Up first this month are the birthday peeps - VIRGO!
For a pinch more foodie info on your Sun Sign, see the all-star Quickfire!

Virgo - August 23 to September 22
You couldn’t ask for a better birthday month of alignments for relationship regeneration. Among the positive is the full moon in Pisces on the 4th adding charisma to your powers of attraction. This is great for personal and business socializing… say YES to everything on your calendar! New moon and Venus in your sign add to the connecting frenzy and open you up to new experiences. Use this momentum to venture into uncharted food choices, try it… you may like it! Happy Birthday!

Your pairing: Crimini mushroom risotto cakes on a bed of parmesan dusted arugula paired with a peppery Zinfandel.

_______________________

Libra - September 23 to October 22
Early month brings high energy, fulfilling work and creativity will pay off, but choose methods carefully. Use your talent for connecting to bring people together at power lunches. Later in the month, several planetary alignments and clashes cause potential for stressful sudden change. Consider postponing major decisions till Fall when vision is clearer. Don’t miss your scheduled pampering, but it share with loved ones and take the opportunity to visit a favorite French restaurant with a view. Weekends were made for downtime, but don’t avoid issues that need to be flushed out.

Your pairing: Buttery Crêpes Suzette flamed with orange Curacao coupled with a brut Champagne (don’t forget to wear your black tie or pearls or act as if!).

_______________________

Scorpio - October 23 to November 21
The full moon on the 4th ignites creativity and opportunities to shine and impress. Capitalize on this quickly because a bit of a rocky middle-month orbital configuration puts difficulties with friends or groups in your path. Help is on the way with Mars in Cancer bringing an assist with crisis management. Get a new perspective with a recreation class or museum visit paired with your favorite seafood meal. Health and spirit are in need of cleansing, try bikram yoga.

Your pairing: Seared Yellowfin tuna steak with wasabi crème fraiche paired with citrus aromatic Beaujolais.

_______________________

Sagittarius - November 22 to December 2
As Venus advances in Leo you’re open to new adventures and old acquaintances may find you on Facebook; to friend or not, you hold the keystroke. Other planetary parties give motivation to finish startups from August. Keep projects moving forward so new opportunities will unveil. If tensions rise or breaking points peak, remain calm and reflective at the local café bookstore while you wait out the storm. Find yourself traveling in the cooking section; it’s the new self-help. Mars in Cancer highlights money-making opportunities… bank it for now.

Your pairing: Chicken tacos al carbon with spicy pinto beans para llevar... (taco truck, it’s the new diner) – paired with a smokey Tempranillo.

_______________________

Capricorn - December 22 to January 19
This month will bring many challenges for you with lots of planetary malarkey affecting your path. Say no to non-reversible decisions and listen closely to trusted friends who have your best interests at heart. The upside is Mars in Cancer keeps passions flaming for current and new relationships. Treat yourself to three courses with someone special at that new seafood-grille restaurant you’ve been eyeing… relax and keep your focus.

Your pairing: Panko-fried tilapia filet with poblano potato gratin served with a buttery Chardonnay.

_______________________

Aquarius - January 20 to February 18
The bugger alignment of Saturn in Uranus affects your financial zone. Have lunch with your close advisors and hold off on major decisions. Check everything that requires accounting. A much-deserved breather is essential to maintain balance. Take your time out with an alternative activity to refresh and reflect. Couples are in synch and new relationships flourish over excellent wine pairings at the local tasting room.

Your pairing: Julienned Portobello mushrooms with peppered gnocchi paired with an earthy Pinot Noir.

_______________________

Pisces - February 19 to March 20
Your gift is your smoothly blended foundation, like a fine wine you adapt to whatever is thrown your way with grace and vision. This month will have some of those challenges. Your indecisive nature is in overdrive so put off what you can and spend more time being creative with friends. Take a weekend cake-decorating class or go fishing with your buddies. The results of both would dish up nicely at a romantic dinner!

Your pairing: Grilled lamb chops with mint pesto and summer squash carpaccio paired with a rich Meritage.

_______________________

Aries - March 21 to April 19
Avoid burn out from planetary challenges this month by taking it easy on commitments and hasty decisions. Choose words with care before you ‘send’. Full moon on the 4th increases successful socializing. Make lots of new connections in person at community affairs. Find balance with musical time outs… a concert, dinner theater, and singing in the shower should be on your agenda. Money matters mid-month will be interesting; don’t rush into that restaurant partnership just yet.

Your pairing: Kick off football season with Cowboy Spaghetti and pair it with a thick and juicy Carbernet!

_______________________

Taurus - April 20 to May 20
The orbital chaos this month reflects on your relationships and group activities stalling progress and creating frustration. Compromise is your mantra, be patient, it’s temporary. On the upside, you’re mind has über clarity on important issues and information gathering. Venus in Leo puts the spotlight on friends… enjoy lots of social time with them; pot luck gatherings and cooking for others is relaxing for you.

Your pairing: Ooey-gooey beefy macaroni and cheese, watercress frisee salad and a crispy-tart Sauvignon Blanc.

_______________________

Gemini - May 21 to June 20
This is a great time to install the new kitchen appliances and break them in with a big family meal. Mercury retrograde and new moon (18th) in Virgo causes changes in domestic life; relocation, new roommate comes or goes, and home repairs or upgrades. It’s difficult to maintain the status quo, let go of control. The sun moving into Libra later in the month flares up good solar energy for you carrying into October… set up plans for socializing to take advantage of the vitality.

Your pairing: Char-grilled lobster tails over capellini with fresh tomato, basil and garlic paired with a creamy Viognier.

_______________________

Cancer - June 21 to July 22
Your career could benefit from a workshop or full class track if you want a shift in path. You can tap into all the energy you require for this and much needed physical activity. Be careful though, you are prone to mishaps so have a spotter with you at the food processor and do some team cooking. Avoid contentious neighbors this month, sorry no block parties. Venus in Leo will give you an assist with your bank account; double check figures and hang on to it!

Your pairing: Grilled snapper Caesar salad and chipotle croutons and a crisp Pinot Grigio.

_______________________

Leo - July 23 to August 22
Get your car serviced and avoid the dreaded break down! This month’s best news is Venus in your sign, which gives you universal powers to attract anything you want. Your wish is its command, but don’t keep it a secret, share the dream. Romance is a top priority; leave approachable spaces on your calendar and close ties to your favorite restaurant for spontaneity.

Your pairing: Tyler Florence’s Ultimate Burger, nuf said! Wash it down with a slightly chilled Chianti.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY STARS!