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, or simply eaten with a spoon. It would also work amazingly well over cake, profiteroles or berries, and it can go into a chocolate soufflé.

Sold on it’s own, you’re looking at $18 for a 375 ml bottle. Paired with a bottle of Maximus 2005, you’re looking at $50.

[image source provided by Bennett Lane Winery]

Post from: EveryJoe

A Different Kind of Sweets for your Sweetie

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 Damiana, which is a legendary flower known for centuries as a potent aphrodisiac. Now, granted, I can’t prove the aphrodisiac qualities of the flower, but I can tell you that this is goooooood stuff.

They’ve got holiday gift pack which includes a 750 ml bottle of Agavero and one signature hand crafted, and hand painted 12 oz cocktail glass by artist Debbie Arbizzani.  Each glass mimics the beautiful fields of the Damiana flower and blue agave plants from which Agavero is made.

The holiday gift pack is available in stores all over the US for $29.99. Your hardcore tequila lover won’t be enamoured with this, but those looking for a good sipping spirit that’s smooth and gentle on the palate give this a try!

Post from: EveryJoe

Review: Agavero Tequila Liqueur

Post from: EveryJoe

My Top Three Cocktail Books for 2008

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 of fabulous gifts for him and her at Glamour Gift Guide.

Chloe features jewelry gifts for family and friends at Gleaming Things, and offers The Twelve Days of Shopping Christmas Guide at Her Accessories.

Tracy has a not so secret wish list and her holiday gift guide at Hot Mama Daily.

Dexie’s jewelry gift guide for her lights up She Knows Best. And don’t miss out on her Under $100 Holiday Looks at Style It Less.

Kori offers fabulous shoes for every woman in your life at ShoeBlitz.

Colleen features wonderful spa and beauty gifts at Spa Beautifully.

Ashley invites you to indulge in luxury at The Latest Luxe.

Lara provides 8 top 8 lists of holiday gifts for everyone at The List Maven.

Happy Shopping!!

Post from: EveryJoe

Beauty & Style 2008 Holiday Gift Guide

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 what to get a jewelry lover – but do you know what to get one who loves to make jewelry? Cyndi at Jewelry and Beading has the answer!

Cherie at Diabetes Notes shares gift ideas to keep those visions of sugar plum fairies dancing for the diabetics on your list.

Chloe at The Doggy Blog shares an adorable wish list as written to Santa Paws.

Christine at Mad Cropper knows how to please those who are crazy about scrapbooking during the holiday season.

Quilters anyone? This unique craft makes for the tougher shopping experience – but that’s so yesterday considering we have a pro in our corner. Let Mary Emma at Quilting and Patchwork help you pick out the perfect gift.

Angela from Breastfeeding 1-2-3 provides a list of gifts for the breastfeeding mother on your list.

So maybe giving kitchen appliances isn’t the best idea – but what about a cool and unique Cooking Gadget? I’d say your bound to surprise the cook on your list with something from Cyndi’s list.

Peggy at Lively Women has put together a list of gift ideas for the health conscious female on your list.

Christine at Our One Heart shares tips and gift ideas to keep that Bride-to-Be happy during the Christmas season.

Tracee at BlogFabulous has put together an amazing store displaying gift ideas for the woman’s woman.

Christmas is for everyone and shopping for an Alzheimer’s patients can present a challenge – allow Mary Emma at Alzheimer’s Notes helps you overcome that challenge and get on to the joys of the season.

Have someone who might be looking to become a little more organized in the new year? Let Jennifer at Declutter It help you give the gift of time and organization.

Do you have a fabric-aholic or a needlehead on your Christmas list? Don’t get them the same old boring sing-song gift – let Chloe at Tangled Thread help you pick the perfect gift.

Unique gift ideas for the mixed media art lover on your list is what Cyndi from Layers Upon Layers has on display.

Have an aspiring to advanced chef on your list this year? Cyndi at Busy Family Meals has an extensive list to cover every stage of cooking from beginner to pro.

Eliza has pieced together a shop that covers mom, dad and baby at Babylune. Why leave anyone out?

Heather at The Food Bowl is taking care of pets and their people with a fun list that’s bound to connect you with the perfect gift.

