Tag: Lifestyle Tips

Birmingham /

Sparkling Ice Water and Recipes

Sparkling Ice has a new water product line.  This is awesome because you can take your health and beverage selection to the next level.  The carbonated water’s infused with natural flavors and zero calories.  My personal favorite is Peach Nectarine.

Customers can also enjoy Sparkling Ice in a variety of ways beyond sipping from a glass.  Did you know the product line’s used in recipes?  Take a look at the selections below:

NewEngland

Ingredients

SPARKLING ICE Cherry Limeade
Mint Leaves
Mashed cherries
Lime
Club soda

Salad-Dressing-3-Copy-1024x715

Yield – 1 cup

Prep Time – Less than 5 minutes

Ingredients

½ cup Peach Nectarine Sparkling ICE
½ cup seedless raspberry preserves
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Fresh ground black pepper to taste

Directions

Combine Sparkling ICE and preserves in a bowl and beat with a whisk until combined.
Whisk in Dijon mustard and black pepper.

Serving Suggestion:

Pairs well with cooled roasted beets, topped with walnuts, and blue cheese.

Toss dressing with baby spinach, red onion, goat cheese, and strawberries.

 

Pork-on-Grill-edited-Copy-1024x715

Yield 2 cups

Serves 6-8 people

Ingredients

2 Bottles Sparkling Ice Cherry Limeade
1/3 Cup Soy Sauce
5 Garlic cloves, crushed
1/2 Tablespoon Fresh Ginger, minced
1 Tablespoon whole black peppercorns
1 Teaspoon red pepper flake
1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 lbs. Pork Tenderloin
Salt and Pepper
1/2 cup Scallion, sliced thinly

Directions

To prepare the marinade, whisk together Sparkling Ice Cherry Limeade, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, whole peppercorns, red pepper flake and olive oil in a large bowl.
Place pork tenderloin in a large zip lock bag or shallow baking dish.
Pour marinade over pork, cover or seal.
Refrigerate for 6 hours.
Remove pork from marinade and pat dry. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Reserve the liquid.
Place marinade in small saucepan and bring to a boil. Turn heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Preheat your grill (medium high heat).
Place pork on pre-heated grill and close the cover. Turn and brush the pork with the simmered marinade every 5 minutes. Cook until meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the pork registers 145°F, about 15-20 minutes.
Rest for 10 minutes, slice and serve with scallions and warm marinade liquid.

All recipes are from Sparkling Ice.com

ABC /

Talk of Alabama Lifestyle Segment – Safe Decorating for Kids Rooms

I was invited to host a lifestyle segment on ABC 33/40, Talk of Alabama and share safety tips for kids rooms. The segment was a lot of fun because I truly enjoy discussing new products with a local audience!

CLICK HERE TO WATCH:  TALK OF ALABAMA

The main focus was to bring safety awareness of products for kids rooms.  Parents must ask are home decor items functional and eliminate hazards for little ones?

As a mom, I love to decorate my kids room (especially in character themes) but there’s also consideration for electric plugs, heat consumption, contained storage bins, and comfortable sleep.

The products shown below are beneficial and can be successful in everyone’s home:

 

 1.  Blindsgalore (BG Kids Brand) Shade – recommends completely cordless blinds or shades when children in the home.  The company offers hundred of independently certified child safe blinds and shades.


2.  Kidzooz Pillow – Designed by a chiropractor, parent and grandparent, this is more than just a stuffed animal or pillow but a product that combines the two while encouraging good sleep habits.


3.  BPA Free Storage and Organizers –

  • Available in three colors – grey, pink and blue
  • Includes three pieces – a caddy, bucket and tote
  • The storage items are BPA Free and made of a durable canvas exterior.


4.  Interactive Finding Dory Wall Friend –  The interactive light-up, talking Wall Friend from uncle Milton toys is a perfect addition to a child’s bedroom.

  • Just touch the remote control button and watch as Dory lights up and talks with many fun, familiar phrases from the new Finding Dory movie.

