Obviously, I love wine AND I have a great appreciation for art / artists as well. I love the creativity of it all. Many years ago I stumbled upon an artist that was creating these amazing wine pieces. Her name is Leanne Laine and since I’ve known her — her pieces and her art are becoming more and more popular. Also, it’s true, I sleep with Leanne’s art in my bedroom … love looking at a painting of wine before bed for sweet wine dreams! Follow Leanne on her sites AND enter for a chance to win one of her prints in the links below the interview!

So, with some help from a new writer here on Jennifer’s Review, we had the privledge of having the opportunity to interview Leanne Laine! Enjoy the interview by Alyson Kahn!

AK: What do you experience as the relationship between women and wine?

Wine is a fascinating subject matter and making wine is an art in itself. My exclusive Women in Wine series depicts the elegance, sophistication, sweetness, and vibrancy of the movement of wine that hypnotizes the palate. My Women in Wine series ™ began with Lady Merlot, and at the time I had no idea that it would become so popular with people. My series grew over time and my latest Women in Wine piece came out early in 2011, Sweet Embrace, which I painted specifically to raise money for the Red Cross and Save the Children when the earthquake and Tsunami hit Japan. My feelings about wine come alive from these Women, they show that wine is not only beautiful the way she swirls around the wine glass, but also that wine is a temptress. She glides smoothly from the bottle, graciously around the glass, knowing full well that she is the center of attention. The light dances off her body while her intoxicating aroma fills the air. She seduces the senses, and knows that one sip will make the palate fall in love with her again and again. These are the elements that can be found in all my works.

AK: What role does wine play in your art?

I love wine but I am not a connoisseur by any stretch of the imagination. I really find wine to be a fascinating subject matter and making wine is an art in itself. With my art, I indulge in giving colors and shape a stimulating appeal. I believe that art should have no boundaries or limitations. Imagination is such a powerful tool and I encourage it through my pieces. Wine itself carries these qualities which makes it such an interesting study. A simple wine glass needs to be painted to depict the gentle craftsmanship that goes into the making of a wine glass, so shapely, delicate and frail, yet has the strength to contain the tastes of well aged and fermented grapes. The sheer movement of wine in a glass can be as compelling as the taste of the wine itself, so I try to enable the viewer to observe the movement and excite the palate as if they were swirling the wine themselves.

AK: What is your “Vinogamy Series” about?

My exclusive Vinogamy series ™ was born with An Intimate Toast and The Taste of Devotion, two pieces that were donated to an event to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House of BC. This series has also grown over time. I wanted a collection of works that could stand alone from my Women in Wine series, this time showing not only that wine is beautiful and sexy, but also that wine is a timeless romance that never ends. So I wanted to have a series that focused on the love of wine, the love for wine and the romantic side of wine and have it be a symbol for the love and romance a couple has for one another in a monogamous relationship. Monogamy is beautiful, sexy and is a special bond between two people, and wine has those same attributes. That is what I wanted to achieve with my Vinogamy series.

AK: What is one of your favorite wines and why?

This is a great question because I love experimenting and trying new wines. In the past six months I have really been focusing my attention on British Columbia wines, mainly because it is where I live and there are so many great wines being offered here. I do love red wine, merlot especially, but I try everything which is why you can also browse through my art pieces and find so many different wines being named in my pieces. I will say that I am extremely thankful for social media and the connections I have made with those in the wine industry, whether it be wine producers, sommeliers, wine bloggers like Jennifer, and even those who simply just love to sip a glass of wine for no reason at all. Not only do I learn so much from these friends, but they inspire me, they open up their world to me so I can see a side of them, a side of wine, that they enjoy. By learning more, it helps me come up with new ideas, new inspiration for my works.

Want to win a free print from Leanne? Enter for your chance here: Visit for a chance to win a free limited edition giclee!

Discounts for readers: With Holiday shopping getting started Leanne offers free shipping within the USA and Canada. That alone can help stretch holiday spending dollars and I offer this all year round.

Follow Leanne on Facebook, Follow Leanne Art on Twitter and watch Leanne Laine speed paint on YouTube!

Ok, did you come to this blog post because of my title?!?! C’mon …. did you?!?! That’s alright, your secret is safe with me … because I am REALLY going to have fun with today’s wine!

