Put Some Yum in your Rum

Make the Captain a Little Jealous…by RiriBelle

Thinking of making a rum-based drink to cool off this summer…thinking of the Capt? Pondering Malibu? Bacardi weighing on your mind?  Bend your mind a little further south and  head to the Dominican Republic and splash a little  Brugal Rum into the mix!

With a new edition to Brugal rum portfolio Brugal Extra Viejo rum now let’s you unleash a little Carribbean paradise right into your own party. This exceptionally smooth and oh-so-delicious rum is now available in major US cities and just begging for you to sip, taste and smile!

Extra Viejo, meaning extra old, is a sophisticated and elegant rum.  A blend of older reserves, it immediately commands attention with its mesmerizing, dark crystallized amber appearance and mouth-watering bouquet of raisins, toasted oak and pipe tobacco notes. Its textured, seemingly weightless body delivers long-lasting flavors that include French roast coffee, warm toffee, hot cocoa and hints of nutmeg and anise. Sounds like dessert to me…Created in the Dominican Republic by Don Andres Brugal in 1888, Brugal is the largest-selling rum brand in the Dominican Republic and among the top five rum brands in the world.

Brugal Extra Viejo is available in a 750 ml size for an average retail price of $24.99 and a one-liter size for $29.99.  Brugal Extra Viejo joins Brugal Anejo, Brugal Gold and Brugal White to a variety of of world-class, authentic rums that are perfect straight, on the rocks or in an array of cocktail recipes.  Your Pina Colada just called…she wants a spash of Brugal Extra Viejo rum…don’t disappoint.

5-Step Father’s Day Makeover

For the Fatherly Fashion-Impaired…by Christabelle

I do love my dad…with all my heart. He is kind, warm, funny, generous, loving and most of all, well – MY dad . Amongst the endless list of attributes my dad owns (both good and bad), one of the most prevalent is fashion-retarded.  Yes, I said it out loud. The man can’t put an outfit together to savehis life and would spend the rest of his days on Earth very happily wearing one of two outfits if the ladies of the household would let him. This father’s day – give your dad a head to toe makeover like I am! Transform your already AMAZING dad into a GQ Model (I mean…he can’t be too far off…he just needs a fashionable finger or two to help).  With 5 easy steps…take your pop to a ‘whole notha level’!

Step One: Sh*t, Shower & Shave
Now he does probably conquers the three S’s  quite well on his own…but with some of my up-to-the minute beauty products in hand, he is sure to love the indulgence of bathroom time even more.

First order of business – the Poo. Ah, yes…the morning ritual that sends many a running when it is all said and done can quickly be a faint memory (thank goodness). Poo-Pourri is a must have product for anyone with the ability to create – well – stank (comon’ now…don’t be shy – even Angelina Jolie poops)!  Simply spritz the bowl before you go and no on else will ever know. Poo-Pourri is a blend of all natural essential oils that virtually eliminate (not mask) – ELIMINATE bathroom odors. Can I order a case of these pups for every bathroom in my home? The original citrus blend of lemongrass, bergamot, grapefruit and other oils can be purchased at PooPourri.com for $9.95 (2 oz. bottle) ; $14.95 (4 oz. bottle).  Other formulas available include No.2, HeavenScent, Royal Flush, Pooch-Pourri and Poo-Pourri Jr.

Changing the way men get clean, the new Pert Plus Men’s 3-1 (Shampoo/Conditioner/Body Wash IN ONE) was an obvious choice for my dad.  He likes to be as efficient as possible…doesn’t like too many steps to accomplish one end result and quite frankly doesn’t always think he needs all of the “bells and whistles” as he calls them.  Pert Plus for Men 3-1 not only got him squeaky clean from head to toe with just one bottle to squeeze from, but also provided a fast easy way to look and smell great. Available at Drugstore.com for $3.99 per bottle.

