Tag: Lifestyle

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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta /

Former NFL Player Keion Carpenter and The Carpenter House – Building Blocks Awards Gala

The Carpenter House will be celebrating its 10 year anniversary with the Building Blocks Awards (BBA) Gala black-tie fundraiser on Sunday May 1. Created with the mission to create affordable housing, funds raised at the annual BBA Gala will help provide adequate shelter for families in need. The BBA Gala will be hosted by Q Parker of the R&B sensation 112, with a live performance by Stellar Award Winner Jason Nelson.

In addition to the special awards presentation, the BBA Gala, which will be held at the Lower Level of the Mondawmin Mall, will also include dinner and dancing. Tickets for the event are available to the general public at $100 per person. Table sales and sponsorship options are also available.

When asked about the annual Gala Chief Executive Officer and Founder of The Carpenter House, Keion Carpenter said “Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care. Giving back to the city that has giving me so much, is a dream come true. The city will never be same after Sunday night May 1st!”

Since 2006, the Carpenter House has been committed to delivering services that rebuild communities through education, mentorship, physical activity and promoting a healthy lifestyle. The Carpenter House aims to strengthen and empower families from disadvantaged backgrounds by providing access to resources, activities, and environments that enable them to reach their highest social and economic potential. Recognizing that creating safe and affordable housing is the center for strengthening families, the Carpenter House addresses the issue through the Carpenter House Communities (CHC) program.

Working in partnership with local government agencies and community/civic organizations, CHC purchases and accepts donated homes within Baltimore City. CHC then rehabilitates the homes making them available to qualified low-income and single-parent families that would otherwise not be able to experience the dream of homeownership. Through a partnership with the Wells Fargo Community & Urban Stabilization Program and M&T Bank, The Carpenter House purchased its first home in 2015. Since its purchase, the home has been completely rehabilitated and currently has a single-parent family living in the home.

The Mondawmin Mall is located at 2800 Liberty Road, Baltimore MD and the event begins at 7:00 PM. For tickets and or sponsorship information for the Building Blocks Awards Gala visit www.blocksgala.org.

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Lifestyle Tips /

Sparkling Ice Teas New Flavors – Product Review

WHAT: Sparkling Ice®, part of the Talking Rain® Beverage Company portfolio, announced a new packaging design for its great tasting, zero calorie, Sparkling Ice Tea product line, which now includes Lemon Tea, Raspberry Tea, Peach Tea and new Half & Half flavors.

Sparkling Ice

The introduction of the Sparkling Ice Tea collection in early 2015 provided the brand with a new opportunity to expand on-shelf presence at retailers nationwide by offering a variety of products in assorted categories to meet a wide-range of consumer demands. The new packaging features bold colors and bright fonts designed to reflect each of the Sparkling Ice Tea flavors and refreshing characteristics.

As part of the new design debut, Sparkling Ice will also merge its current Sparkling Ice Lemonade with Tea product into the tea collection, renaming the flavor “Sparkling Ice Tea Half & Half.” Half & Half has the same great taste that consumers have come to love, and makes the perfect addition to Sparkling Ice Tea’s line of refreshing pick-me-ups that deliver just the right amount of fizz.

The full Sparkling Ice Teas collection now includes, Raspberry Tea, Lemon Tea, Peach Tea, and Half & Half flavors.

WHEN: April 5th, 2016

WHY: As the leaders in the sparkling water category, Sparkling Ice continuously seeks out new opportunities to meet the demands of our dedicated customers. Through the redesign and expansion of its Ice Tea collection, Sparkling Ice is responding directly to consumers searching for healthier beverage options.

WHERE: The new teas packaging is currently available in select retail outlets across the country via single serve bottles. For more information about Sparkling Ice products and flavors, please visit www.SparklingIce.com and www.facebook.com/SparklingICE.

About Sparkling Ice Beverages:
Sparkling Ice beverages combine sparkling water, natural flavors, fruit juice, vitamins and antioxidants to offer a great tasting lightly carbonated beverage, all without the calories. Sparkling Ice is the Bold Side of Water, offering a bold, flavored, lightly-carbonated beverage that appeals to all age groups. Available in eleven refreshing flavors: Black Raspberry, Orange Mango, Pink Grapefruit, Kiwi Strawberry, Coconut Pineapple, Pomegranate Blueberry, Peach Nectarine, Lemon Lime, Crisp Apple, Cherry Limeade, Strawberry Watermelon and new in 2016 Black Cherry. Sparkling Ice Lemonades, launched in 2013, are available in three refreshing flavors: Classic Lemonade, Strawberry Lemonade and Peach Lemonade. Sparkling Ice Teas launched nationally in 2015 and include Peach Tea, Raspberry Tea, Lemon Tea and Half & Half flavors. SPARKLING ICE can be found in retailers nationwide. Sparkling Ice is part of the Talking Rain family of beverages, and retails for $1.19-$1.29. To locate Sparkling Ice, visit www.sparklingice.com/locate/.

