Five Things I'm Diggin'

Here are five things I'm into right now.  Where to begin as I've got a little catching up to do.  I'll start it off with my favorite discovery of the year.  You are going to be shocked I know when I start the list off here...

1. RED COW!  This little local gem opened it's doors in my blogging fog days so I didn't get to really tell you how much I love the joint.  I know you all see the Facebook check-in's and patio shenanigans on Instagram, but I truly love this place.  It's the neighborhood equivalent of the Cheers Bar but I imagine the food and wine at The Cow are far superior.  Of course the burgers are standouts, but for me I tread heavily across the appetizer menu.  Ahi tuna crisps, homemade potato chips and dip, three different poutines, scotch eggs, cheese curds, and the pastrami sliders...omg.  I don't care for pastrami, or sauerkraut, or pretzel bread, but I bit into this baby one afternoon and I was smitten. In love, actually.  Three on a plate is more than enough so there is always one to bring home for later.  Wait, did I list the fish tacos?  Delish!  Grilled cheese? Amazeballs.  And did I mention the cute owner, Luke?  He's The Best and will always greet your table with a genuine smile and a funny quip.  And he seriously knows his beer and wine so get your tail in ASAP but just please don't take my favorite table.

2.  How about this FALL we're experiencing?  After the most offensive, depressing, lousy spring on record, we deserve this.  Here we sit in the first week of October and my garden is still pretty fresh, there are ferns (albeit a little scraggly) in my pots, and barely a leaf has littered my driveway.  A little A/C in late September is always welcome and a Homecoming parade in shorts is pretty cool.  I love it.  It's my favorite time of year and even with the monsoon that blew through here last night, it still sort of feels like late summer.  I will take it for as long as Mother Nature wants to cooperate because this rocks!!

Watching the Homecoming parade on a perfect fall day

3.  And speaking of fall, I'm also diggin' football this year.  Yeah, I know the Vikes suck the big one (except when they're in London!?) but we are lucky enough to have a great crew in this neighborhood that likes to spend Sundays worshipping the 49er's, the Bears, the Seahawks, and God forbid The Pack.  This season we were lucky enough to inherit a proper Man Cave in the 'hood that Mr. Howell tricked out in a pretty serious fashion.  The Cave seemingly attracts all kinds of fans and I know that when Mr. C rolls the garage door up on Sunday mornings an interesting collection of folks are going to show up.  As long as this weather holds, count on the chili being served, the beer being chilled and the team flags flying high.  And even when fall does begin to fade, the boys have plans for heaters and fur blankets, which I will make sure to share pictures of! And I can't talk about football without mentioning how proud I am of Mr. C for being brave enough to become a Badger for a day to escort me to a game at Camp Randall.  It was a spectacular day with a spectacular win so here's a shout to Bucky's cutest new fan!  

4.  So last spring I started chatting with my brilliant friend/hairdresser about how I was contemplating bangs. Yes, bangs.  Fringe.  Not since 1983 have I had hair touch my forehead but for some reason last April I got stuck on the idea of bangs.  Brilliant hairdresser says, "No way.  At least not until Fall."  Okay.  I patiently waited for the calendar to hit September 22nd (first official day of Autumn) and I start calling her.  "Should I?  Shouldn't I?  I really should, right?  What if I hate them?  What if they bug me?  What if they make my nose look big?  My face look fat?"  And so on and so on... I think she finally got so fed up with texts, photos and nonsensical chatter on the matter that she graciously slipped me into her first cancellation and had the scissors moving before I could even say, "Should I really do it??" Boom. Done.  Hmm.  I llike them.  I like the change.  I like the feel of fringe on my forehead, but mostly I like that I did something I normally would never do and I must thank my stylist/friend that encouraged me when everyone else said, "Don't Do IT!"  She  told me to jump in with both feet and said in her confident "I'm almost 40 and you're almost 42 so make it happen"  voice,  "You will look stunning.  Your pony is going to look amazing.  And your top bun, to die."  Obvi.   If I see you on the street and you don't like my fringe, do me a favor, smile and tell me that my pony looks amazing.  The only draw back is that I looked like Nikki Sixx when I woke up this morning.


