The Great Courses: The Everyday Guide to Spirits and Cocktails: Taste and Traditions

Connoisseurs or novices, spirits lovers can now amaze and delight friends and family with an enhanced knowledge of and appreciation for great spirits and cocktails. The Everyday Guide to Spirits and Cocktails: Taste and Traditions, a dynamic series of video lectures available just in time for the holidays, is a fun and engaging educational experience that reveals everything people need to know to choose, mix, and serve spirits and cocktails just like a master mixologist.

Hosted by acclaimed expert and Certified Specialist of Spirits Jennifer Simonetti-Bryan and filmed entirely on location at Washington, D.C.’s iconic Gibson Bar, this exciting course features six half-hour lectures that cover the history, production, varieties, and uses of popular spirits including vodka, rum, and whiskey. As Jennifer demonstrates how to taste and compare the quality and complex notes of each spirit with the skill and confidence of a wine connoisseur, you’ll learn to maximize your experiences with spirits and discover your own personal taste preferences. They’ll also get a host of recipes for delicious cocktails that illustrate each spirits’ unique characteristics.

Check it out for yourself by clicking here to preview several great videos including How to Shake Cocktails, See How to Make a Hot Toddy and Learn to Mix Hot Butter Rum. From this site you can purchase The Everyday Guide to Spirits and Cocktails: Tastes and Traditions DVD for $29.95 or opt to download it for $27.95 or go to www.thegreatcourses.com/spirits.

Molly Bakes' Crazy for Cake Pops features 50 designs and 70 stunning photos.

A beautifully decorated cake can wow anyone but put a cake on a stick and you’ll start to get all those “a” adjectives like awesome and amazing. I like mini indulgences, so these mini desserts are a one-bite delicious treat that’s almost too cute to eat.  

Learn how to make these in Molly Bakes’ Crazy for Cake Pops, a craft cookbook packed with 50 cake-on-a-stick designs and 70 stunning color photos of a wide range of cake pops suited for any holiday. These cakes are easy to shape and decorate for creative types of all ages. I’ve featured the holiday bauble balls today but consider them for other types of occasions like birthdays, Super Bowl, Valentines and many other reasons to celebrate in the upcoming New Year.  

The author, Molly Bakes’ says that you don’t have to be a serious baker or experienced cake decorator to make her cake pops when you follow the step-by-step instructions laid out in the book. Combine a few simple ingredients, some lollipops sticks and your imagination. It’s also a great holiday gift idea. Click here to order from Amazon: Crazy for Cake Pops: 50 All-New Delicious and Adorable Creations.    

Molly Bakes' Crazy for Cake Pops Bauble Pops are as beautiful are any holiday ornament but edible.

So here’s a roadmap on how to do Savannah in style. If you’re driving from Atlanta to Savannah it’s only 3.5 to 4 hours so leave early enough to have lunch in Savannah.

I made reservations at the Mansion on Forsyth Park (my favorite hotel in Savannah) but there are lots of charming hotels and bed and breakfasts. The Mansion, as the name denotes, is right on Forsyth Park and is conveniently off the tourist beaten path but still convenient to everything you’ll want to do. We were able to check into our hotel early, even though their official check in isn’t until 4:00 p.m. Since the Mansion has its newly opened sister hotel on the river, the Bohemian Hotel, they have shuttle service to that hotel which more importantly means to that side of Savannah. It’s leaves 10 minutes to the hour from the Mansion and then on the hour from The Bohemian. Since it was 12:50 p.m. and we had reservations for lunch on the river, it saved us blocks of walking.

The Mansion on Forsyth Park in Savannah is conveniently located across the historic park.

Even though I try to avoid anything on the river because I find most of it very touristy, Vic’s on the River is the perfect place to set the stage for a day in Savannah. Ask for a place in the dining room facing the river so you can enjoy the views of the cargo ships traveling the river. It’s impressive.

Vic’s lunch menu has lots of Southern favorites for your selection including shrimp and grits, local shrimp and oysters, fried green tomato BLT sandwich, crispy local flounder, as well as an array of appetizers, soups and salads, entrees and sandwiches. I enjoyed their Crobb Salad: lump crab over baby mixed greens with applewood smoked bacon, goat cheese, pineapple, tomato and cucumber. Lunch is served with mini homemade biscuits which I requested served with side of orange marmalade. Yum.

