I am 36 and I am single, but I am definitely not alone. I have an amazing family,  a wonderful group of friends and Nikki, my eight year old Finnish Spitz mix.

When I leave for work each morning,  she says goodbye to me at the door and when I return home she is there to greet me.

Nikki has been with me for nearly a decade. The minute our eyes met eight years ago in a local animal shelter, I knew it was love! As Anne of Green Gables would say, we were two “kindred spirits.”

When Nikki had surgery a few years ago to remove a tumor on her leg, I was scared. The word “cancer”  rocked our world. But, I remember, Nikki looking at me and in her own way, told me she was going to be ok, and she was right.

Those who have dogs understand where I am coming from. Nikki has been with me through some of the most difficult times of my life and she has also been there to celebrate the best times. Whether it’s spending a weekend afternoon the dog park, lounging at home or enjoying a road trip together, every moment we spent is precious.

I may be single, but like I said, I am definitely not alone.

I know it sounds funny, but sometimes I wonder, “Am I the Indian Carrie Bradshaw?” A few weeks ago, I posted it on Facebook and the responses were hysterical.

The truth is, I think many of us relate to her or one of the characters from Sex and the City. I remember watching the show when it first came out more than a decade ago ( has it been that long)? I was in my 20s and I believed Carrie and I so related. I whined about my daily dilemmas,  yearned for the attention from my then “love of my life.” and yes, drank cosmopolitans because it was “trendy.”

But, let’s be honest, I relate more to Carrie Bradshaw now then I ever did in my 20s.

• I’ve got the best girlfriends in the world. I am not bragging–I seriously do. A woman cannot go through life without her friends. I sure can’t live without mine!
• I still have my dating dilemmas. But, I have a group of girlfriends who make me laugh about them, vent to, etc. I mean seriously, the last guy I went out with may not have ditched me on a “post it,” but did on a text. And, guess what, my girlfriends made me laugh about it instead of  sulk!
• I moved away from cosmopolitans and moved on to scotch and on occasion dirty martinis. Let’s not forget a good glass of Pinot Noir either. Like Carrie, my style, my thinking, my philosophy is changing with age.
• I don’t mind being single anymore. I finally came to a point that I am “ok” with being single.  Yes, it will be nice to find a companion, but if I go on one more BAD date, I think I will just die (not literally, but can’t do it anymore). So, when it is meant happen, it will.  In the meantime, I will embrace my independence.
• I love being a city girl.I love going to fabulous parties, attending the performing arts, meandering though the city, hanging out with friends and brunch (it’s one of my favorite meals).

We all are our own unique individuals, but sometimes, we relate to the characters that we come across through books, movies and TV.

Who do you relate to?

Rosè Renaissance!

For many years, rosés were not the wine of choice for those that “appreciated good wine.”   But,  that’s no longer the case. Today,  one would define the taste of a good rose as “refreshing, crisp and simply lovely.”  Much of this can be attributed to the experience and knowledge of today’s winemakers who have truly helped make it a Rosé Renaissance.

There are a number of Rosés that I absolutely enjoy. In my opinion they are perfect for any occasion.  Here are a few of my favorites:

• Graham Beck Brut Rosé. from South Africa There is no better way than a glass Brut Rosé on a Saturday afternoon. Cheesetique, one of my favorite wine and cheeses shops, serves this delicious South African wine. Pair it with one of their fabulous cheese plates and you are in heaven!
• 2011 Fourgeray de Beauclair: A Pinot Noir from Marsannay, France. I first experienced this wine at a wine tasting at Grape + Bean. The combination of the perfume aromatics and berries allowed me to experience the wine’s aromatics with both my nose and mouth (a great way to experience any wine or food to say the least). If you haven’t been to Grape + Bean for a wine tasting, I highly recommend doing so. They are great.
• 2009 Northpoint Rosé from Chateau O’Brien. This is a great Virginia wine. Served chilled, this wine  infused with a hit of citrusy flavors, leaves a refreshing taste in your mouth. It’s a great picnic wine in my opinion.

Are you a fan of Rosés? Which ones are your favorites?

