A Wine Touring Weekend

This weekend I headed to Long Island's North Fork area, or Long Island Wine Country. My friend found a getaway package through the Long Island Rail Road in which you got roundtrip transportation via the LIRR to NYC, bus transportation within Long Island, 4 wine tastings at 2 wineries, and a lunch break in the cute little town of Greenport. We also had time to stop at a farm that boasted having terrific pies, but I didn't try any.

Duck Walk Vineyards/ ID Group Sticker/ Greenport

The first stop was Duck Walk Vineyards. We got there a little early and they were understaffed, but they made up for the long waits with free tastings of several reserve/unlisted wines. Though I'm not really a huge fan of dessert wine in general, I really enjoyed the Blackberry Fruit Wine. 

The second stop was Briemare Farms. This was a very short stop, and only allowed time to go in, get some pie and/or coffee, and get back on teh bus. But it was a cute little shop.

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The next stop was in Greenport Harbor for lunch. This was SUCH a cute little village, and I wish I had snapped some more pics, but alas, I didn't. The town itself is dotted with quaint little shops and restaurants, and is right on the water. I had gotten this cooler for the trip that was packed with grapes, cheese, and pastries, and someone else had brought a party platter of cheese, cured meats, and crackers which we were munching on continuously, so instead of getting lunch Blue and I found our way to Greenport Harbor Brewing Co. This may have been my favorite part of the trip. We did a flight of their beers and just relaxed. my favorite was the Leaf Pile Ale, brewed with pumpkin and spices. I even love the name. 

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The last stop was Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard. The package description stated that I would  "learn about the wine-making process from vine to bottle and sample the finished product." We were also told that there were rescue horses, stables, pony rides, and a little horse show and that we would be able to take tours. None of that happened. When we arrived, someone from the winery came into our bus and explained that we wouldn't be able to bring in anything, including coolers OR bottled water, because they sold everything inside. HMPH. The winery was big and SUPER crowded. They had live music, a dance floor, food, wine, beer, and these wine margaritas things that I heard were good but I'm not a huge fan of frozen margaritas. I tried their "Merlot Meatballs" (recipe!) which were absolutely delicious, and some mac and cheese (pretty sure it was Kraft, which is ok with me). 

Merlot Meatballs

Overall, it was a LONG day (6:15A- 9:30P), which a lot of traveling, but being that we didn't have to drive, it was worth it. I also learned that Long Island wines are not my favorite and they are overpriced ($30 for a skinny bottle? no, thanks). However it was a beautiful day and a fun experience, especially going with a group! 

beer tasting/in the vineyard/tasting menu @ Duck Walk

Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard

group shot

Have you been to the Long Island wineries? 

Linking up with Biana for Weekending! 

Friday Favorites

If you are American, you are well aware what today is. For each person, it holds memories; of where we were, of reaching out to loved ones, of those who were lost. I never forget because each day I look out my office window and see the new tower, and am reminded. I'm reminded of how we all came together and supported one another. I'm reminded of those who sacrificed. I'm reminded of bravery. I'm reminded of the fact that I am free and do not live in terror, and that even with it's flaws, I live in one of the greatest nations in the world. And I'm proud to call myself an American. 


Favorite Song: Clearest Blue- Chvrches

Favorite Quote:

Favorite Reads:

I was so excited to find out that The F*ckin Catalina Wine Mixer (POW!) is going to be a real thing! Except it's this weekend and I'm on the opposite coast.

Subscription boxes are everyone's favorite right? I found a new one that's sure to go as quickly as those Target Beauty boxes. May the Force be with you! 

