#SobeSavvy Recaps @theaocproject Friday Kick Off @downtowndurham ! #aocfest #aocfest2015 #soNCsavvy

April 27, 2015SobeSavvy 1 Comment

Coolness is an admired aesthetic of attitude, behavior, comportment, appearance and style, influenced by and a product of the Zeitgeist. Because of the varied and changing connotations of cool, as well its subjective nature, the word has no single meaning. It has associations of composure and self-control (cf. the OED definition) and often is used as an expression of admiration or approval. Although commonly regarded as slang, it is widely used among disparate social groups, and has endured in usage for generations

Now that we are up to date on that definition, I am here to attest that I witnessed the Art Of Cool this past weekend in Durham, Nc at the Art Of Cool Music Festival.
http://aocfestival.org/

Cool kids and cool cats. Icons and the up and coming were all represented at the festival for their second year.

On their website, http://theartofcoolproject.com/ they state, ” We are a jazz presenting 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization located in Durham, NC. We are dedicated to presenting and promoting live jazz (and related music) in unique venues throughout the Triangle. Our two major programs are Art of Cool Festival and StArt of Cool, a jazz education program. We are the rhythm of the Bull City that connects music and art to people”

Roy Ayers, Anthony Hamilton and Robert Glasper were just a few of the performers who did sets throughout the weekend. Concerts took place at various downtown Durham venues and parks. I had the good fortune of catching MoonChild and Japanese trumpeter Takuya Kuroda at Pinhook Bar on Friday. I also caught a bit of Jessie Boykins III and Robert Glasper at the Durham Armory.

What makes this music festival so unique is that ticket holders can walk to and fro different venues within a 2 or 3 blk radius on any given night. Downtown Durham is in the midst of a mind blowing rejuvenation. Trendy restaurants and bars all around. Even a top notch boutique hotel has opened .This just means that next year guests can expect a bigger and better Art Of Cool Fest.

Enjoy my pics and plan early for next year’s Fest. It should not be missed

Here is a IG short of Moonchild:
https://instagram.com/p/14ZGoQJaRg

#Varekai @Cirque #CirqueduSoleil Is on it’s Way to @RoyalFarmsArena #Baltimore thru 7/08 to 7/12/05

April 24, 2015SobeSavvy Leave a comment

Exciting news…Cirque du Soleil returns to the Baltimore, MD area with “Varekai.”

A dormant volcano, a mystical forest and an ancient prophecy… the adventure of Icarus begins when Varekai, Cirque du Soleil’s latest arena touring production, descends from the sky and into the Royal Farms Arena with PERFORMANCES FROM JULY 08 TO JULY 12, 2015 ! Ticket prices range from $35 – $145 (subject to change). Tickets for Varekai are available now online to Cirque Club members and the general public ! Cirque Club membership is free and benefits includes access to advance tickets, special offers and exclusive behind the scenes information. To join, go to http://www.cirqueclub.com. To purchase tickets, go to http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/varekai or call 1-800-745-3000.

Deep within a forest, at the summit of a volcano, exists an extraordinary world – a world where something else is possible. A world called Varekai.The story of Varekai begins as Icarus, a solitary young man, falls from the sky and lands in a lush, wonderous world called Varekai. Parachuted into the shadows of a magical forest – a kaleidoscopic world imbued with fantastical creatures – Icarus takes flight in an adventure both absurd and extraordinary. At the edge of time, in a place of pure and undiluted possibility, begins an inspired incantation to a life rediscovered and to a newly found wonder in the mysteries of the world and the mind.

The word Varekai (pronounced ver•ay•’kie) means “wherever” in the Romany language of the gypsies the universal wanderers. Directed by Dominic Champagne, this production pays tribute to the nomadic soul, to the spirit and art of the circus tradition, and to those who quest with infinite passion along the path that leads to Varekai.

