Lady Bites: Brunch

Where in the world is this lady brunching today ?

HOME! I believe in recession proof enjoyment! So, me and my gal pal decided to tighten up the purse strings and make brunch today! I think you will love some of these recipes!

Stuffed peppers:

Preheat your oven to 400. Then cut center out of 2 red peppers and 2 orange peppers peppers and put them in a deep dish pan and cook for 20 minutes.
In a skillet, mix up an entire container of the southwestern style egg beaters
Dice up a cup of pickled okra and some yellow onions and add it to your scrambled eggbeaters.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Now, pull your peppers out and stuff the scrambled mixture into the peppers.
Last, but not least! Top with one wedge of laughing cow cheese and it will melt itself over the top.

Hungry Girl’s Grab and Go Breakfast Cookies:

http://www.hungry-girl.com/newsletters/raw/1076
(It’s the second recipe in the newsletter. These things are deeeeeeee-lish!

And for a delightful brunch cocktail that is as easy as pie to make:
1 bottle of prosecco
1 bag of a frozen berry mixture (Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries)

Put ‘em together and what have you got…. Bibbity -bobbity -BOOZE ☺





Now, what do I always say about a Sunday ? ? It’s the Lord’s Day! So, drink his juice!

Xoxo
Her LadyMess

Wines-day : White Blends

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Is it Wines-day again already?? It's time to discover the world of white blends. People pass whites off and categorize then into Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, or savvy b's. (Notice I didn't even utter the word white zinfandel! If you are drinking that, you can go booze with the 90 year old's who are organizing the soup kitchen at Our Lady of DISGUSTING). There are so many other white wines to be explored! The best way to start testing them out would be to try some blends. Sometimes this grapes that they put into these types of wines can be a little much by themselves. Take Moscato, for example! A SUPER SWEET wine that would make me gag if I drank it alone... but put it with a few other varietals, and BOO-YA!

Some of my favorite blends worth trying :

Ah... the 2009 Bodega Pirineos Mesache. This is the wine I featured from Sunday's brunch. It's an amazing blend: 35% Old Vine Macabeo , 35% Gewurztraminer, and 30% Chardonnay. Ever tried a Gewurztraminer on it's own ? Ever even HEARD of Macabeo? I hadn't ! So, let's have a little lesson from my periodic table of wine ! (Yes, it's hanging in my home and YES I love blends for this very reason...to put it to use!)
So, Macabeo : A popular Spanish white! Lightly floral, fruity, and soft.
Guwuztraminer: High;y fragrant! Lychees, spicy cinammon, peaches, and honeysuckle!
I mean, how is that even possible in a white wine?? By itself, I do not like Gewurztraminers! But, it grounds the butter and apple of the chardonnay, makes the crisp quality of the Macabeo a little less boring, and adds a little KICK to finish it off.
This is like no other blend. PERFECT for brunch...or DRUNCH (Drunk lunch. Let's be honest, it's all code for booze at lunch). This wine is pairable with anything and will surprise anyone!

This was a SPECIAL wine in my wine tasting family. It was an OCCASION to get this wine. If you are not a sweet wine person, like myself, this wine takes a little getting into. HOWEVER, there is so much to be appreciated bu it. Check this California blend out: Savvy B, Chard, Muscat, Semillion, and Viogner. SO MUCH TO LEARN! Let's break down the new characters with my periodic table of wine:
Viogner: apricots, honeysuckle,peaches, fruit
For me, this wine starts off like a life saver candy and finished like a butterscotch. Sorry... but I don't know a lot of people that have sucked on honey suckle for fun...so, let's get real about it).
Semillion: Forget the wine table....too hoity toity. This taste like a sprite soda mized with a fig newton. I'm not kidding. It's random, but a Semillion is crisp but soft.
Muscat: Typically a dessert wine. Not overly sweet, but smells of florals and grapfruits. AKA - not my jam on it's own, but to the conundrum blend, it is the game changer.
What we have here is a party in your mouth of all these different grapes! It is very fruity, backed up with honey, very crisp, finished with a little bit of tinge that I would describes as sweet perfume.

