Getting together with friends for a book club meeting?

Finally started that Rosary group?

In charge of “games” at yet another shower?

Some links are affiliate links.

Here is a fun way to entertain using two things you normally serve when you have company: wine and sweets!  

In the past few years, I have learned from wine tasting and research, that certain wines pair best with dark chocolate, others pair well with nuts and some others are a better match with milk chocolate.  Keeping that in mind, I created a wine and chocolate pairing chart using some wines I have enjoyed and chocolate that I love (I think it tastes better because it is made with prayer)!

I’m also including some wine from a friend’s new business.  My neighbor and kind friend, Aleta, just started selling wine as a Traveling Vineyard consultant.  She gave me a bottle of their wine and I LOVED it!  You can order this wine directly from Aleta – so I have included some of her links as well.

For those of you that love wine and chocolate . . . here is a pairing guide using Trappistine Quality Candy (chocolate made by very holy women)!

Double Date: Sweet American Rose

Maple Walnut Penuche

Avincerre: Medium bodied Italian Red

*personal favorite!

Old Fashioned Chocolate Fudge

Excited to do both! I have great news!  Trappistine Quality Candy has a penuche/fudge package!

Middle Sister Rebel Red: Red Wine Blend

Or if you like a sweet white wine try Calamity Sue

Dark Chocolate Hearts

 Pinot Noir

Butter Nut Munch

 Pinot Grigio or Pinot Gris

Dark Chocolate Butter Nut Munch

 Robert Mondavi Cabernet

Dark Chocolate Trappistine Trio

or Extra Dark Chocolate Truffles

 Sweet Reisling or Champagne

Smooth Dark Chocolate

Want the free printable?  Click here:

 Wine and Chocolate Pairing Printable

I recommend printing out the chart on some fun paper, like Wine and Grapes Printer Paper

Enjoy the wine tasting with friends in your own home!

Use this at the next bridal shower you host!

Finally invite your friends over for a prayer night

Enjoy (in moderation of course)!

Cheers!

The post Pairing Wine with Chocolate! [Free Printable] appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

Some links are affiliate links.

Now, you may or may not know – I am extremely picky!  I don’t like having a lot of stuff – so the stuff I am going to recommend will be practical.  I love giving and getting presents – but I’m all about presents being useful and something that will be loved!

Here are some things I would love to receive – all revolving around the “prayer, wine and chocolate theme”.  All gifts can include an added bottle of wine

I suggest giving a present that includes one gift out of each category.

Prayer

A Miraculous Medal 

 This Miraculous Medal is perfect for everyday wear.  I love this type of Miraculous Medal because it is small, simple, matches everything and I can wear it to bed comfortably.  This is on my Christmas list <3.

A Coloring Book Devotional

I love this devotional/coloring book.  I could see myself choosing a page to reflect upon and color; then cutting it out and glue into my prayer journal.

Eucharistic Adoration Reflections 

I love how the reflections in this book are set up.  Short and simple – not a lot of reading so more time to reflect and meditate.

The Rosary: The Prayer that Saved My Life 

 Immaculee’s testimony to her faith in God is awe-inspiring.  Her story and Christian example is amazing.  In this book, Immaculee shares how the Rosary has helped her in every aspect of her life, from literally saving her life to strengthening her faith, easing sorrows, changing heartache into happiness, healing illnesses in herself and others, solving family problems, landing a dream job, finding long-lost friends, and even locating lost keys!

The “Gracious Words” Rosary Bracelet 

or really anything from Christian Bling.  Jewelry is a nice gift and this company focused all the pieces on Scripture and prayer. I also love the necklace “Endless”.  I enhanced that piece by adding a Miraculous Medal and wear it frequently. IF YOU MAKE A PURCHASE with Christian Bling through ctbling.com/HisGoodness, WRITE IN PARTY NUMBER 1825, AND YOU ARE AUTOMATICALLY ENTERED TO WIN FREE HOSTESS SHOPPING! WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN DECEMBER 14TH!!! Merry Christmas!!!

Wine

Wine socks! 

I strongly suggest we all buy these before they are sold out.  I think the same women who’s moms were searching the world for Cabbage Patch Kids whatever many years ago that was – will be searching the world for these socks this year.  That is my prediction.  I hope they are not already sold out!

Wine pajamas 

I need new pajamas – and they are a really popular gift around Christmas time.  Might as well have fun with it and get the wine themed ones!!!

Tasting Wine and Cheese: An Insider’s Guide to Mastering the Principles of Pairing 

this book is a great add on to a basket full of wine goodies!  I love wine and cheese as well as wine and chocolate!

Pretty Decor!

This Set of 6 Warm White Wine Bottle Cork Lights are so pretty!!!

Chocolate

My absolute favorite recommendation for chocolate right now comes from the Trappistine Quality Candy – chocolate made with love and prayers by the Nuns of Mount Saint Mary’s Abbey!  This gift brings prayer and chocolate together perfectly

The dark chocolate hearts pictured above pair perfectly with red wine.  They are also a big win for anyone who likes a sweet treat, but doesn’t want to feel guilty about it afterwards.  They are the perfect size for just the right sweet craving.

The Santa Pops are the perfect add on for any Christmas gift – so cute and delicious!!!

Add this free printable to your gift.  It will guide the recipeint on which wines go best with milk chocolate vs. which wines go best with dark chocolate.  Special thanks to Meg Florkowski for designing the printable.