Cinderella was absolutely beautiful. The dancers’ performances paired so elegantly well with the music that I was actually brought to tears. Each time, I attend a ballet performance, I feel as if I am floating away from my day to day woes.

As I watched the performance, I began to think about my many tries of being a dancer. The truth is, I am a terrible a dancer. I like to say I have two left feet. When I was young I took ballet for several years, and I wasn’t very good. I blamed it on my long legs.

A couple of years ago, I tried belly dancing. I had fun, but I was so stiff and felt awkward. I remember my instructor telling me to let lose, but I just couldn’t. I was more concerned with how I looked and seeing myself in a mirror did not help.

What I didn’t realize until now is dancing comes from within and one cannot expect it to give you confidence. You must go in with confidence, and for a long time my confidence did not come from within me but from others.

I am now in my mid-30s and for the first time, I feel differently about myself, about dancing. It took awhile for me to get to this point, but I am glad I am there. So, I decided to give it a shot again soon–whether it’s going for salsa, taking another belly dancing course or even give ballet another try, I think I am ready.

When I was 21, 25, 27 and yes even 30, Friday nights were hot!  If I was staying at home, I felt like a loser. These days, it’s a different story. Living in a city like Washington DC, there is just so much to do!  There is an event every night, a cool exhibit opening,  an interesting talk at the National Press Club and let’s not forget work.

DC is ranked as one of the smartest cities in the country and it’s no surprise why. Individuals who move to DC have a purpose. They want to make a difference and many of them will. But, sometimes, you just have to take some time out for yourself. I do. So, how do I refuel:

• Spending time with my dog Nikki. I live in a dog-friendly neighborhood. You will always see people walking  their dogs and when it’s warm, they will be out with them everywhere. We tend to enjoy meandering through the neighborhood or sitting on one of the benches in front of the library.
• Watching old Hollywood movies. There is nothing like being taken back into time then through a classic movie. For awhile, I was watching a number of Cary Grant movies.I love old movies.
• Listening to the classical radio station (90.9) and enjoy a freshly brewed cup of espresso and the paper. I love the mornings and there is nothing like listening to Chopin while reading the newspaper.
• Cooking. For me, preparing a delicious meal for myself is relaxing. Pair it with a glass of wine and I am content.
• Enjoying a delicious meal at one of the local neighborhood joints. I live in a great neighborhood full of fantastic restaurants. Sometimes, I just go and enjoy a meal by myself. I tend to take a book with me to keep me company. And, guess what I am not the only one!

I love living in DC. I love the many fun activities that I get to enjoy. I mean how many people get to attend a ballet performance at the Kennedy Center or see Joe and Jill Biden eating an arm length away. Or, be part of historic events. This city is exciting and I have been so lucky living in this amazing city, but sometimes a girl needs some time to refuel.

Do you take time out for yourself? How do you refuel?

Well, I wasn’t standing in front of Tiffany’s in this photo nor am I anything like Truman Capote’s infamous Holly Golightly. But, like Holly, I have a place that calms me down right away–Georgetown on a weekend morning or early afternoon.

When I was in my 20s living in DC, I tended to hang out in Georgetown at night. I enjoyed late night drinks and going to the hottest lounge or club.  Well, not anymore. These days, I prefer hanging out during the mornings or early afternoons before the crowds come out.

My Favorite Things About Georgetown

• There is a different vibe compared to the rest of the city.Georgetown is classic while other parts of DC tend to be more hip. DC hip? Yes, places like U Street and Adams Morgan have a completely different feel.  Just look at how people dress and the ambiance of the restaurants and the shops.
• You’ll see more individuals enjoying some time to refuel rather than in large groups. Whether it’s in Dean & Deluca or at Clyde‘s. I’ve seen more people dining alone or enjoying a cup of coffee and completely content. I actually saw one women writing letters.  A rare sight in a tech savvy world.
• The architecture is simply beautiful.  I have this thing for 18th, 19th century architecture. Maybe it’s the fact that I am from Charleston, but I just love it! It takes you to another world, another time!
• Hearing interesting conversations where I get my hair done. Enough said.
• Window shopping. I love meandering through Georgetown, coffee in hand, strolling down the street, looking at cool window displays.

