Best Buy makes planning your wedding registry fun with these top five picks

Some think that picking out the engagement ring is tough – and in some cases it is. The right “size, shape, color”, is it new or something that is a family heirloom. When it comes to picking out your registry, you can breathe a sign of relief because Best Buy wedding registry takes all the stress out of your wedding planning with home goods that you’ll both enjoy. These are my top five picks from Best Buy to help any engaged couples new life together the best.

1 – TV anyone? This is awesome for gathering around for date night, simple movies and let’s not forget all the sports that your spouse (and possibly you too) will love to watch with family and friends.2 – Technology is key in the 21^st century. How about new matching mobile devices, music players or laptops? This makes staying in touch and getting those thank you notes off to your guests easier.  They also have an awesome “Geek Squad”, that can help you with any of your computer related questions.

3 – New appliances may be needed in your new home and how about that washer, drier or stainless steel wine fridge you’ve had your eye on. While these may seem big-ticket items, they are great for “Group Gifting”. What’s that you ask? It allows gift-givers to give any amount they want, so couples can ask for the gifts you really want and not worry about price point. Great for your officemates or bridal party who want to pool funds for your gift.

4 – It’s party time and a new stereo and/or speakers will set your party off right! Music systems will help with amazing surround sound for parties both in and out of your home. Placing your speakers near or via blue tooth, will have your guests enjoying every moment.

5 – I don’t know about you but nothing makes for a great party but awesome food and cocktails. That’s why a microwave, toaster, blender or coffee maker must be on your registry. Fun food just completes your new home and cocktails  or coffee make everything meal perfect all year round.

Best Buy has a great choice of gifts that will fit any registry request. Remember that all items $199 and over can be considered for their “group gifting” option. This allows you to ask for what you really want, without asking your guests to spend more than they are comfortable with—so dream big. Remember Best Buy Wedding Registry has Free Shipping, No Minimum.  So whatever your “Top Five” products, big or small, expensive or affordable, all ship for free saving your guests money.

So check out Best Buy and take the stress out of your registry planning. Now back to finding the perfect dress….

While a huge Best Buy fan, this is a sponsored post and I’ve been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

On a hot Labor Day think cool Cocktails from Snow Leopard Vodka

Can you believe it’s ALREADY Labor Day?! During these last hot days of summer, there is no better cocktail to help celebrate than Snow Leopard Vodka. It’s cool, refreshing and these cocktails will go down oh-so-refreshingly smooth. Are you planning your engagement party this weekend? Why not make one of these your signature cocktail. If you’re not feeling like cooking or are looking for a fun evening out, then you really have to try either Trattoria Il Mulino (36 E 20th St, New York, NY 10003) or Pergola (36 W 28th St, New York, NY 10001) where you can experience the SnowHound and Bright Lotus respectfully there and then re-create it at home.

If you are a vodka lover (like I am) you will truly enjoy Snow Leopard Vodka. So be cool, think cool and have a “snow” kind of Labor Day.

Remember…drink responsibly.

SnowHound
Trattoria Il Mulino (36 E 20th St, New York, NY 10003)
Snow Leopard Vodka
Grapefruit Cordial
Fresh Lemon

Bright Lotus
by Scott Fitzgerald at Pergola (36 W 28th St, New York, NY 10001)
2 oz. Snow Leopard
.75 oz. Passionfruit Puree
.75 oz. Simple Syrup
.5 oz. Lime Juice
3 drops Creme de Cassis

Snow Leopard Garden

Created by John Christie
1.5 oz. Snow Leopard Vodka
2 oz. fresh watermelon juice
.5 oz. lemon juice
.5 oz. agave nectar
.25 oz. elderflower cordial

Glassware: Coupe,  Garnish: Frozen Watermelon Ball

Sparrow Swizzle
Created by Garrett Mikell at Eveleigh in Los Angeles, CA
1.5 oz Snow Leopard
1.5 oz Lavender Lemonade
Build in a collins glass, add crushed ice, swizzle and a lemon twist

Jewel of Asia
1.25oz Snow Leopard Vodka
1oz Lychee Liqueur
1oz Lime Juice
0.5oz Pomegranate Syrup
Top with Champagne
Add ingredients into a rocks glass fill with cubed ice and swizzle garnish with pink grapefruit and serve

Himalayan Spritz
1oz Snow leopard Vodka
1oz Aperol
1oz Cherry Brandy OR Maraschino
Top with chilled Prosecco
Add ingredients into a rocks glass fill with cubed ice and stir. Garnish with lemon wheel and cherry then serve.

Festive Martini Sparkling Wines at 60 calories so indulge

Spring is finally here, or at least that’s what the calendar says.  In preparation for your Easter or Mother’s Day brunch how about some delicious brunch sips from MARTINI Sparkling Wines. Take the pressure off creating the perfect brunch by serving up some of these signature crafted cocktails, created with family and those you love in mind.  Whether celebrating at home with breakfast in bed or cooking for the entire family, elevate your celebration with Martini Prosecco. Martini is not only the number one selling sparkling wine in the world, it’s the most affordable too. At only $14.99 for a bottle of Prosecco, it’s the ultimate way to enjoy a delicious bubbly beverage!

