Easter is a time for creative cooks to show off their most impressive mini egg-hatching cakes and decadent chocolate desserts. I can usually see my feed on social filled with ideas of hosting brunches and dinners. But why not spend the weekend cooking up an Easter feast for your friends and family? While the famous Lindt chocolate bunny rules the holiday season, savory Easter dishes often get sidelined. I agree!
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National Pancake Day was yesterday but don't worry - if you are celebrating belatedly, you now have a legit reason to indulge in tempting batter creations no matter the style or choice of toppings! You probably have a fave near you but here are a few options worldwide to get your pancake fix at whenever you travel next. Additionally all of these hotels mentioned here are members of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World so you know you are in for a one-of-a-kind experience. You are welcome.
It is International Women's Day today, and while it is a fantastic occasion to support and encourage around the world, recognizing the achievements of women at all times is important. Honoring and assisting organizations that support the welfare of workingwomen is one way. Women all over the world have earned the right to hold their head high with pride, but there's still a lot more work to be done. The theme this year for International Women's Day is #BalanceforBetter to bring light to the efforts of gender balance and equality all over the world. No matter how much progress the women's movement has made, a lot more can be done, change is still warranted in many sectors and societies, and we have strides to be made toward the day when we do not have to engage in a discussion about why men are paid more than women for the same role.
Finding ways to celebrate the upcoming St. Patrick's Day holiday doesn't have to be difficult. Millions of locations and venues around the world are planning festivities for the day. Growing up in India, this wasn’t an occasion I was very aware of or even knew what it was about. Moving to America, this was one of the first “holidays” I went out for with friends and found out it was just another reason to meet with friends and have a fun time here.
In today’s often overly connected world, it’s no wonder the National Day of Unplugging – a relative newcomer to the list of recognized holidays – is growing in popularity. National Day of Unplugging is a 24-hour global respite from technology between sundown on Friday, March 1 through sundown on Saturday, March 2. (They even provide the signs above to tag them on social!) Easy for me to participate – I will be heading off to a conference for writers of color in San Diego later in the day and lasting all weekend long so probably won’t be attached to too much technology and doing my part for those hours.
Forget credit card rewards points, teaching English, entering contests or being a tour guide to travel for free. Here are seven options to travel on someone else’s dime from MyBankTracker.com, a financial comparison site helping consumers make smarter banking decisions.
It's always the perfect time of year to donate to your favorite nonprofit or charity. With Valentine's Day coming up, it has never been easier to spread and share the love. Did you know that nonprofits tend to get busy with donations during the times of major holidays throughout the year but who says it has to be cyclical like that? Donating for amazing causes is always a good idea, no matter what day, week or month. Everyone can give the gift of love on Valentine’s so if you are looking for a nonprofit to donate to or get involved with during the month of February, here's a list of some amazing causes to consider supporting. This is by no means a comprehensive list but a handful of folks we thought could use some TLC sparking joy in their heart and yours.
As the years come and go, so do the many travel trends that grip the planet. I might travel a lot, but there are so many exciting travel trends it can be hard to know which one to pick! Here are just five of the new trends for 2019!
As a frequent traveler, I know by now better than to travel with no snacks in my bags, both carry on and check in. Given how many variables there are that I cannot control when traveling, I prefer to always have some goodies on my just in case there are delays in flight times or airports closed for the day, or no shops open at final destination when I land. Here are a few goodies I learned of recently and I enjoyed them enough to want to share them with you!
The New Year is here and we are all feeling pretty optimistic about a whole new set of months ahead to get business up and moving. Updating the latest information on all your professional presences is a given but do you also update all your imagery? The visual is as important as the verbal. Photographer Lin Marty knows that firsthand, working with entrepreneurs on their personal brand and the pictures they use to convey that. Headshots are a part of the effort but there is more so here she is sharing some of her tips on the topic!
Talk about a subscription service with a difference! In today’s world of subscription boxes for everything you can think of, and then some, I was happy to hear about Bokksu and the premium snacks curated with a monthly theme coming all the way from Japan. I got to review the November 2018 Classic Bokksu Tea Story subscription box and enjoyed the treats from another country delivered straight to my home.
Valentine's is just about a month away – are you the type that cares to plan way ahead, just the day before or don’t bother at all? Either ways, I had the opportunity to review some lovely Lucy Meifield Chocolate over the holidays and wanted to put it on your radar should you have chocolate on your shopping list for the occasion. The three-pack taster sampler I received from LMC included Milk, Dark and Guatemala bars.
It is officially International Chocolate Day today so here are a few tasty cacao confections to treat yourself with and honor the day. I think I will head out for a hot chocolate and a chocolate pancake and maybe some chocolate dessert too! You can meanwhile check out this great list of chocolate picks I’ve got together for you. All products are linked so you can directly go shop if any of these choco suggestions here strike your fancy (and no, I don’t get compensated in any way and these are not affiliate links)!
Dirty Vegan is the all-in-one vegan-style cookbook that makes eating vegan fun by letting you prepare delicious vegan cuisine that anyone and everyone can enjoy. Showcasing the sheer variety of amazing recipes you can create, all while remaining vegan, the book provides healthy, vegan alternatives to the sorts of delicious comfort foods that everyone craves.
