Red wine hot chocolate makes the problems melt away

Sometimes a stressful day calls for taking the wine down off the rack. Sometimes it calls for chocolate. And sometimes it calls for both.

This decadent recipe is perfect for unwinding on a cold. gloomy weekend — or makes for a great after meal drink for dinner guests.

Red Wine Hot Chocolate

1 1/2 cup milk (You can use regular cow’s milk or go dairy-free with almond, soy, coconut, hemp — whatever makes you happy)
1 cup red wine (your choice)
1/3 dark chocolate, roughly chopped (you can use chips too — but avoid opting for powder)

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add milk and chocolate. Whisk slowly until combined. Then pour in your wine and continue to stir until everything is nice and hot. That’s it! Simple. This recipe can fill about two large mugs, but the rich flavor is great for sipping so you can share it with up to six people if you opt for smaller portions.

Organize-It selected as Best of MichBusiness 2015 Winner

ROCHESTER HILLS, MI – The storage and organization retailer, Organize-It, has recently been recognized as a finalist in the 2015 Best of MichBusiness. The retailer and e-commerce website won the Design Star title in recognition of their ongoing effort to design, create and install the best in custom closet organizers.

Sales Manager Mike Kornechuk works at the design showcase at Organize-It in Shelby Twp, Mich. Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015.

Sales Manager Mike Kornechuk works at the design showcase at Organize-It in Shelby Twp, Mich. Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015.

Sales Manager Mike Korenchuk, whose exemplary work was the basis for the nomination, says he is grateful for the excellent team he works with every day.

“I’m surprised and humbled by the Best of MichBusiness [award], but I have to point out that we have a great team. I try not to forget how lucky we are,” said Korenchuk.

Organize-It has been offering customers the opportunity to design their dream closet for almost twenty years. At Organize-It, the homeowner is on the design team. An informative consultation allows designers like Korenchuk the opportunity to take measurements and create a 3D replica via drafting software. Viewing this either at the Organize-It design showcase, during a home visit or virtually from anywhere across the continental U.S., homeowners can help design their organizational system and decide what best fits their needs. This attention to detail and customer satisfaction is what separates Organize-It from other big-box closet outfitters.

Sales Manager Mike Kornechuk works at the design showcase at Organize-It in Shelby Twp, Mich. Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015.

Sales Manager Mike Kornechuk works at the design showcase at Organize-It in Shelby Twp, Mich. Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015.

“[We] transform the space so that it works as hard as possible for that client’s unique needs,” said Korenchuk.

Organize-It offers multiple options for closet systems. Customers can choose from basic wire shelf systems, ideal for kitchen pantries or hall closets, to modular systems for bedrooms and, now, full wood systems with a myriad of choices.

MichBusiness is an online community powered by the Michigan Business & Professional Association. The Best of MichBusiness was created to recognize and honor those who make Michigan an excellent place for professionals and businesses.

Sales Manager Mike Kornechuk works at the design showcase at Organize-It in Shelby Twp, Mich. Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015.

Sales Manager Mike Kornechuk works at the design showcase at Organize-It in Shelby Twp, Mich. Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015.

An independent retailer established in 1997, Organize-It works with a growing number of vendors to provide the best in storage, organizing and home products. Through their e-commerce websites, Organize-It offers approximately 20,000 unique products. The retailer has a storefront in Shelby Township, Mich., where they offer custom closet design and installation services.  For more information about Organize-It, go to organizeit.com.

# # #

Another option: creating a tie drawer

The search for the best tie storage continues.

This week, we’re looking into drawer organizers. While I typically warn against keeping expensive, quality ties in a drawer, using the correct type of organizer can be a perfect match. Large tie collections are best managed when you can see them all at once. Dedicating one or two dresser drawers to a proper organizer can make this possible. Create a tie drawer:Dresser Organizer - 9 Compartment Image

Cubbies

Inserts are really the best option. Using an organizing tray makes it super easy to create the exact system you need — no more, no less. This nine compartment design is great for the average Joe. The fabric lining protects silk ties from snags, tears or anything else.

A honeycomb divider is great for ties too. The small cubbies accommodate ties, belts or dress socks. You can properly roll up your ties and keep them one-to-a-cubby to best organize and protect them. The honeycomb shape is great for ties too.

Drawer dividers

You can utilize dividers to crate a more permanent organizer too. Drawer dividers are an easy way to create multiple storage areas in one drawer. Separate a drawer so you can keep all you ties, dress socks and other accessories in one, convenient place. These cool bamboo dividers are spring loaded and super simple to install. Padded ends protect your furniture from scratches and wear.