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How to Pick the Perfect Bottle of Wine

by Carla Ortiz

Wine is the perfect gift for all occasions, as long as the receiver likes wine! But, who doesn’t like wine? Exactly! So now the only thing you have to do is pick the right bottle, and that is easier said than done. There are so many choices that making your final decision is not going to be easy unless you have some sot of knowledge and experience in wine. Plus, doesn’t it seem that they all look the same? It’s a good thing I have a few tips to make picking the perfect bottle of wine easier.

What’s Your Price Range?

As a rule of thumb, higher qualities of wine tend to be more expensive. So, that’ll make it hard to be able to afford every wine available. Even supermarkets and liquor stores sell a variety of wines that range in quality and in price. Pick a price range before you pick the wine. Leave the expensive wines to the experts. However, don’t set your price too low if your budget allows.

Reputation

Where is the wine from? It doesn’t matter if you bought it from the corner store or if you prefer to buy wine online as long as the vendor is reputable. A lot of companies have set up online shops because it is an easy way to run a business. That doesn’t mean that they are not a quality supplier. A simple Google search will tell you all you need to know. So, do your research and explore all your wine possibilities!

Food Or No Food?

Food and wine are a match made in heaven. Still, not every wine goes with the same foods, as it is all about certain tastes and textures for certain palates and flavors. If you are just buying a few bottles for a girls night in, don’t worry about how well the wine compliments the palate. At the end of the day, girls just wanna have fun, right? On the other side, if you are organizing a dinner date with your lovah, check out what foods and wines work well together. (He’ll be impressed!) A great example is a grilled salmon with a nice Pinot Noir. Yum!

Know The Names

A lot of names are synonyms for the wines that we are familiar with at home. The French are brilliant at this because they like to stamp their authority on their wines. For example, Chablis is the same as a Chardonnay. Don’t let the name fool you because you could end up paying higher prices for a wine you drink every week for way less.

Ask For Help

As much as we love wine, we cannot expect to know everything about wine. That’s what experts are for! So, don’t be afraid to ask for help if you want to pick the perfect bottle. Store clerks or online wine stores have experience in the wine trade that is vital. From a couple of questions, they should be able to find the bottle of wine that you are looking for without all the mental hassle that is picking the right bottle.

Try It

When you go to a restaurant, you can try before you buy. Swirl it to release the true notes of the wine, take its aroma in and taste it. Also, once you swirl, look for how long it takes the legs to fall. The legs are the remaining drops of wine that drip down the side of the glass. The longer it takes them to fall, the older the wine, and everyone knows wine only gets better with age! Salud!

Travel

Why You Should Consider These Top Sunny Isles Beach…

by Carla Ortiz

Top Sunny Isles Beach Hotels

mage by Alex via Trover.com

Have you heard about Sunny Isles Beach in Florida? I hadn’t heard about this area until I moved to Miami and was looking for a place to call home. I have to say that I loved the neighborhood! I actually saw an apartment there and most recently spent a day at their beach. It also makes a great alternative to staying in the better-known South Beach area, exposing you to various must-see places in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. So, I bring you a list of some of the top Sunny Isles Beach hotels to book for your next Florida getaway.

Acqualina Resort and Spa: This luxurious Mediterranean-style hotel by the beach is the perfect destination to relax and unwind. Spend a day sunbathing, swimming, and catching up on your favorite read by one of their three pools. Pay a visit to Sunny Isles’ white sand beach and afterwards enjoy dinner beachside to take in the beautiful views. Into sports? Make a tennis or golf session reservation!

Golden Strand Ocean Villa Resort: This tropical resort is one of the most affordable ones in the area! They include kitchenettes in their studio rooms and full size kitchens in their two-bedroom accommodations, making it the perfect home away from home. Don’t feel like cooking? Make your way to their Italian restaurant, Azzurro, for lunch or dinner. They are also perfectly located by the beach, so strolls along the beach and a swim are just footsteps away.

