Posts Tagged ‘ Grand Canal Shoppes ’

Etoile Has The Only Bag You Need This Season

Etoile Star Handbag

If you think about it, a handbag is one of the most important purchases you make. And this purchase will have everyone talking about YOUR statement bag.

Your handbag is something you use EVERYDAY (so versatility and style are important) PLUS it needs to be functional (aka hold A LOT) and be made of quality materials so that it lasts.

Think carryall bags that optimize storage but don’t skimp on style. Forget about day-to-night, think of it more like a life-long relationship. I have handbags that lasted longer than a lot of relationships lol.

When I leave my house at the beginning of a work day, I basically have to bring everything I will need for the next 10-14 hours.  Wallet, cell phone charger, makeup bag, notepad, glasses, mints, change of shoes, a snack, etc.

I usually put in a full work day (10 or more hours) then I may have an event or dinner to attend straight after work.  Therefore, I need my big bag for the day yet I don’t really want to lug the whole thing with me to Happy Hour.

This is when the conundrum begins, do I bring a smaller bag too or do I just lug “biggie” in with me and perch her on a chair like she’s my date?

What’s the secret to the perfect “life-long” bag?

Luxury handbag designer Annye Grande (Grande like Grand Canal Shoppes) asked herself these same questions and came back with an answer in the form of her own handbag brand, etoile.

Etoile Has The Only Bag You Need This Season.

From a casual outing to a fancy cocktail event, Etoile bags grant you the ultimate modern luxury: convenience.

Not just one bag- each of her creations gives you THREE BAGS!  Yes THREE Bags in one bag! A bag that truly takes you from desk to dinner. It’s designed to hold all your daily essentials and then easily convert to evening. A multi-tasking bag for a multi-tasking gal!

My favorite is etoile’s Rachel Medium Boa.

Here’s how it works:

  • The top zipper is separated so that the bag can unzip ALL THE WAY and open wide. Plenty of room to fit everything you need!  PLUS the top flap has a magnetic closure which keeps everything safe inside.

  • The top leather trim can be folded into the bag so that the tote becomes an open carryall.

Etoile is the only bag you need this season

  • Each bag comes with a wide leather strap and a matching detachable clutch which can be hung from the strap and converted into the BEST CROSSBODY BAG. Hello Happy Hour!

Etoile

  • They even have a super convenient “where has this been all my life” pocket in the back for your cell phone.

Tote, carryall and crossbody all on one! You could even take it one step further and use the clutch without the strap.  Yep, that makes FOUR bags in one bag! What?  FOUR Handbags from just one bag? Yes I said that correctly, FOUR! That’s why etoile is THE place you need to go to buy your bag this season.

Find your statement life-long bag at etoile located in The Grand Canal Shoppes inside The Venetian Resort Las Vegas.

Etoile Handbag

Etoile

Etoile is the only bag you need this season

*This post was created in partnership with Grand Canal Shoppes- All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Spring Cocktail Trends

Spring Cocktail Trends

Spring has SPRUNG! This time of year, we’re seeing a whole new crop of seasonal food and drink trends blooming in popularity.

…and it’s time to toast to Spring with delicious seasonal appropriate tipples (that’s cocktails you’ll want to drink again and again).

Whether you’re trying to up your hosting game or looking for the deets on what all the “cool-kids” will be ordering at the bar, read on to discover the ingredients and flavors you need to taste test this Spring.

I pulled up a barstool and chatted with Catherine Lien, Lead Mixologist at Delmonico Steakhouse at Grand Canal Shoppes inside the Venetian Resort Las Vegas to get the inside info on Spring cocktail trends and what we will be drinking this season. From the rise in Instagrammable cocktails to a call for low-ABV and healthy cocktails, Catherine shares the secrets to the perfect spring libation and recipes to make three of Delmonico Steakhouse’s signature cocktails.

Q: What are the biggest cocktail trends you are seeing for Spring 2021?

CL: Health conscience drinks promoting wellness and well-being.

