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#NewTucson 2016 Hyundai Midsize Crossover

7 Aug

Hyundai hosted a special launch in NYC August 5th for its recently redesigned midsize crossover vehicle, the 2016 Tucson. This was the first time journalists had the opportunity to test drive the vehicle before the model hits dealer showrooms across America later this month. 

Crossovers are one of the top selling vehicles and Hyundai has re-invented the popular segment by adding industry first features into the Tucson. 

We met at The Park in Chelsea with breakfast , presentation then we got to test drive The Sport through a scenic route up the Palisades Interstate Parkway, through the Harriman State Park and back to The Park for lunch.

  
   
  
Our Tucson’s were across the street from The Park in the garage. Our first stop was the Rockefeller lookout which absolutely amazing. That is a great spot. Next we were off to Lake Kanawauke. When we arrived we traded our Sport for the Limited Edition. 

   
    
    
    
    
    
    
   I just have to say I really loved the way the Tucson drove. The blind spot detection with rear-cross traffic alert is always good to have as well as the rear parking sensors and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. 

The ventilated front seats kept me cool so that got two thumbs up. The rear seats have adjustable recline which my kids will love. Hands free smart power liftgate with auto open and heigh setting. Just wait three seconds and your trunk will automatically open. There’s also a dual- level cargo floor. Improved road noise isolation which I appreciated very much. Premium 19″ alloy wheels. 

The Limited Edition was my favorite. Leather seats, and huge sun roof was just some of the interior features. 

The prominent hexagonal-shaped grille, stylishly efficient LED low-beam headlights and LED Daytime Running Lights are presented below a sculpted hood.

The standard integrated Bluetooth hands-free phone system with voice recognition lets you take calls and stream audio, without taking your hands off the wheel. There’s also a standard 5-inch color touchscreen audio system and rearview camera. At the top of the tech wish list is the 8-inch color touchscreen navigation system with a rearview camera, and NavTraffic which provides real-time road conditions that’ll help you avoid traffic jams and give a clear picture of alternative routes. Also if you have an Apple Watch it is compatible with it using Hyundai’s blue link system. 

The Tucson SE 2.0L 4-cylinder engine gets up to an EPA-estimated 31 MPG Highway.The Eco, Sport and Limited’s 1.6 Turbo GDI engine steps up the horsepower to 175 and can still deliver up to an EPA-estimated 33 MPG Highway. Both engines were designed to give you the optimal balance of horsepower and MPG.

Tucson SE from $22,700

Tucson ECO from $24,150

Tucson Sport from $26,150

Tucson Limited from $29,900

Comes in beautiful colors like Caribbean Blue, Sedona Sunset, Ruby Wine, Chromium Silver, Coliseum Grey, Mojave Sand, Winter White and Ash Black. I loved all the colors but my top 3 were Caribbean Blue, Sedona Sunset and Chromium Silver. 

I’m ready to take this baby on a road trip or an adventure with the family. Hope to bring you more pictures. 

What color and features do you like? 

Check out http://www.hyundaiusa.com for more info and @Hyundai on Twitter and @HyundaiUSA on Instagram. 

   
    
    
    
 

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. I was invited to attend this media event. Opinions are mine 100% as always. 

Bratz Dolls Empower Girls To Create Their Own Worlds #BratzBesties 

31 Jul

Back in June I was invited to a never-before-seen preview of the re-launched Bratz doll. It was held at Hundred Acres down on MacDougal St. In NYC. We enjoyed a delicious breakfast and took a look at the dolls and their accessories.  

 On July 25, MGA Entertainment’s popular fashion doll franchise, Bratz, made its comeback with a new mantra to empower girls to create their own worlds. Celebrating creativity, confidence and friendship, the event was held at the flagship Toys”R”Us in New York City’s Time Square and featured activity stations including braid bars and a photo booth. 

My daughter was very excited to see the collection, hang out at the activity stations, get her nails and hair done, have breakfast in the Skybox and take pictures with teen pop sensation, Skylar Stecker. She also signed her autograph on a cute pair of lips which is a iPhone 6 cell case. My daughter also got a picture with real-life Bratz and the inspiration for the Yasmin doll, Jasmin Larian who also talked about all the ways the brand has evolved over the years. Actress Nathalia Ramos also made an appearance and took pictures. 

There was a huge pair of pink lips cake that was so delicious. You know we just couldn’t leave Toys R Us without getting in the Ferris Wheel. We got in the Barbie car. 

Check this out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckPH4uD4nJw 

Bratz Brand Anthem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckPH4uD4nJw

Bratz ‘Meet the Bratz’ (stop motion animation teaser): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UL1LGEMljAA

 http://www.bratz.com/

It’s always hard to choose one doll as your favorite when there’s a collection. I like them all. My daughter was sent Sasha from the Sleepover party collection (Walmart exclusive). She loves the accessories and is having fun with Sasha. She can’t wait to get the entire collection. 

You can find the Bratz dolls at Toys at Us. Walmart & Target now. 

Disclosure: I was given a gift card in June for attending and my daughter received a doll for review. Opinions are 100% ours as always. Thank you to everyone involved in inviting us to these events.