Review – 

Truthfully, we consume too many beverages that are not healthy.  Our selections are either loaded with sugar, sodium, acid, or caffeine.  In a previous life (teaching Nutrition and Foods) I learned that anything your body craves is considered a deficit.  This means your body has a lack of the proper vitamins or minerals.

Sparkling Ice is a great substitute from our normal unhealthy beverages because it’s caffeine free, gluten-free, and zero calories.  To make this beverage more appealing, it comes in a variety of flavors!

My first connection with the product was actually through my husband.  He tested one for me (smile) and said, “Kim this tastes really good!”  From that point, I have started to sip Sparkling Ice as a soda substitute.  My favorite flavor is the Raspberry Tea.

Take my advice and try Sparkling Ice Tea to get on track with your dietary needs!

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Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta /

Lotus Bliss Therapeutic Massage and Wellness Center – Spa Week

It’s been a while since I’ve indulged in a good spa service. Life can get very busy and we often forget to take time out for ourselves!

Luckily, we can (all) visit the spa and still splurge on a new pair of pumps.  Spa Week is a great time to check out local wellness or beauty centers.  Anyone can sign up on the website and find discounted treatments.  A few of the $50 services include Eucalyptus Mint Massage, Cat-Eye Lash Extensions, Aloe Vera Jelly Pedicure, or Chemical Peel Treatment.

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I was invited to visit Lotus Bliss Therapeutic Massage and Wellness Center.  The service I received was the Custom Lotus Bliss Massage.

Prior to starting my treatment, the owner (Nicole Stokes) shared a few facts:

  1. The center specializes in wellness and all of the products used are organic (bath salts, lotions, candles.)
  2. The services also include special enhancements such as sinus relief massage, scalp massage, thermal softening treatment, and custom aromatherapy.
  3. The practitioners have a medical or science background which enhances the total spa experience.

 

Lotus Bliss Spa Review – 

My massage started with selecting a few essentials oils, depending on my personal preference.  I made the selection based on relaxation.  From there, I was able to smell the aroma while Nicole created a special lotion. My treatment also included a stimulating face massage (infused with essential oils.)  The steam instantly relaxed my facial muscles and allowed for easier breathing.

Nicole also shared information about the Chronic Pain and Lymphatic Massage.  This particular treatment is encouraged (or suggested after doctor recommendation) for those suffering with specific illnesses such as fibromyalgia.

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The experience of visiting Lotus Bliss Therapeutic Massage and Wellness Center was truly an educational session.  I learned a lot about aromatherapy and the health benefits associated with receiving a massage.  The center also sales products to their customers that will enhance their body treatment at home such as bath salts, essential oils, or massage balls.

Visit their website to learn more and book an appointment.

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BJs Wholesale Club /

Easter Celebration – Simple Lifestyle Tips

Easter can be an exciting holiday for everyone.  It’s the ultimate symbol of the Spring season and a time of rebirth.  Although celebrating Easter can be a lot of fun, preparation for this joyous holiday can also be overwhelming!

As a new mom (many years ago) I wanted to attack the holiday from all angles.  My eagerness stemmed from the excitement of having my very own children.  Over the years, I’ve learned to focus on what really matters.   The small details will come together once you concentrate on the priority of the day.

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Easter Brunch 2015 – Flemings Prime Steakhouse
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Caesar Salad and Omelett
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National Aquarium with the boys

Easter Celebration Tips:

  1. Create your dinner menu – Decide whether your family will dine in or out.  Either option provides a good opportunity for quality fellowship.  Traditional Easter meals (if you’re cooking) include a honey glazed ham, roasted leg of lamb, baked salmon, green bean casserole, rice pilaf, scalloped potatoes, macaroni and cheese, or home-style dinner rolls.
  2. Coordinate Easter crafts with the kids – This particular tip can vary depending on your interest but the idea is to teach your family the meaning of Easter.  Quick holiday crafts include decorating eggs, planting a Spring garden, or designing Easter bookmarks.
  3. Consider taking Easter photos – Start thinking of the right location, lighting, and even the weather.  Also, we can’t forget to coordinate the perfect attire whether a traditional suit or casual spring outfit.
  4. Decorate, Decorate, Decorate – Nothing brings more excitement than putting out spring decorations.  Add a wreath to the front door, create a tablescape, or flower arrangement in the hallway.
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Easter Tablescape
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Pre-school Easter Celebration

Some of my favorite Easter traditions include Sunday morning worship, egg hunt, brunch, and spring photos.  What are some of your favorite Easter traditions, share them with us here?

