Good Karma comes in small bottles

Scenario 1: You've got five minutes before you have to jump in a cab to meet Mr. Perfect for your first dinner date. You're nervous. Let's face it: You're not the type of girl who's going to down a shot of tequila before a first date, but you're also not the type of girl who can nervously muster up a sober conversation so soon after a long work day. What are you going to do?

Scenario 2: You're on your way to meet the dreaded in-laws for a post-brunch museum exhibit stroll (after a debaucherous night on the town) and are in no shape to walk around a refrigerated space the size of an airplane hangar while commenting on modern art (pretending to act/know like you care). Top that off with two of your least favorite fans, and it's the perfect mix for the Sunday from hell. How will you cope?

Luckily for you, my friends, good Karma does come in small bottles. Recently, while vacationing in Southern California, I ran in to a charming market in search of something bubbly that would cost under $10. Could I find such a thing that wouldn't have the numbers, "40 ounces" written after the title? With a positive attitude, and clearly some good karma, I headed strait for the wine/champagne isle, where a kind store employee led me towards a sleek bottle of Karma Sparkling Wine. I was skeptical by the bottle's appearance, as it resembled more of a fancy bottle of spring water than something bubbly. But for $6.99/bottle, I figured, "Why not?"

Having chilled the small Karma bottle in the fridge for a couple of hours, I was ready for a much-needed glass. My first thought was, "I love how I can just twist off the top of the bottle instead of shooting someones eye out trying to pop the damn cork, like more traditional sparkling wines/champagnes. Low maintenance is so cool." The color of the beverage was a crisp golden raisin, not as dull as a Sancerre, but not as yellow as a Chardonnay. The pour was delicate and subtle and the bubbles resembled tiny dancers as opposed to grand bouquets of balloons. There was also no foamy head, which I liked.

For $6.99, the sparkling wine was a masterpiece. Though crisp and dry, I tasted undertones of peach and the overall essence of the summertime. What a delightful treat! I can't wait for Karma to arrive on the East Coast...As I only have one purse that is too small to carry its bottle with me from soiree to date, etc. For those of you on the West Coast, don't wait for good Karma to find you, seek it out for yourself!