SPARKLING WINES

When selecting a bottle of the bubbly, don't be overwhelmed by the choices. The different types reflect the land, climate, and method by which the wines are made. Here are some tips to help you choose and serve sparkling wines with panache.

 

The Basics

• All wines with bubbles are called sparkling, but the most popular is champagne. Other effervescent wines include cold duck, sparkling burgundy, and sparkling rosé. There are even some nonalcoholic sparkling wines available.
• Bubbles are what make the flavors of sparkling wines assertive, intensifying both the sweet and alcohol flavors. Smaller bubbles, found in better champagnes, live longer than larger ones, extending the pleasure derived from each glassful.
• Champagne is labeled by its level of sweetness. Brut is the driest champagne; extra-dry is slightly sweeter than brut, but still fairly dry. Sec or dry is of medium sweetness, and demi-sec is quite sweet. 

Pairing Sparkling Wines with Food

 Sparkling wines can be served before, during, or after a meal. Usually not as lean and sophisticated in taste as champagne, the softer sparkling wines are more versatile with food. In most instances, a sparkling wine can be substituted for a white wine.

• Since the delicacy of most bottles of bubbly can be overpowered by foods with sharp flavors, and sweeter bottlings make most foods taste sweet, serve a brut sparkler with hors d'oeuvres.
• With more acidic or spicy dishes, an extra-dry or demi-sec champagne with a hint of sweetness is ideal.

How Much to Buy

A 750-milliliter bottle of sparkling wine provides 6 generous glassfuls. If you're serving sparkling wine at a pre-dinner party, you'll want at least 1 bottle for every 3 or 4 guests. At a cocktail party with 6 guests, allow 2 or 3 bottles. For 24 guests, chill 8 to 12 bottles, and for 45 guests, try for 15 to 22 bottles.

Serving Sparkling Wines

 

• Sparkling wines must be cold for the bubbles to be at their best. Chill bottles in your refrigerator for 3 hours or place bottles in a bucket, tub, or sink filled with ice and water for 30 minutes.
• Narrow crystal flutes or tulip glasses are the glasses of choice for serving sparkling wines because they help conserve the bubbles. Their slender openings limit the exposed surface area, which helps keep the wine's bubbles lively longer. And, should your elbow be bumped during a party, sparkling wine in the proper glass is less likely to splash out.
• To open a bottle of sparkling wine, remove the foil from the wire cage that wraps the cork. Twist the tab to loosen the wire cage, and hold down the cork with a cloth napkin or kitchen towel. Tilt the bottle away from you at a 45-degree angle to allow space for expansion of the bubbles. Then, with the cloth over the top of the bottle, grasp the cork with one hand and gently twist the bottle with the other. Let the pressure in the bottle gently force out the cork. (The cork should ease out of the bottle with a whisper, never a pop!) The napkin will catch any bits of foam. Remember, always keep hold of the cork, never point the bottle at anyone, and never set a half-opened bottle aside to explode later.
• When pouring sparkling wine, pour slowly into a flute and fill it
  almost to the top. 

Glamour Galore: Old Hollywood GLAM Reception

I immediately knew I had to share it with all my glam readers, after all, she featured a...{wait for it}...

Old Hollywood Glam Reception!

I decided to go with this theme as a nod to the upcoming Oscars this Sunday.

I'm sure you can all imagine how much I LOVED all the delicious details of this event, especially since the chandelier design in the cocktail napkins remind me of one of our new business logos.

Not only do the tablescapes look gorgeous, but guests were even treated to a swag bag containing OPI Nail Polish, a shot glass, cocktail recipe card, and a mini bottle of Chambord {how chic is that!}.

There's glitz & glamour, sparkle & style, plus the glittering city of Hollywood all infused into one soirée. The end result? An event that's Fun, Fabulous, Fashionable & Fierce!

Credits:  Sponsors: Chambord, Venue: SLS Hotel, Flowers: Tick Tock, Photography: Pamela Masters

Aaliyah Movie Will Cover Intimate Details Of The Singer’s Life!! Aaliyah Movie Will Cover Intimate Details Of The Singer’s Life!!

