Family * Travel * Food

A Healthy Diet: 3 Health Benefits of Non Alcoholic Red Wine

There is a lot of evidence that points to the many health benefits of drinking a glass of red wine. It contains antioxidants, it helps with heart health and it can lower cholesterol. These are just a few of the noted health benefits.

If you prefer not to drink alcohol, no worries. You can drink non alcoholic red wine and still enjoy some of the same benefits. In fact, some studies suggest that non-alcoholic wine might actually have stronger health benefits. Let’s take a closer look at some of those benefits.
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1. Lowering blood pressure


Both red wine and non-alcoholic red wine contain antioxidants called polyphenols. This antioxidant helps to boost levels of the body’s nitric oxide, which helps to lower blood pressure. This happens when the nitric oxide helps the blood vessels to relax, and it allows more blood to reach the heart and other organs.

Studies have also found that polyphenols are good for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This can be helpful for those who are combating Type 2 diabetes, as well as being beneficial for heart health.

Interestingly, some studies show that the alcoholic version does not help as much as non-alcoholic wine. The theory is that the addition of alcohol somehow diminishes the health properties of the antioxidants.

2. Fewer Calories

Many people spend a good deal of time at the gym and trying to eat a healthy diet. This may be because you want to lose some weight or you are just trying to live a healthy lifestyle. With all the health benefits of red wine, is it possible to fit in a glass with your diet? Yes!

In fact, non alcoholic red wine has 3 times fewer calories than their alcoholic versions. This is a win for those looking to add glass in for the antioxidant benefits. It is absolutely possible to enjoy a nightly glass of non-alcoholic red wine, and you can easily fit those few calories into your daily diet and exercise plan.

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3. More natural ingredients


Not only are non alcoholic red wines full of heart-healthy benefits and fewer calories, but they also contain better ingredients. When alcohol is added to wine, usually sugar, artificial colors, and dyes are added as well. The non-alcoholic red wine is not likely to contain these ingredients. This can be beneficial to those who are sensitive to artificial colors and dyes.

Drinking a non alcoholic red wine allows you to enjoy the taste of wine, benefit from the antioxidants and not fill up on sugar or empty calories. Some people also feel that their sensitivity to artificial dyes and colors are what contributes to their headaches when drinking wine. So, people with these sensitivities can continue to enjoy a glass of non-alcoholic wine without fearing a headache.

Conclusion:
Non alcoholic red wine is a great alternative to an alcoholic version. You will still reap the same health benefits, consume 3 times fewer calories, and will not be bothered by artificial dyes or colors.

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Affordable Wine Gifts That Are Sure To Please

If you're still on the hunt for adult gifts, you should consider wine. Check out these brands that have a fun and familiar twist. As a matter of fact, any of these wines would make a great gift for the New Year.

Santa Margherita Sparkling Wines
From celebrations, to a lively dinner, Santa Margherita's Prosecco Superiore DOCG and Sparkling Rosé will pair perfectly with a variety of cuisines while adding a festive touch to any occasion.

Bachelor Wines ($15.96 per bottle)
Bachelor fans rejoice! The fan-favorite show has launched The Bachelor Wines, a collection of wines inspired by the award-winning television series. The Bachelor Wines features three varietals: The Fantasy Suite, One on One, and The Final Rosé. Available for purchase at bachelorwines.com.

NPR Wine Club
This unique wine club was created for public radio supporters and wine enthusiasts alike, allowing listeners to enjoy premium wines from around the world and their stories - combining two of life's most enjoyable pleasures. As a member of the NPR Wine Club, consumers will receive a fully customized case of wine, shipped to the address of their choice every three months. As part of the introductory offer, new members will receive the inaugural releases of three NPR-Inspired Wines: All Grapes Considered Malbec, Weekend Edition Cabernet Sauvignon and NPR Uncorked Merlot. Alternatively, consumers can shop from a range of hundreds of different wines – and purchase in any quantity they wish (based on their taste and preferences) directly from the NPR Wine Club at NPRWineClub.org.

Epicurious Wine ($15.96 per bottle)
Epicurious, the pioneering digital food brand and one of the most trusted voices in food, has recently launched a new collection of custom designed wines for culinary and wine enthusiasts alike. Perfect for pairing with your favorite meals, Epicurious Wine varietals include a robust Cabernet Sauvignon and a delicate Chardonnay - both work well with cooking and drinking. To purchase the Epicurious Wines, visit epicuriouswine.com.

Turner Classic Movies Wine Club
The TCM Wine Club curates originally produced wines inspired by classic films as well as expertly selected varietals from renowned vineyards around the globe – all with the convenience of home delivery. As part of the inaugural offer, new members will receive fifteen special bottles including the first-ever release of Café Zoetrope, a custom-crafted red from the Francis Ford Coppola Winery. Members will also enjoy True Grit Limited Edition Zinfandel along with The Essentials Cabernet Sauvignon – the first in a series of single-varietal wines, specifically curated for TCM Wine Club members, to showcase the world's great grapes.

