Wine and Food: Four Questions That Will Help You Get It Right

By The Backyard Wine Enthusiast

There are some basic wine and food pairing rules that will help you mix together the right combination of flavors that will improve your dining experience. A great wine pairing can make your dining memorable and a wrong combination can contribute to a poor dining experience. Of the basic wine and food pairing rules, the number one rule is for you to remember is to pick a wine that you will enjoy. If you really have a preference for white wines versus red wines, then its okay for you to choose your favorite type of wine with your meal.

Four questions that will help you choose the right wine for dinning.

When you are considering which wine to order for your meal, keep in mind the following four questions. (1) What is the main dish that will be served? Is it beef, fish, or chicken? (2) How will it be cooked? Will it be grilled, baked, lightly fried, or pan-fried? (3) Is the dish accompanied by a sauce and if so, what kind of sauce and what are its flavors? (4) What are the sides dishes being served and how will their flavors impact the wine? Today there are so many new varieties of wine that the old standby wine and food pairing rule may not always apply, but until you become better at matching the right wine with your meal, stick to these basic wine rules, red wines with beef, and white wines with fish and poultry.

Keep "wine power," in mind, when choosing your wines.

Generally speaking, red wines will work best with dishes that are rich, heavy and have a big flavor. When choosing a beef dish, you should consider the powerful strength of beef and choose a wine that has equal power. This rule also is effective for dishes that are served in rich, thick, heavy, full-of-herbs types of sauces. The reason why red wines and beef goes well together is that red wines contains tannins which mixes with proteins, allowing the flavors to blend well together. As a rule, white wines and red meats do not work well together, because white wine lacks tannins that enables this flavorful combination to occur.

For foods that are light in taste, such as fish or chicken, white wines are better suited for these types of foods. Both color and smell influence taste buds and lighter wines will enhance the flavor of the foods and not overwhelm it. But even with light types of foods, if it is cooked in a heavy sauce or with spicy flavors or full of herbs, then it would be better paired with a wine that has more power, like a red wine or a Rose or a wine that has a bit more spice.

Choose more than one wine with a multiple course meal.

You should choose more than one wine if you are eating a multiple course dinner. Multiple course means many different types of flavors and it would be difficult for one wine to taste great throughout the entire meal. Consider ordering by the glass with appetizers or for the first course and then order a bottle of wine for the main dish, and then finish off the meal with a glass of wine appropriate for your desert choice.

You should start off with a lighter wine before drinking the more full-bodied types of wines. Wines that is high in acid works well with most foods, so think about those types of wines when ordering. Wines that are high in acid, you may not choose to drink alone, but can be quite wonderful when appropriately paired with the right food choice. Wines that have low acid can often be overwhelmed even with foods that are light in taste. The following examples of going from light to more full-bodied wines are: White Zinfandel, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewrztraminer and Chardonnay. And among reds, from lighter to fuller: Pinot Noir, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.

You can't go wrong, when you choose what you like.

The four questions guideline will help you to pair the right wine with your meal selection. Until you feel comfortable in making those wine choices for yourself, ask your server to suggest a wine for you. Be sure and tell them the type of wine you prefer, so they can keep that in mind before coming up with their recommendations. They should provide you with at least three to four great wine pairing choices in different price ranges. If you get a bottle or a glass of wine that you don't like, then feel comfortable in sending it back and requesting a new bottle or a new wine pour. Of all the wines rules to follow when it comes to wine and food pairing, the number one rule to remember, is to always choose the wine that you like.

About the Author:

The Backyard Wine Enthusiast is a wine lover and world traveler who have sampled great wines around the world and is the owner and writer for; The Wine of the Month.Com. Visit the website The Wine of the Month.Com for a completion offering of great wines and wine accessories. The online wine store provides you with a convenient one-stop shop for red and white wines, sparkling wines and wine of the month club recommendations.

Save Money Ideas - Holiday Spending Tips

By Ginnie Wilburn

With the declining stock markets and the crushing low economy, most of us are pressed to look for "save money ideas" for the Christmas season. Our kids are already filled with uncontainable excitement, as the countdown time for Christmas clicks away. Thoughts of Santa Claus, amazing toys, fabulous technology gadgets and sharing fun times fill their minds.