Click here for free printable: Prayer&PairCOLOR

Contest time!!!  I would LOVE to see pictures of your “prayer, wine, chocolate” themed gifts!  Email a picture of your “prayer, wine, chocolate” themed gift to Amy at prayerwinechocolate@gmail.com; and you are entered! Winner will win a free gift from me – Amy – keeping the theme in mind of course!  Contest is only open to prayerwinechocolate.com subscribers – so make sure you filled out this box and confirmed your subscription!  Please only send pictures if you don’t mind me sharing them and showing off your talent  Winner will be chosen December 1, 2016!!!  Best of luck!

Looking for more gift ideas?  Would you like to WIN some gifts?  Check out these giveaways and gift guides!

Spiritual Stocking Stuffers for Men

Spiritual Stocking Stuffers for Women

Spiritual Stocking Stuffers for Children and Teens

The post Prayer, Wine, and Chocolate Gifts for Every Occasion! appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

10 REASONS TO PLAN A DAY WITH TASTINGS AND TOURS

1. Bar Crawls are so last year . . . or last decade . . . or just not your thing.

A Tastings and Tour Day out brings the fun of a bar crawl some major class.

2. Your Annual Family Picnic or Cousin Party needs a new twist.

My roommate from college has awesome cousin parties – and our family has discussed the idea before.  I could totally see getting family members to wear an ugly Christmas sweater and signing up for this fun day.  It would be a festive blast!!!!

3. You and your spouse want to “day-date”, but neither of you want to drive.

Having someone drive my husband and I around really feels like a luxury.  I can’t wait to take him on one of these tours!

4. You are planning a 30th, 40th or even 50th birthday party.

This is such a fun way to celebrate someone’s special day.  It’s also probably a much easier way than planning an entire party!  I highly recommend this!

5. You want to plan a work party, but your goal is to not be Michael Scott from The Office.

Tastings and Tours has experience planning corporate events.  You’ll be the coolest boss in the world if you plan this for your employees!

6. You are down the shore and want to plan a fun day where sand doesn’t get everywhere.

Did you know the Cape May area has several vineyards, a brewery and a distillery?  What a great way to spice up your next shore vacation!

7. You want to get together with friends, but most of you are too tired to do a girls’ night out.

Maybe this is just me and my friends . . .

8. You love wine, he loves beer.

I’m already excited about the possibility of planning a group date day!

9. You love history and wine (or beer)!

Tastings and Tours can even arrange tours and tastings at historic landmarks such as Fonthill Castle in Bucks County! I am so excited to try this!  My husband and I both love history – and what girl doesn’t want to go to a castle!??

10. You live in or near Cape May, New Jersey or Bucks, Lehigh, Berks County PA; want to feel like and be treated as a VIP.

Whether you are planning a bachlorette party; a joint bachelor/bachlorette party or just want to get a group of friends together – this is such a fun, easy to plan option!

Tastings and Tours provided a free tour to one Prayer Wine Chocolate reader in this previous post: You’re Invited: The First Prayer, Wine, Chocolate Retreat! {And Giveaway} This post is written in gratitude for such wonderful service and the hope to work together in the future.

The post Ten Reasons To Plan a Day with Tastings and Tours appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

Time to relax and just be is something I love and need to plan.  I am always thinking about what needs to get done, and relaxing is difficult for me. But, when I plan it, I enjoy it.  I know ahead of time that I need to get things done before what I have scheduled, and that I need to rest to recharge my batteries.

My four-year-old is at a stage in his life where he always wants me.  I love him and appreciate being a mom so much . . . but 12 hours a day, 7 days a week . . . it can wear on you!  I have been trying to get him into coloring . . . but he will only do it for about 1 minute tops.  One day last week he cut paper for 15 minutes while I colored . . . I think it’s the longest he sat still in a year!  So, I’ve come to the conclusion he is not a “coloring” kid.  I have also come to the conclusion that I am a “coloring” kid!  Lucky for me, adult coloring is all the rage

I have also realized it’s pretty hard to find time to do things like “write in my prayer journal” when my son desires my attention, the house is a mess, and my family needs to eat and my to do list is pages long.

So this dilemma led me to plan what I called a “Sip, Script and Scribble” Party.  Which basically meant that I invited my friends over to drink wine, color, eat chocolate and maybe even some healthy snacks and hang out.  It was really fun!  If it sounds like fun to you, this is how I did it:

Pick a date, get the word out, and make sure to explain what exactly you are planning . . .

Since I am pretty sure I made this idea up, I had a lot of explaining to do after I chose the date.  I made a Facebook event and texted and called friends that don’t use Facebook that often.  I discussed my desire to write in my prayer journal and explained that I could never find the time.  I also mentioned that some people may not feel comfortable writing out their prayers with a group, so I said that was an option, but so was coloring a quote from Scripture or simply a page out of a coloring book.  I let everyone know that I was providing wine, snacks and a “time-out” from all of life’s many responsibilities.

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare!

Remember that this is meant to be a little “retreat” for you too!  I gave each of my guests a folder, a notebook, a Holy Card with Jesus on it and a pen.  The folder had some free coloring pages I found online, a summary of what I wrote in my article How to Prayer Journal, and some “Journal Starters” that I had found in a Saint Katharine Drexel booklet. Some of the journal starters were: “I am grateful for . . .; I felt sad when; I ask God for;  I am not sure about.. .; etc. I put out colored pencils, scissors, glue, crayons, holy cards and stickers.  I also had some snacks out and the wine uncorked.  I actually couldn’t believe at one point early on when all my guests were sitting quietly coloring . .. I had time to color!  Was this a dream??? Wow!  Being prepared gave me time to sit still!  And apparently the other women were really happy to have the same!! For helping prepare, and having your own supplies for the long run, I love DaySpring – check out this perfect kit for prayer journaling!