Which ones would you want to try?
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Spread Some Holiday Cheer With William Chris Vineyards Wine

Looking to spread some cheer this holiday season? One of my go-to gifts every year is the gift of spirits. Wine is a great choice and is always very well received. Me and my husband are still exploring different wines and trying to figure out what we really like. When two bottles showed up from William Chris Vineyards, we knew we had to do the right thing and give 'em a try. 

We received a bottle each of the 2015 Enchante and 2016 Roussanne varieties. The Enchante is a beautiful red blend containing 73% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Petite Verdot. It has complex berry flavors, and goes so well with the pasta dish we had that night for dinner. We drank this one at room temperature, because we feel like you can get a better overall taste that way. 


We enjoyed it a whole lot and I know any red wine lover would give it high praise. The plus for us is that it didn't taste like an oak barrel with a touch of fruit like many reds can. This Enchante is definitely a must try for wine lovers and wine-curious people alike. It retails for $45 and is everything you would hope for at that price point. My husband mentioned how great this would be as a corporate gift. I agree! They offer some very nice gift sets.

The Roussanne is a lovely white wine that we enjoyed chilled. It has a light floral, honeydew taste. I really loved it a whole lot. It was one of those wines that made me feel cheery and happy. Seems like a great choice for holiday gatherings, or a girl's night in. I give my next door neighbors wine every year during the holidays, and I know they would love this one! I read on the website that this wine would pair well with Shellfish, Lobster,  Bouillabaisse, Mashed Potatoes, Turkey, and Rich Pureed Soups.

Getting to know William Chris Vineyards

At William Chris Vineyards, they focus on low impact 100% Texas grown wine. Owners and winemakers, Bill Blackmon and Chris Brundrett, knew each other, but it wasn’t until they sat down together at a Hill Country bar one night that they discovered they shared a similar philosophy for winemaking.

They believe that the way to put Texas on the map as a respected wine region is to promote wines made exclusively from Texas grown fruit. Wines that make California and France recognizable come from the unique terroir and growing conditions of each region. They believe that for Texas wines to distinguish themselves, they also should represent the terroir and growing conditions of the Lone Star State.

Not only did they believe that the grapes needed to be Texan, they also believe that to grow the best fruit, much time among the vines is required. So walking multitudes of “footsteps in the vineyard,” Bill and Chris carefully inspect the fruit of every vintage.


Although this Thanksgiving pack might not make it on time, it sure would be great for Christmas or New Year's. Click the image for pricing and purchasing info.

You can truly taste the 'fruits of their labor' and love that goes into their products. To learn more about William Chris Vineyards wines, check out their website. If you happen to live in the Hye, Texas area, you can register to attend wine tastings. Oh how I would love to do that! You can also follow their social accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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8 Housewarming Gift Ideas Under $20

*This post contains affiliate links


If you are trying to figure what to give someone who is getting a new apartment or house, it can be a challenge. You don't always know a person's specific taste, color schemes or overall style. I like giving and receiving practical gifts that people will actually use. I have put together a list of great ideas that all cost under $20.

1. A cast iron skillet- I say it all the time that every person needs one of these in their kitchen. It's versatile and can be used to saute, fry, broil or bake just about anything savory or sweet. You can even include of of these silicone handle covers

2. Kitchen towels and dish cloths- You can go with neutral colors or even holiday-themed designs depending on what time of year you buy them. Anyone can use kitchen towels and I feel like you can't ever have enough of them. 
3. A baking sheet- If you are buying for someone who bakes and cooks often, this is a must have! My favorite one that I have 2 of is the commercial baker's half sheet size. It's perfect for baking cookies, pastries, fish, chicken, and roasting veggies. I cover mine with foil and parchment for less clean-up. 

4. An automatic soap dispenser- It can be used in either a bathroom or kitchen and is touch-free. 

5. Stemless wine glasses- These are a no-brainer for your wine-loving friends. They come in different colors, shapes and sizes. 

6. Wine cork holder- I have one of these and love it! It serves as a cute decoration for any living or dining area. Since they are affordable, you can even grab an inexpensive bottle of wine to go with it. 

7. Glass storage containers- These are a better alternative to the plastic ones and can be used as storage for leftovers or even to take lunch to work or school. 
8. A cutting board set- I love having a few different sized cutting boards for cutting specific items by group. One for meats, one for veggies, and one for fruit. 

