Are you about to host a wine and cheese party for your friends? What could be more fun!
But if you’ve not done this before, you probably are unsure how to go about this. From the most suitable time for the event to the best wine and cheese to pair, there’s so much you need to know. And that’s what this article is here to guide you about.
So, come along!
Items you’ll need
Of course, you do know you’ll need some bottles of wine and cheese. But there are other essential items, including:
- A cheese slicer
- Plates
- At least one corkscrew
- Serving platter
- Wine glasses (try to get more than the total number of guests)
When to fix a wine and cheese event?
A wine and cheese event isn’t actual dining, and there will be no well-rounded meals. So the best time to host the event is some hours before or after dinner, say 4 pm or 9 pm. This will allow the guests enough time to eat at home before or after the party.
Now, it’s time to figure out what wine and cheese to get.
Sorting the right wine and cheese
For a wine and cheese event, never be too shy to go with the wine you consider the best. Chances are your guests will like it too, even if it isn’t their favorite.
You can find excellent wines curated according to your preferences by joining a monthly wine club. This will allow you to control the kind of wines you want to be delivered — you may know some of your friend’s tastes — so there’s enough variety to go around.
But after getting your wine, you need to pair it with the right cheese.
Some classic pairings that never disappoint include:
- Champagne and Brie
- Pinot Noir and Gruyere
- Aged Port and Blue St
- Riesling and Ricotta
- Tempranillo and Idiazabal
- Vermentino and Fiore Sardo
- Chianti Classico and Pecorino Toscano
- Sauvignon Blanc and Goat Cheese
- Provence Rosé and Havarti
- Cabernet and Gouda
- Sweet Port and Bleu Cheese
Make sure, though, that you have at least 3-4 different types of cheese, different textures, different flavors, and from various sources (goat, cattle, vegan, etc.). Variety, indeed, is the spice of life.
Incorporate some snacks into the party
Although a wine and cheese party isn’t mealtime, adding some snacks is a great way to have something to chew on while you discuss and have fun. This will also prevent you from spending precious time in the kitchen preparing something big for your guests.
Excellent snacking options include:
- Gluten-free crackers
- Gluten-free snack mix
- Fresh fruits
- Dark chocolate
- Nut cookies
- Dried figs and oranges, etc.
It’s worth labeling the snacks’ boards to protect people with allergies from accidents.
Forming your wine and cheese board
Now for the last part, a picturesque wine and cheese board may seem complex to create, but it’s far from it. The best way to go about this is by creating a structure.
To accomplish that, place large items on the board first. These may include bowls and other decorative items that can stand independently. Then, fill in the gaps with colorful snacks and other ingredients.
There are many brilliant ideas to try out when it comes to having fun on land. You can decide to visit a favorite restaurant with a loved one, watch an exciting movie at a cinema, go hiking in the glamorous Runyon Canyon, Los Angeles…the list is endless!
However, when it comes to enjoying oneself on the water, one might have to brainstorm really hard to come up with a unique and super-exciting idea. You don’t have to go through such difficulty.. There are a lot of water sports and activities to try out when looking to experience those once-in-a-lifetime moments. Lucky for you, we have compiled a list of these activities below.
1. Flyboard Flying
If you are a superman enthusiast, the chances are that you have—probably once or twice—imagined yourself, high-up, in the sky, staring down at the ground like the revered Clark Kent. While a flyboard cannot bring such a bizarre dream to pass, it can at least make you enjoy the feeling of being a floating human for some time. Regardless, there are a lot of thrills and spills packed in this fantastic water activity.
2. Kayaking
Another fun water activity to try out is kayaking. In the United States, there were around 18.12 million participants in kayaking, an increase of 16.62 million in 2021. If you’ve had your reservations about kayaking, such statistics are a clear indication of why you need to rent a kayak (or buy one) and head out to the water to enjoy the picturesque view.
3. Sightseeing
Wouldn’t you love to have a close-up view of some aquatic creatures or sea features? Rather than spend all of your precious time engaging in an onshore activity, why not take the fun offshore? One of the best ways to do that is by buying an LA whale watching ticket for yourself and perhaps family members. If you would love to see what a whale actually looks like in real life, this is an excellent chance for you.
