Happy Summer! For a few weeks I've been working on making the perfect summer cocktail. I've narrowed it down to my top two favorites. The herbed sugar rim on both of these is inspired by my favorite martini in Las Vegas, the Lavender Basil Lemon Drop at the Bellagio in the Petrossian Bar. Enjoy!!! Please drink responsibly. Don't drink and drive. This information is for people over the age of 21. Pregnant women should not drink alcohol. -As Noted by Me-

Wine Sauvignon Blanc -The history of Sauvignon Blanc- Serve at 44-54° When I think of SUMMER, I think of Sauvignon Blanc. A cool pour of a bright "Blanc" with the condensation of the summer's warm air growing on the glass. The acidity makes it ultra refreshing...think lemonade on a hot day. The roots of Sauvignon Blanc are thought to be born in the Loire Valley in France. It is now widely grown in many regions of the world and each region produces it's own unique characteristics in their pour. Sauvignon Blanc is second in popularity amongst white wines with Chardonnay being the most popular. You'll immediatly notice the slight green tint of a Sauvignon Blanc when compared to the more golden tint in a glass of Chardonnay. Most California Sauvignon Blancs will give you that touch of oak that Chardonnay can bring, while most from New Zealand, Australia, Chile or South Africa bring the crisp acidity consistent with a Sauvignon Blanc. Sweet Spot Sauvignon Blanc - Kia Ora Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc - $13.99 This New Zealand (Marlborough) born wine will get you hooked on Sauvignon Blanc with it's bright taste but balance in a light body. It's summer in a glass with the fruit you taste with the first sip. Serve this with a charcuterie spread or shrimp cocktail! Special Day Sauvignon Blanc - Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc - $51.99 A long time favorite of mine, Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc is the literal star of the show (even when the "Big Reds" show up). For a special occasion, my friends reach for this bottle again and again. This Sonoma County wine is fruity yet has more body than your average Sauvignon Blanc. I get a taste of honey within a glass of this, depending on what I'm eating while sipping. For your friends who don't think they like Sauvignon Blanc (or prefer Chardonnay) try this one! It offers the bright, acidic taste of a fruity Sauvignon Blanc while having an almost creamy Chardonnay balance, too. Serve this with strawberry shortcake for a perfect combination. Food Pairing If a lovely glass of your favorite Sauvignon Blanc was searching for the perfect mate, here is what should be on that list. Meats: chicken, turkey Seafood: scallops, oysters Veggies/Fruits: green apples, asparagus Spices/Herbs: chives, cilantro, tarragon Cheeses : gruyere, plain goat cheese Sauces: citrus, briny sauces Dessert: key lime pie, lemon bars/cake, strawberry shortcake Cocktail Gin & Tonic The drink of the summer :: The Classic G&T Be creative and try different gins, different tonics, and different garnishes. I'm loving the "Indigo or Empress Gin" for a gorgeous, colorful cocktail. Mocktail Free AF Brand G & T I found this brand on Amazon and it came in a sleeve, one of several N/A cocktails. This one is GOOD and a very close representation of a "Classic Gin & Tonic". Give it a try, you won't even miss the gin. Please drink responsibly. Don't drink and drive. This information is for people over the age of 21. Pregnant women should not drink alcohol. -As Noted by Me-

The Friendship Club by Robin Carr Read with me! July's selection is The Friendship Club by Robin Carr. "Four women come together at a tumultuous time in their lives, forging an unbreakable bond that will leave them all forever changed." This is the tag line you will see if you search the book online. We all need that group of friends that will be there when the sh*t hits the fan. Four women stare down the crossroads of their lives and lean on each other to move on. They are all unique but similar, strong yet needy, and successful yet venerable. I found a few of the characters to be a bit annoying, but that imitates real life, I suppose. While The Friendship Club  isn't my favorite novel written by Robin Carr, it is a good, fast summer read and a lovely "women's fiction" title for you to enjoy. It leaves you thankful for those bonds you have built in your life to lean on when in need. Robin Carr is the famed author of the series Virgin River  (I highly suggest the books if you're a fan of the Netflix series). HAPPY READING! Book Review Questions for June First Lie Wins What are your thoughts about Evie (real name Lucca) as a protagonist? Did you feel she made growth from the beginning of the novel to the end? Of all the jobs Evie has performed, why did Ryan get under her skin? Do you see Evie and Ryan lasting? Why or why not? The story jumps back and forth and switches timelines in a way to give a clearer picture of Evie’s past and work with Mr. Smith. Did you like the various timelines or did you find it confusing at times? What does Evie mean by “first lie wins?”