For too long, the vegan lifestyle has been seen as limiting--a laundry list of all the things vegans can't or shouldn't have so Dirty Vegan makes it easier than ever to live the vegan lifestyle, featuring delicious recipes that use common ingredients available in any grocery store. We’re talkingover 100 rich, indulgent recipes including Vegan Ravioli Dippers, Cheddar Bread Ring, S’mores Pancake, “Steak” Tips and Sweet Potatoes, Italian Wedding Soup, Vegan Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Blossoms and many more!
If you love tacos, then these two recipes shared from the new book Taco! Taco! Taco! by Sara Haas will be a treat. Tacos are perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, even dessert and versatile when it comes to ingredients you can work with. The book features 100 savory and sweet taco recipes that are as easy to prepare as they are to love, with options for omnivores as well as vegetarians and vegans alike. Enjoy these two delicious recipes from the book!
Bahama Breeze Celebrates National Margarita Day With Limited Edition Nail Polish Collection2/21/2018
Island Grille Shakes Things Up With Margarita-Inspired Nail Polish Collection and $2.22 Margaritas
Bahama Breeze Island Grille is celebrating National Margarita Day on Feb. 22 with the return of $2.22 Classic Margaritas and the release of an exclusive nail polish collection. Get those drinks in your hands and the vibrant colors on your fingertips matching the Caribbean-inspired restaurant’s margarita offerings!
Nail polish supplies are limited, but the good news is you can get your margarita fix online and in-restaurant. A limited quantity of 500 nail polishes is available for just $5 each with www.sophinailpolish.com/margaritasfree shipping online starting February 22 at 10 a.m. EST. Each of Bahama Breeze’s 39 restaurants in 15 states will give away 100 bottles of nail polish for free, with purchase of food or drink, on February 22.
The nail polish collection is inspired by three margaritas from the Bahama Breeze menu - On the Rocks: a lime color inspired by Bahama Breeze’s Classic Margarita, Hot for Hibiscus: – a fuchsia hue inspired by Bahama Breeze’s drink of the same name and (Blood) Orange Ya Thirsty?!: a vibrant blood orange shade inspired by Bahama Breeze’s brand-new shareable Mighty Blood Orange Margarita. The collection is created in partnership with SOPHi, a natural nail polish brand, which is non-toxic, odorless and hypoallergenic.
But what’s a margarita-inspired manicure without a frosty, salt-rimmed glass to wrap it around? This National Margarita Day, breeze up to the bar for $2.22 Classic Margaritas, offered all day in-restaurant on February 22.*
And the party is just getting started—National Margarita Day is the kickoff to Viva la ‘Rita, a seven-week celebration that puts margaritas front and center. This year Bahama Breeze is introducing two new drinks—Piña Paradise: a frozen mash-up of a Prickly Pear Margarita and a classic Piña Colada, along with the shareable Mighty Blood Orange Margarita. New island-inspired fare is also joining the menu, including a new spin on sliders with Buttermilk Fried Chicken Jibaritos and a sweet ending in the Coconut Grande dessert.
After National Margarita Day, keep an eye on Bahama Breeze’s Instagram for opportunities to complete their margarita-inspired nail polish collection each week during Viva la ‘Rita. Meanwhile, want to keep the party going anyways? Here’s the Hibiscus Margarita recipe inspired by the Bahama Breeze menu:
Ingredients
*Assistance for copy and images provided by Bahama Breeze*
Considering I travel quite frequently, attend local events and do visit attractions wherever I am, I like to travel with a few statement pieces that can easily be mixed ad matched with the outfits I am wearing, are sturdy yet not heavy - to withstand travel yet not occupy too much space in my bag, and also satisfy my style quotient. Tall order, right? But the search for the solution has ended - I found 7 Charming Sisters!
The story begins on October 16th, 1817 with a single line in a brewer’s log. The handwritten note reveals the first eight barrels of Guinness beer – a porter to be exact – meant for America would make their arrival in South Carolina. Ever since then, the bond between America and Ireland has continued to grow, from Irish immigrants searching for a better life to community leaders to, of course, Guinness and the countless pints – shared responsibly – with the people of the United States. The anniversary is a celebration of a 200-year love affair between a brewery and a people: Guinness and America. The Guinness brand says thank you to America by introducing the limited-edition Guinness 200th Anniversary Export Stout; bringing back a few favorite stout releases for a festive variety pack; and hosting a pair of public events in New York City and Los Angeles.
After hearing so much about Bouchon Bakery in Beverly Hills, was delighted to receive this goodie bonanza at a recent event and can now attest to the fact that they do, indeed, have some amazing macarons here. The sugar cookies and the flavored popcorn were great but those macarons hit just the right spot!
Allow some of the hospitality industry’s best offer their twists on St Patrick’s Day libations you can create at home! On the heels of winning Food Network’s 2016 Christmas Cookie Challenge, pastry chef Brittani Szczecina at Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Resort & Spa has turned her attention to yet another holiday with this smooth, sophisticated St. Patrick’s Day treat.