Enter
Big Red Hiney Wine
Walla Walla Valley
Skylite Cellars
Cabernet Sauvignon based-blend

When I started doing research on this wine, I was expecting a fun, lively …. maybe even a bit slightly left of center humorous website. After all, these people named their wine Hiney Wine right?!? Well this winery has a very classic looking site and I was also surprised to note that even though they are in the winery business … they certainly have a sense of humor!

After looking over the site, I’m pleased to say that I have indeed bought the winery’s cheapest wine at around $10/bottle. At the top of the price scale for this wine is their 2007 SC Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. But we’re not here to talk about anything else other then Hiney. That said … a note at the winery indicated that they are all sold out of Hiney … so if you want it, you’ll have to pick up and save the bottles you find locally.

The taste? Well, the taste is pretty good or at least it was when I had my red pasta dish. With hints of oak, it’s still a little young – but I of course didn’t mind this. It’s high on the cherry taste, but not overpowering. Did I mention what the back of the wine labels says? …. and I quote:

You only go around once in life, so grab all the Hiney Wine you can get!!

Actually … I didn’t read that originally with the “wine” part, but now that I had to type it … it kindof lost it’s affect. So to end this post off, I leave you with the Winery’s commercial:

For email subscribers you can click this link: YouTube Hiney Wine Commercial

You can also buy a some Hiney Wine stuff on Ebay, but be warned, Ebay will try and correct you … or maybe it’s just me Ebay feels the need to correct, not sure: (click image for larger view)

Cheers to Hiney!

JenniferReviews@gmail.com
@JenniferReviews

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When you have that feeling that you just can’t concentrate, you really should repeat yourself, it’s like a memory game, ‘cept different. In this case today’s wine has THE busiest wine label I’ve seen in sometime AND it repeats itself … THAT’s why I had to pick this wine up.

Also, maybe some of my twitter friends remember this picture when I saw the wine display some time ago? (It’s like a circus in your mouth)

Enter
Petite Petit
2008
Lodi Appellation
Michael David Winery
85% Petite Sirah and 15% Petit Verdot

True to the Michael and David lines of wine, this wine has their own poem creations. THIS one however, took me off guard. Literally. I even re-created in a quick video to show how off guard it took me, why you ask? … because that’s how fun this wine is even before you open it up. Also, this wine has a real cork cork!

My recreated realization research portion to this post:

or you can watch it on YouTube by clicking here: Jennifer Reads Michael and David Wine Label

Here’s the full poem in the balloons on the back of the wine bottle:

Step right up, come and see
the greatest duo in history
Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot
Pachyderm Brothers
Stars of the show!

One can dance, one can sing
both can juggle fiery rings
one can dribble, one can drink
both do brag of very large trunks
so step right up to center stage
and prepare yourself
to be amazed!

Once I got past the “very large trunks” mental image, I went onto the wine. The largeness by the way, refers to how big this wine’s taste is … from the 2 petite/petit grape side of things…. just in case you MIGHT have been confused as I MAY have initially been.

How does it taste? ohhh…. VERY good thank you! With a great jammy blackberry taste that’s also wonderfully dry. This has some vanilla finishing flavors to it, but I also picked up on a great oak taste (?) I LOVE this wine and it’s not just because of the large trunk reference. This wine is a delight and I cherished every sip on it’s own. I’m not sure what I would pair this with because I love the full bodied flavors of this all on its own.

The price? It’s a little higher then what I normally review on this blog. I picked this wine up for about $18/bottle at one of my favorite local wine stops. My former sponsor Wine Chateau has this priced at $16.49/bottle with a 31% case savings. I’ve seen this one priced as high as $25, so shop smartly my fellow wine lovers. Either way, I think you’ll agree with me on this one … it’s fun and very good for a catchy wine label wine.

What do you think? Love it? Like it? Wouldn’t bother to pick it up? Would love to hear your thoughts below!

Cheers to big things!

JenniferReviews@gmail.com
@JenniferReviews

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Photo Credits: (wine display) Jennifer’s mad phone camera skills, (Wine bottle) Michael and David Winery, (video) the night before a much needed hair cut and no makeup – so sorry ….

Purchase 6 or more bottles of small batch bourbon and get 50% off shipping with promo code "ter63"

I have never been more ready for FRIDAY than this Friday. Can I get a “hell yeah!”? Not only do you get a great discount on Bourbon up above by clicking my sponsor Wine Chateau, BUT you get to watch a funny video from Primewell Tires. Who would of thought that a tire company would have the taste of fine wine?