Want something simpler just to switch it up but not get to crazy? I am a big fan of this Chenin Blanc/Viogner blend from Pine Ridge. So, we have already discussed a Viogner , and for a lot of people, a Viogner can be a little off-putting for a white when they think they are about to hit some crispy deliciousness comparable to that of a Pinot Grigio. Well, a Chenin Blanc is a grape popular France and South Africa. It goes well with sweet wines as well as dry whites. The Periodic table of wine was playing games with me and says to describe a Chenin Blanc as honey bees wax and wool... ummmmm....what ? Basically, it's fruity but the tinge, or acidity, takes heavy honey out of of the Viogner , leaving you with a YUMMY, crisp, clean white that is worth giving to your tastebuds :)

So, don't let these blends intimidate you! Challenge yourself to try new things! You will learn what you like and what you don't! But, can you believe all the of the white grapes that you had no idea about?? We will hit more believe me! All I'm saying is, get out of your pinot grigio haze, or WORSE, put down the white zin grandma!

XOXO
Her LadyMess

Lady Quotes:

"A fear is only part of your life unlived." - Her LadyMess
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Stop looking for every way out of something that has been calling out for you to do. We can rationalize any passion as being a "silly whim", "not practical", or putting it off in our categories of "someday..." Call yourself out now! What are you afraid of? That very fear might just be the thing that sets you free! JUST DO IT!!

Lady Reads: ATTENTION RECESSION BOOK BUYERS

Borders is going out of business and having Amaze-ball sales on everything from books, dvd's, cd's, box sets... aka- GET ON IT! Stock up for Christmas, birthdays, special occasions. No shame in a deal people! GAME ON!
xoxo
Her LadyMess

Lady Reads: The Glass Castle

For me, life it too short to read books that are average. I will only read recommendations from trusted advisors!

This is an intoxicating memoir. You will never believe that this is a real story from a daughter's perspective about how her parents raised her and her siblings up in the lifestyle of homeless people. It's inspiring, heart wrenching, and so lyrical it will take your breath away. If you do nothing else today, buy this book on amazon.com or at your local used book store! If you have a kindle, forget about it ... :)

Lady Bites: Brunch

Where might this lady be brunching today ?
One of my favorite recession proof places to dine is Kashkaval! It looks like a little cheese shop from the outside, but when you walk in, you will find a charming and cozy place to curl up in. This is a great place to brunch with pals or bring a date for a romantic evening!
Brunch is served with unlimited mimosas or bellinis, but I can never go to this wine bar without having this bottle of white:

I cannot find this wine anywhere! It is a white that will change the way you think about whites! there is so much character to it! It is a blend (which we'll be talking about on Wines-day this week) that is so full and rich... it's heaven and goes perfectly with the fare there.
The brunch on Saturday and Sunday is $12.95 and you have your choice of a Turkish, Spanish, Greek, Dutch , or Balkan. Don't let that scare you! It's just different ways of preparing omelets with different meats and cheeses. I can never steer away from the sampler platter! They have a case in the front full of different spreads, dips, and veggies that rock my face off. My favorites ? The roasted brussel sprouts, roasted cauliflower, eggplant caponata, the artichoke dip, mini spinach boreks, and and the lentil spread (totally tastes like refried beans... yum). My fella LOVES the Greek yogurt topped with fruit and honey!

If you come here for a date night, you will be shocked at the inexpensive price for the cheese and chocolate fondue! Best prices in the city! If you are a meat eater like my fella, he gets the Turkey Meatballs, Cilantro Chicken or the Spanish Panini! You cannot beat Kashkaval. I am there so much that I know the staff by name and they get that mesache open before I even sit down! Thanks Kashkaval for making magic and memories!

Now, as I always say on a Sunday, "It's the Lord's day. Go forth and drink his juice!"

Lady Wines-day: Sauvignon Blancs

Happy Wine down Wednesday, Her LadyMess Readers! Let's chat about the savvy b's! This is an acquired taste for a lot of people. I know that when I started drinking it, I thought I was drinking flower water. It had that "tinge" that seemed harsh on my throat and the after taste was citrus rather than the cream of my best friend, Chardonnay. However, one summer day, a friend and I sat over a bottle of Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc, and my mind was changed forever.

1) So, this is from New Zealand, and as far as I have experienced, you are safe when it comes from Marlborough! This is a definite bouquet of flowers with a finish of perfume. Not your jam? Give it a minute. After you take in the smell, take a good sip and hold it in your mouth for about five seconds before you swallow. All of the sudden, your palette goes through it between deciphering apple, lemons, citrus, and grapefruits. It finishes dry, sweet, and crisp. It's a lot! This is one of the best inexpensive Savvy B's that exists. It hold a special place in my heart.




2) My friend and I lovingly call this the "Kim Cattrall" savvy b because it makes us giggle. But, beyond that, this is a tamer choice than the Nobilo. It's a bit smoother on the finish but has the same citrus tropical floral action. This is the first savvy b that most people find the most pleasing if you have a group that you are trying to convert.