Top Sunny Isles Beach Hotels

Image by Ashley via Trover.com

Sole On The Ocean: Escape to this elegant Sunny Isles Beach hotel. Treat yourself to a massage or beauty treatment at their spa before enjoying cocktails at the bar. You can also plan a pool day to work on your tan, and you’ll feel super-comfortable all day long thanks to their beach chair and towel service. At night, show off your bronzed skin while enjoying a meal and a sexy hookah at The Ferris Taverna and Hookah Lounge. They also serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner at The American Bistro, a restaurant run by a Michelin-rated chef.

Marenas Beach Resort: This ultra-modern resort is the ideal location to treat yourself like a queen or king. Toast to a memorable vacation with cocktails at a cabana by the water, or savor a delicious Miami-inspired meal at their restaurant, Caracol. Plan to spend a day at the beach and keep that bathing suit fitting nicely by hitting their 24-hour fitness center.

Sunny Isles Beach is the perfect location to hit the beach, enjoy a day of shopping at the Aventura Mall or at the upscale Bal Harbour Shops, try your hand at golf at the Fontainebleau Golf Course, or watch a horse race at Gulfstream Park. You can also explore both Miami and Fort Lauderdale as it is close to both cities. You get the best of both worlds and a little bit more. What are you waiting for? Check out these locations for yourself and start planning your beach getaway at one of these awesome beach hotels.

Fashion

Advice on Finding Your Style

by Carla Ortiz

Tips on Finding Your Style _ Haute Cocktail

Picture by Aminta Iriarte

I don’t always stick to a single style when I’m choosing my clothes. I like mixing it up a bit if I can. But I’m not super eclectic, and I would say I do have different “looks” that I’m partial too. However, some people aren’t sure about their style at all. If you just randomly buy items without much thought, you might want to make your look more coherent. It’s easier to put an outfit together if you have things that fit into similar styles and trends. Finding your style doesn’t have to be hard. Try my tips to discover a look that you’ll love.

Be Inspired

What do you do if you don’t know where to start? Luckily, there are lots of places you can look for inspiration. I’m far from fashion blind, and I still love to find new ways to style my clothes. You have several choices for where to look to get inspired. You can try blogs like mine for advice and tips from real ladies. Going straight to fashion websites and stores can help you out too. Look at what the models are wearing with different items and decide which looks appeal to you. And, of course, you can read fashion magazines. You’ll find plenty of advice and lots of photos to get you brainstorming your next steal-the-spotlight look.

Think About Your Lifestyle

If you want to pick a style that’s right for you, you have to think about your life. What you do now and what you’re hoping for in the future are important. For example, if you’re a teacher, you’ll have to dress a little differently than if you work at a bar. And then there are your clothes outside work, whether you’re sporty, or you love to party. You should consider what’s appropriate for your lifestyle and what you want to say about yourself. Do you wish to project the image of a classy and professional lady or a fun loving gal?

Accessorize

A lot of women don’t think past their clothes when they think about style. If you want to personalize your style more, you should consider accessories too. A belt, bag, necklace, or something else can jazz up your look in seconds. Including some accessories can turn any everyday outfit into something with a bit more flair. So focus on adding some different items to your wardrobe. It could make all the difference when you need to pull your look together.

Go with Your Gut

There’s a lot of advice out there, and sometimes it can be conflicting. It can mean that you look at an item you like, but you have other voices in your head telling you it’s not for you. But sometimes you have to ignore all the advice. You just have to say that you like it, and you think it suits you, and that’s all that matters. Go with your instinct and don’t wait for someone else’s permission to buy something you love.

Finding your style can take a while, and it will certainly change throughout the years. Another way to get started right away? Go window shopping and try on some things!

