Events Archives | My Life on and off the Guest List

The Perfect Summer Soirée: Frescobaldi Toscana Alìe Rosé

August 9, 2019/0 Comments/in Alcohol, Drinks and Beverages, Events, Lifestyle /by Glasgow Skinner

We can’t believe we’re already hearing about summer’s end but with a month left, it is inevitable. Thankfully there was and is plenty to remind us about the greatness of the warmer season. We were part of the lucky few who had the opportunity to enjoy the superbly elegant Alìe Rosé with Frescobaldi Toscana estates and Brand Ambassador and Winemaker, Livia le Divelec. It was love at first sip for us of this bright, fresh rose. We were immediately enchanted by the sensuality and intoxicating personality of this intriguing pale pink rose.

Frescobaldi Toscana boasts six wine estates which feature various varietals. Today we focus on Tenuta Ammiraglia Magliano, the Toscana by the Sea. This wine territory is warmed by the sun and mitigated by the sea and is home to the Frescobaldi Toscana Alìe Rosé.

The Frescobaldi Toscana Alìe Rosé, an elegant rosé with a pale pink hue and subtle ruby highlights. It is a stylish, beautifully-balanced blend of Syrah and Vermentino. These varieties express their finest qualities when grown near the sea. Alìe boasts scents of white flowers, wild strawberries, and citrus peel, combined with a hint of earthy minerality; all typical of this growing area. With its delicate structure and lengthy, complex finish, Alìe Rosé makes an enchanting aperitif wine and a great meal companion.

In fact, Alìe Rosé was perfectly paired with the amazing dishes served at the event’s location, The Polynesian at The Pod Hotel 42. The richly flavored Tiki-inspired foods were paired wonderfully with Alìe. The flavors highlighted the fruity notes, intoxicating Mediterranean aromas, and deliciously refreshing bouquet of this mellow rose.

What makes the Alìe Rosé stand out against other rose wines? Several factors actually. It’s proximity to the sea, vineyard cultivation typical of white varieties and a production process off the skins for the Syrah variety all give life to Alìe. The sharp and unmistakable bouquet floods the senses with intoxicating aromas that meld with the fragrances of fresh and ripe fruit. September peach bursts forth, followed by floral notes with subtle scents of rose.

We’d love to visit the Tenuta Ammiraglia Magliano estate one day to personally experience the stunning beauty of the region and get first-hand knowledge of what makes this exquisite rose so delicious. For now, we have to settle for Brand Ambassador and Winemaker, Livia le Divelec’s extensive knowledge. Check out the My Life on and off the Guest List Facebook page for our interview with her.

Final Fling Before The Ring: 3 Fun Summer Bachelorette Party Ideas

August 3, 2019/0 Comments/in Events, Lifestyle /by Contributing Writer

If you have a friend who is getting married in the near future, you may soon find yourself helping to plan an awesome bachelorette party for them. And the great thing about bachelorette parties is that they can be planned and customized to fit the style of the lovely bride-to-be. Whether you want to hit some of the 104 Las Vegas casinos or have a laid-back weekend at home, there are so many options. So if you’re looking for some fun and unique summer bachelorette party ideas, keep reading for 3 fun summer bachelorette party ideas.

Photo courtesy of theknot.com

Go on a Wine Tour

Many bachelorette parties feature some level of drinking. But if you go to the bars, you have to worry about getting everyone home safely. And with every state having some form of drinking and driving law like Michigan’s “Zero Tolerance” OWI offense, you could be risking getting in legal trouble, too. When you schedule a wine tour, you can choose transportation, like a fun limo or party bus, so everyone can have fun and be safe. Consider becoming one of the one billion mobile VoIP users and utilize the Internet to easily book transportation. And another great thing about wine tours is that that can be done during the day if you have activities planned for the evening. Get the group together with some matching shirts, party music, and have fun drinking some wine.

Have a Spa Day

If your soon-to-be-bride is more of a laid-back kind of gal, then a spa day could be the perfect bachelorette party idea. You can either book appointments for the whole group at a local spa, like Oasis Day Spa or even host your own spa day and your house. Make sure to book all of the important appointments, like facials, massages, and mani-pedis. This can be a great way to simply enjoy each other’s company and relax before the big day — a relaxing spa day is a good idea especially if the bachelorette party is planned close to the wedding day. You can even combine ideas and have a rejuvenating spa day before heading out to party at night.

