Tips2LiveBy 📚 🍷 🏝 🎵
@tips2liveby.bsky.social
Blogger who loves travel, music, wine, food and books! Follow my blog at www.tips2liveby.com.
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November 2025 Book Reviews!
Looking for the perfect gift for the reader on your list? Check out my book reviews for this month. Be sure to look for my "highly recommended" books!
www.tips2liveby.com
Looking for the perfect gift for the book reader in your life? Check out my blog post with this month's book reviews for some great ideas! #BookSky💙📚
www.tips2liveby.com/post/novembe...
www.tips2liveby.com/post/novembe...
"Puna Poison" is the fun debut novel by Javier Rodriguez that follows the story of Jack after he grows an amazing new strain of pot in Hawaii he calls Puna Poison. Check out my full review on Goodreads or The Story Graph (first comment). #BookSky💙📚
www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Christine's review of Puna Poison
3/5: When Jack perfects a strain of pot that is much better than anything anyone else has come up with (which he names Puna Poison), his operation suddenly draws the attention of a number of people. A...
www.goodreads.com
December 14, 2025 at 2:07 PM
"Puna Poison" is the fun debut novel by Javier Rodriguez that follows the story of Jack after he grows an amazing new strain of pot in Hawaii he calls Puna Poison. Check out my full review on Goodreads or The Story Graph (first comment). #BookSky💙📚
www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Wine Advent Calendar Day #11 is a red blend from California done in the Bordeaux style. Nice big wine and very juicy with a dry finish and some pepper from the Cab Franc. #WineSky
December 11, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Wine Advent Calendar Day #11 is a red blend from California done in the Bordeaux style. Nice big wine and very juicy with a dry finish and some pepper from the Cab Franc. #WineSky
As an introvert, I hoped that "The Satisfied Introvert" by Benjamin Plumb would give me some good tips. It didn't. Read my full review on Goodreads or The Story Graph (first comment) to find out why. #BookSky💙📚
www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Christine's review of The Satisfied Introvert
2/5: As a through and through introvert, I was excited to read this book and hopefully get some tips. In general, I don't feel like an introvert has hindered me in any way in my life or cause me any i...
www.goodreads.com
December 11, 2025 at 9:03 PM
As an introvert, I hoped that "The Satisfied Introvert" by Benjamin Plumb would give me some good tips. It didn't. Read my full review on Goodreads or The Story Graph (first comment) to find out why. #BookSky💙📚
www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Happy 81st Birthday, Brenda Lee! This Christmas classic was recorded in 1958. When it hit number one on the charts in 2023, it made Lee the oldest artist to ever hit number one! #MusicSky
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFsZ...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFsZ...
Brenda Lee - Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree (Official Music Video)
YouTube video by BrendaLeeVEVO
www.youtube.com
December 11, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Happy 81st Birthday, Brenda Lee! This Christmas classic was recorded in 1958. When it hit number one on the charts in 2023, it made Lee the oldest artist to ever hit number one! #MusicSky
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFsZ...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFsZ...
Wine Advent Calendar Day #10. This Australian Shiraz is very interesting. Rosemary on the nose and dark berry in the mouth. Yummy! #WineSky
December 10, 2025 at 10:49 PM
Wine Advent Calendar Day #10. This Australian Shiraz is very interesting. Rosemary on the nose and dark berry in the mouth. Yummy! #WineSky
Reposted by Tips2LiveBy 📚 🍷 🏝 🎵
You might see Nero d’Avola listed under its other name “Calabrese.” It is confusing because it sounds like it is from Calabria but most experts think it is actually just a Sicilian dialect word that got Italianized. Either way it is the same grape. wattwines.com/wine-varieta...
Nero d’Avola Wine varietal - Exploring styles with Watt Wines
Watt Wines - Pairing wines with wine lovers. A comprehensive search facility of wine regions, wineries and their features.
wattwines.com
December 10, 2025 at 8:54 PM
You might see Nero d’Avola listed under its other name “Calabrese.” It is confusing because it sounds like it is from Calabria but most experts think it is actually just a Sicilian dialect word that got Italianized. Either way it is the same grape. wattwines.com/wine-varieta...
Day #10 of this year's Wine Advent Calendar is a Gewurztraminer! Glad to have a white wine today and this one is very aromatic. Definitely get the rose petals smell, but a nice fruity finish. #WineSky
December 10, 2025 at 1:15 AM
Day #10 of this year's Wine Advent Calendar is a Gewurztraminer! Glad to have a white wine today and this one is very aromatic. Definitely get the rose petals smell, but a nice fruity finish. #WineSky
Reposted by Tips2LiveBy 📚 🍷 🏝 🎵
Climate change is hitting Sicily hard so researchers are launching a project called “InnoNDA.” They are experimenting with new yeasts and canopy management to naturally lower alcohol levels without losing flavor. www.gamberorossointernational.com/news/a-low-a...
