Sunday, February 24, 2008

More wineries, more good times


There are so many great wineries having fun events, and I know we won't be able to highlight very many in Pat's Picks, so I want to give you some Web sites to follow so you won't miss anything.

First, is the Web site for the Texas Hill Country Wineries. Check the "Winery Events" tab for a list of the events at the Hill Country wineries. Beautiful spring days, bluebonnets and great wines would make a perfect picnic, maybe listening to a band or just watching a spectacular sunset.


Another good Web site is by the Texas Department of Agriculture/Wine Division. Look at the "Find Texas Wines & Wineries" tab and I think you will be amazed at the number of Texas wineries..... 80 wineries!

So if we don't highlight your favorite winery, check these sites for all the spring activities.




Sunday, February 17, 2008

How bad do you have to look?


I had planned to write about eye liner gel today, but something happened that takes priority.

I went out to the stable to walk and groom my ancient horse. I wore old, dirty, out-of-style clothes because you just don't want to know what gets on your clothes when you're grooming a horse. Not cute, casual clothes but stuff that belongs in the garbage. The hair is wind-blown and stringy by now.

On the way home, I decided to stop at Neiman's Last Call since I haven't stopped by in a long time. It's Sunday afternoon... who's going to be there?

Who knew that Neiman's celebrates President's Day in a big way! I saw three people that I know well and, at six feet or less, looking right at me, none of them recognized me! Just how bad do you have to look for your friends not to recognize you up close and personal?

I ducked behind a row of Dolce & Gabbana handbags. Pretended to try on a Ralph Lauren belt. Slinked behind the Missoni coats. There it was ... the cash register!

I just wanted to pay for my top and get out. But..... the cash register jammed and they had to call a supervisor to re-run the transaction. I told the cashier I didn't need a receipt; I promise not to return the top.

My "horsey" clothes are now in the garbage.

P.S. Eye liner gel is great because it doesn't fade easily but is not a hard line like liquid liner. BUT you must have the right brush! I was talked into a tiny (& cheap)brush that, with gel on it, becomes hard and sharp... sort of like poking your eyelid with a needle. Bobbie Brown has a brush that works great, and I'm sure there are others. It must have artificial bristles to hold the gel and be very flat. Mine has a rounded tip. I've heard that a slanted brush also works but I'm not taking any chances.

Saturday, February 9, 2008

Everything (interesting) I know I learned from my hairdresser

I got my hair cut today! Sure, you're thinking, "So what," but Elizabeth always has interesting information that makes my life just a little bit better. She introduced me to the shimmer box. I love the shimmer box! Made by Bobbi Brown, it is part blush, part highlighter. You can use it over for your blush for a softer, more natural look or use it by itself.

She also told me about Aveda Pure Abundance Hair Potion that gives you an extra day without a shampoo.

Besides, Elizabeth thinks my hair color looks good the way it is...gray and all.... which means no dying, highlighting, etc. Saves time and $$$! Did you know that as your hair gets gray, your skin tone gets paler...... but you can use the shimmer box!

Sunday, February 3, 2008

Tuscan olive oil in Texas

In the next issue of Pat's Picks Austin, Elaine reports about a trip she, her husband, and friends took to tour an olive orchard right here in Texas. By coincidence, I had just baked an olive oil cake when I read her article and thought I would share the (low calorie) recipe. It seems like I am posting a lot of recipes... and I don't really cook! For the olive oil you get at Bella Vista Ranch:

Lemon Olive Oil Cake
1-1/2 c. whole-grain pastry flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 salt
3 large eggs, separated
3/4 c. granular sugar substitute
1/2 c 1 percent or fat-free buttermilk
1/2 c extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp lemon extract
1 Tbl grated lemon zest

Heat oven to 350 F. Lightly coat 8-inch springform pan with cooking spray
Whisk flour, soda, baking powder, & salt in large bowl. Make well in center.
Beat egg whites in medium bowl until stiff peaks form.
Beat egg yolks, sugar substitute, buttermilk, oil, extract, & zest in a medium bowl until smooth, about 1 minute.
Pour egg yolk mixture into center of dry ingredients; stir gently until just combined. Gently fold in half of egg whites, then fold in the rest of the egg whites.
Bake 25-28 minutes. Cool in pan 5 minutes, then remove from pan.
makes 10 slices.... 190 calories each, 13g of fat.
From the South Beach Diet, Quick & Easy Cookbook