   
    
    
    
    
   
    
    

    
    
     

EXCLUSIVE JOURNEY GIRLS ITALY INSPIRED DOLL COLLECTION AT TOYS R US

23 Jul

My daughter was so excited to hear that we were invited to Toys R Us in Times Square, NYC to get a sneak peek of the latest Journey Girls collection – dolls, fashions, accessories and feast on playful dishes and treats inspired by the country that the Journey Girls are exploring in 2015.

As we arrived we were greeted by al the beautiful dolls. Each child was told to pick the doll they liked. Some kids wanted more than one. Can you blame them? They all rock!! I wanted all the outfits. Lol. Very fashionable and had awesome accessories. 

Here are the names and descriptions of the Journey Girls dolls which will be available for $39.99 each, exclusively at Toys“R”Us stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com/JourneyGirls for ages 6 years and up, beginning this September:

Chavonne, a multi-talented performer, will guide the girls through Milan, the City of Theatres, in a black-and-white striped top under a vibrant pink petite coat and trendy floral pants that match her navy slip-on shoes. No batteries required.

 

Journey Girl® Callie from Toys“R”Us®

Callie will seek out the best shops to show her friends the latest fashion trends, while wearing a black-and-white mini dress paired with an embroidered, blush colored jacket and elegant pink shoes and headband to complement her entire look. No batteries required.

 

Journey Girl® Dana from Toys“R”Us®

Dana, an animal lover, will be sure to stop by her favorite parco nazionale and protected reserves which are home to a variety of wildlife, all while dressed in a silver knit sweater and brown faux-fur vest with jeans, along with a leopard-print tote bag and chic brown boots. No batteries required.

 

Journey Girl® Kelsey from Toys“R”Us®

Adventure seeker Kelsey will challenge herself by taking on the best hiking trails and exploring marine life within Italy’s 4,000-plus miles of coastline! While out on the town, Kelsey will sport a grey and blue embroidered shift dress with navy headband, as well as a navy and emerald faux-leather shoulder handbag and navy flat shoes. No batteries required.
Journey Girl® Kyla from Toys“R”Us®

Kyla is ready to find the best spots rich with art and culture, dressed to explore the Italian art scene in a ‘Ciao!’ printed top with striped sleeves, pink wrap skirt, a black and white clutch and floral and classic pink flats. No batteries required.

 

Journey Girl® Meredith from Toys“R”Us®

Meredith’s athletic charm will help inspire all her friends to partake in awesome quests in Italy, and her sense of style will shine bright, as she dons a blue sparkle t-shirt, white striped circle skirt, pink handbag and trendy pink shoes. No batteries required.

 

Journey Girl® Mikaella from Toys“R”Us®

Mikaella, outfitted in a purple knit sweater with silver embroidery detail, metallic silver brocade pants, black flats and an elegant silver and pink envelope clutch handbag, will lead her friends to the finest cafes and pasticcerias in town. No batteries required. Available now in Toys“R”Us stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com. 

Dana was the most popular doll of the afternoon which is who my daughter picked. Of course she would also love to collect them all. Once inside the kids took their dolls to the accessories station to collect new outfits, shoes, hair clips, etc. there was a photo booth with backdrops of Italy, canolli making table, arts and craft and the lunch and dessert was so delicious. 

Here’s what Toys R Us had to say: 

 Toys“R”Us® announced that it is celebrating the fifth anniversary of its award-winning*, private label Journey Girls® brand with an updated collection of artfully crafted fashions and highly detailed accessories. Beginning this September, customers will find their favorite dolls outfitted in styles perfect for their next Journey Girls adventure, an Italian excursion, in stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com/JourneyGirls. The company designed this quality 18-inch doll line in 2010 as an affordable option – at $39.99 – for doll enthusiasts and collectors of all ages. What began as a collection of four dolls and complementary fashions, has expanded to a selection of seven dolls, hundreds of mix-and-match clothing options and dozens of must-have accessories. In the five years since the brand’s inception, Journey Girls characters have gone on worldwide adventures spanning 20,000 miles around the globe, from London to Paris and now Italy, adding to their individual and collective backstory.

In preparation for the 2015 holiday season, Toys“R”Us is stocking its inventory with new, adorable fashions and accessories that help extend imaginative play. From furniture and pets, to stylish clothing and hair salon sets, all fashions and accessories are quality made, realistically detailed and scaled to fit 18-inch dolls. The brand also offers a wheelchair and crutch accessories set, providing children with disabilities the opportunity to reflect themselves during playtime. To coincide with the launch of the latest dolls, new Journey Girls accessories will debut in Toys“R”Us stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com this September, including a Best in Class School Set, Birthday Celebration Set and Pet Grooming Set.

 The Journey Girls brand is currently available for purchase at all Toys“R”Us stores across the U.S., and select stores in International  markets across the world, including Australia, Canada, France, Spain and the U.K., among many others.

Additionally, to celebrate the gal-pals’ fifth anniversary trip to Italy, the company is encouraging parents and kids to share their Journey Girls experiences with @ToysRUs on Instagram and Twitter, as well as Facebook.com/Toysrus. Fans are invited to post photos of themselves and their dolls traveling the country – or even the globe – as well as engage with one another and Toys“R”Us using #JourneyGirls. For enthusiasts looking for Journey Girls inspiration online, the Toys“R”Us Pinterest page, Pinterest.com/Toysrus, will feature the dolls’ different fashion looks, delicious Italian treat ideas, do-it-yourself arts and crafts and more.