With Greek roots, you can imagine the roots his hair folicles keep.  My dad often resembles Fred Flintstone with his perma-5-O’Clock shadow.  That is why I was thrilled to find a fast, easy, affordable and portable classic shaving kit from Every Man Jack.  The EMJ Signature Shave Kitincludes a Pre-Shave Face Wash (coconut-derived surfactants to cleanse, chamomile extract to soothe and glycerineto hydrate and soften those pesky whiskers); Hydrating Formula ShaveCream (rich, low-foam cream softens and preps your beard for a more comfortable shave with the help of squalane, chamomile and aloe);  and Post Shave Lotion (deeply hydrates and helps to heal that razor irritated and nicked skin). The best part? All the EMJ products  fit neatly into a masculine designed dopp kit…perfect for stowing into luggage or into the medicine cabinet.  Available for purchase at target.com for an SRP of $9.99.

Step Two: No More Tightie Whities
He is clean, he is shaven and he is towel dried…the next step in the dad makeover is new undies! If your dad is anything like mine, his affection for tightie whities  must be stopped.  Give him the option to look cool and feel cool under his clothing with one of  Jockey’s newest underwear styles called Euro Sport CoolMax® Midway® Brief. Equipped with this underwear, he’ll be ready to take on any adventure. The high-tech Coolmax® fabric is lightweight and quick drying; helping to keep him cool while on-the-go. This style offers a lower rise at the waist with leg openings extending to mid-thigh to help reduce chafing. The plush backed waistband eliminates irritation as he moves. The contoured pouch provides support while the contrasting green piping adds a touch of style. We likey! Available for sale at Jockey.com for a $16.00 each.

Step Three: Dad Jeans Be Gone
You have all seen them…at times they are almost as bad as “mom jeans”…they are straight leg, pegged at the ankles, sometimes even bearing the name of a company that is no longer in existence! They are his proverbial “woobie” …you know what I am talking about. His butt is imprinted in them – as is his wallet impression. My dad actually does NOT have this particular problem, as he DOES NOT OWN A PAIR OF JEANS. That is all changing this Father’s Day…since I came across a new jean company that is both hip, trendy, well made and reasonably priced for luxurious, high-end denim.  Enter Cult of Individuality jeans.
Cult of Individuality prides itself on jeans that remind men of their favorite old pair (you get where I am going with this?).   They’re weathered, worn, and personal (wink*wink).  Inspired by classic cuts and vintage washes, incorporating Japanese denim, Cult of Individuality jeans are designed to look and fit like you’ve had them for years (i.e. throw out the old and insert the “new” but feels like old). Now dad CAN be comfortable and be in-style – he will never know what hit him . Available for sale at Tobi.com for $135
Top this pair of  jeans with a smart looking shirt from ChristabellesCloset.com (such as this tan split vent THEORY shirt, $40) and the look is almost complete!

Step Four: Hip to the Toes
Dad’s need it all – comfort while he is on his feet, style and sense of individuality. Two words…Auri Footwear. Out of Laguna Beach, CA (which in itself makes it uber-cool),  Auri is an exclusiveve line of footwear designed especially for men. Auri shoes will keep dad’s feet happy whether he is walking, working or even climbing a mountain.

Auri artfully mastered the shoe design that is truly comfortable all day. The Auri footwear collection will keep feet comfortable from the first second they’re on, until he slides them off at the end of the day. With Auri’s stylish collection, there’s no need to change into or out of work shoes or going out shoes ever again: One pair of Auri’s will carry you throughout the entire day. This collection is not only stylish, it’s smart. With moisture wicking, antimicrobial attributes, and temperature regulation, Auri surpasses competitors by a landslide. Forward thinking, Auri worked with NASA (yes, we said NASA) to develop this state of the art shoe technology. These stylin’ kicks are shock absorbent with arch support, not to mention lightweight. The speed of life won’t wait for anyone, so wherever the day takes him, your dad will be able to count on his Auri’s. Our favorite style for dad? The Auri Gigolo in Burnished Tan (see photo), available for sale at AuriFootwear.com for $200.