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Give The Gift Of Tervis This Holiday Season

Do you feel completely stuck when you have to buy a gift for someone? I find myself coming up with the greatest ideas when I don't have to buy something, but draw a blank when I do! I finally found a gift idea that is perfect for every person on your list regardless of age or gender. A Tervis tumbler is the ideal choice! I'm sure you're thinking, "is she for real? A tumbler?" Hear me out. Tervis offers so many choices for every taste. Whether you love floral patterns, collegiate sports, Disney, Superheroes, NFL, MLB, Hello Kitty (and the choices go on and on), you will find the perfect Tervis for your gifting.

I learned recently that you can even customize your Tervis with personal images, text, and theme wraps. Now that would make a unique gift for the person who has everything. I have received a few Tervis tumblers as gift over the last few years and I LOVE them! They are super sturdy and you can purchase new lids in different colors or styles if you need or want to. They even have a straw lid that doesn't leak and is perfect to take when you are on the go.  It has gotten to the point in my life that we have a section in one of my kitchen cabinets that houses all Tervis items. I also have a standing rule with my college daughters that the ONLY drink-ware they are allowed to bring home must be Tervis otherwise it goes in the donation or recycling bin.

I received a couple of fun new items to add to our growing collection-- A 24-ounce hot/cold tumbler and 9-ounce stemless wine glass. Aren't they great? We are big sports fans in my home, so I chose a Miami Hurricanes tumbler for the husband, and Carolina Panthers stemless wine glass for me!
You can always rely on the best quality for all Tervis products. 

This stemless wine glass comes in different colors and designs. There are so many choices! perfect for the wine-lover in your life! I'm sure your mom friends would LOVE one if you participate in a gift exchange :) 

What sports fan wouldn't love showing off his or her team as they sip on their beverage at work? 
I think a Tervis tumbler would be a great choice to give friends, family, coworkers or neighbors this holiday season! You can purchase them at stores including Bed Bath & Beyond, some college campus shops and specialty stores, and of course order directly from the Tervis site or a Tervis store if you are lucky to have one nearby. Seriously, this is the most stress-free idea. Be sure to follow Tervis on Facebook and Twitter for product updates and promotions.

I received product samples in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own as always. 
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The Benefits Of Red Wine

People have known about wine for a very long time. Just as much are known the benefits of red wine: in Asia, where about 7,000 years ago appeared winemaking, and in Egypt, and in ancient Greece, who had heard about this divine drink a thousand years before our era, red wine was drank primarily for health promotion, preservation of beauty, physical and mental strength. And only secondly the drink was considered as means of entertainment and relaxation.

The benefits of red wine are not surprising - it is an absolutely natural product conceived by nature. According to Canadian historian Rod Phillips in "A Short History of Wine" - each grape is a small winery, in it - inside or on the surface - there are all the chemical elements that will turn a berry in wine.

This feature of grapes – to be transformed and to transform - was the reason for its deification and special reverence in different religions - from pagan to Christian. In ancient times, red wine was consumed with meals, it was considered to be a necessary condition for healthy life. Doctors prescribed to drink it little by little, but constantly; patients should increase the dose to drinking half a liter 3 times a day.

The benefits of red wine are caused by a unique combination of substances in it. Magnesium, iron, chromium, zinc, rubidium, potassium, sodium, calcium, selenium, copper, flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins in it are good both by themselves and because of their special biological activity. A set of substances and elements like specially intended for recovery, purification and as a result rejuvenation of the body!

If you are among those who love wine then you will definitely like this informative wine infographic I recently stumbled upon:
Wine Infographic Ocado
Infographic brought to you by Ocado - Wine Infographic
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An Overview of Garagiste Wines

Wine has become the next big thing in artisanal beverages, with a rapid increase of craft wines becoming available. According to Gold Medal Wine Club, no longer are enthusiasts reaching for mass-produced bottles recognized from magazine lists, but instead they are seeking hidden gems found within the bottles of garagiste wine.

What is Garagiste Wine?

Garagiste is a term that originated in France to describe a type of wine maker who focuses on small, high quality products as opposed to creating large batches. It became a label for a subculture that refused to be restricted by governmental rules and instead rebelled, utilizing small garage types of spaces to create their own specialized wines. These independent innovators incorporate passion and creativity into their artisanal cache. The wines are made with great attention to detail, which often means the final tally of cases is extremely low compared to that generated by corporate producers. There are a variety of garagiste wines available, although only a few types are usually offered from any one particular producer. If you have a garagiste wine in hand, you can rest assured there are very few others that get to partake in the flavors you are experiencing.


Where is Garagiste Wine Produced?

While some variance of a garagiste wine can be found in locations throughout the country, there are a few spots where they have really come into their own. On the West Coast there has been a huge influx of craft wine producers, with enthusiasts creating an array of unique products. The primary stateside hubs can be found in Central and Northern California, with a large number of artisans staying true to the state’s “wine country” reputation. While large wine producers are aplenty, there are lots of resources for wine makers of all sizes. However, The Golden State can’t claim all the talented makers of garagistes. In recent years, Oregon and Washington have both climbed in recognition as craft wine producing states, and rightfully so. In keeping with the North West’s independent spirit, craftsmen let their creative juices flow in this area where small, non-corporate businesses are given considerable support and quality work can easily find a niche. Locally sourced ingredients, organic elements and slow, intentional processes are all revered, making these ideal regions to experiment and create artisanal spirits.