We had a fabulous time and even the boys came and supported Journey Girls. It was a fun day that will always be remembered. My daughter plays with her doll everyday and can’t wait to get her some siblings. Maybe one day we can visit Italy. 

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. We were invited to this event at Toys R Us and was given a doll. Opinions are 100% mine as always. 

   
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
   

BATMAN THE RIDE BACKWARDS AT SIX FLAGS, GREAT ADVENTURE 

19 Jul

Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ is our favorite amusement park. We were invited to the Press/VIP event July 7th to experience the Batman The Ride Backwards rollercoaster. I’ve always loved the Batman rollercoaster and when I found out it was going backwards I knew I was going to enjoy it even more. Joining us was Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno and the Dynamic Duo Batman and Robin. I even got my mother on the ride with me. When I told her I was staying on to go again she said she would sit that one out. Lol. Don’t get me wrong, she loves rollercoasters but wanted to space them out. If my two oldest sons were there they would have went on again with me. It was amazing! No lines, media went on first and I could have rode on it all day. 

After the event ended we stayed at the park and got on more rides. My mother, sister and my two younger kids enjoyed the day. There’s so much to do and it was such a beautiful day. We stuffed our faces with delicious food,  kept cool with drinks and unlimited refills, found shaded areas and covered the whole park. My daughter took pictures with cartoon characters including Batman and Robin. Skull Mountain, Superman, Green Lantern, El Diablo, Great American Road Race and Buccaneer are just a few of our favorites. Can’t forget Bugs Bunny National Park, Bumper Cars, Skyway, Tea Cups, Carousel, and many more kid rides. 

You know I never leave without getting the famous Funnel Cake for everyone. We stayed till a little after 8pm and will be returning again this year. My family can’t stop talking about the fun we had. It’s always a pleasure when we spend the day with Six Flags Great Adventure. 

Six Flags Great Adventure, the world’s largest theme park, unveils a second thrilling roller coaster experience for 2015 as it flips one of its most innovative and adrenaline-charged coasters backwards for a limited time.

BATMAN™: The Ride becomes even more intense as it undergoes a gravity-defying role reversal from July 4th weekend to Labor Day weekend. Guests can dare to take on an all-new experience on the world-famous suspended, looping coaster when its chair lift-style train is flipped 180 degrees on the track.

BATMAN™: The Ride Backwards Fast Facts:

Soar backwards, chair-lift style (beneath the track)

50-mph juggernaut

Five gut-wrenching inversions guests never see coming

2,700 feet of twisted track

Since opening in 1993, BATMAN™: The Ride has given more than 27 million thrilling rides and reigns as one of the most popular roller coasters in the world. 

Video of Batman the Ride Backwards can be found here: https://youtu.be/Cf_S0DIXO3c

Disclosure: My family and I were invited to this Press event. Opinions are 100% mine and my family. 

   
    
    
    
 

KIDS BY SAFILO NEW CHILDREN’S EYEWEAR COLLECTION 

19 Jul

I joined Kids by Safilo for a children’s vision and eyewear discussion held at their showroom in NY downtown on Fifth Avenue. They were featuring their new eyewear collection designed for children ages 0-8 with a medical-scientific approach and engineered with advanced technologies and materials. We heared from esteemed speakers, Dr. Andrea Thau (President-Elect of the American Ootometric Association), Ken K. Nischal, MD (Director of the Pediatric Ophthalmology at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC), and Bruce Abramson, (Director of Brand Management at Safilo). We learned about the importance of addressing a child’s quality of vision at an early age and the science behind KIDS BY SAFILO. 

I found out my daughter sight wasn’t good when she would walk up to the television just to see what was on the screen. She was about 2 yrs old. I’m glad it was detected early and she has been wearing glasses since then. My son had surgery on his eyes to correct crossing when he was about 6 yrs old. He now has reading glasses when needed. My 19 yr old started wearing glasses in elementary. It is very important to get thorough eye exams. 1 in 4 kids have a vision problem and 80% of learning takes place by way of vision. 

What I love about the new KIDS by SAFILO LINE is the outcome of careful observation of children’s needs, meeting their requirements with solution designed specifically for them. For kids who play, jump and run these glasses are always firm on the nose whatever the situation, no metal parts, no sharp corners or edges and includes shockproof hinges, bio-based, hypoallergenic and non-toxic materials. Colorful glasses with fronts designed to adequately cover their field of vision and ensure proper eyesight. They do not weigh on the nose, don’t hurt behind  the ears, and if worn all day never tiring, resistant to perspiration and dirt. They are super lightweight and weigh less than 18 grams thanks to tuper-light materials. Flexible, stable, sturdy materials to stop the frames from deforming or weakening. Safely 100% made in Italy. 

The colors and decorations are designed to appeal to children. The fronts pieces are always translucent and become almost invisible in styles for young children so that the glasses have a discreet presence on their face. Take a look at the pictures of the cutie pie models I took below and you can see how they look in them. I love all the styles and colors. I wish these were around when my kids were growing up. 