Gift giving is something most all of us love to do. A large number of people would rather give a gift than receive one. The reason is obvious; they love seeing eyes filled with joy and a smile that appears endless as their gift is opened. It is indeed special to give someone a much-loved gift and at the same time be able to use some "save money ideas" in the process.

With just a little advance preparation and foresight, you can embrace these "save money ideas" for the Christmas season. These money ideas are especially for Christmas time: a way to help you save and get the most out of the money you spend.

1. Look at your budget and compose your Christmas shopping list. You will need to take some time to reflect upon your list. After you decide upon the names for your gift list, place an estimated amount by each name based upon your budget constraints. Make it a key point not to go over your budget. This is a critical factor in being successful with "save money ideas."

When you begin your shopping it is likely you will see an item you would love to give but it is not within your budget. Just keep on shopping and remember there are plenty of wonderful gifts lurking around the corner that will work for your budget. Don't be afraid to step outside your normal gift giving items and give something unique. Often these gifts end up being favorites.

2. Don't wait: start shopping now. Starting early with your Christmas shopping let's you miss the crowded malls and you can find real savings with early Christmas sales. Perhaps one of the best "save money ideas" is shopping online. You can find some terrific online bargains, while sipping a cup of hot tea and never leaving your house. This will save you time; giving you more time to decorate, entertain and enjoy the seasonal festivities with friends and family.

3. Plan your food budget. Seems as though each time we go to the grocery store our grocery bill gets bigger. Having a potluck holiday meal is a great way to save on the food bill. If you are the host for this year's holiday meal, then serve one meat dish. This can be a big saving for your food budget and at the same time most people will not care. With a potluck meal food tends to be bountiful, especially during a holiday. One of the great things about a potluck holiday meal is guests frequently love sharing the recipe of their own special dish they brought to the festivities.

4. Try not to travel. Traveling can easily eat up a serious part of the budget. Staying at home is the best solution. However, if travel is necessary, then prepare some snacks ahead of time. This cuts back on food expenses for your trip. If you are traveling via automobile, then make it a point to drive slower to get better gas mileage. If flying is in your plans, then book early to get cheaper rates. This can be a huge savings factor in "save money ideas.

About the Author:

Create Christmas magic this Christmas season with hot Christmas toys your kids will truly love. If you have a limited budget, don't be discouraged. Discover fabulous hot Christmas toys for under $30.

Track Your Location in Style with a Nuvi 250

By Joseph Aaron

The Garmin Nuvi 250 GPS Navigator System is one of the top gps items currently available, with its chic styling and unlimited selection of maps of the United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Canada. The item is sized on the small side so that you should be able to carry along your Nuvi 250 no matter where your journey takes you.

Advantages of the Nuvi 250

The Garmin Nuvi 250 GPS Navigator System also comes full of points of interest, ATM information, and even gasoline stations. This knowledge is really useful if you are going to a new location and need to know the scoop about the activities in your new city.

If you are traveling in another country, you will love the currency converter and world clock that comes with your Nuvi 250. You may also download individualized vehicles which display your location on any one of the available maps.

Map Accuracy

The maps used on the Garmin Nuvi 250 are excellent for almost any purpose, and if you need to add to the collection of maps, you can do so easily. Garmin produces more maps when necessary, so you can take your Nuvi 250 in for updates.

To work with the maps on the Nuvi 250, all you have to do is figure out your starting point and end point. You will enter your journey's starting point and where you want to go. The Nuvi 250 will make your travel route for you so that you can have confidence that you are not about to take the wrong off ramp. If you are required to spend the night along the route, the Garmin Nuvi 250 GPS Navigator System will give you the information on where gas stations, motels and other necessary businesses can be found on your route.

Style and Design

The Garmin Nuvi 250 Portable GPS comes in two hues: silver and pink. The design is compact to enable you to effortlessly take the Nuvi 250 near you along backpacking outings or any area you want to go. The screen on the Nuvi 250 is a generous 2.8 inches wide and 2.1 inches tall with a backlight (so you can take advantage of the screen even in the dark) and a glare-free screen.