A low-alcohol Nero d'Avola. A new chapter begins for Sicilian wine
The experimentation by Assovini Sicilia with the University of Milan to produce a fresher, lighter product is now underway. Currently, four wineries are involved
www.gamberorossointernational.com
December 9, 2025 at 6:42 PM
Climate change is hitting Sicily hard so researchers are launching a project called “InnoNDA.” They are experimenting with new yeasts and canopy management to naturally lower alcohol levels without losing flavor. www.gamberorossointernational.com/news/a-low-a...
Reposted by Tips2LiveBy 📚 🍷 🏝 🎵
Happy birthday to Donny Osmond, born on this day in 1957. The teen idol behind hits like "Go Away Little Girl" and "Puppy Love," and a key voice of The Osmonds, who sold over 75 million records with classics like "One Bad Apple" and "Love Me For A Reason."
December 9, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Happy birthday to Donny Osmond, born on this day in 1957. The teen idol behind hits like "Go Away Little Girl" and "Puppy Love," and a key voice of The Osmonds, who sold over 75 million records with classics like "One Bad Apple" and "Love Me For A Reason."
"Heavy" by Kiese Laymon is a memoir written in the form of a letter from the author to his mother. This book is #60 on the NY Times list of "The 100 Best Books of the 21st Century" and well worth your time. Full review on Goodreads or The Story Graph. #BookSky💙📚
www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Christine's review of Heavy
4/5: This memoir is written in the form of a letter by the author, Kiese Laymon, to his mother. As you discover in the book, Laymon has a difficult relationship with his mother throughout his life. Wh...
www.goodreads.com
December 9, 2025 at 4:12 PM
"Heavy" by Kiese Laymon is a memoir written in the form of a letter from the author to his mother. This book is #60 on the NY Times list of "The 100 Best Books of the 21st Century" and well worth your time. Full review on Goodreads or The Story Graph. #BookSky💙📚
www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Wine Advent Calendar Day #8 is a California Cab Sauv. Tobacco on the nose, although not overpowering. Berry and some vanilla in the finish. Nice and complex with good tannins. #WineSky
December 9, 2025 at 1:14 AM
Wine Advent Calendar Day #8 is a California Cab Sauv. Tobacco on the nose, although not overpowering. Berry and some vanilla in the finish. Nice and complex with good tannins. #WineSky
"Under The Naga Tail" is a compelling memoir telling the story of Mae Taing and what he went through during the Cambodian genocide in the 1970s. Read my full review on Goodreads or The Story Graph (first comment). #BookSky💙📚
www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Christine's review of Under the Naga Tail
4/5: This is a truly compelling memoir which tells the story of Mae Taing during the Cambodian genocide of the 1970s. The story is written by his son, James, after having his father recount to him the...
www.goodreads.com
December 8, 2025 at 9:52 PM
"Under The Naga Tail" is a compelling memoir telling the story of Mae Taing and what he went through during the Cambodian genocide in the 1970s. Read my full review on Goodreads or The Story Graph (first comment). #BookSky💙📚
www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Reposted by Tips2LiveBy 📚 🍷 🏝 🎵
Nero d’Avola translates to “Black of Avola” which sounds like a cool pirate name but actually refers to a small town on the southeast coast of Sicily. The grapes are dark skinned which gives the wine that deep color. vincawine.com/blogs/news/n...
Nero d’Avola: The Ultimate Guide to Sicily’s Iconic Red Grape
When it comes to bold, distinctive red wines, Nero d'Avola stands out as Sicily’s pride and joy. If you're a fan of rich, fruity, and complex reds, this grape variety is going to appeal to you. In thi...
vincawine.com
December 8, 2025 at 9:40 PM
Nero d’Avola translates to “Black of Avola” which sounds like a cool pirate name but actually refers to a small town on the southeast coast of Sicily. The grapes are dark skinned which gives the wine that deep color. vincawine.com/blogs/news/n...
Check out this week's episode of The Wine Pair Podcast as they explore another Italian wine. #WineSky
We are heading to Sicily for the 20th installment of our Italian Wine Adventures. This time we are tackling the island’s most important red grape Nero d’Avola. The big question: is it worth the trip?
thewinepairpodcast.com/episode/ital...
thewinepairpodcast.com/episode/ital...