Where do you go to unwind? What are your favorite places in the city?

A few months ago, I spoke with Maud Bentley, Wine Director of Cheesetique about this trend.  Here’s what she had to say:

Question:  You don’t need a reason anymore to enjoy a glass of sparkling wine, do you?

Maud: Not in my book!  Sparkling wines are wonderful in the summer when it’s really hot outside, a true refresher!  And who doesn’t like a mimosa during a casual Sunday brunch?  Bubblies also pair beautifully with cheese, especially creamy brie-like ones.  The bubbles serve to cleanse the palate between each bite of fromage.

Question: Why are we seeing this growth in popularity of sparkling wines?

Maud: Customers are starting to see that sparkling wines aren’t just for holidays or weddings anymore.  They are wonderful during brunch, lunch or dinner.  We are also seeing more inexpensive quality sparkling wines on the market, especially from Spain or Prosecco from Italy.  Sparkling wines are crowd pleasers too, almost everyone likes them!

Question: What are some great red sparkling wines?

Maud: This is a fun and unique type of sparkling wine!  Much richer and fruitier in flavor than traditional white sparkling wines.  Loose End Sparkling MSM (Merlot, Shiraz, Mourvedre) is great.  I also like Italian Lambrusco such as Chairli Cenenario.  This light and lively red has low fizz and an abundance of floral and strawberry aromas, perfect with blue cheese!

Question: How should one go about choosing a sparkling wine?

Maud: When looking for an inexpensive sparkling wine I usually go for Cava over Prosecco as it’s made in the method champenoise. It is usually of higher quality.  If you are looking for a dry sparkling wine don’t be fooled by the term sec on a wine label.  Even though this means “dry” in French, sec sparkling wines actually have more residual sugar than brut sparkling wines.

Question: What about choosing a champagne?

Maud:  I prefer “grower champagne” from small, independent producers who grow their own grapes rather than buying them from various suppliers. All of the famous names (Mum, Moet, Cristal) are made in large quantities and taste pretty much the same year over year (and charge a lot for the brand name of their wines).

Grower Champagnes can be a great value and are made in small batches which truly reflect terrior and vintage variations.  It’s like comparing Cracker Barrel Cheddar from the grocery store to a farmstead American cheddar from Vermont.  Both might be good, but the smaller producer will always create a more unique product with higher level of care.

Question: Have to ask this,  what cheeses pair well with sparkling wine pairings?

Maud: Brillat-Savarin is a wonderful triple-crème from France.  It’s so ooey gooey and decadent and pairs beautifully with any sparkling wine.  Another fun pairing is a stinky cheese such as Epoisses with a demi-sec sparkling wine.  That hint of residual sugar will help to soften the pungent bite of the cheese.  Of course, there’s Langres, a renowned cheese made in the Champagne region.  It has a depression at the top called a fontaine which is actually meant for pouring Champagne into!  Grab a piece of crusty baguette and scoop out the runny cheese and champagne together, delish!

About Cheesetique

Cheesetique reminds you of one of those small French cheese shops that you may find while meandering the streets of Paris. With locations in Shirlington and Del Ray, the restaurant/store offers a selection of cheeses, wines and a fabulous menu perfect for any mood or time of day. And, if you are waiting for a table, you can always check out a wine tasting or taste some cheese.

When I was growing up (actually until my Freshman year of college), I had an issue with my name.  I didn’t understand why my parents chose a French name for me instead of an Indian name like all the rest of my family and friends. Maybe, it was the fact that the first question people would ask me was why my name was Sherrie. When I got older, I got smart and would say, “Well, my dad was drinking a glass of Sherry just before I was born.” Or, “I was born in New Orleans around Mardi Gras, anymore questions?”

My mother says it is because of my birthplace. My father tells me that he always loved the name.  It had really nothing to do with their love of French food, wine or the culture (even though I do have an accent egu on the last “e”).

