Bringing Emojis From Your Phone to Your Coffee with JavaMoji

I am a coffee fanatic. It's what I look forward to the moment I wake up - whether it's a great morning or I'm off to a not so great start at 7 am, it's comforting knowing I can have a nice hot cup of delicious coffee to pep me up! 

How many times have you woken up and texted your friend an Emoji of how you're feeling about starting your day? Probably countless times - I know I have. Well... now, the coolest creation has come to life. From mobile phones to your kitchen, JavaMoji, the world's first coffee branded with popular Emojis, released its brand of K-Cups! 

They're the cutest little pods uniquely marked with universal symbols used in daily mobile communication around the world. There's Emojis with their tongues out, some smiling, some winking ones, some sleeping...It's genius, and so fitting for how you may actually be feeling in the morning before coffee. Just pick your favorite, pop it in the Keurig... and voila! It's a dark-roast, full-bodied 100% Arabica coffee with a rich cocoa texture. In the morning, I need a bold coffee that will help boost my energy and mood. And thankfully JavaMoji does just that!

If there's two things 99% percent of the world loves, it's coffee and Emojis. (I am totally part of that 99%.) Seriously, what other coffee do you know of as cool as this one?!

JavaMoji knows that coffee consumption is heavily tied to one's mood. I am so excited because now I can wake up, walk to my kitchen and pick the K-Cup with the Emoji describing how I'm feeling! The digital world is actually coming to life and I am loving it. 

JavaMoji is now available on Amazon.com. Subscription boxes can be directly from the JavaMoji website.

Wonder which JavaMoji K-Cup I'll be pick out tomorrow morning... ;)

HAPPY WORLD EMOJI DAY!

New Amsterdam Vodka Presents "It's Your Town": Event Recap

On June 23rd, New Amsterdam Vodka held its "It's Your Town" party at LAB Art Los Angeles on La Brea and teamed up with local LA street artist, Moncho1929 to showcase his art and celebrate with none other than New Amsterdam Vodka! 

Photo by: New Amsterdam Vodka

Photo by: New Amsterdam Vodka

I was so excited to attend this event, and brought my brother Steven who is very into the art scene along with me. I have a huge respect for street artists and was so excited to learn more about Moncho1929. His work has actually appeared in the French Consulate, Soho House, Times Square and even on NBC'S "The Voice." New Amsterdam Vodka and Moncho1929 came together to celebrate the vibrant culture and people of Los Angeles.

Photo by: New Amsterdam Vodka

Photo by: New Amsterdam Vodka

Photo by: New Amsterdam Vodka

First thing's first: the New Amsterdam Vodka featured cocktail: the Dam Good Mule. New Amsterdam Vodka's twist on the Moscow Mule! Warning: this drink is insanely good.. and hard to put down! It is so refreshing and really enjoyable to sip on. It is just the right amount of sweet (and a little bubbly, too), but still had that punch from the vodka to balance out the flavors. I am usually a tequila person, but I became so obsessed with the Dam Good Mule - which says a lot! What I love the most about it is that it's so simple to make and it can be made at home to enjoy whenever. Yay!

Here's how to make it: 

Dam Good Mule Recipe:

5 liters New Amsterdam

3 liters Top Hat Mule Concentrate

10 liters of COLD/Purified Water

(ingredients above make one 5 gallon korney keg)

Garnish with a Lime Wheel & Fresh Mint

Photo by: New Amsterdam Vodka

Photo by: New Amsterdam Vodka

Photo by: New Amsterdam Vodka

Moncho1929's work was placed throughout the entire space amongst other artists. I personally loved all of his pieces that actually featured New Amsterdam Vodka! He incorporated the bottle in his artwork in such creative ways. My favorite was a piece he did that was a very colorful portrait of a lifeguard stand with a surfboard leaning up against it. The surfboard design had an illustration of New Amsterdam Vodka on it which I thought was so cool and unexpected. Another one that really stood out to me was an image of a big gun that had microphones attached to the top of it, mimicking a camera. I would assume that it's referencing the power that the media has over people, and it's very clever how he depicted that.