Italian Wine Adventure #20: Nero d’Avola! | The Wine Pair Podcast - Find Great Wines Without Breaking the Bank
Known as the King of Sicily, Nero d’Avola is a wine that can be very approachable and fruity, and might just be the wine that you need to serve your friends and...
thewinepairpodcast.com
December 8, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Check out this week's episode of The Wine Pair Podcast as they explore another Italian wine. #WineSky
Interesting podcast on the state of the wine industry in California and the current crisis. Too many grapes and not enough wine sales. #WineSky
www.wsj.com/podcasts/the...
www.wsj.com/podcasts/the...
California's Wine Industry Is in Crisis - The Journal. - WSJ Podcasts
The U.S. wine industry hasn’t had it this bad since Prohibition. WSJ’s Laura Cooper reports from Sonoma County, California, a major region for American wine production, on why growers are drowning in ...
www.wsj.com
December 8, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Interesting podcast on the state of the wine industry in California and the current crisis. Too many grapes and not enough wine sales. #WineSky
www.wsj.com/podcasts/the...
www.wsj.com/podcasts/the...
Wine Advent Calendar Day #7 is a red blend from Australia. Predominantly Shiraz and Cab Sauv with a little Merlot, I get lots of blackberry and blueberry. Good tannins from the Cab. Smooth finish from the Merlot. This is a nice one! #WineSky
December 7, 2025 at 11:34 PM
Wine Advent Calendar Day #7 is a red blend from Australia. Predominantly Shiraz and Cab Sauv with a little Merlot, I get lots of blackberry and blueberry. Good tannins from the Cab. Smooth finish from the Merlot. This is a nice one! #WineSky
"Dashing Through The Snow" is a Christmas-themed mystery. A quick read, but not a lot of substance. Is it worth your time? Check out my full review on Goodreads or The Story Graph (first comment). #BookSky💙📚
www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Christine's review of Dashing Through the Snow
2/5: I had this one on my bookshelf for a while and had been waiting for the holidays to pick it up and read it since it was Christmas themed. If you are looking for a quick little Christmas mystery, ...
www.goodreads.com
December 6, 2025 at 3:45 PM
"Dashing Through The Snow" is a Christmas-themed mystery. A quick read, but not a lot of substance. Is it worth your time? Check out my full review on Goodreads or The Story Graph (first comment). #BookSky💙📚
www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Reposted by Tips2LiveBy 📚 🍷 🏝 🎵
Before landing at Septenary Corry Craighill worked harvests in South Africa, California, France, and Australia. She brings that global perspective back to Virginia soil. It is a great conversation about how travel shapes the way you farm and ferment.
thewinepairpodcast.com/episode/spec...
thewinepairpodcast.com/episode/spec...
Special Episode! The Virginia Winemakers Series #3: Corry Craighill of Septenary Winery | The Wine Pair Podcast - Find Great Wines Without Breaking the Bank
In the third installment of our Virginia winemaker’s series, we meet Corry Craighill who is the head winemaker at Septenary Winery as well as her own small...
thewinepairpodcast.com
December 5, 2025 at 11:05 PM
Before landing at Septenary Corry Craighill worked harvests in South Africa, California, France, and Australia. She brings that global perspective back to Virginia soil. It is a great conversation about how travel shapes the way you farm and ferment.
thewinepairpodcast.com/episode/spec...
thewinepairpodcast.com/episode/spec...
Happy 69th Birthday Peter Buck! From one of my very favorite bands. Here's the song that started it all for R.E.M. #MusicSky
www.youtube.com/watch?v=okCD...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=okCD...
Radio Free Europe
YouTube video by R.E.M. - Topic
www.youtube.com
December 6, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Happy 69th Birthday Peter Buck! From one of my very favorite bands. Here's the song that started it all for R.E.M. #MusicSky
www.youtube.com/watch?v=okCD...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=okCD...
Wine Advent Calendar Day #5! A California rose made from Pinot Noir grapes. Lots of watermelon on the nose and strawberry and vanilla in the mouth. Nice and dry and crisp! #WineSky
December 5, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Wine Advent Calendar Day #5! A California rose made from Pinot Noir grapes. Lots of watermelon on the nose and strawberry and vanilla in the mouth. Nice and dry and crisp! #WineSky
In "West Point to Wall Street", author Omar Ritter shares his journey to mental wellness. As an overachiever his whole life, the extra stress he put on himself almost broke him. Check out my full review on Goodreads or The Story Graph (first comment). #BookSky💙📚
www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Christine's review of West Point to Wall Street
4/5: Omar Ritter has been an over achiever his entire life. After growing up in challenging circumstances - his parents divorced when he was young and his father was in the military, leading to numero...
www.goodreads.com
December 5, 2025 at 6:48 PM
In "West Point to Wall Street", author Omar Ritter shares his journey to mental wellness. As an overachiever his whole life, the extra stress he put on himself almost broke him. Check out my full review on Goodreads or The Story Graph (first comment). #BookSky💙📚
www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