California /

Sonoma Wine Country – Fearless Fabulous You Retreat

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Are you a type A personality, aka a woman that puts business, family and obligations first while neglecting you? Today’s the day to invest in yourself. It’s time to recharge your mental batteries, restore your energy and reset your life intentions with Melanie Young. She too once cared for everyone but herself and has great lessons to share. Young dedicated time to re-frame her life and today she is successful wellness coach, author of Fearless Fabulous You! Lessons on Living Life on Your Terms, and host of the inspiring national iHeart Radio Show for women, Fearless Fabulous You! Are you ready to experience a relaxing, heartfelt and sumptuous getaway at Sea Ranch Lodge, a sublime escape tucked away on the Sonoma Coast, in California’s wine country. Trip dates are May 18-22.

Here’s what’s included:

4 nights/5 days accommodations (taxes and gratuities), meals, wine tastings, ground transportation
Arrive Wednesday / Depart Sunday
Daily hikes to recharge your spirit
Daily meditations and breathing exercises to calm and restore
Re-energize with healthy meals and recipes to take home and share with others
Unique wine tastings/dinners with local vintners specially selected for this retreat
Inspiring workshops plus private 1:1 coaching sessions with Young to reset your life intentions
Reflect with time for yourself to nurture your spirit

The retreat is priced at $2,586 or double occupancy and $3,227 for single occupancy with the early bird special. This special expires April 15, 2016.

This retreat is presented by Retreats Unlimited. To make a reservation or review this itinerary in detail click here Retreats Unlimited or call 312-961-3280. Join Retreats Unlimited on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for upcoming retreat announcements, promotions and discount offers.

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About Melanie Young: Young knows how to face challenges with grit, grace and wit and re-frame them to make things happen for the better. She a motivational muse for anyone who feels stuck and who wants to reignite their personal or professional brand. She is a living example of turning stumbling blocks into stepping stones. After surviving breast cancer, she wrote her first book, Getting Things Off My Chest: A Survivor’s Guide to Staying Fearless & Fabulous in the Face of Breast Cancer to help newly diagnosed women stay focused and make smarter choices about caring for their well-being during and after treatment. This book received both the 2014 International Book Award and USA Best Book Award for Cancer Health topics. Young’s second book, Fearless Fabulous You! – Lessons on Living Life on Your Terms is filled with inspirational insights to recharge your spirit and revalue your self-worth. Website and blog: www.melanieyoung.com

About Sea Ranch Lodge: A small, secluded property on Northern California’s rugged Sonoma Coast, Sea Ranch Lodge is a serene destination that embraces the beauty and bounty of nature in myriad expressions. A getaway here features nature untamed – ocean vistas, pristine bluffs, dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife – with miles of hiking trails to enjoy it just steps from your door. This sublime natural setting melds with efforts to live lightly on the land. We respect an ethos of sustainability in lodging, dining, activities, service and more.

Accessories /

Indie Fashion Week – Showcasing FW 2016 Collections

Lights, Camera, Action!” Yes, that very phrase will be heard throughout Washington, DC beginning February 29th as Indie Fashion Week kicks off for its second cycle. Created by Harley Morgan and Terrance Payton (ROE the Agency, LLC), Indie Fashion Week will be a breath of fresh air to the Fashionistas in the Nation’s Capital and those who just love supporting small business in the fashion industry. Indie Fashion Week will host Le Divertissement, from February 29-March 6, 2016. This fashion diversion is a series of Parisian-inspired events each night. Buyers, the media, influencers, style connoisseurs and the general public will get an ample opportunity to interact, connect with, and support Fashion, Beauty, and Lifestyle brands over a seven day span.

Indie Fashion Week aims to bridge the gap between consumers and independent brands by building a platform to facilitate sustainability, brand expansion, and retail opportunities. Indie Fashion Week is building a new and vibrant fashion community by creating a space where tools can be provided to help fashion entrepreneurs to learn about the business of fashion, to hone their craft, to network with their peers, and to build long lasting business relationships.

