GourmetStation, the leading national merchant for gourmet dinners and fine food gifts, announced the introduction of their new complimentary MP3 music program in partnership with Portuguese composer and performer, Rui Serodio.

(PRWEB) December 15, 2008 -- GourmetStation is pleased to announce their new complimentary MP3 music program in partnership with Portuguese composer and performer, Rui Serodio. All GourmetStation patrons making a purchase will receive an invitation to listen to sample music then download a complimentary MP3. All selections are created by Mr. Serodio and are positioned as New Age Music straight from the heart of Europe. In addition to the complimentary program, patrons may also purchase Mr. Serodio's songs from the GourmetStation website.

Over fifteen music selections are available. GourmetStation food gifts are purchased to celebrate life occasions such as anniversary, birthday, or romance and many songs have been recommended to fit these occasions. In addition to occasion oriented songs, nine additional songs are offered from Rui Serodio's CD entitled Sounds of the Mountain, a tribute to the romance and landscape of the Sierra Madre near Lisbon, Portugal.

"GourmetStation is fortunate to have an artist with the talent and vision of Rui Serodio work with us in developing this innovative MP3 music program" says founder & President, Donna Lynes-Miller. "Mr. Serodio's music is perfect for our brand. The beautiful relaxing songs are an excellent accompaniment to our dinner gifts and the European influence of the new age music is a compliment to many of our menus."

"I am pleased to work with GourmetStation," commented Mr. Serodio. "The special life occasions for which these patrons purchase dinner gifts is in alignment with my goal of touching people's hearts and emotions and making listening to my music a supreme form of true happiness."

About Rui Serodio
Born in Lisbon, in 1937, Rui Serodio, composer and interpreter, started his piano studies very young at the Lisbon Conservatory where he also studied Harmony, Counterpoint, Fugue, Organ, Ancient Music and History. He developed an intense work on the Classical, Romantic and Impressionist piano literature, complemented with studies on Analysis and Composition Techniques. Ever since he has developed a special attention for the particularly rich Portuguese Traditional (Folk) Music. As a performer, he plays as a soloist, interpretating a broad repertoire of Portuguese standards and traditional music, including his remarkable interpretations of fado, where his personal style combines the technique and phrasing expressiveness of the romanticism to attain a unique musical Portuguese atmosphere. Rui Serodio launched a new musical work in 2001 inspired in the fascinating mountain of Arrabida. With nine tracks, this CD "Sounds of the Mountain" has a violent music, full of sharped edges and strong harmonies, but truly mystic and descriptive of the enormous beauty of this Sierra Madre, forty miles to the south of Lisbon. Listening to this music is an enchanting journey to the specific places portrayed by this Portuguese composer.

Contact Information:
Rui Serodio
http://www.ruiserodio.com

GourmetStation delivers a delicious in-home dining experience complete with the flavor of travel to an exciting cultural destination. The online retailer offers the unique opportunity to give or receive a unique gourmet food gifts to mark a life-cycle occasion or just to take a night off from cooking. GourmetStation offers multiple regional menu options including Parisian, Tuscan, Cajun, Fusion, Americana as well a Romance menu and seasonal menus like Thanksgiving dinner delivered, Christmas dinner delivered, and Valentine dinner delivered. The wide variety of destination themed food gifts is designed to spark the imagination of both the giver and receiver. Each chef-inspired gourmet dinner is intended to provide a dining experience similar to that of its regional inspiration. Internationally themed three and four course gourmet meals, and soup gifts are delivered anywhere in the United States. Deep-chilled gourmet dinners and gourmet soups require only 30 minutes preparation. Some dinner gifts include European blend coffee or organic tea, after-dinner candy, floating candle and matches. Prices for gourmet dinner gifts and soup gifts start at $49.99 plus shipping. Gourmet gift certificates, including Dinner of the Month certificates, Dessert of the Month certificates and Soup of the Month certificates are ideal for birthdays and anniversaries.