Photo by: New Amsterdam Vodka

Photo by: New Amsterdam Vodka

I also loved the awesome graffiti screen that allowed guests to actually create their own art for the entire party to see. Seriously, when each person had their own chance to get up there in front of the screen, everyone surrounded you and anxiously awaited the message or drawing you'd be putting up there! I wrote "The Gilded Bellini <3 New Amsterdam Vodka" (Of course). Then, my design was transferred on to a t-shirt so I could save it forever. 

I really was blown away at how well New Amsterdam Vodka and Moncho1929 teamed up and created such a truly unique event. Since New Amsterdam Vodka was actually incorporated into his work, it really set the event apart from traditional gallery and cocktail parties. I walked away with even more of an appreciation for street art, a newfound love for New Amsterdam Vodka, and an obsession with the Dam Good Mule. It was just too dam good to be true. ;)

Photo by: New Amsterdam Vodka

5 Ways to Celebrate National Rosé Day This Weekend in LA & NYC

Every second Saturday in June, one of the most important holidays of the year comes back entitling every person to go about their day wearing rose-colored glasses. It's none other than National Rosé Day! This year, it falls on Saturday, June 11th.

As a bicoastal gal, I wanted to share with you some fun ways to properly celebrate the day. This weekend, it's all about drinking pink. Luckily, both LA and NYC take this holiday VERY seriously. From festive events, to restaurants decked in roses and even some rosé-infused cocktails, my two favorite cities have got you covered to quench your thirst for rosé.

1. What to Do

LA: Rosé Summer Soirée at Magnolia, Hollywood - On Thursday, June 9th, this soirée is encouraging you to stop and smell the rosé! Enjoy live music, fabulous mingling and delicious Magnolia favorite rosés from Italy, France, South America and California.

NYC: The Fat Jewish & Live Performance by ROZES at Hudson Terrace - Ring in rosé season on Thursday, June 9th with the one and only The Fat Jewish who will guarantee a rooftop party that will be anything but basic. 

2. Where to Eat

LA: Rose Café in Venice Beach - Let's be real here. Guests may book a res for the food, but they're really coming to take pictures in front of the gorgeous rose mural on the outside of the restaurant. Mini photoshoots and tons of Insta-worthy pictures happen right outside the door... Rose Café's door that is.

NYC: Palma - One of my all-time favorite restaurants in the city, nestled on the quaint Cornelia Street in the West Village. The space is known for its beautiful garden with ivy covered walls and plentiful fresh flowers. It's the perfect setting to enjoy a pretty brunch and a summery glass of rosé.

3. Drink the Best Rosé-Infused Cocktails

LA: Rosé All Day from Rose Café in Venice Beach - So nice I had to mention this spot twice. This pink concoction made out of Rosé, Moscatel Pisco, Lime, Grapefruit, and Orange Bitters. It's the perfect drink to ring in National Rosé Day. It's all in the name.

(Photo By: Mackenzie Anne Smith)

NYC: Frozémonade from Extra Fancy in Williamsburg, Brooklyn - It's the ultimate Summer cocktail! The frothy drink is a staple at this BK restaurant. It's made out of dry rosé, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Aperol and Ice. No better way to cool down in the NYC summer heat than with a Frozémonade in hand! 

4. Florals for National Rosé Day... Groundbreaking. 

No, but really. They're necessary! Regardless of your respective coast, we all love a beautiful bouquet of petals for that perfect arrangement. Whether you have a rosé celebration at your home or not, it's always nice to wake up and smell the roses... or peonies or hydrangeas. Or just rosés. Here's where to go:

LA: Check out the Original LA Flower Market in DTLA.

NYC: The Jungles of the 28th Street Flower District. Need I say more?

5. Pregame on a Budget in Proper Rosé Fashion

LA: Rosé by the Pool Pregame - Gather up your closest friends and take advantage of any sun that breaks through the clouds during this June Gloom. BYO favorite rosé and chill by your apartment complex's pool if it's during the daytime. If it's closer to night, dress up and turn it into a pregame! 

NYC: Rosé on the Rooftop Pregame - It's rooftop season. And, I know you all have one. Nothing is better than a rooftop pregame! Hit up the liquor store that's 4 inches from your apartment building's door, round up your favorite rosés and drink the pink. We'll be waiting for your festive rosé amongst skyline Instagram photos.