Check out Safilo website: http://Safilo.com/kids/

http://www.solsticesunglasses.com/sunglasses/safilo-kids?splash=true&viewall=true (Solstice Sunglasses) 

Disclosure: I was given a travel stipend but all opinions are mine 100% as always. KIDS BY SAFILO provided me with information and invited me to attend this special event to learn about the new collection.

   
    
    
 

CABANA COVE GRILL BLOG-B-Q AT HUURICANE HARBOR, SIX FLAGS

30 Jun

The last day of school for NYC kids was June 26 which was also a half-day. Were my kids going to miss out on anything? No, not really because they said goodbye to their classmates and teachers the day before knowing they were going to have an awesome time at Six Flags, Hurricane Harbor Water Park. Who wouldn’t want to hang out in a water park for the day? So their summer vacation started a day early and they were happy. 

Six Flags, Hurricane Harbor is located in Jackson, NJ. We were invited to celebrate the Grand Opening of their new Cabana Cove Grill and test out their delicious food with a Blog-B-Q. From jerk chicken sandwiches , salads, Tri-tip steak sandwiches, fruit salad, hot dogs, brownies, cookies, cotton candy, drinks and the best part we were given a Cabana for the day. The food was amazing and we received souvenir cups for free drink refills all day. The Cabana boys kept serving us delicious mango or strawberry-banana smoothies. Those were very good. Our Cabana kept us cool with fan and a refrigerator for our food and drinks a table, chairs and a couch. Outside our Cabana we had two lounge chairs. 

We were steps away from the Wave Pool and Cabana Cove Grill. There is also more lounge chairs around the wave pool and benches with umbrellas at the Grill. This was our first time at Hurricane Harbor but we are regulars at Six Flags, Great Adventure. Everyone was so polite and catered to our every need. We didn’t need lockers because our things were safe in our Cabanas that were guarded while we walked around park. We also were given wrist bands for the day. One of those were proof you belong in the Cabana area. 

After lunch we headed to the Wave Pool (Blue Lagoon). Little did we know they have safety drills every 45 minutes that lasts for 15 minutes. We though someone was really drowning until a worker told us the real deal. We were glad it wasn’t a real person in trouble and I was glad to see they take their jobs seriously and practice these safety drills. 

Once our blogger friends came we went exploring and took the kids to the lazy pool (Taak It Eez Ee Creek) and a few water slides in the park like: King Cobra and Boreas. There were no lines we got back on as much as we liked. I enjoyed all the rides as much as my kids. I love amusement parks and every summer that’s on everyone’s agenda. 

All of our kids kept calling the Cabanas their homes. I thought that was cute. The day turned out to be great without rain. I love seeing my kids enjoying themselves and just being kids. This was for them and I will continue to keep them smiling. We will definitely return hopefully with another Cabana and amazing food. You know we couldn’t leave without getting Funnel Cake and Churros. Our favorites. 

We enjoyed ourselves and recommend everyone to come check out Hurricane Harbor water rides, the New Cabana Cove Grill and rent a Cabana while you’re there. Visit their website: https://www.sixflags.com for more info. Follow on Twitter: @sixflags 

Disclosure: My family and I were invited to attend a Blog-B-Q Grand Opening of Cabana Cove Grill at Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags Great Adventure. Opinions are 100% mine as always. 

   
                

New “Coach Pups” Campaign Launches with Lady Gaga’s Dog

27 Jun

Coach, Inc., a leading New York design house of modern luxury accessories and lifestyle collections, goes to the dogs as it reveals its newest advertising campaign. Titled “COACH PUPS,” the new campaign features canine stars in a series of portraits photographed by Steven Meisel. It launches this month with Miss Asia Kinney, the adorable four-legged companion of Lady Gaga. 

The campaign celebrates the dogs in our lives and captures the pups’ unique personalities as they “model” Coach’s Fall 2015 star bags. Additional PUPS staring in the campaign will be revealed shortly. Miss Asia Kinney, Lady Gaga’s now famous French Bulldog has amassed a substantial social media following in only a few short weeks. The Coach bags she elegantly models in the campaign are the Edie and the Rucksack.

 

Art directed by Fabien Baron and styled by Karl Templer, COACH PUPS will appear in print, online and on outdoor media globally starting in July.

 

Lady Gaga commented: “I am so proud of Miss Asia! She’s a natural in front of the camera, and we’re both so excited that the iconic Steven Meisel shot her for Coach’s pup campaign! I really love getting to watch my best friend be a star.”

 

Stuart Vevers, Creative Director at Coach comments, “’I’ve never had so much fun on a shoot. The combination of Mr. Meisel and the pups was an extraordinary, surreal, special moment. We wanted to create playful images that make you smile. We were inspired by some images from the Coach archive, which featured Eddie—the dog that starred in the TV series Frasier—to create something joyful, with humor and character. That’s a spirit that’s uniquely at the heart of Coach.” 

 

This new initiative will also introduce the social campaign #coachpups, including a range of online activities for fellow dog fanciers, opportunities for Instameets, special talks and other events hosted by the great and the good of the canine world. This will also mark the debut of the Coach Snapchat account.