Favorite Video(s):
This guy wasn't known for being overtly romantical, so this is how he did his vows

Justin and Jill's Drunk History version of how they met is funny

Jimmy Fallon vs. Ellen Degeneres Lip Sync Battle

Favorite Funnies:

Labor Day Weekend

Hey all, hope you all had a fabulous Labor Day Weekend! Before I get into some weekend updates (short), I wanted to mention that today is the "Show Us Your Books!" linkup with Steph and Jana! Unfortunately I only finished one book last month so I'm not participating, but I did want to share that my friend and past co-worker wrote a book that is available today everywhere! It's called "From The Other Side of the World: Extraordinary Entrepreneurs, Unlikely Places." In short, "Through seven remarkable stories, Elmira Bayrasli shows why the next Steve Jobs and the next Apple, Google or Facebook is as likely to come from Nigeria, Pakistan or Mexico as Silicon Valley." I hope you'll check it out, as well as find more great books in the linkup below! 

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Anyone else feeling like this today? 

I can't say I did a whole lot this weekend, which was perfectly fine by me. I bought a few things during the J. Crew Factory sale. They had 50% off everything, but I tried to be good and only get needed replacing in my wardrobe. I couldn't resist the herringbone vest that's been sitting on my wishlist for 2 years though. Nor could I resist the booties. I have been searching for a pair, ANY pair, that did not look ridiculous on me, and these were a major hit. I can't wait to wear them all fall long.

Long sleeve tees (layering staples for me): $24.50,  sale price $12
navy cardigan: $39.50, sale price $19.50
herringbone vest: $108, sale price $54
Cheesesteak Festival tickets "Wit" (gen admission, 10 samples and a tee): $50
Picnic basket (via Amazon): $40, sale price $30
Stow-away Cell phone case (via Amazon, holds 3 cards): $35, sale price $14.45
Coach Seneca booties (via TJ Maxx): $178, sale price $80, purchased with gift card $30

ldw 2015 by lildesiqua featuring a j crew top

I also attended my friend's wedding in Queens on Sunday. It was beautiful and a lot of fun. I'm pretty sure the best part was during the ceremony when their 3 year old son ran off the stage Michael Jackson style right before the Blending of the Sands ceremony because he had to go to the bathroom lol. They also wrote their own vows and it was really funny ("I promise to love you even when you are being immature and annoying...") and sweet. 

Monday was the ultimate lazy day. I woke up late and binge watched more of The Walking Dead (I'm almost done with Season 3 now). This is a candid shot of me watching the show. I won't deny the fact that I hid my face during truly gruesome parts and may have yelped when zombies reanimated unexpectedly. I'm trying to get caught up before the Season 6 premiere on 10/11, and so far it looks like I'll make it! 

So, how was your weekend? 

Linking up with Biana for Weekending! 

Oh, Hey September- Friday Favorites

Favorite Song: 
Last week I mentioned Grace Potter's new album, Midnight, and today I'm sharing Melanie Martinez's new album, Cry Baby, which came out on the same day. The album has a dark, yet playful tone. Does anyone remember her from The Voice? She didn't win, but I was definitely rooting for her. I like her unique voice and remixed songs. The first song is from the audition, a remixed version of Britney Spears' Toxic. The second is from her new album, called Pity Party. 

Favorite Video:
A couple years ago, Josh Groban made a song out of Kanye West tweets. It looks like he's done it again, but this time with Donald Trump's tweets.

Favorite Reads:
Have you heard the news? It looks like Target has been listening to our requests for them to add a bar. Just take my money, Target.

I can't believe this. A daycare in New Jersey had a toddler "fight club" and shared it via Snapchat. My friend's kid actually attends this daycare too.

Favorite Funnies:

Long Weekends Are My Favorite

I'm super late with this, but I was off until yesterday so technically I'm not that late. Anyway, here's what I was up to over the weekend. 

Friday: Went out to hibachi for Blue's niece's going-off-to-college dinner. I honestly don't remember the last time I had hibachi and it was fabulous. Did you know they squirt sake into your mouth until you say stop now? I didn't do it, but there were lots of people whooping and hollering and I definitely watched.

Saturday: Ran a few errands and then headed to a pool party/game night. Cards Against Humanity came out. I love it when I find people who've never played it before. 

Sunday: Headed to a BBQ in upstate NY. There was so. much. FOOD. But obviously I didn't take pictures of the awesome shrimp, pastas, grilled chicken, or sandwiches. Nope, I was busy taking pics of these craft beers and Blue backing out and running over the mailbox of her friend's new house. 

