Wine and Charities. What Could Be Better?

If your familiar with my other blogs you know I'm a huge lover of wine. I'm not the snobby sort who can only consume the most expensive of varietals and looks down their nose at those with lesser tastes (or budgets). Yes. I am a fan of low budget wines. Some will say it's lack of knowledge, which in part is probably true. I don't taste a lot of high dollar wines so my palate is that of an amateur. It doesn't mean I don't truly enjoy my less expensive choices. Consider my palate untainted by money. The fact that I've never driven a Bentley doesn't mean I can't appreciate my Hyundai. If I drove a Bentley would I like my Hyundai less? Possibly. But anyone who knows me, knows I have never based my opinions on the likes of others. In fact, the opposite is almost true. I make my own decisions. If I say I like something, it's true. If I don't like something, chances are you're not going to persuade me to change my mind. My opinions can not be bought.

I'm also a sucker for a good charity and am always eager to point out folks who are doing something to help others. If we all strive to be the best we can be and look for ways to help others whenever we can, the world would be a much better place.

So what if we combined a love of the grape with a thoughtful nature and a need to give back? What if a group of eight, 20-something professionals got together to share their marketing and wine knowledge along with their passion to create awareness and give back? What if?

In 2007... They did come together.

In 2007...ONEHOPE Wine was created.


Since their inception in June of 2007, ONEHOPE has donated over $100,000 in cash an in-kind donations. They have also participated in over 300 charity events. They donate 50% of their profits to charity.

ONEHOPE isn't satisfied with just one charity. They have created five varietals with each bottle representing a different cause.

50% of the profits from ONEHOPE's Chardonnay are donated to fight against BreastCancer.

50% of the profits from ONEHOPE's Cabernet Sauvignon are donated to fight against Autism.

50% of the profits from ONEHOPE's Merlot are donated to fight against Aids.

50% of the profits from ONEHOPE's Sauvignon Blanc are donated towards saving the Environment.

50% of the profits from ONEHOPE's Zinfandel are donated to support our Troops.

Doesn't this make you want to go buy some? Whether it's for the Hostess of your next Holiday party or something for you to enjoy alone, I urge you to come up with one reason why ONEHOPE wouldn't be your first choice. Of course, I only received these yesterday. Keep an eye out for individual reviews over at Wine at Five?

The Sacrificial Sock

It happens to anyone who does laundry. People have been talking about it for decades. Ever since the clothes washer and dryer were invented this problem has existed. To the best of my knowledge no on has ever solved this mystery. Some say "they" get lost in the washer. Under the drain ring, but I've never, personally, seen one retrieved. You know what I'm talking about.
The mystery of the missing socks. Where do they go and how do we prevent this from happening?

One company has stepped up to the challenge. Through extensive research and trial and error The Sacrificial Sock was born. With "smack talk" included.

Just in time for the Holidays. This is the perfect gift for the office "Secret Santas". Especially if your giving to any woman with children. It is a proven fact (by me) that the more socks you wash, the more socks you lose. The smack talk took a little getting used to. With phrases such as "Your lint trap is so full it makes you look like a chipmunk." and "Your momma was a cement mixer." Berating the dryer was hard at first. I've overcome my fear of talking to appliances and know that the socks are the real victims. I can do it for the socks.

Add this to you Holiday List for yourself and loved ones. It's sure to please all and makes a great stocking stuffer.

Christmas Cards Please

If you're on Facebook, you've probably seen the requests from a little boy for Christmas cards...this week. Noah Biorkman was diagnosed with Neoroblastoma in 2007 at the age of three. His parents want him to be able to live out his last days as he should, as a little boy...excited about Christmas. Noah and his family have requested Christmas wishes in the form of cards and have already received an overwhelming amount of cards and gifts. They will be celebrating Christmas this week,

This little boy has been through so much and to be able to make him smile and show support to this family, who's hearts must be breaking, is the least we all can do.

Here's a link to a news report on this story of Noah Biorkman.

Cards may be sent to:

Noah Biorkman
1141 Fountain View Circle
South Lyon, MI, 48178

Santa will also be joining Noah this weekend courtesy of the South Lyon Fire Department.

I've found this to be the perfect opportunity to once again explain to my children how fortunate we are. They watched the video of Noah and immediately sat down to make a card. This is not just me talking. They saw and connected with this sweet little boy. Their hearts were opened and their generous spirits shined through. This will be a Christmas to remember. A beginning of new traditions that go beyond ourselves and our own home.

Thank You Noah for allowing us to share this Christmas with you.

I'm Doing It...and I Could Use Some Help

My kids have way too much stuff. They have more toys than they need and too many to enjoy what they have. I keep saying that I'm going to weed some out...but I never do. I'm tired of looking at the den after they've been in there playing with friends. They tend to just throw stuff around and play with nothing. I think they will enjoy having fewer things and actually being able to find what they are looking for.

Today I started. My plan is to have it done by the end of the month. The problem is all the stuff that needs to be put back together. A bag of 100 mega is empty and the blocks are all over the room in different bins. I started by collecting all the little pieces of toys they never play with, things that are broken, and the coveted Happy Meal toys that get more attention than anything with a higher price tag...I filled a large garbage bag and threw it out. There's plenty more to be tossed. I would like to get the re-usable toys with tons of parts, all put back together so we can donate them in December. I'm weeding out all the stuff to be thrown out. I will then enlist the help of the kids to decide what to keep and what to donate. I have my fingers crossed that they will let go of the baby (toddler) toys.

Anyone wanna come help?