brook Harlan’s ginger crab rangoon were all fantastic!
We served an array of Missouri Wines with Norton and Vignoles earning rock star status. I managed to get an exclusive behind the scene food and wine pairing with Inside Columbia food editor Brook Harlan. Want to know which Missouri wine Brook paired with his Chocolate Rangoon? You’ll have to tune in next time…
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
My Mecca Sephora
My BFF Lisa gave me the most generous gift card to Sephora, one of my favorite stores on the planet! These days I find myself buying many items on line, but for a truly great girly treat I head to Sephora for all of my cosmetic and pampering needs!
A few weeks ago while in St. Louis I had 30 minutes to run in and grab a few items. I was greeted by a cheerful associate and asked if I needed help. It was late in the day, I was in a hurry, and not thinking as clearly as I would have liked. Our conversation went a little like this.
Me: I am looking for, you know, that foundation with the (I make a swirling motion with my hand.)
Sephora Girl: Oh, you mean Bare Essentials, what color? And do you need some Mineral veil as well?
Me: Actually I do, the tinted please. I also need some… (more hand gestures depicting the height of the tube)…Urban decay, purple tube with silver lid.
Sephora Girl: Primer, of course. Anything else?
Me: Mascara, I need a new one for my short stubby lashes.
Sephora Girl: It sounds like you are looking for lengthening, thickening and longer wearing. This one actually coats each lash creating separate tubes on each lash, it washes off with cleanser and is safe for contact wearers.
Me: If I hate I can return it correct? (one of my favorite Sephora benefits)
Sephora Girl: Of course! Give it a try, in black right?
Me: Yes, and I need a…(another squeezing hand gesture here)
Sephora Girl: Shu Umera eyelash curler?
Me: YES! How did you know? WOW you are reading my mind! Yes, that’s it Shu Umera these are great! I am replacing my old one. Since you are on such a roll how about a new fragrance? I am looking for something new for fall.
Sephora Girl: What have you worn before?
I proceed to tell her, she chooses three new fragrances for me, I can’t decide between two. She makes samples for me to take home and wear for a few days, once I decide I can buy on line.
15 minutes later, my needs are met, I’ve enjoyed spending some of my gift card and I feel like a girlie girl again!
A few weeks ago while in St. Louis I had 30 minutes to run in and grab a few items. I was greeted by a cheerful associate and asked if I needed help. It was late in the day, I was in a hurry, and not thinking as clearly as I would have liked. Our conversation went a little like this.
Me: I am looking for, you know, that foundation with the (I make a swirling motion with my hand.)
Sephora Girl: Oh, you mean Bare Essentials, what color? And do you need some Mineral veil as well?
Me: Actually I do, the tinted please. I also need some… (more hand gestures depicting the height of the tube)…Urban decay, purple tube with silver lid.
Sephora Girl: Primer, of course. Anything else?
Me: Mascara, I need a new one for my short stubby lashes.
Sephora Girl: It sounds like you are looking for lengthening, thickening and longer wearing. This one actually coats each lash creating separate tubes on each lash, it washes off with cleanser and is safe for contact wearers.
Me: If I hate I can return it correct? (one of my favorite Sephora benefits)
Sephora Girl: Of course! Give it a try, in black right?
Me: Yes, and I need a…(another squeezing hand gesture here)
Sephora Girl: Shu Umera eyelash curler?
Me: YES! How did you know? WOW you are reading my mind! Yes, that’s it Shu Umera these are great! I am replacing my old one. Since you are on such a roll how about a new fragrance? I am looking for something new for fall.
Sephora Girl: What have you worn before?
I proceed to tell her, she chooses three new fragrances for me, I can’t decide between two. She makes samples for me to take home and wear for a few days, once I decide I can buy on line.
15 minutes later, my needs are met, I’ve enjoyed spending some of my gift card and I feel like a girlie girl again!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Perfect Fall Friday Night
Everyone has their idea of a perfect fall Friday night, and I’m looking very forward to what I have planned for this grey, cool evening in Columbia. While the masses are strutting their "Strength in Stripes" (MU's official homecoming theme) my friend JP and I are attending Artrageous Friday.