Q: Tell us  “THE” drink all the cool kids will be ordering?

CL: Variations of classic cocktails. Anything from margaritas to old fashioneds. Also mezcal and tequila with fresh fruit.

Q: With health and wellness at the top of people’s minds these days, what types of cocktails are the best guilt-free cocktails for the health-conscious?

CL: Hard seltzers that are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C as well as hard iced teas and probiotic hard kombuchas.

Q: There has also been increased demand for carbon-negative/environmentally friendly products and packaging.  How has that spilled over into the world of cocktails?

CL: People are specifically looking for brands that are environmentally friendly. Companies are now looking for ways to bottle and package their brands in an environmentally friendly way, reducing their negative impact on the environment. Anything from using biodegradable or recycled bottles, sending their leftover grains to farm for livestock feed, converting waste into energy to run production of more distillation, or using locally sourced sustainable ingredients.

Q: Over the last year, (especially with TikTok) we have all been embracing at-home cocktails. Do you have a fave cocktail to mix up at home.

CL: As far as what I drink at home it is usually a dram of whiskey. However, when I do mix up a cocktail at home I prefer one that has simple ingredients and isn’t too labor-intensive. A Manhattan or old-fashioned are my go-to’s.

Q: What should the average person have on-hand to make a great cocktail at home anytime?

CL: Spirits for one. Fresh citrus, mixers, bitters, and bar tools including a mixing tin and a jigger.

Q: You mentioned that gin, mezcal, and tequila are booming — why do you think they’re doing particularly well? 

CL: I think that they are lighter spirits that can be complemented by a plethora of other flavors. Think of margaritas and tequila and mezcal with fresh fruit. Gin is a lighter spirit that has more nuances than vodka for those with more mature palates.

Q: Define the perfect cocktail.

CL: A perfect cocktail to me is one that has balance and harmony, that you want to keep drinking. It creates a symphony in your mouth and makes you really think about the ingredients and how they work together.

Q: The one thing you wish more people knew about bartending?

CL: It’s not nearly as easy as it looks.

Q: What is the weirdest drink anyone has ever ordered from you?

CL: Louis XIII rusty nails. It’s actually a classic cocktail but why would you ever mix Louis XIII with anything?

Q: Your go-to drink order right now?

CL: Any of the Glendronach single malt scotches neat.

Q: What are three must-have cocktails to order at Delmonico Steakhouse?

CL: Thyme Out of Mind, Strawberry Fields and Citrus Paradisi (recipes below)

Spring is nature’s way of saying “Let’s Party”.  I hope these Spring cocktail trends have inspired you to be blissful, be creative and be daring. Most of all I hope they have inspired you to “BE” sitting on a barstool at Delmonico Steakhouse while  Catherine Lien, Lead Mixologist mixes you up a signature cocktail.

Enjoy these splashes of joy, Chickees!

Spring Cocktail Trends

Delmonico Steakhouse Thyme Out of Mind

1.5 oz Thyme infused Whiskey
0.75 oz Blackberry Syrup
0.75 oz Lemon Juice
Combine ingredients into a shaker.  Shake and pour over ice in a rocks glass.  Garnish with a sprig of thyme and a slice of lemon.

Spring Cocktail Trends

Delmonico Steakhouse Strawberry Fields

1.5 oz Strawberry Infused Gin
0.5 oz Maurin Quina
0.5 oz Simple Syrup
0.5 oz Lemon Juice
Muddled Basil
Splash of Club Soda
In a shaker combine gin, Maurin Quina, simple syrup, lemon juice and muddled basil.  Shake, pour over ice into a rocks glass and top with a splash of club soda. Garnish with a basil leaf and cracked black pepper.