Part of my prep work was making sure there was seating together, but also making sure I had a few side tables set up in case a woman wanted some privacy to write out her thoughts and prayers.  I had only 3 guests and they all preferred to sit together, but, that option was there in case they wanted some time to sit alone and reflect.  I bought some flowers and put them on the table.  I took a mug out of my cabinet and put some markers and colored pencils in it.  I found some disposable table cloths that were left over from a birthday party.  That was the extent of my decorating.  My guests weren’t there to analyze my Pinterest skills, they were there for the wine and company! This is meant to relieve stress, not cause it!  Remember that!

***** You can now purchase Coloring pages from Prayer Wine Chocolate!  They are on sale until June 22, 2018!: Be Yourself Coloring Pages Download (20 Coloring Pages)

Give a brief introduction,share some samples and play some inspirational music in the background

The page above is from an awesome new coloring book!  Check it our on here: Living Sparks of God: Stories of Saints for Young Catholics to Color.  For me, adult coloring books can be to detailed, and time is an issue.  This was perfect for me!  I used part of the Saint Joseph pages to pair with my novena to Saint Joseph!

***** You can now purchase Coloring pages from Prayer Wine Chocolate!  They are on sale until June 22, 2018!: Be Yourself Coloring Pages Download (20 Coloring Pages)

At first when my guests came we spent time in the kitchen pouring drinks, snacking and talking.  We did that for a good amount of time.  Then, when I invited my friends to pick a place to sit, I invited them to check out their folders.  I told them what I put in it and showed them a few pages from my own journals.  Since I had known a few weeks ahead of time that this event was happening, I made sure to take five minutes out of each day and work on my own journal in order to have a sample of what I envision as a prayer journal.  Having the deadline of the party helped me at least get one picture colored! I wanted to have songs like “I Can Only Imagine” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” playing, but that is something I have to work on for next time

Enjoy Your Time!!!

The above coloring page is from Look To Him and Be Radiant and is a free printable! 

I couldn’t believe how much my friends dived right in!  Apparently I am not the only one who enjoys coloring  Take the time you have been waiting for and join in the fun!

Share with one another and admire each other’s work!

I loved seeing how beautiful everyone’s artwork turned out!  I was inspired by them!  It was fun seeing a finished work and showing others!

Plan another event!

Chances are not everyone could make it . . . and chances are you won’t have time to do it again unless you plan it!  At my next party I will be even more prepared!  Here’ a new coloring book I will use next time.  I love it – inspirational quotes, adult coloring style – but not so much that I would be able to finish my page in one sitting! Check it out: Color Happy

***** You can now purchase Coloring pages from Prayer Wine Chocolate!  They are on sale until June 22, 2018!: Be Yourself Coloring Pages Download (20 Coloring Pages)

Post pictures on Social Media!

I would love to see how your party went!  Post pictures on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter! #sipandscript or #prayerwinechocolate!  I would love, love, love to see you having fun and I am sure you will inspire me too!

Enjoy, God Bless and Cheers! xoxo Amy

The post How to Host a ‘Sip and Script’ Party: Prayer Journaling with Friends appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

Matt and I wanted to do something special for our 10 year wedding anniversary.  Since we have a young child and a limited budget; we did not want to travel far.  When I started to think about where we could celebrate, I immediately thought of

Peddlers’ Village.

We have always LOVED Peddlers’ Village.  It is so romantic, so quaint and so unique. We are lucky enough to live a short drive away, so we do day trips there often.  Lately, we’ve been bringing our four year old. It can be a lot of fun with him!  However, for our anniversary, we wanted to enjoy it without the trip to the carousel and the inevitable running after our energetic and quick son.

I would definitely say that Peddlers’ Village is the PERFECT Romantic Getaway!  Since I can’t write endlessly, I’ve narrowed it down to seven reasons why I would recommend it to anyone celebrating their anniversary – or just in need of some time away!

1. The Food and Drinks

We arrived before check-in time; so we walked around a little, and stopped into the Chaddsford Wine Tasting Room.  We did a tasting, then ordered a glass.  They have a beautiful patio and a gorgeous tasting room.  Since it was a very hot day, we chose to sit on the leather couches inside the tasting room.  It was the perfect way to start our getaway!

Dining at Earl’s New American will make all of your senses happy!  Recently renovated, the decor is astonishing. From recycled barn wood tables to the elegant and modern chandeliers, no space was left without the perfect touch.  I would have taken a picture of the She-Crab bisque we ordered to start our meal, but both of us were to busy devouring it!  We also ordered the lobster dumplings, two delicious entrees and of course I ordered dessert.  Matt had a cappuccino while I drank some Italian wine and enjoyed the new addition to the menu – a devil chocolate cake!  The food was delicious and the service was awesome!

2. The Accommodations

The Golden Plough Inn is located right in the village!  We loved our room!  The decor was modern, but still had character pieces, like an old-fashioned desk in a loft-like area.  The bed was big and comfy and the bathroom was huge and gorgeous.  We looked out our window and saw where we were having dinner.  Honestly, you can’t beat that!

3. The Convenience

We parked our car and did not have to get back into it until we were headed home. Everything we need was in walking distance – and the beautiful walk was a part of the experience. Whether we wanted to do a wine tasting, eat or shop, everything was right there. When we wanted to simply relax there were plenty of benches – and in the shade!  

4. The Views

Going to Peddlers’ Village really makes you feel as if you are in a different time and place. The brick and stone walkways, the water wheel, the quaint village itself and the landscaping all make it a spectacular setting. I love the colonial style buildings, the beautiful gazebo, the flowers that are always in bloom and every intricate detail of the place.  Just admiring the view is peaceful.