4. Cliff-Diving
There is something remarkable about diving off one of Mother Nature’s magnificent creations. Cliff diving is a fun activity for those with a penchant for adventure. For a brief moment, you feel like you’ve cheated gravity, then shortly, you find yourself plunging into the water like a fighter jet on a solo airshow display. It’s a thrilling activity everyone should try out just for the experience.
5. Jet Skiing
Have you always been wishing to try out some insanely fast and furious high-speed stunts? Rather than try it on land and get caught for overspeeding, you can get on a jet ski and put those driving skills of yours to the test.
Unlike the land, where you have many restrictions, the sea offers you a wide array of space to perform whatever stunt you have in mind. You can decide to travel at some heart-stopping speeds, perform droughts, go in circles, or even jump awake. The feeling of wafting through the waves as guts of cool wind soothes your skin makes this a must-try water sport.
Conclusion
Aside from the usual activities individuals engage in while on the water, there are many other unique fun activities to try out. These activities are designed to leave a lasting impression on your memories and offer you the fun that you’ve never dreamt of. Ensure you go for something that suits your taste and always exercise caution when engaging in these sports.
Mentorship and guidance from established powerhouses in any field is a valuable way to gain some of the knowledge and insight that comes from decades of experience. When it comes to fashion design, there are few as qualified to provide this type of support as iconic couture brand Dolce & Gabbana. The company knows that working with emerging designers is a win-win. Creative collaboration and mentor relationships reap benefits for all involved.
Dolce & Gabbana lends its expertise to newcomers to the fashion world, and in turn, benefits from the unique vision of the next generations. Working with D&G launches new designers into the fashion stratosphere and this opportunity has been extended to many fledgling brands.
Harris Reed
Harris Reed’s brand represents fluidity in all its definitions. Elegant, changeable, and freely moving around societal expectations, this brand focuses on high fashion with a heavy dose of inclusivity. Their designs seek to liberate wearers from the constraints of gender norms, highlighting the beauty in originality and freedom of expression. The brand describes itself as romanticism gone nonbinary, and there is no better way to put it.
Dolce & Gabbana’s collaboration with Harris Reed manifested in a show-stopping Met Gala look worn by Iman. D&G’s support helped Reed’s vision and inspiration come into existence in the form of a gorgeous gown and headpiece. Reed was inspired by the regalness of the event, the iconic status of Iman, and the idea of over-the-top individuality and self-acceptance. Dolce & Gabbana expressed their joy at the opportunity to nurture this incredible creator and help bring his vision to life.
Spiga 2
Spiga 2, a Dolce & Gabbana concept store, has become a Mecca for rising creative talents in the fashion world. The company transformed this retail storefront into a showcase space for a myriad of new designers. This allows young clothing brands to display their pieces next to Dolce & Gabbana accessory items, which is the exposure opportunity of a lifetime.
This visibility is priceless in a highly competitive industry like fashion, and the designers chosen to be featured in Spiga 2 are some of the most talented and innovative creatives emerging in the business. Among the many names included in D&G’s roster of new talent are Fausto Puglisi, Behnaz Sarafpour, Christian Blanken, and Heather Williams. Part showroom, part retail store, and all creative genius, Spiga 2 invites experimentation and exploration for fashion lovers.
Miss Sohee
Korean designer Sohee Park’s brand Miss Sohee has quickly gained fans around the world. Inspired by vibrant imagery and surreal design concepts she utilized in her work as an illustrator, her clothing is transcendent. Bold prints, exaggerated silhouettes, and playful details accentuate and experiment with the feminine form. Having made clothing donned by fashion-forward celebrities like Naomi Campbell, Bella Hadid, and Ariana Grande, she is no stranger to attracting attention from people who know quality.
Dolce & Gabbana recognized the talent radiating from the Miss Sohee brand and has been quick to provide support for a potentially meteoric rise. Feeling a connection with Park’s authentic and fresh styling, D&G chose to collaborate with her to create her new collection, to be presented at Milan Fashion Week at the end of February 2022. Miss Sohee’s designs, created from her partnership with D&G, will be a representation of her personal creative vision.
Artistic expression, unique perspectives, and prioritization of quality are crucial to the success of a fashion brand. However, even with all of these things, it can be difficult to get noticed. That’s why Dolce & Gabbana’s commitment to highlighting the works of up-and-coming designers is paramount to the integrity and evolution of the world of fashion.