What the heck is that you ask? It’s an experience. Walking in and out of shops and studio’s downtown, taking in art and visiting with the artist. Stopping along the way at a favorite bar or restaurant for a beverage, shopping, and enjoying the evening with friends.
And while dinner downtown is certainly tempting, I promised JP I would make him dinner. Grandma D’Angelo’s homemade spaghetti and meatballs is on the menu. While it’s difficult to replicate any “Grandma” recipe half the fun is trying. I’ve been saving a bottle of Peaceful Bend’s Meramec wine and tonight seems as good as any to enjoy. I LOVE, LOVE this wine, Clyde and Katie are artists in their own right creating this delicious, fantastic premium red wine. Their commitment to quality craftsmanship shows in every bottle.
No Friday night hanging out with JP would be complete without a Yahtzee throw down. I’ve been playing Yahtzee since I was 3 years old, (Grandma Beedle would add the dice for me, and sometimes still does) yet ALL that experience is challenged by JP’s beginners luck. Which incidentally has lasted for three years. I must say I have a good feeling about tonight, I’m pretty sure his luck has run out. No more bad Yahtzee ju ju for me!
It looks like it’s going to be a perfect fall Friday night artfully created by me!
What the heck is that you ask? It’s an experience. Walking in and out of shops and studio’s downtown, taking in art and visiting with the artist. Stopping along the way at a favorite bar or restaurant for a beverage, shopping, and enjoying the evening with friends.
And while dinner downtown is certainly tempting, I promised JP I would make him dinner. Grandma D’Angelo’s homemade spaghetti and meatballs is on the menu. While it’s difficult to replicate any “Grandma” recipe half the fun is trying. I’ve been saving a bottle of Peaceful Bend’s Meramec wine and tonight seems as good as any to enjoy. I LOVE, LOVE this wine, Clyde and Katie are artists in their own right creating this delicious, fantastic premium red wine. Their commitment to quality craftsmanship shows in every bottle.
No Friday night hanging out with JP would be complete without a Yahtzee throw down. I’ve been playing Yahtzee since I was 3 years old, (Grandma Beedle would add the dice for me, and sometimes still does) yet ALL that experience is challenged by JP’s beginners luck. Which incidentally has lasted for three years. I must say I have a good feeling about tonight, I’m pretty sure his luck has run out. No more bad Yahtzee ju ju for me!
It looks like it’s going to be a perfect fall Friday night artfully created by me!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
My Favorite Fall Festival
October brings many fall festivals and harvest celebrations. I have a group of friends who wouldn’t dare miss the famous Hatton Craft Festival held the first Saturday in October or the Hartsburg Pumpkin Festival the second weekend in October. I’ve attended each of these festivals…once. Crafts, corn mazes and huge crowds just aren’t my thing.
Two years ago I was delighted to find my festival niche, the “Missouri Chestnut Roast-a festival of culture and agriculture.” The Horticulture and Agroforestry Research Center in New Franklin Missouri is the beautiful location of this awesome event. This year I attended with my BFF and colleague Sarah a.k.a. the Agrimissouri queen.
The festival organizers leave nothing to chance, upon entering they stop each vehicle and issue a list of festival guidelines. Once parked in the grassy field we made our way to the gold information tent. It’s here that you are issued an empty bag, festival program and asked to fill out a survey. This event is sponsored by various MU education and research centers so be prepared for a few surveys, these folks love to collect data so why not help them out.
We make our way to the big tent which houses the cooking demonstration stage (complete with hay bale seating) and various Missouri made products for sale and sampling. Of course my first stop was the wineries. Les Bourgeois Winery and Crown Valley Winery sampled and sold delicious Missouri wines. Schlafly’s was there sampling their limited release pumpkin beer which I must admit is my FAVORITE brand of pumpkin beer, it captures the true essence of pumpkin without being overly spiced, a must have fall treat! Naturally we saw lots of nuts: pine nuts, black walnuts, pecans. Soaps, candles, mustards, live plants, festival t-shirts and MU gear were also spotted.
Our next stop was the Chestnut tent where they offer free samples of warm roasted chestnuts-YUM!! (See photo above) Chestnuts are sold in take home packages as well. There is a nursery and plant tent, music tent, guided bus tours of the farm, walking tours of the research areas and tours of the historic Thomas Hickman house.