5. The Shops

Even though I have been going to Peddlers’ Village for twenty years, Matt and I went in several shops that neither of us had ever been in before!  Our first stop after check-in was an Italian shop called Casa Casale.  There we were given a cheese tasting and really taught us a lot about how cheese is made. Then we went to a newer cheese shop, Fromage Deux.  Fromage Deux is just one of the shops that is creating a Retail Renaissance in Peddlers’ Village.  Matt and I were so excited to see these new stores.  We bought several cheeses from Fromage Deux to enjoy with some wine at home.  The next day, we were so excited to finally see and explore Bekky’s Village Workshop!  This shop is not only gorgeous, but exciting!  You can shop, but you can also sign up for classes – from painting, to jewelry making to woodworking and simply hanging out in the Tea Lounge.  I love this place and I am already planning on returning for one of the classes!

6. The Romance

Just walking around the village made me want to constantly hold my husband’s hand.  And I know I mentioned the views already, but everywhere you look seems to inspire love – outside on a walk or inside dining.  In fact, I know several people that have gotten engaged here.  It really is a magical place! From waterfalls, to the gazebo, to the lights that decorate the night – it’s definitely a place that will rekindle any spark!

7. The Location

We could have stayed a whole other day, and never left “the village”.  However, if we wanted to go visit a vineyard, a shrine, or a historical landmark, we were only a short drive away.

Vineyards:   Buckingham Valley Vineyard is 10 minutes away; Old York Cellars Vineyard is 17 minutes; and Crossings Vineyard is only a 20 minute drive!

Shrines: The National Shrine of Saint Katharine Drexel is 36 minutes away.  Our Lady of Czestochowa Shrine is 19 minutes away and the Saint Gianna Shrine is 25 minutes away.

Historic Landmarks: Bucks County, Pennsylvania is rich in history.  If you would like to see and explore the place where George Washington crossed the Delaware River during the Revolutionary War – you are only twenty minutes away from the state park which offers tours on that very site!

I am so happy we were able to celebrate 10 years of marriage in such a perfectly romantic and relaxing place!  Matt and I would definitely do it all over again!

*In full disclosure, we received a getaway at the Golden Plough Inn and a complimentary dinner at Earl’s New American in exchange for our honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The post 7 Reasons Why Peddlers’ Village is the Perfect Romantic Getaway appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

My husband, Matt, finds such peace in doing these projects that he never before attempted.  I believe St. Joseph had a little something to do with this new found passion.

As a way to show his loving support, Matt built a wine rack so that we could have a giveaway on the blog!  Since I truly admire his work (and so does our family, he’s made several of these by request already), I asked him to write a guest post.

There are affiliate links in this post.  Matt only suggests the tools he considers best!

In this post, Matt gives step by step instructions on how to make an 18 inch Pallet Wine Rack.

Step 1

Procure a pallet

Safety 1st – don’t take pallets that are chemically treated. See article.

I only choose pallets that are clean and heat treated (marked with HT). If in doubt, leave it out!

http://www.1001pallets.com/pallet-safety/

Step 2

Dismantle your pallet

The objective is to get good un-cracked boards to work with. There are many methods for breaking down a pallet. Here is a good article on the many methods of breaking down pallets: http://www.1001pallets.com/how-to-dismantle-a-wooden-pallet/

When I first started working with pallets, I would use a hammer and medium sized crowbar/pry bar. It was labor intensive, took a very long time, and resulted in many cracked boards. I tried a number of other methods but the one I use today is a Pallet Tool – pallet dismantling bar. This was the quickest method with getting the least number of cracked boards. I can break down a pallet in less than 5 minutes. Make sure to remove all the nails from your material.

Step 3

Select your boards

For an 18inch wine rack, You will need:

Qty 3 – 3”x20” boards

Qty 2 – 5”x20” boards

Qty 1 – stringer (The stringer is the long 2x4ish beams that the boards are nailed into)

Qty 1 – 3”x18”x¾” board –This will be used as the shelf. Only one side will be seen

Step 4

Stringer

Cutting the Stringer

Cut the end off just where the thin section (2inch) meets the larger 3 1/2 inch section of the end of the stringer. Then measure 18 inches from the cut end towards the center of the stringer. Mark a straight line with a square and cut.

Repeat this for the other side of the stringer so that you have two pieces that are the same size.

Rounding the two ends from the stringer

I begin with the 2 1/2 inch side of the stringer. I use a pint sized stain can and place its rounded edge so that the top and front of the stringer meet the edge of the can. I take a my pencil and trace the bottom of the can to form an arc from the top of the stringer to the front. in the middle where the 3 1/2 meets the 2 1/2 I use a quart sized can to round off the 3 1/2 and repeat the process. I use a Jig saw with a clean cutting blade to slowly cut along the rounded lines. I then take stringer A and place it over the uncut stringer B, line it up so the back and bottom are inline, and trace both curves onto the uncut piece. In the same cutting process, I use the Jigsaw to cut the curves on piece B.

Step 5

Sanding

Sand all faces and ends of all boards. I do an initial sanding with rough 60 grit sandpaper and then re-sand with 80 grit. You can then sand with 100 grit if you want a more fine appearance. I usually stick with the 80.

For sanding, if the wood is really rough, I will use a belt sander with the 60 grit and then move onto a random orbital sander with 80 grit sanding pads. The belt sander is great for removing a lot of material quickly. The random orbital palm sander will provide a much more even sanding. You can definitely sand the whole project with both grits with the palm sander if that is the only sander you have. If you decide to sand by hand…Good Luck to You!