5.  Which brings me to another obsession...The Heroin Diaries by Nikki Sixx.  I read this little number on our last road trip and it is flat out addicting.  Couldn't put it down.  Crazy shit.  Who knew people would ever think to down a pitcher of hot tub water and snort coke immediately afterwards for the ultimate high only to purposefully puke?  And locking yourself in a closet (naked, I might add) with a shotgun because you believe the security system on your wall is out to get you and there are midgets hanging from your trees?  Now that sounds like a blast!  Not to mention shooting up in your xxxx??  Good times.  And the man is still alive to tell the tale.  If you enjoy rock star memoirs (I was not aware that I did) this is the read for you.  Graphic, shocking, sad, captivating, moving, all rolled into one serious page turner.  Nikki collects his diaries from years on tour in the hey day of Motley Crue to truly shock the pants off of his readers.  This book is like crack ( I assume)...read it.  

That's what I'm diggin' this week.  More next week.  Happy Thursday!


Writer's notes-

*Don't be offended but I am not going to reveal where said brilliant friend/hairstylist works.  That would mean that I won't get called up first on the cancellation list and it will make it harder for me to schedule my bang trims.  It's too bad though because she does the BEST blowout in town!  Email me directly if you really like my fringe and want her number.  And also, I don't think I look like Reese Witherspoon, I just really like her hair.

*The Man Cave depicted above is not at my home.  Don't come to my house on a Sunday morning looking for a bowl of chili and a beer.  If you would like to join us on any given Sunday, once again email me directly and I will reveal the address of The Cave.  And FYI, Nikki Sixx might be making a surprise appearance in November...

Pup Up Shop

Ms. Maudie says, "See you at the Pup Up Shop!"

I know this might be a face only a mother could love, but if you have trouble capturing just the right expression on your pet's face like I do, you need to get your pooch in front of Elissa Kadue at Little Bean Photography.  She can always coax a smile, direct the perfect tilt of the head, and bring out the true personality of your pup or your child.  Trust me.  She has snapped our family for two years running and has managed to do an amazing job with subjects that are, let's just say...not so cooperative.  For photographing pups or people, Elissa is your girl.

And there is no team more qualified than Nicole Liwienski and Jennifer Rasmussen of White Peacock Styled Events to put it all together and make it a festive two day puppy party.  These girls bring it to every event to create a mood that is meticulously detailed, highly personal, and absolutely, fabulously stylish.  Corporate events, store openings, birthday parties, baby showers, weddings, you name it- these girls will make it happen exactly as you imagined it!

And Ms. Maudie only goes to Lulu & Luigi for her blow out and nails.  They have the most adorable accessories (the sweaters!!), leashes, carriers, and the best brands of pet food with the most experienced grooming staff.  Thankfully they have multiple locations to keep Twin Cities pets well groomed and stylish.

So put the them all together and what do you have?  A Pup Up Shop, of course!
Check it out-

What:

High Style Doggy Portraits

Why:
Raising money to benefit Secondhand Hounds and their furry friends!

When:
Saturday + Sunday, June 22nd + 23rd
10am - 4pm by appointment only

Call Elissa at Little Bean, 952-922-8445, to book your appointment and package.

Choose:
$995 + 50% off prints
No session fee + disk of up to 10 images of your choice + 50% off ala carte online print ordering. Save $850+.
or
$225
Session fee plus your choice of single digital image or 11x14 wall portrait + ala carte online print ordering. Save $25.
or
$100
Session fee + ala carte online print ordering

Where:

Little Bean Photography
4617 Excelsior Blvd  
Minneapolis, MN 55416
*Parking is directly behind the building. Look for our bright pink door!

Green Balloons

Yesterday I waited in line to purchase green balloons to fly in remembrance of Quinn.  The line was long; a forty minute wait to pick up my three balloons costing less than $5.00.  "Did you know the family?"  "What happened?"  I was asked in line more than once.  No, I didn't.  My children did not know Quinn and I do not know his parents, but today we fly the green balloons.  He was a third grade boy, the youngest of four brothers. 

I tied the balloons to our lamppost this morning with Cooper in tow as he asked, "Is there going to be a parade today?"  

"No, not a parade exactly..." as I bumbled and fumbled my words to try and best explain what happened to a child the same age as his beloved big brother.

"Oh, I get it.  It's going to be a parade of sad people."  And just like that off he went to tend to his melting snowman pile.  Just like that...

How do you explain something like this?  It is inexplicable to us as adults, but how do you explain to a child why a classmate suddenly passes away, or an elementary school in Connecticut so similar to their very own loses 20 students in the blink of an eye?  The death of a child goes against nature, and it is simply, inexplicable.