 

Coach has made a donation to Chicago French Bulldog Rescue (frenchieporvous.org) on behalf of Miss Asia Kinney and her devoted owner.
Coach, established in New York City in 1941, is a leading design house of modern luxury accessories and lifestyle collections with a rich heritage of pairing exceptional leathers and materials with innovative design. Coach is sold worldwide through Coach stores, select department stores and specialty stores, and through Coach’s website at http://www.coach.com. Coach’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol COH and Coach’s Hong Kong Depositary Receipts are traded on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited under the symbol 6388. 

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. 

   

Woodbridge Wine ‘Cue Sauce Launch BBQ Party w/ Alex Guarnaschelli at Butter

17 May

I recently attended the Woodbridge Wine ‘Cue Sauce launch party. Chef, cookbook author and Food Network personality Alex Guarnaschelli hosted a backyard BBQ party on the patio at her restaurant Butter, where she served her original BBQ recipes and Woodbridge Wine cocktails. There were also summer games including corn hole and jumbo-jenga and a live bluegrass band.


I am addicted to Food Network and have been a fan for years as well as a fan of Alex Guarnaschelli. I consider myself a foodie and chef and love trying new foods and recipes. I also love creating my own. I think I have more than 20 cookbooks. Love collecting them. Hopefully one day I’ll be on tv or become a cookbook author. BBQ’s are my favorite kind of parties. The smell of the food cooking in the grill and the taste is what I crave. Everything from steaks, burgers, corn on the cob and shrimps are a few of my favorites. I just recently found out you can even make a cake on the grill. I know what I’m doing this summer. 


I just have to say the food on the menu was so good you had to be there to taste it. I couldn’t stop eating. They were all great. This is what guests had the pleasure of eating: Slow Cooked Woodbridge Wine Pork Shoulder ‘Que, Oven-Baked Woodbridge Wine Chicken Wings, Woodbridge Wine ‘Cue Sauce Portabello Sliders, The Ultimate Woodbridge BBQ Shrimp, Summer Roasted Potato Salad, French Fries, Mix Green Salad with Woodbridge Wine Vinaigrette, Caramelized Woodbridge Wine Onion Party Dip and Grilled Pineapple with ‘Cue Sauce Glaze and Woodbridge Wine Granita. Did I say this food was banging? Just in time for Memorial Day, I will be making all of these recipes this summer. 


The drinks were perfect for a beautiful Spring evening. Frozen Woodbridge Moscato Mint Julep, Woodbridge Pinot Grigio Sangria, Woodbridge Orange Fizz, Woodbridge Moscato-Watermelon Smash all by Robert Mondavi. My favorite drinks were the mint julep and the watermelon smash. 


Inspired by a shared commitment to create quality products for everyday enjoyment, Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi and Daddy Sam’s partnered to create a one-of-a-kind Texas style sauce, infusing the robust taste of the winery’s beloved Cabernet Sauvignon into a grilling sauce that’s ideal for summer entertaining. The perfect accompaniment to backyard BBQ’s and gatherings of family and friends, the Woodbridge Wine ‘Cue Sauce combines the dark fruit and caramelized flavors of the Woodbridge Cabernet Sauvignon with a sweet and tangy molasses-based sauce. The limited edition Woodbridge Wine ‘Cue Sauce is available for purchase for $6.99 on http://www.amazon.com from May 15-September 30. Here is the link: http://www.amazon.com/Woodbridge-by-Robert-Mondavi-Sauce/dp/B00VRYFVCK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1431711698&sr=8-1&keywords=Woodbridge+BBQ+sauce 

Alex Guarnaschelli recommends enjoying the sauce with a glass of Woodbridge Cabernet Sauvignon to truly amplify the flavors ($6.99 per 750mL bottle / $10.99 per 1.5L bottle) 

I couldn’t wait to try so I made baked chicken and shrimp and use the Woodbridge Wine ‘Cue Sauce and everyone loved it. I definitely have to stock up before it’s all gone. The best part is it contains no residual alcohol and is appropriate for all ages and contains no artificial ingredients, including high fructose corn syrup or MSG. A big plus in my book. I put a few of the recipes below. Let me know which one you try or if you try more than one and how you like the sauce after you purchase. I know you will love it. I love mine and can’t wait to get more. 


Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. I was given a bottle of sauce for review purposes. Opinions are mine as always 100%. The last 3 photos are credited to Brian Zach.

                        




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Mixed Green Salad with Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Wine Vinaigrette

Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon is used to create the foundation for a fresh salad dressing.

 

Sauce is not used, but does use Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon as an ingredient

 

Pairs with Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Makes about 2 cups of dressing

 

2 teaspoons sugar

2 cups Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon

2 tablespoons smooth Dijon mustard

1 medium clove garlic, minced

¼ cup Balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon clover honey

½ cup Canola oil

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

½ pound arugula leaves

½ pound escarole

1 sprig fresh dill, stemmed

  

1.       Make the vinaigrette: In a small pot, reduce the Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon and sugar over medium heat until there is about 1/4 cup liquid. Slowly whisk together the mustard, garlic, Balsamic vinegar, honey, Canola oil and olive oil. Stir in the reduced red wine. Add a splash of water if needed. Taste for seasoning.

2.       Toss the salad: In a large bowl, toss the arugula, escarole and dill with the dressing, tossing a few spoonfuls at a time.