For complete show and ticket information, please visit http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/varekai

‘Lovely’ Leslie Heigh / Freelance Photojournalist
The ‘Bon Vivant ‘ Blogger
http://www.SobeSavvy.com
Follow Twitter/Instagram @IJust_LoveThis
Hashtag #SobeSavvy

Photographs of @GreatGrapesFest @DrinkEatRelax @TownofCary @boothamp #soNCsavvy Event Recap

April 19, 2015SobeSavvy 4 Comments

The English word “wine” comes from the Proto-Germanic*winam, an early borrowing from the Latin vinum, “wine” or “(grape) vine”, itself derived from the Proto-Indo-Europeanstem *win-o- (cf. Armenian: գինի , gini; Ancient Greek: οἶνοςoinos; Aeolic Greek: ϝοῖνος woinos; Hittite: wiyana; Lycian:oino).

Memorize the above fact and you may impress Alex Trebek, but if you really want to impress your date or friends than you should have taken them to the 12th annual Great Grapes Wine & Food Festival in Cary, NC

http://www.uncorkthefun.com/cary-north-carolina/site-info

Per their website :
Great Grapes! has grown to be 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.

As you enter…..take your souvenir tasting glass and stroll from tent to tent and table to table, tasting and sampling the rich heritage of North Carolina vines. As you sip and savor the afternoon, relax in the beautiful green setting of the Town of Cary’s Booth Amphitheatre.

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

My family and I spent the entire afternoon enjoying the above and more. A fun loving crowd and unlimited sample pours = great time. Missed it this yr ? Don’t fret. They are also having similar events in Maryland and Virginia during the late spring and early summer. Charlotte also on Oct 3. Cheers !

Enjoy pics from our splendid afternoon and our IG Video below :

https://instagram.com/p/1o15CMCXKX/

Photographs of @WorldBeerFest @AllAboutBeer #WBFRaleigh @DowntownRaleigh – #soNCsavvy Event Recap

April 13, 2015SobeSavvy Leave a comment

On Saturday April 11, 2015, Beer Lovers celebrated 10 years of the best on beer at The World Beer Festival Raleigh.

Featuring:
An Epic Beer List – The World Beer Festival Raleigh will feature 40 North Carolina breweries, and over 250 beers to sample and enjoy.See the list of beers here.

New! Beers Made by Walking – This program invites brewers to make beer inspired by discoveries found during nature hikes and urban walks. Ingredients found during each walk are different, turning each beer into a portrait of that landscape. Sample these exciting beers only at the Raleigh World Beer Festival!

New! Belgian Bier Garden – Settle into the world of Belgian beer.Each beer served in this area has a unique story, brewing technique and profile, capturing the spirit of the most exotic beer country in the world. The Belgian Bier Garden brings together some of the finest examples of Belgian brewer’s art in one place.

NC Beer Garden – The World Beer Festival offers the best place to explore new local breweries, without having to buy a 6-pack. Sample from a collection of the best in NC beers. Take a tour of our home state’s finest brewery offerings. Revisit old favorites and discover new ones. The NC Beer Garden is its own adventure.

New! 4oz pours – Enjoy more of the beer in your glass! The World Beer Festival Raleigh will now be featuring 4-ounce tastings of each beer. This will allow attendees to better enjoy the sight, smell and taste of each beer, giving festival goers more time to savor the richness of these beers.

Reduced crowd size – Beer lovers have spoken! We are reducing the number of tickets sold to relieve crowding. With 20% less people in attendance in 2015, the World Beer Festival Raleigh offers shorter admission and beer lines. Smaller crowds also allow for more time to ask questions, chat with brewers, and enjoy the many fine beers available.

Moore Square Park located in Downtown Raleigh was the perfect setting for the festival. The weather was lovely and attendees enjoyed the live music while sampling craft and specialty beers. Be sure to follow AllAboutBeer.com to continue celebrating beer culture !
Enjoy these pictures from the evening session at Raleigh World Beer Festival.
Cheers to Beer!

Congratulations to our winner of 2 tix to the festival, Ms. Sherea Jones !

#OutandAboutAva Goes on an #Easter2015 @Loews_Hotels #LoewsMiami Daycation~Recap by #SobeSavvy !

