Wine makes you feel warm inside when you have that first sip, the luscious berry taste, the velvet tannins … but that really is just a superficial immediate feeling. With this one … you get that nice warm feeling the instant you buy it without even opening or seeing the bottle. I know. It’s almost like a teaser for “The Secret”!

Enter
One Hope Wine
Pinot Noir
2009

This wine is special — and actually I got it on a special. I was introduced to this wine thru a Klout Perk. If you aren’t on Klout and you don’t know what a Klout perk is, I can help! You can click here to learn all about Klout and sign up. My Klout perk came about with wine. One Hope wine gave me $25 toward their site to check out their wine selection. When I got to their site … I was pleasantly surprised!

It’s wine with a cause. It’s wine that gives a portion of the sale price to charities! In my case, I picked up the 2009 ONEHOPE Arroyo Seco Reserve Pinot Noir. This wine comes from Rob Mondavi Jr. and comes from Force Canyon Vineyard in the prestigious Arroyo Seco AVA in Monterey County. The great thing is that 50% of the profits go to support Children’s hospitals. So basically … you are drinking to help children. I hope no one ever takes that last sentence out of context.

Think that’s it? 50% of proceeds to support Children’s charity? Nope, it’s not .. in fact, you get to then select your other option for even more to go to another charity. A smaller select portion goes to a charity within their partnerships. You can additionally designate money from the original purchase price to one of the following charities: National Breast Cancer Foundation, National MS Society, Texas Wildfire Relief Fund, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, ASPCA, charity: water, Room to Read, World Food Programme, Wounded Warrior Project or ONEHOPE Foundation. I decided to give the extra money to Wounded Warrior Project. (I hope you’ll click that link to learn more!) I love having control of which charity to give to! It’s the perfect gift for any control freak!

How did the wine taste? I will start off by saying you need to let this breathe overnight. I used an aerator and found that this wine was so much better the next night. It has a nice blackberry / raspberry note to it and a bit of oak (hint) which might be because it’s aged in American and French oak barrels. I even got a hint of truffle in there … yep, I tasted it!

So if you want to have a great wine and know that you are also helping to support charities, check out ONEHope wines — be a control freak and make your own donation!

Cheers!
P.S. — I had my wine with a blueberry fayre and a mango ginger stilton … all on a Triscuit!

I like to try and send out an inspirational or positive message on Sunday. I think it starts off the week in a great way and I hope showcases something new; be it a new thought, product or organization.

For some reason, today I kept running into Suicide Prevention information and inspirational stories on this subject. Whatever reason that is … I hope you enjoy the following video from TedYou:

Kindle and email subscribers can watch the video here: JD Schramm TEDyou Video

If you found John’s story inspirational .. you can follow him on Twitter to keep up with his events: JD Schramm’s Twitter Account.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is a great place to start to learn more, donate, get help and know that there are others out there: AFSP Site

And of course, you know I always love to hear from my readers!

Cheers to you!

JenniferReviews@gmail.com
@JenniferReviews

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May 17, 2011 was the second annual “Evening With Aaron Rodgers” a benefit for the MACC Fund. I had the privilege of being invited for the second time to this event. I have to say each time I’ve been impressed with the loving contributions of those attending, the care of the MACC Fund staff, Aaron Rodgers and RBSH Enterprises.

I could fill this post up with Aaron Rodgers football stats, his great accomplishments on the field, but any of my readers here know that I like to focus on the who behind the what, whenever I can … that’s what this post is going to be about.

The evening started with a cocktail reception where children of the MACC Fund stories were featured throughout the venue. It was great to see all the people filling in … executives, journalists, Aaron Rodgers fans … a blogger. Then we all gathered into the main ballroom for dinner — which of course was fantastic. The Hyatt Regency Milwaukee did a great job and the staff was great.

Then the introductions started and if anyone has attended an event where Jon McGlocklin, Founder / President of the MACC Fund and John Cary, Executive Director of the MACC Fund have spoken – you know these two give a whole hearted personal investment toward the work they do to help children with cancer and blood disorders. Their speeches were heartfelt and encouraging of the work the MACC Fund is doing.

