Nothing like a little hedonism

A single soiree can fan existing interests and prick the surface of new ones writes,

Penny Lett ~ Reporter's Notebook (Chilliwack Progress)

I refused to spit.  I just couldn't do it.

Sure, I'd followed instructions to the letter when it came to swirling for oxygenation, sniffing for bouquet and sucking for flavour.  But I couldn't bring myself to waste a drop of that pinot blanc from the Okanagan's Mission Hill winery.

As the certified wine consultant leading the wine tastings at Bravo Restaurant and Lounge on April 10, Dr. Bill Johnston of Grand Vin Tastings had no such hesitation.  He'd been on duty since 3 pm. that afternoon and, by 6 pm. his silver spittoon held a sufficient level of liquid to prove it.

Between 60 and 70 people attended the restaurant's by-invitation-only, come-and-go Swing Into Spring Soiree that gave attendees a chance to learn not only about good food (from Bravo's owner, Damian du Plessis) and good wine, but about good grooming, good health, good skin care and good interior design.

Undine Miller, owner of Undine's Retreat, was there to tout the myriad services of her popular Airport Road spa.  Indeed, this local queen of relaxation and rejuvenation was treating to a hand massage anyone caring to make a donation to the Ann Davis Transition Society.  Her selfless effort gained the society an unexpected $60.

Though I've personally never had a massage, facial, manicure or pedicure, I was held spellbound as Anelia Basson, skin care technician-in-training, introduced me to the physician-only-prescribed Environ line of skin-care products.  I learned how vitamin C, when applied to the skin before vitamin A, increases the effectiveness of the latter.  Together, along with certain physician-performed procedures, the negative effects of earlier sun damage can be reversed and even removed.  Ms. Basson's husband, Dr. Paul Basson was on hand to answer questions and give general information on the cosmetic and therapeutic uses of Botox and cosmetic fillers.  Botox of course, is most famous - at least among women - for the removal of frown lines, crow's feet and wrinkles in the upper lip and lower face.

While it's unlikely I'll ever be able to tell the difference in product between that pinot blanc or a viognier grape, stop giggling enough to let a registered aroma therapist lay a finger on me, or have the disposable income to fill my medicine cabinet with unguents and my daybook with Botox appointments, I will forever be interested in interior design.

Being able to pepper Wade King, the creator of Bravo's interior, with questions was to me, like having a private consultation with a master.  Though he deals more with huge projects involving large commercial spaces, Mr. King isn't above talking about one's personal space.  In fact, he says small-budget jobs are more fun because they are more of a challenge.

His tips?  Pull your sofas and chairs out from the walls.  Never let things get too 'matchy.'  Give a mirror something to reflect.  Above all, recognize your home is always a 'work in progress.'

Come to think of it, so is good nourishment, good health and beauty.

Bravo! Encore!