So after lunch some shopping and since it gets dark earlier this time of year, we just hit my favorites. Walk to Broughton Street and don’t miss one of my all time favorites: The Paris Market. It’s a store that feels like it was transplanted from the streets of Paris and it’s fills with home décor, jewelry, kitchen items and so much more. I picked up a cooper Eiffel Tower cookie cutter and a lovely scarf. Just off Broughton, you have to check out an eclectic culinary store, Kitchens on the Square. Great for stocking stuffers, homemade aprons and anything that might be on your foodies’ shopping list. The only store where I’ve seen cookie cutters in the shapes of all 50 states (Julie said great for teacher gifts). Then work your way to the far end of Broughton to a new store called Cherry Picked Consignment where you’ll find great designer-label fashions. The beautiful designer dress in the window drew me in. Women’s apparel and accessories at great prices.  

A historial home in Savannah adorned with an outdoor Christmas tree.

Now walk south on Whitaker Street and discover the best of the best shopping in Savannah including:

• Arcanum Studio (unique home décor), 346 Whitaker St.
• One Fish Two Fish (original art, home décor, books, linens, PJs and more), 401 Whitaker St.
• Circa Lighting (fabulous lighting), 405 Whitaker St.
• La Paperie (Fine stationery and correspondence needs), 409 Whitaker St.
• Southern Charm Antiques (antiques with a Southern charm), 412C Whitaker St.
• Trunk 13 (ladies apparel), 414 Whitaker St. 
• Mint Boutique (ladies apparel), 413 Whitaker St.
• Custard Boutique (ladies apparel), 422 Whitaker St.

Savannah is home to SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) and a unique shop featuring an array of art designed by current and alum SCAD students is available at Shop SCAD

For us, the shopping ended at The Mercer Williams House: the house famous for the movie “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.” The impressive home is open to the public now for daily tours. Walk along The Mercer House and work your way toward Forsyth Park to The Mansion. We stumbled upon a wedding party having their pictures taken in front of the fountain. Groomsmen decked out in their cowboy boots and hats.  The fountain is always decorated this time of year so great for pics.

Have drinks at the Mansion’s bar in its 700 Drayton lounge in an original 1888 Savannah mansion that’s chic while still feeling like part of the past. It’s chic and vibrantly adorned with art. When the weather’s nice, enjoy drinks on the patio facing the park.

Then walk just south of Forsyth Park to Local11Ten for dinner and experience what Executive Chef Brandy Williamson delivers with her French-inspired flare with traditional Southern cuisine (what I’d call with a southern twist). Local 11 Ten menu changes based on what’s being sourced seasonally and locally (hence the Local) and they’re located at 1110 Bull Street (hence the 11 Ten). I love that the restaurant is situated in a 1950’s style bank that’s been renovated. A larger party can dine next to the vault, staff uses the old drive-in window area for beverage prep while the menu is displayed for passersby in the old night depository.

Historic home in Savannah on Forsyth Park decorated for the holidays.

These yard herons behind the Girl Scout's founder's (Juliette Gordon Low) birthplace home are even adorned with holiday bows.

Orange Waffles

Brighten your holiday breakfasts with delicious waffles with the essence of orange with a burst of cranberry topping.

(Serves 4)

8 tbsp. unsalted butter, softened (4 oz.)

2 cups cake flour (lightly spooned into cup and leveled off)

4 teaspoons baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon orange zest

2 large eggs

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup whole milk

In a small saucepan over low heat, or microwave safe container, melt the butter. Allow it to cool to room temperature. In a large bowl whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, and orange zest until evenly blended. In a medium bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, and whole milk until well blended. Add this mix, to the flour mixture and mix with a fork just until all the flour is moistened. Stir in the butter just until evenly blended. The batter should be lumpy. Use batter immediately after preparation. Cook the waffles and remove them to the oven racks to keep warm until serving. Serve with hot cranberry topping. Note, these waffles freeze perfectly and reheat in just a few minutes in a toaster or oven preheated to 300˚F.

Burst of Cranberry Topping

1 cup water

1 ½ cups sugar

3 tablespoons cornstarch

4 cups fresh (or thawed frozen) cranberries 

In a medium saucepan, stir together the water, sugar, cornstarch, and cranberries. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Stop stirring, reduce the heat, and simmer for 1 minute, swirling the pan occasionally. The mixture will be thickened but pourable. Keep it warm or reheat it before serving.

Click here to order from Amazon - Chef’s Choice WafflePro M852.

It was fascinating to learn that Denise is a native of one of my favorite Southern towns: Natchez, Mississippi. One of my cherished Christmas ornaments is from a Christmas store in Natchez that I bought way back in the day when I was still with The Pillsbury Company. Denise grew up living in a four-story Victoria home/clothing store downtown that was owned by her mother and grandmother. She was a young docent at several antebellum houses where she learned the joy of cooking, entertaining, storytelling, architecture, interior decorating and garden design.

