Bring Wine & Bring Questions

Bring Wine & Bring QuestionsHappy Words & Wine Down Wednesday, Folks! I hope everyone is having a great week so far. We are enjoying some nice ‘spring – like’ temperatures, here in Michigan. That is certainly something to drink about. {sip} I always love that time of the year, when I get to switch the thermostat knob in my car over to the blue zone, instead of the red. That REALLY gives my husband something to drink about. {gulp} I am also looking forward to daylight savings time approaching this coming Sunday. It’s always nice to have longer days, isn’t it? I clearly have more energy and get more done once the daylight hangs around later into the evening. The wine seems to go down easier as the weather gets nicer, as well. {sip}. Tonight, we are just going to do a little chitchat, some recap, and discuss an upcoming blog post. Yes, ‘Bring Wine & Bring Questions’! I always love a little Q & A, especially when you’re mixing it with wine. {sippy-sip}Bring Wine & Bring QuestionsTo start off our chitchat, I want to share something that I wrote down in last Sunday’s church service. I often write down little quotes or scripture that I hear other people say or read. I am sure you have figured this out by now. {sip} It’s amazing how some things just really resonate with me and last Sunday’s message was one of them. It was something specific that my pastor said that made me grab my phone, pull up my notes, and start typing.Bring Wine & Bring QuestionsHere is what Pastor Rob shared, “You can tell a lot about a person by how they manage their calendar and how they manage their money.” He preceded, “If you want to know someone’s priorities, look at how they’re managing their time and their budget.” This is a good time for me to share this with you, as one of the things that we are going to talk about in this ‘Words & Wine Down Wednesday’ is an upcoming blog post that my husband and I are going to do together that has to do with managing your money. I’ve already talked a lot about managing your time and you can check out blog posts that pertain to that herehere, and here. This one here would be worth the re-cap, as well.Bring Wine & Bring QuestionsBut what about managing your money? It is so often overlooked, which is a shame because a lot of your future is held in your bank account. I’ve said it once, ok.. maybe more than once.. {sip} but “Failing to plan, is planning to fail!” Another motto I share quite frequently but don’t know that I have mentioned it here is, “Everything in moderation, is nothing more than an excuse!” Sorry! {sip} Again, I am always the bearer of bad news. It’s one thing to joke about it, but people that prescribe to that mindset, are generally always on a diet and trying to lose weight and when it comes to their budget, they’re living way beyond their means. {gulp} It’s true! I know, I hate it too! Do yourself a favor, commit today, to never believing in that mindset. Join me in the ‘above moderation’ movement! {gulp}. When it comes to these two phrases and the areas of life they cover, money is no different. {sip}Bring Wine & Bring QuestionsIt’s a great time to do a blog post on money with the presidential election coming up, as so much of our financial future could lie into the hands of one of these crooked people. {gulp} Yep, that’s how I look at it, just another presidential election of a bunch of people talking out of their a$$! {gulp} And to think I have to give one of them my precious vote … and most likely my hard earned money. {chug} Well, I’ll stop there. That’s a whole new wine drinking blog post that will never happen, because I am certain I would OFFEND someone. I have no energy to discuss politics or back my theory. I am too busy trying to do what Pastor Rob mentioned in last week’s sermon.. how am I prioritizing my time & my money. {gulp} I hardly doubt Pastor Rob would classify ‘wine-drinking’ as prioritizing anything. {gulp} Thankfully, I don’t think he will ever read this post. But, in all honesty, I wouldn’t care if he did. Pastor Rob has a way of getting his point across but never leaving you feel less a person. That’s a hard thing for a pastor to pull off.Bring Wine & Bring QuestionsSo where does that leave you guys? I would like to offer you to leave a comment below with a question in it. Your question can pertain to anything regarding budgeting, saving, debt, investing, retirement saving, college tuition, and anything else you may want to pick my and my husband’s (mostly my husband’s) brain on. Hear it from a non-bias person, someone who doesn’t know anything about the type of person you are, and how you are currently living your life. Obviously we will not be able to tackle all the questions in one blog post. But after accessing all the questions, we will determine from there how we want to do it: whether a Q & A would be more fitting or a blog post on one particular area of concern. Your questions will determine that. If you are uncomfortable leaving your question in the comment section, where others can see it, feel free to go to the top menu bar on my website, click on ‘CONTACT’, leave your question in the box provided and I will receive a direct email from you. Before leaving your question, make sure you read this blog post here that touches on budgeting when it comes to grocery shopping. We don’t need any repeats. {sip} I do not have a background in financing, but my husband has a background in money-management, he is an investor and we are both clearly savers. Some would classify us as, ‘tightwads’. {gulp} We don’t however, find that to be insulting, quite the opposite. It’s not that we don’t have the money to spend, it’s just we are very choosey about where we spend it. I am confident that both my husband and I have ‘money-managing’ skills that are above the norm in this society. And I think we can really help people. Unfortunately, we also may share advice that won’t be easy to digest. {sip} But if you want any type of financial security, you probably will need to consider some of the things we will be bringing to the plate. A lot of the questions you may have, we most likely have traveled, ourselves. And with a family of seven, it’s constant meticulous work in progress. {gulp}Bring Wine & Bring Questions