Have a happy National Rosé Day!

How to Get the Perfect Brunch Beauty Look; Expert Tips from Beauty Guru Kimberly Arnold

If you’re an avid bruncher, you know that the act of going to brunch is more than just a special occasion – it’s a lifestyle, and it’s a time to make a statement with how you look from head to toe. Most weekend brunches are the necessary post-going out ritual that just somehow cures your hangover with magical brunch feels. But, that doesn’t mean that you can just roll out of bed with smudged makeup on from the night before and expect to look ready to take on the day!

Brunch beauty is just as important to keep in mind as it is with your outfit. However, don’t be fooled that you have to put on as much makeup as you did the night before. I personally love the fresh-faced, minimal makeup look because it’s simple, quick and pretty without looking overdone.

Kimberly Arnold, founder of the blog Bitches Who Blend is a beauty industry veteran of over seven years of experience, and a guru of all things makeup and skincare.  She’s worked with global brands like Bobbi Brown, Estée Lauder, NARS and more. With over three years of experience as a beauty writer as well, she lives and breathes the beauty world.

I knew I needed to ask her about the ideal brunch beauty look, and just what products the rest of us brunchers definitely need to achieve a natural and effortless-looking appearance.

 “The key to a beautiful summer brunch beauty look is really about creating an effortless-looking, sun-kissed glow. It’s important that your makeup gives you the hydration and sun protection you need, especially if you’ll be brunching outdoors.  Don’t overthink it and get heavy-handed with your brunch beauty look, because you really want your natural beauty to shine through."

 SKIN

After a late night out the evening before brunch, it’s important to recharge your skin. I always say that you should take care of your skin, first and foremost, before thinking about makeup.

Drinking alcohol, especially in excess, can have many negative effects on your body and skin, such as lack of hydration, bloating, and depletion of nutrients. Therefore, it’s really important to drink water consistently after you get home the night before, and in the morning, when you wake up! Not only will this slowly bring your skin back to its natural state, but it will also hydrate you from within. 

Make sure to cleanse skin of any remnants of last night’s makeup thoroughly, and then follow with a hydrating serum, day cream with SPF, and eye cream. If you’re feeling super ambitious, I recommend using a sheet mask. Sheet masks, which are extremely popular in Korea, are typically utilized as a supplemental skincare treatment. Their purpose is to offer intense hydration, which is what the skin desperately needs after an evening of drinking.

Dr. Jart Water Replenishment Cotton Sheet Mask

 

COMPLEXION

Post morning skincare, it’s best to incorporate a hydrating base for makeup. BB creams, CC creams, and tinted moisturizers are all great options for giving you coverage, while replenishing your skin’s moisture levels. If you feel that you need additional coverage, incorporate a more full coverage concealer to conceal blemishes and imperfections, but I would still recommend using a hydrating base for overall coverage.

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30

If you had a late night out, it’s really important to fake the sleep you didn’t get! Incorporating a concealer that is one to two shades lighter than your undereye will not only create a highlighting effect on the face, but it will also make you appear well-rested. If you suffer from naturally dark circles, opt for a peach undertoned corrector before applying your concealer to give you an added brightness. The peach tones in the corrector will cancel out the deep blue undertones that give the look of dark circles.

With summer coming up, who doesn’t want a hint of sun kissed skin? Skip the contouring and use a bronzer simply to add color to your face. Using a matte bronzer, sweep the product with a buffing brush on the temples, cheeks, and under the jawline. This will create an overall warmth to the face and will look really beautiful and effortless.

Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder

Because you’re using bronzer, you can skin a blush, but I prefer a pop of color on the cheeks. I recommend a cream blush to give you that hydrated, sheer wash of color that will give off that flushed-from-within vibe.

My favorite part of any makeup look is creating a healthy, luminous glow. Apply your favorite highlighter to the peaks of your cheekbones, down the nose, on the forehead and chin. If you have oily skin, you can skip this step altogether, or just highlight your cheekbones. When the sun hits your face, you’ll have that J-Lo glow we all envy. Cream and liquid highlighters are best for normal to dry skin types, while powder highlighters are best suited for normal, combination, and oily skin types.

BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed

As an optional step, you can set your makeup look with a sheer or translucent powder, but I prefer a more dewy look, so I, personally, skip this step.