For years, I had a complex about my name. Looking back, I don’t know why because now I attribute my name for defining every aspect of my life. Here’s how:

• I am more classic than  hip.  I love ballet slippers, cigarette pants, pencil skirts and simple black dresses. I also love long shirts paired with a fitted pair jeans and boots.  I think pearls go with anything.
• You will find me ordering a croissant and a latte at my local coffee shop. There is no better way to start one’s day!
• I am an aficionado on cheese and wine. Champagne–my favorite!
• I love the language and I love speaking it.  Whether it’s my dog or in the midst of a conversation, I am always throwing in a “Je ne sais pas” or a “Donc.”  It’s sad to say, but I think my French is better than my Hindi at times!
• I am obsessed with French impressionism and ballet.
  I have a subscription to the Washington Ballet and I sometimes find myself meandering to the National Gallery of Art to hang out with some my favorite artists-Degas, Monet, or Van Gogh.

Yes, I love escargot and I’d prefer crepes over pancakes anytime. But, I credit my name for much more. My name helped start my path to life.  I believe it attributed me to my personality and my confidence. If it wasn’t for my name, maybe I wouldn’t have pursued the career that I have now grown to love, my passion for writing (I am still hoping to publish my novel one day), or the continued desire to pursue my dreams.

So, when it comes down to it, I am glad my parents chose the name Sherrie for me.
Do you believe your name defined your path?

The event was a panel discussion moderated by Amanda Littlejohn (@amandamogul), CEO of Mopwater PR. It was a good discussion on how social media has changed Journalism.

Since I started my communications career more than a decade ago, I have seen it evolve significantly thanks to technology, but the core values continue to be the same, and that’s the same for journalism.

Stacey Samuel (@sss2128), producer for CNN, made a statement that really struck me, “Blogging will not replace Journalism.”  I believe this is so true. Yes, bloggers can be very influential but it cannot replace news. Here’s why:

• Bloggers are not reporters.  Bloggers talk about their passions, they provide their opinions on issues, share personal perspectives. They tell stories but on a much more personal level.
• Blogger relations is not the same as media relations. Many PR people approach bloggers the same way they approach reporters, but that’s the wrong approach.   If you are looking to build momentum behind a cause/issue, use bloggers to help support your cause.
• Journalists will continue to tell the news.  I definitely agree with Stacey Samuel. Bloggers have their role in the media world, but it cannot replace true journalism.

As I mentioned above, it was my first Social Media Week event and the only one I got to attend last week. I would have loved to attend more, but I am glad I did not miss this one.

Did you attend any events last week? Which ones?

I’ve always loved champagne … what woman doesn’t? So, when a friend of mine told me about a champagne tasting at Grape+ Bean in Old Town Alexandria, I immediately said “I am in.”
Upon arrival, we were given a glass of Eric Rodez Cuvee des Crayeres Champagne NV by the evening’s sommelier.  This was the perfect introduction to the night. The champagne was light and clean.  The flowery accents were not overpowering at all. Instead, they delighted my palate.

During the course of the tasting we tried several more champagnes paired with a delightful selection of cheeses, ham and pate´ (oh how I love pate´).  They were:

• Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé Champagne NV
• Billecart-Salmon “Brut Reserve” Champagne NV
• 2000 Billecart-Salmon “Cuvée Nicolas-François” Champagne
• Eric Rodez Grand Vintage Champagne
• Krug “Grande Cuvée” Brut Champagne NV

What I Learned:

• I always knew that the “true” champagne always came from Champagne, France, but what I didn’t know was a ring always forms in in the glass-that’s how you can tell it’s true champagne!
  
• Champagne is made from two types of grapes–Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. As we continued with the tastings, I could actually taste the intensity of the grapes.

I have enjoyed champagne for years, but I never knew why until now. As we continued with our tasting, I began to notice the similarities in the flavors, specifically the champagnes infused with fruits, such as raspberries, apples and pears (these happen to be some of my favorites).

And, while each champagne we tasted was more intense than the previous one, the flavors tended to be clean and the aromatics of each one were not overpowering.

I’ve always described my style as simple, elegant yet classic and this can be true for the foods and drinks I enjoy.

This was a fantastic tasting hosted by owners David Gwathmey and Sheera Rosenfield.They are the perfect hosts and really know how to put on a fantastic tasting.

Have you attended tastings at Grape + Bean? If not then you should definitely should.