Photos of @Britweek #britweekLA Event ~Cocktails by @absolutelyx with @JuliaClancey at #AuFudge

May 10, 2016SobeSavvy Leave a comment

On May 7, 2016, invited guests attended BritWeek LA ‘s Afternoon Cocktails with Julia Clancey and her Muses”.

The last time I was able to celebrate BritWeek was in 2014 in Miami for a couple of events , see here , in cluding their closing party. I remembered Britweek events are not only fun but a good time to celebrate creativity and innovation between Britain and the states. This time I was able to join the celebration in Los Angeles, California over cocktails with fashion designer, Julia Clancey !

Julia showcased her luxury resort collection throughout the afternoon. Models and guests wore her designs which allowed for an up close and personal view of the beautiful garments. Clancey describes her aesthetic as glamorous and fun, and says her clothes are “floaty and very feminine based on silk georgettes, chiffons and satins.”

We enjoyed signature cocktails courtesy of Absolut Elyx served in the most unique copper drinkware shaped like a pineapple. I briefly spoke with Lindsay Nadar, Brand Agent fot Absolut Elyx who advised the pineapple , the symbolic fruit of hospitality, is available for purchase.

High Tea delights from Au Fudge, Jessica Biel’s new shabby chic, kid friendly restaurant in Beverly Hills , were served during the event and I got to meet a few of the @TheBloggerBabes who were there to show some social media love. Follow hashtags #Britweek10th #Britweek2016 #thebloggerbabes to see more highlights from this fabulous event!

Enjoy my photo slideshow recap here, shared by Julia Clancey via Instagram.

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A post shared by Julia Clancey (@juliaclancey)

Cheers!

#Beyonce Slays #Miami ! @FormationWT #FormationWorldTour @MarlinsPark

April 28, 2016SobeSavvy 2 Comments

Photo Credit: Frank Micelotta/PictureGroup for Parkwood Enterainment and Photo Edit: Leslie Heigh for SobeSavvy.com

Miami, Florida… Welcome to The Formation Tour http://share.glide.me/lovely/o633iv9i

On April 27, THE FORMATION WORLD TOUR kicked off its North American concert leg in Miami, Florida at Marlins Park to a sold out stadium. Following her release of her visual album Lemonade, BEYONCÉ wowed fans in Miami by performing 35 songs featuring her hits both old and new. THE FORMATION WORLD TOUR, promoted by Live Nation, presented by American Express and produced by Parkwood Entertainment is the most visually creative concert I have ever seen.

That visual album may be a poetic musical tribute to the strength and spiritual power of the black woman but people of all ages, shades and sexuality categories filled the stadium.
Beyhive members came dressed in all black, or donned lemon yellow outfits. Some even wore IVY PARK apparel, the new activewear brand co-founded by Beyoncé.

THE FORMATION WORLD TOUR is BEYONCÉ’s first solo tour since her ambitious Mrs. Carter Show World Tour in 2013. The sold-out tour spanning two years and five continents thrilled nearly two million fans and was hailed by critics worldwide. During the summer of 2014, BEYONCÉ and JAY Z launched the six-week ON THE RUN Tour (if you missed my review of that amazing tour, see here), playing major stadiums in the US. They ended the tour in Paris, France in September 2014 with two additional dates that were filmed for an HBO Special that was nominated for an Emmy Award.

DJ Khaled along with surprise performances by Lil Wayne, Future, Rick Ross, Yo gotti , 2chainz and Miami’s own Trick Daddy warmed up a crowd that needed no warming up. They were here to see their Queen. The energy was palpable. Anticipation was high. As she appeared center stage on what I think has to be the most massive tour set ever created the crowd lost their collective minds.

For those of you planning to go to The Formation World Tour, here is a bit of what you will experience:

Miami, Florida. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/Parkwood Entertainment)

Beyonce and her dancers get in “Formation” …I promise you won’t be “Sorry” ! The performances are “Flawless” !

You will be reminded who “Run the World”, why Beyonce Giselle Knowles-Carter is a global icon and a favorite artist to many ( at least she is “Mine”) and that dancing to “Baby Boy” is good for the soul!

Miami, Florida. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/Parkwood Entertainment)

“Hold Up”..I know many of you have started a “Countdown” to when Queen B comes to your town so I am keeping the specific details of the tour between “Me, Myself and I”. That way there are no spoilers “Runnin’” thru your mind “All Night”.