It’s not surprising, then, that her career was inspired by both her grandmother, Freddie Bailey, who wrote two regional cookbooks, and cousin, Lee Bailey, a design guru who wrote and styled 22 nationally acclaimed books on good living. He was a master at recipes combined with ideas on presentation. Denise worked with Lee on one of my personal favorites, Lee Bailey’s Southern Food and Plantation Homes. In researching this story, I was so sorry to learn that Lee Bailey died at the age of 76 on October 16, 2003. This was the same week that we had to put down our beloved golden retriever, Kelly, so I can see why I missed. He was/is one of my all-time favorite cookbook authors. I’m so glad that I own five of his many published cookbooks.  

I found Southern Cocktails at Savannah’s One Fish Two Fish at 401 Whitaker Street, but you can easily buy on Amazon. Just click here to purchase: Southern Cocktails: Dixie Drinks, Party Potions, and Classic Libations.

Southern Cocktails: Dixie Drinks, Party Potions, and Classic Libations

French 75 is one of the many Southern cocktails featued in Denise Gee's book, Southern Cocktails

The recipe for Euphoric Eggnog would be the perfect Southern cocktail to kick up your holiday parties this season. Serve in antique silver tea cups for an unforgettable ladies' lunch.

Cooking Basics - This arrangement is the perfect starter kit, whether you’re shopping for a newlywed, bride-to-be, someone that’s interested in cooking or someone that just needs their basics freshened up. This gift includes:

• Stainless steel measuring spoons
• Glass measuring cup
• 8” mini whip
• Tango Spoonula
• Pot holder
• Springform pan 

Salad Lover - This gift begins with a great salad bowl and everything needed to make a salad before the lettuce is added.

• Bamboo Salad and Pasta Hands
• Mustaphia’s Moroccan olive oil
• Lettuce knife
• 8” mini whip
• Chardonnay wine vinegar
• Vic Firth pepper mill
• Kitchen towel
• Salad bowl 

Party Starter – This gift helps ‘get that party started’ with lots of goodies that a hostess needs to entertain expected or those unexpected guests.   

• Wine opener
• Dark chocolate cashews
• Cocktail napkins
• Cheese knives (set of five)
• Blue cheese olives
• Bamboo cutting board
• Serving tray

Thanks to the staff at The Cook’s Warehouse for preparing these culinary creations. The Cook’s Warehouse has four Atlanta locations (Ansley Park [Midtown], Brookhaven, Decatur and Merchant’s Walk Shopping Center, Marietta). www.cookswarehouse.com

To kick off the celebration, shoppers are invited to attend a special holiday party that will be held on December 1. Co-hosted by Bearings and Westside Provisions District, the party will take place from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. complete with live music by Smokey’s Farmland Band and spirits by American Spirit Whiskey.  Selected Westside Provisions District merchants will stay open late and serve wine and cheese to attendees. 

Holiday pop-up participants featured throughout Tinsel and Twine include:

• Arboreal – stationery and gift wrap
• Peter Nappi – handcrafted footwear, bags and belts
• F.M. Allen – fine clothiers
• Les Nouvelles – women’s fashions
• Rebecca Boutique – women’s fashions
• Le Jardin Francais – international floral and garden design atelier
• Tracery Interiors – interior design

Pop-up hours for December 1 – 4 are:

• Thursday, December 1, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Friday, December 2, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Saturday, December 3, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Sunday, December 4, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Parking is free in the parking deck at White Provisions. Westside Provisions District is located at 1100-1210 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta. For more information and a list of  Westside Provisions District retailers and restaurants, go to westsidepd.com.

Boxwoods Gardens & Gifts opened Boxwoods Home at 56 E. Andrews, Suite 60

Boxwoods Gardens & Gifts recently opened Boxwoods Home across from their existing store on East Andrews and Paces Ferry Place. Dan Belman and Randy Korando, the owners of Boxwoods, masterfully redesigned the interior of the old Susan Lee store into a creative designer showplace for all your tabletop needs. As you move through the space, every room is a vignette of tabletop and tablescape ideas from casual to formal, so it’s easy to visualize items in your own home. Boxwoods Home offers china, silverware, glassware and barware including monogram options, linens, soaps, serving trays, books, and a large variety of home accessories from furniture to mirrors to candles and other tablescape accessories like napkin rings, place mats, place card and cupcake holders. Some of the unique lines that they offer customers include Arte Italica (made in Italy), Casafina, Beatriz Ball and Pamela Tidwell’s Vieuemps porcelain, to name a few. Bridal registry available. Boxwoods Home, 56 E. Andrews, Suite 60 at Paces Place. 404.857.1335.   