3) If you can spend a little more or are looking for a nice gift for someone, this is a perfect choice. The cloudy bay is magnificent and rave reviews across the board! I don't think I have ever heard one person utter word against this little number! The Cloudy Bay is as smooth as it is spicy. Yes, SPICY without any tinge on the finish. All the bright typical fruits from a savvy b are somehow softened in this wine... It's like drinking honey coated fruit. Yes, please!

So, try something new this week! Give a savvy b a try and tell Kim Cattrall I said hi :) (Yes, that was supposed to rhyme...sue me).


XOXO
Her LadyMess

Lady Bites

Okay, so here is the deal, I gave up meat three years ago when I read "Skinny Bitch". I was doing a lot of yoga while I was on tour and the decision seemed easy for me to make. I mean, before age 23, I was on a constant diet of pop tarts, oreos, and spaghettios.

I kid you not, I survived on these foods and didn't TOUCH a fruit or vegetable until my early 20's.

I will be featuring different healthy recipes, restaurants, and enjoyable ways to enjoy food with your friends while remaining mindful! Look forward to Lady Bites!

xoxo
Her LadyMess

The Help

"The Help" is a must read before the movie comes out. I have not talked to one person who has not loved, loved, LOVED this book. Go out and buy it right now! Or better yet, go on Amazon.com and buy yourself a used copy. I am a HUGE supporter of used books! Kindles make me sad. I LOVE the experience of a book. And YOU will love THIS book:

Brunch

There is nothing better than a Sunday brunch with pals! Brunch is a weekly lady HOLIDAY. It doesn't feel like Sunday without it. It feels deliciously naughty to feel fancy during the day and to indulge in a great meal! Here are my top New York City Brunch places :

1) Norma's : http://www.parkermeridien.com/normas.htm
This is not to be missed. You have to make reservations weeks in advance, but you will never have a better brunch in your life. It's definitely pricey, but again, WORTH the treat. We usually go here for special occasions, birthdays, etc. Plates are huge and PERFECT for sharing... get into the salty with the "Artychoke Benedict with a TRUFFLED porcini mushroom sauce (WHAT??) and the Banana Macadamia Nut Pancakes are worth cheating on your diet for... Oh! and if you have $1,000 lying around you can get the Zillion dollar Lobster Frittata. Better yet, if you have 1,000.00 bones (aka : dollars), give it to ME. Do you know how many bottles of wine I could buy with that ?!?!?!?!
This place rocks my face off...

2) Agave : http://agaveny.com/home.html
My friends and I are HUGE fans of a Mexican themed brunch. We all took a trip to Cabo last year and when we feel like reminiscing, we head down to the village for brunch at Agave. Unlimited wine, beer, mimosas, and margaritas! WHAT ? Not to mention STELLAR food and a GREAT atmosphere. Sure beats Chevy's ... not that we didn't all pile in to Chevy's on 42nd St for one occasion. However, now that I found this place, FORGET ABOUT IT!

3) Calle Ocho : www.calleochonyc.com/
8 different kinds of sangria. 4 red, 4 white. You're welcome.
http://www.calleochonyc.com/brunchx.html

4) Clinton Street Bakery : http://www.clintonstreetbaking.com/
The best pancake of your entire life resides here. Yes, you will wait for an hour on the weekends to eat here. Come prepared. (By that I mean, put your name in, buy a couple of their RIDICULOUS scones, and go split a bottle of prosecco at the Chocolate Bar just up the street! It will hold you over and make you a little less grumpy). Tried. Tested. Approved.

5)Sara Beth's : http://www.sarabeth.com/restaurants.asp
This is my ideal brunch spot. Clean, classic, elegant and has the Ferrari Carano Fume Blanc on their wine list. This is the PERFECT brunch wine.

Happy brunching Her LadyMess readers! As I always say, "It's the Lord's Day, now drink his juice!"

Saturdays in Lady-ville

Whole foods (or Whole Paycheck as I like to say) take out consisting of a seaweed salad and a little calamari and squid action. Having my coffee and journaling in the sunshine at the dog park. A glorious afternoon in NYC. I do love my city.