Then we were treated to another celebrity, Trent Dilfer ESPN Analyst who talked about his personal life experiences and challenges that he overcame. It was pretty impressive. Many times we see these successful athletes and don’t realize they face the same challenges we do. For the main event, Trent was there to interview Aaron Rodgers and interview Aaron Rodgers he did! The fun started ….

To keep this post short but hit the point I appreciated the most about Aaron Rodgers was the fact that with his down to earth attitude, he told us of his challenges prior to becoming SuperBowl MVP…. he always kept pushing onward, always kept raising the bar. He realized when he didn’t make the list of the top 100 quarterbacks (back in the day), he had to do more and do something other quarterbacks weren’t doing…. he increased his work out to 2 hours a day. That was the phrase I left with that night … do something the others aren’t doing. It seems to have worked out pretty well for Aaron Rodgers.

The auction began and it was one of the most exciting auctions I’ve been to in some time! With the gracious offering of the Hyatt Regancy Milwaukee and Aaron Rodgers agreeing to make an appearance at a chef dinner … 2 of the highest bidding items went for $45,000! Amazing … those contributions will go a long way to help children. It’s clearly a mission of Aaron Rodgers to make sure that the MACC fund is recognized, that he can help do his part to help children and that he really does care.

It’s important for me to note that at the first event Aaron took the time to come out and say hello to all those that attended … I was impressed with that last year. This year, Aaron stayed after the event to shake hands and talk with attendees as well. I found that to be impressive – it could have been very easy to dismiss the fans after his accomplishments of the past season. Just one more reason Aaron Rodgers is loved by the Green Bay Packer fans.

Of course … you know I have to leave you with a picture of our dessert of the night!

Cheers to sweet endings!
JenniferReviews@gmail.com
@JenniferReviews

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As always … I try to showcase a little inspiration on Sundays. Something that I hope you like and can help you jump start your week. I am continually amazed at the stories of courage, love, loyalty, forgiveness and inspiration that I’ve shared over the years. This one is no exception …

Be warned … Kleenex will be needed!

Or you can watch the SURFice Dog Video by clicking this link to YouTube.

At the time of me writing this post – Ricochet was only $213 away from having the second highest toy drive she’s done. Even a donation of $5 will help!

Here are some places you can connect and keep up with Ricochet:

Facebook Page: Surf Dog Ricochet
Twitter: @SurfDogRicochet
Website: SURFice Dog Ricochet

JenniferReviews @gmail.com
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After I did my last “My Life Across the Web” last week, I wasn’t sure I would have anything to write for this week. Boy was I wrong … so let’s get going!

First on Budget Winer – I score 5 wines that donate to a charity … which mean you can now drink for a cause!!! You’re welcome.

Then the social media police who monitor the web at Fat Bastard wine caught me and found my “review” of their wine I did this week … they posted it on their Facebook Page – I think that means we’re cool.

Surprisingly, I got asked to do a short video spot for my aha moment sponsored by Mutual of Omaha. I don’t know how they found me – but they did. I left them a happy team by donating to their efforts a bottle of Broke Ass Wine. I don’t know what happened with the wine – we did not break open the bottle while I was there… something about them not drinking on the job … I don’t know … like THAT’S in the employee manual. whatever.

Dave and Jessica WITHOUT wine time

Also, just to show you once again how e-list I am … my aha moment filming came AFTER a cat. in a hat. true story. Picture Proof:

AC, The cat in the hat aha moment celebrity before me

My FAB Fan of the week ISssssss … Lowanna!!! Because she’s the only one that reads my saturday posts. So basically this post is for you Lowanna!

Finally, on the web this week — I found a blogger that busted WIDE open a consrpiracy with Mr. Clean. I had NO IDEA this was going on! I love the magic eraser … I had no idea the implications of that. Read Johnny Virgil‘s Blog (15 Minute Lunch) post on his take of what Mr. Clean is REALLY doing.

That’s it wine-o lovers! Off to another week … Cheers!
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This event is sponsored by Jigsaw, LLC and West Bend Insurance.

Here is a great event for my readers in the Milwaukee and surrounding areas! A chance for you to spend an evening with Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers!!

When: May 17th, 2010

Where: Mo’s – A Place for Steaks
720 Plankinton Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53203

Time: 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Tickets are $200 per person to benefit the MACC Fund
Contact Donna at the MACC fund by calling 414-456-5830

You’ll get free food (yes…. from MO’s SteakHouse … the BEST), free drinks and a chance to ask Aaron Rodgers a question.