As I finished tying the three balloons to our lamppost I noticed a small piece of string left from the red balloons we flew for Chase almost two years ago and I thought of each of the children this community has lost in the near six years we have lived here.  It's too many.  One is too many. 

Then I intently watched my own as he played in the snow on a cloudy morning oblivious to the sadness felt today in our community.  

Savoring Summer Style

It's time to start thinking about summer and I can't imagine a better way to kick it off than with a girls' night out!  Let's sip, savor and style it up at Houndstooth in Eden Prairie on April 26th from 7-10pm.  I will be pouring some great spring wine selections and there will be plenty of gorgeous fashions to get you excited about the upcoming season.  And to top it off you get 20% off all night while a portion of it goes to charity, it doesn't get any better than that!

So come on out to celebrate what a fabulous evening White Peacock Styled Events has put together for you! This is one you will not want to miss!

You can RSVP by calling, going to the website at www.houndstoothboutique.com or logging onto Facebook and responding "YES!" to the invitation featured on their page.  

And don't forget..

Ready. Set..

LAUNCH!!!

Here she is!  Sip.savor.style is official and LIVE!!  My little project is public and I can blab about it all I want now and so can you!  Check out the website at www.sipsavorstyle.com and let me know what you think then quickly grab your calendar and book an event!  I promise you won't be disappointed.
I can't thank my girl Keri enough for all the hard work she did to give this little project legs.  The creativity and unbelievable patience she exhibited while trying to corral my left sided brain into a right brained project was amazing.  Many evenings were spent at my dining room table trying desperately to understand my vision and shape it into what you see on the website.  Let's just say that the final product is a far cry from where we began last September!  Thank you so much, Keri, for everything you did and for only giving me semi-puzzled head cocked sideways stares when I would constantly change my idea, shift my colors, fuss over fonts, and generally make you bite your lip, pause, and slowly say, "Okay...."  You could have easily thrown up your hands and said "you are one crazy train mofo and this gig is over"  but you didn't and you stuck with me and I owe as big as one could possibly owe anyone.  Thank you, thank you, thank you to you and your amazing team at Marketing Lab.  You made it all look very easy, and I know it wasn't.  I promise to make you proud!

And another enormous thank you goes to Ms. Heather Fenske at Heather Fenske Photography.  Once again, you exemplify patience.  You are so talented, fun, and absolutely cool as a cucumber.  You must check out her website and make your appointment now!  She is a busy chick and trust me, you're gonna want her!
And finally a huge GRACIAS to Matt at Evolution for Hair.  We shot our session at his studio in LynLake and the place is amazing.  Beautiful light, fun furniture, a gorgeous bar in the back and an over all laid back cool vibe.  And he gives one helluva blowout!!  XXOO
So there you have it.  I'm super excited about this project so help me spread the word and let's drink some wine together!
Cheers!!!


(FYI- not sure if Facebook and Twitter are properly linked yet but will be by early next week.)

Children's Defense Fund- Beat the Odds

On Friday, March 16th The Children's Defense Fund will host it's 20th annual charity event at The Depot in Minneapolis.  It proves to be a spectacular night raising funds that go to one of the most important causes I can imagine- America's youth.  


"The Children's Defense Fund (CDF) is a non-profit child advocacy organization that has worked relentlessly for over 35 years to ensure a level playing field for all children. We champion policies and programs that lift children out of poverty; protect them from abuse and neglect; and ensure their access to health care, quality education and a moral and spiritual foundation. Supported by foundation and corporate grants and individual donations,CDF advocates nationwide on behalf of children to ensure children are always a priority."

"...The Children's Defense Fund grew out of the Civil Rights Movement under the leadership of Marian Wright Edelman, the first Black woman admitted to the Mississippi Bar.  Mrs. Edelman directed the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund office in Jackson, Miss.; worked with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as counsel for his Poor People's Campaign; and dedicated her early career to defending the civil liberties of people struggling to overcome poverty and discrimination. In 1969, Mrs. Edelman began the Washington Research Project, a public interest law firm that monitored federal programs for low-income families and, out of that initiative, she founded the Children's Defense Fund in 1973.

Yet, in the wealthiest nation on earth, millions of children still do not get the head start in life they need and the opportunities to fulfill their God-given potential. That is why we must continue to be a loud and persistent voice for every child..."