Fashion

Tricks to Help You Feel Good About Yourself

by Carla Ortiz

Picture by Aminta Iriarte from Clothes and Fashion

How many times have you felt bad about yourself? How many times have you trash talked yourself? You’re not alone if you do this. A lot of women beat themselves up about things, from eating that cupcake while trying to lose weight to bigger life goals. It’s almost like we are wired that way! Even a lot of people who seem to have everything, don’t always feel good about themselves. If you’re finding it hard to see the positives, here are some ideas to help you see the beauty in you and your life every day!

Count Your Blessings

It may sound like a cliché, but this is such a good place to start. It’s quite easy to focus on what we don’t have. What about what we do have? These don’t have to be things that are physical or to do with your personality. It could be that you have a good job or are in a healthy relationship. Make a list of everything you’re happy with in your life. See how you feel once you’ve written that list!

Make and Keep a Resolution

You’ll get an instant boost of happiness if you set yourself a goal and stick to it. What is it you want to achieve? Maybe you want to exercise more often or keep the house clutter free? Whatever it is, write it down. Check the days off on the calendar and keep progress of your goal. Then, reward yourself with something after certain periods of time. Say, “Once I’ve done a whole week of runs, I’ll get my nails done.” It’s a win-win situation all round.

Accept Imperfections

This is a really tough one to follow, and I know that it’s easy to focus on all the bad things. However, if you want to feel genuinely good about yourself, then you have to accept the imperfections no matter if these are physical ones, personality ones or life circumstances. Sure, cosmetic surgery exists! However, not everything can be changed. Some things are part of who you are and you should celebrate them as things that make you the special person that you are.

Do a Good Deed

Sometimes you need to make someone else smile to feel like smiling yourself. By doing a good deed, you’re killing two birds with one stone. You’re helping someone else out in their time of need, and giving yourself a karma boost. Sometimes giving is way better than receiving! This doesn’t mean to go around doing good deeds just for instant gratification. Do them only because you want to. It works so much better that way.

Face Your Fears

What is it that’s bringing you down? Perhaps it’s time to face that fear and get over it once and for all. If you’re worried about how your body looks in a bikini, then hit the beach. Trying to lose 20 pounds by the weekend makes it feel like an impossible feat. However, taking it one step at a time and one day at a time will take you to your destination, and the progress throughout the journey is as rewarding. You’ll also realize that there are all shapes and sizes on that beach. It’s all about feeling beautiful on the inside, as well as the outside. This also applies to so many other things in life… Having more money in the bank account, getting that car, taking that trip, etc. may all feel so far away. However, when you set your mind and energy to achieve them everything starts to fall into place and the reward of getting to your destination will be amazing!

There’s no time like the present! Start putting some of these tricks into practice and see if they work for you. Even a small change can make a big difference to how you perceive yourself and your life.

Fashion

Shower Column Matching Bathroom Design Style Guide

by Carla Ortiz

What Are Shower Columns?

Shower columns are a type of shower designed to improve your experience while showering. They come in various shapes and sizes so that you can find the perfect one for your needs. Additionally, they add a touch of luxury to your bathroom and can perfectly match your design’s style.

How Do They Work?

Shower columns work by providing you with a range of different options while showering. This includes a massaging head, a rain-style head, and even a handheld showerhead. This means that you can find the perfect way to shower that suits your needs. Additionally, many Colonne de Douche de luxe also come with built-in body jets that provide a relaxing massage while you shower.

What Are the Benefits?

There are several benefits to using a shower column in your bathroom. These include:

a) A luxurious and stylish addition to your bathroom.

This is probably the most obvious benefit of using a shower column. They add a touch of luxury and style to your bathroom, making it look more elegant and stylish.

b) Improved showering experience.

As mentioned previously, shower columns come with a range of different features that improve your showering experience. This includes things like massage jets and a range of different showerheads.

c) Easier to use.

Many shower columns come with a handheld showerhead, making them easier to use. This is especially useful if you have limited mobility or find it difficult to move around in the shower.

d) More storage space.