This is the perfect way to use your ripe avocados! Breakfast!!! You'll find this recipe is super flexible to use what you have in your refrigerator. The most important thing is to use a ripe (not even slightly hard) avocado to get the warm, soft texture you need to take these to the next level. YUM!!! My son loves them with salsa verde and I love them with hot sauce and a drizzle of honey!

Wine Rosé -The history of Rosé- Serve at 45-55° Think multiple personalities when it comes to this month's wine. Rosé can be produced using several different red wine grapes, making the tastes and colors widely unique. It also can be still, sparkling, sweet or dry. Rosé can rock any hat you want it to wear! The earliest known Rosé dates back to Greece 4000 BC. They were thought to have diluted their red wine to get a paler hue. The Provence Region of Southern France became the Rosé capital in 600 BC after the Romans began to share their Rosé concoction. Rosé Champagne made it's debut in 1784 and in the 1900's more sweet styles became popular with Portuguese producers getting into the game. Today, the blazing popularity of Rosé has resulted in a $3 billion plus industry with the variety and quality improving and changing equally as fast. It's popularity has been credited to the marketing of Provence's Rosé as must drink, seasonal wine that is approachable, fun and versatile. Rosé Production : Did your favorite red & white just have a baby? Many believe to produce Rosé you mix white and red wines. Nope, no, notta (well, maybe). Rosé wines are not commonly a mixture of the two, rather most are made the way red wines are made. The four most common ways to produce Rosé are: The Maceration Method: This is the most commonly used method for production of Rosé. The red grapes are harvested, sorted and de-stemmed and then they all rest or "macerate" in a container for a specific amount of time. This time has a vast range (often 2-72 hours) and when the desired color or "blush"is achieved, the juice is removed and made into a Rosé wine. The Provence Region of France is most famous for this style of production. The Saignée or "Bled" Method: For this method, the process is the exact same as the above "maceration method",, but the intention of this method is to produce a red wine. During the first few hours of production of the red wine, a specific amount of the juice is removed and placed into a separate container. This juice is made into a Rosé wine, while the original container continues into red production, and with time being much more intense in concentration. This method is used in the Napa Valley and Sonoma California Wine Region and are often found labeled as American Syrah Rosé and Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé. The Direct Press Method: Also known as Vin Gris (gray wine), makes the most delicate in color of Rosé. The red grape is crushed, pressed and used immediately (similar to a white wine method). A delicate pale pink emerges with no tannins, ensuring a fresh, light wine. The Blending Method: In the Champagne Region of France, they often use the blending method. It is exactly what you would assume as they blend a specific amount of red wine and white wine to make Rosé wine. In this region it is common to add Pinot Noir (around 5 %) to Chardonnay Champagne to produce a Rosé Champagne (my favorite favorite favorite Champagne - thank you, France.) Be right back...I'm running out to find some Rosé Champagne. Throwing Shade: Rosé can be peachy to light plum, pale blush to salmony pink and depending on the red grape and production style, it can range in color, aroma and taste. I'm sharing with you the vast difference the color of a Rosé can present. These are the two wines this month side by side. In my tasting, I will say the Ava Grace had a bit more floral than the Whispering Angel, but they both were fruity and soft. If you are a Rosé fan you will enjoy both! Sweet Spot Rosé - Ava Grace Rose 2021 - $8.99 This California Rosé (from the Pinot Noir grape) is fruit forward, delicate and not too sweet. It makes it a great option for the sangria this month. I liked the subtle hints of berries, apricot and citrus with this one and yet it stayed just a touch dry. This would be really good served with a spicy plate of nachos and at under $10, it is a steal! Special Day Rosé - Whispering Angel 2022 - $24.99 One of the most popular (and loved) Rosé options you'll find is our Special Day selection, Whispering Angel. It hails from the Provence Region of France and is produced using the Grenache grape. It has been referred to "The Standard" for a Provence Rosé. The pale, lovely color is the perfect precursor to the soft, peachy and strawberry forward taste, while staying crisp. Bring this to your next BBQ! Rosé & Food With the crisp freshness of your favorite white and the flavors of your favorite red, Rosé makes pairing with food easy. Salty...yes! Sweet...yes! Spicy...yes! Fuller bodied and deeper colored Rosé is great with grilled protein and veggies. Want to get spicy? Serve a more delicate or sparkling Rosé to balance the heat. Both options are great with desserts and especially a citrus or fruit dessert. Go crazy...Rosé is the choice for your favorite foods. Food Pairing If a lovely glass of your favorite Rosé was searching for the perfect mate, here is what should be on that list. Meats: peppery prime rib, charcuterie Seafood: crab cakes, salmon Veggies/Fruits: eggplant, asparagus, grilled vegetables Spices/Herbs: thyme, rosemary Cheeses : feta, cheddar, any soft cheese like Brie Sauces: white sauces, pesto Dessert: chocolate lava cake, fruit tart Cocktail Strawberry Rhubarb Sangria This sangria is a fun way to use your crop of strawberries and rhubarb! I've tried this with white wine and Rosé. I prefer Rosé, but they are both incredible!! Use the freshest ingredients you can find! Mocktail NA Sparkling Rosé (Grum) This is a great option if you're wanting a bubbly, non-alcohol option for a Rosé. It is not sweet, so it would be great to use with this month's sangria. The sweet simple syrup in the sangria would add just the right balance. Please drink responsibly. Don't drink and drive. This information is for people over the age of 21. Pregnant women should not drink alcohol. -As Noted by Me-