April 9, 2015SobeSavvy Leave a comment

Easter in Miami usually involves the easter bunny, candy and a easter egghunt on the beach ! Loews Miami Beach has all 3 of those prerequisites covered. Some people know Loews as a large convention size hotel. As big as this luxury hotel appears there is one place where intimacy, service and exclusivity merge.That place is an exclusive pool area they call “soak”.

https://www.loewshotels.com/miami-beach/services-amenities/soak

Think sumptuous daybeds, stellar personal service and drink surprises {gratis} served throughout the day in this VIP area. Guests of Soak get a welcome basket of freshly cut fruit and bottled smoothies. Plush towels and face misters. Pampering and peace rule the day at Soak. Cabanas and private butler/waiter service are at your disposal. Have drinks, lunch or both !! I loved it, my hubby loved it and most importantly my little one had a blast. Soak it up at Soak.

#SobeSavvy Celebrates #Easter2015 #Brunch @AmericanSocial_Brickell #Miami #AmSo #Brickell

April 5, 2015SobeSavvy Leave a comment

The venerable institution on Las Olas called American Social Bar & Restaurant now has a Miami outpost in Brickell

http://americansocialbar.com/brickell/

Located on the ground floor of the Neo Vertika building, it is almost 3 times the size of their Las Olas location. It also has something their other location lacks. An expansive outdoor patio area with fire pits and beautiful views of yachts cruising down the Miami River. You can choose from comfy lounge areas or normal tables. Flat screens abound outside so you can catch a Heat or Dolphins game while dining and drinking al fresco. Expect the same stellar service and cuisine. They have an a la carte brunch menu on weekends. We started with a half dozen of Kusshi oysters from British Columbia. Uber fresh ! By the end of our meal we had tried everything from their Chicken & Waffles to the PEI mussels. The crab scramble disappeared quickly also from our table! The Chicken & Waffles had a reverse twist. The sweetness of marscapone was on the chicken and herbs were infused in the waffles. Uniquely delicious. Bottomless mimosas helped wash all the goodness down. Inside, patrons of the Las Olas location will instantly recognize the tables with the self serving beer spouts on the tables. Yup. Self serve beer. You can order a pre determined amount for your table or party and voila. You too can be bartender for your friends. Great food indoor or out. Good food and good service with a amazing river view. We loved it ! American Social is the kind of place where if you frequent enough, everybody will know your name.

Enjoy this photo slideshow
https://instagram.com/p/1D4N3-iXFw/

#OutAndAboutAva Hops over to @JungleIsland #MegaEggaHunt! April 3-5 #Miami #FamilyFun #Easter ~Recap by SobeSavvy.com

April 4, 2015SobeSavvy Leave a comment

My 3 yr old toddler loves adventure! Every morning she is ready to seize the day and celebrate as if it was a holiday. This Friday starts the Easter holiday weekend and we decided to hop over to Jungle Island for one of the three days of egg-citement as South Florida’s popular attraction debuts a thrilling Mega Egga Hunt! Adventure from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., April 3-5. Each day, Mega Egga Hunt will feature continuous egg hunts with goodie bags for every child, plus acres of bounce houses, rides, arts & crafts, music, and appearances by the Easter bunny. Guests also can cool off at Jungle Island’s new floating obstacle course, Rainforest Riptide at Parrot Cove. To reserve tickets, visit http://www.jungleisland.com/megaeggahunt.

“Easter weekend is our biggest celebration of the year at Jungle Island,” said Managing Director, Christopher Gould. “This year, our guests can look forward to many more exciting activities as part of the Mega Egga Hunt! Adventure.”

It’s all happening at Jungle Island, home to some of the world’s most fascinating animals. The Mega Egga Hunt! Adventure at Jungle Island is free with paid park admission. Certain restrictions apply. Visit any participating South Florida Publix or Pet Supermarket to pick up a $7 off discount coupon to Jungle Island. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters.

What’s more, Jungle Island is offering Easter Brunch in the Treetop Ballroom on Sunday, April 5. Call 305-400-7000, follow @JungleIsland on social media, or visit www.jungleisland.com/megaeggahunt. Jungle Island is located at 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail in Miami.