Many shower columns come with built-in storage space, which is perfect for storing shampoo, soap, and other showering essentials. This means that you don’t have to clutter your bathroom with additional storage solutions.

Shower Column Matching Bathroom Design Style Guide.

The bathroom design style guide is a great way to find the perfect shower column for your bathroom. This guide provides you with a range of different design styles, so you can find one that matches the look and feel of your bathroom. Additionally, it provides you with a range of different types of shower columns so that you can find the perfect one for your needs.

Choosing the Right Shower Column.

When choosing a shower column, it’s important to consider the following factors:

a) The size of your bathroom.

It’s important to choose a shower column that is the right size for your bathroom. This means that you should consider the column’s dimensions and make sure it will fit in your bathroom.

b) The design of your bathroom.

It’s important to choose a shower column that will match the design of your bathroom. This means considering the style guide and choosing a column that matches the look and feel of your bathroom.

c) The features you need.

It’s important to choose a shower column with the features you need. This includes things like a range of different showerheads, a massaging head, and body jets.

d) Your budget.

It’s important to consider your budget when choosing a shower column. Columns come in a variety of different prices, so you can find one that suits your budget.

e) The installation process.

Some shower columns require professional installation, while others can be installed by yourself. It’s important to consider the installation process before choosing a column.

f) The water pressure.

It’s important to check the water pressure before choosing a shower column. Some columns require high water pressure, while others work with low or medium pressure.

Shower Columns provide a luxurious and stylish addition to any bathroom. They come in various shapes and sizes so that you can find the perfect one for your needs. They also come with various features, such as multiple shower heads and body jets. This means that you can find the perfect way to shower that suits your needs. Finally, shower columns also come with built-in storage space, perfect for storing shampoo, soap, and other showering essentials.

Conclusion.

Shower columns are a great way to improve your showering experience. They come with a range of different features, such as multiple shower heads and body jets, which means that you can find the perfect way to shower that suits your needs. Additionally, shower columns also come with built-in storage space, perfect for storing shampoo, soap, and other showering essentials. Finally, shower columns come in a variety of different sizes and designs so that you can find the perfect one for your bathroom.

Food

A Tea-Nog Toddy with Maker’s Mark

by Carla Ortiz

I was super excited when Maker’s Mark reached out inviting me to join a Blogger challenge to create a delicious and unique Hot Toddy recipe using their smooth and delicious Bourbon. As the fan of Bourbon that I am, I had to say yes without skipping a beat. Aside from using their Maker’s Mark in the recipe, we were required to use our choice of four different teas from Harney & Sons. After a bit of reading, I got inspired by Maker’s Mark’s notes of caramel and vanilla, plus the festive holiday season to come up with this twist on a Hot Toddy… The Tea-Nog Toddy. Keep reading for the recipe.

Maker’s Mark Hot Toddy #MakeItTealicious | Haute CocktailDid you know that the first 19 barrels of whiskey were made in 1954 by Bill Samuels Sr. in a Victorian distillery in Loretto, Kentucky? This were the first steps of what we now know as Maker’s Mark and the Bourbon era. In 1980, the distillery was designated a National Historic Landmark, becoming the first distillery in the United States to be recognized as such. It would be an honor and dream come true to travel to Kentucky to see the facility and the way one of my favorite Bourbons is created. That can all happen with your help! Follow me and Maker’s Mark on Instagram, so you stay in-the-know about this challenge, vote for my recipe, and pick up a cocktail recipe or two in the process.