Bailey’s Irish Cream Panna Cotta · 4 cups heavy cream · ½ cup sugar · 6 gelatin sheets · 4 oz. Baileys Original Irish Cream · Pinch of salt Bloom gelatin in ice water for five minutes or until soft. Remove from ice water and squeeze; set aside on a dry towel. Bring the remaining ingredients to a simmer and stir in the gelatin. Pour into desired glasses and let set in the fridge for at least two hours. Garnish with your favorite toppings: crushed chocolate cookies, chocolate sauce, St. Patrick’s Day sprinkles, or even a mini cupcake. Get creative!
Everyday you learn something new and this is one of those news alerts that I was surprised to read. I would have never known that the simple, almost mundane, activity of taking pictures of a hotel room to share with friends or to blog about could actually help save a life!
The social action organization Exchange Initiative is encouraging travelers to help fight sex trafficking during January, National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, by uploading hotel room photos to the free TraffickCam mobile app. Today, January 11 is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Photos uploaded with the TraffickCam app are anonymously added to a national database used by law enforcement and investigators to locate victims and their pimps.
What site do tourists and locals use when seeking the best steakhouses in the U.S.? BestSteakRestaurant.com
The website is the brainchild of award-winning culinary journalist David Lissner, also known as “The Food Dude©. He wanted to compile an aggregate list of the best steakhouse restaurants in large American cities. Beginning this journey in 2001, he curated a list of the best steakhouses in Chicago. The qualifications were specific: the steakhouse must feature USDA Prime Steak. If the steakhouse met the qualifications, David went into more depth about the steakhouse including its accompanying menus, details about their wine list, what the space was like and local and national press that the restaurant acquired. Due to his unwavering devotion to finding the best steaks in Chicago, he founded ChicagoBestSteak.com, which rapidly expanded its cachet and reach by activating in 16 states and 20 metropolitan cities, including New York (NYBestSteak.com), Miami (MiamiBestSteak.com), Las Vegas (LasVegasBestSteak.com) and under the umbrella site www.beststeakrestaurant.com, are the cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles among many others. So if you are planning on checking out some of the best steakhouses in the country, especially in the top cities, then you now have a go-to resource as a handy cheatsheet!
*Assistance for content and image for this post provided by Lisa Taylor PR Mktg*
Like what you see? I did too! Aren't these simply the 'funnest' shoes ever?!
Hot Chocolate Design is a Venezuelan company whose uniquely designed shoes have made their way to the U.S. and worldwide. They are known for their high quality and one-of-a-kind styles that are often influenced by different tastes, styles and eras. Beautifully packaged in a cake-themed decorative box too! Styles include Chocolaticas® (flats), Double Topping (heels) and Double Cream (platforms) available in a wide variety of prints and designs to match any mood, event or theme. Don't take my word for it - check out their amazing store on Amazon. Share your fave look sin the comments below. Mine has got to be the Bon Voyage design shared up top!
The World Boutique Hotel Awards is the first and only international awards organization exclusively dedicated to recognizing unique excellence among boutique hotels. The Awards, now in its 6th year, honored the people behind these outstanding properties. The 2016 World’s Best Category Winners are listed below.
WORLD’S BEST BOUTIQUE HOTEL - Secret Bay Hotel, Dominica World’s Best Beach or Coastal Hotel: El Nido, Pangulasian Island, Philippines World’s Best City Hotel: 11 Mirrors, Kiev, Ukraine World’s Best Classic Hotel Hotel: Heritage, Bruges, Belgium World’s Best Culinary Hotel: Vila Joya, Algarve, Portugal World’s Most Inspired Design Hotel: Kau Manor, Estonia World's Best Honeymoon Hideaway: Punta Tragara, Capri, Italy World’s Best New Hotel: Hotel Gotham, Manchester, United Kingdom World's Best Relaxation Retreat: The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah, Bali, Indonesia World's Most Romantic Hotel: Aenaon Villas, Santorini, Greece World's Most Sustainable Hotel: Vigilius Mountain Resort, South Tyrol, Italy World's Best Wellness Spa: Borgo Egnazia, Puglia, Italy World's Best Private Villa: Over Yonder Cay, The Bahamas I haven't visited any of these but they all sure are on my list! Have you stayed at these beautiful properties? Do share your experience in the comments.
With the holidays fast approaching and the home cocktail scene hotter than ever, consider yourself a mixologist and shake up your repertoire with a few new seasonal concoctions from recipes shared by some well-known hotels nonetheless…Cheers!
The ideal end to an autumn evening - Apple Pie a la Mode Seaway Grill at 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel (Clayton, N.Y.) Build in a hurricane glass: · ¾ oz. apple pie moonshine · ¾ oz. vanilla vodka · 1 oz. cranberry juice · 1 ½ oz. ginger ale Garnish with a slice of apple. |
FavesSharing a few products that I love. Some are affiliate links, some are not, some I was introduced to and some I happened to chance upon. Enjoy! Archives
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