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The Key to Romance? Chocolat! by Lisa Mecray Rogers

Valentine’s Day is almost here…so get some romance in the air! It’s always hard to have time for just the two of you. The kids always seem to have to go everywhere. It’s a great excuse to shuffle the kids off to a friend’s house or to a babysitter. Good chocolate is always the perfect decadent thing to surround yourself with anytime, but especially for Valentine’s Day. It’s really ok to indulge and do something that will make the both of you smile all day and night! Did you

Wine and Chocolate for Dogs? Nope. by Lisa Mecray Rogers

We love our furry family members! And who can resist those beautiful eyes looking at our every move with adoration, especially when we have food and drink in our hands? But although we greatly enjoy a glass of wine and chocolate at times, it’s important to know they are enemies to our dogs. I’m sure one might think that wine or chocolate are just like other scraps often passed to the dog under the table. Oh, a little piece of chocolate or sip of wine won’t hurt…will it? But y

What Do You Mean We’re Not Eating REAL Chocolate? By Lisa Mecray Rogers

The surprising truth.... I can’t tell you how often some people that discover my chocolates at local farmer’s markets and events say this, "Oh…chocolate. My kid makes chocolate. Is this your hobby?” This wouldn’t happen in Europe… Aside from my immediate ouch feeling, it's important to know that being a Chocolatier is a real business and an art form for which training is required. Another important fact is that Chocolatiers use REAL chocolate... What most people don’t kno

Fall into Pinot Noir by Lisa Mecray Rogers

There’s a slight chill in the air and the leaves are changing into a multitude of beautiful yellow, browns, oranges and reds. I don’t know about you, but I’m thinking about having a glass of red to celebrate! So many choices of red, but why does Pinot Noir strike a chord now? Maybe because some days the weather doesn’t seem to know whether it’s truly fall or summer. Or perhaps it’s that lovely piece of salmon I’m planning for dinner OR, better yet a certain piece of chocolate

Being Aware and Well by Lisa Mecray Rogers

Welcome to October! Believe it? Me neither. The leaves are changing, the breezes are getting cooler…and bears are coming to visit (well not often I hope!). As you know, it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Although we are all quite aware of this terrible disease, many of us unfortunately know it too closely either having a friend or a family member or even yourself having personal experience. Given I write weekly on wine and chocolate, I thought it was important to bring out s

Tasteful Tailgating by Lisa Mecray Rogers

Is it September already? Yup…here we are at the end of the summer, the kids are back to school, the temperature is starting to dip…and football season has begun! Are you a fan? Whether you are or not, the game will either be on the tube or you’ll be hanging out with friends and family in a parking lot where beer, burgers, hot dogs, chili, wings and potato salad reign. Or perhaps you’re a fan of the Steeplechase. Had enough of the usual? Although it may be difficult to replac

Be in the Moment and Appreciate the Simple Things by Lisa Mecray Rogers

As Americans we have a strong life and work ethic, constantly are running from place to place, picking the kids up, dropping them off, going meeting to meeting and trying to get things done quickly so you can get onto the next. How often do you say, “I don’t remember what I did yesterday…let alone an hour ago”? Sometimes you just need to find some peace and a getaway. Totally understand. Easy to say and often hard to do. The key is to find greater enjoyment in a moment whethe

Flavor Basics Class by Lisa Mecray Rogers

Back to school for you too! Do you know these wine and chocolate flavor basics? Ready for back to school? Oh boy. This week is crazy getting everything together for the kids, making sure they have all school supplies, clothes to impress and finally completing The Schedule! Well, I’ve got some schooling for you when it comes to what you taste and smell in wine and chocolate. And some are not widely known! Where does the wine color come from? Pretty much, all wine grapes produ

Getting Beyond Beer at the BBQ by Lisa Mecray Rogers

It’s Labor Day Weekend and barbeques are rampant! Not a beer fan or just want to upscale the BBQ a bit? Bring on the wine…but what really works? It’s important to remember that sticking with the fairytale rule of red wine with meat and white with fish will deny you of some delicious wine and food combinations! Wine and food pairings have almost more to do with seasonings, sauces and flavors than the core ingredient itself like meat or fish. What matters most is the dominant f

Serve the Expensive Wine, Cook With a Cheaper Wine? by Lisa Mecray Rogers

Like fairytales? Not when it comes to wine or chocolate… Our next set of fairytales are about food preparation and pairings as it relates to wine and chocolate. Just when you think you have a good handle on something, surprise! Time to dispel these common tales so you can expand your enjoyment of wine and chocolate at home, out at a restaurant or at your own dinner party. Serve the expensive wine, cook with a cheaper wine? Oh no…. Following this fairytale will result in your

Longevity, Cavities and Acne by Lisa Mecray Rogers

Like fairy tales? Not when it comes to wine or chocolate… Our next set of fairy tales are about longevity, cavities and acne. Just when you think you have a good handle on something, surprise! Well, it’s time to dispel these common tales. You’ll actually be more motivated to enjoy wine and chocolate every day! (of course, in moderation) Drinking wine does not have anti-aging benefits? A long-time controversial tale. Scientists have gone back and forth on whether or not resver

Wine & Chocolate Fairy Tales Dispelled by Lisa Mecray Rogers

Like fairy tales? Not when it comes to wine or chocolate… Just when you think you have a good handle on something, surprise! Well, it’s time to dispel some common tales and partial truths associated with wine and chocolate. And since there are SO many, this is only the first part you’ll be reading. Knowledge is the key to better experiences and offering proper guidance to your family members. And you’ll also look even more brilliant at your next event or dinner party. Better

Sunscreen Protection…with Wine and Chocolate? Yes! by Lisa Mecray Rogers

Welcome summer! The kids are out of school, everyone is outside and it's time to take a well-deserved vacation. The bright, hot summer sunshine can be a beautiful thing and a not so nice thing. What's good about sun exposure? In appropriate and measured doses it has a number of health benefits. Sunlight helps synchronize the hormonal rhythms of your body and enhances our mood and energy. UVB rays produce Vitamin D which is important for maintaining optimal health. UVB also

“Women Cannot Live on Chocolate Alone. That’s Why There’s Wine” by Lisa Mecray Rogers

Oh, the decadence, the satisfaction and the pure joy that wine and chocolate can bring to our lives. Held high in admiration for centuries, these glorious substances stemmed from Mother Nature. They were deemed as gifts from the ancient Gods and prized for having special powers, offering medicinal properties, health benefits and even having a role in religious and fertility ceremonies and, of course, inspiring love and passion. There were many goddesses and gods connected to

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