Hungry for an elk or buffalo burger? The New Franklin High School Athletic Boosters were serving these and other main stream tasty lunch items.
Yes, this is my kind of festival, friends, beautiful weather, education, Missouri made products, music and lots of unusual offerings. I think it’s one of Missouri’s best kept festival secrets. Mark your calendars for next year’s 7th annual Chestnut Roast, I’ll be there!
Two years ago I was delighted to find my festival niche, the “Missouri Chestnut Roast-a festival of culture and agriculture.” The Horticulture and Agroforestry Research Center in New Franklin Missouri is the beautiful location of this awesome event. This year I attended with my BFF and colleague Sarah a.k.a. the Agrimissouri queen.
The festival organizers leave nothing to chance, upon entering they stop each vehicle and issue a list of festival guidelines. Once parked in the grassy field we made our way to the gold information tent. It’s here that you are issued an empty bag, festival program and asked to fill out a survey. This event is sponsored by various MU education and research centers so be prepared for a few surveys, these folks love to collect data so why not help them out.
We make our way to the big tent which houses the cooking demonstration stage (complete with hay bale seating) and various Missouri made products for sale and sampling. Of course my first stop was the wineries. Les Bourgeois Winery and Crown Valley Winery sampled and sold delicious Missouri wines. Schlafly’s was there sampling their limited release pumpkin beer which I must admit is my FAVORITE brand of pumpkin beer, it captures the true essence of pumpkin without being overly spiced, a must have fall treat! Naturally we saw lots of nuts: pine nuts, black walnuts, pecans. Soaps, candles, mustards, live plants, festival t-shirts and MU gear were also spotted.
Our next stop was the Chestnut tent where they offer free samples of warm roasted chestnuts-YUM!! (See photo above) Chestnuts are sold in take home packages as well. There is a nursery and plant tent, music tent, guided bus tours of the farm, walking tours of the research areas and tours of the historic Thomas Hickman house.
Hungry for an elk or buffalo burger? The New Franklin High School Athletic Boosters were serving these and other main stream tasty lunch items.
Yes, this is my kind of festival, friends, beautiful weather, education, Missouri made products, music and lots of unusual offerings. I think it’s one of Missouri’s best kept festival secrets. Mark your calendars for next year’s 7th annual Chestnut Roast, I’ll be there!
Friday, October 17, 2008
What Gives?
In an email dated 10/15/2008:
“I find it hard to believe you've not blogged for more than a month. What gives?” –Chet
Well…I’ve been busy? I think in my age 5 making up excuses sort of mode. Picture me with one foot turned inward and my index finger on my cheek looking upwards trying to think of what I SHOULD say. It has been too long. So here goes…
For me September was Septabulous! The last time I blogged was the morning of the 2008 Tour of Missouri Professional cycling race. I had NO idea what a roller coaster week was ahead. I think if I was honest with myself I have been putting off writing this blog because I would undoubtedly want to recount one of the best weeks of my life! Admitting that the thrill is gone.
As dramatic as it may sound the 2008 Tour of Missouri Week changed me.
Was it because I had the honor and privilege of presenting 5 of the stage winners a bottle of Missouri Wine? Was it having my picture taken with winner Mark Cavendish while hanging out back stage after presenting him wine and getting his autograph? Was it the fun daily interviews I did on stage with the race announcers Dave and Jeff? Was it the thrill and excitement at the finish line? Was it talking about Missouri Wine with hundreds of spectators? Was it working 14 hour days setting up, facilitating the event, tearing down and driving to the next city? Was it the rain, cold, heat and humidity, hurricane winds and rain from Mother Nature? The bumpin’ music, the crowds and the awesome Missouri wine? Oh, and let’s not forget the wrap up event! While these were unbelievable experiences, it was the people.
It was the winery staff who showed up rain or shine. Smiling, sampling and promoting the best Missouri has to offer. One thing’s for sure the crowds heard about Norton!
It was April, who not only made sure I was on stage every day at the right times, but talked with me, inspired me, and became a friend. Always sporting a touch of pink, she brightened each day just being herself.
It was Scott who was always there to take care of us whether we needed a wire coat hanger to fish keys out of the porta potty (which we gave up on), or loaded our stuff on and off the freight truck day after day. Scott if you are reading this, “Dude-you are in the WRONG Columbia!”
