Snort This.

If it's true that humans have 3000 thoughts a day, is it possible that over 2000 of mine are associated with wine? Well, I hate to be the one to break it to you, but it's not only possible, it has me leaning on the right side of, ah... savant-like behaviour people.  I am what many would call... gifted.

And apparently, though it is even rarer than the savant condition itself, some savants have no evident abnormalities other than their unique abilities.  How-a-bout that folks?  Rare indeed.

Yes, after all these years of racking my soft little gray matter, trying to find something I was good at, it hit me.  And you know what?   I am a very good, no scratch that.  I am an excellent wine sniffer, drinker, over-imbiber.  That's me, a wine phenomenon. 

Because I'm in the company of some real wine snobbery, I thought, what the heck self.  "Why don't you define your own algorithm's?"  Give that pretentious lot something to gauge their own "hoity-toity, big whip Parkeresque" types against.  So, with that said, I came up with my own rating system and it's geared around the new economy.  Yeah, we aren't wasting a whole lotta time of sniffing and swirling, (although, early on, there was a great deal of snorting.)  We are getting busy.  Getting down to the art of drinking crap, crap that years ago we wouldn't have given as gifts.  But that was back in the days when I didn't roll outta bed for less than a bottle of Starlane.

Key:

dead to me. 

hold breath, swallow.

new economy wine
(that is correct, formerly only fit to cook with)

getting really happy.  getting in a good mood.
 (worthy of "date" wine)

take off all your clothes.
(fondly referred to as, "Hello Lover")

Once the imprint from the cuffs wore off, and the horrid smell of the holding cell had dissipated, I had time to reflect on just what exactly happened to me at that concert Sunday night and all I can say is, "Blame it on the wine."  The last thing I remember, right before all the commotion was Sweet Baby James singing, "How sweet it is to be loved by you."


And then I thought, "Release the hounds." Yeah, it's never a real good idea to wear your emotions on your sleeve or to let loose while under the influence!

Oh well, what is done, is done. I certainly can't "unring that bell" and frankly, I don't think I'd want to either! Besides, James was most gracious about the whole thing and I secretly think that if security hadn't intervened, well... let's just say, things may have been different.


But I thought I'd share with you the wine that almost had me wearing one of those orange jump suits with the words, "CORRECTIONS" on the back.  It is my latest obsession, (Other than Mr. Taylor) a fine wine called Adobe Road 2005 Syrah. This stuff can be had for under $25 bucks (Wine Barn) and believe me, in that price range, it packs a punch (as witnessed on Sunday evening). Wine Spectator gives this wine 92 points- which is a range I am most happy to be found drinking! This wine has got a lot of personality. It's rich with spices and deep luscious plum and blueberries. It is well balanced, but be careful, as it can certainly knock you off your balance when consumed in certain quantities. And based on my personal experiences, I’d have to describe this wine as a "Man Magnet". I mean, after all, I  sorta made out with superstar James Taylor and that has never happened to me while drinking Jack and diet. If you get the opportunity to try this wine, you may soon find yourself belting out, “Well I'm a steamroller baby. I wanna roll all over you. Yes I'm a steamroller for your love, babe ..."  And only then ,will what happened to me make any sense!

Thinking About a Kitchen Remodel?



If you are looking for the biggest BANG for your buck, it's the kitchen.  And I know I've said this before, but it is worthy of repeating.  Kitchens and Master bedroom spaces SELL homes! I've worked in residential home design for many years and have helped thousands of homeowners define their space and personal style.  Here are just a few questions I've received regarding kitchen design and remodels.

Question:
I'm remodeling my kitchen, how important will two ovens be?

The Grape:

Don't only think about your needs today, think about the future as well. In other words, just because you are not interested in cooking, what about if you sell?  Double ovens are a big deal for most families.  So, if it fits into the budget, I'd recommend the double-ovens as essential. That does not mean an oven with a micro-wave above it.  It means two 30" ovens.  A money saving solution would be a micro/oven combo wall built-in, with a range slide-in (oven with cook-top) in the island or in between a bank of cabinets.  Be sure to use heat shields on the cabinets on either side of the slide in. Even if you only use the ovens once or twice a year, believe me, when your Real Estate professional markets your home, they will capitalize on the fact that you offer double ovens.

Question:
What type of refrigerator should I purchase and if I want that "built-in" look, do I have to do custom cabinetry?

The Grape:
Great question. While not everyone has the option of doing a fancy built-in refrigerator, everyone should look for a counter-top depth refridge. Your base cabinet counter-top depth is 24", the counter-top depth refrigerators will match that depth pretty closely. And with the genius in the manufacturing today, you won't sacrifice space and you'll get a far smoother look.
Working with a kitchen designer, even from one of the "Big Box" stores is a great way to get the expertise, without spending the bank.  Tell your designer what you are looking for and most importantly, tell them your budget.  Cabinetry above the refridge can be specified  as "full depth" so that it creates the top portion of the built-in feature, side panels or a single side panel on one side, paired with a wall, will create a built-in look, without spending on custom cabinetry.

