Lauren Bessette

This past month, over 800 members of the American Medical Association Medical Student Section attended the 2016 interim meeting in Orlando, FL. This was my first meeting, and I was blown away by how much of an impact this group of amazing individuals has on policy. Most of the meetings were spent discussing and proposing policy, but there were also opportunities for educational sessions, research presentations, and a clinical skills demonstration. Being around so many people

And just like that, it is officially CHRISTMAS TIME! Before I dive head first into Cyber Monday craziness, I wanted to recap my Thanksgiving weekend. As I mentioned before, this was my first Thanksgiving to host, and it was definitely a learning experience. Cooking for that many people, so many different dishes, can be quite the task. Not to mention my tiny kitchen! I am convinced that if I can cook a holiday feast for 8 in my kitchen, I can do anything! We cooked all the tra

Name La Finca Varietal Malbec Region Mendoza Country Argentina Year 2015 Price $4.99 Malbec is becoming more and more popular every year. When I was working behind the bar, I would sell almost as much Malbec as I did Cabernet Sauvignon. Even though Malbec originally hails from France, nearly 70% is now grown in Argentina. When I grab a bottle of Malbec, I typically pick one from Mendoza, Argentina. France tends to produce a Malbec with more structure, heavier tannins, and a m

Holiday season is upon us! With that, the party invites are beginning to pile up. When friends and family graciously host a party, I love bringing a little gift with me to the party. I often will just bring a bottle of wine, but during the holidays I like adding something special. Here are 5 gift ideas to bring the host of your next holiday party: 1. Margarita Glasses + Tequila: Who doesn't love a good margarita? Margarita glasses are a fun addition to a bottle of tequila.

This is a favorite on the Thanksgiving table in our house! It is the perfect spin on traditional stuffing with its rich and earthy flavors. I love that it can be made ahead of time and just popped into the oven to heat before serving. With all of the craziness going on in the kitchen on Thanksgiving, having one less thing to prepare the day of is always nice! This recipe makes quite a bit of stuffing, but can easily be cut in half. Wild Rice Stuffing Ingredients: 16 ounces of

Name Henry Fessy Beaujolais Villages Varietal Gamay Region Beaujolais Country France Year 2014 Price $12.10 Happy Beaujolais Nouveau Day! The 3rd Thursday of November is celebrated with fireworks, music and festivals in France. Under French law, Beaujolais Nouveau is released at 12:01am on Thursday, just weeks after harvest. The celebration marks the consumption of the first wines of the season. A litte bit about Beaujolais This wine is made from the Gamay grape in a small re

Name Petit Varietal Pinotage Region Stellenbosch Country South Africa Year 2014 Price $11.27 What a week! As I clean the house, do some much needed laundry, and pack for my trip this weekend, I decided I should enjoy a little vino to make the housework a little more enjoyable. This Pinotage is doing just the trick! I immediately get the smoky bacon, followed by plum, cherries, and spice. A delicious wine for a cool, fall evening around the house. I am really wishing I had som

With the holiday season fast approaching, I have been getting ready to host my first Thanksgiving! I am so excited and cannot wait for my family to get in town! I have been doing a little shopping and had to share all the cute things I found. Any tips or tricks for this Thanksgiving hostess first-timer? 1. Riedel Old World Pinot Noir Glasses 2. Gibson "Get Stuffed" Stoneware Serving Platter 3. Thirstystone Marble & Wood Serving Board 4. Cambridge Everyday 20 pc. Flatware Set

Y'all, FOUR INGREDIENTS! And it is sure to be the prettiest dessert in the holiday spread. I am so excited about my family coming to stay with us for Thanksgiving, so I have started trying out some new dessert recipes to serve while they are here. This apple tarte tatin recipe is definitely a winner! Incredibly easy and even more delicious! The Perfect Apple Tarte Tatin 4-6 apples, cored and sliced 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 cup butter 1 sheet of puff pastry Preheat oven to 325 degree

Name Kono Varietal Sauvignon Blanc Region Marlborough Country New Zealand Year 2015 Price $11.96 After a long day, I love coming home to a crisp and refreshing glass of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. When first learning to blind taste, New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs really helped my confidence. They are so distinct and easy to distinguish once you learn the characteristic notes. Marlborough is located on the South Island, and is known as the main growing region in New Zealand. Th