2 suggestions...............

First suggestion - go see Andrea Bocelli live. Seriously.  He was amazing!  

I went last night to the Prudential Center in Newark courtesy of my Aunt Marie (aka Rie, Riezie, Auntie Rie).  Never before have I been so moved by a performance.  The sounds that came out of this man were simply unearthly. 

The tears came down as he performed "Con Te Partiro."

Honestly, I am no sap - and not much of a cryer either but, forget it.  The orchestra started up with those first couple of notes and I was done.  Hooked!

I felt like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman - the part where she goes to the opera and is bawling like a baby at the end.

Typically, I have always been more of a rocker chick.  With the exception of my deep love - dare I say - obsession with Sting.  And of course, the classic Frank Sinatra/Louis Prima era - especially when I am cooking. I definitely spent a lifetime back then.

I always liked Bocelli and respected what he could do with those vocals.  Download his music or better yet, buy a CD.  It is best listened to loud so you can "feel" it.  Turn it up and see what I mean. 

But, until you hear/see him live, you cannot possibly be able to appreciate what he truly can do.

Thank you Andrea for the beautiful performance.  And thank you, Rie, for the amazing night!  You're the best and I love you terribly!


Okay, the 2nd suggestion is a little less intense and serious.  It was a fun discovery from last night also.  (Thanks again Rie!)

Before the Bocelli concert, we went to dinner, of course!  We decided to go to Porcini's Restaurant in Totowa (awesome meal by the way!) which is a bring your own.  Love the bring your own bottle places!

So, we go into a local liquor store and the first bottle of wine I see is called - okay, can't remember - I'm still trying to find it and will post about it as soon as I do.  It was great and was called Opera something.  I bought it thinking it was appropriate for the evening.

As I perused further into the store, I found this one and could not resist:

The wine is Rebel Red by Middle Sister Wines. 

Honestly, I haven't even tried it yet but am looking forward to a glass later this evening.  I'll let you know.  But how bad can it be - a wine that celebrates the middle sister and sisterhood in general is okay in my book!

Here is what the back of the bottle says:

"Did you know that birth order is commonly believed to have a profound and lasting effect on psychological development?  And that the middle sister has a greater chance of having a special wine named just for her?  A sassy blend of our three favorite red varieties perfect for sipping before, during and after our favorite family meals.  Some people are just born lucky.  Now give me back my blouse."

Love it!!!

They have some other great wines on their website and some pretty cool swagger - great idea for the Christmas buying season! 

Hint hint.....

Order a gift and get a few bottles of wine for yourself.  One stop shopping - my kind of site!!