 

Lifestyle Tips /

Four Seasons Resort Hualālai R – Summer Retreat Series

Chicago, IL – Picture yourself taking a break to Hawaii Island’s only five-star beachside resort to renew your commitment to your fitness, nutrition and appearance. Imagine having a paddleboard adventure, hiking in a tropical setting or participating in a goal setting workshop to reset your aspirations as well as your attitude.

“Four Seasons Resort Hualālai is a sanctuary for the senses,” remarks Tammy Petersen, President of Retreats Unlimited, “and the perfect setting for the retreats we’re offering this summer to revitalize your body and mind. Indulge in one of these retreats in our unparalleled luxury on the picturesque Kona coast of Hawaii, the Big Island and you’re sure to leave invigorated and inspired.”

July 10-14, 2016

Hawaii Island Boot Camp with Zack Schares

In this active lifestyle retreat, you’ll step up your fitness program, embrace healthier eating and sharpen your style with Zack Schares, a high performance fitness instructor, personal trainer and professional triathlete. Zack’s infectious enthusiasm and “No Excuses” philosophy inspires confidence and makes each session—ranging from a rock climbing excursion or beachside obstacle course to a mini marathon—exhilarating. A goal setting workshop, organic cooking demonstration and fashion show are part of this getaway. Take advantage of the Early Bird Promotion until June 10, 2016, priced at $3,578 USD for double occupancy (shared room) and $4,966 for single occupancy.

July 24-28, 2016

Intense Yoga Immersion Retreat with Sean Phelps

Whether you want to take your yoga practice to the next level or need to revive your passion for yoga, you’ll accelerate your practice at this Intense Yoga Immersion retreat. Sean Phelps is a dedicated daily Ashtanga practitioner and agility and strength training devotee with an avid following throughout the country. In this five-day session, you’ll learn how to sustain and ignite your inner fire and float peacefully, mindfully, and energetically every second you are on the mat. Alignment techniques and breath work will be covered extensively during all sessions. Take advantage of the Early Bird Promotion until June 17, 2016, priced at $3,578 USD for double occupancy (shared room) and $4,966 for single occupancy.

August 21-25, 2016

Total Wellness Made Sexy with Fern Langham and Nikki Sharp

Abundant living through food, fitness, yoga and empowering knowledge are the themes of this retreat.

Fern Langham, founder of ThyroidYoga™, is a wellness expert renowned for her artful approach to self-healing. Nikki Sharp teaches people how to have a healthy relationship with food and their bodies. Together, they will inspire and guide you to adopt simple changes that lead to deeper connections with others, increased serenity and greater happiness. A cooking demonstration, guided meditations and rituals, and workshops on food, relationships and creative visualization are included. Take advantage of the Early Bird Promotion until July 21, 2016, priced at $3,858 USD for double occupancy (shared room) and $5,586 for single occupancy.

All Retreats Include:

5 days and 4 nights at the magnificent Four Seasons Resort Hualālai, Hawaii Island’s only Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond hotel and selected by U.S. News & World Report as the #1 hotel in Hawaii
Full meal plan with breakfast, lunch and dinner
Shuttle service to and from the airport
All taxes, tips and services
Retreats Unlimited daily gift bag

These retreats are being offered by Retreats Unlimited and Wild Wellness Travel. To make a reservation, review the detailed itineraries or for additional information visit Retreats Unlimited or call 312-961-3280.

Retreats Unlimited

Retreats Unlimited is a full-service retreat company offering fitness, self-improvement and wellness vacations. Unlike any other, our retreats and wellness holidays are in destinations that are unique. The resorts are luxurious and each retreat offers unique experiences. http://www.myretreatsunlimited.com/

Wild Wellness Travel

Wild Wellness Travel creates balanced vacations based on a philosophy that includes stress reduction, fitness, cultural involvement, self-care and food education. With these five pillars we promote and offer transformational wellness experiences internationally. www.wildwellnesstravel.com

About Four Seasons Resort Hualālai

Four Seasons Resort Hualālai, set on the picturesque Kona coast of Hawaii, the Big Island, is a magnificent work of destination art. Built into its natural surroundings, the Resort combines history, culture, pure pampering, and true aloha to all who come its way.