EYES

There’s no need to go too crazy with heavy eye makeup, unless that’s your everyday go-to look. I recommend a simple, yet brightening wash of color on the eyelids to give the appearance of more awakened eyes. Cream shadows are great for long-wear and, typically, give an extra glow. Opt for champagnes and golds to give a brightened eye look. Fake lashes can also be used for that extra glam, otherwise your favorite mascara will do the job.

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow

 LIPS

Since you’ll be eating at brunch, you can either go with a tinted balm or sheer lip color, or opt for a lip stain that will last while you’re sipping your Mimosas at brunch.

Tata Harper Volumizing Lip & Cheek Tint

FINISHING TOUCHES

After you’ve finished applying all your makeup, you can opt to set your makeup with a setting spray. Not absolutely necessary, but I definitely recommend it!

Urban Decay All-Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray

Follow @bitcheswhoblend on Instagram for the latest beauty tips, trends and tutorials from Kimberly and other experts & industry professionals.

Ringing in Rosé Season with La Nuit En Rosé: Event Recap

As rosé season emerges, one may ask how to appropriately ring in the precious few months we look forward to all year. The answer is: the annual La Nuit en Rosé Food and Rosé Wine Festival.

For the second year in a row, it was held at Skybar at the Mondrian Hotel in West Hollywood and consisted of a three-day endless rosé celebration. My fab friends Kyle of From Hamptons to Hollywood, Mitch of Cavalier-Crew.com and I got the chance to attend, giving us the pleasure of accessing 6o different rosés from around the world along the gorgeous poolside overlooking all of LA.

Mitch and I attended the Rosé Sunset Soiree on Saturday night. It was a great turn out, with many people walking around sampling rosés, lounging by tables and mingling with others. Dim lighting with strung lights across the pool created a very sexy, refined ambiance. Although many attended, the charm of the intimate outdoor terrace created a very luxe, exclusive experience.

Of course one of the ultimate highlights of the event was this amazing video booth.

Rosé vendors were incredibly friendly and enjoyable to talk to. I loved learning about different rosés and discovering what makes them so different, whether they were more floral, fruity, dry, light, or sweet. It’s hard to believe that so many unique blends exist! It was super pretty and very fitting that many of the rosés on display were illuminated with pink lighting.

While nearly all of them were extremely pleasing to the palate, I hands down fell in love with Fantinel, a bubbly rosé from Italy. It was sweet, but not overpoweringly sweet because of its similar consistency and taste to champagne. And if you haven't figured it out by now, I'm totally champs obsessed. Fantinel was one of the select rosés at the event that was bubbly, but that made it really stand out from the others. It was so crisp, tantalizing and an absolutely gorgeous shade of pink. Mitch and I made friends with the Fantinel reps and couldn’t stop coming back over for another refreshing swig! 

The following day was the Rosé Pool Party where Mitch, Kyle and I got to come into the event as a triple threat – determined to discover more amazing rosé and take endless pictures for our future posts. The blog is always on the brain!

The vibe of the pool party was very Hamptons-esque, which was really cool to get a taste of on the West Coast. Lots of people were wearing white (like myself), some springy pops of color, and a handful were donning their best swim suits.

Lots more mingling went on and we connected with a bunch of cool people. It was such a nice day out with the sun shining and the music bumping. With a glass of rosé in hand, you couldn’t help but just genuinely have a great time!

The event (which I wish spanned longer than just a weekend!) was incredibly chic and enjoyable. It was so cool to be able to meet people with similar styles and tastes, and to have the opportunity to open my eyes to so many amazing rosé brands from around the globe. With each sip of a different blend, I truly did feel more cultured! The weekend had the perfect amount of sexiness, sophistication, trendiness and lightheartedness – it was evident after each guests’ (and our's) frequent trips back to their favorite rosé stations that the event was a total success.

I already cannot wait for next year’s event! Huge thank you to La Nuit en Rosé for a very fun and beautiful weekend with friends. Life is waaay more fun through rosè colored glasses. ;)

Interested in attending next year? Be sure to visit nuitrose.com and follow @nuitrose on Instagram for all the deets on future La Nuit en Rosé happenings.