 

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Oven-Baked Woodbridge Wine Chicken Wings

The chicken is brushed with butter and paprika then baked. The Woodbridge Wine ‘Cue Sauce is boiled, reduced, tweaked and then used as a glaze over the chicken after it is finished baking.

 

Incorporates Woodbridge Wine ‘Cue Sauce and Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon as ingredients

 

Pairs with Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Serves 4-6

 

2 cups Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon

¼ cup clover honey

2 large cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons dark brown sugar

3 tablespoons Woodbridge Wine ‘Cue Sauce

½ cup sherry vinegar

1 tablespoon coarsely ground black pepper

2 scallions, white and green parts both, cut into thin rounds

1 pound (about 16 pieces) chicken wings

Kosher salt

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

2 teaspoons hot paprika

The juice from 1 large lemon

 

1.       Preheat the oven to 350F.

2.       Make the honey glaze: In a large skillet, reduce the Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon over medium heat until there is only about ¼ cup liquid. Pour the wine into a medium bowl to cool. In the same skillet, bring the honey, garlic, dark brown sugar and Woodbridge Wine ‘Cue Sauce to a simmer. When it starts to foam and turn light brown, remove the skillet from the heat and pour in the sherry vinegar. Return the skillet to the heat and allow it to simmer until it becomes like a light glaze, 12-15 minutes. Stir in the black pepper and scallions and pour it over the red wine in the bowl. Whisk to blend. Taste for seasoning.

3.       Prepare and cook the chicken wings: Cut each chicken wing at each joint so each wing is cut into 3 parts. You will have 36 pieces including the wing tips. Season them with salt. In a small saucepan, melt the butter and stir in the paprika. Put the wings on a sheet pan and brush them with the melted butter mixture. Bake them for 5-8 minutes. Turn them on their second side and brush with the remaining butter mixture. Then, put the tray under the broiler and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes or until fully cooked.

4.       Finish the dish: Toss the chicken wings in the honey red wine glaze and squeeze the lemon juice over them.

 

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Slow-Cooked Woodbridge Wine Pork Shoulder ‘Cue

Traditional pork BBQ adapted for a slow cooker with Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon and Woodbridge Wine ‘Cue Sauce, served “naked”. The pork shoulder is rubbed with some simple spices. The pork is cooked whole with the sauce, wine and herbs.

 

Pairs with Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon

 

1 bottle Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon

6 medium cloves garlic, grated

1 teaspoon Spanish paprika

2 tablespoons dark soy sauce

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 cup Woodbridge Wine ‘Cue Sauce

3 tablespoons Canola oil

3 pound piece pork picnic shoulder – If you can’t find a 3 lb. piece of pork shoulder, ask your local butcher to cut one for you

Kosher salt

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

 

1.       Marinate the pork: In a medium pot, reduce the Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon over medium heat until it reduces by half. In a large bowl, whisk together the garlic, paprika, soy sauce, red wine vinegar, Woodbridge Wine ‘Cue Sauce and oil. Stir in the reduced red wine. Drop the pork shoulder in the marinade and roll the meat around, coating all sides. Refrigerate the meat for (preferably overnight but for a minimum of) 6 hours. Take care that the meat is coated and turn the meat around in the marinade once or twice as it sits.

2.       Preheat the oven to 325F.

3.       Cook the pork: Place the pork on a tray with a fitted rack and low sides. Season the meat on all sides with salt. Place the pork in the center of the oven and roast until tender but still juicy, 2 ½ – 3 hours. Remove the pork from the oven and allow it to rest 15 minutes before slicing against “the grain” of the meat. In a small pot, bring the marinade to a full boil over medium heat. Simmer and reduce for a couple of minutes then whisk in the butter. Taste for seasoning. Pour the marinade over the pork slices.

 

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Summer Roasted Potato Salad

Red Bliss potatoes roasted and tossed with an emulsified dressing made with Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon, mustard, scallions.

 

Sauce is not used, but does use Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon as an ingredient

 

Pairs with Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Serves 4 to 6

 

2 pounds medium Red Bliss potatoes, halved or quartered depending on size

 

The dressing:

1 cup Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon

6 tablespoons red wine vinegar

2 medium shallots, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons smooth (Dijon) mustard

¼ cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon chopped capers

6 gherkins, quartered lengthwise and sliced into ¼ inch pieces plus 1 tablespoon of gherkin liquid

1 small bunch chives, minced

 

1.       Preheat the oven to 400F.

2.       Arrange the potatoes on a single layer on a baking sheet and place it in the center of the oven.

3.       Make the vinaigrette: In a small pot, reduce the Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon over medium heat until there is only about 2 tablespoons of liquid. In a bowl large enough to hold the potatoes, whisk together the red wine vinegar, shallots, mustard, mayonnaise, capers and gherkins. Whisk in the reduced red wine. Taste for seasoning. When the potatoes are tender and yielding when pierced with the tip of a knife, 30-35 minutes, remove them from the oven. Allow them to cool for a few minutes. Peel half of them. Some potato skin is a nice flavor in the salad.

4.       Finish the salad: Place the potatoes (halved or quartered, pending size) in the bowl with the dressing and lightly crush them with the tines of a fork. Season lightly with salt and pepper and toss them in the dressing. Sprinkle with the chives.