Hawaii Island’s only Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond hotel, the Resort features 243 magnificent rooms, including 51 spectacular suites, a signature Jack Nicklaus golf course, a world-class spa and sports club, seven pools, an array of cultural experiences, and active adventures. Award-winning dining is offered, highlighting a regional, seasonal, artisanal approach; while romance abounds, as the Resort specializes in creating spectacular wedding, honeymoon, and anniversary experiences. All the while, the contrast of ancient black lava rock with towering coconut palms, white sand beaches, and azure sea creates opportunities for memories and photographs at every turn. www.fourseasons.com/hualalai

unnamed-55

Lifestyle Tips /

Costa Baja Resort and Spa – Snorkeling with Sea Lions

Costa Baja, Mexico – This summer, give your kids the best vacation stories ever. Take them on an awe-inspiring adventure in the warm waters of the Sea of Cortez, swimming and snorkeling with sea lions. This outing is a memory maker and the perfect bonding experience for inter-generational family trips and large groups. Professional guides host the excursion to the barrier island of Espiritu Santa Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Bio Reserve and it’s a highlight of a tour offered by the Costa Baja Resort and Spa. This all-inclusive resort is located just 10 minutes south of downtown La Paz, the capital of Mexico’s Baja California.

More About Swimming and Snorkeling with Sea Lions

Guests will treasure an hour and 20-minute boat ride, revealing deep blue turquoise waters while their professional guide provides an educational discussion of what to expect upon arriving to Espiritu Santo, a UNESCO world heritage bio reserve. This barrier island is rich in both sea and plant life. Soft beaches, secluded bays, and pristine eco-systems dotted with blue-footed boobies, playful sea lions, jumping dolphin, sea turtles and, in season, grey whales will delight and inspire. Guests will cherish the one of a kind experience of swimming and snorkeling with sea lions. Hungry swimmers will savor a freshly prepared lunch on the beach of Ensenada Grande Island that is surrounded by commanding red rocks and towering cacti. After lunch, a professional guide will lead a discussion about interesting facts about the natural history of the area. This outing includes:

Round trip transportation to the barrier island of Espiritu Santa (Departure in the lobby at 8:00am and return to the resort at 4:00pm)
Visiting and swimming at the sea lion colony
Snorkeling Equipment (mask, fins and snorkel)
Beverages
Boat and captain
-more-

Snorkeling with the Sea Lion Eco Retreat at Costa Baja Resort & Spa, page 2 of 2

The resort also recommends guest pack a camera, sun block, sunglasses, a hat, jacket, and comfortable

swimsuit.

About the Costa Baja Resort and Spa

This all-inclusive Costa Baja Resort and Spa is just 10 minutes south of downtown La Paz, the capital of Mexico’s Baja California. The resort, unmatched in the region, is set on the magnificent Sea of Cortez overlooking a 250-slip marina and a white sand beach. It is nestled like a jewel within 550 acres of environmentally protected costal lands. Just north of the hotel lies Isla Espiritu Santo, a designated UNESCO World Heritage bio reserve, and adjacent waters that offer the best sport fishing in Baja Sur. Costa Baja offers exclusive access and preferred rates at Mexico’s only Gary Player-designed golf course; the tranquil Espiritu Spa featuring locally-inspired treatments and full spa services; three pools and multiple dining options.

Don’t miss this opportunity for the ideal family vacation in a serene, tropical setting. Prices for families start out at $3,889 for a family of four, all inclusive of food and accommodations. This includes all tax and resort fees. Extra nights can also be added on.