Since pictures are worth a thousand words, take a trip through Boxwoods Home through my photos taken on Friday.

Boxwoods Home Italian tablescape

This gorgeous, colorful and fall festive centerpiece beckons to be taken home.

Just one of several completely set tables at Boxwoods Home. Everything from the table to the place card holder is available.

Boxwoods Home feather place mat

Boxwoods Home Beatriz Ball line. The perfect home serving piece or bridal gift.

How lovely is this bird place card holder?

Unique napkins rings await a lovely napkin

Boxwoods Home peapod hostess set

Bennett Street in Atlanta has been famous for its antique stores, art galleries, furniture stores and more but it’s going through a bit of transition right now as many of its retailers have move, predominately to Miami Circle. But there are still several antiques stores there but one in particular that’s worth discovering is Interiors Market. Its 30 different dealers are laid out in vignettes that twist and turn throughout the 10,000-square-foot space. See a wonderful array of photos from Interiors Market, 55 Bennett Street NW # 20, Atlanta, Ga. below. www.interiorsmarket.com

English silverplated honey jar with glass liner

One of a pair of mirrored and crystal scones

This Interiors Market's vendor carries furniture, lamps, mirrors and home accessories.

Plates, plates and more plates line many of the walls in their "china rooms."

Aluminum tricycle, circa 1930s

Soir de Paris Bourjois Perfume vintage advertisement

One of a pair of English mahogany urns knife boxes with ebony string inlay, circa 1880.

An assortment of Baccarat, Waterford and English cut crystal decanters

Fortuny-style silk hanging lantern

Sunflowers are an excellent choice for a simple summer dinner party arrangement.

Flowers – Fresh Market and Whole Foods, but only if they come out of the cooler.

Fresh Bread - Buckhead Bread and Star Provisions but also H & F Bread Co. which can only be purchased at select specialty stores and farmers’ markets around town. 

Fresh Seafood - Fresh Market and Whole Foods.  

Filet Mignon- I’m partial to the Heifer beef at Fresh Market.

Dessert- I actually like to make my own desserts from scratch when I can but if I can’t you won’t go wrong with cookies, petit fours or chocolate éclairs from Rhodes Bakery. If you want a cake then order one at least the day before you need it from one of several locations of A Piece of Cake in Atlanta, but plan to pick it up before 5:00 p.m. when they close. They will deliver or ship for an additional fee.

Cheeses - Again Star Provisions and Whole Foods has the best selection.

Wine – H & F Bottle Shop, Perrine’s Wine Shop and Sherlocks Wine Merchants.

Bartender – Call my favorite bartender. See The Perfect Bartender.

Glasses, Placemats and other Table Top Needs – I like Crate & Barrel but if you don’t have a store in your town then plan ahead and order online. It’s so nice to have Crate & Barrel at Lenox Mall. You might also check out Crate & Barrel’s new urban store called CB2 that offers more modern, affordable option. CB2 has nine urban stores in Atlanta, Berkeley, Chicago, LA, Miami, New York, San Francisco, Santa Monica, and now Washington, D.C.

Screwpull Classic Lever Model

The Original Lever Screwpull invented in 1980 is my overall favorite for home use. Its ingenious engineering and ergonomic design makes it easy to open even the toughest corks including the new synthetic corks which will break most of your less expensive corkscrews. Its incredibly strong, non-stick coated screw opens 2000 bottles before it needs to be changed. Screwpull Lever Models come with a ten-year warranty. S.R.P. $80.

Screwpull Original Corkscrew and Foilcutter

The Original Screwpull Corkscrew and Foilcutter set is perfect for a picnic, or any outdoor event where you want a more compact corkscrew and foilcutter with its self-pulling screw that makes cork removal fast and easy. It’s encased in a small combo box that travels easily. S.R.P. $25.

Screwpull Cork Catcher

If you’re celebrating any special occasion the Screwpull Cork Catcher makes opening a bottle of Champagne or sparkling wine easy especially when there’s the need to keep the cork controlled. You’ll still get that pop and excitement but without the risk of injury that you want when you open Champagne or sparkling wine. The Screwpull Cork Catcher was a Housewares Design Awards “Best in Category” winner. S.R.P. $20.

Screwpull products are available in gourmet stores, select department stores and wine specialty shops.

