Wine Parties: A Day in the Life Sunday

With Thanksgiving in the rear view mirror, there is one gathering I look forward to every year to get me in the holiday mood - the annual wine party. For over 25 years, friends of ours have hosted a wine party after Thanksgiving. We didn't know them when they first started but we do now and we've be partaking in tradition the last few years.

Photo credit: iStockphoto

Photo credit: iStockphoto

It goes like this: the hosts purchase the wine and the guests bring the appetizers. We introduce the wines, taste the wines, eat food that pairs (mostly) with the wine, talk with each other, talk about the wine - and repeat.

It's great.

Wanting a reason to get together more often, we've expanded to include beer-tasting and a martini party. Now, we're tossing around the idea of Bloody Marys in the late winter/early spring and rum/vodka based drinks on the river in summer.

So, a finance, engineering, logistics and HR walk into a wine party. Finance calculates cost per bottle of a homemade wine, engineering assesses the wine-making equipment and overall process safety, logistics calculates supply and demand, and HR . . . .

What does HR do?

More important, what's your favorite adult-beverage themed party?

By: Lisa Rosendahl

Chicago Rerun: A Day in the Life Sunday

Today is the last day of a girls weekend in Chicago. Last year it was new friends, Frye boots and girl-time. This year it's much more of the same. Some of the faces may change but truth remains - there is nothing quite like a weekend with the girls.

​iStockphoto

​iStockphoto

My shopping list includes a chunky gold bracelet, new shoes, a walk through Tiffany & Co and my rejuve centers on girl talk, spa time and not thinking about anything but the steak dinner I am sure to have. FaceTime will keep me in touch with the clan as I scope things out for a big/little girl weekend with the kid in July.​

How'd the weekend go? I don't know since I am writing this before I leave but if last year was any indication, it was be great! When you read this, I'll be heading over to the spa for a massage and facial. Be jealous!

What have you done for yourself lately?​