This retreat is being offered by Retreats Unlimited. To make a reservation, review this itinerary or for additional information visit Retreats Unlimited or call 312-961-3280. Join Retreats Unlimited on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for upcoming retreat announcements, promotions and discount offers.

unnamed-42

Lifestyle Tips /

New Orleans Cuisine Experience – Maison Dupuy

If you’ve been intrigued with Cajun and Creole-inspired cooking, you won’t want to miss “The Ultimate New Orleans Cuisine Experience”. This unique tour immerses you in the southern hospitality, charm and scrumptious food that personifies

New Orleans. You’ll be a guest in the luxurious in the heart of the French Quarter.

The tours are available in 2016 on June 5-9, June 26-30, July 10-14, August 21-25, September 11-15 and November 27-December 1.  This is a turnkey vacation tailor-made for foodies, home chefs who want to sharpen their skills, and couples and girlfriends seeking an unusual getaway. Prices start at $2,271.00 (double shared accommodation).

You’ll experience the cuisine firsthand in two private, highly interactive cooking classes at the respected New Orleans School of Cooking. The vibrant atmosphere of this perfectly equipped instruction kitchen will leave you excited to learn how to cook Southern favorites and buzz-worthy new dishes. Join your small group in preparing—and enjoying–a delicious Louisiana lunch one day and dinner the next, all with locally sourced ingredients.

unnamed (13)

During a food tour through the French Quarter, you’ll meet chefs of some of the most popular restaurants in town, hear their take on food trends and taste several of their offerings.

You’ll be captivated by the Houmas House Plantation and Gardens, a 38-acre estate reminiscent of the stately mansions in “Gone with the Wind.” In a private tour of this “Crown Jewel of Louisiana’s River Road” you’ll explore the grandly furnished house, outbuildings and verdant gardens. Then it’s a stop at the Turtle Bar where the bartender will make a classic Southern cocktail for everyone. Finally, linger over a creole-inspired lunch in a gracious setting.

And as a special treat, join New Orleans’ food critic Tom Fitzmorris for a private dinner in one of the city’s finest restaurants. Lively discussion, foodie wisdom and complex wines make for an unforgettable evening. Fitzmorris knows of what he speaks, as he proves with his popular restaurant blog and radio show.

To prepare for each day, you can opt for a morning yoga class and breakfast in the hotels’ picturesque courtyard surround by five stories of wrought iron balconies overlooking a lush garden, outdoor pool and fountain.

The Retreat: What to Expect

  • Morning yoga and breakfast in Maison Dupuy’s charming courtyard
  • Free time to explore the historic French Quarter
  • Courtyard Welcome Reception
  • Visit Houmas House Plantation and Gardens with luxury transportation
  • Dinner with local food critic Tom Fitzpatrick

The Retreat Includes:

  • 5 days – 4 nights at historic Maison Dupuy in the French Quarter
  • Meal plan which includes breakfast, 4 lunches and 3 dinners (additional meals outside of hotel are not included)
  • Shuttle service to and from the airport
  • Houmas House Plantation excursion
  • 2 cooking classes (lunch and dinner) at the New Orleans School of Cooking
  • All taxes, tips and service at the hotel restaurants
  • Retreats Unlimited daily gift bag

These tours are being offered by Retreats Unlimited. To make a reservation, review this itinerary or for additional information visit Retreats Unlimited or call 312-961-3280. Join Retreats Unlimited onFacebook, Instagram and Twitter for upcoming retreat and tour  announcements, promotions and discount offers.

About the Masion Dupuy

Come and experience one of the few, and most unique New Orleans hotels in the French Quarter, the Maison Dupuy. This elegant hotel is situated just a couple of blocks from the hustle and bustle of Bourbon Street. This luxurious property offers guests a distinct mixture of history and pampering unlike any other and beckons you to relax and escape the hustle of modern life. The hotel’s Bistreaux is a casual concept restaurant that delivers a comprehensive dining experience in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. It offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Other amenities include a fitness center and outdoor pool in a lush courtyard. Business facilities include a business center and 5,697 square feet of function space.