Mud Gloves Rose

Mud Gloves Sky

Gardeners – A pair of pink (for her) and a pair of blue (for him) Mud Gloves with a basket filled with an assortment of fresh herbs from your local nursery or home gardening center. Mud Gloves defines their pink as rose and blue as sky. Check out all their products and colors at www.mudgloves.com.

Ice Cream Lovers – Purchase a half dozen vintage-type ice cream Sunday glasses with a pink (for her) and a blue (for him) ice cream scoop; or an ice cream and/or frozen yogurt maker from Target or Sur la Table. I like the old fashioned looking ones as well as the new Cuisinart electric ones; then add a couple of colorful bowls from Target or T.J. Maxx.     

Prism Kites' Hypnotist

Outdoor Types – You’re never too old to fly a kite and these are ready for years of fun and excitement. Check out any kite by Prism at www.prismkites.com. I personally own the Prism which is now called the Hypnotist.

Movie Buffs – Purchase multiple sets of tickets from a national cinema chain or one that you know the bride and groom patronize. Then add the tickets to a popcorn container or even popcorn bucket from a movie cinema (preferably one that’s not used) filled with bags of microwave popcorn and lots of movie candies.

Cooks – Give them a night off by purchasing a cooking class at an area restaurant, if applicable, or a cooking school like Viking Range’s Date Night where you can learn hot new cooking tips and techniques under the guidance of its skilled culinary staff. They can work side-by-side with each other then sit down together to enjoy an amazing dinner. www.vikingrange.com

Deborah Herndon's Blue Shutters, Catalan, Spain

Deborah Herndon, a photographer from West Virginia, pairs her passion as a professional photographer with her passion for food. During her travels to France and Spain she shoots architecture and urban landscapes and combines them with her own recipes that she’s developed from her 20 years of travel. She and her husband were married in Paris and return every year to discover more about different cultures there and in adjoining countries. In addition to her photographic images she produces note cards and thank you notes that feature her photographs and recipes including “Catalonia, France” doors and recipes and her newest release “Catalan Doors & Recipes from Spain.”

Deborah Herndon's Brick Surround Red Door, Catalonia, France

As a graduate of Virginia Tech College of Architecture and Urban Design with a Masters in Urban & Regional Planning, she’s very focused on architecture and the culture of different ethnic groups. Her “Architecture Talks: Doors and Details” is the title of her solo exhibit of metallic photograph originals from France and Spain at The Loft Gallery in Occoquan, Va. near Washington, D.C. from June 7 until July 3.Meet Deborah at their Meet the Artist reception at The Loft Gallery, this Sunday, June 12 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

She currently has pieces on exhibit at the Kentucky Artisan Center in Berea, Ky., the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft in Louisville, Ky., the WV Museum of Culture and History and La Linea Bella Gallery both in Charlottesville, Va., Turtle Lane Gifts in Staunton, Va. and Miles Morgan Gallery in Staunton, Va. to name a few. She also donates 10 percent of her profits to organizations providing micro loans to women starting businesses from home, in less advantaged parts of the world. www.rivetingnotes.com

Deborah Herndon's "Catalan Doors & Recipes from Spain" note cards with recipes. This one features her Chocolate Port Cake.

Runners at the recent Piggly Wiggly Cooper River Bridge Run in Charleston, S.C. wear their pig T-shirts while posing with the pig mascot

We Southerners like wearing T-shirts especially as it gets closer to our sultry summer days. But I’ve noticed that we southerners really like wearing T-shirts that show our pride of Southern food. Whether it’s our favorite snack food, beverage or vintage grocery store we wear it with pride. So I thought it would be fun if we had a contest during the entire month of June that would showcase an array of food and food-related T-shirts. Send us a picture, or post a picture on Facebook of your favorite food or food-related T-shirt (you don’t have to be wearing it but it would be nice to see you modeling your favorite). If you e-mail me directly then I’ll post your picture on our Facebook page. For every photo received during the month of June 2011 we’ll make a donation to the Atlanta Community Food Bank and for every new Facebook “Like” in the month of June 2011 we’ll add to that donation.

The classic crescent moon MoonPie logo T-shirt shown in ladies crunchberry

So to kick it off here are two great food T-shirts that are so inherently Southern. The MoonPie T-shirt (pictured to left) has the classic MoonPie logo printed on the front chest and back. You can choose to wear it with pride in crunchberry, aloe, and lagoon blue colors. Get your own MoonPie T-shirt at www.moonpie.com.

This T-shirt says you love the pig, whether you display the old Piggly Wiggly grocery store logo, the Mr. Pig, Piggly Wiggly pig head logo, or “I dig the pig.” Retro and various color and options celebrates America’s first true self-service grocery store that was founded in Memphis, Tenn. in 1916.