Step Five: A Toast to Dad
Now that he has his new look, toast the transformation! Introduce your dad into a new world of liqueur with TY KU Premium Liqueur. The perfect blend of traditional Asian spirits with delicious superfruits and teas.  Clean and crisp with refreshing citrus flavor profile,TY KU combines premium natural ingredients including: yuzu (vitamin C), mangosteen (antioxidants), Tibetan goji berry (18 amino acids & vitamins), honeydew (potassium & vitamin C), green tea (antioxidants) and ginseng, all harmoniously blended with soju, alow calorie, low carb and low sugar liqueur that is delicious chilled straight, on the rocks or combined with a myriad of other spirits! Your dad will be in good company when he takes a sip of  TY KU as celebrity fans of this five-star liqueur include Jay-Z, Gisele Bundchen, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jessica Biel, Jeremy Piven, John Mayer, Jessica Simpson, Terri Hatcher and Jennifer Garner.  While dad pours himself a glass of TY KU (SRP $35) premium “booze with benefits” (only 72 calories, 3.6 carbs and 0 fat per serving)…the illuminating bottle (the only one of its kind) will be sure to take him by surprise - the finale in the father’s day makeover extravaganza!

The metamorphosis is complete – did your dad survive his 5-steps to Father’s Day Fabulous? Let us know!

Weight Watchers Friendly…

FOR ALL YOU COUNTING WW POINTS…by Christabelle

I bit the bullet…I couldn’t wait any longer. My trip to Punta Cana for RiriBelle’s wedding is just a mere three months away and that means my bathing suit (which I have politely been ignoring for the last 6 months).  Ignore no more, I joined Weight Watchers online just one month ago and have already lost 10 pounds. Overjoyed…to say the very least, so I want to post a blog to help those who are on the same vision quest – achieve success with some yummy foods that have kept me going. My top FIVE snacks with 2 or less points:

1. The Laughing Cow ($3.49) - this yummy treat carries a mere 1 point value to it (for one wedge) – eat it alone, dipped on a celery stalk or smeared on a WW Bagel (add on 2 more points). It is satisfying and delicious.
2. Susan Rice, Charlie’s Truffled Popcorn ($8.99) -  this 2 point value air-popped popcorn is made from the finest white corn and sprinkled with Black Périgord Truffles, the most expensive French truffles, and Summer Truffles. Yummo!
3. Whole Wheat Fig Newtons ($4.99) – 2 delicious cookies = 2 points. They are all the yum and not all of the points as the original Fig Newtons.
4. Sugar Free Popsicle ($3.79) - cherry, grape & orange – NADA POINTS for ONE POP. Need I say more?
   
5. Green Giant Baby Carrots ($1.99) - Ho, Ho, Ho – the green giant knows NO POINTS are in these orange treats (1 cup).

Happy weight loss!

A Soiree for your Next Soiree…

FOR YOUR WINE-A-HOLIC…by RiriBelle

We all know them…heck…I am one of them.  A wine snob. A certified – I love my wine by the bottle (not the box) – wish I was a Sommelier - need to own a vineyard in the  Hampton’s one day – vino enthusiast! (not to be confused with Christabelle’s beau Vino…who she is also an enthusiast of!).

Not only does the wine have to be delicious (and don’t be mistaken in thinking that all good wines cost a ton of money – some of the best wines on the market are under $12 a bottle!) but it needs to be properly poured and served. As I learned on a trip to Chianti, Italy a few years back - aeration is key to opening up the wine to it’s most pristine condition.  Wine is aerated because: oxygen helps the wine to become stimulated and show signs of its age, chemistry, and character. As wine is exposed to oxygen the wine becomes alive again. An aerated wine will release aromas, have a better mouth feel, and it will have more of the designed balance versus a wine that is poured straight from the bottle. This used to involve large, expensive decanters – not very portable or cost efficient. But I discovered a clever accessory that comes with me everywhere – the Soirée Premier Wine Aerator ($25)!

