About Me

Hello! My name is Lauren, and I am a 28 year old just trying to live life to the fullest.

Enjoying a glass of wine in Vieux Nice

Enjoying a glass of wine in Vieux Nice

Three of my favorite things in life are food, wine, and traveling. This is a blog about celebrating it all while living a balanced and satisfying life.

But let me back up a bit…

I graduated from Elon University in 2006 with a Major in Broadcast Communications, and a Minor in Psychology.  The day after I graduated I boarded a plane to LA to pursue my dream of becoming a TV Host.

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I lived in Los Angeles for two years working at EXTRA, E!, and STYLE. It was quite an amazing and surreal experience, but it wasn’t right for me at that point in my life. I proceeded to move back east, where I am originally from, and seek out the food and wine industry. I had always loved food and wine so I felt this was a perfect opportunity for me to learn more.

Chapoutier Vineyards in Hermitage

Chapoutier Vineyards in Hermitage

Beringer Cellars in Napa Valley

Beringer Cellars in Napa Valley

I took a job at Cecile’s Wine Cellar, now Chain Bridge Cellars, as a wine consultant in July 2008 and have been there ever since. I am now in charge of all the food buying in the store, and I handle the food for all of our tasting events.

It has been such an amazing challenge and treat to learn about wine, and I continue to keep learning everyday.

As part of my job requirement I completed Level 1 and 2 of the International Sommelier Guild, which was a HUGE accomplishment! You can read more about my wine background on the Wine Page.


Food is more to me than fuel. It is something that I think should be embraced and celebrated. I love trying food from around the world, and love learning about the culture behind it all.

Goat Cheese Salad in Cannes, France

Goat Cheese Salad in Cannes, France

In no way shape or form am I an expert on health, food, wine, or weight loss. I just know what I like and I like what I love. I am learning and growing everyday to be more knowledgeable in all these areas, and to be healthier and happier.

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I have no idea what the future holds for me, but I am hopeful it is going to be something I love. I hope I can share my journey through life as I experience Food, Wine, and Traveling-some of the worlds greatest pleasures while maintaining healthy and happy!!

Looking over the vineyards in Tain l'Hermitage, France

Looking over the vineyards in Tain l'Hermitage, France

Sipping on a Panache on the Champs Elysees in Paris, France

Sipping on a Panache on the Champs Elysees in Paris, France

{ 32 comments… read them below or add one }

Richard Riedel August 21, 2009 at 7:45 pm

I really loved your web site you popped up on my page so I decided to write you really look like you are having a blast. Keep up the good work.

Richard

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Lauren August 21, 2009 at 7:57 pm

Thanks so much. It is a lot of fun. I’m glad you enjoy reading it..I enjoy writing it!

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Andrea@WellnessNotes August 23, 2009 at 12:51 pm

Hi There,

I found your blog via Foodbuzz. I loved reading your about page, and your pictures are great! Looking forward to reading more! :)

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Lauren August 23, 2009 at 1:20 pm

I’m so glad you like it. I don’t have a great camera so my pictures are not what I wish they were, but thank you so much for reading. I hope you continue to enjoy my blog in the future!

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natalie September 30, 2009 at 6:50 pm

So glad you found me. I LOVE meeting new people and learning about their stories! I can’t wait to get to know you better!! :) Loved reading your about me!!

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peanutbutterfingers October 2, 2009 at 6:01 pm

Loved learning more about you. Super cute running shoes too! ;)

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Kristen @ Simply Savor October 8, 2009 at 9:32 pm

Loove your about me–what an inspiring story!! I can’t wait to keep reading more from you (just bookmarked that delicious pasta recipe i saw here!) :)

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Katie October 19, 2009 at 11:24 pm

I came upon your blog from a fellow foodie blogger’s page, and I really love your blog, I realized to that you live somewhere near DC, I live in Alexandria, VA, just moved here in June from Pittsburgh , PA, so cool that you are from around the area too! Love your blog ! Have a great night!

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coffee bean grinders October 25, 2009 at 6:04 am

Interesting blog, i have bookmarked it for future referrence.

Greetings from Tim. :)

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talesfromtwocities October 26, 2009 at 11:13 pm

Hi! I like your blog – mine is about food travel and some wine as well. I’m actually looking into getting a wine certification soon, maybe the the WSET one since that is offered by me. Where did you take your ISG course?
Looking forward to reading more!

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Salt October 28, 2009 at 2:14 am

I just wanted to say that I love your blog! I too, was a Maryland transplant in LA for awhile and know just how challenging and different it can be (I moved out there in 2005 and then returned last year).

You are so lucky to have found your niche! I’m looking forward to reading more of your posts!