So without much more chit – chat from me … here is a cute wine tasting commercial from Primewell Tires:

Cheers to Tires, Bourbon AND FRIDAY!

JenniferReviews @gmail.com
@JenniferReviews

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I know what you are thinking … FINALLY, she’s had an intervention and been assigned a sponsor. Funny.

Not THAT kind of sponsor … a real wine sponsor. A sponsor who values me and my blog so much they’re all “Hey …. we would like to pay you to write!”. They’re THAT kindof sponsor …. so I just wanted to give everyone a “head’s up” that these guys will be on a few of my blog posts each month. The best part … they’re going to give YOU my readers’ wine discounts every month. That’s one fun part. The other fun part … they said it didn’t matter what new blog post I put their stuff on. ha … we’re gonna have fun! So please welcome Wine Chateau to the blog as my new sponsor. Stick with me readers … I got your “wine” back!

To continue with the fun things that are happening. It also looks like I’ll be attending Social Media Day at the Chicago Auto Show as a guest of Ford Motor Company! I’m very excited! I’ll have news and pictures to share and I’m sure some interesting things will happen … it is ME after all! I also heard that Ford has some exciting announcements …. Keep an eye open!

Watch my Jennifer’s Review twitter feed this Thursday as I tweet and share pictures from the show. You can also connect with me on Facebook I’ll be posting there as well … I rarely give out my personal profile … but there it is: Jennifer’s Facebook Profile. I’ll recap the highlights here on Saturday in my “My Life..” post. The twitter feed will probably be the best “live” overview thou.

Then finally as I go about my blogging I will make mistakes. I’m sorry when I do and as a result, I have to make corrections. Last week I did a blog post about a band called SuckerPunch Sally. Well … it came to my attention from an annoymous close family member source of the lead singer that I failed to mention his rock hard “guns”.

Here is my correction to SuckerPunch Sally: Ladies — I totally failed to mention the lead singer, Jeffrey’s “guns” and the six pack abs. When you are actually selected as a “woo-woo girl” … I’ve heard (just a rumor) you get to actually touch “the guns”!

Enjoy the preview:

The Guns Preview

Please accept my apologies!

Cheers to fun things!

JenniferReviews@gmail.com
@JenniferReviews

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Photo Credit: Chicago Auto Show Logo – Chicagoautoshow.com, SuckerPunch Sally Jeffery’s Facebook Profile

…. I couldn’t think of anything to write today because Starbucks sent me an email telling me that Tuesday, tomorrow (which is today for you because I write my posts a day early) is Free Pastry Day. I can’t decide which free pastry to get …it’s very distracting.

Check it out below or click HERE to get your coupon for this morning.

I totally did a copyright no-no below … but I’m hoping since I’m sharing their brand in a great way, they’ll forgive me and maybe name a coffee after me. yeah, probably not.

Anyway …. I’m off to get my free pastry and handcrafted coffee. (is that new??…. handcrafted coffee? hmmm… more on this later -must research.) Free ends at 10:30 a.m. … see ya there!!

Cheers to free pastry day!
Jennifer
P.S. Photo lifted without permission from starbucks.com
JenniferReviews @gmail.com
@ThingsAll2Good

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FREE Featured Ads from OLX.com today!!!! (US Resident’s only)

Love contests??? Do ya?!?! Actually, I’m not a big fan of those contest that make you think.

So ….. for this contest…….. NO THINKING!!! How much are ya liking me now!?

5 lucky US people will get a free featured ad on OLX.com! … by doing the following. I KNOW…rules, rules…. don’t worry, I won’t make you dress up in a tutu or dye your hair pink. unless you really want to … in that case … go for it!

RULES:
1. Become a fan of Jennifer’s Review on Facebook. (here is the Jennifer’s Fanpage link …. easy, easy)

2. List your product, item, service, job or create your personal ad on OLX.com

3. Come back here … leave a comment with your information and leave the link to what you are selling or showcasing! The first 5 people who leave comments with their links are the winners! Transparency folks …. if you are #6 … sorry…. it’s all in the comments – first come, first serve!

4. I will email your info / link to OLX.com so you can be featured! plus …. we wanna see what your selling!! more exposure!

See ya back here!!!
Good Luck!!!

ohhh…. and if you think OLX.com is just a faceless site … watch the employee video … how could you NOT want to work there?! Also … I don’t know what they are saying … but anytime someone says “mucho, mucho, opportunity and optimistic” (I think!) you HAVE to listen / watch!