Spring Cocktail Trends

Spring Cocktail Trends

Delmonico Steakhouse Citrus Paradisi

1.5 oz Pink Grapefruit Infused Vodka
0.5oz Ginger Liqueur
0.5 oz Lemon Juice
0.5 oz Pink Grapefruit Juice
0.25 oz Simple Syrup
Splash of Sparkling Wine
In a shaker combine vodka, Ginger Liqueur, lemon juice, pink grapefruit juice and simple syrup. Shake, pour into a coupe glass and top with sparkling wine. Garnish with a lemon peel.

Spring Cocktail Trends

Spring Cocktail Trends

Cleanse Your Karma for the New Year with Two Harmonious Must Have’s

Cleanse Your Karma for the New Year

Need a little balance in your life for when 2021 begins.  Look no further than Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian Resort. They have exactly what you have been looking for, a little hope at Karma And Luck.

It has been one crazy year and I think we are all looking to 2021 with hope in our hearts and searching for some much needed protection. You need to cleanse your Karma for the New Year.

There are many aspects of 2020 that we want to free ourselves from —an anxiety inducing election year, a terrifying global pandemic, uncertainty, social isolation, loneliness and the tremendous stress of homeschooling children while juggling work.

We are all looking  to rid ourselves of these negative energies and start 2021 fresh. I don’t know about you, but I’m willing to do anything to put this year behind me. I’ll be doing just that with a Red String on my wrist.

You may have seen little Red Strings on Instagram. They adorn the arms of celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, Madonna, Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande, but what exactly is the Red String Bracelet?

Throughout history and a variety of cultures (Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Kabbalah, and Ancient Chinese legend), the red thread (or the red string) has been worn as a representation of protection, faith, good luck, strength, and connection.  While some cultures have slightly different views regarding the red thread, they are similar in that they view this Red String as a powerful tool.

Today people use it as a symbol and as a reminder that they are not alone. A symbol that they are loved, supported and safe. A prompt to stay positive while staring down the face of what appears to be adversity.

I think now, more than ever, we can use a comforting reminder of what really matters, the kind people around us, family, friends and even strangers. This little red thread, the Red String gives the wearer a daily reminder to look outward and to be generous, kind, loving and helpful to everyone around them.

Experience these Harmonious Must-Haves from Karma and Luck at Grand Canal Shoppes Inside The Venetian Resort Las Vegas.

Cleanse Your Karma for the New Year

The Red String Collection gives the traditional little red thread that extra boost with talismans such as: Hamsa (good fortune), Evil-Eye (to ward off evil) and Eye of Horus (protection) to name just a few.

How to Wear It: The Red String is traditionally worn on the left hand because that’s the receiving side of the body and its the side closest to your heart. Wear the Red String Protection Bracelet until it wears off on its own. When the Red String bracelet falls off, it is believed that the Red String bracelet has deflected all of the harm and absorbed the negative energies in your life or that it can no longer hold any more.

Cleanse Your Karma for the New Year

Ringing-in The New Year with Sound Therapy Singing Bowls.

Another way to clear negative energy is with singing bowls. It is believed that the vibrations from sound break up any stuck negative energy and restores harmony. You can use them to cleanse your home, crystals or stones of bad juju.

How to Use It: To create sound with a singing bowl, firmly press the accompanying mallet in a circular motion against the bowl’s outside edge or rim. When you hear a bright, clear tone, you can slow down the motion. Use your full arm to make the motion, rather than just rotating your wrist. And let the pain from the past and the anxiety from the future release into the air, allowing the sound to heal those moments.

We can all use a bit of Karma And Luck, let’s focus on the great things to come in 2021, because we are gonna need all the help we can get. Let your intuition guide you to Grand Canal Shoppes and let your worries float away.

Cleanse Your Karma for the New Year

Cleanse Your Karma for the New Year

Cleanse Your Karma for the New Year

Cleanse Your Karma for the New Year

Cleanse Your Karma for the New Year

*This post was created in partnership with Grand Canal Shoppes Inside the Venetian Resort Las Vegas. All thoughts and options are my own.

How to Cleanse Your Karma for the New Year

Whimsical and Wonderful Holiday Gifts at Sugarboo & Co.

