The Perfect Pumpkin Muffin?

I'm on the lookout for the perfect Pumpkin Muffin recipe. While I'm not willing to give up the (forgive me for using this word because I HATE it) moist consistency, I don't want cups of sugar and oil in the recipe. I tried one from WholeLiving.com and it was terrible. It was really heavy and didn't have much flavor. I am willing to admit that I used baking Splenda instead of sugar, but I am not willing to accept that it was the reason for the failed recipe. I was just sent another recipe from a Facebook friend. I'll post it if it passes the test! :)

Keeping it All in Perspective....

I get an e-newsletter called "DailyOM", and while I have stacks and stacks of them to catch up on reading, I did read the one that I got today. And it was just what I needed, so I thought I'd post it...

"The choices you make upon waking can have a profound impact on your day. If, still drowsy, you hit the ground running, rushing to prepare yourself to face your worldly obligations, you will likely feel fatigued and overwhelmed for most of your day. A leisurely and relaxing morning, on the other hand, can energize and excite you, as well as give you the courage to meet the challenges waiting for you. By beginning your day in a focused and centered fashion, you make it your own. You set the tone of your expectations and choose the mood you will use to respond to your circumstances. A gentle, reflective, and thoughtful morning will prepare you to create a gentle, conscious, and thoughtful day."

Inaugural Crush Party

This weekend we started what might be a new tradition. We got a big group together and had our inaugural Crush Party! In an effort to celebrate the grape crushing season and harvest, each couple brought a bottle of red and white wine from a specific country. We shared a little bit about each of them and then drank! It was a unique way to get to try some new wines. We also had an abundance of cheeses for the tastings. The most popular by far was the St Andre cheese with a fig spread that we also found at Whole Foods. Highly recommended!

Our wine list was as follows:

Country	Brand	Varietal	Year
Whites
Argentina	Zolo	Torrontes	2008
France	Chateau Routas	Rose	--
France	Chateau Bonnet	Savignon Blanc
Italy	Riando	Prosecco Raboso	--
Napa	Cuvaison	Chardonnay	2007
New Zealand	Giesen	Sauvignon Blanc	2008
Spain	Burgans	Albarino	2007
Reds
Argentina	Finca Decero	Malbec	2006
France	Chateau de la Chaize	Brouilly	2006
Italy	Nipozzano	Chianti	2005
Napa	Smith-Madrone	Cabernet Sauvignon	2003
New Zealand	Kim Crawford	Pinot Noir	2007
Spain	Marques de la Concordia	Tempranillo	2006

The Great Jeans Search

While I'm sure that everyone who knows me would be quite surprised by this, the jeans search for me is drama. I say the first part of that with sarcasam, as there is drama to most things in my life. Not intense emotional drama, but just enough complication and commotion to keep me entertained. However, I do have to give props to the website that made this most recent search for jeans possible. Zappos.com. I have a small obsession with this site. Get this - free overnight shipping. AND free shipping to return what you don't want! Since the site sells so may different brands, it's like hitting the mall from your computer. So, they now carry jeans AND shoes. I was able to find my beloved Rock & Republic jeans, in the very dramatic 36" inseam. Perfection. Proceed with caution! ;)

Fashion for a Cause

Tonight I am going with Jessica to Tootsies. While it sounds like an old ladies bar, it's actaully a very high end retail store. The name has totally turned me off, as I have never been. (It really has NOTHING to do with the cost of the clothes that they sell there...really.) We'll be "shopping" for a cause and enjoying a formal runway show to benefit The Chelko Foundation. The mission of the foundation is to empower women through art, education, and partnership in creating a better life for themselves and their children. I can get behind that! :)

Free KibbleKat

I've successfully made this a part of my daily routine - feed my cats, and then feed some cats that aren't so lucky. At this website all you have to do is answer a piece of trivia and they donate 10 pieces of kibble to animal shelters. AND you don't even have to get the answer correct in order for them to donate! (That would be too much pressure for me!)

Feed a Cat! Click Here.

Vamp-tucket 2009

I left Robert with the shed building in August, in order to take my annual Nantucket adventure with Jessica. I can sum up this trip with only one word, "Edward". Jessica and I started the Twilight series and almost finished the series in the course of the week! Over 1,000+ pages for this non-reader is a pretty hearty accomplishment. They are pretty much the best books I've EVER read. Not only did we read the books, but also watched the move AND downloaded the soundtrack. Ridiculous. We were like pre-teens again!? Expect that to pick back up on 11/20 at 12:01 when the New Moon movie comes out - and we're right there in line with the 12 year olds.

We also had our annual lobster night, attended the Boston Pops concert at Children's Beach, participated in a speed-round wine tasting at Cisco Brewery and had our onion rings at the Yacht Club with Grandpop. We had lots more time at home this year, as the economy had hit the island and reduced the number of cocktail parties and dinners out. We took advantage of that and corraled Bonton and Grandpop into teaching us how to play Hearts and Gin. We definitely need some practice!