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston Read with me! June's selection is First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston. In this thriller you'll meet Evie Porter, a nice southern girl who has the white picket fence, perfect boyfriend, fun group of friends...or does she? Does Evie even exist? This quick, entertaining read takes you on a roller coaster with Evie and her boyfriend Ryan through their dangerous twists and turns. Buckle up, Mr.Smith is in charge. In all reality, does the first lie ever really win? HAPPY READING! Book Review Questions for May Remarkably Bright Creatures How does the theme of Tova's loneliness show a need for human and non-human connection throughout the book? What did you learn from Tova about dealing with Erik's death and the questions surrounding the facts vs assumptions? How does Marcellus' (non-human) perspective offer depth to the story? How does this novel suggest that family transcends biological connections and often flourishes within chosen bonds?

Botanically (fun word, right?) the star of spring shows up on your dessert plate as if we don't know the masquerade at hand. It is a vegetable on the technicality that it is grown in the ground and has no seeds. In my home we shall treat her as the QUEEN that she is and SWEETEN her with SUGAR! The "red celery", as my kids like to refer to it, is easy to use in desserts or sauces and you'll often find it coupled with berries. I love to make simple syrup to add to lemonade or your favorite cocktail. Try it, you'll be obsessed! It stores nicely in a bag (for about a week) in your refrigerator and if you have a bumper crop, it freezes really well!!! Save that good stuff for the off-season! But, don't be eatin' the leaves!! They are toxic. Today I'm sharing my Rhubarb Cheesecake. I like to serve it with a big scoop of my Strawberry Rhubarb Glaze. I also use the glaze on vanilla ice cream or sometimes I've been known to just eat it by the spoonful. Happy rhubarb season!!!