Lady Quotes

"The Soul becomes dyed with the color of it's thoughts." ~ Marcus Aurelius Antonius

It's all about perspective :)

Lady Rules

"Don't think, just do."
It's my new mantra as of late. How many times do we talk ourselves out of something because we worry about what others might think? It is time to give up that way of thinking. We can do anything we set out minds to! However, if we do not believe in ourselves, who is going to believe in us ? No one can do it for you. If there is something you have been meaning to do, stop analyzing it. As my acting teacher, K Jenny Jones, used to say : "Just Nike it!" (Meaning: Just do it!) Not that I wear a sneaker unless I am forcing myself to work-out, but the slogan is still VITAL! "Don't think, just do!" Her LadyMess readers! Take those photography lessons, start yoga classes, buy a journal and record your daily thoughts, go back to school for something you are passionate about! The options are endless. Don't let your brain take over and feel you either don't have the time or are not worthy - put your best foot forward each and every day. This is YOUR life, remember ? xoxo

Lady Reads

Lady Reads :
  I am a strong advocate for great reads! I feel that books have shaped me as a human being and propelled me forward into grander thinking. I plan on sharing my "must reads" over time in this blog.
But today, I will share the my top three favorite fiction reads. If you are looking for a book to devour mindlessly while you travel, by the pool, or just with a glass of jesus juice in the park, then get into these little beauties :
  1) Summer Sisters , Judy Blume
       This has to be one of the best all time ficiton novels. It is the only book that I have read three times over. Life's too short to read the smae book twice... and yet, this book is MAGIC everytime. Total teen fiction. Get into it!
  2) The Pact, Jodi Picoult
       On the back of the book you read a basic summary that says roughly : A gun shot sounds. The teenage girl is dead in her boyfriend's arms. The rest of the novel goes back and forth between the past and present and you see the entire tale unfold before your eyes.. Did he kill her or not? Guess ya just have to read it. You will not be able to put it down.
  3) Hunger Games Trilogy
       I didn't think I would get into this tomboy teenage fiction, but I admit it, I got SUCKED in. Books 1 and 2 were brilliant! And from what I have heard, the 3rd one is okay to skip :)

Lady Wines-day : Chardonnay

Happy Wines-day!
I thought we would kick off this section with my favorite white wine! A nice buttery Chardonnay. Tasting notes generally include creaminess, tropical fruit (pineapple , melon, citrus) and toasty oak.

So, when learning about wine and what you like, you have to try a variety of different kinds. I am a "recession proof" kind of gal. So, there are three staples in my life of affordable Chardonnays that anyone can afford and should try. I don't know anyone who doesn't like or appreciate BUTTER is cooking, desserts, etc. Falling in love with this type of wine gives you that rich taste without all the calories. My fella describes buttery chards as "two sticks of land-o-lakes in a glass" ... what's wrong with that ? NOTHING.
1) Bogle

The Bogle chardonnay is as classic as a Chanel suit. It is crisp , clean, and not over buttery. If you have a friend or partner that is not into Chardonnays , this wine will change their minds and be the peace maker between you! It like biting into an apple and having it turn into a butterscotch candy, and back to the apple. To light and lovely but pleases both the wino who loves an easy drinkable white and the wino who wants a white to say , "I'm here!"

2) Cupcake Chardonnay

This is HEAVENLY for $10.99. So rich and creamy. California knows how to do it! It finishes like you licked the butter off your plate. Smooth no "tinge" as I call it (You know where you swallow a wine and it feels a bit harsh?) None of that here... just creamy delicious-ness. This is a FAV amongst my clan of wine lovers!

3) J Lohr Chardonnay

Now, this is a happy medium between the two wines I have previously discussed. It's peachier than it is apple, and it has more vanilla than it does butterscotch. This was a chardonnay that taught me I had a love for chardonnays. Typically you will pay $12.99 or so for this. But it is great for drinking by itself, giving as a gift, or having at a party with apps (aka- appetizers!)

Do a tasting with these three with some friends and teach yourself what you might like in a Chardonnay! YUM YUM YUM

Please don't let your judgment of chardonnays be limited to Vendage... oof. Be nice to your tastebuds. More Jesus Juice notes next Wednesday!

Lady Wines-days!

 Look out for my Wines-day postings every Wednesday. I will be doing wine tasting notes for real people. None of these lofty "stone fruit with a hint of musk" descriptions will be used. We will just break it down in a REAL way.

Wine: aka : The Jesus Juice The Lord turned water into wine. It’s the best form of hydration I know. If I start showing up at the gym with a bottle of wine instead of a bottle of water… then someone should call me out.

Look forwrd to "juicing" with you. It is my favorite past time. 

XOXO

                      Her LadyMess

  

Lady Reads

Spiritual Reads:
 I love love love reading books on spirituality, self help, creativity, etc.
 My top five that every SOUL should read :

1) The Artist's Way , Julia Cameron
  Are you looking for a class or to get yourself into a routine where you exercise your inner artist? This book is an incredible 12 course in spiritual creativity. It always gets a rave review from everyone! It is challenging, inspiring, and helps you find all the possibilites that are available in yourself to be creative!