Sugarboo Holiday Gifting

Christmas is just around the corner, so if you haven’t gotten any gifts yet, it’s time to get shopping.

When it comes to buying gifts, thoughtfulness always weighs more than the gift itself. I yearn for handmade, unique gifts that will inspire heartfelt joy- the kind you would find in an old timey Christmas Market which is why Sugarboo & Co, at the Grand Canal Shoppes inside the Venetian Resort is one of my favorite holiday shopping spots.

Sugarboo & Co.  is the brainchild of artist Rebecca Puig.  The name Sugarboo is the nickname she calls her children- the idea was to create products that remind us of the ones we love. Her inspirations are her family, nature, animals, children’s art and folk art. She loves juxtaposing old and new, light and dark, serious subject matter with fluff and anything with a message. Rebecca believes in putting good out into the world whenever possible. Her hope is that each Sugarboo piece we send out into the world will add a little good.

The shop has a rustic farmhouse feel and is packed full of Rebecca’s curated collection of inspirational and playful art, unique vintage-inspired gifts, and luxury accessories that are handcrafted with an interesting mixture of love, passion, skill, and nostalgic flair.

Each piece is filled with whimsy, a special one-of-a-kind feel, and a mix of modern and vintage design.

I stopped in last week to do some Christmas shopping and wanted to share some of my top Sugarboo & Co. gifting picks with you.

Wise Words to Warm the Soul

One of my favorite things about Sugarboo & Co.’s merch is their sweet messages and the words of wisdom they tout.

Sugarboo & Co. Wine Bags

Nothing warms the heart quite like holiday “spirits”.

These adorable canvas wine bags are the perfect way to give bottled holiday cheer.

Gathered Thoughts Jar

One thing we have all learned this year is to be grateful for what we have.  This Gathered Thoughts Jar is a great gift for a family or couple.

The concept is simple. Pay attention to your life. Look for the good all around you- all the blessings, beauty, gratitude, hopes, dreams, adventures, love, kindness, and magical bits of life. Record it. You don’t have to get fancy – jot it down on scraps of paper, receipts, old ticket stubs, & don’t dilly dally. Do it now – at coffee shops & mountaintops, in trains, planes, and automobiles. Deposit all your beautiful, magical, good stuff in this jar. At the end of the year empty out your jar to celebrate all the ordinary and extraordinary parts of life that made you stop & pay attention.

Sugarboo Zip Bag

I am all about sustainable wrapping which is just one of the reasons I LOVE these Canvas Zip Bags.

You can use them as wrapping by filling them with any gift then later they become a makeup pouch, pencil case, cord holder or organizer!

When it comes to finding ways to unwind, for some, writing is even more calming than meditation.

There’s nothing quite like taking the time for your own mental health and clearing your mind by putting your own thoughts on a page. Whether you’re a designer, a writer, or a creative professional, you need a place to jot down your thoughts and these gorgeous hand dyed leather journals filled with handmade paper are worthy of your brilliant ideas!

Holiday Themed Gifts

 Sugarboo Holiday Gifts

When I was a child my mom handmade all of our tree ornaments out of felt so naturally, I am a sucker for felt ornaments. They bring back childhood Christmas magic for me. I fell in LOVE and may be completely obsessed with these adorable felt ornaments. Each ornament is handmade and features icons like: David Bowie, Willie Nelson, Ronaldo (soccer), Louis Armstrong, Elton John, Elvis, Dolly Parton, Jerry Garcia, Diana Ross, Bob Marley and more! (David Bowie and Willie Nelson are sitting pretty on my tree right now).

Sugarboo

Sugarboo

Elf Pad.

This is such a cute companion for an Elf on the Shelf.  Leave these cute little letters from Santa & His Elves as a daily note for your littles.

Cuppa Cheer!

Fun holiday themed coffee mugs are always a great gift.  I like to fill them with a little Irish Coffee starter kit-a “roadie” size bottle of booze and a candy cane.