Step 6

The wine glass holder

Use one of the 3inch wide boards for the wine glass holder. Place stringer end piece A on the edge of the board and trace a line along its edge. Then do the same on the other end of the board with stringer end piece B.

To find where to place the wine glass holes:

1. Find the center point between the lines and draw a line in pencil.
2. Find the half way point (quarter mark) between the Stringer line and the penciled center line. Mark it and draw a pencil line. Do this on both sides of the center line.
3. Find the center point between each of the quarter marks and draw a line with a check mark. Mark the middle of each of the 4 checked marked lines making a crosshair mark. This is the center location for the wine glass hole.

Measure 1/8th of an inch on either side of checked lines and mark a line to the center of the board. Do this for every checked line. These lines will be the guide lines for the wine glass slides to the holes.

Use a 1/2 inch hole saw to cut the wine glass holes placing the drill bit portion of the hole saw on the crosshair mark. Then use a Jig saw to cut the lines that make up the glass slide guide lines. Each hole should now look sort of like a lightbulb shape.

I take a Dremel tool with a sanding bit to bevel the edges of the wine glass glides. You can use your palm sander but you will need to keep it at a consistent 45 degree angle.

Step 7

Staining

When staining, I like to use a stain that has polyurethane mixture such as Minwax Polyshades. If not, you will need to apply a sealant over the stain such as varnish, lacquer, or polyurethane. The stain used for the giveaway is the Minwax Polyshades Bombay Mahogany. It has a deep rich reddish color that looks great with any bottle of wine on it! Of course, choose the color stain that suits your tastes and matches your decor.

When applying stain, I use a clean, dry, cotton cloth and rub the stain on. You can also use a brush to apply and then wipe the excess off with a cloth, but that seems like an extra step to me. The more applications of stain, the darker and richer, the wood will look. I apply about 5-7 coats, allowing each coat to dry before reapplying. **you could also complete the project and then stain but I like to stain first to see how the pallet boards will look and to determine which board I will use for each part.

Step 8 – The Shelf Board

I use a Pocket hole jig to drill two pocket holes on the top side of both ends of the ¾ inch thick shelf board. *Note: the top side is the side that the wine bottles will sit.

I lay one of the stringer end pieces on its side and place the shelf board an inch from the bottom of the end piece with the pocket holes facing the top. I make sure that both edges of the board are flush with the edges of the end piece. Once everything is lined up, I drive one 1 ¼ inch pocket screws through the front pocket hole.

To screw in the other side, turn the piece so the stringer end is upright. Place the other shelf board against the side of the other end piece stringer at one inch from the bottom. Make sure that the front edges line up or at least don’t protrude beyond the front edge of the stringer. I level out the board before driving a screw into the other front pocket hole. At this point both front pocket holes should be screwed in and both rear holes should be free so that you can pivot the back end up and down.

I turn the level sideways and pivot the rear until level. Then drive both rear screws. After all the screws are in, I use a Q-tip and place a little stain in the pocket holes.

Step 9 – The Back Boards

***When I assemble the back boards, I lay out each board the way I want it and then use my cordless Ryobi nail gun to shoot a brad nail in each side of each board to hold it in place. I then go through and do all my pre-drilling and driving of screws. A nail gun is not required but from my own personal experience and for all the projects I use it for, it is worth its weight in gold. ***

Turn the piece over so the front is facing down on the work surface. Choose your favorite looking 3”x20” board. This is the 3×20 that has the most appeal to you. It will be the most visible 3×20 being at the top of the wine rack. With the board face down line the top up with the top outer corners of the stringer end piece. Pre drill one hole on one side with a 1/8^th drill bit and drive one 1 inch screw. Lift the project up so it is sitting upright. Use a level across the top of the top back board to make sure it is not slanted before you pre-drill and screw in the other side. Pre-drill and place a second screw on each side of the board.

Note: When driving the screws, make sure they are not protruding above the board. I just drive them below the surface. You can also use a countersink bit when pre-drilling the holes.

Place the project face down again. Take the next 3×20 board and place it face down on the back stringers. Move the board 1 inch from the bottom of the previous board. Measure 1 inch in both the left hand side, the center and the right hand side. Pre-drill and secure with two screws on each side.

Use the less appealing of the two 5x20s for the back board as you will want the most appealing 5×20 for the front which will be the most visible.

Place the 5×20 face down with a one inch space down from the previous board. Predrill 3 holes on both sides and attach the board with screws. This board requires at least six screws as this will be the board that will be drilled through to secure the wine rack to the wall.

Step 10 – The Face Board

Flip the project over onto its back with the bottom towards you.

Place the face board with the most attractive side face up on the stringers ½ inch from the bottom of the stringer. This allows for a ½ in overlap covering the shelf board but allows a half inch to slide the base of your glassware in.

For attaching the face board I use decorative screws. For lighter stained woods, I like to use a brass screw. For darker stains, I use a black screw. I buy Walldog screw and anchor in one Decorator Kit. It has both brass and black screws in the pack.

Once you have the face board in position, pre-drill 2-3 holes through the face board into each stringer. NOTE: you can place 2, 3 or even 4 screws into each stringer based on your preference. You should decide how many you definitely want prior to drilling the pilot holes. I went with two spaced about 2 inches from the top and bottom of the face board.

Attaching the Glassware holder:

Place the wine glass holder board against the bottom of the stringers with the beveled edges up towards the wine rack and the glass slots opening towards the front of the wine rack.

Align the front edge of the wine glass board with the front edge of the stringer face. Once aligned, I use my nail gun to drive one brad nail in through the bottom of the wine glass holder into the bottom of the stringer to hold it in place. Next, in the same manner, I line up the two edges on the other side and drive a nail. I then applied three more nails on each side.

