When New York City Serves up Tornados, Why not make it a MIST instead? An @EnjoyArborMist that is!

Today it has been literally raining cats and dogs. To say it's 'heavy rain' is certainly an understatement. So what do you when the 'City that Never Sleeps' serves up Tornado weather and you'd rather be sitting on a sunny, sandy beach?

Unfurl my Yoga Mat, pretend it's a beach towel and serve up some Arbor Mist Frozen Wine Cocktails! The perfect cure for the 'rainy day blues'!

Arbor Mist Frozen Cocktails Nestled Comfortably in my Freezer!

I got my package a bit late, (way after BlogHer), which moved straight to the Niche Mommy Blogging Conference (Thanks to my wonderful conference sponsors @SafeConBritax) and then BAM! it was suddenly Fashion Week and this review was LONG overdue. But I always say there are no small coincidences, and this grey, gloomy day outside, turned into something so much better because I chose to try these today!

Arbor Mist Frozen Cocktails Nestled Comfortably in my Freezer!

About Arbor Mist Frozen Wine Cocktails

Learn more by watching the video below, just press play!

Freeze.Squeeze.Enjoy! Introducing the fastest way to enjoy frozen wine cocktails! Arbor Mist's ready-to-drink, portable pouches combine your favorite wine and fruit flavors in a refreshing frozen cocktail. No mixing, blending or cleanup.

After giving them ample time to freeze it was time to take them out of the freezer!

Time to add glasses to the mix!

What I Tried:

White Pear Pinot Grigio - In true 'tasting' fashion I started with a white so I could end my tasting with a red! This one has natural pear flavor with hints of apple and citrus. The two tasters (me being one of them, both gave this one a thumbs up!)

Here are some pics of the White Pear Pinot Grigio in action:

One package gave us enough for two glasses, pretty cool!

We let some of it 'melt' a bit before taking our first sip!

Strawberry White Zinfandel - The bursting flavor of fresh picked strawberries integrates so well with the White Zinfandel, this was both of our favorite of the three by far. For me it was so reminiscent of a frozen strawberry daiquiri, instead of using rum, using Wine, and not just any wine, but Arbor Mist's White Zinfandel to be exact! This one was delicious!

Here are some pictures of the Strawberry White Zinfandel in Action:

Arbor Mist's Frozen Wine White Zinfandel Strawberry Cocktail pre pour!

Arbor Mist's Frozen Wine White Zinfandel Strawberry Cocktails, Ready to Taste!

Major Thumbs Up All Around for the Strawberry White Zinfandel Arbor Mist Frozen Cocktail!

And last, but certainly not least was the Blackberry Merlot - This one hits you with the aroma of ripe blackberries and fresh guava which is a great new twist to the Arbor Wine Merlot. We moved from the Whites to the Red and greatly enjoyed this one as well. All three flavors got a thumbs up with the Strawberry White Zinfandel a definite first place, and this one and the White Pear Pinot Grigio equally tied at second place.

Here are some Pics of the Blackberry Merlot:

Blackberry Merlot Frozen Wine Cocktail by Arbor Mist, just out the freezer!

Blackberry Merlot Frozen Wine Cocktail by Arbor Mist, a little time out the freezer and after massaging the pack and giving it a good squeeze, we are ready to go!

Blackberry Merlot Frozen Wine Cocktail by Arbor Mist, doesn't this just say 'taste me'?

My Take:

These are a definite re-buy for us, with the Strawberry White Zinfandel standing out as the favorite! I highly recommend these for frozen drink lovers as well as Wine lovers. And don't be afraid to think outside the box with these, they are NOT just summer drinks. I'd pair the White Pear Pinot Grigio with my favorite scallops wrapped in bacon with spicy dipping sauces. The spice of the sauce and the nutty flavor of the scallop pair so well with the smooth crispness of the frozen White Pear Pinot Grigio, and I'd do any of my favorite Thai food with the Strawberry White Zinfandel Frozen Cocktail. I love that these are freeze, squeeze and serve they are totally easy peasy, no mixing, no mess and more time to spend with my guests!

If anyone tries out the newest flavor before I do, the Moscato Mango Strawberry, please come back here and post about it, I plan to try that one out next!

The Arbor Mists Frozen Wine Cocktails turned my frown upside down, literally! Take a look:

Frozen Cocktail Happy Face!

Get Social With It:

If you are 21+, tweet with Arbor Mist on Twitter @EnjoyArborMist
You can also give them a 'Like' on Facebook too!

Did you take some time to 'savor the moment' today?

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: Samples were provided for editorial consideration by SheSpeaks on behalf of Arbor Mist, however all opinions are 100% my own. Please enjoy your Frozen Wine Cocktails Responsibly. Do NOT drink and drive!

My Trip in Pictures: #HowIDoAC Fourth of July Edition - See what you missed!