Did someone say chocolate? Heather at Chocolate Bytes did! Our resident chocolate expert has put together sweetest gift shop you won’t want to miss.

Who says married couples are boring? Check out the letters to Santa as shared by Marc and Marye of Marriage Actually and see what might appeal to the married couple on your list.

Jennifer from Tree Hugging Family provides a wonderful list to help you go a little more green this holiday season.

Don’t forget about that single and dating friend or relative! We all know how difficult it can be to buy for them – Lucky for us we have Dating Dames and the Dames have the answers.

It’s never too early to start buying for your favorite gardener and Linette at Mother Earth’s Garden has a wonderful list to help you decide.

Have someone a little offbeat or kooky on your list this year? Let Jennifer of Offbeat Homes help you find the gift that’s spot on.

Linette at Play Library is haring the Best of Toys list this year – check out what’s hot and get to buying! We know how quick those hot toys sell out every year.

Have someone on your list who always hosts the best parties? Surprise that person with a unique gift as recommended by Linette at She Knows Parties!

Marcie from One Book Two Book and A Child Chosen shares a wonderful shopping list she’s broken down by age groups and hobbies.

Whether it’s tea or coffee you are looking for, Marye from Kettle and Cup has unique gift ideas that’s sure to add a little spice to your favorite hot beverage.

Haven’t figured out just how to shop for the junk lover and crafter on your list? Let Peggy from Junk Creation assist you with your selection.

Susan from Grounded Fitness has a little something for the health and fitness buff on your shopping list.

Liz at Health Bolt offers up a nifty gift idea list for everyone in the family – down to the computer geek.

Just what do you buy someone who’s crazy about genetics? Let our very own Grace Ilbay help you with that one at Genetics and Health

For those on your list who have a taste for wine and cocktails – check out Drinks After Dark and the shop full of gifts that Colleen has compiled that might just add to the element of surprise this year.

For the baker on your list – Marye from Baking Delights shares some of her personal favorites for her baking adventures in the kitchen. At a time when flavors, colors, aromas and tastes are at their peak, finding the perfect gift can be a bit of a challenge.

Eliza at She Knows Coupons has a fun list of items that will make any couponing mom jump with joy. The only thing that makes a coupon mom more excited than an awesome deal is doing it in an organized fashion.

And last but certainly not least, Gayla has compiled a list of MomGadget Favorites – A Year in Review 2008 instead of a storefront for you to shop.

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. To check out that ‘mall’, SpaBeautifully has a complete round-up!

From all of us at Lifestyles – Health & Wellness

We wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2009!

 Image credit: Stock.xchng

Technorati Tags: holiday gift guide,shopping guide,unique gift ideas,b5media,lifestyles channel,health and wellness,christmas gifts,black friday shopping,cyber monday

Post from: EveryJoe

It’s that time of year – Holiday Shopping!

Post from: EveryJoe

2008 Holiday Gift Guide

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 all my stuff to be from here! 

(Image source: Uhuru Designs. Hat tip to Liquor Snob for the heads up)

Post from: EveryJoe

Bourbon Barrel Furniture

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)

Post from: EveryJoe

Recycled Wine & Beer Glasses

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 The Duke of Argyll at his home, Inveraray Castle and receive a VIP tour of the castle.

You’ll also have the opportunity to learn to create a customized blended Scotch whisky with guidance from Chivas Regal’s Master Blender, Colin Scott. Guests will have access to Chivas Brothers’ stocks, including five days of specialized whisky tastings where guests will have the opportunity to sample never-before tasted whiskies.

After you return home you’ll receive your custom kilts and two bottles of the prestigious Chivas Regal 25-Year-Old Scotch Whisky, one of which will be presented in a special case designed by Viscount David Linley, the son of Princess Margaret.

If this is something you’re interested in, are in the mood to splurge, and haven’t blown the budget on expensive spirits, you can make your reservations by contacting Travelcorp International at 225-231-4735 until June 16th, 2008. The Ultimate Father’s Day Trip can be redeemed on August 3rd – 8th or August 31st – September 5th due to very limited availability.

(image sources: Chivas Regal: the mansion  & the bottle and Inveraray Castle)

Post from: EveryJoe

Gift Guide: Fathers Day in Scotland