(If you do not have a nail gun, you can hammer in the nails and use a punch to set the nails hidden below the surface of the wood. You can also use a screw but this will be visible and unsightly unless you sink the screw under the surface of the wood and apply woody putty into the divit.)

I go over and touch up any white spots with stain.

That’s it! The wine rack is complete!

When hanging the wine rack, I always make sure to place at least two screws through the 5×20 back board into a wall stud in addition to any drywall anchors used (I usually try for two studs). The wine rack weighs about 20 lbs and 5 bottles of wine will add an additional 20 lbs.

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Do you believe that during life’s struggles, God is still there and loves you just as much as the times when life seems much easier?  Is that easier to believe when you’re not “going through it”?  Sometimes I feel like the truth is easier to see when your standing further away from it.

The truth is STRUGGLE is good.  STRUGGLE is temporary. STRUGGLE is necessary.

I don’t know if you know this, but . . . I really, really LOVE wine. (shocking, right?)  I visit wineries to (cough, cough) learn more about the process involved in making wine. Okay, maybe not for the learning experience . . .

But seriously, I love going to a vineyard.  I’m a city girl that dreamed of looking up and seeing nature, rather than the Septa bus, the parked cars, the row homes and all the cement I saw growing up.  I really appreciate seeing nature and all its beauty.  I also enjoy drinking wine  . . .ergo, a vineyard is a little like heaven for me.

Now, “truthfully”, I don’t really go to learn anything.  The last time my husband and I visited a vineyard – he wanted to go on the tour much more than I.  So we went, and I half-listened to the tour guide who said a funny thing or two – but often lost interest and day- dreamed about this guy not talking anymore, and me getting to go inside for the tasting part of the day.

But one lesson I did learn, that I have not forgotten, is how a grapevine must STRUGGLE in order to produce the best fruit.

That fact hit me.  It was a “wow” moment. I started to think about how much that rings true in our lives.  How those people that struggle the most, and rise above their struggles, become the people we most look up to and aspire to be.

I started to think how my struggles, and how I handled them, really made me who I am. They made me stronger.  Sure, at the time, I felt they were completely unnecessary.  I know I told God that too.

But in those times, I faced many temptations, many choices, and many times I had to choose to do not what would make the pain or struggle go away sooner – but God’s will. Other times, I think I was so sunk in my own heartache, I did not choose God and His will.  All the while, He was there.  All the while, I longed to hear Him.

Before I started writing this post, I did a little research.  I felt like, “I can’t just know one sentence – one little tiny fact – and write a whole post about it.  Yes, the grapevine must struggle in order to produce the best fruit . . . but what else should I know”.  I found this at WINEANORAK.COM, and I want to share it with you:

More modern methods of growing grapes, in close-spaced rows on wire trellising, take advantage of the fact that making the vines struggle generally results in better quality grapes. It’s a bit like people. Place someone in a near-perfect environment, giving them every comfort and all that they could ever want to satisfy their physical needs, and it could have rather disastrous consequences for their personality and physique. If you take a grapevine and make its physical requirements for water and nutrients easily accessible, then (somewhat counterintuitively) it will give you poor grapes.

Then I recalled being a runner.

I remember how hard I trained, how much the workouts hurt. How much I never wanted to go to practice.

I also remember getting my best time.  I remember winning.  I remember getting MVP and a championship title.

I remembered how once my mom said, “maybe sports just aren’t your bag”. But not giving up, and how not giving up allowed me to have self-esteem and an amazing feeling of worth.

I remember the shirts we had in high school, and how they stated, “Pain is short, pride is forever”.

And then I started to recall hearing those stories in the Bible where Jesus uses the vine and branches as a way to teach us about His relationship with God the Father and our relationship to Him.

 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower.  He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and everyone that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit . Remain in me, as I remain in you.  Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me” (Jn 15.1-5).

I then found an article written by a Benedictine monk.  This article, found at Catholic.org, provides a reflection on this Scripture passage.

The advice of the monk – and I would say of Our Lord – is to remain with God through all the struggles.  The monk, Father Gregory Gresko, states:

The most difficult task indicated in this passage of Jesus as the True Vine may very well rest in a key verb mentioned throughout:  Remain.  It is not being a branch that is most challenging according to Jesus here; rather to remain proves for us most difficult such that living fruit might be borne from our faithful steadfastness in Him. Jesus clearly desires us to persevere in obedience to the Word of God, Who is Christ Himself (cf. Jn 1.1).

So, if you are struggling with anything now, and you are wondering “what does God want from me?”.

He wants you to “remain in Him”.  He wants you to, in the words of F. Gregory Gresko, “persevere in obedience to the Word of God”.

This can be so difficult . . . but here’s the part that might just give you the hope you long for right now.  Jesus goes on to say:

 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

Stay close to Him.  Our Lord knows what it’s like to struggle.  He loves you.  Your pain will not last forever . . . hold onto Him.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.  I pray that although the struggle might be real, that it is coming to an end soon and that easier days are right around the corner.

God Bless YOU!

Amy

The post When the Struggle is Really Real appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

Wines:

• Barefoot Refresh (Crisp White Spritzer) – this is perfect for sitting outside on a hot day.  It really is refreshing!
• What You See is What You Get Rose – I love a Rose’ Wine in the warmer weather – this one if fun and very affordable!
• A Rudi Wiest Riesling – “Rudi is an importer of many high quality German estates. They vary in price and are worth both the effort to find as well as reward in your glass.  German wines are a mystery to many. In a nutshell those labeled kabinett, spatlese, auslese, generally are better quality and offer a guide of sweetness level from dry to sweet. ” This recommendation comes from my husband’s Uncle Patrick.  He knows his stuff – I trust him and his advice!  Enjoy!
• Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio – this white keeps winning awards – and each time it wins one, the price goes up!  If you are looking for a top shelf white, this is a good “go to”.

