I won't bore you with what I fork out every 6-8 weeks when I visit the hairdresser - but let's just say it's eyewatering. I try to justify it to myself by saying "It's enforced relaxation Yvonne, when do you ever just sit and read magazines for two hours? You deserve it." Included in the cost is as many flat whites as I can handle, all manner of exotic juices and best of all, if I happen to be there after midday, a glass of wine while my scalp marinates. I like this a lot, the wine I mean, not my fizzing skull.
So as I'm all about the extras, I was particularly interested to hear (and this comes from the "only in America" files) that dentists across Manhattan have been serving complimentary glasses of wine to their patients to help take the edge off the scary dental work.
As reported in dnainfo.com, one dentist in the Nolita neighbourhood features a small table in the waiting room with a collection of glassware alongside a bucket of bottles of red and white wine for patients to pour for themselves and sip at their leisure. It's one of several dental practices around the city to offer the service, according to a longtime patient and online reviews. "It's an extra something that helps you dread the dentist a little less. I don't know why more places don't do it, quite frankly," said a 29-year-old patient who asked that her name not be used. "The wine helps take the edge off."
One small problem though, is that apparently none of the dentists' offices have been licensed by the correct authorities and they're not allowed to serve the wine even if it's free.
Apparently the idea came about because dentists wanted to create "spa-like" environments, where their patients feel like they're having a treat rather than an uncomfortable treatment. "We offer the beverages as part of our efforts to create a welcoming, boutique, spa-like environment in the office and make patients more comfortable," said Dr David Janash of Park South Dentistry, which also offers its patients complimentary coconut water, juices and tea. "We also provide cosy blankets for people while they get treatments and warm, scented towels to refresh their face and hands. Our patients love it," Janash added. Dnainfo.com also revealed that complimentary drinks aren't just the domain of dentists, in fact veterinarians were also offering home-brewed beer to waiting pet owners. Nice.
Leaving on a Rav 4So the other situation is, the Lorkins are officially packing up the house and moving home to Hawke's Bay. Christchurch, we've given you three and a half years and it's time to go. We arrived just weeks before the earthquakes and as much as you did your best to welcome us we just couldn't settle. Thank you for providing fantastic schools for our children, friends and neighbours whom we love and will miss, wonderful wineries and wine people and the best DVD store in the world (I will cry for you Alice in Videoland)
We have an entire household to sort out, years of collected guff to slash and burn; to trailer off to the recycling depot and deliver to the Salvation Army, the clothing bins and the tip. We have mail to re-direct, utilities to disconnect, schools to de-enrol and re-enrol, ovens to clean, skirting boards, window sills and cupboards to scrub, freezers to de-frost and ugh, a pantry to clean. But the thing that's stressing me out the most is what wines to pack in the car and which to entrust with the packers? First world problems I know. But here are some of the crackers I managed to try before the chaos descended.
Gladstone Vineyard Sophie's Choice Reserve 2012 $35
Only 100 cases were made of this 100 per cent barrel-fermented, barrel-aged sauvignon blanc, which is crafted as a tribute to "Sophie" their late but much-loved golden retriever. The wine is golden and glossy and scented with frangipani, roasted stonefruit and summer flowers. This is my kind of sauvignon. www.gladstonevineyard.co.nz
The Elder Martinborough Pinot Noir 2012 $62
Sourced from fruit grown in their "Hansons" vineyard and crafted by Paul Mason of Martinborough Vineyard, this is a fruity, succulent, vibrant pinot noir with a solid backbone, supple texture and subtle spices on the finish. Very elegant and pretty. www.theelderpinot.co.nz
Paddy Borthwick Wairarapa Sauvignon Blanc 2014 $22
1/2Lifted and lemony, very floral and sweet, this wine even has a hint of sweat and underlined with tropical tones. Crafted by one of Martinborough's most experienced winemakers, it's a darn decent example of a new sauvignon blanc - and will appeal to those who like a lighter style. www.moorewilsons.co.nz
Greywacke Marlborough Riesling 2011 $29
Bursting with lime and honeysuckle, candied mandarin, crunchy-sweet apple characters, soft spices and amazing acidity. This is a spunky, edgy riesling that's only getting better with age. www.greywacke.com