Production with start in March and Keshia Chante (above) will play the role of Aaliyah

It has been reported that Warner Brother Films will be creating the motion picture of the late singer and actress Aaliyah who died in a plane crash in 2001. Aaliyah sold more than 32 million albums worldwide before her career was cut short. The film will be a biopic of the singers life. Bill Condon, director of “DreamGirls” will be directing the film.
“We are going to great extremities to make this movie perfect. We have Chante in extensive training studying, speaking with family members, watching personal footage and in choreography training with Aaliyah’s choreographer and dear friend Fatima Robinson. This movie will be seamless the same way it was for Selena fans who enjoyed Jennifer Lopez. I can promise Aaliyah fans that this movie will be ten notches higher.”
A source for the film reveals that they “will be going very deep into Aaliyah’s life” and will allow fans to see the “most intimate side of Aaliyah’s legacy.” Sources say the script for the film ‘holds no bars’ and will go as far as touching on the subject of Aaliyah’s highly debated and publicized marriage and annulment to producer R.Kelly.
It has also been confirmed Aaliyah’s colleagues will be featured in the film. Her choreographer Fatima Robinson, Producer and friends, Timbaland, Missy Elliot, Ginuwine, even world renowned music video director Hype Williams will be apart of the film and help re-create the “Rock The Boat” video set which was the last video Aaliyah ever shot. The movie is tentative to start production end of March and is rumored to have a production budget of over 80 million dollars.

 I can see a television movie, Aaliyah girl I love ya but I'm not ready for you and the BIG screen.

Prince Announces 'Welcome 2 America' Tour

 I just picked myself up off of the floor, so I'll let His Royal Flyness fill you in:

"If you've been to one of my shows, then you know what time it is [...] You need to come early and come often because every time we play it's always something new. I got a lot of hits. Bring friends, bring children, and bring foot spray because it's gonna be funky."

At a media event at the Apollo Theater in Harlem yesterday, Prince announced a concert series with Maceo Parker, Janelle Monáe, Mint Condition, Esperanza Spaulding, Cassandra Wilson, Lalah Hathaway and Sheila E. (He also debuted a new song, "Rich Friends," but we all know about his aversion to digital downloads.) The tour begins in December sometime but details about venues and dates were not provided. Get your money right so you can be prepared to snatch up your tickets when they become available. Welcome to America, indeed! 

Muller Infinity Ladies Watches 2010

Franck Muller is a famous Swiss watchmaker known for creating unique, complicated, and revolutionary timepieces. Timepieces by Franck Muller are noted for their fusion of modern style and traditional Swiss watch manufacturing. Recently, Franck Muller launched its Infinity Ladies Watches Collection for 2010. For women, Franck Muller has been focusing on colorful jewelry watches, and for men, the focus is all about sport and complications. Just have a look below on elegant timepieces from Infinity Ladies Watches Collection 2010.


These fashion timepieces, which is a bit of a departure from avant garde classicism, are new Infinity and the new Infinity Reka collection pieces. This Franck Muller women’s watches are all diamond covered in 18k white gold cases. Franck Muller Infinity Watches for 2010 has two basic shapes – tonneau-shaped case and new square design. Franck Muller calls tonneau-shaped as “Cintree Curvex” and square design as Infinity Reka. There is also an oval cased version available.


Watches are very attractive, and youthful in tone. Dials for these watches come in variety of styles and colors, with either Roman or Arabic numerals. These timepieces are serious evening attire, and more fun to wear and upbeat.


Case sizes ranges 25 – 50mm wide and inside the watches are Swiss quartz movements which makes them high quality watches. Franck Muller Infinity watches will not only look feminine on your wrist, but it will save your mountain of cash.

www.franckmullerusa.com

Zodiac Signs and Fashion

Zodiac signs tell so much about one’s personality, as well as a lot about fashion likes and dislikes. Whether you are a Scorpion, an Arian or a Libran, your personality reflects your style, fashion sense. By just looking at a person and observing what he or she is wearing, idea about his zodiac sign can be made. Each Zodiac sign has its exquisite Zodiac Fashion Sense.
Just Click your sun sign and enjoy Zodiac Fashion Ride.

Here are some interesting fashion points you want to know about your Zodiac sign, which clothing would be best for you, how to dress according to Zodiac sign, Zodiac signs and latest fashion trends, Zodiac fashion style, sun sign and fashion and lots more.

Aries (Mar 21 to Apr 19)
Arians are trend setters whether it is Aries fashion sense or anything else. They are born leaders. They like to draw attention by wearing sexy and bold styles but can sometimes look ridiculous with their wears. Arians love color red.
Aries Female: Women who are under this sign look great in beautifully tailored pieces like a great black suit or a structured skirt. Pairing it with accessories that are dramatic and vintage, eye popping can be a great idea.
Aries Male: Male likes to wear power suits and dress impeccably. Aries men look great in narrow trousers with a simple white shirt along with classic cufflinks. Aries man like power dressing to boost up confidence.