This should have been a Wordless Wednesday, but between a nightmare commute home that included 4 trains and just over 2 hours of travel time on the MTA (no air conditioning and an hour long wait on the platform for what should have been my second train) AND a server glitch, this post will end up going live on Thursday I'm sure!

Last week I did something I haven't done in AGES, take time OFF. I went on a Press Junket to Atlantic City and had so much FUN that I extended my trip a few extra days! I know they say what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, but what happens in Atlantic City *MUST* be shared!

I shared a few teasers about the new 3D Laser Light and Sound Show, Duality (if you missed those posts, you can check them out HERE, HERE and HERE), and now after having actually experienced the show, I can tell you, you really have to check it out!

The trip started off with a VIP check in at Golden Nugget Atlantic City, (if you haven't been to Atlantic City in awhile, don't go looking for Trump Marina, it's now the Golden Nugget!), after check in there was some time spent pool side with bloggers, family and friends!

Here are some photos of the hotel:

Photo Provided by @ Golden Nugget Casino All Rights Reserved Used with Permission

Above: View of Golden Nugget when you are heading towards the property!

Photo Provided by @ Golden Nugget Casino All Rights Reserved Used with Permission

Above: View of the pool at Golden Nugget Atlantic City

Photo Provided by @ Golden Nugget Casino All Rights Reserved Used with Permission

Above: Golden Nugget Atlantic City Spa

Photo Provided by @ Golden Nugget Casino All Rights Reserved Used with Permission

Above: View of the Wine and Wifi Lounge (Complimentary Water and Soda, and great prices on wine by the glass) - Whether you are visiting the Golden Nugget for business or pleasure, the Wine and Wifi Lounge is a great place to check your emails and get some work done! Service was amazingly attentive and never obtrusive!

Here are some shots of me at the Golden Nugget:

Above: Ascending Butterfly enjoying dinner at Michael Patrick's Brasserie at The Golden Nugget Atlantic City

Above: This is my view of the Golden Nugget sign from the vantage point of my pool chair!

After a quick change it was time to preview the behind the scenes of Duality, Moment Factory's Amazing 3D Laser Light and Sound show that is Atlantic City's newest attraction! The behind the scenes demo was followed by a VIP reception, here are some photos:

Above: Elizabeth Cartmell, Chief Executive Officer of the newly formed Atlantic City Alliance

Above: Elizabeth Cartmell and Motion Factory discussing Duality

Photo Provided by @ Sherry Aiken All Rights Reserved. Used with Permission.

Above: Can you believe that this is the 'brains' behind such an amazing show?

Photo Provided by @ Sherry Aiken All Rights Reserved. Used with Permission.

Above: Left: Mama Butterfly Center: Ascending Butterfly Right: Sherry of @ SuperExhausted Blog - a major thank you to Sherry for this and many other photos she shared that are used in this post. You can find Sherry at Super Exhausted Blog which I linked to above and you should also check out her business site http://www.babypop.com/

Photo Provided by @ Sherry Aiken All Rights Reserved. Used with Permission.

Above: Left: Ascending Butterfly and Right: Mama Butterfly hamming it up during the VIP Press Reception for Duality

Photo Provided by @ Sherry Aiken All Rights Reserved. Used with Permission.

Above: YUMMO, who can resist cupcakes?

After the reception, it was time for Fourth of July Fireworks on the Boardwalk. As a New Yorker Fourth of July Fireworks have always been magical for me, but I have to admit, watching the fireworks on the boardwalk, right near the Ocean was both exciting and totally peaceful, it was just what the doctor ordered!

Here are some shots:

Above: I got a few dud shots before I captured this one!

Photo Provided by @ Sherry Aiken All Rights Reserved. Used with Permission.

Above: Sharing a shot that Sherry captured as well!

Above: Left: Miss Atlantic City, Center: Ascending Butterfly Right: Mama Butterfly. I sat next to Miss Atlantic City during the fireworks and her boyfriend was sweet enough to take a picture, here is a picture of me sitting with Miss Atlantic City! How cool is that?

The fireworks were followed by an amazing concert by Kevin Rudolf which included his song "Let it Rock" and songs from his new album.

Above: Kevin Rudolf concert during Fourth of July Fireworks Show on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Above: Kevin Rudolf concert, needless to say as 'The Official #TwitterPartyDJ' I enjoyed sitting front row center!

After the concert, we got to see Duality! It's hard even with pictures to describe the experience. It's kind of like a parade where you really feel the performance, the excitement and enthusiasm of the crowd, the lights, the sound, it's an amazing show. It's part of what is helping to make Atlantic City a more family friendly place to be!

Photo Provided by @ Sherry Aiken All Rights Reserved. Used with Permission.

Above: Duality, a 3D Laser Light and Sound Show at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Photo Provided by @ Sherry Aiken All Rights Reserved. Used with Permission.