About Jungle Island
Jungle Island, a favorite South Florida landmark, is an intimate zoological park located in the heart of Miami, between downtown Miami and South Beach. Building upon a rich tradition that began in 1936, Jungle Island is home to some of the world’s most rare and exotic animals. Park guests enjoy engaging animal shows and informative exhibits while strolling by streams and waterfalls under a lush canopy of tropical trees. Guests can choose to participate in hands-on interactions with fascinating animals or go on guided behind-the-scenes VIP tours. Jungle Island enriches the lives of park visitors through immersive, real-life jungle experiences centered on adventure, animals, discovery and play. With its newly renovated Treetop Ballroom and picturesque outdoor spaces including a private beach, the 18-acre park also serves as Miami’s destination for extraordinary events. Discover Jungle Island today.

Enjoy these pictures from our family funday at Jungle Island’s Mega Egga Hunt! and have a Happy Easter 2015!

Longines Global Champions Tour #MiamiBeach @GCT_events #LGCTMiamiBeach #LGCTSelfie ‘s and more…~ #MiamiEvent Recap by #SobeSavvy .com

April 2, 2015SobeSavvy Leave a comment

April 2 – 4, Behind the Setai, 2001 Collins Ave, Miami Beach

USA’s Kent Farrington, star of the very first Longines Global Champions Tour of Miami Beach Official poster, is confirmed to compete at the highly-anticipated first round of the 2015 season. The World No4 and 2014 World Team Bronze medalist will head up a soon-to-be-revealed stellar line-up of the world’s very best riders and horses competing over three days of world-class sport on the Florida coast for more than $875,000 in prizes. Visitor entry to the event will be free to the public with 1,400 grandstand seats available as the 10th Anniversary season of the ‘Formula One’ of show jumping gets underway. Follow #LGCTMiamiBeach @GCT_events and go to http://www.globalchampionstour.com/events/2015/miami/info/about for more info.

Today my family and I went to see the World’s best riders compete in this exciting equestrian series! Set on the sands of Miami Beach under the Florida Sun, this was truly a global sporting spectacle. We were able to have free access to a fantastic selection of shopping in the Prestige Village and be up close to the incredible jumps as the horses and riders take to course. See my video of some horse jumping action here : https://instagram.com/p/0-2gnwiXKB/

Enjoy our photo slideshow from Miami Beach, the thrilling launch destination for the 2015 Longines Global Champions Tour !
https://instagram.com/p/0_Zzf-CXMM/

@ExhaleSpa ‘s #Massage..Just what I Kneaded ! ~ #SobeSavvy .com Recaps #ExhaleSpa #southbeach #miami @Loews_Hotels

April 1, 2015SobeSavvy Leave a comment

Stress….We’ve all experienced it. It’s something that I as a mom, wife, woman, have to manage on the daily.

Yesterday was a day I needed or shall I say “kneaded” some me time, some breathing room and some relaxation.

So I took a deep breath and headed to : Exhale Spa .

Located inside the Loews Hotel Miami Beach Hotel, in the resort’s historic St. Moritz tower, exhale features 16 spa therapy rooms, large full-amenity changing rooms with a steam room and whirlpool, a mani-pedi lounge, Glam & Go express blow dry bar hair services and an expansive gym with a mind body studio, where guests can experience exhale’s transformational Core Fusion and yoga classes.

Exhales’ full menu of spa therapies allow guests to revive and restore with signature restorative massages, award-winning rejuvenating facials, nail care, waxing and eastern healing therapies. Additionally, exhale South Beach’s Well-being Boutique carries the best of the best in fitness and yoga apparel, face and body products, well-being goods and gift items. Both hotel guests and local Miami residents alike are welcome to enjoy exhale South Beach. Memberships to exhale’s mind body studio classes are also available.