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Taurus (April 20 to May 20)
Taurus Fashion style is based on comfort. These folks give preference to comfort rather than latest style. They love to pamper themselves and are very sensuous, determined and reliable. Taurus persons like only high quality items like dresses in soft cottons and silky fabrics but always look out for sale to get hold of it.
Taurus Female: Female Taureans are practical and dependable. They like to go for dresses that are comfortable such as soft sweaters, jeans and denim fabrics. They adore jewelry and should accentuate neck and throat by going for gold chains, necklaces, nice neck ties and scarves.
Taurus Male: Male Taureans look perfect in formal wear and like to go for earthy colors like beige, browns and pastel shades that complement their attitude and mood. They look handsome in single breasted suit owing to their muscular build.

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Gemini (May 21 to June 20)
Gemini is owner of dual personality and are very flexible. They look good in everything as their personality favors all kinds of looks and styles. They like collecting lot of outfits in vibrant and funky colors. Gemini loves to collect purses. Gemini Fashion statement is based on flexibility.
Gemini Female:Women who are under Zodiac sign of Gemini loves wearing lot of accessories in hands like rings, bracelets etc. They are very flexible and can go even with a sexy old jeans or a designer gown. Gemini ladies love variety and should go for separates that can be mix matched with variety of outfits.
Gemini Male: Gemini males dress according to their changing moods. They look good even in a simple shirt and pants and also in black tie tux. They like dressing with contemporary twist to tradition.

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Cancer (June 21 to July 22)
Cancerians dressing sense is based on their mood. People with this water sign are sensitive, emotional, pretty, and soft and give importance to family. They don’t like to throw anything away and keep their clothes for sentimental connection. One will find many vintage things in their closet. Their style statement is entirely dependent on their mood. So, one could see them in black and white and even in very bright colored clothes.
Cancer Female: Cancerian female likes to stuff their wardrobe with vintage and pretty things. They love soft and pretty fabric. Female cancerian look stunning by wearing clothes with nice blend of fabrics like silk and cotton.
Cancer Male: Cancerian men, just like female Cancerian, love their vintage clothes and do not like to throw them away. Owing to sentimental value attached to each piece, they find an excuse to keep an old t-shirt or accessory. They look great in denim jeans with a cool and comfy T shirt.

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Leo (July 23 to Aug 22)
Leos live in style and have fetish for luxurious things. Leos fashion statement is based on luxury. They generally look out for designer labels and clothes that are dramatic and help them stand out and grab attention. Among colors, red and golds are their favorite and like to go for gold jewelry. Leos fashion sense is exquisite and they also like prints especially animal prints and why not after all they are Leos.
Leo Female: Leo women like to be center of attraction. For this, they dress up in bold colors and pose a dramatic look to be in limelight and look truly fantastic. Leo women are like dominant drama queens of the zodiac. They like to get admired and best way to do that is by dressing in attention grabbing luxurious clothes like gowns, bold and vibrant capris with tight top.
Leo Male: Lions love luxurious things and it is clearly visible in fashion sense of Leo men. Having a look at Leo men’s closet is a treat as it is filled with luxurious and expensive things. They look great in bold colors and silk suits.

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Virgo (Aug 23 to Sept 22)
Virgos are quite choosy about their clothes and look neat, perfect and polished as they pay a lot of attention to details. Virgo dressing style is very neat and perfect. It is not like Virgos look good only in formals, even in casuals, they look just perfect. Virgos do not like something too vibrant, flashy or tights. They choose the one that do not go out of style quickly. Best thing about Virgos are that they have the most organized closets among all zodiac signs.
Virgo Female: Virgo women are perfectionists. They carry themselves very well and are always seen in trendy clothes and most flattering fit. Virgo pull off a animal print dress very well and look fashionable. Virgos are quite picky when it comes to shopping. So they should go for classic items that have a lot of appeal and complement their personality as well. Virgo women look sensational in whatever they wear as they like to go for daring clothes.
Virgo Male: Virgo men should go for a three piece suit or button down collar shirt with black tie as it complements their personality. They can never be spotted in look that is not perfect like shirt with a stain.

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Libra (Sept 23 to Oct 22)
Libras are fashion conscious people and like to match pace with changing fashion trends. Librans are known to be romantic and are beauty conscious as well. Librans fashion style is based on latest fashion and both male and female librans love clothes, perfume and look very enticing in whatever they wear.
Libra Female: Libra women loves peace, luxury and jewelry and always look out for best accessories and clothes. They are very elegant, sophisticated and glamorous. Libra women fashion style is based on luxury so they should opt for dresses in jewel hues. Dresses in sheer fabric with lace looks good on them as it evoke their romantic personality.
Libra Male: Libra men always look awesome whether it is formal wear or casual wear. They like to follow contemporary style which is classy and just perfect. Libra man likes to wear tie matching with his shirt and choose his attire according to occasion.