Considering the low number of bottles produced, every drop counts. When you have a garagiste wine poured into your glass, take the time to enjoy it with multiple senses. Observe the rich color and viscosity, smell the aromas as it breathes, and savor every sip, enjoying the uniqueness of what you are experiencing.
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$3 Wine that is actually good?

Hey, y'all! I just wanted to share a great wine I stumbled upon in my local Kroger store a couple months ago. I noticed that they have cases of the Bay Bridge Vineyards brand of wines displayed at the front of the wine aisle and I would walk past it because, how good can a $3 wine be? I see people picking up 3 and 4 bottles at a time and the display cases sometimes look like they have been hit hard. This heightened my curiosity *ahem* 

I finally decided to try the Merlot, since I figured I can always cook with it if I wasn't too crazy about it. It turns out that I LOVE it, and love the price even more! I was so surprised that it really does taste really nice and I can stock up without feeling a big hit to my wallet. I have not seen this brand in any other store before so if you have a Kroger in your area, it is worth trying a bottle. Let me know if you do! Enjoy :)
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Let's talk wine-- My recent find for $5

I don't know about you, but I love a nice glass of wine at the end of the day. I won't pretend that I really know a whole lot about wine. I go with trying different ones to determine what appeals to me. I know that I don't like Zinfandel's because they are too astringent. Moscato and Riesling is way too sweet. Most red wines are too strong or taste like a funky old oak barrel. I think my palate might not be mature enough for some varieties! I have to have a balance between sweet, with a slight "bite". I came across a wine at my local Kroger store and the price tag attracted me. It is called Rejuvenate Red Blend and was on sale for $5.00. I figured that it wasn't a whole lot to spend and if I didn't like it, I wouldn't be out by much. 
I poured a glass and it was love at first sip. It had a mild sweetness with hints of cherries and berries. It is what I have been searching for- not too sweet and it had a slight bite. Even my husband liked it. I have purchased a few bottles since the first one and think I better buy as many as I can to put away, while they are on sale. It pairs well with any type of meat or poultry as well as pasta and desserts. It's a good everyday table wine. I haven't seen it in any other stores besides Kroger and the website really doesn't give any information about it. My guess is that they are a new company. They make a Moscato as well as the Red Blend. If you are looking for a new wine or are a wine newbie, I highly suggest this brand.

What is your favorite wine? I am always open to trying something new.
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Arbor Mist Frozen Wine Cocktails | Moms Need Wine!

I had the great pleasure of receiving a lovely assortment of the new Arbor Mist Frozen Wine Cocktails to try out. Of course I had to do my part and try all 3 varieties to be sure I gave an accurate review. It was a tough job but someone had to do it! I received the Blackberry Merlot, Strawberry White Zinfandel and White Pear Pinot Grigio flavors. I have never tried any of the frozen wine beverages before and honestly, I wasn't sure if it would be something I would like. In my mind I figured it would be too icy for me. 


I put the pouches in the freezer and left them in there for the recommended 5 hours. First up was the Blackberry Merlot. I tore the top off the pouch and squeezed it into my wine glass. It was not super icy like I thought it would be. It was very smooth which is more of my thing. I took my first sip out of my straw. I loved the flavor. It was so refreshing and everything I hoped it would be! I had my husband taste it because he is the picky one. Guess who had me open another pouch? Yep, he loved it too!
Since he took a few sips from my glass, I felt like I did not have the full serving *ahem* so I opened up a pouch of the White Pear Pinot Grigio. I normally don't drink white wine so I had no idea what it would taste like. I LOVED this one even more! The texture was perfect and it is my new favorite. The next evening I tried the Strawberry White Zinfandel. It was good but I much prefer the first two. I really love having a frozen cocktail that doesn't require breaking out the blender and having multiple ingredients. You can beat the 'freeze, tear and squeeze' method!

I can totally see having a cooler of these at a cookout or gathering and it would be awesome for a girl's night in! I will be purchasing these in the future and highly recommend them. If you have tried them, what do you think? If you plan to try them in the future, I would love to hear your thoughts!

Check out Arbor Mist on the web, Facebook and Twitter. *You must be 21 or over.

I received products samples for review from SheSpeaks. All thoughts/opinions are always my own. 
Shelly, Mom Files
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The Big Red Monster

Dwayne's dad came by this yesterday and look at what he brought over for us...

It's a bottle of red wine. Looks like some sort of demonic character on the label. hmm.
They warn you not to drink this by itself, that's scary! I will let you know what it was like.

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