Moving on with the Hot Toddy recipe… First things first! A classic Hot Toddy is a combination of whiskey, sugar, lemon juice, and hot water garnished with a lemon wedge, cinnamon stick, or star anise. These ingredients will treat you to a classic and comforting Hot Toddy. My challenge consisted in using tea instead of just hot water and make it my own. As someone who was born and raised in Puerto Rico, I was never about drinking hot tea (or hot anything, for that matter!) and when I did start drinking tea after moving to New York, my next breakthrough was adding a splash of milk to it. That’s when inspiration hit! Taking it a bit further and giving it a more festive spin, I decided to switch the milk for non-alcoholic Eggnog. The recipe came out super! Sprinkle some Ground Cinnamon on top and you have a warm, festive, and smile-inducing cocktail to drink and to share. Next time, I’ll make it with some Puerto Rican Coquito!

Tea-Nog Toddy

Ingredients:

1 oz. Maker’s Mark Bourbon

.5 oz. Vanilla Schnapps

2.5 oz of Harney & Sons Cinnamon Spice Tea

1 oz. Non-Alcoholic Eggnog

1 packet of Natural Sweetener

Ground Cinnamon for garnish

Directions:

Brew Harney & Sons Cinnamon Spice Tea. Add all ingredients in a mug. Mix. Heat in a microwave for 30 seconds. Garnish with Ground Cinnamon and enjoy!

Hope you enjoy this recipe and share it with friends and family on a cold winter night of fun and togetherness. Again, be sure to follow Maker’s Mark, Haute Cocktail, and #MakeItTealicious on Instagram to cast your votes and find more Bourbon-infused inspiration. See you on Instagram!

*I was sent a bottle of Maker’s Mark, Harney & Sons teas, and other goodies to participate in this challenge. However, I was not compensated in any other way*

Fashion

2022’s Best Men’s Green Bomber Jacket Buying Guide

by Carla Ortiz

The majority of men will identify the basic blueprint a bomber jacket has: from its knitted cuffs to its front zipper fastening. A perfect piece for layering, a bomber jacket is an essential piece in the wardrobe of any stylish man. This is because of its functionality, subtle attitude, and versatility. Similar to many of menswear great pieces, the men’s bomber jacket traces its roots from military wear. However, the adoption of this piece by everyone from Daniel Craig, Marlon Brando, and Ryan Gosling has truly shaken the association this piece has to a wartime relic. Designers continue to reintroduce this staple classic wear season after season, from Saint Lauren to Gucci. The bomber jacket’s different permutations throughout its history have made it more appealing to own since they can be rocked with virtually any style. Whether you have one that is truer to the military roots or one that has been redesigned by designers, a green bomber is one must-have item for any man’s wardrobe.

In this comprehensive article, you will know more about buying the best men’s green bomber jackets.

1. Size

Like any other piece, size is key when you are getting your bomber jacket. When the size you buy is not right, no matter how classic the bomber jacket is, it will look odd. You are cautioned against purchasing undersized or oversized jackets. To be sure about the size when purchasing, zipping the bomber jacket up over a light layer of base clothing should be easy. To have a classic look, you should not let your shirt hang more than an inch below the bomber jacket. You should either tack the shirt when it is too long or rock a shirt around the same length as your bomber jacket.

2. Fabric

The fabric the bomber jacket is made of is also an aspect you should watch out for. Different fabrics are sold at different prices. Your choice of fabric is mainly determined by your preferences and the role the bomber jacket is supposed to play. For instance, for a formal or vintage look, you are encouraged to select one made from leather. The fabric should last long and remain in good shape even after decades. The fabric determines the quality of the bomber jacket and whether it will serve you for a long time.

3. Pricing

Though you are supposed to check for the prices of the items, you are recommended to view pricing in the light of other factors. For instance, a bomber jacket may be sold at high prices because it is made of durable fabric. The pricing of bomber jackets is mainly done in consideration of the fabric. Therefore, the prices are going to vary from one fabric to another.

It is however important to find out the pricing of similar products from different stores so that you know the range of prices required. Also, you are able to know the stores that hike their prices. The prices might however vary when you purchase from online stores and shipping costs have to be met.