The final line of CDF's mission statement was enough to hook me.  It says it all.  How can the wealthiest nation on the planet leave so many kids behind?  How is poverty so rampant (right now 1 in 10 Minnesotan's are at risk of missing a meal) in a nation that is so fortunate?  You have the power to do your part, no matter how big or how small.  Educate yourself on what this amazing non-profit is doing for our kids- yes, OUR kids.  Our nation's future.  Participate, get involved, get informed.  www.cdf-mn.org

I hope to see you there!

*all quotes taken from www.cdf-mn.org.

Dear Blog...

Dear Blog,
I am so sorry to have ignored you for the last week and a half.  I had to go to New York for a little fun with the girls- you know, a little eating (OK a lot), a little drinking (not as much as the eating), a bit of fashion (it was Fashion Week, after all), a splash of relaxation, obnoxious amounts of laughter, and loads of fun, the usual.  I had hoped to be in contact throughout the trip but there simply wasn't time.  You have my sincere apology.
I must admit I feel terrible that my mind has not been racing with blog post ideas for you when I hit the pillow at night.  I'm afraid I feel a bit guilty that my time has been been spent researching issues like trademarks and copyrighting and LL C's and S- Corps and insurance.  Not fun, but necessary for what's around the corner.  So please bear with me, dear Blog.  You will always be my first and I promise I will care for you and pay attention to you, but I can't help feel like I have been cheating on you a wee bit.  My thoughts have existed elsewhere lately and my mind has been wandering to arenas that don't directly involve you at the moment, but please stick with me.   You will be included in a big way and I am going to need to depend on your workhorse abilities to deliver my scattered ideas once they are organized, formulated and formatted for public consumption.  I think you will be proud and you will understand why I haven't been paying you much attention.  I promise we will get your feed glitch worked out and update you to the new format- I haven't forgotten.  I think you will be proud and excited about what I (we) have been working on, yet technically I have been given very specific instructions that I can't show you anything quite yet- you've been known to have a bit of a big mouth at times.  
Okay you want a hint?  Just a little one?  Oh all right, that's probably fine.
It has to do with wine.  Da. 
And people.  Double Da.  
And a simple philosophy that goes along with how it's all supposed to be fun, and easy, and enjoyable, and approachable and not pretentious and......oh shut up already, will you!!!  There you go again.
Just sit with that for now because it's all I'm going to tell you or I will get my ass kicked.  And now I need to go back to work.


Much love,
kc

Introducing The Spectacular Bitch!

I was so excited when I opened my email this morning to learn that The Spectacular Bitch has gone live!  In case you're wondering, the SB is the sassy female alter ego to the Magnificent Bastard and she is finally ready to hand out opinions and advice on everything from Lady Gaga to sartorial sloughing, as in "Uggs are basically the boot equivalent of sweatpants, and as such, they will make your feet feel like two depressed fat asses with one hand on the remote control and one hand buried in a bag of Cheetos".  You will also love her general musings on pop culture, vino, music, and trends doled out freely in her signature brawny, sometimes backhanded, brazen humor.  

The site is basically a mirror image (in pink) of the MB's and the witty, sassy, flirtatious tone of The Spectacular Bitch is part condescending, part sweet tart- my favorite combination.  I have been lucky enough to meet The SB in person once and she comes off demure in both stature and demeanor, soft spoken and appropriate.  Who knew she had all that peevish sauciness bottled up in her bad ass Latina self!  You Go Girl- Congrats!  And congrats to The MB for finally getting off his lazy, chino clad ass and building the code to allow her to go LIVE!  We can now officially crack open the Vino Blanco and toast to the launch of what will surely be a great site.

Viva Spectacular Bitch!  Salud!  

Sorry, obviously I don't know how to use Spanish punctuation on my computer.  SB, can you help me out?