Cocktails:

The FN-ZWINES7

2oz. of White Wine (recommended: Chaddsford White)

2 oz of Peach Syrup or White Peach Liquer

2 oz. of Cranberry Juice

2 oz. Pineapple Juice

A squirt of fresh lime

This is a peach wine based drink and the perfect alternative for the old “punch in a bowl”.  We plan to make a giant batch of this for our next party.  It was sooooo goood!!!

Bluke Skywalker

5 oz. of Red Wine (Recommended Chaddsford Red )

1/2 oz. Blue Curacao syrup or Blue Curacao Liquer

1/2 oz. Grenadine

My husband and I went to Chaddsford Winery’s tasting room for a special “Cupcakes and Cocktails” pairing.  All the drinks were given “Star Wars” themed names!  These two were our favorite. Delicious!

Pina Colada Sangria

2 750 ml bottles of Moscato

20 oz. can of crushed pineapple

1 1/2 cups of coconut rum

Combine all the ingredients in a large pitcher.  Refrigerate overnight and serve, chilled

And for those who prefer a Margarita in the hot months . . .

Cheers!

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This post contains affiliate links.  Please see my About Me page for more details.

I do not see my girlfriends enough.  Life’s responsibilities and commitments are overwhelming and rarely do empty dates on the calendar coincide with those of, well, anyone.  But this past Sunday, all the stars aligned and a group of eight of us got together – to pray, drink wine and eat – some veggies, mostly chocolate

I want all of you reading this to have the kind of afternoon we had – uplifting in spirit, reconnection in friendship, and a reminder of life’s blessings.

These times happened ten years ago much more often. The beginning of “Prayer, Wine, Chocolate” was four women in their twenties getting together on Thursday nights.  We would get together to pray the rosary, eat and have a glass of wine.  We would start saying our intentions at 7 and finally around 10 I would start saying, “I’m tired, let’s pray”.  We all had A LOT going on, and not only needed prayer, but our friends to lend a listening ear. But enough with the history of Prayer, Wine, Chocolate – onto the “Prayer and Pair” Party!

In order to bring you a helpful, easy, “how to” guide on simply having a blast with your friends, while praying together and supporting one another in all the things life brings, I teamed up with some AMAZING companies:  Meg Florkowski Creative (who created the awesome FREE printables) and Stutz Candy Company and Trappistine Quality Candy who gave us FREE candy in order to test run this first “Prayer and Pair Party”.

What you need:

1. First, pick a calendar date way in advance – then tell your friends to “save the date”!
2. Ask each friend to bring her favorite bottle of wine, rosaries, and/or a prayer book. We pray the Rosary together, and sometimes add in a reading from a devotional.  But, let your group decide what they are most comfortable with.  At the end of this post I will list some suggestions in affiliate links :).
3. Chocolate!  We used dark chocolate hearts from Trappistine Quality Candy and added depth and deliciousness with Stutz’s truffles, dark chocolate caramels with sea salt and a Chocolate Regular and Nut Assortment.  Everyone LOVED the chocolate!
4. Printed copies of the “Prayer and Pair” tasting/petition sheet. Meg Florkowski  took my vision and made it beautiful.

The Honey Combs on the Left  are for each person to write down her prayer petitions (and what she is thankful for). They were all Meg’s idea – she encouraged me to look up the meaning of honey and honeycombs in the Bible – which I did.  The Word of God was often referred to as honey, because it is both sweet and nutritious. I never knew that!

The right side is a guide for your wine and chocolate tasting!  You don’t need every kind of wine!  Hopefully what your guest brought is on the list, but I put an “other” down there just incase.  The chocolate list for dark to milk is also a guide.  If your friend hates dark chocolate and wants milk chocolate with every one – tell her to go for it and Cheers! The wines are listed dry to sweet – that’s how the “experts” say wine tasting should be done.  Once again.  Follow rules, don’t follow rules, it’s all good Free printable

1. Pens, Wine Glasses, a cork screw and your pleasant self :).

“How it’s done”:

1. We planned our “prayer and pair party” for a Sunday afternoon at 2:00, because that was the most convenient to everyone.  The last guests left around 7, but we were done the “Prayer and Pair” by 5:00.  For this “event” there were about eight of us.  We have done this with as little as 2 or 3 (usually 3 is the smallest number – but in times when a friend is in urgent need of prayer, we’ve done just 2 of us).  Remember, we women like to talk, and don’t get to see each other that often – so leave time to enjoy each other’s fellowship.
2. I had a veggie tray out, and when my guests arrived they devoured it – they knew they were going to be indulging in chocolate – so it evens out, right ?  We talked and caught up, then sat around a table I was still setting up when my guests arrived.  I had a print out and a pen for each person.  I quickly explained that the yellow honeycomb part was to write one’s prayer intentions and anything we wanted to thank God for, etc.  I had the wine out (two of my friends opened the bottles for me) and I had the candy out (thank God my friend Kate came a half an hour early, she helped a lot!).  While everyone starting writing their intentions, I explained that the chocolates were just suggestions, and to basicly just use them as a guide between milk and dark chocolate.
3. Keep writing, start pouring, and tasting!
4. While tasting the wine and chocolate we filled out our wine tasting sheet so we will remember later what to ask the Easter bunny to put in our baskets!
5. Once everyone was done tasting and writing petitions, we cut our petition portion off and folded it.  We then threw all of them in a bowl, and picked out someone else’s petition paper. We read over it before we prayed.  One of my friend’s suggested that next time we each read the paper we get out loud, so we all have more of an idea what each of us is praying for, and we can do our best to pray for everyone’s petitions. I liked the idea, but you and your guests decide what you are most comfortable with.  Keep the paper throughout the week, and remember to continue to pray for others’ intentions.
6. Socialize.
7. Say Goodbye . . . until next time!