When asked about the vision behind the creation of Indie Fashion Week, Harley states “Indie Fashion Week is shifting the style culture in a multitude of ways. From highlighting the fashion brands from our area down to the EXPERIENCE that you receive with such a wide range of fashion-fused events, you have no choice but to be excited! The mood Is changing; the time has come for us to get excited about fashion here in our city!”

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The full schedule of Indie Fashion Week is as follows:
Monday, February 29– Bienvenue à la Fashion Week Indie: Indie Fashion Week Kick-Off & Live Pop Up Shop at Amsterdam Lounge #ModelMONDAYZ
Tuesday, March 1– Tout le monde aime Street Wear: Street Wear Presentation at Honfleur Gallery #StreetSymphony
Thursday, March 3– Style Me, s’il vous plait: The Style[ish] Competition at Lord & Taylor, Chevy Chase #StyleISH
Friday, March 4– Une nuit sur la ville: Fashion’s Night Out at the Aveda Institute #FashionsNightOut2016
Saturday, March 5– L’apprentissage est à la mode: Indie to Mainstream Fashion Workshop ft. Fashion Industry Experts at the Silver Spring Civic Center #IndietoMainstream
Saturday, March 5- Sole Savers Launch Event in Partnership with Indie Fashion Week | RSVP: http://bit.ly/IFWSoleSavers
Sunday, March 6– Le Spectacle de Nuit: Indie 500, Part Deux, Indie Fashion Week Finale at SAX Restaurant #Indie500Finale

For more information on Indie Fashion Week, information on volunteering or to RSVP to any of the events, please visit www.indiefashionweekdc.com. You can also follow Indie Fashion Week on Social Media: Twitter – @Indie5HundredDC, Instagram – @IndieFashionWeek, and Facebook –www.facebook.com/indiefashionweekdc.

If you’re a media outlet or photographer interested in covering the Indie Fashion Week, please send your inquiry to Candice@CandiceNicolePR.com.

Lifestyle Tips /

Georgia Browns Fine Southern Cuisine – Lifestyle

I wanted to share a photo of my recent dining experience (actually a few weeks ago) while attending a social event in Washington D.C.  After a long night of walking in heels and re-applying lipstick, it was time to eat dinner!

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Smiles & Selfie
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The Mansion on O Street
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The Mansion on O Street

We decided to visit Georgia Browns and dine from their famous Southern menu.  I ordered the Grilled Atlantic Salmon and glass of wine.  We ended the evening with a Flourlesss Chocolate Torte which was delicious!

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Georgia Browns is said to have a live jazz band and Sunday brunch.  If you’re in the area stop by their restaurant and indulge in the culinary tradition!

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta /

BJs Cherry Berry Smoothie – American Heart Health Month

February is Heart Health Month and BJs Wholesale Club has some delicious produce (and recipes) to help us live a healthy lifestyle.  Personally, I am a huge fan of smoothies!  They’re easy to make and the perfect breakfast option for families.

BJs Wholesale Club Heart Health Month

BJs Wholesale Club Heart Health Month

Smoothies can be made in a variety of ways depending on your health needs.  For example, if you’re having digestive issues, add a teaspoon of Flaxseed into your mixture.  Drinking a smoothie  provides ease into your morning routine and allows breakfast on the go.  It can also serve as a filling afternoon snack instead of drinking a soda or eating potato chips.

Homemade Cherry Berry Recipe

2 containers (5 oz each) Yoplait Greek Cherry or Strawberry Blended Yogurt

1 1/2 cups Cascadian Farm Frozen Organic Sweet Cherries

1/2 cup Cascadian Farm Frozen Organic Strawberries

1 cup Milk

Make It:

  1. Place all ingredients in a blender
  2. Cover & blend on high speed, about 1 minute or until smooth
  3. Pour into 3 glasses
  4. Serve immediately

 

For my smoothie recipe, I like to include a small amount of water and 2 teaspoons of Wellsley Farms Pure Honey.  Also, if your schedule will be hectic the next morning, take frozen fruit out of the freezer (the night before.)  This will help ingredients blend faster and more consistently.  Pour the smoothie into your tumblr and go!

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Ingredients are from BJs Wholesale Club
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Cute Tumblr from Dollar Store

follow my Snapchat @kwest1908 to see more behind the scenes at BJs Wholesale Club

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