4. Durability

The durability of the bomber jacket is determined by the fabric. To have a durable one, select the best fabric, which translates to paying more for it. However, the services of the highly-priced bomber jackets are great and will definitely outstand and send the required message when dressing. For durable bomber jackets, you are encouraged to purchase those that are made from leather. The maintenance of leather bomber jackets is also easy.

Final Verdict

There are three different ways to purchase a flight jacket: reproduction, fashion, or vintage. You could purchase a genuine vintage bomber jacket, but they are often sold at very high prices. The sizing of the same might be a challenge for average guys. However, you are encouraged to get a fashion or reproduction bomber jacket. However, when you are purchasing, the most important thing is having a keen eye on the detailing. It is important to shop around and compare different fabrics and prices before you have made your final decision. Buying from trusted dealers will save you the hassle of finding out whether the fabric is authentic. However, this might require more cash.

Fashion

Pick the best Apple Watch Bands for your Style

by Carla Ortiz

Whether you’re looking for a simple sports band, classy leather band, or something with interchangeable links to fit your style, there are plenty of distinct Apple Watch bands out there to choose from. So it’s time for you to make the final decision on the perfect one! Although each band is different, cxsbands.com has a wide selection of bands to choose from!

This post will break down all of the best styles and brands of Apple Watch bands for your taste.

Leather Bands

When it comes to leather, think of it as a statement piece. Leather is comfy, classy, and very sturdy. Leather bands are very versatile and can be on top of an elegant single watch or done up as a matching series for your entire collection. The leather bands are soft to the touch and ultra-comfortable on your wrist. However, if you sweat a lot or are humid, the leather band will get wet and damaged easily. You can get a band that matches your style and personality, from genuine leather to high-quality synthetic leather.

Metal Bands

If your style is edgier, then metal is the way to go. As the name suggests, these bands are made of stainless steel. Metal Apple Watch bands are sturdy, durable, and extremely lightweight. The bands will never get damaged from sweat or water, making them more durable and heavy-duty. Like the leather bands, metal bands are also costly and fragile, so take extra care of your Apple Watch! You can find different metal Apple Watch bands ideal for any style. From a classic stainless steel Apple band to an intricate metal band with a chain link design perfect for everyday wear.

Nylon Bands

If you’re the type who’s always on the go, you won’t want a band that takes up too much space. Nylon bands are sporty and lightweight, can fit on your wrist comfortably and can be pulled off your wrist easily when you need to wash your hands or take a shower. These bands are also very affordable and protect your Apple Watch from getting wet. They are ideal for an athlete or someone with a slightly active lifestyle. The band material is a durable, flexible, and comfortable nylon. It is machine washable, so your band will be clean and last longer than cotton bands. Nylon Apple Watch bands also come in a vast selection of different colors to match your style!

Ceramic Bands

If you’re looking for a delicate and classy band for your Apple Watch, then ceramics are the place to go. These bands are lightweight and very durable as well. The only downside to these bands is that they are costly. Ceramic bands are a unique style for Apple Watch users. These bands last longer than sports and leather bands but can be frustrating to clean because of the waterproof material. Ceramic Apple Watch bands not only protect your watch from water damage but from scratches and nicks as well. This durable band is perfect for an active lifestyle with a sporty twist.

Resin Bands

Resin bands are a new trend in the Apple Watch community. They are similar to plastic but with higher quality material, making them more resistant to water than plastic. Resin Apple Watch bands add a perfect touch of class and style to that casual outfit for those out on the town. These bands are very durable and can withstand some sweat and water from the wearer. Resin Apple Watch bands are lightweight, making them perfect for a night out on the town or when you’re running around doing quick errands. These bands also come in various styles to match completely different outfits.

Summing Up

There are so many different styles and brands of Apple Watch bands out there, and they range in price, material, durability, and comfort. If you’re looking for the ideal band that matches your style, you’ll never have to look very far. You can find something for every occasion, from a classic leather or metal band to sporty nylon or ceramic band!