The unit also arrives prepared with easily recharged lithium batteries. You can pre-charge the unit in your truck with a cigarette lighter plug. The Nuvi 250 also has a touch screen that is great to direct the system; it can be called into service for finding your directions at a touch.

Safety Features

The Garmin Nuvi 250 also carries quite a few regular safety features. As you first run your Nuvi 250, the product will not let you input destinations unless you are fully stopped. This is a setting that is installed in the unit when it is manufactured, but you may override this setting if you wish.

The anti-glare display screen also helps you put all your concentration on the road. With only a short glance at the screen when stopped by a traffic light, you can easily tell your next direction.

About the Author:

Joseph Aaron is involved with an online project helping consumers make educated decisions on purchasing GPS Navigation Systems. Amongst the highest rated GPS units recommended on his website is the Garmin Nuvi 250 GPS Navigator System.

How to Prepare Your Appliances and Garage Items For Storage

By The Affordable Storage Guy

Hello again! I'm the Affordable Storage Guy and I'd like to give you some ideas on how to prepare your appliances and garage items for storage.

Let's begin with the biggest items first. Large appliances should be clean and dry with all moveable parts secured. Smaller appliances may be cleaned and then packed together in clearly marked boxes. Cushion with sufficient padding to keep movement to a minimum within the box.

You can keep your electrical cords neat and tidy by taping them to the appliances they belong to. if there is any risk of the knobs being damaged or lost during the move, take them off and store them in a plastic bag.

Washing machines - The first step is to make sure that they are dry. Be sure to drain all water from the hoses. does then, prevent damage during moving, wedge padding between the tub and the sides of the washer.

Dishwashers - Again, make sure that all water has been drained from the hoses and the interior of the dishwasher. Make sure all movable parts are wrapped or taped so that their secure during the move.

Stove - After the stove has been cleaned and disconnected, remove all of the pans and racks and wrapped them separately. Finally, if you're worried about the burners or elements, you can use some tape to hold them in place.

Refrigerators and Freezers - Defrost and clean at least 36 hours before moving and allow time to thoroughly dry. Secure door during move but keep door open slightly during storage to help prevent mildew. The inside may be used to store bulky lightweight items such as pillows and stuffed toys. Check with your manufacturer if you have a refrigerator with automatic ice and water capabilities in the door. You may need special instructions for storage and hooking up this type of refrigerator in your new home.

Electronic Equipment - These items should be repacked in their original shipping containers with foam inserts. If the original boxes are no longer available, pack the equipment tightly with plenty of foam padding or bubble wrap. Remove all detachable cables and wiring. Label carefully for quick reinstallation. Carefully secure all moveable parts.

Garage - For your lawn mowers, gas-powered weed eater's, etc. - make sure to disconnect the batteries, and drain all the gasoline and oil. take all your hockey sticks, rakes, shovels, etc. and wrapped them up together with tape or rope.

Sports Equipment - Small sports items like balls, racquets and shoes can be easily packed in large boxes. Remember to protect racquets with covers or padding. Ski boots can go in a box. Skis and poles should be tapped together and protected with large plastic bags - single size mattress bags work well for protection. Snowboards should also be wrapped to avoid scratches.

Bikes - Clean and lubricate your bike before you pack it. Then remove the pedals and seat and turn the handlebars in. Ideally bikes should be further dismantled and boxed to protect them during a move. If you don't box the bike, make sure to drape plastic wrap on top of it while it is in storage. The plastic will keep the bike clean while in storage and help you avoid problems resulting from dust buildup.

About the Author:

Affordable Storage - A wonderful storage company that has been a community member in the Edmonton and Sherwood Park areas for over 20 years. Click here for more info available on moving, packing, and self storage.

Learn How To Buy Pearl Necklace

By Jenny Smith

A pearl is formed when an oyster reacts to an intruder invading its shell. As a defense mechanism, the oyster produces a substance known as nacre that forms layers around the intruder, creating a pearl as a result. The timeless beauty of a pearl necklace is unrivaled. Here are some pearl necklace buying tips to help you add class, elegance and flexibility to your wardrobe.