Question:
Induction or hybrid, electric or gas?

The Grape:
It depends on if you cook a little or a lot.  Most chefs or even wanna-be chefs, want gas.  But if gas is not an option in your home, I'd highly recommend spending the extra money and going with induction cooking over traditional electric.  Induction heats without the thermal heating element.
An induction stove doesn't actually generate heat itself, but rather induces it the pot or pan. It does this using a rapidly oscillating magnetic field. This field induces an electric current in the pan which generates heat, thus heating the food.
Induction stoves are faster, safer, and more energy efficient than traditional electric stoves. It requires significantly less electricity to create the magnetic field than it does to drive enough current through a resistor to make it heat up. They are safer because they don't actually generate heat themselves. After taking a pot off the "burner" (glass surface) it quickly begins to cool.  I can boil a spaghetti pot full of water in minutes with my induction cook-top.

Question:
What type of counter-top should I select and what is an integral sink?

The Grape:
The type of counter-top you select will depend on your budget.  From the lower price point of  laminate or tile, to the higher pricing of solid surface, granite, concrete, glass, stainless.
I've done beautiful kitchens where budgets were small, but the look of high design was desired using some of the beautiful  granite "look alike" laminates of Formica.  Jazz it up with a beveled edge, rather than the plain old straight edge and on first glance, you'd swear it was granite. 
Take a look at Formica's solid surface line if the budget is a little larger. Like the idea of taking the old and making it new again? Than Formica's E line will fit that bill. Each sheet contains15% of recycled materials. Corian has a wonderful new line of solid surface products as well.  And their quartz product line of Zodiaq has the look and feel of granite, but offers a ten year warranty. Unlike granite, Zodiaq which is a man made product, has 100% color consistency.  And as with most solid surface materials a  big benefit is in the integral sinks, which are seamless. As with granite or concrete, you can also use an under-mount stainless or porcelain sink with these products.  The granite choices are endless.  From the exotics to the more familiar colors of Baltic, butterfly, tan-brown, etc.  When selecting granite, make sure you get to go to the granite yard and select your particular slabs.  Just specifying a color is not enough because it is a natural material with high variations. There are many solid surface materials on the market today, do you research, find the one with the best warranty and a color you can't live without and go ahead and splurge!

Question:
Do I really need a kitchen back splash?

The Design Grape:
Yes, you do.  Not only are back splashes utilitarian, they add so much personality to your kitchen.  At the kitchen sink, they add a seal between the water and your drywall and at the cook-top, they protect drywall from getting your favorite marinara all over the walls.  Just be sure to cancel the standard 3" counter-top back splash if you are installing a back splash material.  That way you will get a clean line from bottom of cabinets to counter-top.  Typical back splash height is 18".  When selecting a tile with a pattern, be sure to account for your wall outlets.  Instead of spacing multiple outlets, think strategically and do 4-plex instead of 2-plex.

Question:
I love the look of stainless appliances, but what about my kitchen lights, is it a no-no to mix my metals?

The Grape:
Everyone loves stainless and with the new finishes today, even finger prints aren't as big of a deal as they once were.  I love the look of bronze metals and wrought iron mixed with stainless.  I'm a big believer in taking your time in selecting the right lighting for your space.  The more individualized it looks, the higher the "love in love" factor is.  So, forget about Home Depot and Lowes, start your hunt on-line and in antique markets.  Some of the best lighting fixtures are re-purposed like these show here:



http://www.re-modern.com/store/pc/Color-Block-Hanging-Light-3-Stripes-14p50.htm





https://www.thedesignerinsider.com/shop/page/1?sessid=zS7ZANAFZnMVz4mY3LxeJU7lBwNDwRJCNb5gD3UAM5DY0I8CAaYtIXb1LeD6y0zL



When Being Crazy Isn't Enough!

Hot, Chewy, Cheesy, Funky, Flabby, Fat and Brawny.
Careful, that's my wine you're talking about! I have been asked, begged, cajoled- OK, again all lies. But one time, one person asked me to tell them what little I knew about wine. And that is the truth. At least the truth, until I get drinking. Then it's, "Everyone is always asking me, how'd you get so good at picking wines and you are so pretty and so smart, is your name Heather?"
Those that know me best know I am completely and totally out of wine control and all I really know about wine is that I love to drink it; anytime, anyplace, anywhere, with a fever, or without a fever, sitting up or lying down on the table and sometimes under, but just not ever, no not ever in a box! Wine has been very, very good to me. Wine has seen me through some of my darkest of moments and been right beside me for some of my greatest laughs. I don't think I'd be who I am today, were it not for all the wine. Nor would I be half as broke...
With that said, here is a relatively inexpensive wine for you to try out. But remember, wine is like the significant other in your life, each to his or her own. So don’t be a hater or call me a wine lush behind my back. If you don’t like the first one you try, life is short- try them all!