SHOP THE LOOK

Green Sweater: here | Jeans: here | Belt: here, I want this one here and it’s only $5.99. If you prefer a wider belt, this one here is only $5.99, as well, and this option here are both perfect | SHOES: here and loving these ones here that I recently purchased and showed on Snapchat | HANDBAG: My handbag is by Big Buddha, purchased from Nordstrom. It is my favorite bag. I love how this neutral color goes so well with the shoes. I found similar styles and color options here, here, and this one here is a beauty and currently on sale. I love this wristlet here, and this bucket here. For the younger generation, absolutely LOVE this backpack here. I’m thinking ‘how adorable’ for your High School or college-aged daughter to fill this with Easter goodies instead of filling a basket. Similar, more affordable option, here | Earrings: here | Necklace: old, from H & M. I love their jewelry, simple & affordable, similar options herehere, or here. If you love Rose Gold, you’d love this one here | Bracelets: been wearing these here with everything | WATCH: here, but been eyeing this Rose Gold one here from H & M | RING: been wearing this one, here, with everything

Bring Wine & Bring Questions

SANDAL BOOTIES: | WALLET: I have had my Kate Spade Wallet for years and love it! This ‘style’ of wallet is my perfect for me, as I don’t carry much cash. The color I have is no longer available. But, if I was in the market for a NEW one (wishful thinking), I would snag this one here in a heartbeat! Definitely a WANT but not a NEED! {darn} I also linked the same exact wallet in other color options, here.

Makeup + Fragrance  Details

EYE SHADOW PALETTE: Laura Mercier Sleek & Chic | MASCARAS + CURLERS: here | BLUSH: Mac Blushbaby using this brush here | LIP PENCIL: Satin Mauve | LIPSTICK: Spanish Pink | LIP GLOSS: Simmer applied with this brush here| Nail Polish: OPI | Fragrance: Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Purse size or Dressing Table Size

Bring Wine & Bring Questions

WINE REVIEW: Bring on the cab! I cannot help myself, I just love a good Cabernet Sauvignon … as if you haven’t figured that out by now. {sip} For tonight’s review, I am going to do a little comparison to another cab. I hadn’t really planned for this bottle by Rodney Strong to be tonight’s featured wine. I opened the bottle last Friday, and didn’t expect it to make it through today, but it did. I am glad, because it serves as a great opportunity for me to compare it to one of my most frequented Cabernet’s, J. Lohr. They’re both popular, sold at most local stores and fall in the sub-$20 cab sauvs range. You can usually find them for about $17 a bottle. This particular one by ‘Rodney Strong’ is full-bodied with a deep purple color. Whereas the J. Lohr is significantly lighter in body. If you were drinking the two side-by-side … not that I have ever done that or anything {gulp}, it would make you question whether or not the J. Lohr was even a cab. The Rodney Strong has strong green pepper notes, which can be a little distracting, especially if you are not fond of green pepper in wine. It’s clearly a richer taste than the J. Lohr. I think they are both great middle of the road priced wines. Certainly there are better wine options out there in the cab family, but you are going to pay for what you get. If you drink wine regularly, it’s good to have affordable options such as these particular two here. Save your Caymus for special occasions. I cannot believe I have not done a wine review on the J. Lohr, yet. I have mentioned it on Snapchat many times. As I stated above, I do frequent it, {sip} so stay tuned for an upcoming review, soon.

Disclaimer: Beverages containing alcohol are often associated with sharing, pleasure, unwinding, and socializing. However, there are times when drinking at all or too much can be risky to you or to others. This blog post is for light-hearted sharing ONLY! If you are over the age of 21 and choose to drink, please drink responsibly and don’t drink and drive.

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12 Comments
  • Elizabeth Fullerton
    03/09/2016

    Hi Tracy! It’s always interesting to see others opinions on money management. I know of quite a few different theory’s. The two biggies that come to mind first would be Robert Kiyosaki and Dave Ramsey. Between the two ideas (1. saving/living below your means as much as possible and getting out of debt asap VS 2. out working the problem and using (good) debt to make more money.) Which would you say you side with more?