Car accidents are devastating, not only for the people riding the vehicle but for families as well. The implications extend beyond the injuries to the driver and passengers. Rather, the mishap can cause an upheaval in the family. Whether your loved one suffers alone or with others, expect the scars to stay. In fact, your life may never be the same after losing a member or seeing them suffer from a lasting disability. Beyond the physical injury, the mental trauma can be equally daunting. It is vital to understand how the accident can affect your family life and what you can do to resume normalcy as soon as possible. Here are some valuable insights to help deal with the aftermath of a car crash.
Physical injuries and limitations
Most car accident victims experience physical injuries in some form. Minor ones leave them out of action for a few weeks, but severe ones can result in long-term disabilities. Imagine seeing a loved one become incapacitated due to a traumatic brain injury or losing their mobility because of spinal cord damage. Some victims even suffer from life-changing consequences like amputation because of severe injuries. Life at home becomes challenging because family member requires a caregiver to help them with their daily tasks. The limitations may require some modifications in the living space to make them accessible to the victim. If you have experienced pain and suffering from an accident, it can also damage your mental health, if you need support, make sure you ask for it. There is no shame in doing this.
Death of a loved one
Car accidents are painful for people who lose a loved one because of another driver’s negligence. It is hard to imagine life without a member of your family. The mishap leaves a permanent void in the family as the survivors have to deal with constant pain and suffering. You may feel emotions like anger, frustration, grief, and depression. The only way to regain your peace is by ensuring that the negligent driver is punished and your deceased relative gets justice.
Financial crisis due to hefty medical bills
If you are lucky enough, your loved ones may survive the crash. But their medical treatment can cost thousands. Expect a financial crisis in the family as you struggle to stay afloat amid the hefty bills of medications, surgeries, diagnostics, appointments, and rehab sessions. Thankfully, you can seek compensation for your injuries when a negligent driver is responsible for the mishap. You can hire a car accident lawyer to calculate the rightful amount, negotiate a settlement, or represent the victim during the lawsuit. Although compensation may not make up for the pain and suffering of your loved one, it can take your family life a step closer to financial recovery.
Missed work and disrupted budgets
Car accidents are financially painful not only because of the medical bills. If the victim is the primary earning member of the family, you may experience a disruption in the monthly budget. They may miss work temporarily or permanently, affecting the family income immensely. Your daily expenses may pile up as you lose hold of your budget. Savings can deplete quickly, and you may struggle to make ends meet. Let your lawyer know about the loss of income so that they can include it in the compensation claim. Family members may consider part-time jobs and side hustles to keep the home running amid the crisis.
Property damage
Life can fall apart for a family after a car accident if the family vehicle is damaged or destroyed. You need it to run errands, go to work, drop the kids to school, and drive the victim to medical appointments. Repairs may cost a fortune, and replacement may be out of the question. The costs of cabs and public transportation can add up quickly to hurt your monthly budget. You can contact your insurance company and include the damage repair costs in your compensation claim.
Loss of companionship
Physical injuries, vehicle damage, and financial pressure are not the only downsides of a car mishap. You cannot overlook the emotional impact of the accident on your family. The trauma of death or life-changing injuries is immense. Your family experiences a loss of companionship when one or more members cannot travel, socialize, or indulge in other forms of entertainment. But the good thing is that your lawyer can help you claim for these intangible forms of damage as well.
A car accident hurts the victim, but their families suffer as well. Things at home may change for good. But you can do your bit to get life on track again by claiming personal injury compensation from the negligent driver. Although money cannot reverse the damages, it can get your life a step closer to normalcy.
People have been using chemicals to clean their homes and offices in the past. But now, more and more people are switching to eco-friendly cleaning products. These eco-friendly products are suitable for the environment and safe for humans and pets.
Eco-friendly cleaning is all about using natural and sustainable products to clean your house. There are many reasons to go eco-friendly when it comes to cleaning. They include:
- The health benefits of using natural products instead of harsh chemicals
- No environmental impact of the waste generated by the chemicals used in traditional cleaners
- The cost-effectiveness of eco-friendly cleaners, which tend to be less expensive than conventional cleaners
With all of these benefits, you might be interested in knowing more about how you can keep your home germ-free in an eco-friendly way, which you can find in this article below.
Throw out the toxins
According to Maid Sailors, one of the easiest and the best things you can do for your home and your family is to get rid of toxic cleaning materials.
