Is your sweetheart a chocolate and wine fan (because really, who isn’t!?)? This Valentines, you could go the same old route you’ve gone in the past – a bottle of wine and a good piece of chocolate, or you could go with something new, and completely unexpected.
Bennett Lane Winery in Calistoga CA has the perfect gift. The rich decadent chocolate sauce, made with a 2005 Maximus Red Feasting Wine, a cabernet sauvignon-merlot-syrah blend, which to me, sounds amazing. Annette’s Chocolate Factory in Napa Valley makes the decadent sauce.
This would be amazing over ice cream, over your favourite cheesecake, …read more

When I first heard about Agavero, several thoughts went through my head, the first of which being “sure, I’ll try anything once!” and then, the second, being…. “hold on…. blended tequila? Blended with …. what?”
When I got it home, it took me a few days to crack it, and, as I do with all of the reviews I do, I tasted it neat first. I was shocked at how good this is!! Holy!! I didn’t bother to mix this with anything, I just… sipped it, and enjoyed it.
Agavero, is seriously the ultra smooth 100% blue agave tequila, hand blended with …read more

I\’m adding to my own personal wishlist for this year, and started going through some of the latest cocktail books on the market this year. There\’s a few that have caught my eye recently, including:\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nArtisanal Cocktails by Scott Beattie\r\n\r\nThis looks like it\’s right up my alley, especially with the crafting and playing in the \”lab\” Simon and I keep talking about.  Something to play with, something to create. Recipes that will impress foodie friends and cocktail nerds alike.\r\n\r\nI generally take a look at a recipe like this and start to think about how the flavours will meld and then start …read more

All around b5media’s Beauty & Style Channel, the Splendicity bloggers have put together some amazing holiday gift guides. Everything from makeup and skincare products to little black dresses and accessories, we have it all.
Let’s go shopping!

Beth at Aging Fabulous offers a selection of terrific beauty gifts.
SP shows you some terrific handbags at Banging Bags, fabulous stocking stuffers at Shopaholics Daily, and even more holiday gifts at Style Her Hair.
Nikki shows us some wonderful little black dresses at Celeb Look.
Gayla features some adorable gifts for your pets at Couture Critters.
Aly offers beauty products for holidays at eBeautyDaily.
Star shows us a selection …read more

This year bloggers from around b5media’s Lifestyles, Health and Wellness channels are giving readers a special surprise. We’ve created a virtual mall to help ease the anxiety of shopping for those on your Christmas list who may be a little more difficult to buy for.
Stop by Kettle and Cup and select your favorite hot beverage, kick back and browse this years Holiday Gift Guide Shopping Extravaganza.

Cherie from Career and Kids has the perfect list for the business woman/working parent.
Mary Emma from One Book Two Book shares a suggest shopping list for the avid reader and artist on your list.
Everyone knows …read more

The Drinks After Dark Holiday Gift Guide is here! I’ll be featuring all of the products on the font page in the coming days but in the meantime, come check it out!

mmmm. I want to get all of my furniture from these guys. Not only is this stuff gorgeous, but I bet is smells amazing. May as well carry my love for good bourbon throughout the entire house!

The furniture is made from reclaimed bourbon barrels from Bardstown, Kentucky. Usually, the used barrels are only used once to age bourbon, and then they’re either sold to Scotland for scotch or they’re turned into planters, or firewood (sob! how wrong!!).
Uhuru is instead taking this gorgeous charred white oak and has created the Küpe line. Heck, they make gorgeous furniture, period. I want …read more

I am almost incapable of keeping beer and wine glasses in my house. I’m constantly breaking them, cracking them, or knocking them over.
These new glasses, handmade in Colombia from recycled windshields, have a slight green tinge. Ideally, they’re stronger because it’s safety glass fer chrissake! It’s designed to keep people inside cars! Ideally, this means if I bounce one off the hardwood floors here, that it’ll survive! (I hope!)
 

Available from Uncommon Goods for $20-$22 a pair. (Image source, Uncrate)

While we’re dreaming of expensive things, here’s my suggestion for the father that has everything: a $120,000 trip to Chivas Regal.
The trip for two includes a stay at an invitation-only, private mansion with a full-service staff; privately prepared meals from one of Scotland’s most acclaimed chefs; a round of golf at the world-famous St. Andrew’s Links; first class air and helicopter transport; a custom made kilt and a family crest consultation (I’ve always wanted a family crest!). You’ll also have a butler to oversee that the you receive impeccable service throughout your trip.
You and your dad will have dinner with …read more