    Thanks!
    Liz

    • tracyhensel
      03/10/2016

      Elizabeth, thanks for your question. Clearly that is what it is, one person’s opinion over another’s. My husband and I are familiar with both theories. That being said, I think you find our opinion interesting.. Thanks again. Have a beautiful Thursday. xo

  • Heather Henderson
    03/09/2016

    I love the J. Lohr- and I’ve found it at Costco for $12

    • tracyhensel
      03/10/2016

      Hi Heather! Thanks for letting me know. I do not have a Cosco by me. But I do have a Sam’s Club, which is a similar store and that is where I purchased mine . Need to take advantage of the savings. Have a nice day!

  • Denise Jasenovec
    03/09/2016

    Great post Tracy! Such an important issue that I’m sure you and your husband can shed a lot of light on! Thankfully and gratefully I’m married to a CFO /CEO midwestern man who is a gifted in the CFO dept. God knows if it were all up to me we’d be in trouble.😬One thing we have always lived by is having a budget. 👍🏻😀 Now I need to have another glass of wine before I ask him if we can increase my clothes budget.😂 #thosetracyfashionfinds🤗

    • tracyhensel
      03/10/2016

      Thanks Denise! I am glad you enjoyed it. I love the # … too funny .. and of course that you are enjoying my clothing choices. I can relate to upping the clothing, accessories, makeup, skincare, etc., etc. Have a great day! Appreciate your feedback! xx

  • Lisa Valdes
    03/09/2016

    Do either of you have a ‘financial pet peeve’, some way the other spends money that drives you nuts? Easily my husband would say my shopping, and I’d say his little trips out to the casino, drives me bonkers, what a waste! Lol!

    You are killing it with the blog and social media Tracy! I love your snapchats and just how relatable you are. A lot of bloggers seem to have a facade in how they present themselves. I love how genuine, honest, and open you are. You are a gorgeous girl, inside and out!

    P.s. I’ve been spotting your favorite l’occitane products at Ross as well as the Jason vitamin e oil. Did you see that Sephora has a great little l’occitane 500 point set too?

    • tracyhensel
      03/10/2016

      Lisa, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!! Wow, what a lovely compliment regarding my blog and social media. Hearing that gives me so much inspiration to do what I love doing, and bringing it to all of you. Being relatable is very important to me. The good, the bad / the pretty, the ugly … and everything in between. I try to share and present what I, myself find interest in … but I am only inspired by people that I can relate to. And that’s what I strive to drive home to my subscribers and friends.

      I have heard about the l’occitane products and the 500 point set at Sephora. I am not familiar with Ross. I will have to look into that.

      I love your question about money pet-peeves with the spouse. I cannot wait to share my answer on that one. And, I certainly cannot wait to hear my husband’s thoughts on it either. I’m not going to tell him my answer first, because I wouldn’t want to sway him to go into a certain direction because of what I have to say. It’ll be interesting. Thanks again, appreciate everything in your comment. Have a beautiful day! xo

  • Monica erre
    03/10/2016

    A glass of red wine 🍷and with you we talk about many interesting topics. Is difficult to make ends meet.I take inspiration from your outfit for my basic clothes for this spring 🌷thank you so much!

    • tracyhensel
      03/10/2016

      I’m a red wine girl too, Monica. Although, still love a good white Sauv Blanc & Chardonnay, especially during the summer months. I am happy to hear you find so much inspiration from my style. As for making ends meet … you are not alone. Don’t be discouraged … that will not get you anywhere. Hopefully what my husband and I have to share will be of help and encouragement to you. No worries on the language barrier. I always understand what you are saying and truly and genuinely appreciate all the love and support you have given me since as far back as I can remember. It does not go unnoticed. Thanks again and stay tuned. Have a blessed & beautiful day. xo

  • Deanne
    03/10/2016

    I am so looking forward to this one!! I can’t wait to read what the two of you have to share! I would like to know how to afford college tuition? We have one daughter that completed 4yrs and the other daughter is in her second year. They both want to go on to Dental school. The first one has applied and is in the “waiting to be accepted” period, which can take years. So far, we have done everything through loans. Do you give weekly/monthly allowances to your girls? Investing, that is a great one, too! Other than a 401k, what else should one be investing in? Any advice you give will be much appreciated.

    • tracyhensel
      03/11/2016

      Wow Deanne! College tuition? You’re ahead of us, maybe we should be asking you!?!? Definitely will pick this one apart. College tuition, allowances, investing …great questions. I will warn you, we do NOT implement a system, like most. For example, college loans! It raises the question, WHO should carry those loans, the child or the parents??? You may be surprised on our thoughts on this one. And it may very well may NOT be the norm. To be continued for sure …..

      Have a fantastic Friday + weekend!!! xo