Cheers to free featured ads!
Jennifer
@ThingsAll2Good

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What a great title! I however, never thought I’d read a book such as this one. Art Noble personally sent me this book to read and review! We had the opportunity to meet on JasonsNetwork.com a great site of positive thinkers, spirituality, business people and encourgement. When I got the book, I initially had a different concept of what it was going to be about … and….. I admit…. not a topic or a book I personally would run out and read. I thought for sure this was going to be a book about … well.. Sex. And it is, but it’s done in a very different way then I initially thought it would be presented. This book was more like following the journey of friends through their discoveries. I have to say (and I do not mean to diminish the author who has spent much time in his research and writing), but it was a bit like reading a harlequin romance. … now… if you read those in your early years – you understand my reference.

As always, I like to share more about the who behind a business or product when I can. I am very impressed with Mr. Noble’s background. Art grew up in Key West, living for 4 years in the Hemingway Home. He is the son of Van Noble who opened the Hemingway Home as an art gallery before it became a museum. Art holds a BS in Ocean Engeineering and an MBA. He’s been a technical writer, commercial diver in the offshore oil field, a bit actor in movies, done commercials and after participation in the H-bomb salvage and the first 650 foot saturation dive, he made an apperance on the Today Show and appeared in National Geographic. What a life!

It’s easy to see the background of Art incorporated into his characters in his book! If you are a person looking to increase your relationships with the person you love, this might be the a great first step for you. It’s entertaining, has some adventure in it and it’s educational. It’s currently for purchase on Amazon.com and you can purchase it off the link below. If you get the chance to pick this one up …. stop back and let me know what you thought! In fact … I’m sure Art would love to hear your thoughts as well!

Cheers to Art Noble!
Jennifer

You know how I like to find unique sounds, passion in what a person does and talent … well here is another musician that is not mainstream but is very much worth a listen and a trip to go out and see! Jennifer Vazquez Since I’m not an “official” music critic, you won’t find a long winded review here! But you will find a great deal to download her songs! (below)

Here is Jennifer’s story on following her passion to bring her to this moment!

Jennifer Vazquez

I am constantly redefining what it means to me to be an artist. I am on a path, day in and day out, to find the right balance between being a “normal” person, versus living the life of a creative individual. Yes, I am a singer /songwriter, but peel away one layer and you’ll see the dancer twirl right in and onto a stage. Take a step further and peel another layer and you’ll find that little girl from The Bronx, who didn’t know the meaning of the word, “I can’t.

I have been at my art since the age of three, and I will continue to do so until I breathe my last breathe on this earth.

… That’s passion for what you do folks!

All 12 of her new songs from the CD “Bend” for only $4! You can sample listen to her songs here.

And here is the great part… with her voice, talent and all her touring, Jennifer has a facebook profile… not a fan page, but a profile!

You can follow Jennifer on … of course…. TWITTER!

Watch Jennifer V. in person on YouTube.

and our old loved Social Media site: Myspace!

Want to see and hear Jennifer play live?
You can see her in Hollywood on May 2nd at Sabor Y Cultura Cafe off of Hollywood Blvd. (I just always wanted to type Hollywood blvd in one of my posts!)

and

May 30th, you can see her at the Southbay Bicycle Musical festival.

Two things I want to leave you with ….
—- > Jennifer’s favorite wine (after all I am a wine-o … needed to know!) is Jordan Chardonnay, pinot grigio and rose.
—– > And THIS Jennifer’s favorite Jennifer V. song!?? “Rain fall down on me” I play it again and again!

Cheers to true musician’s that rock!
Jennifer

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So I have to admit… I was a little worried about receiving this product. Not in a bad… “what the heck is this?” way… but in a … “I might get addicted!” way. And guess what??? I am addicted! These Aromapod’s (Aromatherapy at your fingertips) are FAB-U-Lous! I use it at work, in the car (as I talk about in the video) at night before bed and in the morning before I head out to work! They help me… and frankly…. I just think they smell great!

I haven’t tried the “Focus” or the “Sensuality” ones yet… but “harmony”, “Energize” and “Calm” ones are wonderful…. the “Calm” one is my favorite.

Check out the site for more information and ordering at: http://SniffNGo.com ! Use code: Jennifer for free shipping on your order!

Enjoy my video below and I hope you have as much fun with this product as I did!

Cheers to sniffing!
Jennifer

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