Host a Pool Party

If you or one of the other bachelorette party attendees has a pool, then you have the perfect party location. With most American homes doubling in size since the 50s, that 2,500 square foot average is begging to host parties indoors and out. Who said you couldn’t stay home for your bachelorette party. Summer is the perfect time for pool parties and a bachelorette pool party can be particularly fun. Invest in some wedding-themed pool floats, like rings and champagne glasses, make tropical cocktails, and maybe even coordinate matching color swimsuits. Your bride-to-be is sure to love a fun day of floating the pool, listening to her favorite tunes, and eating and drinking yummy treats. But don’t forget to load up on the sunscreen to avoid everyone being super sunburnt come wedding day.

Summer is the perfect time for bachelorette parties because there is just so much to do. So keep these ideas in mind to help you plan the perfect ‘last fling before the ring’.

National Ice Cream Month with My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream and UNIQLO

July 4, 2019/0 Comments/in Events, Food, Lifestyle, Nutrition, Snacks /by Glasgow Skinner

Hello Ice cream lovers, it’s time to celebrate and indulge in some creamy, milky goodness. Did you know that July is National Ice Cream Month? And that July 21st is National Ice Cream Day. To honor the day, My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream and UNIQLO have partnered for the ultimate Ice Cream Day takeover. Not familiar with mochi ice cream? Read on for how you can try it out for free.

For those not familiar with the delicious brand, My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream is a colorful snack made with a scoop of premium ice cream wrapped in pillowy rice dough. Available in several decadent flavors including Sweet Mango, Green Tea, Ripe Strawberry, Cookies & Cream, Double Chocolate, Salted Caramel, Vanilla Bean, and Mint Chocolate Chip, you’ll find yourself unable to resist this handheld snack.

These mind-blowing mouthfuls of ice cream bites will be yours to enjoy on July 21st, National Ice Cream Day, at participating UNIQLO stores across the US, including New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston, Seattle, Chicago, and Washington DC. This is your chance to indulge in these magnificent frozen treats. Perhaps you can find a new favorite flavor if you’re already a fan, or try mochi ice cream out for the first time and discover why it’s so delicious.

After you’ve fallen in love with the My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream (trust us, you’ll love it), be sure to keep an eye out for the flavors featured above, which boasts a third layer of yumminess inside. The Chocolate Sundae features premium vanilla bean ice cream covered in chocolate-flavored mochi dough and stuffed with a cherry center. The Dulce de Leche features creamy coffee ice cream with a milky, melt-in-your-mouth caramel center. The Vanilla Blueberry features creamy vanilla bean ice cream, wrapped in pillowy mochi dough all wrapped around gooey, bluey blueberry center. Lastly, the S’mores features chocolate mochi dough wrapped around premium graham cracker ice cream filled with marshmallow.

My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream is also available in gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan flavors, making it a wonderful snack that everyone can enjoy. Will you be joining My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream and UNIQLO on National Ice Cream Day?

Jonathan Van Ness & Smirnoff Celebrate Pride w/ the House of Pride Event

June 30, 2019/0 Comments/in Alcohol, Drinks and Beverages, Events, Lifestyle /by Glasgow Skinner

What better way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riot than to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community. With a long-standing commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community, Smirnoff and Queer Eye star Jonathan Van Ness hosted a House of Pride event toasting to World Pride and Pride Month. The House of Pride event, which also celebrated Smirnoff’s 2019 “Welcome Home” campaign, featured a home-inspired, immersive pop-up experience features six insta-worthy rooms; each painted one of the colors of the pride flag.

The “red” room boldly stated “My Bed. My Business” and featured a giant bed with room for many; an orange room which featured a vintage kitchen; a yellow room which promised makeovers and playing dress-up; and a green room with a garden of Eden-like swing.

The event featured so many stunning drag queens who sprinkled utter fabulousness throughout the entire event. Forgive us for not getting all their names but once the Smirnoff started flowing…you know how that goes.

