Food + Wine + Facebook Live

From the balsamic simmering on the stove for bruschetta to the Dave Matthews Band concert posters that line the hallway, stepping into Nick and Marian Johnston's home is like visiting the home of an old friend. A home where shoes are immediately kicked off, drinks are poured and conversation and laughter come easy -- exactly the way the Johnstons want it.

Originally from Texas, the Johnstons have been a part of the Cape Girardeau community since 2016. A former certified chef and bar owner, Nick is now a professor of hospitality management at Southeast Missouri State University. Given his history in the restaurant and bar industry, Nick has learned quite a few things about beer, wine and spirits along the way. Marian, a local birth Doula and hairdresser, is a self-professed wine novice. Together they have set out to bring happiness to the world one Facebook Live video at a time.

Remember how the Johnston home is like that of an old friend? It's also the home where new friends come, both in-person and online via Facebook, each Sunday night to take part in the Weekend Wine Down hosted currently on Marian's personal Facebook page.

Recent episodes of the Weekend Wine Down have focused on creating cocktails using sparkling wine from Aldi and pairing Sam's Club wine with fair food.

"The Weekend Wine Down was born from an offhand comment from my wife and our friends about something I was doing and how the world needed to know how to do it, as well," says Nick. "So many people get nervous when it comes to choosing the right wine or think if they can't afford expensive wine then they shouldn't drink it, and that's just not the case."

But to the Johnstons, the Weekend Wine Down is much more than just cocktails. It's time they spend together after putting their children to bed, reconnecting, enjoying each other's company and doing their part to further a larger project that is near and dear to their hearts -- their mission of Expanding Happiness.

"Our mission," says Nick, "is to make the world around us a more joyful place by expanding happiness through community and personal development. We share our passion and knowledge about the things we love, in a lighthearted and approachable manner, with the hope that it brings happiness and joy to others."

Marian and Nick are the first to tell you they are not influencers, YouTube sensations or the next Kardashian family. They're simply people who enjoy each other's company, enjoy laughing and think life is meant to be an adventure.

"The Weekend Wine Down is our way to enjoy others' company," says Marian. "We love spending time with our two children, and we also love spending time with each other. If we get to make people smile at the same time, then that's great, too."

Check out the Weekend Wine Down most Sundays (except for a few due to travel, holidays and illness) on Facebook Live at 9 p.m., or join the Expanding Happiness movement on Instagram at @ExpandingHappiness.

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Who says a good cocktail has to cost a fortune?

mind + body recently got to be a part of the Weekend Wine Down. While we may not have a future as an Internet celebrity, we did enjoy seeing how an inexpensive bottle of sparkling wine and a fruit-flavored spirit can come together for a delicious cocktail. Try this one, courtesy of Nick Johnston, for yourself!

Blueberry Moscato Cocktail*

Ingredients:

Blueberry Vodka

Cran-Peach Ocean Spray(R) juice

Sparkling wine

Directions:

Add 1 part Vodka, 2 parts juice and ice to shaker.

Shake well.

Strain into glass.

Top with sparkling wine.

Pro tip:

Take your cocktail to the next level with a decorative garnish. Marian recommends sliced strawberries on the side of the glass or skewers of strawberries, raspberries and blueberries.

*The name is still TBD. If you have an idea, feel free to share it with editor Mia Pohlman at mpohlman@rustmedia.com!