A review of six marinara sauces readily available to you in the grocery store. Marinara Sauce (24 oz) Yields 5 servings (1/2 cup each) COLD TASTE TEST (COLOR & TEXTURE) HOT TASTE TEST "STICK TO PASTA" TEST Good & Gather (Target Label) $1.99 First three ingredients: tomato puree, diced tomatoes in juice, canola oil NO ADDED SUGAR 5 g sugar per serving Ragu $2.39 First three ingredients: tomato puree, salt, olive oil 1 g added sugar 7 g sugar per serving Bertolli $2.49 First three ingredients: tomato puree, diced tomatoes in juice, onion 2 g added sugar 7 g sugar per serving Prego $2.59 First three ingredients: tomato puree, diced tomatoes in juice, sugar 4 g added sugar 9 g sugar per serving Raos $7.39 First three ingredients: Italian whole peeled tomatoes, olive oil, onions NO ADDED SUGAR 4 g sugar per serving Carbone $8.29 First three ingredients: imported Italian tomatoes, onions, olive oil NO ADDED SUGAR 5 g sugar per serving COLD TASTE TEST (COLOR & TEXTURE) I did a cold taste and texture test to see how the taste could vary between each sauce when the temperature changed. I was surprised to see the taste did change enough to change my order of preference compared to the hot taste test. Here are my thoughts on flavor and texture of the marinara before heating. RAO's -$7.39 - RAO's was the clear flavor favorite for me in this category. The freshness you get from the first taste confirms the first three ingredients are tomatoes, olive oil and onion. The texture was a tie for the best with my number two, Carbone. They both showcase a slightly smooth texture, while having the perfect amount of tomato chunk to show you they use the real thing. 2. Carbone - $8.29 - Coming in second place for cold taste, this one was great, but just not as fresh tasting as RAO's. It was a tie for best texture with RAO’s. 3. Good & Gather - $1.99 - Awesome texture and tomato flavor. 4. Ragu - $2.39 - Weirdly watered down texture. 5. Bertolli - $2.49 - Very chunky texture. Good marinara flavor, but a texture more like a jar of salsa. 6. Prego - $2.59 - Extremely sugary taste. Very apparent this one is the highest in sugar content of all six sampled. It’s texture was watery and similar to Ragu. HOT TASTE TEST/STICK TO PASTA TEST I was surprised to see the taste did change enough to change my order of preference compared to the cold taste test. The biggest difference I tasted was the herb flavor in some of the sauces was much more forward when hot. Here are my thoughts on the flavor of each marinara when served hot with pasta (and the stick to pasta test) 1.RAO's -$7.39 - Unmatched in this group when served hot and the stick to pasta test was also a big win for RAO's. 2. Good & Gather - $1.99 - The Good & Gather jumped up to number two in the hot taste test because of the balance of tomato and herb flavors that I enjoyed. It stuck really well to the pasta, too! 3. Carbone - $8.29 - I was a little puzzled on this after it was heated. It lost the freshness and became blah. The stick to the pasta test was great and the herb flavor was there, but just not enough fresh tomato flavor to keep the number two spot. 4. Bertolli - $2.49 - The Bertolli sauce redeemed itself in the hot test. It was herby and fresh without being over powering or sweet. If you enjoy more textured (chunks) you'll enjoy this one. 5. Ragu - $2.39 - Very little tomato flavor while being too smooth and watered down. 6. Prego - $2.59 - Sugary, way too herby and no textutre. My clear favorite is Rao’s ($7.39), winning the cold, texture, hot and stick to pasta test. If you’re looking for the best value of the six sauces, it's the Good & Gather from Target ($1.99). It is surprisingly full of tomato flavor, has a great texture and a great price point!

Mother :: a noun, verb and an adjective. How cool is that? But mostly, I think the word mother is a feeling. It’s that warm, wrap you up in a blanket kind of love. Today we celebrate mothers; my mother, your mother, you and me. For those who miss their mom, I celebrate your strength. Whether it be your first Mother’s Day without her or your 25th, the longing you feel in your heart to hear her voice is the loudest noise. For those who are struggling to be a mom, through conception or adoption, I celebrate your bravery. Continue to be brave in your struggle. I am praying for you. For those of us who are walking through each phase of this journey we call motherhood, I celebrate our commitment to the goal. The goal to raise them up, set them free, and watch them fly. Never underestimate the power we hold as mothers. Celebrate yourself today! We’ve earned it.