Numerous cocktails flowed as Fashion Designer and Celebrity DJ, Timo Weiland, kept the crowd moving with some of the most iconic songs by LGBT+ loved artists old and new. The “blue” room featured international cocktails, almost all of which were made with the classic Smirnoff 21 “Love wins” vodka.

As the event was underway, host Jonathan Van Ness made his entrance in epic pride fashion, arriving in a rainbow taxi. sipped on specialty Smirnoff cocktails while toasting to Pride Month and the LGBTQIA+ community with guests. Check out Jonathan Van Ness’ Welcome Home speech on our Instagram.

Jonathan Van Ness and Smirnoff celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and ongoing fight for equality with House of Pride pop-up on June 27, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for Smirnoff)Driving home the global celebration of Pride, and Smirnoff’s Welcome Home campaign, were the bottles of Smirnoff vodka which boasted the word “welcome” in various languages including English, French, Italian, and Spanish.

The revelry continued well into the night as the Jonathan Van Ness and Smirnoff House of Pride event was the place to be. When we left, the party was still in full swing and the vodka cocktails still flowed.

Celebrating the Summer with Hawaii’s Kona Brewing Company

June 18, 2019/0 Comments/in Alcohol, Drinks and Beverages, Events, Frontpage Article, Lifestyle /by Saucy Wallflower

Hawaii’s Kona Brewing Company graced New York City just in time for summer – introducing we “mainlanders” to some of their most popular beers offered nationwide. We must give kudos to Kona Brewing for making light beers that are actually interesting! We had the opportunity to try Kona’s Tropical Pineapple Gold Cliff IPA, Big Wave Golden Ale, Kanaha Blonde Ale, and Longboard Island Lager.

Kona has brews that are available both on the mainland and some exclusive to Hawaii only. They brew more than a dozen beers a year, but the regulars are our classic ales and lagers available in all 50 states.

Gold Cliff IPA Tropical Pineapple

Gold Cliff IPA draws you in with its beach and postcard-worthy dark brown bottle embossed with the Hawaiian islands. For those not familiar, an IPA is an acronym for ‘Indian Pale Ale’ – this is a lighter brown beer that typically has a very herby but subtle medicinal note. Every side of this vintage sized bottle gives you a nostalgic feeling of exploring the Hawaiian coasts – or at least watching amazing surfing films from the ’50s and ’60s.
Gold Cliff IPA is a great entry point to appreciating the distinct taste of IPAs – it is floral and fruity with a real natural pineapple flavor. It’s not too sharp but definitely not sugary sweet. I found this IPA very refreshing and totally get why they embossed “Liquid Aloha” on the neck of the bottle – this is perfect light IPA to put in the cooler for sipping beach-side (or poolside then beach side) on a sun-drenched day. I especially love that the bottle lists the calorie and carb content – for those who are actively counting – Gold Cliff is only 212 calories per serving.

Big Wave Golden Ale

Big Wave like a long cool drink from an oasis. It is LIGHT and bubbly. At 4.4% ABV and 142 calories, each sip was refreshing and airy. Kona describes their Golden Ale as the perfect beer for after a day out on the water – it felt very hydrating. This is a chill beer for a low key buzz so that you can fully experience the environment around you and share the adventures of the day with others.

Kanaha Blonde Ale

For those who enjoy a low key sip, chill, and share moments, this Blonde Ale has the lowest ABV (4.2%) and calorie count (99 calories per bottle). Although not sweet, Kanaha Ale is infused with a very small but bright note of mango and is palatable to enjoying with…dare we say it? Cannabis. Have you ever considered pairing beer with your favorite strains of weed? If it’s ever crossed your mind, the most important thing to consider is picking a beer and a bud with terpenes that won’t overpower each other in the aroma. (Terpenes – (terps) in case you are wondering, are the organic compounds found in herbs that give it flavor). The mild and light tropical flavors of Kanaha are a great candidate for pairing. Kanaha would also pair well with grilled seafood and salads.