Lifestyle Tips /

Hilton Chicago: The Perfect Summer Getaway

The Perfect Summer Getaway: Chicago’s Gold Coast Neighborhood

Top Ten Tourist Attractions for Families

The Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites is just steps away from some of the most iconic must see Chicago attractions. Families can park their car

and walk in any direction to enjoy one or many unique attractions found on Chicago’s famed gold coast.  Attractions that are great for families include:

–        American Girl Place

–        Chicago’s Pizza Tours

–        Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop / Hershey Chocolate World Store

–        Millennium Park

–        Oak Street Beach

–        Historic Water Tower

–        Chicago Observation Deck

–        Tilt 

–        Water Tower Place

–        Broadway Playhouse

All of this activity calls for a home away from home stay and the Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites is just the place for a summer family stay. Recently refreshed spacious suites, offering separate living areas, flat screen TV’s, plus jaw dropping views of Lake Michigan and panoramic city views makes this property a top pick. You won’t want to miss the night time skyline from the top floor pool and fitness center.  It’s a site to behold. An array of eleven unique suites adorned with iconic Chicago themed wall art await guests.

Today’s connected travelers will appreciate free lobby Wi-Fi plus business travelers can also take advantage of connectivity stations and printing capabilities. The property is group and business friendly with 10,000 sq. ft. of versatile meeting space for events to include destination weddings, business and exhibit events. Host a fundraiser for 300 guests in the Lakeshore Ballroom or choose amongst 14 stylish meeting rooms with A/V capabilities: including the Gold Coast Board Room featuring classic lakeside views, and a 52-inch flat-screen monitor.

The resort also provides guests two onsite dining options. The Local – Chicago, a restaurant that infuses local Chicago fare with traditional courses, is a delicious dining experience. Sushi lovers will want to dine at Mirai Sushi featuring a three-star menu of traditional Japanese options layered with a modern day twist – serving the freshest sashimi, specialty rolls and small plates. Families can take advantage of the children’s menu offering kid favorites and adult approved entrees. Of course, the Magnificent Mile and nearby neighborhoods are dotted with unique eateries from fine dining establishments to mom-and-pop neighborhood favorites.

unnamed (1)

Flights are available from Chicago O’Hare International Airport or Chicago Midway Airport. The hotel is easily accessible with valet and self parking options: click here for driving directions.

About:

All of this activity calls for a home-away from home stay and the Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites is just the place. Recently refreshed spacious suites, offering separate living areas, flat screen TV’s, plus jaw dropping views of Lake Michigan and panoramic city views makes this property a top choice. You won’t want to miss the night time skyline from the top floor pool and fitness center, it’s a site to behold. An array of eleven unique suites adorned with iconic Chicago themed wall art await guests. Upgrade to a Lakeview Suite to savor views of Lake Michigan while business travelers may want to book an Executive Level suite with private access to the Executive Lodge where complimentary breakfast, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar is available daily.

DIY /

Elevate Your Cocktail Bar For Summer – Santa Margherita Wine

Elevate Your Cocktails: Rather than serving up traditional mimosas and bellinis, put a new spin on the classics by serving Santa Margherita Prosecco Superiore with seasonal fruit purees. Allow your guests to mix their own cocktails and set up a DIY cocktail bar with various purees, such as honeydew, nectarine, raspberries, watermelon and strawberry, which are seasonal and pair perfectly with Santa Margherita Prosecco Superiore. Provide options for garnishes, such as simple mint sprigs, raspberries and sliced strawberries. The additional fruits can make for great décor as well; cut a small groove into citrus fruit to hold place-cards for table if you are hosting a sit down meal at your party.

unnamed-38

Revamp Your Ice Cubes: Warmer weather is here, meaning your favorite cocktail won’t stay chilled for long anymore. To keep your glass chilled without diluting the cocktail and add an extra dash of flavor, fill your ice cube trays with seasonal fruits like strawberries and kiwi and top with Santa Margherita Prosecco Superiore.