Jen Lada will be doing a live interview with Aaron Rodgers and then open up for Questions and Answers from the audience!

RBSH Enterprises, Inc, Mo’s Restaurants and the MACC fund will be hosting this event. What a great venue and intimate setting with a chance to see and talk to Aaron Rodgers. AND … it’s all for a great cause!

Bonus …. You’ll get to see yours truly at the event! I know. Aaron … me … tough choice on who you’re going there to see ..…. I won’t be offended that it’s Aaron Rodgers!

Hope to see you there! If you have your tickets – Contact me on Twitter and we’ll be sure to meet up at the event!

Cheers to an evening with Aaron!
Jennifer
JenniferReviews @gmail.com

I love this story.

When I heard an interview with Jordan Dibb, I knew I had to tell everyone here about it.

Jordan Dibb is walking from Minnesota to Miami, Florida to raise money for Haiti. How did his journey start?

Jordan Dibb is part of a large population of unemployed right now … and after exeriencing numerous “no’s” from his resume, he decided to change his efforts to giving. When the earthquake struck Haiti, Jordan was ready to help. After receiving “No’s” in his efforts to help …. he decided to do his own thing. I LOVE THIS!

Jordan Dibb is currently walking to generate money for Haiti. Right now (4.11.2010) he is in Wisconsin …. Stoughton, Wisconsin was his last stop last night.

Here is how you can support Jordan. Join his fan page. Donate $1. (that’s all folks …. 1 dollar … that’s less money then a medium soda at the drive thru) and follow his travels on twitter!

That’s how you can help. Easy. Painless. Also, please help spread the word for Jordan.

Cheers to helping on Sunday!
Jennifer
JenniferReviews @gmail.com
@ThingsAll2Good

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I had to post this video it was too good not to share this monday morning.

The following video was produced by Providence St. Vincent Medical Center of Portland, Oregon. The video was made to generate breast cancer awareness throughout the hospital system. A portion of sales from the pink gloves, made by Medline Industries in Illinois, will provide mammograms for uninsured women.

With just over to 6 million views … I’m guessing I might be a tad late to share this with you … but for the few who haven’t yet seen this … sit back and smile.

Cheers to pink gloves!
Jennifer
Song Credits: “Down” by Jay Sean

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Some of you know, I’m hoping to spread the idea that blogger’s will donate every 100th post to a charity of their choice. The idea is to help non-profits and small causes to succeed and get more attention by the promotion of bloggers.


With that said, this is my 200th post and I wanted to make this fun. If you’ve watched my posts and twitter conversations in the last few weeks, you’ll noticed that I mentioned the Domino’s pizza character The Noid. I thought the noid was gone …. until …… someone from twitter (Sneaky Snooper) informed me the noid was NOT gone.

Not only was the Noid back …. but he was back supporting a great cause: St. Jude Children’s research hospital. I’m SO thrilled that the Noid has helped out. Sadly, the Noid T-shirt sale is over and since then Dominoes pizza has generated nearly $5 million in donations to St. Jude since it began it’s Thanks and Giving campaign.

While Domino’s pizza has done their part ….. wondering how you can help? There are lot’s ways and some ways do not even involve money. On the Thanks and Giving campaign website, St. Jude’s is asking for some Social Media help. You can upload your video, update your twitter or facebook status or …. maybe even do a 100th blog post?!?!

Check out their site and give your:

Voice (2050 people so far have donated their voice)

Vision (as of today’s date 8 people have donated their vision)

Energy (318 people have donated their energy)

Cheers to donating!
Jennifer
Join our “donate your 100th post” fanpage and help support the idea!

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On Sunday I like to share a positive side to life. With that said, I’ve found an interesting website called DoGooderTV. DoGodderTV houses videos of non-profits who want to share their non-profit organiztions information with the world. A very cool idea and one great place to stop and see what non-profits might be of interest for you to volunteer with, support and/or make a donation to. Check out the site for charities that may interest you.

In the meantime, I wanted to share what I thought was a good Charity: Free Geek. Free Geek is a non-profit that takes donated old/used computers and recycles them to usable computers for those in the community who can not afford them. Fabulous idea and I wanted to share!

Cheers to Geeks!
Jennifer

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