Contact Information:
Donna Lynes-Miller
GourmetStation
1-888-944-9794

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and maybe just a little frugal this year!

1. Shop early, or late for your gifts. Buying your gifts in November (or before) can save you a very significant sum. Many stores will have sales on at this time. Or if you have the nerve, shop on the last day or two before Christmas. You will often find bargains at this time as merchants try to boost their sales and move Christmas stock.
2. If you’re really canny, buy next year’s Christmas decorations and cards immediately after Christmas. You will find some incredible bargains at this time!
3. If you have the flexibility in your choice of menu, buy some of your groceries on Christmas Eve afternoon. You will find perishable foods at huge discounts. 
4. Think about using less expensive cuts of meat and slow roast them for extra tenderness. One of my favorites which often appears on my Christmas menu is slow roasted shoulder of pork. And although I am a great advocate of using fresh food whenever possible, do compare the difference in price between a frozen turkey and a fresh one. This year especially, you will find that frozen is a good deal cheaper. And if you brine the turkey first, no one will ever know the difference!
5. Don’t waste any unused food. Once it is cold, cling wrap and refrigerate. Be inventive with it over the holiday period and use it for making derivative dishes.
6. If you have the skill and time, try making some of your own gifts along with the Christmas cards too. Home made foods are always particularly well received. Not only is this very satisfying, but it can also be great fun for the kids!
7. Rather than buying new, dig out last years Christmas decorations and just freshen them up. Again, making some of them yourself along with the kids can be great fun.
8. Encourage some well chosen guests to prepare certain dishes and bring them along. Not only does this help share the cost, but it also means that you will have less to do!
9. And of course, a Christmas celebration without the odd drink or two is unthinkable! If it’s not a formal occasion, encourage your guests to bring a bottle, or two! And don’t be tempted into buying expensive champagne and fine wines when a good bottle of Cava or mid-range popular wine is just as acceptable. And keep plenty of soft drinks available which always helps a limited stock to go a lot further!
10. Set yourself a budget – and stick to it! Don’t be tempted to be over extravagant and don’t buy huge quantities of food that will never get eaten.

But also don’t forget that Christmas comes but once a year, and it is such a special celebration, that I believe that it’s worth making that little bit of extra effort, and perhaps enjoy a few small extravagances that won’t break the bank!

So wherever you are this festive period, I wish you good health, peace and prosperity……..and above all,  a very Happy Christmas!

If you would like a few more useful tips for making the most of Christmas, do please take a moment or two to check out my Christmas Newsletter.

Every now & then you come across a site with a story and a product too good not to share. Hall’s Estate Vineyard.

Hall’s Story

“HALL’s estate vineyards encompass more than five hundred acres of classic Bordeaux varietals; Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc. As winegrowers, the Halls have a strong respect for the environment and a commitment to cutting-edge vineyard technology to yield the highest quality grapes. Through meticulous attention to detail in the vineyards, HALL wines are able to express the unique and diverse character of Napa Valley’s soils and climate.” Read more.

“Focusing on classic Bordeaux varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Franc, we craft a "Napa Valley Collection" that is available in select markets and through our wineries and website.” Read more.

Seeking a wine gift? More on Wine Products and More on Wine Club. Enjoy!

These top picks are based upon past popularity and repeat popularity:

Dinner of the Month– Gourmet dinners for two from Parisian, Tuscan, Cajun, Fusion & Americana menus. Programs for 3 &4 course Meal of the Month for 3, 6, 9 & 12 months. 15% off sale now.

Dining Gift Certificates– Gourmet dinners for two from Parisian, Tuscan, Cajun, Fusion & Americana menus. 3& 4 course gourmet meals delivered in complimentary gift packaging. Food Gift Certificates never expire. 10% off sale now.

Other upscale Food Gifts may be found at GourmetStation – Fine Dining Delivered. Happy holidays & bon appetit!