unnamed-39

Go For Bold Garnishes: Upgrade your classic wine cocktail by rimming the glass in the juice or peel of your citrus of choice (e.g. lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit) and dip into citrus infused sugar. To make this, just grate your favorite citrus into granulated sugar and mix to combine. The same can be done with shaved coconut or minced fresh herbs. For a quick rimming trick, you can opt traditional sugar for gold or colored sugar for rimming your wine cocktail.

unnamed-40

Turn To Your Garden: Impress your guests with your garden’s summer harvest and appeal to the senses of smell and taste by pairing fresh herbs with Santa Margherita Prosecco Superiore. Adding fragrant herbs like springs of thyme and lavender or muddling some fresh mint leaves into the bottom of your wine glass will brighten up your traditional wine. You can even tie a small bundle of herbs around the stem of a wine glass and utensils for an added rustic flare – the aromatics also hit your nose as you’re drinking the wine!

unnamed-41

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta /

Vino 301 Chocolate and Wine Tour – Recap

Vino 301 is a wine concierge, showcasing some of Maryland’s finest vineyards.  This amazing service allows those in the DMV area the opportunity to taste (new) wine pairings and partake in events.  I have previously shared one of their events on this site and was invited to the Chocolate and Wine Tour.

IMG_3537

Leslie Frelow (the Managing Director) greeted tour participants at the Baltimore Visitors Center.  Our luxury van included a complimentary Vino 301 tote bag, wine goblet, bottled water, and snacks.

The tour started with a brief history of local Maryland vineyards.  Leslie shared there’s seventy-two vineyards in the region and Julia Roberts was filmed for the movie Runaway Bride at Boordy Vineyards.

Our first stop was at Parfections, handmade gourmet truffles and chocolates.  During our pairing, we received a delectable array of chocolates, paired with specific types of wine. My favorite from the Chocolate pairing was the Dry Rose 2013 and Raspberry Bark chocolate (dark chocolate blended with dried and freeze dried raspberries.)

IMG_3564 IMG_3565IMG_3536

We left Parfections and drove to Boordy Vineyards in Hydes, Maryland.  The historic winery was beautiful and our wine tasting included Pinot Grigio, Dry Rose, Chardonnay, Petit Cabernet, Riesling Baltimore Oriole, Chambourgin Merlot, and Jazz Berry.  We also participated in a guided tour of the vineyard and concluded the afternoon sitting around the outdoor fire pit.

IMG_3563IMG_3560 IMG_3562 IMG_3558

The Vino 301 Chocolate and Wine Tour was a wonderful experience.  I encourage anyone who’s interested in learning more about wine and pairings to visit their social media page for upcoming events.  I will also continue to share new tours here (on our site) as they come available!

About Chocolate and Wine Tour:

DESCRIPTION

Chocolate and wine is the perfect paring. Vino 301 Wine Concierge and Parfections, Baltimore’s premiere chocolatier, presents chocolate tasting and regional Maryland wine tours. Maryland wine is paired with handmade gourmet truffles and chocolate.

Vino 301 Wine Concierge will transport you to Parfections store where the tour begins. You are lead through a tastings of handmade gourmet truffles and chocolate and wine pairing. You are later taken to one of the Patapsco Valley region’s vineyards where you enjoy a wine tasting and tour of the vineyard. Tour includes:

Parfections gourment truffles and chocolate tasting
Chocolate and wine paring instructional
Visit to a Maryland vineyard
Meet local winemaker
Light snack & beverages on the trip
All tasting fees
Receive a collectible wine glass and tote bag
15% discount on confections purchased at Parfections on tour day

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta /

GO YOU! ACTIVE EVENT FEATURING ROZONDA “CHILLI” THOMAS – Macy’s Lenox Square Mall

Macys-logo

Lenox Square Mall

SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 2016

12:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Join Macy’s for a fabulous health and wellness-focused event featuring Fitness Expert, Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas as she teaches you the dance moves from her hit single “Body”. Also, there will be fun challenges provided by the Fitness organization Divas in Defense!

Plus, see the newest looks in activewear from head to toe.

Chilli Thomas

For more details visit: macys.com/events or RSVP visit www.gochilli.eventbrite.com. #goyou