Remember when you were a kid and every creation you brought to life with your hot little (ink stained, glue covered) hands was a masterpiece? I mean, really, every piece of crap purple tree or popsicle stick animal was a refrigerator work of art you could be proud of. Personally (I don’t mean to brag or anything) I was the best at drawing these flat-headed dogs that my mom just loved.

But for some reason, as I’ve gotten older, that bright light of creativity has dwindled away and in it’s place is an almost fear of trying. I swear, social media has given me a complex about attempting to do this thing I used to do happily, with abandon. Damn you Pinterest bitches!

Good thing I’m about to be related to the craftiest queen bee of them all. You may have pulled off the ultimate Housewives style kid’s birthday party but this chick made her own wedding dress. Beat that. And she absolutely LIVES for this stuff. So it’s no surprise she has great ideas about things like wedding favors. Wedding favors, are you kidding me? I was definitely not planning to go down that road, but she somehow twisted my arm. And, amazingly, the design part was all me – total lightbulb moment. Maybe there’s a tiny bit of that child artist left in me after all.

So here’s a sneak peek. If you’ve been paying attention you should know by now that I like wine. And I have a ton of used wine bottles and corks laying around. Turns out I also have this thing with ampersands…as in Mr. “&” Mrs., His “&” Hers, Husband “&” Wife. My dilemma was just how to tie the two together, and then DING, there it was, lightbulb!

Want to steal my idea? Ok, but only if your big day or other favor-worthy occasion is scheduled after May 27th, pinkie swear. All you need is a few corks, a sharp serrated knife for slicing the corks, a cute stamp, ink pad, wine charm rings, and some beads.

Now on to the SOTW…

2011 Pont Neuf “Les Rouges” (Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache, Rousanne blend)

Cost: Splurge! It’s $49.99 according the internet (darling fiancé- a.k.a. my “wine daddy”-gets it through his wine club membership though so that makes it way cheaper and totally justified in opening on a random Thursday, right?)

Smells/tastes like: Red flavors are always harder for me to pinpoint than white for some reason, and this one seems especially so, contradictory even. Dark and smoky, yet sweet and fruity all at the same time. Basically, yum.

Other fun facts: Pont Neuf also makes the most delicious Chardonnay I’ve ever tasted. Think Rombauer is as good as it gets? One sip of this stuff on a lovely summer night might make you question everything you ever thought you knew.

Best Occasion: It certainly wasn’t bad wedding favor making fuel but it would be better shared over a romantic dinner with your significant other. Valentine’s day anyone?

Not that my huge follower base is counting or anything but it’s been a long nine days since I posted last – major newbie blogger fail. Apparently my creative juices are not fueled by the detoxifying cleanse I’ve been on the last seven days (read: water, fruit, vegetables, nuts & seeds). While it’s an amazing reset and I totally recommend it for anyone who needs a hand breaking the post-holiday sugar addiction, it ain’t easy!

Interested? Learn more here: Whole Living Action Plan

So after seven very restricted, hungry days, mama earned her date night and the long awaited cheat meal. And-bonus!- on the menu was a wine I had never heard of and just had to try.

J. Scott Pinot Blanc

Cost: Under $25

Smells/tastes like: If you like Chardonnay but are in the mood for something a little lighter, you’ll like this. Light-medium bodied, soft in the mouth, with hints of pear. Excellent seafood wine (seared scallops please!).

Other fun facts: Pinot blanc is a white wine grape. Like Chardonnay it produces a similar medium- to full-bodied style of wine with good acidity, and responds well to oak maturation. Pinot Blanc’s characters include apple and almond, and sometimes a touch of smokiness, although – like Chardonnay – it is a palette for winemaker intervention, and flavors often depend on style.

Best Occasion: Definitely dinner with the girls if you’re fancy, or just drinking with the girls if not because this one definitely does not need food to hit the spot. Enjoy!

Welcome to the first installment of this weekly post showcasing a favorite, new, or in some way noteworthy wine, based solely on this girl’s humble opinion. Each week’s selection will detail one or more of the following characteristics: cost, food pairing ideas, smells/tastes like, suggested best occasion for pouring, and any other fun tidbits I can dig up. Happy sipping!

SOTW #1: A Bubbly New Year

Scharffenberger Brut Excellence Sparkling Wine (California)

Cost: under $25

Best Occasion: A casual celebration for two that definitely doesn’t warrant the good stuff but still requires some bubbles. You know, like binge watching the latest Netflix series in your pajamas until 9pm east coast New Year’s, clinking glasses with hubby, then happily crawling into bed. Ah, parenthood.

Other Fun Facts:

1. Anyone who’s anyone–well, anyone who’s seen Wayne’s World at least–knows that true Champagne can only come from the Champagne region in France, making every other bubbly just a mere sparkling wine. Not that this matters to me…champs is champs and you can’t ring in the New Year without it.
2. In either case, the traditional method (also known as methode champenoise ) refers to how the bubbles are made. Different methods of production are used to create other fun bubbly drinks like sparkling water and Prosecco.
3. Last but not least, unfortunately the champs is one where you do get what you pay for. The cheaper the bottle, the bigger the hangover. So buyer beware.