You know how I love to pair cocktails and food, so if you are heading out for brunch in New York City don’t forget to stop by Donatella Arpaia’s new Italian eatery, Prova, to try out the exclusive Martini Belle View cocktail. Prova  is located at 184 8^th Avenue, New York, and is the only location in New York City to sell this specialty cocktail.  So why not try it and have some amazing nibbles while you’re there.

MOTHER’S DAY AND EASTER BRUNCH COCKTAILS:

Serve mom breakfast in bed with these delectable cocktails

MARTINI® Mom-osa

2 parts chilled MARTINI® Asti

1 part Orange Juice

Pour orange juice into a flute glass. Top with MARTINI® Asti and garnish with strawberry.

MARTIN® Prosecco Bellini

2 parts white peach puree

MARTINI® Prosecco

Pour white peach puree into a glass. Top with chilled MARTINI® Prosecco and serve.

For an extra special treat, garnish with your favorite fruit

MARTINI® Bella

1 ½ parts Bombay

½ part Saint Germain

½ part Lemon juice

½ part Amarena syrup

¾ part Kir royal- blended tea

Top off MARTINI® Prosecco

Pour all the ingredients into a shaker except for the prosecco.  Shake and double strain into a coupe. Top it off with Martini prosecco.  Garnish with Amarena, lime and lemon zest.

Created exclusively for PROVA Resturant by New York’s Most Imaginative Bartender 2014, Enzo Cangemi

Mindy Weiss and Wedding Paper Divas get you married in style

Getting her start in the industry working at a stationery store, Mindy Weiss has always had a passion for paper. As a style partner for Wedding Paper Divas and a go-to wedding trends expert, Mindy has also designed an exquisite new bridal stationery collection that is striking, yet affordable, and appeals to a broad range of styles.

For her collection, Mindy combined years of experience in the wedding industry with her style and creativity to draw inspiration from all facets of life including fashion, art, nature and her forecasted trends for the year. From brilliant color blocking to delicate lace details, the collection features nine designs in a variety of bold and beautiful themes.

“I designed this stationery collection for Wedding Paper Divas to be versatile and elegant enough to match a wide variety of wedding themes and motifs,” said Mindy. “I can’t wait to help couples personalize these designs and add their own flair.”

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• Simple Allure – Color blocking is modernized and this time it’s all about full-bodied, jewel-toned colors.
• Modern Splendor – Inspired by watercolors, there is magic in the carefree flow of darks and lights, creating a vibrant yet peaceful ambiance.
• Floral Trellis – Emulating Chinoiserie’s whimsical style and Asian influences, the design adds a worldly and dignified statement.
• Lasting Lace – This design pays homage to the classic fairytale love story and all things romantic – and what says romance more than lace?
• Natural Lattice – “Let Love Live,” says Mindy, who believes elements of nature and green living walls will be the focus of many wedding celebrations this season.

 Not limited strictly to invitations, the suites also feature save the date cards, response cards, enclosure cards, thank you cards and more. Mindy’s bridal stationery collection is completely customizable, and available at www.weddingpaperdivas.com/mindyweiss

Best Buy has a wedding registry with your name on it.

With so many things to do before your big day, how about making life a little easier when it comes to your wedding registry? Did you know that Best Buy now has a wedding registry?!? I KNOW!!

I’m a real fan of Best Buy. It’s been a long time since a store has the latest products that fit my lifestyle and me. I have a feeling it’s the same for you. So when you and your partner start to build your registry, think about what you really need and your lifestyle. Best Buy really has the best selection of things you may need for you home and if you need help setting up your new device, the geek squad is always available. Now that’s service!

So why Best Buy? Look, do you really need another set of sheets or dishes? I didn’t think so. Giving your guests your registry from Best Buy will assure you that you get what you want and need to continue to build your home. You will also get the items you are truly excited to receive. That great new camera (to use on your honeymoon), perhaps that fitness tracker (to help keep you fitness goals on track) and my personal favorite Bluetooth speakers so you can play your favorite tunes on beach days or outdoors.

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One of the key benefits to this registry vs others is “group gifting”. This means your guests will spend what they want, and you’ll get what you want. There is free shipping, which is an added bonus so no gift, no matter how big or small will get to you AND there is NO minimum PURCHASE required. That’s a win-win for everyone.

So when you’re looking for the best in products, best in sales staff, the best for you, look no further than…Best Buy!

 

Disclaimer: The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

Wedding Paper Divas new stationery collection

Wedding Paper Divas’ exciting new Premium Collection for brides-to-be. Debuting brand new offerings such as laser cut, letter-press, custom postage stamps and foil stamped invites, newly engaged couples can now have access to luxe embellishments at an affordable price.

