Flu Fighting

It seems to be a hot topic of conversation - how to prevent the flu, how to fight it if you've got it, who has it. Colds and flu are an inevitable part of winter. But there are ways to help keep the little beasties at bay. These are very simple, common sense things that we can all do with little effort.

• Wash your hands - often. It's a mantra you've heard over and over again, but it's a valid point. Wash you hands to be rid of germs and bacteria you pick up through out the day. If you're worried about over drying your hands, just keep a moisturizer like one of our Lotion Bars near by to keep hands clean - and soft.
  

• If you work in an office, wipe it down at least once a day. At my office, I wipe down my phone, keyboard, stapler, tape dispenser, mouse, desktop, pen, arm rest and anything else that not only I but others may have touched. I use a disinfectant wipe, or a little hand sanitizer on a napkin. I do this at least once a day - sometimes twice if it's been one of those hectic crazy days.
  

• Wipe it down at home too. At home, I have white distilled vinegar infused with mint and citrus. I use this to wipe down doorknobs, phones, keyboards, pens, cabinet handles, latches, remotes and other things we're all grabbing without thinking. Just be careful with electronics. I spray the dust cloth, not the keyboard.

• Use a tissue. Some people are handkerchief people. It has a certain convenience to it and is perfectly suitable for a single sneeze or a little wipe. But if you're fighting flu or flu season - go for tissues. And pitch them out as soon as they are used. There's nothing quite as yucky as a used tissue lying around on tables.

• Eat Right. Simple, and sensible. Adding beta-carotene rich foods (those orange colored goodies like orange-colored vegetables, including carrots, squash, pumpkins and sweet potatoes) have lots of vitamin C and help build your immune system.

• Chestnuts Roasting on an open fire - or in stew or salad. Chestnuts, those holiday gems fabled in song and story, are low fat and high fiber. They are and excellent source of potassium, folate, vitamins B6 and C, and bolster the immune system to fight infections and stave off the flu.

• Get your sleep. Getting at least 7 hours of sleep every night (8 is better) helps maintain your immune system and keeps your body working at it's best. After just 3 nights of reduced sleep, studies show your immune system function can drop as much as 60%. So go to bed.

And that's just what I'm going to do. After all, I don't want to catch the flu - I prefer to just talk about it.

Cape May Arts & Crafts for Victorian Week CANCELED

This event has been canceled due to the pending storm. It's a shame - but better to stay warm!

We're heading down to Cape May again this weekend for the

Crafts & Antiques for Victorian Week
Emlen Physick Estate
Saturday, October 17
10am-4pm

We love Cape May, and the Emlen Physick Estate is a beautiful, historic part of that lovely town. Over 50 crafters will be featured at this event.

This is a rain or shine event, and its free of charge. So, short of a monsoon, we'll be there. Bring an umbrella and stop by! Make a weekend of it because there are so many great things to do during Victorian Week.

Hope to see you there!

It's Wine Time! Come to the Cape May Wine Festival

Music, food, amazingly wonderful New Jersey wines and a spectacular view are just the beginnings of the Cape May Wine Festival. This is the last of the festivals sponsored by the Garden State Wine Growers Association - well, at least for the season.

Join us!

CAPE MAY WINE FESTIVAL OCT. 10 & 11 CAPE MAY LEWES FERRY TERMINAL, Cape May, NJ October 10 & 11 from noon to 5:00 p.m.

Tickets for the festival are $20 a person at the gate. Advance tickets for the festival can be purchased only at the association web site for $18 a person. A discount price of $16 per person is available for bus groups and group sales of 15 or more.

We always have a wonderful time at the wine festivals, and the cool autumn days are perfect for a picnic on the terminal grounds. Celebrate the bountiful harvest and growing wine industry of New Jersey! There will be craft vendors (like ourselves) as well as a wonderful selection of food and wines. Bring a chair and spend the day!

It's Grand Harvest Festival Time at Alba Vineyards

Autumn, the time of harvest and celebration. Cool, crisp days that may require a sweater of light jacket, but don't chase you in side. These are days to revel in natures beauty. How best to celebrate? Does sitting on the grounds of a vast vineyard, enjoying an amazing selection of award winning wines, listening to terrific music while enjoying a variety of yummy food offerings and browsing fine crafts and vendors sound good?

Then join us at the

GRAND HARVEST WINE FESTIVAL
October 3 & 4 from noon to 5:00 p.m.

at Alba Vineyard, Village of Finesville, Milford, NJ

This is one of the most fun filled wine events of the season. It takes place at the lovely Alba Vineyards in Hunterdon County. Entertaining the crowd with be the always lively and entertaining VooDUDEs. The event is sponsored by the Garden State Wine Growers Association, and over 20 vineyards from around the state are expected to participate. Admission is $20, which gets you a wrist band and wine tasting glass. If you aren't planning on drinking, admission is $10.

We're excited to be going to this wonderful all out party. And even if it rains, we'll be there having a great time. Hope you'll join us!