"If you never did you should. These things are fun and fun is good” Dr. Seuss

Layer Cake Shiraz, South Australian Shiraz a great value- Can be had for around $15 bucks (Just skip the latte and put down the chicken nugget). A big thick, juicy mouthful. Hints of blackberry and a little peppery, a deep, full-bodied, lush style that should drink nicely especially when followed by a second bottle. I’d describe the nose as a honker, but only in the kindest of way, (have you seen the noses in my family?) If you first put your pants on backwards and then sit completely still when you taste, you will get an explosion of dark berry, black cherry, exotic spices and chocolate filling your mouth. You can thank me later, because for the first time in your life you'll at least remember why you put your pants on backwards!  

Tipsy Tip:

Red wine contrary to what some bossy drinkers may think, is best served at about 59 degrees. Just the slightest of chill will offer better juice.

Window, Window on the Wall

How many of you break into a cold, hard sweat at the thought of window treatments?  Well, you are not alone. All that measuring and oh my, what if you get it wrong?
Well, today I'm going to tell you some of the tricks of the trade. Show you what it takes to get that "designer" look in your home.

1. All window treatments need to be lined.  Spiderman panels in little Adrian's room may look cute (that's debatable) but not from the outside.  Line, Line, Line.  Think about the last time you were walking behind someone with white pants on, viewing the heart adorned panties- just ain't right. Designer tip- Make sure all window treatments are lined in the same neutral color.  I like white or cream. 
2. For stationary panels: Double the width of store bought panels and use 1.5 time width if you are custom fabricating. So that means four store bought panels for one window. If you are having your panels custom fabricated you'll want 1.5 times the width of the fabric, e.g., 54" width should end up at width of  54+27=finish width of 81".  So when thinking in these terms and you want your finished panel to be 108"  your running length needs to be as follows: 108" + 6" for hem + 6" for rod pocket, so you'll need 120" or ten yards per panel.  So that mean a total of 30 yards. Ten for the left stationary panel, ten for the right and ten more yards where the width will be split at 27" and added to each side panel to create the required fullness.  Don't be cheap with your fabric, it always shows.
3. Hang em as high as possible.  Just below the crown molding works for me.
   Don't stop your panels at the bottom of the sill.  Bring them to the floor, unless there's a tub or counter-top below, and then re-think your idea of using panels.  Would a cornice work better?
4. If the look you are aiming for is puddling - make sure they puddle.  Any less and it looks like a mistake.  Well fitting panels will brush the floor.  Be careful that once you "tie" back the panels that they don't appear too short.  Not using tie backs is a more modern look, but if you are going to use them, don't just hook the two ends together, instead screw both ends into the wall. You won't ever have to mess with them again.
5. If you are using two stationary panels (left and right side of window) use two rods.  Don't cheap out and only purchase one rod.  Why would you want to look at that big, empty rod everyday?
   When placing your rods on the wall, remember, you only want to cover the outside corner of the window. Come into the window maybe 6"- 8" with the rod, just enough to cover the corners of the windows.  If you going to tie back the panel, you may need to come in a bit further. If space allows, I like taking the rod a good 6"-10" beyond the outside corner of a window to make the window look wider.

Tipsy Tips:

"Metallic surfaces are hot "Silver, bronze and gold metallic fabrics layered with sheers are making a grand appearance in homes today. The simple layering of these metallics draped from a classic metal rod blends beautifully with the latest color trends.

Charcoal and slate are the new neutrals and layer really well with the metallics.
Be sure to double your width on store bought and 1.5 on custom.

Multiple windows don't have to have the same treatment styles.  If your living room slider and dining room windows are in a single space, spice up the look by adding stationary panels on the slider and a padded cornice on the dining windows with sheers to add some light.  The best way to accomplish a cohesive look is to keep the fabrics the same, (cornice in DR and panels in LR) but just change the style of treatment.

Fence posts and closet dowels from your local hardware store make inexpensive, custom looking hardware for hanging window treatments.  They can be stained or painted to accent any decor.

Below are some "before and after" shots of a recent installation.  The first two are of a breakfast nook.  We used an inexpensive sheer fabric and added a border of expensive fabric at the top and bottom to add depth and give it that designer look.

The next two pictures are of a living room.  The windows are huge.  Instead of dealing with the extreme height, we choose to go way above the first set of windows and hang from there.  This cut the cost considerably, as well as added balance to the room.  What you can't see are the dining room windows, which do not have the height as in the living room. Had we treated the living room at full height, the dining room windows would have been dwarfed.

The picture on the left is show using simple, inexpensive, painted fence posts screwed in  the wall. We followed the curve of the window.
The next picture shows nail heads used in the window cornice to mimic small nail heads in dining room chairs.