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Alyson December 9, 2009 at 9:33 am

Just stumbled on your blog, and I love your story. I’m a bit of a ‘jump-arounder’ as well, all with the purpose of following my passions. I look forward to following you :)

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theemptynutjar December 17, 2009 at 8:54 pm

Hi
You have an amazing blog. I started one as well, but its more of life blog – silliness, product reviews, book reviews. I think yours is great :)

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cookinfanatic January 28, 2010 at 6:22 pm

Thanks for stopping by my blog! I am excited to find yours as well and interested in reading more…. looks like we share some very similar interests! :)

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Meredith February 2, 2010 at 1:07 am

I actually chose my school solely based on the location. I was already living and working in Miami, and I didn’t want to break my lease or find a new job. Taking undergrad courses wasn’t too bad. It was hard knowing that it would take longer to finish my degree, but I knew it would be worth it! Let me know if you have any other questions :)

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Jen Sanders February 2, 2010 at 3:15 pm

Lauren,
I found a link to your blog on Fitnessista today, and I have to say I love it! I grew up in the DC area. It’s neat to see someone writing about somewhere close to home!

I love your blog, and will add it to my list to follow! I’m sorry to hear about your stress fracture! I am also suffering from a foot injury, and healing from surgery. It’s tough to get back into working out. What kinds of workouts have you been doing without putting impact on your foot? I’d love to hear some tips! I’m getting so bored and frustrated!!!

I just started a blog a few weeks ago! I’d love it if you checked it out and let me know what you think. I would love to hear any suggestions or ideas, especially about gaining traffic :)
~Jen
Happy Heart, Happy Mind
http://jensanders52.wordpress.com/

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Lara (Thinspired) February 4, 2010 at 12:15 am

Hi Lauren! Thank you for your comments on my blog, and it was nice to connect with you on Twitter, too.
Wow, it sounds like you had a lot of fun out in Hollywood! It’s great that you got to have those experiences and then pursue your other interests, too! I think between travel, food, and wine, we have a lot in common :)

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Allie (Live Laugh Eat) February 17, 2010 at 7:42 am

Hey Lauren!

Thanks for the comment on my blog! Wowza have you accomplished a lot since graduating! I can’t believe you worked for E!, Extra, and Style–so cool! I learned about sommeliers at my wine tasting dinner…I didn’t know you had to be certified. What a cool life you’ve got :)

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Jenna February 24, 2010 at 1:05 am

Hey !
I just found your blog and I can’t wait to read more! I would love it if you could come check out my blog and follow :)
jenna

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Keri February 25, 2010 at 11:13 pm

I love you blog but love you even more. You are amazing

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Joelle (The Pancake Girl) March 19, 2010 at 2:36 pm

I just discovered your blog and I’m so glad! I’m in the D.C. area as well. :)

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Katherine May 7, 2010 at 10:34 pm

Great to know a little about you and glad to see you so happy being healthy. Eating the right foods puts me in such a better mood! You can see it in your smile that you’re doing great!

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Sarina August 23, 2010 at 10:07 pm

Thanks for the comment on my blog! Wowza have you accomplished a lot since graduating! I can’t believe you worked for E!, Extra, and Style–so cool! I learned about sommeliers at my wine tasting dinner…I didn’t know you had to be certified. What a cool life you’ve got
+1

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lindsay October 11, 2010 at 12:42 am

okay so this is my other dream job!! My husband is from New Zealand and i so WANT to move back at work at a vineyward!!

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Dorry November 12, 2010 at 3:54 pm

I’m so glad I found your blog! I love your interests and I’m excited to read more about food, wine and traveling – 3 of my favorite things! :)

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Lauren November 12, 2010 at 3:59 pm

Aww thank you so much! I am a big fan of your blog as well! ;-)

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Jamie January 1, 2011 at 9:08 am

I just found your blog…and adore it. I love that you decided to follow your passion and trust yourself. You’ve got yourself another reader :)

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Kacy February 15, 2011 at 2:52 pm

I love your story! I love wine and agree that food should be an experience! Love your blog!

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Brittanie July 20, 2011 at 5:22 pm

Lauren, I’m so happy I came across your blog! Your posts are amazing. Not sure if you’re in the D.C./Baltimore area, but it sounds like we might be pretty close to one another (I’m in Charm City).

You can definitely count me in on your posts!

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Lauren July 28, 2011 at 12:16 pm

Brittanie-thanks so much for reading! I am in the DC/Baltimore area, and I love meeting new bloggers in this area. Thanks again for stopping by the blog. Hope you enjoy!

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Allison August 19, 2011 at 5:40 pm

I stumbled upon your blog and sounds like we have a lot in common! Look forward to reading future posts… Totes know where you work, although I’ve never been- I grew up in Great Falls/ McLean! Great to see another local :)

P.S. I graduated in May and moved back home to the DC area- are there ever any local blogger meet ups? That would be fun!

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Jackie September 29, 2011 at 5:19 pm

Lauren~What an amazing view on life!! I love it…keep up the interesting reads and I look forward to reading more on them!! Follow what you love!

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