Earth Fare – Donates .05 cents per reusable bag, box or whatever else you might use to take your groceries home to a local charity. The local charity changes every quarter. Good for you guys. 

Target – .05 cents per bag used. Just remind your cashier if they forget. 

Trader Joe’s – Weekly they enter customers that used something reusable for their groceries into a drawing for a gift bag full of their best sellers worth about $20 to $25 dollars. Now that’s a big credit for doing something great for the environment.

Whole Foods – .10 cents per bag used. Whole Foods no longer uses any plastic bags.

Before leaving Serenbe walk the streets and enjoy charming street homes, other great retail shops, and a bake good at the Blue Eyed Daisy Bakeshop. Decide you want to stay overnight then make a reservation at the charming and beautiful The Inn at Serenbe.

The Bilt-House, Serenbe offers unique ladies apparel, shoes and jewelry

An entire level of home goods at The Bilt-House, Serenbe

More home goods displayed throughout The Bilt-House townhouse-store's kitchen

A cutey stuffed monkey awaits you on the living room sofa.

Sarah Kargol gives a thrift store found book new life in a whimsical purse.

While attending the Dogwood Festival at Piedmont Park in Atlanta earlier this month I met and spoke with many artists but was charmed by one in particular. A resident-Southern Carolina artist, wife and mom of four boys (I joked and told her “you mean five boys”). She has taken her talent for designing, sewing and sourcing unique thrift store finds and recycling them into beautiful art pieces including stuffed creations called monster bites, contempory artwork and my favorite, little purses. I was most intrigued with these recycled books turned purses. She’ll take an old book which must have an interesting title and/or cover and gut it out, add a unique Sarah Kargol element like one of her whimsical monster characters, then line the inside in beautiful fabric, add a complementary strap, and unique button for a clasp and Voila, a cute little purse like no other.

Sarah does a small handful of art shows during the year since she’s busy with raising her boys and creates after the boys goes to bed and something works until they get up in the morning. Now, that’s dedication to your craft. Her next show is Piccolo Spoleto Festival, Charleston, S.C., May 27 – June 12.

For more information on Sarah Kargol’s art go to www.sarahkargolart.com.

Sarah Kargol purses incorporates great old books

A Sarah Kargol Purse made from a Alice Megan Rice book called Quin for my niece, Quinn. Shh, it's a birthday present.

While the new space is much larger it still offers the finest selection of artisanal wines, a staff of wine experts and great customer service. It also includes a larger section for wine accessories and gifts, a handsome tasting bar and open area for special events that will enable Sherlock’s to bring a comprehensive wine education program, more vintner receptions and private tastings to we wine lovers in Buckhead.

The old space will transition into much needed parking space for the shopping center.   

Sherlock’s Wine Merchants in Buckhead is at 3401 Northside Parkway, Suite C, Atlanta, 404.233.1514, and complements their four other locations across Metro Atlanta. For more information go to sherlocks.com and buckheadwineshop.com.

Sherlock's Wine Merchant Buckhead's new, bigger store

Sherlock's Wine Merchant Buckhead's new store features this beautiful wine bottle chandelier that includes some wine I actually consumed.

Peachtree Road Farmers Market 2011 Season opens this Saturday

If you’re not familiar with the Peachtree Road Farmers Market then you need to be up to speed. The Market founded in 2007 is a joint project between Gina and Linton Hopkins (of Restaurant Eugene, H&F Bread Co. and Holeman & Finch Public House) to have a central place for farmers to market their produce and products. Since its first year the vendors have grown from 12 to 65, making it the largest producer-only market in metro Atlanta. Everything at the Market has been grown, raised, or made by the seller, ensuring fair prices for both the vendors and the consumers. The Market staff visits member farms and kitchens to make sure its consumers are getting the highest quality produce and products. Vendors range from produce and fruit farmers, meat, egg, dairy and seafood purveyors, floral gardeners, chefs and prepared food specialists, and artists.

Vendors range from produce and fruit farmers, meat, egg, dairy and seafood purveyors, floral gardeners, chefs and prepared food specialists, and artists.

This year’s opening day will be officially rung in so you’re invited to bring your own bell, kazoo or noise maker to celebrate their fifth season opener. The 2011 Market opens this Saturday but takes place every Saturday ‘till noon, rain or shine, until December 17^th. There are 35 chef demonstrations scheduled for this season and 65 rotating vendors. The full demo schedule and vendor listing is available online at peachtreeroadfarmersmarket.com. Hours: April-September 8:30 a.m.-noon and September-December 9:00 a.m.-noon. Cathedral of St. Philip, 2744 Peachtree Road, NW, Atlanta.