 

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Woodbridge Wine ‘Cue Sauce Portobello Sliders

Grilled Portobello mushroom “burgers” made by sandwiching two portobellos together with the cheese and with Woodbridge Wine ‘Cue Sauce onions inside. They are pressed and cooked on the grill (or could be baked in the oven) until completely hot in the center.

 

Incorporates Woodbridge Wine ‘Cue Sauce 

 

Pairs with Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon

 

6 large garlic cloves

2 medium red onions, thinly sliced

4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus ½ cup olive oil for the dressing

Kosher salt

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons Woodbridge Wine ‘Cue Sauce

1 tablespoons clover honey

8 medium Portobello mushrooms

10 ounces whole milk mozzarella cheese, cut into 12 slices

½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese

 

1.       Preheat the grill. Preheat the oven to 350F.

2.       Roast the garlic: In a small bowl, toss the garlic cloves and onions with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and salt. Spread the onions on one end of a baking sheet and the garlic on the other. Place in the tray in the center of the oven. Cook until tender when pierced with the tip of a knife, 20-25 minutes.

3.       Make the dressing: “Mash” the garlic cloves and whisk them vigorously together with the balsamic vinegar, Woodbridge Wine ‘Cue Sauce, honey and ½ a cup of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.

4.       Grill the mushrooms: In a medium bowl, toss the mushrooms in the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with salt. Place them, stem side up, on the hottest part of the grill. Cook for 3-4 minutes, you may see liquid starting to emerge from the stem area. Turn on their second side and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. Transfer them to a tray and place in the center of the oven. Cook for an additional 12-15 minutes until they are tender when pierced with the tip of a knife.

5.       Make the sliders: Arrange four mushrooms, stem side up, on a baking sheet. Top each with 3 slices of the mozzarella cheese and some of the cooked onions. Season with salt. “Sandwich” the cheese by topping each with another mushroom. Sprinkle with the parmesan cheese. Place the tray in the center of the oven and bake until the cheese melts, 5-8 minutes. Remove from the oven, slice in half and drizzle with the dressing.

 

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Caramelized Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Wine Onion Party Dip

Caramelized onion dip with Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon and Woodbridge Wine ‘Cue Sauce cooked into the base of the dip and blended with cheese, fresh scallions, and served with pita chips.

 

Incorporates Woodbridge Wine ‘Cue Sauce and Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon as ingredients

 

Pairs with Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Makes about 2 cups dip; Serves 6-8

 

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 large yellow onions, halved and thinly sliced

3 medium cloves garlic, minced

½ teaspoon cayenne

Kosher salt

½ cup Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon

½ cup Woodbridge Wine ‘Cue Sauce 

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

3 ounces cream cheese

1 cup sour cream

2 scallions, thinly sliced, green parts only

12-16 baby carrots, peeled

Pita chips

 

1.       Cook the onions: In a medium sauté pan, melt the butter and add the onions, garlic and cayenne. Season with salt and cook over medium heat, stirring from time to time, until translucent, 8-10 minutes. Add the Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon and cook until almost all of the liquid evaporates, 8-10 minutes. Add the Woodbridge Wine ‘Cue Sauce and red wine vinegar and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes over medium to low heat until the onions are golden brown and tender. Set aside to cool.

2.       Make the dip: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Stir in the onion mixture and scallions. Taste for seasoning. Allow the dip about 15 minutes to “rest” before serving with carrots and pita chips on the side.

 

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The Ultimate Woodbridge BBQ Shrimp

Incorporates Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi wine and Woodbridge Wine ‘Cue Sauce in the recipe which is cooked, (grilled or) broiled and glazed.

 

Pairs with Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Serves 4-6

 

For the BBQ Sauce:

1 cup Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon

1 cup Woodbridge Wine ‘Cue Sauce

¼ cup cider vinegar

¼ cup Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons light soy sauce

1 tablespoon dry mustard (preferably Coleman’s brand)

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

3 tablespoons chili powder

4 medium cloves garlic, minced

1 lemon, cut into ½ inch thick slices

 

For the Shrimp:

16 – 18 “U-10” Shrimp, peeled, deveined

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 lemon

1 tablespoon freshly ground ginger

 

1.       Preheat the grill.

2.       Make the BBQ sauce: In a large pot, simmer the Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon until it reduces by about half. Stir in the Woodbridge Wine ‘Cue Sauce, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, dry mustard, Dijon mustard and chili powder. Whisk to blend. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add the garlic and lemon slices. Simmer on the stove for 20-25 minutes until the aroma of the vinegar mellows slightly. Taste for seasoning.

3.       Cook the shrimp: Season the shrimp on both sides with salt. When the grill is hot, place a large sauté pan on the side of the grill to get it hot. Place the shrimp in a single layer on a “hot spot” of the grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Use a pair of tongs to turn them on the other side and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Add the butter to the sauté pan. Allow the butter to melt and the toss the shrimp in the pan, basting them with the butter. Squeeze the juice from the lemon and stir in the ginger. Drizzle them generously with the BBQ sauce. Transfer to a platter and serve with additional BBQ sauce on the side, if desired.