2) Return to Love, Marianne Williamson
   This shaped my thinking as a female. I read it when I was 18 years old and I think everyone should read it once a year. It talks of the love of self, body, mind, and soul. Marianne Williamson is THEE guru of positive lady energy and a spiritual goddess.

 3) Awakening to the Sacred, Lama Surya Das
   this book launched me into seeking out my spirituality rather than just accepting the lingering questions I had in my religion. It inspired me to find the TRUTH. Don't just accept what you have been told. Ask the questions and answers will follow.

 4) The Spirituality of Imperfection, Ketchum and Kurtz
   This was given to me as a gift when I held the position of a swing in all four US companies of Wicked! This book helped me breathe through the difficult task of accepting imperfection. I am a perfectionist and this position challaneged every part of my being. I had to get out of my own way, realize that I couldn't control every little aspect, and breathe into the beauty of being unable to change the outside factors. This book refers to AA alot, but strip away the "titles" and you will find that it had a lot to share about the unexpected path we refer to as life :)

 5) The Mystic Path to Cosmic Power , Vernon Howard
    This was a recent read for me and knocked my socks off. If you want a basic guide to how to be a beautiful human being, pick this up on amazon right away. Don't let the cover scare you... it does look a bit kooky. That being said, it breaks life and humanity down in such a simplistic and beautiful way! This is a MUST READ. Your heart and soul will thank you.

 So, start there LadyMess readers! More spiritual reads will follow. I love reading a variety of these books and challenging my thoughts, beliefs, and ideals. I encourage you to do the same.

Lady Rules

"Expect nothing, accept everything."

I heard this quote my junior year of high school and it has played an integral role in how I view life. You can't hold people to how you think they should act. Nor can you order life and the universe to give you something just because you feel you are entitled. Your life will be incredibly more peaceful if you just embrace the phrase, "Expect nothing, accept everything." Don't expect life to give over to your arrogance, but accept the beautiful bliss that comes your way. Look at every gift, encounter, experience as an unexpected treasure--  a special gift from the universe. 

Lady Rules

"Everyone has a 1/4 of a cup of crazy. It just depends on how you use it."

Everyone has their fair share of baggage, hurt, emotions, situations. No one is exempt from having their "moment". We all have our tales where we wish we acted differently or where we judged a friend on how they went about their business... but as my great acting teacher, K Jenny Jones, used to say, "When you are pointing a finger at someone else, there are three pointing back at you."  Go ahead. Physicalize it! Point your finger at something and notice what is pointing back. Call yourself out. You got a little crazy in ya too and it's GREAT! Use it for the greater good. This is where empathy is born, ladies. 

Lady Rules

"2 drink minimum, 4 drink maximum."
 No one likes a a slurring mess. Not cute. Know your limits. It's as simple as that. I am not a one drink kinda gal. I enjoy a rule of a two drink minimum. (There is a reason they have those at all comedy clubs and/or cabaret situations! It just makes your surroundings a little more interesting!) I will also say that 4 drinks should be a lady max. Some of you think you have the "high tolerance", but if you stand up and do a "ball change" (Definition: A move that consists of a change of weight between both feet. Body weight is transferred on the ball of one foot (usually placed behind), followed by a step on the other foot)
call yourself out and call it a night. Don't be the drunken mess. Be the LadyMess :)

Lady Rules

 


"Buy cheap, throw away often."
 This one came from my mama. She's a smart gal. This rule is referring to under garments, ladies. Let's be honest, we all know what happens down there. Why in the world should you spend a load of cash-ola on panties?? (Sorry if you are on of those people who have a problem with that world. I don't think underwear sounds very feminine!) Take yourself to a cheap and cheerful situation - AKA- 5 for $20 deals at places like Charlotte Russe! Victoria Secret also has a great semi annual sale for you to stock up at. Every time I pass that store, I go right in and buy myself a new set. then I go home and throw out any tattered or busted pairs. You should always feel like a million bucks "downstairs" and this is just the way to do it!

Lady Quotes

"I think it's every human's job to feed one another's senses. Inspiration begets inspiration times infinity. Imagine if the person that was inspired to create the photograph didn't share it with the world." - Jay-Z, Life and Times

 It was this particular quote that inspired me to begin my blog. This quote along with the support of a few friends telling me how vital it is that we all put our thoughts and ideas out there. That being said, welcome to Her LadyMess! A blog that I hope will inspire women to find the balance between their put together "Lady" and the mess that is life and embrace it. There is no "perfect woman". You have to love where you are right now. The lady in the mess!