“Don’t Hurt Yourself” or “Ring the Alarm” when you bear witness to Beyonce being a “Naughty Girl” live in concert.
She is indeed an “Independent Woman”, a “Diva” who proudly announces when she is “Feeling Myself”.

Miami, Florida. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/Parkwood Entertainment)

“Yonce” continues to go thru her repetoire of hits such as “7/11” ,
“Drunk in Love” ,“Rocket”, “Daddy Lessons”. She invited 2 women up on the stage to perform “Single Ladies” alongside her. The crowd went “Crazy in Love” for all the “Bootylicious” dance moves!

Miami, Florida. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/Parkwood Entertainment)

Miami heat continued to rise during her red hot performances of “Naughty Girl”
, “Party”, “Blow”, “Nasty Girl”,
“Sweet Dreams /Beautiful Nightmare”.
The audience was given the opportunity to pay tribute to Prince while singing along to “Purple Rain”. With lighters, well cell phones in the air, people were singing and swaying side to side under the purple glow of love. That is what music does. It unifies people. That is what Beyonce wants for us all to get in Formation and love one another.

The final set is where we in attendance got to witness a miracle.( ok, I guess I will give one spoiler). Some say Jesus walked on water, well Beyonce danced on it while singing “Freedom” , “Survivor” (Destiny’s Child member Michelle Williams was there sitting nearby in the beehive) ,“End of Time, “Grown Woman” and “Halo”.
Her set list really showcased all her vocal talents and amazing choreography.

Beyonce thank you for allowing us to be apart of your dream. You shared that as a little girl you wanted to entertain and sell out stadiums. Well you are doing that and more while still remaining humble. You have not only stopped the world, you are changing the world thru your art. This tour is one not to be missed! For complete tour and ticketing information, visit http://www.livenation.com and http://www.beyonce.com

https://www.instagram.com/p/BEv1ps3CXMn/

beyonce concert florida Miami theformationtour theformationworldtour

Photographs of @GreatGrapesFest #NCWine @DrinkEatRelax ~A #soNCsavvy Recap by SobeSavvy.com

April 25, 2016SobeSavvy Leave a comment

We here at SobeSavvy.com love food, wine and a good time! If you do too, this festival was for you!

The 13th Annual Celebration Great Grapes! Wine and Food Festival returned to Town of Cary’s Booth Amphitheatre on April 23, 2016 from 11am-7pm. People come from all over to North Carolina’s premiere casual NC wine festival with HUNDREDS of wines available. The show has seen hundreds of thousands of happy guests over the years who have the chance to enjoy the following:

220 Wines from 20 Wineries
Great Live Music
Fun Festival Eats
Arts and Crafts and Gourmet Items
FREE Kids Area *Free Parking

https://www.instagram.com/p/BEjykSWiXNu/

Many choose to enjoy The VIP Area with The VIP Ticket option which offers early entrance into the event at 11am, a souvenir glass and lanyard and access to all the show tastings and access to the VIP area which features specialty wine selections not available elsewhere, free water and soft drinks, and featured food tastings (served Noon – 3pm).

https://www.instagram.com/p/BEj0jJiCXCC/

Guests came with lawn chairs, blankets, family (it’s kid friendly) and friends to take a day to UNCORK THE FUN ! Here are some photos from this fun -filled day for wine lovers! Cheers and hope to see you next year!

cary drinkeatrelax event foodfestival greatgrapes nc ncwines photorecap sobesavvy soNCsavvy winefestival

Looking for a #HappyHour to celebrate #FoodieFriday ?! @YardHouse has new #cocktails !

April 22, 2016SobeSavvy Leave a comment

Yard House recently announced FIVE NEW HANDCRAFTED COCKTAILS to their drink menu, so I knew I had to make plans to stop in and try one or two. During a recent trip to South Beach, I caught up with a good friend over cocktails. Located off Lincoln Road, the Yard House Miami Beach location was the perfect place to meet over good food, good conversation and innovative libations. One of the NEW handcrafted cocktails that caught my eye was The Refresher. Its made with house-made citrus agave blend and fresh-pressed watermelon juice and like it’s name is truly refreshing!