Toxic cleaning materials are a significant contributor to the rise of environmental pollution. They can be found in many household products, such as air fresheners, detergents, dishwashing liquid, and soaps. These products contain chemicals that harm the environment and you and your family.
These chemicals are linked to several health problems. Therefore, if you’re looking to have a healthier home greener way, you can start with this step.
Make use of vinegar
Vinegar is a natural cleaner that you can use for many different tasks around the house. It removes stubborn stains, eliminates odors, and disinfects surfaces. It is an excellent alternative to the chemicals in store-bought cleaners.
You can use vinegar for many purposes, such as cleaning floors, sinks, and countertops, removing soap scum from shower doors and tile, cleaning windows and mirrors, as well as removing stains from carpets and upholstery. It’s versatile, affordable, and non-toxic, so if you want to make DIY household cleaners, this is an excellent ingredient to include.
Use citrus fruits
Speaking of good ingredients for DIY household cleaners, citrus fruits are an excellent natural cleaning material. They can clean surfaces and remove the bacteria that accumulate on them. They also have a pleasant smell, and they can make your house smell fresh.
The best way to use citrus fruits is to cut them into halves or quarters, then rub them on the surface that needs to be cleaned. You should do this in a circular motion until you see that the dirt has been removed from the surface.
The acidity in citrus fruits helps them remove stains from clothes and other fabrics. You can also use them to scrub down your bathroom and kitchen sinks, as well as other hard surfaces around the house.
Clean with essential oils
Essential oils are all-natural products that are often made from plants. They are used for many purposes, including cooking and cleaning.
Cleaning with essential oils is a great way to get rid of bad smells and clean your home. Some essential oils even have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties.
Some people use essential oil diffusers, while others mix a few drops of the oil with water or soap. You can also add a few drops of the oil to a bowl of vinegar and then pour it all over your floor. The best way to clean with essential oils is to do it a little bit at a time because it’s not easy to get rid of the smell afterward.
Do note that one should never mix different types of oils because they might cause an adverse reaction in the body.
Get busy with a broom
Some people might be surprised to know that using a broom to clean the house is more eco-friendly than using a vacuum cleaner. This is because vacuums require electricity, which is not environmentally friendly. On the other hand, Brooms are made of natural materials like wood and can be used repeatedly.
The broom’s bristles are made out of natural biodegradable materials. The hairs on the broom brush help loosen dirt and grime off the surface, making it easier to clean up. The bristles also help reduce dust particles in the air by collecting them on the ground. Thus, keeping your floors clean without using up too many natural resources to do it.
Ditch paper towels
Paper towels are an everyday item that we don’t think about when we go into the kitchen and grab one. They are a convenience that we have come to rely on in our homes. However, they are not sustainable and environmentally friendly. Paper towels use up many resources and create a lot of waste, which is not suitable for the environment.
There are many reasons why paper towels aren’t sustainable, including:
- Paper towel manufacturing uses up a lot of water
- Paper towel manufacturing uses up a lot of energy
- Most paper towels don’t break down in landfills because they contain plastic fibers
- Many people use more than one paper towel at once, which leads to waste.
Given these reasons, you should opt for reusable and washable towels instead.
Support brands with B Corp certification
A B Corporation is a company that meets rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
Not many are given this certification, which is why if they do, you know that they have gone through strict testing to pass. Thus, making these companies more trustworthy when their products claim eco-friendliness and sustainability.
Over to You
Ensuring your home is germ-free doesn’t mean that you must douse your house in harmful chemicals. Hopefully, the methods listed above can help show you that you can keep your home healthy while still making sure that you don’t end up harming the environment to do that.
Over Christmas, I bought the cutest tropical floral top at the Poppy Caravan pop-up in Florida. It was from the luxury lifestyle brand Ala von Auersperg. I was lucky enough to get to meet one of their fabulous stylists, Miss Trish. Maybe you remember her beautiful Miss Trish of Capri sandals? I really fell in love with Ala’s resort line. And my cute top is BEYOND. At first, I saw Trish wearing it over white jeans but then when I went into the shop to check out all the new arrivals, I wore it as a dress and it was even cuter. Here is a sneak peek of the current Ala von Auersperg collection. My favorite items are of course my ruffle poncho top, the tropical print flare pants, the seashell, and coral silk “Runaway Beach” dresses. But honestly, I do love everything. If you are traveling to the Palm Beach area visit the shop on Worth Ave or check out the Ala Website, HERE.