Monday: Took a half day off from work, and headed to Corner Bistro for lunch, McKenna's Pub for pre-gaming, and then to the Mets/Phillies game. It was the first time I ever sat in the Caesar's Box level, and it was absolutely awesome. Do you know they have a pasta bar in there? And other fancy foods too. It's like a whole different experience. Oh, and AC which was glorious since we're in the middle of a heat wave over here. 

I can't "mean mug," as hard as I might try. 

B1G1 free at McKenna's, Wright's hoem run, and an amazing chili cheeseburger.

Tuesday: We were supposed to go down the shore for one last time before it closes up for the summer, but Blue wasn't feeling well so we finished Friday Night Lights.  I was getting really pissed at Coach Taylor, but I'm glad he got his head out of his ass and made the right decision in the end. I love that freakin show, and am kinda sad it's over. I'm working through The Walking Dead now. So far I've made it halfway through Season 1, but I binge watched  Season 2 went AMC had a marathon like 2 weeks ago, so only like 5 more seasons to go, right?!

Peace Out, August: Friday Favorites

Ho-hummm, Friday, we meet again. Most of my coworkers are out enjoying the last Friday in August, so it should be a quiet day at work at least. This weekend I'm headed to a BBQ and a game night. Have I mentioned how much I love a good game night? I really do. What are you up to? Kicking it off with Amanda and some faves from the week!


Favorite Song: Honestly, I love Grace Potter's whole new album, but Instigators and Alive Tonight are my favorite. 

Favorite Recipe: I made this baked ziti with beef last night for dinner and it turned out AMAZING. So good, and so filling. Also, it was easy to throw together and toss into the oven. Perfect for busy weeknights. 

Favorite Reads:

This is pretty cool. Now you don't even need to have a car to tailgate to game, concerts, etc!

I love the news that Anthony Bourdain is opening a new international food court in NYC. Can't wait to see how it turns out.

It's been confirmed: Donald Trump's hair is real! Did we really believe it was fake though? I've sen that thing fly on some windy days so if it wasn't real, it sure had some serious hold!

This is a brilliant idea for teachers/classrooms:

Favorite Quote: 

Favorite Video(s):

I found this one over at Being Beth, but I couldn't stop laughing so I'm re-sharing it here:

Favorite Funnies:

Another reason why I'm happy that I don't have kids...

Currently:: August

I realized I completely missed doing this in July, ad after yesterday's kinda heavy post, I wanted to do something light. So here's what's going on in my life currently.

Reading: The Martian by Andy Weir

Listening To: A lot of random stuff on Spotify. 

Wearing: Basically this, except with black pants instead of skinnies because work. 

Watching: Friday Night Lights on Netflix. I'm on Season 5 and now I'm getting anxious because I don't want it to end!

Needing: more time.

Wanting: Some pointed flats. They look so cute, but also work-friendly, and comfortable! These Audrey Brooke neutral patterned ones are my fave. 

Anticipating: The Mindy Kaling in conversation with with Tina Fey in September!!! I'm so excited!

Avoiding/Dreading: signing on for any more grad classes. I've really loved having this summer off to read whatever I wanted and not have to worry about, um, anything.

Wishing: for a vacation. Preferably on an island with umbrellas in my drink.

Trying: to get back on the meal-planning, weekly groceries train. I've been eating out like crazy.

Buying: pillows and towels #oldladystatus. (No but seriously, Kohl's is having their clearance sale event. Crazy low prices on everyday stuffs. Just sayin'.) But I'm also in the market for a picnic bag for an upcoming wine country trip, and I've had my eye on this one:

Worrying About: my work situation. 

Planning: allthefunthings for fall! I already have quite a few things on the calendar, including a few concerts, a couple food festivals, the Jack O'Lantern Blaze, and  Blogger Meet Up! 

Loving: these thin Oreos. Seriously, so good.

What's going on with you?