Quality drinks deserve to be paired with quality food. One of the reasons I enjoy dining at Yard House is because of the variety of choices at a great price. Whether you are ordering appetizers at the bar, enjoying happy hour /late night happy hour, or having a full meal Yard House has something for everyone. Here are just some of the deliciousness I enjoyed during my recent visit:

If you ever wanted to elevate your macaroni and cheese experience, try the house favorite and my personal go to: Mac & Cheese made with chicken, bacon, wild mushrooms, cheddar, parmesan, truffle oil. Our waiter suggested to try it with some buffalo sauce for a customized treat.

Blue Crab Cakes made with fresh mango & papaya, passion fruit beurre blanc, tomato oil satisfied my seafood cravings.

Vampire Taco comes with a cheese crusted tortilla, carnitas, bacon chorizo, chipotle salsa, roasted garlic, cumin crema, and more. It’s a force to be reckoned with.

Cheers!
Be sure to sign up for the Yard House e-club to stay updated on news and specials!

appetizers drinks food foodiefriday happyhour latenight miamibeach yardhouse

#TastyThursday : #Breakfast +Beach=Bliss! #PrestonsMarket #LoewsMiami @Loews_Hotels

April 21, 2016SobeSavvy Leave a comment

Last Saturday, after my wonderful morning at Exhale spa, I decided to dine at Loews Hotels Miami Beach because of convenience of location (right next door, same property) and to check out their brand new terrace while eating real ‘good for you’ food for breakfast.

What do I mean by real good for you? On the menu there are plenty of healthy options to choose from such as fresh cold pressed juices, gluten free dishes, and quality organic food . Our waitress assured us that “nothing is fake, everything is real, including her.” Ha!

Although the dining area was beautiful, my guest and I were happy to sit on the covered terrace with a view of the pool, and ocean. After being offered morning beverages such as coffee and freshly squeezed Florida orange juice, we headed inside to feast our eyes on the breakfast buffet. Almost all of my favorite morning indulgences were featured on the spread. Even a special little buffet for children was available because “Loews Loves Kids“.

While the buffet choices looked amazing and the made to order omelet station seemed to be calling my name, I did not indulge (but my guest did and she enjoyed the variety of options and the quality of food on the buffet). I opted to get an egg benedict dish because Saturday April 16 was National Eggs Benedict Day ! Preston’s Market offers a unique twist on a traditional Eggs Benedict called the Market Eggs Benedict. Its served on country bread toast, made with organic eggs, avocado, braised short ribs, and mustard hollandaise.

We had great service, a terrific view, delicious food and quality time. I left with my stomach full and my heart happy! If you are planning a visit to South Beach or live in South Florida and planning a Staycation, Book Now thru 7/10/16 for the Rise & Dine Special! To take advantage of Loews Best Rate and daily complimentary breakfast buffet for two, enter promo code LBRDIR when booking.
Now that’s SobeSavvy!

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#TravelTuesday : #SobeSavvy Samples the Carolinas at #TasteCarolina @Carowinds

April 19, 2016SobeSavvy Leave a comment

This past Sunday I took my daughter on a little road trip from Raleigh to Charlotte. Off we went on I-85 South to the famous Carowinds Amusement Park https://www.carowinds.com

The Spring weather had finally taken hold and it was a bright and warm afternoon when we arrived. Although they have immense rollercoasters and rides , we were there for the Taste Of The Carolinas Food and drink Festival https://www.carowinds.com/taste

This event is a culinary salute to unique Carolina cuisine from both North and South. There are 7 different food booths representing different regions/areas of the Carolinas. Simply purchase your tokens of various amounts and take a food journey through the history of the Carolinas.

We didn’t know where to start, but we decided on the Charleston booth. We chose the shrimp and grits. Unlike the traditional dish, the fresh Carolina shrimp were coated in a grits batter and fried to a golden brown served with awesome tarter sauce. Superb! Next up around the corner was a order of catfish from the Outer Banks booth. Fresh and delicious. Time for something cold to wash all that goodness down with. I went with a local craft beer from the wine and beer booth. All beer and wines on sale are from Carolina breweries and wineries. We strolled down to the Low Country of South Carolina booth for seafood gumbo. Right amount of heat and the Okra was perfect.

Since my sweet tooth was calling, I decided on some Pecan Cinnamon Bread Pudding from the mountains of Asheville. Topped with cream cheese icing, this was literally a great way to end our food travels at Carowinds. It was great to be able to take a food tour all in one compact area. This unique even takes place every Saturday and Sunday through May 1. Whether you are near or far from Charlotte, take a trip to Carowinds..your stomach will thank you !