If you are looking for unique and thoughtful gifts you HAVE to stop in and check out Sugarboo & Co. for yourself.  They make crossing off your list so fun and easy!

*This post was created in partnership with Grand Canal Shoppes inside the Venetian Resort Las Vegas. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Sugarboo & co Gift Guide

 

 

Grand Gesture for Women’s Entrepreneurship Day

Tory Burch Foundation Seed Box

Did you know that November 19th is World Women’s Entrepreneurship Day?

You may ask why this is important? Well ladies, FEMALE EMPOWERMENT!

According to FUNDRA the U.S. alone has 12.3 million women-owned businesses which generate $1.8 TRILLION a year! That’s a lot of successful ladies out there!

Despite the fact that women around the world are embracing entrepreneurship and are integral contributors to the economy, they are frequently overlooked in the business world.

That’s why Women’s Entrepreneurship Day exists — to celebrate and empower female business leaders and entrepreneurs all around the world.

WED (Women’s Entrepreneurship Day)  was founded by author, humanitarian and entrepreneur Wendy Diamond to encourage and value women entrepreneurs.

One of my favorite women-owned fashion brands, Tory Burch celebrates this empowering day 365 days a year with the Tory Burch Foundation which advances women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship in the United States by providing access to capital, education and digital resources. Each month, the foundation provides online tools and digital education to more than 300,000 women, and more than 10,000 women have created their business plans on ToryBurchFoundation.org.  In addition, the Foundation offers free weekly webinars supporting small business owners.

Each holiday season the Tory Burch Foundation releases limited edition products “created by” and “benefiting” women-owned businesses.

“We started the brand with a founding principle to be purpose-driven and knew that a foundation would be a big part of that. Our dedication to women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship is reflected in the work of the Tory Burch Foundation. 100% of all net proceeds from this collection benefit the Foundation.” — Tory Burch

Embrace female entrepreneurship and make a Grand Holiday Gifting Gesture with Tory Burch at Grand Canal Shoppes inside The Venetian Resort. 

One of my favorites from the collection is the Annual Limited Edition Tory Burch Foundation Seed Box Featuring a curated selection of products made exclusively by women entrepreneurs — including a scarf designed by Tory Burch — all packaged in a printed keepsake box. 100% of all net proceeds benefit the Tory Burch Foundation, which empowers women and entrepreneurs.

The 2020 Limited Edition Seed Box includes:

  • Hair Tie Pack, by Kooshoo
    Colorful hair accessories crafted from organic cotton and natural rubber
  • Great Shapes 500-Piece Puzzle, by Piecework
    Made from 100% recycled paper, this puzzle is just as fun to look at as it is to piece together
  • Facial Wipes, by Lauren Napier Beauty
    *2020 Tory Burch Foundation Fellow
    Facial cleansing wipes infused with rosewater, starfruit and cucumber extracts
  • Fireside Candle Tin, by Southern Elegance Candles
    A small-batch soy candle inspired by the comforts of home
  • Travel Pouch, by Maika
    *2020 Tory Burch Foundation Fellow
    Eco-friendly clutch made from recycled canvas and vegan leather, with a waterproof interior lining
  • Loyalty Ground Coffee, by Nguyen Coffee Supply
    This Brooklyn-based company is America’s first specialty Vietnamese coffee importer, roaster and distributer
  • Scarf, by Tory Burch
    A silk twill neckerchief, printed in a whimsical woodsy mix of flowers, mushrooms and squirrels

Let’s Celebrate Women’s Entrepreneurship Day and spread its message of encouragement. Women entrepreneurs need to support each other, be it as investors, creators or customers.

Tory Burch Foundation Seed Box

Tory Burch Foundation Seed Box

Tory Burch Foundation Seed Box

Tory Burch Foundation Seed Box

Tory Burch Foundation Seed Box

Tory Burch Foundation Seed Box

Tory Burch Foundation Seed Box

*This post was created in partnership with Grand Canal Shoppes inside The Venetian Resort Las Vegas.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Gifts that give back