FALL FLAVOR

Hey, we can't always jet set to amazing places!  But, when we need something fun to do this time of year, we can make some yummy Apple Cider and hop in the car to see the beautiful fall foliage.  (Just heard on the news, this will be a good weekend to see it in the Northeast- New York up to Maine).  So follow this recipe, pour it in your mug, and have a little fun checking out the flavors of fall!  

Ingredients: 4 cups cider

1/2 an orange, sliced

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon whole cloves

1/4 teaspoon allspice

1-2 tablespoons brown sugar to taste

Combine ingredients in medium saucepan and stir over medium heat until sugar has dissolved.  Bring to a boil then reduce heat and let simmer for about 20-30 minutes more stirring occasionally.  

Strain before serving.  

Enjoy!

THE NORTH FORK SPARKLES

Summer is over, now what?  Fall officially begins this Friday and that means it's the perfect time of year to watch the leaves change color and to visit the wineries of the North Fork for Harvest Season.  The North Fork of Long Island, New York sparkles each fall when many of the local wineries open their sparkling wines.  Consider it like jet setting to France for champagne tasting (except that nothing can be called champagne unless it comes from the Champagne region in France), but this trip will be cheaper and shorter!  I have visited the North Fork many times during the summer months, but have never been out during the off-season, and I've heard that it's a wonderful time to visit too.  I tried looking to see if I could find information about when the season is and which wineries to visit for sparkling wines and it wasn't too easy to find.  I did some research and here is what I came up with:

When to Visit: September-November

Where to Go To Sip:
Sparkling Pointe- This winery focuses exclusively on producing sparkling wines because they grow all three of the traditional champagne grape varieties (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier).  Make sure to try their Brut Seduction which won top awards at the San Francisco Wine Competition.  Sparkling Pointe also does Sparkling Wines & Oyster events that start as early as this month!  (Champagne and Oysters-  I think I'm in heaven!!!)

Lenz Winery- Make sure to try their Cuvee (a sparkling wine made 100% from Pinot Noir), also try their Blanc de Blanc (made 100% from Pinot Blanc grapes), and Blanc de Noirs (made 100% from Pinot Noir grapes).  Their Pinot Blanc won awards by Wine Spectator Magazine and at the L.A. International Wine Competition for being a pretty, delicate and good bubbly.

Palmer Vineyards- This winery produces Sparkling Brut (made 100% from Chardonnay grapes).

Several other wineries on the North Fork also produce Sparkling Wines too, but these three have recently won top awards and press for their varieties.  Three others that are great to visit include Croteaux Vineyards (with an all-pink wine list), Sherwood House and Shinn Estate Vineyards.  Now I'm going to try to find a place to stay and then book my trip.  I can't wait to head out there this fall!

ONE & ONLY PALMILLA

There are resorts, and then there are RESORTS...and the One & Only Palmilla in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico is a one & only luxury RESORT! How does a poolside foot massage & a sunglasses cleaning sound, or how about margarita ice pops? Those are just some of the amenities at this amazing 5-star resort. But, luxury always comes with an super-expensive price tag ($525-$1500 a night). Well listen up, my fellow jet setters, due to the talk of swine flu in Mexico and the negative result it's having on tourism there, the One & Only Palmilla is dropping it's prices for the fall. (Not to worry, the swine flu has not been an issue at all at the One & Only Palmilla)

So here's the deal, superior rooms are now going for only $367 a night from November 1st through December 18th. That price includes breakfast and wellness classes, plus an experience like no other at one of the Top 10 Resorts in Mexico according to Travel + Leisure Magazine. There is an infinity pool and every room has an ocean view and butler service...this truly is a RESORT! So get set to jet set and start booking...now all we need to do is find a good deal on a flight!

FASHION FRIDAY: VERSATILE VESTS

Fall is the perfect time to wear a vest...and I absolutely love that. Vests are great to throw on and wear as your only outerwear, or they are also great to layer underneath your coat. I am getting ready to jet set to a cold destination pretty soon and so I have been shopping around for the appropriate things to pack. Here are some of the vests that I have my eye on...

The Gap has this great Puffer Vest for only $59.50. It comes in black, off white, brown, navy, or my favorite one...fushia! It has pockets and a detachable hood as well.

If you want to splurge a bit more, JCrew has this Sherpa Puffer Vest for $118. It comes in brown, sage, grey, navy, ivory, and peach. The reasons why I really like this vest (even though it's more expensive) are that it's goosedown filled so it's really warm, it's also lined with fleece which makes it warmer and comfy, and lastly because it hits low at the hip. This vest does not have a hood.For something a little different, but still cute, Forever 21 has this Toggle Fleece Vest for $27.80. It only comes in this dary grey and cream color, but it's lined with fleece so it's comfortable and will help keep you warm.