Summer Sangria

I had a really good Sangria a while ago. I don't drink it often, but when I do, I remember how much I enjoy it. It always seemed like a lot of trouble to make though. I came across this recipe for Emeril's Sangria and thought I'd bite the bullet and just try it for a family party we were going to have. It does look a little intimidating because of all the ingredients but really it was pretty easy to throw together and definitely worth the effort, it was a hit! I'm sure I'll be making it again this summer and thought I'd share the recipe here if anyone else wants to try it.

Sangria
Ingredients
1 (750-ml) bottle red wine
1/4 cup brandy
1/4 cup orange flavored liqueur (recommended: triple sec or Grand Marnier)
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 orange, thinly sliced
1/2 lemon, thinly sliced
1 unwaxed apple, cored, and cut into thin wedges
1 (750-ml) bottle sparkling water, chilled

Directions
Combine everything but the sparkling water in a large plastic container or glass pitchers. Cover and chill completely, 1 to 2 hours. When ready to serve, add the sparkling water.

Goodbye to Michael Jackson

I can't believe I'm blogging about MJ. I have been complaining to my family lately of how sick I am of the constant coverage. It's been everywhere and getting old. I did not mean to watch the memorial for him today, it just sort of happened (as it was on EVERY single channel). But as I watched, I could not believe the amount of people who showed up to say good-bye. I heard on the news nearly a quarter of a million people were in and around the Staples center. Obviously they weren't all in the theater, but they just wanted to be a part of his farewell. When I saw his brother sing this song, my heart jumped up into my throat. It made me remember that this was somebody's brother. It was very emotional and a beautiful tribute.

This Is How I Feel Today

Having one of those days where it seems like nothing is going right. Anyone ever have one of those? Friday can NOT get here soon enough!

John Travolta Family Tragedy

This news story has haunted my thoughts today. While vacationing with his family in the Bahamas, John Travolta's son, Jett, died this morning. John Travolta has been one of my favorite actors since I fell in love with him in Grease. He was with his wife, Kelly Preston and their 2 children, 16 yr. old Jett and 8 yr. old Ella, celebrating the new year in the Bahamas. According to reports, his death resulted from a seizure and he couldn't be revived. I've seen so many interviews with Travolta and you can see the love for is family is so evident-he just beams with pride when he talks about them. As a parent, this really hits home, you never think that you will outlive your children. And only 16, he was just beginning his life. The Travolta family is in my thoughts and prayers today.

Happy New Year 2009!!!!!!!!!!

I know that technically it's New Year's Eve and that New Year's Day is tomorrow, but we're leaving soon to stay at a hotel with some friends for New Year's (no wild partying-more like kids at the waterpark type of New Year, but we'll still have a blast) and I probably won't be posting tomorrow. Wow, I won't blog again til next year! :)

I hope that anyone who comes across this blog today has a fun and safe New Year's!

Etch-A-Sketch Art

Remember Etch-A-Sketch? I think every kid growing up in the 70's had one. I HATED the Etch-A-Sketch, it frustrated me to no end. I was not coordinated enough to do much with it, it would take me quite a long time just to write my name. So just when I think I'm over the shameful memory of my Etch-A-Sketch failures, I see this while surfing the web today.





Are you kidding me?!?


I did not believe that this was made by a human, but then I found out it was indeed made by a human. Not just any human, however. This was made by the renowned Etch-A-Sketch artist George Vlosich, who is one of the most respected Etch-A-Sketchers in the world. I know you're probably laughing at the words "respected" and "Etch-A-Sketcher" in the same sentence, but it's true. His company has been commissioned to do an Etch-A-Sketch portrait of Obama. Amazing. If only I would have practiced more....

Lesson of the Day