Wine Viognier -The History of Viognier- Serve at 50-52° Pronounced "vee-own-yay" or "vee-ohn-yay" If you're looking for an alternative to the common place Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio, let me introduce you to their stepsister, Viognier. Like Chardonnay, Viognier is from both the Old World (France's Rhone Valley) and the New World (California, Washington, Virginia and Australia). You will find the biggest difference in these two regions shows in the floral and fruity tones you'll find in a New World Viognier. Most Viognier are found to be medium to low acidity and often relatively high in alcohol content. Like Chardonnay from last month, Viognier can range in flavor when aged in stainless steel compared to oak. As a rule of thumb, if you're looking for bright and fruity, go for stainless steel. If a Viognier with more body and notes of vanilla and spice is your thing, then opt for an oak-aged bottle. Overall, Viognier is full of fruit aroma, is very flavorful and pairs well with spicy foods. Sweet Spot Viognier - 2021 Yalumba "Y" Viognier - $12.99 This Australian wine is a great way to introduce yourself to Viognier because of it's price point- it drinks like a much more expensive wine. I love the light touches of peach and lemon and yet somehow it stays smooth. I enjoyed it with fried chicken and it was PERFECTION! Special Day Viognier - 2019 Bougetz Cellars 'Belle Reve' Yates Family Vineyard Viognier - $39.99 This Napa Valley wine is a little harder to find, but worth it. It's an easy match with many foods, making it even more desirable. It is smooth, like the Yalumba "Y" Viognier, but has a subtly sweet touch that brings a touch of honey. This makes it awesome with spicy and rich foods. Food Pairing If a lovely glass of your favorite Viognier was searching for the perfect mate, here is what should be on that list. Meats: smoked meats, grilled chicken Seafood: lobster, grilled mahi mahi Veggies/Fruits: mango, pineapple Spices/Herbs: basil, garlic Cheeses : fresh mozzarella, goat cheese Sauces: white sauces, Thai peanut Dessert: tiramisu, cheesecake Try a glass of your favorite Viognier with my Thai Peanut Noodle Salad Cocktail Blueberry Thyme Tom Collins Mocktail Blueberry Thyme Tom Collins Mocktail Please drink responsibly. Don't drink and drive. This information is for people over the age of 21. Pregnant women should not drink alcohol. -As Noted by Me-

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt Read with me! May's selection is Remarkably Bright Creatures  by Shelby Van Pelt. Prepare to be charmed by Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus that literally wraps you around his heart. I have mixed feelings about the human characters in this one, but I can tell you it is a beauty when it comes to believing in second chances at a redeemable life. I'm excited for you to explore the Pacific Northwest, get to know Tova, and feel the wide range of emotion that a grieving mother navigates while she ultimately finds some closure (and a best friend with eight arms). HAPPY READING! Book Review Questions for April Lessons in Chemistry How did the author bring life to the characters? What themes continue to come up throughout the book? There are many times this book caught me off guard. What was your favorite? The author has made it known she is not a fan of the selected book cover. What are your thoughts? Can you say you judged this "book by it's cover"?

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus Read with me! April's selection is Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. Chances are, if you're into reading, you've heard of this one (or already read it). Cover to cover, you'll be mesmerized by Elizabeth's world. This is GIRL POWER, science loving, man's world BS in the 50s & 60s. You're going to want to be quirky Elizabeth Zott's friend as she blows open the doors for women in science (or tries to). She unapologetically voices her blunt opinions on what was then considered socially normal and expected by women. Her opinions on religion vs science are a very controversial sticking point with many that have decided this book isn't for them. These are Elizabeth's views and it's how she sees her world. Her views don't mean you need to think like her and her views don't make your views less significant. This is EXACTLY why you need to read this book. It presents perspective into how others think and why. As you read this incredible book, think about the character development and why each is so important to the story. I was so invested in each one's contribution to Lessons in Chemistry. "Chemistry is change. Whenever you start doubting yourself, whenever you feel afraid, just remember. Courage is the root of change - and change is what we're chemically designed to do." - Elizabeth Zott Grab this one and enjoy. Elizabeth is a genius...quite literally. Supper at Six!! HAPPY READING! Book Review Questions for March's The Watchmaker's Daughter How did the author bring life to the characters? What do you think of the title? Is it misleading? Would you have named it something else? What themes continue to come up throughout the book? Would this make for a good movie?