Wine and the Weekend

Today is Wine Day...

Did you know that moderate wine consumption, (defined by the American Heart Association as one to two four-ounce glasses a day), may help you live longer.

If you don't always know how to select a great wine, relax! You're not alone. Pick up a copy of "HOW TO BUY WINE" by Jonathan Ray ($15.95). You'll find out which wines pair best with different foods, the correct way to store wine, a road map for deciphering labels and an invaluable pronunciation guide.

This weekend marks the unofficial beginning of the summer season with the Memorial Holiday Weekend. We spoke with Cooper Munroe, spokesperson for "Planning the Perfect Picnic" and I shared these tips, if you're going to be getting together with family and friends this weekend:

• Make getting to the picnic a “scavenger hunt”. Leave clues or a “treasure” map for your family to find their way to the picnic destination.
• Bring along a board game, bocce ball, softball and catcher’s mitt, Frisbee or football for some outdoor fun
• If kids will be joining you, try to pick a park with a playground nearby.
• Plan a hike and bring the picnic with you. Stop when you get hungry or find a scenic spot to eat.
• Avoid mayonnaise and ice cream-based dishes that can turn bad or melt in the sun
• No basket? No worries! Load your goodies into a sturdy cardboard box, plastic bin or even a backpack.
• Set the mood with a sunset picnic. If it’s allowed, bring a few votive candles and a small bouquet of flowers to add to the ambiance.
• Consider packing a picnic for others, whether it’s for your kids in the backyard, your neighbors or even a coworker in need of some lunchtime fun.

Today's Quote: "Not everything that is faced can be changed.
But nothing can be changed until it is faced."