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With an array of trimmings modeled after the latest trends, Wedding Paper Divas is allowing couples to incorporate high-end elements with the ability to customize their stationery to fit their unique personalities and love story. Seeing how most of these premium offerings usually cost a pretty penny, Wedding Paper Divas offers these options at prices that won’t break the bank or push you past your budget. For a set of 100 foil stamped wedding invitations, Wedding Paper Divas prices each invite at $1.69 – similar solutions in the market can cost upwards of $60 per invite, in comparison.

 

Wine Wednesday: Bourbon BLT w/Fried Eggs + Smoked Gouda

For me, a BLT is all about really good ingredients – good bacon, GREAT tomatoes and good lettuce. You also need to turn this into a BLAT by adding some ripe avocados. Then just melt some gouda cheese and find some delicious bread. If you can do that, you’ll be guaranteed a winner BLT.  I know that this is considered a “summer sandwich” but I love bacon (and I can’t deny) and bourbon really gives it a smoky, fall flavor.

I typically stay away from classic BLT’s because the tomatoes always suck. Sorry to be so blunt, but it’s true. When it comes to tomatoes I am a huge snob. If I am going to use tomatoes (and eat them), they have to be amazing. Meaning they have to be perfectly sweet and tart. During the winter I always buy grape tomatoes because I find they taste best. I almost never buy beefsteak tomatoes because I never have any luck with them.

Bacon is awesome on it’s own, but I really wanted to make a killer BLT. So I did what I do best, I went for a little sweet and savory combo and umm, added bourbon, because a splash of bourbon can never hurt.

I cooked the bacon in a mix of maple syrup, bourbon and a pinch of cayenne. You guys, if you already loved bacon, prepare to love it even more. This bacon has the power to turn bacon haters into bacon lovers. Even vegans might have a hard time resisting this bacon.

I love the flavors of the maple syrup mixed with the subtle flavor of bourbon and the spiciness of the cayenne. It’s bacon done right.

Cheese makes a BLT complete.

Oh, but so does a fried egg and a slice of avocado. I do not think I have ever made a BLT without an egg or avocado. I put eggs on a lot of things (need to make leftovers shine? Put an egg on it), but on top of a BLT is a must.

There’s even a little chipotle mayo going on too. I told you I wanted to make a killer BLT!

2 SERIOUS BLT’S

Ingredients

4-6 slices thick cut bacon

3 tablespoons pure maple syrup

2 tablespoons bourbon (if needed sub water)

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (or more to your taste)

4 slices really good whole grain bread (or your favorite breadI)

2-4 ounces smoked gouda cheese, sliced

2 cups spring lettuce mix + a handful of MicroGreens

2 heirloom or regular tomatoes, sliced

1 avocado, pitted + sliced

2 fried eggs (4 if you are making a giant BLT)

salt and pepper, to taste

Chipotle Bourbon Mayo (optional)

1/2 cup good quality mayo (I like to use an olive oil based mayo)

1 chipotle chile in adobo, minced

1 teaspoon bourbon (optional)

Instructions

Chipotle-Bourbon Mayo

1. In a bowl mix together the mayo, chipotle pepper and bourbon. Cover and keep in the fridge until ready to use.

BLT’S

1. In a small bowl mix together the maple syrup, bourbon and cayenne pepper.
2. Place the bacon on a cold griddle or in large skillet. Do not over crowd the skillet. Heat the skillet to medium-low heat. Once the bacon has cooked for a few minutes and starts to curl, flip the bacon. Brush the top side with the bourbon-maple glaze and sprinkle with fresh black pepper. Continue cooking the bacon over medium low heat, flipping every few minutes and brushing again with glaze until the bacon is crisp (you will not use all the glaze). If needed, drain some of the grease off during cooking. Try to watch the bacon closely, the sugar will caramelize and the bacon can burn if you do not keep flipping and brushing with the glaze.
3. Remove the bacon from the heat and drain on paper towels. Drizzle a little more glaze over top of the warm bacon.
4. Slice the tomatoes on a cutting board and drizzle with just a little olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Let stand 5 minutes.
5. Meanwhile preheat the broiler (and start frying your eggs).
6. Toast the slices of bread lightly in the toaster. Place all slices of bread on a baking sheet. Spread a little chipotle mayo over two slices of bread. Divide the sliced gouda cheese over all four slices of bread. Place under the broiler for 30 seconds or until the cheese is melted. WATCH CLOSELY, they cook quick!
7. Divide the lettuce over the two bottom slices of bread (the ones with the mayo). Add the tomato slices, avocado slices and bacon. Drizzle any remaining bourbon glaze over the bacon (or to your taste). Place an egg over the bacon and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add the top slice of cheesy bread (cheese side touches the egg). Serve with extra mayo if desired. EAT. Right away!

Now, I’m not an egg kind of girl, so I just skip that part but it’s still sooo good.  So have a small side of Bourbon if you wish and/or a chardonnay (which will make all the flavors ‘pop’!)  Try it and let me know what you think.  OH….if you cut them into small sandwiches, they will be a hit at your Saturday games.