Perrine's Wine Shop featured in Garden & Gun magazine April/May 2011 issue

Well you know you’re made it, well you just know. But I think as a Southern business person you know you’re special when you’re featured in Garden & Gun magazine. So I think you know you’ve made it when you get a spread (magazine lingo for two pages) in Garden & Gun magazine. So congrats to Perrine Prieur, proprietor of Perrine’s Wine Shop in Atlanta’s Westside Provision District, featured in the current April/May issue of Garden & Gun.

Somethings I learned about Perrine: she was the youngest to earn a challenge medal for the best young sommelier in Bordeaux in 2004. She arrived in America in 2006 where she could only spoke French, she earned a sommelier and worked as the sommelier at JOËL Brasserie for four years before opening Perrine’s Wine Shop in 2010. Congrats and we’re so glad you’re in the neighborhood. perrineswine.com

Perrine’s Wine Shop was in great company in this section called Good Hunting which also included Revival, Chattanooga, Tenn and Mortar, Houston, Texas.

Another excellent article worth reading in this month’s G&G: Gregg Allman’s Restless Soul.

A soft updo achieved with the Goody Simple Styles Spin Pin

Most of we Southern women have lots of bobby pins rolling around the bottom of a bathroom drawer that we might seek out for those special hair occasions. But when you have a true special occasion, that fabulous fashionable updone hair requires a lot of hard work and never enough hands and mirrors at home or the time consuming and expensive trip to the hair salon. I had this experience recently before attending a black-tie event on the west coast in February. I just wasn’t going to attempt this on my own in my hotel room bath and the resort salon was charging $95 plus tax and gratuity (ouch). I needed another easy, affordable and stylish option. What came to my fashionista-hair dilemma was a quick trip to the drug store and a purchase of the Goody Spin Pin: it’s a tiny corkscrew pin that does the work of 20 bobby pins making it easy to achieve an updo look.

A Spin Pin package includes two pins and instructions to achieve three styles. With spring flings, prom, weddings, other special events in your future or just getting that long hair up for a trip to the beach or your garden, the Spin Pin is just the hair-do accessory you need. No wonder it was just named by Good Housekeeping as a 2011 Very Innovative Products (V.I.P.) Award recipient. The Goody Simple Styles Spin Pin is available at CVS, Target, Walgreens, Walmart and Duane Reade stores nationwide and the S.R.P. is only $6.49.

An excited Chic Boutique Tour shopper with her fashion find

Are you tired of constantly shopping alone and feeling dissatisfied with the average mall selections? Then the Chic Boutique “Spring Indulgence” Tour is the answer to your and your closet’s dreams for some unique spring fashions. The event filled day, Saturday, April 2, begins at 11:00 a.m. with a Pink Carpet Social at Redefined Home Boutique, 887 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta. Then a comfortable chauffeured motor coach will await with a sampling of hors d’oeuvres and infinite libations while taking you to a selection of fashionista-fabulous Atlanta boutiques. The participating boutiques are: 5 Continents, Demure, NV-U Boutique, Raw Denim and Redefined Home Boutique.

Each Chic Boutique Tour guest will receive 20% off of their fashion finds along with a CBT Fab Bag so they can continue to spoil themselves at home. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at www.chicboutiquetour.com or by calling 678.719.CHIC. Bring a friend because if you purchase a ticket before March 13^th and the second ticket is half price, but full-priced tickets can be purchased up to the day of the tour. A portion of the ticket proceeds will be donated to The Lupus Foundation’s Georgia Chapter.

Red Envelope wallet bottle opener

Are you looking for a unique St. Patrick’s Day gift for your guy? In the spirit of the green beer that’s consumed during this time of year, then how about a bottle opener? But not any ole bottle opener because this one is the exact size of a credit card, so it fits perfectly in a wallet. Add a special touch to this handy stainless-steel product with a custom message engraved on one side. Engrave a message of love or a list of important dates not to be forgotten.

• Measures 3 3/8” x 2 1/8”
• Made of stainless steel
• May be engraved with up to 5 lines, 20 characters each line
• Size of engraving changes based on number of characters.

Click Wallet Bottle Opener to purchase directly from RedEnvelope.com for $14.95.