Longboard Island Lager

For the traditionalists, Longboard Island Lager is a smooth, refreshing traditional beer, fermented and aged for five weeks for a smooth flavor. Another year-round favorite for the beach that pairs well with pizza, chicken, garlic knots, and many other party foods that will marry well with the beer’s hoppy aroma. You can drink this lager goes with almost any meal. At 4.60% ABV, and 144 calories, you’ll make any of your friends happy you brought a few six packs to the luau.

Keep an eye out for their Hanalei Island IPA. After launching exclusively in Hawaii in 2016, Kona Brewing Company opened its refreshing fruit-forward IPA, to the U.S. mainland. The tropical fruit-forward brew features Passionfruit, Orange and Guava.

To find Kona Brewing Company beers near you, visit www.konabrewingco.com.

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Vinho Verde Wine Experience Returns to NYC for 3rd Year

June 14, 2019/0 Comments/in Alcohol, Drinks and Beverages, Events, Lifestyle /by Glasgow Skinner

Last year we celebrated National Rose Day by attending the 2nd Annual Vinho Verde Wine Experience and sampling some amazing rose, white, and red wines. Although the day of celebrating rose wine has passed, we’ll be returning to the Vinho Verde Wine Experience to enjoy its 3rd year of amazing Portuguese wines in NYC.

Herald as one of the most anticipated NYC summer events, over 30 top, specially curated wineries from the Vinho Verde region of Portugal will be on-hand to share their varietals. The day-long festival will feature three tasting sessions. Also with ever-flowing wine, sommeliers hosting informative sessions about Vinho Verde, mixologists custom curating delicious beverages at the Vinho Verde Cocktail Bar, live music, food bites from some of NYC’s hottest restaurants, and a photo booth.

Wine enthusiasts and foodies can enjoy the following sessions on Saturday, June 15, 2019:

Session 1 VIP + GA: 12pm – 3pm
Session 1 GA: 1pm – 3pm
Session 2 VIP + GA: 3:30pm – 6:30pm
Session 2 GA: 4:30pm – 6:30pm
Session 3 VIP + GA: 7pm – 10pm
Session 3 GA: 8pm – 10pm

The wine event takes place in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood at Second Floor’s amazing indoor and outdoor spaces, located at 849 6th Ave. Some of the winemakers in attendance include Adega Ponte da Barca | Viniverde, Adega de Monção, Quinta da Lixa, Arcas, Casa de Mouraz, Adega Ponte Lima, Vecoope, Manuel Costa & Filhos, Encosta do Xisto, José Maria da Fonseca, Aveleda, Campelo, Quinta da Calçada, Enoport Wines, Provam, and much more!

Vinho Verde is a diverse region that produces many different types of wine: White, Rosé or Red, Sparkling or Spirits. Whether blended or single grape variety, dry or sweet, still or sparkling, floral or fruity, all of them have one thing in common: their authenticity and fresh flavor. Born in a coastal region, characterized by fruity and floral aromas, Vinho Verde wines have the perfect level of acidity, providing a long-lasting sensation of harmony in the mouth.

All wine tastings stop 15 minutes prior to the end of the session time. For more information including ticket purchase options and additional event details, head over to www.vinhoverdewineexperience.com. If you’re posting from or following the event on social media, use hashtag #VinhoVerdeWineExperience.

A Spirit of Authenticity: George Dickel Bottled in Bond Whisky

June 14, 2019/0 Comments/in Alcohol, Drinks and Beverages, Events, Lifestyle /by Glasgow Skinner

We’ve long stated that women enjoy much more than what’s deemed as “girly drinks” – you know, pink, sweet, and fruity. Many of us enjoy something a bit more complex and strong. Which is why we were really excited to experience George Dickel’s latest whisky release, George Dickel Bottled in Bond. Why you may ask? For many reasons, one of which is this newest release was created by Cascade Hollow Distilling Co.’s General Manager and Distiller, Nicole Austin; the first new whisky innovation for the distillery.

We also want to continue spreading the word that women enjoy drinking complex and “hard” cocktails. As you can imagine you don’t see too many female distillers, so celebrating Nicole and her rich whisky. What makes this whisky so special?

(Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for George Dickel)

(Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for George Dickel)

For starters, if you can’t tell by the name, it’s a Bottled in Bond Whisky. The Bottled in Bond Act of 1897 was enacted in order to help guarantee a spirit’s authenticity and level of quality. To be labeled as Bottled in Bond, a spirit must be aged and bottled according to the following U.S. Government regulations that include the following:

It must be the product of one distillation season by one distillery; the George Dickel Bottled in Bond is distilled by Cascade Hollow Distilling Co. at the Cascade Hollow Distillery, DSP-TN-2, during the fall season of 2005.
It must be stored in oak containers, a federally bonded warehouse under U.S. government supervision; the George Dickel Bottled in Bond is stored at Cascade Hollow Distillery in Tullahoma, TN for at least four years (13 years old).
It must be bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV) and reduced in proof only by the addition of water to not less than 100 proof

This 13-yr old whisky is bold, balanced. The flavors blend very well, without overwhelming each other. It can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in your favorite whisky cocktail. We joined a slew of George Dickel whisky lovers and Distiller, Nicole Austin, at The Robert Bar on Bond Street (of course) in Brooklyn to celebrate the launch. We enjoyed three delicious Bottled in Bond drinks at the event. The first was Neat to get the full flavor and notes at room temperature; On the Rocks to open up the blend, and of course, a classic Manhattan.

A 750ML bottle of George Dickel Bottled in Bond whisky is available for $35.99

Clyde May’s Whiskey: An American Whiskey Legend

May 30, 2019/0 Comments/in Alcohol, Drinks and Beverages, Events, Lifestyle /by Glasgow Skinner

It’s a known fact that history is filled with legendary moments, but only a few possess an iconic history. One of those noteworthy historical moments is when World War II veteran Clyde May became a moonshiner. To support his family after the war, Clyde May turned to moonshining. He began producing and selling an unaged, right from the still moonshine which he perfected over the years into small-batch whiskeys. From the first moonshine batch up until 2012, Clyde May’s Whiskey was technically participating in the illegal trade of whiskey-making. Mr. May’s son, Kenny May actually produced the first legal batch of his father’s whiskey in 2012, named Clyde May’s Conecuh Ridge Alabama Fine Whiskey.

We had the please of getting to know three whiskeys from the Clyde May’s Whiskey portfolio at an intimate tasting and lunch with Clyde May’s grandson, LC May. On deck for our tasting pleasure was the award-winning Alabama Style Whiskey, Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Straight Rye Whiskey.

The 85-proof Alabama Style Whiskey is made using a mash bill consisting of corn, rye, and malted barley. It is aged 6-7 years in caramel-charred oak barrels and finished with a hint of apple. It is the closest to the original Clyde May moonshine from 1946 which featured baked apples to the barrels at the end of the distillation process. The intensely bronze-hued spirit is a medium-bodied spirit with hints of black pepper, anise, and oak. You will pick up distinct notes of caramel, green apple, and fruits on the nose. The original definitely packs a punch and you’ll love how smoothly it evens out. That’s why in 2004, it became Alabama’s official state spirit.

The 92-proof Bourbon Whiskey is aged 4-5 years in 53-gallon oak barrels and is non-chill filtered. It boasts a slightly reddish bronze hue and starts out very soft and smooth but finishes bold and spicy with a lingering presence.

The 94-proof Rye Whiskey is an earthy golden brown and the most intensely flavored of the three whiskeys. It boasts an abundance of floral, fruit, and spices that presents themselves in layers. The crisp zest of citrus is the first thing we tasted, with a robust spiciness following shortly. A full-bodied whiskey with a dry and peppery finish.

During the tasting, we enjoyed two classic whiskey cocktails – a Manhattan and Old Fashioned, accompanied by a savory Grilled Branzino which paired wonderfully with our Clyde May’s Straight Rye Whiskey-based Old Fashion. The fennel and grapefruit vinaigrette in dish perfectly accented the spices and citrus in the straight rye.

It was such a pleasure to learn about the interesting history of Clyde May’s Whiskey; how the brand fully embraces and celebrates his creator’s past and his family. From its birth from moonshine to Clyde May’s arrest for bootlegging, and of course his farmland in Conecuh Ridge.

If you’re looking for an award-winning whiskey that celebrates its American history, look no further than Clyde May’s whiskey.