Love my Lolita

As I’ve mentioned before, I love a good glass of wine every now and again.  I’m not ashamed to call myself a “wino”…in fact, I embrace the term with a certain sense of pride.  Ladies, back me up on this – wine can be a girl’s best friend!  Being that I’m partial to the occasional glass of chardonnay (or any other type of wine for that matter), I’m always on the lookout for nice wine glasses.  One of my all time favorite companies to purchase said stemware from is called Lolita.

If you’ve never heard of this company, they make hand-painted glassware and tableware featuring festive and unique designs.  Each individual piece also has it’s own fun name to go along with it. They have wine glasses, martini glasses, cocktail glasses, pilsners (pint glasses), and so much more!  But you want to know the really cool part? The bottom of each piece features a recipe for a signature drink.

The newest addition to my collection is called “Parisian, Too”.  I believe I’ve also mentioned before that Paris is one of my all time favorite European destinations, so you know I couldn’t not get this one.  This glassware is just so much fun to use and I love trying out the new drink recipes.  The signature alcohol infused libation I get to try out this time is a mix of pinot noir, cognac, granulated sugar, a cinnamon stick, and garnished with orange zest.  Definitely a new take on your standard glass of red! And just a little side note…Lolita glassware makes for a great gift!

Check out the website to see more: http://www.designsbylolita.com/default.aspx

Tricks of the Travel Trade

A friend of mine called me today with some pretty exciting news.  She just found out that her boyfriend is taking her on a trip to Paris for her birthday!  And when I say Paris, I do mean the city in France.  Of course, I was equally as jealous of her as I was thrilled that she was getting to go to one of my favorite cities in the entire world.  I went to Paris when I was 15 and immediately fell in love.  I’ve been dying to go back ever since.  The Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Elysees, the AMAZING food…it really is a magical place. Now, it just so happens that this will be her first ever trip to Europe.  I have to say, props to her boy-toy for picking Paris.  I think this is the perfect city to introduce a person to European culture. 

Even though her trip is a few months away, we got to talking about what she would be packing for this romantic getaway.  Of course, we all know that no matter how many “packing lists” a girl makes, she still ends up throwing her entire wardrobe into a full-sized suitcase.  Am I right, ladies, or am I right?  At least, that’s what happens when I pack for a trip.  Hey, I’m not ashamed – you never know when you’re going to need those extra pair of heels.  The conversation got me thinking about travel necessities.  What should you put in your carry-on vs. your checked baggage to make sure you look refreshed and ready to go once you get to your destination?  International flights can sometimes be brutal – and I don’t know about you, but jet-lag chic isn’t exactly my best look.

So, I decided to make a list of essentials that I like to keep in my carry-on when I’m traveling:

    1.     Tinted moisturizer: Not only will this help rehydrate your skin, but it will also even out your complexion without having to cake on a heavy foundation.

    2.     Travel sized make-up: I always like to keep a mini eye shadow compact, mascara, and lip gloss with me to add a pop of color.

   

3.     Dual lotion/hand sanitizer: **WARNING…airports and planes are germy places** Keeping a hand sanitizer with you is a must!  I like the kind that double as a hand lotion because it keeps my hands from drying out.

4.     Cleansing facial wipes: If your skin is anything like mine, it tends to look a little oily after a long flight.  Facial wipes are a great, convenient way to get rid of excess shine and clean your skin before putting on that tinted moisturizer.

5.     Small can of dry shampoo: International travel can also leave your hair looking a little limp.  Investing in a travel-sized can of dry shampoo is always a good idea.

6.     Hair Brush: I really don’t think I need to explain this one.

7.     Mini toothbrush: I recommend the Colgate Wisp single-use mini toothbrush with breath-freshening beads.

8.     Travel sized body spray: Just a little spritz will keep away that stale airplane cabin smell.

Of course, these are just a few quick things that I thought of off the top of my head.  And to all my current or future travelers…I hope this helps!

**Shameless plug of the day: Thinking about booking a trip? Check out my mom’s website http://www.mycruisegirl.com/.  She specializes in cruise vacations, but she is also a full service travel agent.  From all-inclusive resorts to over-seas tours – she can do it all!  You can also email her at: mycruisegirl@gmail.com or call: 850-588-8671

Carlo's Goes Cruising

While I now call the “Sunshine State” my home, I actually grew up right outside of Philadelphia.  I love living in Florida, but I have to admit that I do miss Philly from time to time.  Walking around Olde City, going to Eagles games at the Linc, chowing down on a perfect Pat’s Cheesesteak…just some of my fondest memories.  Another perk of growing up in the Northeast is that we were close to New Jersey.  I know, I know - some of you are probably laughing at me right now and thinking, “How can living near New Jersey be a perk”?  But just hear me out for a second…

If you didn’t know, there’s a little town in Jersey called Hoboken, which is home to (in my personal opinion) one of the best Italian bakery’s you’ll ever find….Carlo’s Bake Shop. You might recognize Carlo’s from the TLC show Cake Boss.  They’re famous for their custom cakes, but they have just about every kind of goody you can imagine in their store; from cookies and brownies to traditional Italian treats.  Every once and a while my mom and I would get a chance to drive up to Carlo’s where there was always a line out the door.  I don’t think we ever left with less than 3 boxes filled with cupcakes, cannoli’s, cookies, pastries – you name it, and I’m sure we bought it!  Trust me when I say that everything in this place is absolutely TO DIE FOR!!

Now, moving all the way down the East Coast makes Carlo’s trips a little difficult.  A sad thought, for sure.  So, you can imagine how excited I was to find out that all hope is not lost and I can STILL get my Carlo’s fix thanks to a certain cruise line. 

Norwegian Cruise Line has partnered with the owner of Carlo’s Bake Shop, Buddy Valastro, to open up an extension of his family business on their new ship, the Norwegian Breakaway!  The ship will feature all of the amazing treats that the original bakery is known for, and will also give cruisers the opportunity to take cupcake decorating classes and pre-order custom cakes for special celebrations.  The shop will be housed on Deck 8.  Some of the menu items include cookies, cakes, pies, chocolate mousse, chocolate and vanilla cannoli’s, cream-filled lobster tails, cheesecake, tiramisu, and chocolate truffle’s.  I don’t know about you, but reading this list alone is giving me a sugar high!

 

Now, being the avid cruiser that I am, it took me all of about 3 seconds to convince myself that I needed to book a trip on this ship.  A seven-day Caribbean vacation AND I get to reunite with my good friend Carlo’s…oh yeah, there’s no way I missing out on this!

**Side note for all potential cruisers: The Breakaway is now open for bookings.**

Welcome Summer The Right Way

In honor of the first day of summer, I’ve found two daiquiri recipes that sound perfect for a nice day on the beach soaking up some sun…

Peach Coco Bongo:

2 oz. Malibu Coconut Rum

3 oz. Sweet & Sour Mix

½ Fresh ripe peach

A splash of Grenadine

Saba Colada:

 

2 oz. Malibu Coconut Rum

2 Tbsp. Thai Coconut Milk

3 Tbsp. Simple Syrup

Splash of Blue Curacao

I don’t know about you, but these drinks make me want to hop on the next plane to the Caribbean!  Speaking of vacation, time for another shameless plug…

If you’re looking to take a trip, you should check out my mom’s Facebook page: 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cruise-Planners-Beth-Stewart/393486644040141

Not only can she book you on a fabulous cruise, but because she is a full service travel agent, she can book land vacations as well.  This woman can send you anywhere you need to go within a budget that works for you.  So, if you want to get away for a little R&R…give her a shout!