Splurge on Billecart-Salmon Brut Rose Champagne this Valentine's Day

Who doesn’t enjoy drinking “champagne?” But a lot of what we drink and what’s mistakenly called champagne is actually sparkling wine, because it’s not champagne unless it’s produced in France. Here’s a true champagne and my personal recommendation for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion: Billecart-Salmon Brut Rose Champagne. The champagne maker describes it perfectly as “light bubbles that rise with seductive aromas of dried fruit and honey notes layered on a honey undercurrent. Expertly balanced, the [champagne] relies on its full-body to assert the identity of the Pinot Noir before revealing its elegance and pedigree. It finishes with panache on delightfully spiced mineral notes.” It’s a true splurge, but worth ever sip. Expect to pay in the neighborhood of $89.99 a bottle. I’ve purchased it most recently in a little wine shop outside Bordeaux, France, but also a bit closer to home at Sherlock’s Wine Merchants.

I visited the store yesterday and “l-o-v-e it!” First of all, how refreshing it is to park right in front of the store and just walk in with no hassle of mall parking. The new store is open, spacious and beautifully laid out, and ladies, you’re going to dig the dressing room, which feels like a dressing room designed for a movie star. It’s as large and spacious as the store (pictured below). The store is laid out in various sections, not unlike their other stores, but this store is laid and nicely divided into creative, colorful vignettes which integrate their ladies apparel, handbags, jewelry and accessories and kitchen, home décor and so much more. Check out the new store for yourself at 1207 Howell Mill Road (Howell Mill and Huff Road), Atlanta, Ga. 404.355.4889. www.anthropologie.com

Anthropologie's new Westside Urban Market store interior

Anthropologie's kitchen department in new Westside Urban Market store

Anthropologie's new Westside Urban Market location's dressing room.

The new Anthropologie in Westside Urban Market

50s dress and earrings, sunglasses and head band from Psycho Sisters and straw handbag from antique store in Roswell, Ga.

I have an annual costume party that Tim and I attend coming up soon and this year’s theme is—wait for it—vintage beach. Now with some further investigation we’ve heard that we should think Frankie and Annette in “Beach Blanket Bingo,” Gidget and her surfer friend, Moondoggie and 50s and 60s retro style. Now for some of my younger reader, you’re thinking I’m speaking a foreign language and asking yourself, did she mean widget or Gidget and who the heck were Frankie, Annette and Moondoggie? These names would drive most to try to catch them on a Turner Classic movie, but for me and this costume party it drove me into a world that I truly hadn’t investigated before: the vintage/consignment stores. 

There’s an array of vintage/consignment stores in Atlanta where you can purchase uniquely beautiful to lovely worn pieces of the past. Here are a few stores worth mentioning, so please share others that you may have some personal experience by making a comment today.

The Clothing Warehouse  – One Atlanta location in Five Points, but they also have other Southern locations in Savannah, Jacksonville, North Carolina and South Carolina.

The Lucky Exchange – Vintage and some new. Two locations in Atlanta on Ponce de Leon and Moreland Avenue.

A fun find: vintage earrings with the original screw backs

Psycho Sisters – Four locations, but I really like the Sandy Springs location on Roswell Road. The owner is always very helpful and it’s easy to park. I’ve found the Five Points location to feel claustrophobic and very difficult to shop. I haven’t been to the other two locations which are on Piedmont Avenue in Atlanta and in Cartersville, Ga. 

Rag-O-Rama – This has a feel of a neighborhood consignment store. I’ve personally never found what I’m looking for here, but it might be worth investigating based on what you’re looking for in clothes and accessories. Located in Five Points.

Stefan’s Vintage Clothing – It’s the oldest vintage clothing store in Atlanta located in Five Points and specializes in vintage clothes made in the 1900s through 1970.

It's a Valentine's Day gift he won't forget when you Send A Pantygram

Okay ladies, Valentine’s Day is just three weeks away, and back by popular demand from last year when we introduced you to this, so why not be sexy and creative and Send a Pantygram? What’s a pantygram? When you order and select a delivery date, your special guy receives a lacy pair of heart-shaped red panties in a discreet black package (frequently at work) with an anonymous note attached that directs him to a Web page where he enters a verification code and gains access to a private, personalized message to learn that the package is from you. Send a Pantygram even helps you message ideas that ranges from mild to exotic. Then when he’s opened your online message you’ll get an automatic e-mail message that he’s read, so you’ll know when to expect his call, because you’re sure to get a call. This will be a Valentine’s Day present your special guy won’t soon forget. Send a Pantygram for $24.95 plus shipping by going to www.sendapantygram.com. The panties in the pantygram are just part of the message experience only, so if you’re looking for uniquely beautiful intimate apparel in Atlanta then check out The Blue Corset Co. at Lenox Mall next to Neiman Marcus.