Above: I was actually so busy filming it, I forgot to take still shots, but Sherry to the rescue, her still shots actually capture me filming it! Bottom left with hands up filming is ME!

Photo Provided by @ Sherry Aiken All Rights Reserved. Used with Permission.

Above: Another shot of me filming the Duality 3D Laser Light and Sound Show in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Photo Provided by @ Sherry Aiken All Rights Reserved. Used with Permission.

Above: Another shot of me filming the Duality 3D Laser Light and Sound Show in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Below: Check out the You Tube Video of the Atlantic City 4th of July celebration featuring the AC fireworks show, musical performance by Kevin Rudolf, and the debut of Moment Factory's 3-D Light Show "Duality" which airs hourly nightly on Boardwalk Hall.

To say I had an amazing time would be the understatement of the century! And I'd like to thank Ed Salvato (@edsalvato), The Atlantic City Alliance (@VisitAC), The Golden Nugget Atlantic City (@goldennuggetac) and all the fellow bloggers in attendance on this trip for helping to make my Fourth of July close to home 'staycation' vacation one of the most memorable ever!

And I know this is probably the most obscure factoid of my trip, but for those of you who truly appreciate a great Bloody Mary, in my humble opinion, Golden Nugget Atlantic City makes THE BEST Bloody Mary Cocktail I've ever tasted, served in a real glass, not a dixie cup, very nice touch! (I prefer mine with a two celery pieces in it and skewer of Olives! and they were made to order and delish!) And they also have great Gelato!

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: This post is brought to you with the support of the Atlantic City Alliance. Visit them on Facebook and Twitter for more information. I attended a Press Junket and had Press Access to the Duality 3D Sound and Light Show, Kevin Rudolf Concert and Fireworks Show.

Look Out it's Behind You! Happy Friday the 13th! Cocktails Anyone?

Did I scare you? Did you look back just for a second?

Chaos and Apologies

Friday the 13th Mayhem started a bit early! Wednesday night my site hosting went down and I lost access to the site as well as emails, it's been pandemonium!

Please note while I get things sorted, the entries for ALL current giveaways are being extended to accomodate those who were unable to get entries in during our site maintenance. If you put in entries since Wednesday and noticed they haven't appeared, it's because we didn't have access to our server until now. If you have sent me an email in the last 3 days, please be patient as the email server was also down.

Friday the 13th

I am a horror movie buff, making today a close second to Halloween as my favorite day to watch scary movies. Usually I'll just go to the Theater and catch the newest Horror Movie released today, but this time, my Friday night Wii Game Night with friends, is becoming a Horror Movie themed Fest including some fun cocktails and great eats!

I experimented with some new recipes (and ultimately decided to make some minor alterations to the original recipes! So read the notes alongside recipe ingredients to see where I made changes)

The Stone Place - I am respectfully changing the name of this one to The Stone Grave, I am going to use mini coffins that I have for Halloween decorating and use them as the Coasters for this when I serve it)

Ingredients:

One orange wedge

1/2 oz. Organic Fresh Lemon Juice (I bought lemons at the local market, they may not have been Organic, lol)

3/4 oz. pomegranate grenadine (I couldn't find Pom Grenadine, so I used regular Grenadine)

2 oz. Appleton  Estate Reserve Jamaican Rum

Nutmeg (I omitted this, I'm Not a big Nutmeg Lover, I do have it on hand for guests who like it)

Directions: Shake with orange wedge and ice, and strain into a  chilled coupe dust with nutmeg. (Again, if you don't like Nutmeg, feel free to omit)

Golden Margarita

Ingredients:

⅓ oz Alizé Gold Passion (I prefer Alize Gold, if you prefer one of the other blends of Alize you can substitute)

⅓ oz tequila (I prefer Sauza Silver, it's very smooth and blendable, perfect for Mixed Drinks)

⅓ oz lime juice

1 oz triple sec

Directions: Serve in a margarita glass coated with salt and garnish  with a lime wedge.

Pork Belly Tacos

Both cocktails pair nicely with the Pork Belly Tacos or if you prefer you can make Chicken Tacos (which will also pair very nicely with the Tequila in the Margarita) and one of my personal favorites, Fish Tacos. I'm actually making one of each, Pork, Chicken and Fish!

Ingredients:

·          Soft Tacos

·          Crispy Iceberg Lettuce

·          Pickled Garlic

·          Fresh Lime

Me and my pals will be enjoying cocktails, an assortment of Tacos and some Horror Films tonight, in between movies there will be some Wii time, How do you plan on spending your Friday the 13th?

We will resume our regularly scheduled Mother's Month Buying Guide this weekend with something super special from our friends at Borghese!

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: This is a non-compensated Post. No Monetary Exchange took place. I really am a Horror Movie Film Lover and the makers of Appleton Estate Reserve and Alizé Liqueur provided samples to facilitate the making of the cocktails listed in this feature.