Soirée Premier Wine Aerator fits securely into any wine bottle allowing you to pour, without dripping directly through the Soirée. By pouring wine in this manner, the Soirée creates an intermediary stage where the wine is infused with oxygen and then cascades into your glass. In using the Soirée to aerate your wine, you will notice the subtleties and character of the wine emerge immediately upon entering your glass. Soirée delivers a truly “open” wine just by pouring through it and it allows you to decant just the portion of wine you want – a glass or a carafe. Soirée eliminates the dollars, hours, and dishes involved in traditional decanting . Who wants to waste precious wine – I know I DON’T!

Who can refuse a gift that requires a wine bottle to be opened? Soirée Premier Wine Aerator  can be used on any occasion and on any bottle of wine and for just $25, it is a great budget-friendly gift idea (think recent grads, bridal party gifts or even wedding favors!).

Here an Oink…There an Oink and a MOOOOO

FOR THE MEAT LOVER IN YOUR LIFE…by Christabelle

Phil and I were bored one day when we were playing up in the mountains for a weekend sojourn and we decided to have a bake-off. I created delicious almond poppy muffins and he made chocolate chip cookies…laced with bacon. Yes, bacon…the egg and cheese at Denny’s kind of BACON!  Needless to say, I thought he was insane and momentarily stuck my nose up in the air when the tried to get me to test-drive one. Then the irrisistable smell of chocolate and bacon wafted into my nostrils…and my mouth started to water…and it was all over from there. They were HEAVENLY.

Which then got me thinking…what else can you put bacon in?  My google search brought me straight to BaconFreak.com where I was greeted by the words “Bacon is Meat Candy”…ain’t that the truth.

Whether you’re a recent “bacon-vert” or a well experienced “Bacon-noisseur” or even a “Bacon-ista” this is the website for you. With a bevy of bacon related items, articles, and products – you will be as happy as, well, a pig in poo. If your Valentine is a lover of swine, give them the gift of a Bacon Club 12-month membership (2 packages of the finest bacon delivered each month for $395 ), send a Bacon Basket (starting at $59.95) or purchase a novelty item, like bacon band-aids (all of the fun and none of the fat!)!  You can even surprise your sweetie with a breakfast in bed made for a King of the Boars with Bacon Freak’s Maple Bacon Pancake Mix. Hickory smoked bacon and maple chunks are mixed into the batter mixing the sweetness of maple with the smokiness of bacon into the perfect pancake! All in one easy to make package and for only $7.95…Finally a pancake mix that is bold enough to say eat me!

And if beef is more up your sweetie’s alley…and you live in the New York area… burgers might just be what you are looking for.

New York Burger Company will be offering The Burger Bouquet, a riff on the traditional box of chocolates: a sampler-style box containing a selection of three of their most popular mini-burgers (Chicago Burger, Dallas Burger & Seattle Burger), three signature dipping sauces, homemade potato chips, and a brownie. It even comes with a personalized, hand-written Valentine note.

For only $25, it’s one of the most unexpected gifts you can give. Perfect to be delivered to an office around lunchtime or at home for a cozy meal in. It’s also a great option when you’re in a new relationship, where you want to say something, but don’t want to say too much. Say it with a Burger Bouquet!

You can place your order by calling New York Burger Company at 212-229-1404 (6th Ave. location) or 212-254-2727 (Park Ave. location). Your burger surprise will be delivered on February 13 or 14 between 11:00AM and 8:00PM.

Happy Meat Eating!

Aphrodisiac in a Bottle…

What is Your Passion Potential?…by Christabelle

A recent survey conducted by Agavero tequila found 40 percent of Americans rated their level of passion with their partner PG-13 or less. Sad, yes, but there is hope. If you’re looking for more “From Here to Eternity” and less “High School Musical,” seize this Valentine’s Day, and elevate your relationship’s passion quotient, courtesy of aphrodisiac-infused Agavero tequila.

