Tag: Lifestyle Blogger

International /

Robert’s Grove in Belize – SOFT ADVENTURE SUMMER TRAVEL

If the family has done Disney, is over Universal, and the annual summer vacation hangs in the balance, it’s time to kick your game up a notch with an action-packed, soft adventure family bonding trip to Robert’s Grove in Belize. This summer Robert’s Grove is offering families the fifth night free and one complimentary excursion per person.

An upscale, family-friendly property nestled on 22 acres along the Caribbean coast of the Placenia Peninsula in Southern Belize, Robert’s Grove is perfectly situated to take advantage of the world-class diving along the Western Hemisphere’s largest barrier reef or to explore lush rainforests, Mayan ruins, or simply go toes in the sand, drink in hand and relax.

Catering to families, Robert’s Grove offers suites and villas in addition to standard rooms, many of which overlook the ocean. Child-care services are available so Mom and Dad can also enjoy some alone time. There are three restaurants on property, the fine-dining Seaside Restaurant, the casual Habanero Mexican Café & Bar and the organic Sweet Mama’s. Meal plans are available.

Robert’s Grove provides a wide array of water and land-based excursions, but the most popular for families is the Explore Belize Package, which brings together the most popular activities into a no-brainer itinerary the entire family will love. Spend one day snorkeling in the crystal waters off of the Placencia Peninsula, another day taking in Mayan ruins and swimming through local caves, a third day on the child-favorite Monkey River tour to see and hear Howler monkeys and other wildlife, and the last day venturing into the Cockscomb Jaguar Reserve, the only reserve dedicated solely to the nocturnal jaguar, for hiking and river tubing. With all that excitement, plan to spend your complimentary fifth day relaxing by the crystal blue waters reflecting on all the family memories you just made.

unnamed (21) unnamed (22)

Fashion /

Tampa Beach Dining and Shopping – Mini Vacation Recap

A wise woman once said, “Don’t wear your real studs to the beach.”  This wise woman’s my super feisty mother! (smile)

Last weekend, I took a mini “mommy” vacation and flew to Tampa, Florida.  The trip was long overdue because aside from this website my life has been pretty hectic.  Due to this perspective alone, I grabbed a flight and my cute bags for some pre-summer fun.

IMG_4067

I grew up visiting Florida and knew what to expect in terms of the beautiful scenery and coastal breeze.  My mind was swirling because this trip gave me the opportunity to put a lot of things into perspective and relax near the ocean.

IMG_4077

Aside from the meditation, I enjoyed delicious seafood from Oceancatchers Restaurant at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay.  Leading up to the restaurant was a walk-way of Palm trees (that light up at night) and customers can dine inside or sit near the coast.

The next day we ventured to Clearwater Beach.  I grew up taking family trips to Pensacola, so this brought back several memories.  The sky was crystal clear and the ocean was radiate!   I’m not the one to shy away from the sun because I love a bronzed complexion.

I decided to wear a high-waist bikini which was totally out of my element. I wanted to show moms that you can be attractive and fashionable on the beach.

The reality is that giving birth is a beautiful process.  It’s also an opportunity for self-love and personal growth.  You may not look the exact same but internally you have been renewed in strength.

FullSizeRender-122
Swimsuit from AMICLUBWEAR

IMG_4100IMG_4125

The trip concluded with a visit to International Plaza; walking around to view the local stores.  I’m always fascinated with how people dress in different regions.  Overall, I enjoyed my visit and looking forward to the next summer adventure!

img_4141-1

IMG_4157

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 /

Ereka Vetrini from TLC Creates Agua Fresca Beverage

Ereka-photo_905 (1)

Have you heard of agua fresca? It’s a drink traditionally sold by street vendors throughout Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. This beverage—which is perfect for cooling down on warm days—has recently grown in popularity throughout the U.S. thanks to its refreshing quality.

Today, The Host of TLC’s Sunday Brunch, Ereka Vetrini will introduce you to the refreshing world of agua fresca, and share a few of her thirst-quenching recipes to get your readers prepped for spring and summer.

The recipes Ereka demonstrates will feature the recently released Agua Fresca line from Santa Cruz Organic®. As a pioneer organic brand, Santa Cruz Organic offers a variety of organic, 100 percent juices that you can feel good about drinking.

agua fresca

Ereka will also share additional tips with our site very soon!

About Ereka Vetrini:

Ereka Vetrini is a TV Host, Lifestyle Expert, Brand Spokesperson, Producer, Blogger and proud mom of two! Tune-in to TLC Sunday Brunch on Sunday mornings as Ereka brings you the very best brunch & cocktail recipes, styling tips and so much more! Ereka is also the host of Lifetime’s Access Health where her and her team bring you the latest cutting-edge developments and innovations in medicine, nutrition and fitness, so women everywhere can take charge of their health, starting today! As the TV spokesperson for AllRecipes magazine, you can catch her in the kitchen at The Today Show, Meredith Vieira Showand The Better Show where she cooks up recipes created by home cooks from across the country. Ereka was the host of Easy Does It on Yahoo! where she interviewed authors, experts and celebrities to uncover everything you need to know about how to simplify family life. As a mother of two, Ereka enjoys spending every spare minute running after her 1st grader and preschooler. Check out her blog BeYOUtifulmoms.com to see how she balances it all and deals with her daily dose of mom guilt.

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 /

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.

BBA-2

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