Wine of the Week: Sancerre

If anyone has read 50 Shades of Grey, you’ll know that a ton of wines are mentioned throughout the series. As a wine enthusiast, I was surprised that I didn’t recognize a lot of the wines that were mentioned. On a random trip, John and I were in a liquor store (searching for bourbon for him) and I stumbled across this Reverdy Sancerre Rose pick. I remembered the name from the book and thought I would share a little more about it.

For the 50 Shades of Grey fans, you might remember a Sancerre being mentioned when Ana and Christian meet at the Heathman to discuss the contract, and then again at Escala following their Georgia trip.

Technically, all Sancerres are Sauvignon Blancs. Sauvignon Blanc is a white wine grape and Sancerre is the name of a wine region in France’s Loire Valley. This particular Sancerre wine is more of a rose and made from Pinot Noir.

This Sancerre is from the Domaine Jean Reverdy winery located in Verdigny, one of the top villages in Sancerre. It dates back to 1650. It has flavors of cherry, blackcurrant, and apricot.

In the book, I’m guessing they were drinking a traditional Sancerre white wine versus a rose like I have here. But this is crisp and delicious and everything you would want in a rose wine.

Have you tried any of the wines from 50 Shades of Grey? If you’re a Sancerre fan let me know, I would love to try more as I’m learning more about it.

For more Wine of the Weeks, click here.

50 Shades Darker

On Wednesday I had the opportunity to attend an advance screening of 50 Shades Darker with a few friends. The screening was a lot of fun; we all received masks similar to the one Anastasia wears to the Masquerade Ball and I made sure to get a big cup of wine because you definitely need it to watch this movie with a theater full of strangers.

If you haven’t read the books, I highly recommend that you read them before seeing this movie. They had to cram a lot into the run time and they left out a lot of the backstory. So if you didn’t already know Christian Grey’s story you might think he was crazy and possessive. One of the main things they left out was Christian’s therapist Dr. Flynn. Anastasia even gets to meet him and talk to him and he explains why Christian has a need to control everything. It does sound like he makes a cameo in the third movie, but he was definitely referenced multiple times in the second book.

Here are a few ways you can get your 50 Shades fix in case you want more:

1.Masquerade Mask ($15.90)

You can get the exact mask that Ana wears to the masquerade party and it’s affordable!

2. Ana’s Lipsticks

According to @evelynenoraz, the 50 Shades Darker makeup artist, “They were a liquid lipstick from Mac Cosmetics for the red ( plus Mac lip liner ) and from Anastasia for the deep berry color ( liquid lipstick as well ) or Glossier lipstain.”

Based on that statement here are my guesses for the exact shades:

MAC Cherry Lip Liner ($17.50)

MAC Cosmetics Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolor in Feels So Grand ($21)

ILIA Lipstick Arabian Nights ($26)

MAC Burgundy Lip Liner ($17.50)

Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in Heathers ($20)

 

Glossier Generation G in Jam ($18)

3. Ana’s Eyes from the Masquerade

According to Evelyn, she used Dior’s Diorshow Fusion Mono Eyeshadow in Lune and Millenium ($31/each).

4. Jimmy Choo Lang Patent Strappy Sandal ($795)

During that steamy dinner/elevator scene, Anastasia was wearing the Jimmy Choo Lang sandals.

If these are out of your price range, you can try the Pleaser brand shoes that are an exact match for only $52.95:

5. Anastasia’s Masquerade Dress

The dress Ana wore to the masquerade party was stunning. Custom designed by Monique Lhuillier and the 50 Shades Costume Designer, Shay Cunliffe, it is one of a kind! Women’s Wear Daily shared more details here on how this dress came about.

I found a few options for the dress and the beautiful feathered cape she wears. For the dress, Forever 21 has two different options with a Satin Maxi Dress ($34.90) and this Selfie Leslie Halter Neck Dress ($44.99):

I also found two options for the cape/jacket, the first is the Jayley Luxurious Stripe Faux Fur Jacket ($234) and the second is the SB Tipped Fur Jacket ($107.50):

6. 50 Shades Darker Prize Pack

I’m giving away a 50 Shades Darker Prize Pack complete with masks, tea lights, lip balm and a Large sweatshirt.

The winner will be announced on February 26. You can enter via the Rafflecopter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have you seen 50 Shades Darker yet? What did you think?

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50 Shades of Grey Makeup Sets

Make Up For Ever recently launched the 50 Shades of Grey makeup sets inspired by 50 Shades of Grey Makeup Department Head, Victoria Down. They released a great interview that gives you more details about how she created the different looks for Anastasia Steele.

Victoria Down, courtesy of Make Up For Ever

Victoria Down, courtesy of Make Up For Ever

If you’ve read the books, you know that Anastasia’s style evolves throughout the story starting with a natural look and moving to a more sophisticated look as her relationship with Christian develops. Victoria had to create a transformation from natural to more sultry using Make Up For Ever products. The good news is that you can get these looks yourself before the movie is released on Valentine’s Day.

There are four different kits in this collection, a makeup kit, a cheek set and two lip sets.

Give In To Me Makeup Kit ($79)

This kit includes an Artist Shadow palette, Graphic eyeliner, Smoky Extravagant mascara, Rouge Artist Natural lipstick, Lab Shine lip gloss and an exclusive keepsake box.

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Desire Me Cheek Set ($49)

This set includes three cheeky Artist Shadow blush shades, Artisan Powder Brush and a velvet keepsake pouch.

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Tease Me Lip Set ($32)

This comes in two different colors, passionate and innocent. They each come with an Aqua Lip lip pencil, Aqua Rouge lipstick and Lab Shine lip gloss.

lip setsEach of these sets contains Victoria’s tips on how to use the products and recreate the looks yourself. Which of these will you be picking up?

For more beauty posts, click here.



5 on Friday: Merry & Bright Edition

It’s time for another edition of Five on Friday with A Liz AdventuresThe Good Life BlogHello Happiness and Carolina Charm.

THE GOOD LIFE BLOG

1. Clinique Merry & Bright Event

Macy’s is hosting a special Clinique event: Merry & Bright to get a pretty and festive holiday look. You can make an appointment at your nearest Macy’s store through December 15th.

Just for attending you get a free Chubby Stick for Lips mini in your choice of shade Mightiest Maraschino or Broadest Berry.

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2. 50 Shades of Grey Wine

You all know how much I love wine, so I thought this was something I should try. E.L. James, the author of 50 Shades of Grey has come out with the official 50 Shades of Grey Wine. There are two blends, White Satin and Red Silk. You can get the box set here.

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3. Lily Pulitzer Tipsy Sweater

This is just too cute to pass up!

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4. Kate Middleton Zara Necklace

Kate Middleton recently wore this $35 Zara Necklace to the Mandela premiere and it sold out instantly. But no worries, you can still find it on eBay!

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5. The Bride’s Tree

I swear I am putting the tree up this weekend! But first, one of the things I have wanted to get since we were married was the Bride’s Tree ornaments. The Bride’s Tree is a German Christmas tradition. There are 12 ornaments that are supposed to bring good fortune to a newlywed couple. They include:

  • Flower basket (good wishes)
  • Rose (beauty)
  • Heart (true love)
  • Pine Cone (fruitfulness)
  • Fruit Basket (generosity)
  • Fish (Christ’s blessing)
  • Teapot (hospitality)
  • St. Nicholas (goodwill)
  • Angel (God’s guidance)
  • Bird (joy)
  • House (protection)
  • Rabbit (hope)

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For more 5 on Friday posts, click here.




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