Decadence vs. Balance

Prosciutto wrapped pork loin. Got pork?

I knew I was going away for a fun weekend with party people to celebrate my friends 40th birthday. I did my best damage control on Thursday and Friday. Yoga, running, more yoga, kale smoothies...the effects of which lasted maybe 5 minutes after arriving in Healdsburg, CA on Friday.

We had a chef come over to our rented house where we ate a fantastic meal of the aforementioned pork loin, mashed potatoes, a great salad (although I do remember a lovely lemon vinaigrette and asparagus I can't remember what else was in there) and a molten lava chocolate cake that was TO DIE  FOR. We ate outdoors on the expansive deck of our rented house on the Russian River by candlelight. Suffice it to say, I ate amazing food, and drank entirely too many cocktails and I danced A LOT because every song that came on I exclaimed, "I love this song!" I had SO much fun. Of course, even though I disappeared early, I had a touch of the vodka flu the next day which was our wine tasting day.

I took a lovely morning walk with one of the other girls on the trip, and after we got ready a driver came to pick us up to take us wine tasting for the day. First stop, breakfast burritos. Next stop, Oakville Grocery for sandwiches. Somewhere around this time, I started to not feel so good. The motion of the van was starting to get to me. But I hoped it would pass.

Needless to say it didn't, and at some point I ended up really not feeling so good, but I managed to truck on with the day. The Ridge, Wilson, Dry Creek, Hawley. All wineries I had been wanting to go to, but I can't say I ended up trying all of their wines. Luckily, by the late afternoon I managed to pull it together and turn things around. Back at the house, more cocktails flowed, pizza was ordered and the hot tub was fired up. It was a super fun night.

It was one of those weekends that flowed fast and hard and I survived. It was totally fun, and now I am back to my sane, suburban life and happy to see my kids. And sleep in my own bed. And rehydrate. :)

They've Got My Number!

The Ideal Bloody Mary minus the salty rim

Have I ever mentioned that I work next door to a pub? The Duke of Edinburgh has been around forever. The Duke is the BEST place to watch all types of sports, especially World Cup Soccer and NHL. For my office, we can't beat the convenience of an impromptu Happy Hour here and there. Yesterday I walked into work craving a Bloody Mary, spicy and delicious. Now, if I had a dollar for every time I said "Bloody Mary" over the course of the day, I'd have at least enough money to buy everyone in our small office 2 drinks a piece. I must be really good at being a bad influence because around 3:30 my boss disappeared for a few moments and came back in telling us that our order was ready. I can't take all the credit, and I hate to generalize but sales people tend to be good drinking people. Over the years I've had to take many people out to lunch, drinks or other events to gain their trust, smooth out unpleasant situations, or show appreciation for their business.

I try to be a healthy person, but it's not all physical. It's mental too. Socializing and having fun is part of what makes me happy. My boss happened to mention he's been on a gin and tonic kick lately, like it's a bad thing. Since I'm so knowledgeable about cocktails (hint of sarcasm) I start quelling his concerns by telling him clear liquor is cleaner, less likely to create hangovers, and how gin and tonic with lime is such a refreshing summer cocktail.

Even the lovely Bloody Mary I was drinking (ok, two) wasn't so bad when you think about it. We've covered the benefit of clear liquor (vodka). Tomato juice is full of vitamin C.  Celery for more vitamin C and low to zero calories. Olives are high in monounsaturated fats and vitamin E. A lime wedge for garnish,  a couple dashes of Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco can't be too bad for you. I generally pass on the celery salt on the rim of the glass because I try to avoid salt in in general. I like lots of black pepper in my Bloody Mary, but its not like I drink them all the time.

My boss told me I was really good at rationalizing things. Come to think of it, I am, and I am totally ok with that. I think it's a positive thing to look for the good in what's around you. And that goes for cocktails too.

What is your favorite summer cocktail or beverage? I love vodka tonics.