Upon arrival, I received a warm welcome from the front desk reception. After filling out the necessary forms, I was escorted past the Buddha decor to the changing room where a robe and slippers awaited me. Once changed, I lounged in the zen room where the have a variety of hot teas, juice, fruit, and magazines to enjoy.

My therapist Clemencia led me to her room for my 5:30pm appointment for a 60 min DEEP TISSUE massage. This massage focuses on those overworked muscles living well below the surface with this intensely therapeutic massage and is designed to relieve pain associated with muscle knots, heavy physical activity, and everyday stress. This therapy is deliberate and customized, targeting specific areas in need of relief and is also available as a couples massage in select locations.
I really enjoyed the heated bed, the smell of the room, the spa music selection and the product used during the massage. Clemencia was very thorough and kind which made me feel comfortable throughout my entire service.

See here for a List of Exhale Spa Therapies/Massages and to book your next appointment!

#Miami Gets Served! 1st Annual @TasteofTennis @WSOBE @BRYANBROS @Andrecarmellini @AYSWorld , an UnForgettable #Foodie #Tennis Experience! ~ Recap by #SobeSavvy .com

March 23, 2015SobeSavvy Leave a comment

Tennis’ winningest doubles team of all time, Bob and Mike Bryan also known as THE BRYAN BROTHERS along with ANDREW CARMELLINI hosted AYS’s 1ST ANNUAL Taste of Tennis Miami
presented by Citi® at W South Beach Hotel & Residences on Monday, March 23 at 7:30pm.

For 15 years, Taste of Tennis has kicked off the US Open Tennis Championships in New York and it
is widely considered the World’s Premier Food & Tennis Experience! The event brings together professional
athletes, top chefs and luxury brands for an unforgettable evening of gourmet food, interactive sponsor
experiences, and appearances by the world’s best tennis players. Tennis personalities and local celebrities will be paired with some of Miami’s best chefs to Serve Up a unique food tasting experience that embraces Miami Beach’s chic lifestyle synonymous with W South Beach. Guests enjoyed the music of DJ Linx poolside while sipping on signature cocktails!

One of our featured cocktails at Taste of Tennis Miami Presented by Citi was the Russian Standard Vodka Grand Slam Gimlet. To enjoy this great cocktail at home, just follow the recipe below:

1.5 ounces Russian Standard Vodka
1 ounces freshly squeezed lime
.75 ounces of Simple Syrup
Add above ingredients, shake vigorously over cracked ice. Strain into a ice filled cup and Garnish with Lime Peel

Participants included: Bob and Mike Bryan, Feliciano Lopez, Ivo Karlovic, Lucie Safarova, Ekaterina Makarova and many others.
Chefs included: Andrew Carmellini (The Dutch) as Exclusive Chef of the Citi VIP Lounge, Paula DaSilva (3030
Ocean), Dustin Ward (BLT Prime), Patricia Yeo (Khong River House), Kerry Heffernan (Wild Fish Direct),
Michele Mazza (Il Mulino NY), Timon Balloo (SugarCane Raw Bar Grill, Bocce, Sushi Samba), Gilberto Arriaza (Gilbert’s Bakery), Thomas Tennant (Ella)

For more information about the 2015 Taste of Tennis Miami presented by Citi, please visit http://www.tasteoftennismiami.com and Follow on Twitter/Instagram :

Hashtags:#TasteofTennis; #CitiMiami; #WSobe; #AYSWorld; #BryanBrothers
Instagram Handles:@TasteofTennis; @WSouthBeach; @BryanBros; @Andrecarmellini; @AYSSports
Twitter Handles:@TasteofTennis; @WSOBE; @BryanBros; @Andrecarmellini; @AYSWorld

Enjoy my photos/slideshoe recap of this amazing event, As seen on the Scene by SobeSavvy.com !

https://instagram.com/p/0mOO90CXNB/

‘Lovely’ Leslie Heigh / Freelance Photojournalist
The ‘Bon Vivant ‘ Blogger
http://www.SobeSavvy.com
Follow Twitter/Instagram @IJust_LoveThis
Hashtag #SobeSavvy

” Social ButterFly News for South Beach and Beyond! “

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