You don’t have to go out and spend a lot of money on gifts and dinner out on the town to impress your date. All you need is Agavero and an apron. Agavero is the 100 percent blue agave tequila hand-blended with Damiana — the legendary flower known for centuries as a potent aphrodisiac. Using Agavero as an ingredient in a romantic stay-at-home meal not only generates flavor bursts in food but can spark chemistry and passion throughout the evening.

Cooking together is a very sensuous experience, and cooking with aphrodisiacs can bring your evening to a whole new level,” said Diane Brown, Agavero spokesperson and author of The Seduction Cookbook. “A smooth and flavorful tequila like Agavero not only generates a flavor burst in food but can spark chemistry and passion throughout the meal.” Brown recommends starting the evening off with a tantalizing Agavero-infused meal, then light the candles and cue the Barry White.  Finish the meal fireside with a delicious Agavero cocktail.  Agavero is best enjoyed neat, sipped slowly to enjoy the smooth flavor, as well as in tempting drink recipes, such as the Lover’s Margarita or Passion Potion.  These and other cocktail recipes are available on Agavero.com. 

Create a passionate-infused Valentine’s Day at home with this fabulous “get-you-in-the-mood” tequila – available at GrandWineCellar.com, $34.99.

Turn on the yum with these sexy recipes for Valentine’s Day:

Agavero Tequila Shrimp Ceviche with Blood Oranges, Jalapenos and Endive

1/2 cup freshly-squeezed lime juice (approximately 3 limes)
1 pound peeled and deveined small shrimp (about 41- to 50-count to a pound)
2 blood oranges, peel, pith and membranes removed, cut into 1-inch pieces, juices retained
1 English cucumber, seeded and diced
1 medium tomato, cut into ¼ -inch dice
½ jalapeno, ribs and seeds removed, minced
½ medium-sized red onion, chopped into ¼-inch dice
¼ cup Agavero tequila
1 to 2 tablespoons vinegar-based, Mexican bottled hot sauce (such as Cholula, Tamazula, Valentina or Bufalo)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus several sprigs for garnish
Salt
Several lime slices, for garnish
1 head Belgium endive, leaves pulled from core

In a glass or ceramic bowl, mix shrimp with lime juice, cover and refrigerate for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Add oranges and juice, cucumber, tomato, jalapeno, and onion to shrimp bowl. Mix gently with Agavero tequila, hot sauce, olive oil, cilantro and salt, and taste, adjusting seasoning if necessary. Cover and refrigerate up to a three hours, or serve immediately.

Spoon the ceviche into martini glasses or small bowls. Garnish with sprigs of cilantro and slices of lime.
Serve atop endive leaves.

Agavero Tiramisu

3 eggs, divided
½ cup sugar
8 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 shots espresso
½ cup plus two tablespoons Agavero
24 ladyfingers
4 ounces El Rey Bucare Chocolate
2 tablespoons cocoa nibs

In a mixing bowl with a handheld or stationary mixer, beat egg yolks and sugar until eggs lighten in color, about 3 minutes. Add mascarpone, cinnamon and 2 tablespoons Agavero to egg mixture, blending until smooth, about 3 minutes. In a second mixing bowl, beat egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. Fold egg white mixture into egg yolk mixture.

In a small bowl, mix espresso and remaining Agavero. Dip ladyfingers into the espresso mixture until lightly moistened. Line the bottom of 6 margarita glasses with two ladyfingers each. Spread a layer of mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers, and then shave a thin sprinkling of chocolate over the cheese, using a microplane. Repeat with another layer of two ladyfingers dipped in espresso mixture, a layer of mascarpone and a layer of chocolate shavings.

Cover and refrigerate for 1-3 hours. Garnish with a ½ teaspoon of cocoa nibs on each tiramisu glass. Serve chilled. Makes 6 servings