It was Karen and Duddie who stuck with me day after day, mile after mile, loading and unloading, laughing and promoting. I couldn’t have made it without them.
It was Dan from Philly sharing his favorite wine, Mike and JT sandwich hugs and Jenny putting the “V” in the VIP hospitality. My BFF Sarah, Stacey, Virginia, Marlo, the fence crew, road crew, race officials, announcers, organizers, Missouri Tourism team, sponsors, and spectators. And rounding out the 600 person entourage let’s not forget the athletes, their teams, photographers (insert shout out to Deb here) and media. Too many to name, but each played an important role.
It was the people that made this week special for me. Their energy moved me. As strange as it may sound I miss them. It’s impossible to share or describe all that happens during Tour week, it must be experienced. This being my second year I was anxious for the journeys that lie ahead. Day one our Board Chairman looked at me and said, “I get it!” And on day seven when MO wine industry legend Glenn said “This is cool, unbelievable!” I knew all of the hard work had paid off. From the Press room to the Expo Tent, the awards stage to the VIP Hospitality, Missouri wines had made its way onto the professional sport scene. Right here, Right NOW!
“I find it hard to believe you've not blogged for more than a month. What gives?” –Chet
Well…I’ve been busy? I think in my age 5 making up excuses sort of mode. Picture me with one foot turned inward and my index finger on my cheek looking upwards trying to think of what I SHOULD say. It has been too long. So here goes…
For me September was Septabulous! The last time I blogged was the morning of the 2008 Tour of Missouri Professional cycling race. I had NO idea what a roller coaster week was ahead. I think if I was honest with myself I have been putting off writing this blog because I would undoubtedly want to recount one of the best weeks of my life! Admitting that the thrill is gone.
As dramatic as it may sound the 2008 Tour of Missouri Week changed me.
Was it because I had the honor and privilege of presenting 5 of the stage winners a bottle of Missouri Wine? Was it having my picture taken with winner Mark Cavendish while hanging out back stage after presenting him wine and getting his autograph? Was it the fun daily interviews I did on stage with the race announcers Dave and Jeff? Was it the thrill and excitement at the finish line? Was it talking about Missouri Wine with hundreds of spectators? Was it working 14 hour days setting up, facilitating the event, tearing down and driving to the next city? Was it the rain, cold, heat and humidity, hurricane winds and rain from Mother Nature? The bumpin’ music, the crowds and the awesome Missouri wine? Oh, and let’s not forget the wrap up event! While these were unbelievable experiences, it was the people.
It was the winery staff who showed up rain or shine. Smiling, sampling and promoting the best Missouri has to offer. One thing’s for sure the crowds heard about Norton!
It was April, who not only made sure I was on stage every day at the right times, but talked with me, inspired me, and became a friend. Always sporting a touch of pink, she brightened each day just being herself.
It was Scott who was always there to take care of us whether we needed a wire coat hanger to fish keys out of the porta potty (which we gave up on), or loaded our stuff on and off the freight truck day after day. Scott if you are reading this, “Dude-you are in the WRONG Columbia!”
It was Karen and Duddie who stuck with me day after day, mile after mile, loading and unloading, laughing and promoting. I couldn’t have made it without them.
It was Dan from Philly sharing his favorite wine, Mike and JT sandwich hugs and Jenny putting the “V” in the VIP hospitality. My BFF Sarah, Stacey, Virginia, Marlo, the fence crew, road crew, race officials, announcers, organizers, Missouri Tourism team, sponsors, and spectators. And rounding out the 600 person entourage let’s not forget the athletes, their teams, photographers (insert shout out to Deb here) and media. Too many to name, but each played an important role.
It was the people that made this week special for me. Their energy moved me. As strange as it may sound I miss them. It’s impossible to share or describe all that happens during Tour week, it must be experienced. This being my second year I was anxious for the journeys that lie ahead. Day one our Board Chairman looked at me and said, “I get it!” And on day seven when MO wine industry legend Glenn said “This is cool, unbelievable!” I knew all of the hard work had paid off. From the Press room to the Expo Tent, the awards stage to the VIP Hospitality, Missouri wines had made its way onto the professional sport scene. Right here, Right NOW!
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