There are different types and grades of pearls: from the rare and naturally formed pearls to the popular cultivated pearls and finally, the cheaper variation - synthetic pearls. It is often difficult to tell the difference between natural and cultured pearls unless you have a trained eye. Spherical, symmetrical and baroque are three main shapes of pearls. Spherical pearls are round in shape and are the most popular of choice. Symmetrical pearls tend to be oval, button or teardrop shaped while baroque pearls are irregularly shaped and can come in the form resembling sticks or even crosses.

With 3 different shapes, symmetrical, round and baroque, you can find a pearl necklace to suit any style and physical body type. A commonly chosen shape is the round or spherical pearl. Irregularly shaped pearls are classed as baroque and can look like sticks or crosses, for example. Symmetrical pearls come in oval, button and drop shapes.

When choosing a pearl necklace, it is critical to select a length that flatters your age, neck shape and length, and physique. Shorter necklaces tend to suit long necks while long necklaces help to elongate the neck (for people with short necks). The collar-type necklace is the shortest at 10 to 13 inches long while the longest - rope - can be more than 37 inches in length. If you're looking for a necklace to suit almost anyone, then one between 18 and 24 inches long will do.

The collar pearl necklace is worn high and above the base of the neck, and is suited for evening and casual use. Chokers, on the other hand are 16 to 18 inches long and worn around the neck's base. The princess is a very popular length (17" to 20") and can be worn with any type of neckline.

If you're choosing a pearl necklace to wear with corporate or business outfits, or for semi-formal events, then the matinee length is ideal. The rule-of-thumb goes that people with short necks should wear necklaces that sit at least 2 inches below the collarbone while people with longer necks should wear necklaces that sit at the base of the neck.

Pearls come in a range of colors like white, cream, pink, silver, gold and yellow. Gold and yellow tones work well with darker skin while other lighter colors suit almost any skin color. If you're looking for pearls of unrivaled beauty and brilliance, then a Mikimoto pearl necklace is just for you. The highest grade of these pearls are known to possess a brilliant, mirror-like reflective quality and has captured even fans from royalty.

Beautiful black, gray and green-black pearls are known as Tahitian pearls, named after the island of Tahiti. These are grown from black-lipped oysters and how to buy a pearl necklace made of Tahitian pearls is to look out for their luster, clarity and mirror-like sheen as well as for any flaws like discoloration, spots, scratches, bumps and other irregularities.

A couple of pearl necklace buying tips include buying a set with a pearl necklace, earrings and bracelet or ring. This will increase the probability of you scoring a discount on your jewelry. Another way to buy a pearl necklace on a budget is to try finding an original supplier. Although these suppliers usually prefer to sell in large quantities, you may try to find people who are willing to combine their purchases with you so that you can all enjoy discounted rates on your timeless accessories.

About the Author:

Choosing pearl necklaces that suit the wearer requires an understanding of the different types of pearls. We have the information to help you choose a piece of white pearl necklace that's just right for you.

Lights and Sound Add to the Learning Stimulation of a Child

By Edie Mindell

Add a bit of light and a few sound effects and watch the fun grow. Your baby can roll, sit and even step a bit when holding your fingers or clinging to the couch. It might be time this year to get a Christmas gift that will really get the party started. Babies love lights. Toys that blink or flash stimulate brain function and really hold your little one's attention. You probably already have a variety of toys that come equipped with a light show. The addition of a few sounds and strains of music take the fun to another level.

Yet all the lights and sounds in the world are often no match for the simple pleasure of standing and moving. Babies who have reached the cruising stage are not content to sit in one place and rattle the same toy no matter how many lights it has or different sounds it makes. A cruising baby wants action!

This is where toys that come in the form of a table come in. There is a type of musical lights and sound table to suit any parent or baby's wildest Christmas dreams. A few of the more common varieties are simply activity tables that stand about a foot or so off of the floor. These elevated toys have knobs and buttons for your child to press, open, roll or slide. In addition to the gadgets for baby's play your child can now stand and shimmy all the way around their little table. Babies love to press the buttons that play music then perform their own dance routines while using the table to steady themselves.