Photo Credits: Barry Heigh

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#TransformationTuesday, On #EarthDay Transform your Mind and Treat yourself to a Facial @ExhaleSpa

April 19, 2016SobeSavvy 1 Comment

Earth Day 2016 happens this Friday April 22. It is a world wide movement to demonstrate support for environmental protection. Just as the earth needs protection from the environment so does your skin!

Exhale offers environmentally-friendly facials to help reduce the effects pollution and the sun may have on your skin. Did you know our skin is the perfect target for pollution because it easily absorbs environmental pollutants? We are exposed day after day to all manner of environmental pollutants from smoke to chemicals, so it’s very important to protect it and cleaning and moisturizing your face is one of the best ways to do that.

I tried the True Facial as per the website: ” Tried and true! A thorough cleansing and application of a custom enzyme exfoliation perfectly preps the skin for complexion detox. Careful extractions follow — made as painless as possible by our skilled estheticians — and then a soothing mask, selected specifically for your skin type is applied. Your face will feel refreshed and restored, and you’ll feel ready to face the day. It’s “truly” amazing!” Take advantage of their special offer to try a facial plus massage for just $199.00 !

My facial experience was beyond amazing thanks to esthetician, Audrey Thorne who works at the Miami/South Beach location. I visited an Exhale in Atlanta,GA earlier this year (read here) as I do enjoy the variety of classes and quality services offered but never had a facial. I thought Audrey provided an in-depth cleaning as well as gave valuable customized information about how to care for my skin. Products recommended for me and available for sale at Exhale were the Warm Honey Cleanser , Pro Heal Serum and SPF 30 .

Prior to my facial, I enjoyed a 9am meditation class on the rooftop, also known as the exhale zen terrace, of the oceanfront St. Moritz building of Loews Miami Beach Hotel. Alessandra Cornet, Founder of Hardcore Meditation, guided us thru an analytical meditation 30 minute class to benefit the mind and body! She also provided us with handouts full of information about meditation techniques. Meditation simply involves a process of transforming yourself and your thoughts. The focus of the class is to release tensions and set your intentions, deepen the breath, increase concentration, relax and rejuvenate the soul. Anyone can benefit from meditation because it is an energy-saving practice in which you can take a moment to center yourself while connecting with the universe.

I felt totally relaxed after my meditation class and facial at Exhale and recommend anyone visiting or local to visit this spa. If you are in Miami this Friday April 22, set your intentions at this Exhale Earth Day event
Namaste!

analyticalmeditation earthday exhale exhalemiamibeach exhalespa facial fitness health Loews meditation miamibeach rooftop spa transformationtuesday truefacial

Photographs of @MiamiRumFest 2016 #RumIsFun #MiamiRumFest ~Recap by #SobeSavvy .com

April 19, 2016SobeSavvy 2 Comments

From April 15th thru 17th, Rum producers from all over the world came to the 2016 Miami Rum Festival & Trade Expo to introduce new products, meet with importers and distributers, buyers and retailers, as well as consultants on the distillation, packaging and marketing of rum worldwide. Presented by Rob’s Rum Guide, this event truly shows how rum is experiencing a Renaissance of appreciation. Savvy consumers come to the grand tasting events to discover a truly remarkable range of fine rums from the Caribbean region, as well as North, Central and South America, Europe, Asia — and from the furthest reaches of the world.

For consumers who know #RumIsFun, the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival is one of the world’s premier international rum events, presenting a unique and exciting range of great rums to be sampled. For professionals, this is the world’s largest and most important trade exposition for rum. Attendees enjoyed a grand three-day exhibition of the best rum brands, the excitement of the Island Lifestyle Showcase, celebrity seminars, workshops and cocktail competitions, the annual RumXP competition and awards, an opportunity to rub shoulders with dignitaries and notable experts, and more! New this year was the VIP Tasting Bar where you can purchase tickets for rare, vintage, limited edition luxury rums from private collections.

Be sure to mark your calendar for April 22-23, 2017 and makes plans to celebrate the Renaissance of Rum! Enjoy my rum-loving photos from the 8th Miami Rum Festival & International Trade Expo!

