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The Emmy Awards 2012 hit the stage last night and it's the one awards show I love to watch because I actually do watch a lot of TV
Mad Men had the most nominations this year and that comes as no surprise to me since I am completely and totally in love with Mad Men. I'd say it's currently my most favourite show, and if you're not watching yet, what's wrong with you, and get on that, will you? Seriously, you will not be disappointed to make Don Draper a part of your television watching routine.
Anyway, one of the best parts of watching an awards show is for the fashion and to see who was wearing what. I didn't see many fashion faux-pas at the Emmys this year, but I did see a lot of dresses I want to own, and arms I need to achieve with many more hours in the gym. I'm looking at you, Julie Bowen. Can I please be you when I grow up?
Here are my picks for this year's Best Dressed at the Emmys:
Sofia Vergara in Zuhair Murad
Julianne Moore in Raf Simons
Nicole Kidman in Antonio Berardi
Julie Bowen in Monique Lhuillier
Zooey Deschanel in Reem Acra
Heidi Klum in Alexandre Vauthier
Totally a theme going on here, right? Can you tell I love sunshine, and the ocean, and clear blue skies? Yup. I love all these women and the dresses they chose to wear at the Emmys. From the style of each of these dresses, to the fabulous colours, to the flow and the cut, these are the dresses that would be in my closet if I ever had an awards show to attend. Stunning, stunning, stunning!
Who do you think looked amazing last night? Who would you pick for Best Dressed at the Emmys?
Looking for more Emmy fashion? Check out Ali's thoughts on last night's show!
I consider myself a shopping expert. Professional shopper, if you will.
You see, I have a lot of experience in the area, because I spend a lot of time shopping. When I lived in Washington, D.C. certain stores in Georgetown would invite me into the back area to shop from items that had just arrived. I am still apologizing to this day to my parents for the maxed-out credit card situation I often found myself in, but I digress...
Although I'm well-versed in shopping for things like shoes, clothes, and accessories, I don't have much experience when it comes to wine, although yes, I am an expert in consumption. I often hear people describe wine as creamy, complex, silky, balanced, or fruity, and I just nod in agreement, when really, all I'm thinking is... "This wine just tastes damn good!" I also know there are certain wines out there I don't like.
My love affair with wine started long ago.(Gosh, that makes me sound old...but I started drinking when I was under-age, haha...) Wine has always been my favourite alcoholic beverage, first red, and now, mostly white, although really, I'm not too picky.
Whenever I'd go to a party, I'd see bottles of Wolf Blass Yellow Label Chardonnay, and I'd hear people talking about how much they loved this wine. It soon become my favourite, and shopping for wine became an easy thing for me to do. I knew if I'd buy Wolf Blass, red or white, any type, I'd be happy. See, an expert would probably have a lot more to say about the process of selecting wine, especially when paired with certain foods, but me, I'm pretty easy to please (sometimes.) Also, the bottles are all pretty, so that counts for something, too!
I recently attended a fabulous event where I met Wolf Blass (THE MAN! Behind the labels we love!) at a wine tasting event hosted by Natalie MacLean (author of Unquenchable: A Tipsy Quest for the World's Best Bargain Wines) and I learned a lot about Wolf and his story on how he became so successful in what he does, and how awesome and hilarious a man he is. I also found out how cool Australian accents are! Oh, the wine, too, was fabulous, and each one we tried had a distinct, amazing taste. We tried: Wolf Blass Yellow Sparkling 2010, Wolf Blass Gold Label Riesling 2011, Wolf Blass Gold Label Chardonnay 2011, Wolf Blass Yellow Label Pinot Noir 2010, Wolf Blass Gold Label Shiraz 2008, Wolf Blass Grey Label Shiraz Cabernet 2009 and Wolf Blass Black Label 2007. All were incredible.
Now that I have learned a bit more about wine and the process of winemaking, I have a new appreciation for vino. And although I'm still no expert in wine tasting or shopping, I will say this: if you want my advice on what bottle to buy to enjoy at home, what bottle to buy to bring to a party, or what to order off the wine menu in your favourite restaurant? Go with anything Wolf Blass. Red or white, whatever colour the label, you will not be disappointed.
Just like buying a new pair of shoes. Cheers!
A brand new department store has opened in Ottawa—no, not Nordstrom, yet—that's a whole other blog post of excitement and squees and OMG! FINALLY! But for now? I'm talking about the new terra20 store that took over where the old IKEA used to be in Ottawa's west end.
I was asked to co-host the grand opening of terra20 and I enthusiastically agreed. After all, there is not much more I love about shopping and being present at grand openings of new, fine stores in my city! I was the host of the grand opening of Lilac Lingerie a while back, too, which was great fun. (Um, and Nordstrom, if you're looking? I'm free to host your grand opening, my 2015 is totally open right now!)
Anyway, terra20 is huge—like bigger than Homesense huge—with one key difference: everything in the store is eco-friendly and good for you, and the environment! terra20's one purpose?
"To encourage a healthier, sustainable lifestyle. We do this by seeking out innovative products—from sustainable fashion to green household supplies to all-natural baby products—and creating the largest selection under one roof."
They even have an eco-bar, and while you can't enjoy healthy drinks like wine, you can replace your household cleaning supplies with eco-friendly alternatives at one of several ecobar dispensers. It's a great way to save money, too, and you'll be using things are not harmful to you or your children.
terra20 also has a huge cosmetics section and even features Yummy Mummy Club's own Dan Thompson products! He was also in attendence the day of the grand opening, and he was swarmed by women who wanted their make-up done. I didn't even get a chance to say more than three words to him!
I'm also happy to report terra20 has an amazing section of household items, linens, towels, toys, and children's clothing. They also have a great section on women's and men's fashion, too.
I almost bought this awesome white winter coat that I fell in love with, but then I remembered I'm the mom to two young boys, so it wouldn't have been a wise decision. However, it's an awesome coat, totally warm and soft and affordable.
I had a great time co-hosting the grand opening, and seeing all the excited shoppers. I know I will be back, because the store is packed with items for every room in the house that are eco-friendly and shopping for things that are good for you and the earth? Guilt-free shopping, my friends!