Here is the awesome printable, done by the incredible, Meg Florkowski!  Definitely check out her website! www.megflorkowski.com

Prayer&PairCOLOR

If you are looking for a new pair of rosaries, or a book to enhance or substitute the Rosary, here are some affiliate links that may help you get even more psyched to plan this partay!!

• Pocket Prayers: 40 Simple Prayers that Bring Peace and Rest by Max Lucado
• Praying God’s Word Day by Day by Beth Moore
• The Rosary Handbook: A Guide for Newcomers, Old-Timers, and Those in Between by Mitch Finley
• A beautiful Rosary from Lourdes

Please remember when you’re ordering candy for your “Prayer and Pair” party (and Easter, and Mother’s Day, etc), to order from Stutz Candy Company and Trappistine Quality Candy!  Believe me, everyone at this “Prayer and Share” was more than impressed with these sweets – and their websites and stores have so much to offer it will make you feel like a kid again!

Add to the fun with some “Prayer Wine Chocolate” gifts for you guests!  Plus, every purchase you make, this ministry gets a percentage and can continue!

The post How To Throw a “Prayer and Pair” Party! {With a FREE Printable!} appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

But in the winter, simply wandering leisurely is a rare act.  In the bitter cold I rush everywhere in the hopes to get to the next warmer place.  However, there’s something uplifting about being outside.  Feeling fresh air on your face, basking in the sun’s light and looking out as far as the horizon brings a calmness to my soul.  When everything is covered in dazzling snow, that especially helps the dreariness of winter slip away . . . at least a little.

One of my goals for 2016 is to get out on a date with my husband at least once a month. Before we got married, I thought this would be easy and just happen.  I’m not sure how it works in other marriages, but in ours, date nights are seldom.  If we do go out, I’m usually exhausted by 9:00 p.m.  What was first going to be dinner and a movie has more than once become “dinner and let’s go home, I’m tired”.  Pathetic, I know.

But good news, we did go on a date in January! My parents watched our son from lunch time until a little after dinner; and we headed out from our suburb of Philly home and stopped at Peddler’s Village for soup and wine.  From there we took a very short drive into New Jersey where we enjoyed our own little “taste of Napa” at Old York Cellars. To our delight, Old York Cellars comped our wine and chocolate tasting!  I had planned on writing about this date no matter what, so this just made me love this vineyard even more!

We had such an amazing day, I want to encourage everyone I know to embrace the Day Date and head to a Vineyard!  If you live within an hour and a half of Ringoes, NJ, I strongly recommend Old York Cellars.

5 Reasons to Go on a Day Date to a Vineyard

1. The View.  Looking out at the vineyard was calming and peaceful.  The brightness of the snow added joy to my mood.  Plus, it was daylight, so not only can you see more of the view, if you are like me, your out before you are exhausted!  Old York Cellars had a gorgeous patio set up and welcomes guests to bring snacks or a meal and purchase a bottle to enjoy outside!  Three women were out there embracing the day, soaking up the view -and the cold didn’t seem to bother them at all!  
2. The Tour of the Winery.  The tour of the winery was both educational and entertaining.  My husband was fascinated by the details of growing and harvesting the grapes and learning about the entire wine making process.  I found it interesting that it takes 600-800 grapes to make one bottle of wine and was laughing out loud when the tour guide spout out a ton of information that Matt understood, then ended with, “It’s a beautiful thing monks figured this shit out years ago”.  Matt favored the education, I enjoyed the entertainment
3. The Wine.  The wine.  The wine and cheese.  Then Wine and Chocolate.  When we went to Old York Cellars all three were available!  Most wineries not only host tastings, but also have wine and food pairings as well.
4. It’s Both Unique and Romantic. Don’t get me wrong, I love going out to dinner – but a change of scenery is nice – and maybe even adds some spice.  The time you spend together at a vineyard provides an opportunity to walk outside, taste new wines, discuss likes and dislikes and learn something new.  Many wineries also have other forms of entertainment like an art gallery and host entertainers like comedians and musicians. (Old York Cellars has a free art gallery and monthly wine and comedy nights).
5. The Date will Continue.  You’re probably going home with some awesome wine which will allow the “party” to continue that night or provide for a fun date night later in the week or month.  I’m not sure we had any intention of buying a bottle of wine . . . but we ended up buying 5 bottles of wine!  It seems that no matter what winery we visit, Matt and I discover there is at least one that is so good we want to enjoy a bottle at home.  At this particular tasting we were both floored by how “clean” the wine tasted.  WE loved the cabernet and their “What Exit White”.  Plus, Old York Cellars donates $1 from every bottle of their “What Exit” line to charity.

So if you you’re looking for a new date idea, may I suggest Winter Windering?  Dress warm, go out in the daylight, and wander around the grounds of a vineyard.  Enjoy the view, enjoy each other, enjoy the wine.  Cheers!

If you live in or around PA and New Jersey (or plan on visiting sometime soon), enter to win tasting coupons to Old York Cellars!  Enter today!  Contest ends on February 22, 2016.  To enter, click here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

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