The Yogurt Lab

I absolutely love when a new, creative, energetic concept hits town.  Well, this one might not be "new" per se, but it's a solid concept that took a twist, got turned on it's head and scaled up a notch or two.  It's The Yogurt Lab in Minneapolis and let me tell ya folks, this ain't no TCBY.  This is a modern, fresh, cool, fun, healthy (organic milk!), and utterly delicious soft serve frozen yogurt destination.  With flavors like Green Apple, Salted Caramel, Chili Chocolate, Cupcake and Mango (to name just a few) your options are endless.  And there are even more choices when it comes to toppings- be the healthy type with fresh fruit or go bananas with every type of cereal imaginable, all kinds of nuts, your favorite candy bars, Gummi Bears and marshmallows- there are simply too many to list.  You just need to check it out for yourself and have your own little yogurt experiment.  The place was packed and given that it was a Monday afternoon in the middle of winter, I can only imagine what summer will bring when the crowds flock to nearby Lake Calhoun and Lake of the Isles to take their yogurt for a stroll. 

Endless options to top off your yogurt.

My personal fave.

The Yogurt Lab has an industrial, lab-chic vibe that not only serves inventive flavors of frozen yogurt, but pumps great tunes and loads of energy into the experience.

Cooper's eyes were definitely bigger than his belly when it came to making flavor and topping decisions!

The wall says it all!!

The Yogurt Lab is located at 3100 Excelsior Blvd. near Whole Foods.

Don't miss it!

"Somebody That I Used to Know..."

If you haven't seen this video from Walk Off the Earth, the Canadian, YouTube viral sensation (almost 36 million hits this month alone!) you must watch right here, right now.  There are kind of no words to describe it.  Just watch it- a few times, and then maybe a few more.  Make sure you get past the first 1.5 minutes to hear the haunting voice of Sarah Blackwood.  This collection of musicians is clearly talented, imaginative, inventive, and there is just some super crazy symbiotic sound they produce that transcends all conventional music.  Even if the song is a cover of Gotye's hit (FYI, he's coming to the Varsity Theater on April 4th, but unfortunately it's already sold out) I think they made it their own by mastering the solo guitar with ten hands on it.  Weird.  But it works.  Really, really well.  I see raw, eager talent, humor, commitment, and soul when I watch these guys.  I love it.  I showed it to my music loving eldest son and he was instantly mesmerized by their hypnotic, almost haunting melody.  Now check it out and let me know what you think.  Click here to watch the video...enjoy.  You will be singing- I guarantee it! 

Here Today...

Gone tomorrow. 

Edina, Minnesota.  January 10, 2012.

Novato, California (my sister's house).  

Same time, same date as above.

Never, ever, ever, ever happened before.

And I am sure it will never, ever, ever, ever happen again.

But kinda cool that I caught it.

Moments are too fast...

My Day with Andrew

Sorry people.  

Wine Wednesday is being moved to Thursday once again because I have to tell you about my day with Andrew Shue!!  

 Andrew talks jeans with the owner of Amore and Fede Edina, Kim Parmater

As you all know, Andrew (yeah, we're on a first name basis, but I'm not sure he knows my first name) came to town for the Twin Cities launch of Mom.com and it's not everyday you get to take him shopping for jeans (for his wife) at Amore and Fede in Edina, have lunch at Barrio, dash downtown to the KSTP studios for a spot on Twin Cities Live, head upstairs to the Lori and Julia radio show then back to his hotel in Edina (he didn't invite me in) and off to Pinstripes for the launch party.  Whew, exhausting!  Not really...

"Do you think these will fit my wife?"

It was fun.  Super fun and I figured it's also not everyday I get to have Andrew Shue in my front seat so I say to the guy, "Andrew, since I've got you in my front seat, how's Elisabeth doing?"  I had to ask, all my guy friends wanted to know so here's the scoop fellas- she's married with two kids living in L.A., still doing the acting thing and she's actually on the set of a movie right now, in New Orleans, I think.  Their families are all going on vacation together in the Caribbean the first week of December and I didn't ask where, even though I wanted to.  Didn't want to pry. 

A few of the ladies from Mom.com Minneapolis

But enough about Elisabeth, let's talk about Andrew.  He is is a pretty normal guy, extremely bright, a total businessman, a natty dresser and he is passionate about Mom.com.  He said the idea was actually hatched while talking with Meredith Viera about the power of soccer moms.  Brilliant, I say!  Brilliant!  As it exists now, there are only daily deals, but just wait people, there is more.  SO much more!  Andrew describes the site as "conversation, content, and commerce".  It's going to be fabulous and I'm terribly excited about it all and can't wait to share, but I digress.  