Has your baby already shown an interest in a certain cartoon character or song? There are tables that incorporate most of the major baby friendly cartoon shows and songs. The familiar colors and sounds enhance baby's interest and play.

One of the perennial favorite light, sound or musical play tables for little ones are tables that include a miniature key board. It is never too soon to create a love of music in your child. Who knows where this early piano tinkering will take your child?

Parents often think about fun and learning. Babies just want to have a bit of fun. There is a table for that! In fact there are many, many tables that not only stimulate play, but also help your child learn a variety of basic facts. Some tables come with buttons shaped like each letter of the alphabet, as your baby presses these buttons the letter's name is said. The same holds true of shapes, numbers or animal sounds.

To get the most for your money look for tables that grow with your child both in terms of height and interest. Some tables have different program settings that will change the function of buttons and sound effects. This means your baby will move through the cruiser and toddler stages and not become bored because even for youngsters variety is the spice of life.

For mommy and daddy's sanity, look for tables that are equipped with volume controls as well as an off button. If your child loves this toy as much as most babies do you may soon wish it wasn't quite so loud. You will also want to consider how the table is powered. How long do the batteries last? How many, what type and what is the cost of the batteries it uses? Many toys requiring batteries are left lifeless and useless once the batteries wear out if the cost and ease of replacement is too high.

About the Author:

Edie Mindell is the writer for http://www.SimplyUniqueBabyGifts.com, which has some fun toys for toddlers.  If you are looking for unique newborn baby gifts, check out their large selection of baby shower gift baskets that have educational toys in them, such as Baby Einstein. Enjoy free shipping (lower 48 states) on all the gifts offered there.

Finding An Engagement Ring Jewelry Designer

By Eduard Rakting

For the couple making wedding plans, finding an engagement ring is a very special event, ranking high on the priority list with few other memories of a lifetime together. The process of shopping for and selecting the perfect ring will be filled with emotions that run the gamut from joy and pleasure to concern about cost. Placing an engagement ring on the finger of a woman is a symbol of what the man is actually promising, and it is very important that the couple makes the correct decision.

Couples that have reached this stage in their relationship have two basic choices: purchasing a ring from a top-quality jewelry store or locating a person that specializes in engagement ring design, to have a one-of-a-kind ring made. Since this choice is so important, the couple should take some time to discuss what type of ring is most desirable, then find several rings that are close to that design. Of course, the rarity of the ring and the overall design will be determined by the amount of time and money the couple has available for this purchase.

Some couples may be willing to wait for a custom engagement ring to be designed and made, while others may feel that the best engagement ring on display in an area store is perfect. A custom ring from a top designer adds several weeks to the purchase process, in addition to some added cost for the personal attention given by the designer.

However, there is an "in between" option. Some couples choose to work with such companies as Blue Nile and Spence Diamonds. These companies offer engagement rings that have already been designed and produced in various sizes. But a few of these companies make an extra effort to help the couple choose a particular ring from among the large inventory. As with most of the top jewelry sources, these companies understand the emotional and financial investment that the couple puts into this event.

Good jewelry sales people, in a local shop or with one of the companies mentioned earlier, are professionals who focus on the individuals they are working with. These experts will ask about price ranges, of course, but they will also try to learn about the two individuals involved. This is key in helping a couple find the correct style for their engagement ring. This personal involvement is critical in getting a ring of sufficient quality for the amount of money available.

Companies such as Spence Diamonds are a tremendous option for the engagement ring process. This reputable company offers a wide range of jewelry items, with engagement rings as a particular area of expertise. The company is known in the industry as a business that offers one of the most comprehensive ring protection plans in the field.

The guarantee includes: a satisfaction-guaranteed statement; loss protection; trade-up allowance for a lifetime; cleaning and examination; mounting-style change; cleaning/examination; and ring size adjustment.