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Scorpio (Oct 23 to Nov 21)
Words- Scorpio and Sexy are somewhat synonyms. They are actually sexiest of all the zodiac signs. Scorpio fashion style show their intense and passionate nature. They like to look different from cluster by dressing up in a way leaving something to the imagination. Scorpio male and female likes black color but look great in burgundy as well. They opt for clothes, footwear and accessories that are seductive.
Scorpio Female: Scorpio woman looks seductive in whatever she wears. She like to dress up in a way that show her strength. Scorpio women look best in strapless, velvet and crepe dresses. Black color suits them very well. Scorpio women should try to avoid loose outfits. Among footwear, thigh high boots and sexy high heels are their favorites.
Scorpio Male: Scorpio Males have lot of sex appeal and it is quite visible in their way of dressing. They like to exhibit their masculinity with tight T-shirts and jeans. For formal occasions, Scorpio Men should go for black suit.

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Sagittarius (Nov 22 to Dec 21)
Sagittarius folks love freedom and are not fussy when it comes to choosing clothes and accessories. They are always dressed up in casual attire and look out for clothes that are sport and comfy. Sagittarius fashion statement, sometimes amuse others. Among colors, they generally like purple color.
Sagittarius Female: Dynamic, direct, cool, casual and adventurous are words that best describe Sagittarius women fashion mantra. Sagittarius female are mostly spotted in faded jeans and sweatshirts along with comfy shoes. Ruffled blouse and long jean skirts will also look great on Sagittarius Female. Sagittarius girls like to opt for daring clothes in bright colors and low cut styles for night time.
Sagittarius Male: Sagittarius men’s fashion statement is based on what he likes. Owing to his freedom loving nature, Sagittarius men do not follow any fashion trend and opt for something that is contemporary as well as traditional. They like to experiment with their clothes and looks and like to show off their sporty spirit by wearing sweat shirts, jackets and flannel shorts.

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Capricorn (Dec 22 to Jan 19)
Capricorns are brand conscious people and give importance to designer labels, good quality clothing and are quite serious about their wardrobe. Capricorns would never step out in shorts or sweatpants unless it is branded. Capricorn like attention grabbing clothes that are well fitted but never opt for something too flashy. Capricorns are career oriented and spend a lot on luxurious and branded wallets, bags and office wear.
Capricorn Female: Capricorn women are career oriented, ambitious, set clear goals and are responsible. Capricorn women like sophisticated, stylish and professional kind of dresses. They should opt for accessories that complement their personality and act as status symbol.
Capricorn Male: Capricorn male looks great in black suit but can also carry off jeans and branded cotton t shirts quite well. They usually go for well fitted, tailored clothes and opt for branded wallets, briefcases and bags. Among colors, shades of brown and blue are their favorite. They should try to avoid man made fabrics.

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Aquarius (Jan 20 to Feb 18)
Aquarius style statement is quite different from other zodiac signs. They have unique fashion sense and are first one to wear latest fashion trends. Aquarians are independent, progressive and like to break fashion rules by wearing what’s hot in fashion. They like to wear what they feel look best on them and do not worry about what others will think about it. They like to be different and trendsetters.
Aquarius Female: Aquarius women shop for clothes that are trendy irrespective of their viability for next season. Aquarius girls break fashion rules for making their exquisite style statement. Aquarius female should go for funky, dramatic and colorful clothes and accessories that complement their personality. Dark colors look best on them and may go for geometric or single color dress for a stunning look.
Aquarius Male: Aquarius men wear latest fads and display their own style. Rather than what others think about what Aquarius man is wearing, his own sense of style is more important for him. Aquarians like unconventional dressing by mix matching clothes and look handsome too.

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Pisces (Feb 19 to March 20)
Caring, romantic, dreamy, emotional, creative are the words that best describe Pisces. Pisces are very romantic and this quality make them great companions too. Pisces people always go for clothes that reflect their personality. They should look out for fabric that accentuate their body. Pisces, both male and female adore shoes and like to have closet full of shoes. They rule feet and are daydreamers too.
Pisces Female: Pisces women are romantic and like to go for delicate and soft fabrics in shades of turquoise, blue or green. Pisces fashion style is glamorous and feminine. They are artistic and adore gold, silver and precious gemstones jewelry. They like wearing skirts and dresses with scarf tied to wrist.
Pisces Male: Pisces Men like to go for comfy outfits like denims rather than suits. Pisces men should go for contemporary yet traditional look for formal wear. Pisces male gives preference to wear-ability rather than fashion trends.