Now you all know me, I typically don't hold back and I hope I don't get canned for this, but I found it a touch odd that he was a super soft talker.  Even though he is extremely well spoken, he is a very soft talker.  It's not a bad thing, but one on one, he's a soft talker.  Publicly, not so much, but even when he was sitting right next to me in the car it was hard to hear him.  In fact, he is such a soft talker that I could barely make out what he was saying on the phone to his wife Amy Robach about a clogged toilet and how she had to put water in the tank and not the bowl.  I tell you people, so stinkin' normal!   I thought I was the only one with a clogged toilet.

Not being a soft talker with Lori and Julia at 107.1 FM

  

In addition to being a soft talker (which by the way is not a bad thing) he's also super serious, but the brainy ones usually are.  You can't go to Dartmouth and be some kind of dummy, yet the seriousness kinda threw me which is why I think I busted out the Elisabeth question.  I mean, the dude has traveled the world, done the Hollywood thing, been to dinner at the White House and is madly in love with a Today Show anchor, and here he is in Minnesota (in my front seat!) and I'm asking him about his sister.  I'm 100% positive he thought I was from Mars, but whatever.  He just rolled with it- no attitude, no fuss, he signed autographs outside of KSTP for a few strange men that were lurking about, and didn't even want a dab of powder on his nose for a television interview.  He simply wanted to deliver his message about Mom.com and get on with his business.  He totally gets that he has to do the dog and pony show and was so gracious to every single person that wanted a photo with him.  All in the name of Mom.com.  

He took the time away from his extremely busy life, his lovely wife, kids he obviously adores and is very involved with (just a note-he rewards good grades with family dinners at Olive Garden), to promote something he is passionate about and we all appreciated it.  

With Lori and Julia in front of The Man Wall

Will Andrew make it up on The Man Wall?

Oh yeah!

Admiring the wall backstage at KSTP- signed by the likes of Hubert Humphrey, Paul Newman, Jane Wyatt, and countless others

Here is Andrew's contribution- "Great to be a part of the history of storytellers".  He genuinely thought this wall was pretty cool.  I could tell.

Twin Cities Live

MinnesOOta says "thank you" to Andrew and the Mom.com team from New York- betcha' come back real soooon!

Wine Wednesday

Yeah, yeah, I know it's Thursday but I am starting a new thing called Wine Wednesday and in typical fashion I got too busy and didn't get it done yesterday.  So here is Wine Wednesday on Thursday- what a treat!  I'm not sure if this is the right way to start this little idea of mine (with a rant, no less) but I am peeved at what is happening with wine marketing to women out there.  Do these geniuses not know that 8 out of 10 bottles of wine are purchased by women?  Do they take all ladies for fools just shopping for happy hour by a humorous label and a degrading name?  Really?  How stupid do they think we are??

I know a wine shop and it's endless labels can be confusing, but ladies, would you really be excited to buy something called Kung Fu Girl Riesling or Basket Case Syrah?  Do yourselves a favor and don't fall into these traps.  It's like the fruit gushers and sugar cereal placed low on the shelf in the grocery store to attract our children and seduce them into buying crap.  

Hate to break it to you, but if you have bought one of these wines the same thing happened to you.  You were duped by marketing and I am sure you regretted it as soon as you popped the cork.  Even if these wines had a shot at being decent, they shouldn't be given the chance because they are downright offensive.  If you like wine and want to make a wise choice when you are at the liquor store, simply ask for help.  That's what these people do for a living- they sell the stuff and would much rather help you pick out a great wine than stock shelves.  I promise.  You can also read a book on wine before heading out to make your purchase.  Andrea Robinson and Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl have written comprehensive yet simple, straightforward books that you will not only enjoy, but truly learn something from.

When I am a sassy bitch and want a time out, I am not going to drink this.

Or this.

My first Wine Wednesday suggestion is going to be this.  

Domaine Hippolyte Reverdy Sancerre.  
Doesn't quite roll off your tongue as easily as Sassy Bitch, but trust me, you will love it.  I served this to a group of ladies last month and it was hands down the favorite wine in the room.  Made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown in the Sancerre region of France, this little number is fragrant without being perfumey.  It is delicate, crisp, slightly lemony and exactly what you need for your evening time out.  Great on it's own and fantastic with food.  Pair it with fish, Thai food, chicken- it is extremely versatile and you will not be disappointed.
About $20 and you can get it in fine wine shops.  I buy mine at France 44 in Minneapolis.
You might not like the label, but you will like the wine and after all, that's what it's all about.