Ran into 2 of my faves..James Echols and Annette Piekert from http://www.SoulofMiami.org and http://www.lifeisartfest.org

Also got to meet the trade expo host, Robert A. Burr inside the VIP tasting bar

expo fest Miami miamirumfest miamirumrenaissancefestival rum sobesavvy tradeshow

Photo Recap @DPAC @SamsQuikShop @tylerstaproom #BullCityFoodandBeerExperience Benefitting @Ellerbecreek #NCBeer

April 12, 2016SobeSavvy Leave a comment

SobeSavvy.com joined foodies and beer lovers at the FOURTH ANNUAL BULL CITY FOOD & BEER EXPERIENCE to benefit ELLERBE CREEK WATERSHED ASSOCIATION at DPAC on Sunday April 10, 2016.

DPAC partnered again with Tyler’s Restaurant & Taproom and Sam’s Quik Shop to host the 4th Annual Bull City Food and Beer Experience benefiting Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association! Over the last three years this fundraiser has raised over $25,000 for Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association. People came to have a great time with family and friends while helping this important charity!

“As a board member of Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association this event is very special to me,” said Daniel Kulenic from Tyler’s Restaurant & Taproom. “The fact that three dedicated local businesses can come together to support a passionate organization like ECWA really displays the strength and commitment that we have for the Durham community.”

At the Bull City Food & Beer Experience, attendees mingled on DPAC’s stage and throughout the venue to sample some of the best food and drink pairings Durham has to offer. This one of a kind experience took place from 4pm-8pm and combined over 35 Restaurants/ 35 Breweries to create perfect culinary pairings. To complement the cuisine the live music- Onstage Experience returns with Big Fat Gap band. Check out my video here:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BECP6vzCXLA/

“The Bull City Food and Beer Experience is an incredible event that connects brewers and restaurants to a mission that is close to their hearts–protecting and restoring our area’s water,” said Ellerbe Creek’s, Chris Dreps. “The Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association is thrilled to be involved in this amazing event because it brings so much needed attention to Ellerbe Creek, the region’s most impaired stream and a source of drinking water for 1/2 million people downstream. Over the last 3 years, the event has raised funds that have allowed us to grow our operations and become a stronger organization. We have also received amazing support from the brewing community, and we believe the Bull City Food and Beer Experience played a major role in growing that support.”

Admission into the Bull City Food & Beer Experience included:

· Souvenir Glass

· Food Sampling from 35 of Durham’s finest restaurant’s & Beer Tastings from 35 breweries.
· Live Music on stage
· A limited number of Imperial VIP Ticket Holders will enjoy all elements of regular admission plus a new exclusive VIP lounge, exclusive T-shirt, 30-minute early event access, private access to the VIP tasting lounge, VIP imperial laminate and specialty spirit, rare beer and wine tasting only available to Imperial ticket holders.
For additional information please visit – BULLCITYEXPERIENCE.COM , http://www.DPACnc.com , www.samsquikshop.com , http://www.tylerstaproom.com

Check out my photos from The Bull City Food & Beer Experience. This is an event not to be missed if you are a fan of food, beer and music!

beer breweries bullcityfoodandbeer dpac durham food sobesavvy soNCsavvy

Photographs of @DrinkEatRelax Beer and Bacon Fest in Cary,NC 4/9/16

April 10, 2016SobeSavvy 1 Comment

On April 9th, Beer and Bacon lovers from all over the Triangle came to taste over 75 international beers and wines plus a whole lot of bacon at the Beer & Bacon Fest in Cary, NC.

The afternoon festival was from 2pm -6pm with VIPs enjoying the ultimate experience (more beer and bacon) with an early entry to the festival at noon. No one went hungry at this festival with over 2 tons of bacon will be griddled. The festival’s Main Stage will host live music all day, as well as a Butchering 101 class. There was even a bacon eating contest and best bacon inspired outfit contest..how fun!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BD_Q9mqCXM4/

SobeSavvy.com got a chance to enjoy the VIP Session which offered an exclusive tasting experience. Limited to 2,000 guests, each guest had access to 15+ restaurant tasting stations (until 2pm) and fresh griddled bacon (until 3pm), a souvenir glass and boundless portions of over 75 craft beers and wines, plus 2 extra hours of alcohol sampling and all live entertainment. These tickets are limited and sell out fast! Thru out the festival, food is available a la carte and vendors are present as well selling everything from art to clothing to doggie treats!

Be sure to follow @DrinkEatRelax to stay up to date of all the fun festival events coming to Cary,NC ! Enjoy my photographs from this Beer and Bacon filled afternoon!

beerandbaconfest caryNC drinkeatrelax soNCsavvy

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