Reputable jewelry companies will take a personal approach to selling jewelry, with some specializing in diamond items and engagement rings. These select businesses will offer only the finest in rings and other jewelry pieces, and the service will be second to none.

About the Author:

Eduard Rakting works almost entirely for http://www.engagement-rings-tips.com , an online publication on the topic of christian promise rings and christmas engagement gift. You can come across his contributions on christian engagement on his site.

Temple of the Holy Family Even Better Than the Barri Gotic

By Bruce Intincek

Barcelona is one of the great architectural Meccas of the world. One only has to stroll through the streets of the Barri Gtic (Gothic Quarter), to encounter some of the world's finest Gothic buildings, arresting structures left over from the golden age of Catalonia. Yet it is the 19th century figure, Antonio Gaudi, who is considered the patron saint of great Barcelonan architecture. Much of the landscape of Barcelona has been touched and transformed by Gaudi's genius.

The Temple of the Holy Family is the perfect example of the kind of halting impression the master architect has left on the city. In 1883, Gaudi began to work on the Temple of the Holy Family, however due to his untimely death by a tram accident in 1926, this masterpiece of late 19th century architecture was left unfinished. Today, the Temple of the Holy Family remains a poignant monument to the great architect's passion, standing almost as tall as the neighboring mountain of Montjuic. Not surprisingly, the magnificent structure is considered one of the great man-made wonders of Barcelona. Although over 120 years have elapsed since Gaudi's death, construction on the cathedral still continues and is expected to proceed for at least another 40 years.

The exterior of the Temple is in itself the picture of divine inspiration. A series of towering, awe-inspiring spires surround the narrow portal of the entranceway. These same spires were the inspiration for the celebrated Petronas Towers, designed by the influential, living architect, Cesar Pelli.

As if the spires weren't enough, Gaudi had the facade of the building decorated by hundreds of small friezes. These frieze decorations are remarkable for their depictions of saintly figures and ordinary people alike, but perhaps most remarkable of all, is the extremely modern style of the bas-reliefs. Gaudi's architecture is often distinctly cubist in nature, testifying to the fact that the architect's work was often way ahead of its time. The facades of the Temple of the Holy Family would have been unlike anything known in Gaudi's time.

The walls of the church are relieved by many narrow, high-arched windows, which filter softly glowing light into the building's interior. Higher up, the eye is automatically drawn to the narrow spire lights, which offer surreal glimpses of the sky above.

Entering the Cathedral is an even more surreal experience. Elegant fluted Greek columns soar wondrously toward the ceiling, where the capitals branch out in the forms of trees. At the top, the columns are linked, canopy-style, by a breathtaking vaulted ceiling design of life-like stone flowers.

The three portals of the temple contain larger-than-life stone sculptures depicting different scenes of the life of Jesus. The Portal of Charity is well known for its central column, which is remarkable for it intricate frieze depiction of the complete genealogy of Christ. At the base of the central column, the story of the serpent in the garden is easily visible and above the central column are the Annunciation and the story of the birth of Jesus. The Portal of Faith contains scenes of the Jesus preaching as a youth, and the surrounding stonework is replete with religious iconography, such as grapes and wheat. On the other side, the Portal of Hope depicts the flora and fauna of the Nile, the marriage of Mary and Joseph, the slaughter of the innocents, and many other standard and non-standard biblical scenes.

On the ground floor of the temple, one can view several reconstructed models of the Temple of the Holy Family as laid out in Gaudi's original plans. The original plans were destroyed by a fire shortly after Gaudi's death. One can also view photographic exhibits of the construction work done on the temple over the decades, as well as photos of Antonio Gaudi's funeral.

Visiting the temple often means dedicating an entire day to absorbing the sweeping immensity and endless details of the mind-boggling design. In a city celebrated for its stunning works of architecture, The Temple of the Holy Family is easily the most famous landmark of all, and more than well worth the visit.

About the Author:

Bruce Intincek regularly publishes long articles on subjects relating to finding cheap hotels in Spain and Hotel 1898 in barcelona. You might come across his publications on hotels in barcelona over at http://www.barcelona-tips.com .