 

 

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Grilled Pineapple with ‘Cue Sauce Glaze and Woodbridge Wine Granita

Grilled fruit that could be served as a dessert or as part of a party menu served with a red wine granita, made from freezing Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon with some spices and honey. There is a sweet and sour aspect; as well as a hot/cold temperature concept. This recipe could also be broken into two smaller dessert or “refresher” concept recipes. Makes about 2 ½ cups worth of granita.

 

Incorporates Woodbridge Wine ‘Cue Sauce and Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon as ingredients

 

The Granita:

1 cup water

1/3 cup sugar

1 bottle Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon

1 cinnamon stick

1 teaspoon dry ginger

1 tablespoon Balsamic vinegar

 

Pineapple:

1 large ripe golden pineapple, top removed, peeled and cut into 10-12 wedges

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

¼ cup clover honey

2 tablespoons Woodbridge Wine ‘Cue Sauce 

Juice from 1 medium lemon

  

1.       Make the syrup and cook the wine: In a medium saucepan, combine the water with the sugar. Stir to blend. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring from time to time, until the sugar dissolves. Transfer to a bowl to cool. Refrigerate. Pour the Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon into the same saucepan, add the cinnamon stick and ginger and cook over medium heat until it reduces by half. Refrigerate.

2.       Freeze and make the granita: When the wine and syrup are cooled, stir them together. Discard the cinnamon stick. Stir in the Balsamic vinegar. Pour out onto a baking sheet and put in the freezer until it hardens, 3-4 hours. When ready to serve, scrape the surface with the tines of a fork to remove the granita in large flakes.

3.       Preheat the grill.

4.       Grill the pineapple: When the grill is hot, arrange the wedges of pineapple in a single layer on a baking sheet and brush them with the olive oil. Place them on the grill in a single layer, cooking 3-5 minutes on one side before turning on the other. Meanwhile, put a medium pot on the grill and add the honey. Bring it to a simmer and let it froth and bubble 2-3 minutes until it turns a darker shade of brown. Add the Woodbridge Wine ‘Cue Sauce and lemon and simmer 3-5 minutes. When the pineapple is charred on both sides, arrange on a serving platter and spoon the honey wine reduction over them.

 

DOVE DRY SPRAY ANTIPERSPIRANT REVIEW & #GIVEAWAY #TRYDRY 

6 Mar

Dove recently introduced their new Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant at their Friendship Suite and I was invited to check it out. Dove partnered with Rocksbox, the innovative jewelry subscription company that was created out of the practice of sharing the latest fashion finds with friends. They asked you to bring your best girlfriend to take part in celebrating friendship. There were beauty makeovers, style trends to learn about and giveaways. 

The new Dove Dry Spray is the latest beauty trend and I see why. If there’s one thing I hate about deodorant it’s clumps under my arm that dried up. It provides 48 hour odor and wetness protection and is formulated with 1/4 moisturizers that offers all the care of Dove in a antiperspirant that goes on instantly dry for a cleaner feel. The scents are amazing. There are so many to choose from.  

Here are a few:

Nourished Beauty: A floral, powdery fragrance with notes of jasmine and rose.

Cool Essentials: A blend of cucumber and green tea.

Revive: A pomegranate, lemon verbena scent. 

These are just 3 of 6. The other 3 are Beauty Finish, Skin Renew and Sensitive. These can be found now at mass food and drug retailers nationwide. SRP $5.49 (3.8 oz) can. 

I tried the Nourished a Beauty and loved it! No more clumps and when I feel under my arms it’s so smooth and the fragrance was still there hours later. The 48 hour protection really worked. I will be packing this for my cruise. Dove didn’t forget the men. I found it in Target for my boys. It’s called Dove Men Care Dry Spray Antiperspirant in Clean Comfort which also smells amazing. They love it too!

I had my makeover which I loved and consulted with a Rocksbox stylist about their gorgeous jewelry and how the subscription works. They were kind enough to offer my readers a free one- month subscription to try unlimited jewelry. For more info and to try your free month head to Rocksbox.com and enter promo code: DoveBFFs 

Go to dove.us and @Dove on Twitter for more info. 

GIVEAWAY: I am giving away 3 Dove Dry Sprays to 3 winners. Choose from Nourished Beauty, Cool Essentials or Revive. Comment below and tell me which one you want to try. Open to US residents only. 

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. I received free samples. I was excited to receive these new Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant from the Dove Team. I also received a necklace from Rocksbox. 





@WeightWatchers & @Match PARTNER UP FOR A #HealthyMatchUp ARE YOU READY?

20 Jan

Weight Watchers has partnered with Match.com to help NYC find their healthiest match in a #HealthyMatchUp speed chatting event and I was about to find out what it was all about.

As I was headed to Tender at The Sanctuary Hotel on West 47th, NYC I kept wondering who was going to be there, why is this a speed- chatting event and what are these men looking for? Yep, I thought there was going to be a room full of men sitting at tables looking for that girl who was a before and after and their perfect match. I was nervous, but when I walked in it was a room full of women. Whew, what a relief!! Well wait a minute, I don’t date women sooooo, anyway came to find out their were coaches. Okay, now I can relax.

To continue reading this post log on here:
http://www.ladyandtheblog.com/2015/01/17/weightwatchers-match-partner-up-for-a-healthymatchup-are-you-ready/

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