CANDY WASHINGTON

WRITER | PRODUCER | ACTOR | MANIFESTATION + SELF-LOVE MUSE

It's Party Time with Codenames: Deep Undercover

Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

It's summer time which means it's time to play, unwind, and relax with my friends. One of my favorite things to do to destress from work and the hustle-and-bustle of everyday life, is to invite my guy and girl friends over for an adult-only game night.

We all bring over yummy snacks, our favorite beverages, dance to upbeat music, and play fun games that make us laugh all night and create memories that will last a lifetime. It's our way of unplugging from texting, posting, and messaging all day, to really connecting in real life with any screens or hashtags.

During our adult game nights, I love to go beyond the regular boardgames and opt for Codenames: Deep Undercover, a new spin-off of the hit game Codenames takes players Deep Undercover with all-new words, art, and mature play. We get to test our own limits and get to know each other on even a more playful and deep level.

During the game we split up into two teams, each with its own spymaster. Since my friends and I are super competitor we flip a coin to see who will be the spymaster for each game. Once we have our spymasters in place, then we are the only ones that know the true identities of 25 agents while our teammates only know the agents by their secret codenames.

As the spymaster, we get to provide crucial one-word clues to our teammates that can lead to more words on the board. My teammates then try to figure out the correct words in the right color without running into the assassin. But what makes the game so fun and engaging is that all of the clues and words are of mature content, which is perfect for our adult parties, but the content is never offensive. The first team to make contact with all of their spies wins the game.

In addition to our fun summer parties, my friends and I love playing Codenames: Deep Undercover even when it's not our typical game night. My favorite new twist to this game is that there are now blank cards that let my friends and I create our own words and add them to the game.

Plus, Codenames (the original game) has been a smash hit since its release, it was most recently nominated for the prestigious Spiel des Jahres and the won the Origins Awards for Game of the Year, Best Family Game and Fan Favorite. This version combines the original gameplay with an adult theme making it perfect for bachelor/bachelorette parties, ladies nights in, or game night at the local bar!

If you want to have the time of your life and laugh the night away with your besties, then pick up Codenames: Deep Undercover, that is now available exclusively in North America at Target and Target.com.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

3 Reasons To Join The Cirqle

Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

One of my favorite experiences as a blogger is partnering with brands that share the same aesthetic, brand messaging, and brand values. That's why I joined The Cirqle

The Cirqle is the perfect platform that brings together influencers and brands to create meaningful and engaging campaigns that really resonates with their audiences. Thus, I wanted to share with you all my top three reasons why I enjoy being a part of The Cirqle community.

3 Reasons to Join The Cirqle:

Reason #1: Easy-to-use platform
When I sign into The Cirqle, all of the available campaigns are listed in an easy to understand format with an image from the brand, the brand's name, a brief description of the campaign, which areas of the world are eligible for the partnership, and the amount of compensation given for the campaign. 

If I'm a right fit, I simply hit "Apply" and then I submit myself for the brand partnership. It's really easy because once you sign-up as an influencer, for free, you add in your social media stats and Google Analytics and they auto-populate for each campaign.

Reason #2: An awesome selection of brands to work with on campaigns
I've partnered with The Cirqle on a few really fun brand partnerships from helping to spread the word about Versalume, an innovation light that can double as wearable fashion, or working closely with Sony on their Mr Probz campaign to get excitement around their new award-winning artist.

What I like most about their selection of brands is that it's not all one genre. There are fashion brands, beauty brands, music brands, home decor brands, and more. There's a variety of brands to work that can fit any influencers niche.

Reason #3: Super friendly team
Any time I have a question about a campaign, I can just email my project manager from The Cirqle and they will respond quickly and in a warm, friendly manner to help me navigate through my issue and question. 

It's a pleasure to partner with them and they make every campaign super fun. Huge thanks to them for sending me a lovely Cirqle box full of Inez Cashmere, Marie-Stella-Maris lotion, and Stox Energy Socks.

*Although this is a sponsored post by The Cirqle, all opinions are my own.

Home Away From Home with Extended Stay America

Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

Whether or not you're a creative professional like me, getting away and unwinding is paramount to leading a happy and fulfilled life and refueling your creative tank. That's why I took a few days off to enjoy myself at the perfect home away from home at Extended Stay America in Glendale, CA.

It was the perfect staycation option to accommodate my creative and healthy lifestyle while also providing me the perfect space to work whenever I felt inspired to do so. The staff was super friendly and checking in was easy, which created a pleasant atmosphere right from the beginning of my stay.

What sets Extended Stay a part from other hotels is that each room includes your own stove, refrigerator, utensils, plates, bowls, pots, and pans, so you can still have healthy home-cooked meals even you aren't at home. I cooked one of my favorite meals of sauteed spinach, veggies, and lemon black pepper fish. I also made iced coffee in the morning and tea at night. It felt just like being at home but in a different environment.

As a writer, it was the perfect place to cook, turn on some music, and then open up my lap top and get to work in a new environment that made it easier to focus, especially since my room had complimentary Wi-Fi and an office desk so I could unwind and work when I felt inspired, all in the comfort of my own room. And when I wanted to take a break, I relaxed in the super comfy queen-sized bed and turned on the TV and flipped through the channels until I found a movie that I wanted to watch. 

The room was super spacious, clean, and the location was easily accessible to shops and restaurants in case I needed to step out and grab a few things. I also went for a run every morning and enjoyed the views of the mountains in Glendale and took in the fresh air while exercising.

AMENITIES

How to be a Healthy Host with Harvest Snaps

Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

If you know me, you know that I love bringing all of my friends together for some quality time of laughter, bonding, and sharing our stories with each other. But what I love even more, is sharing with you all how I create new memories and experiences with my friends that you can easily recreate at-home with your own friends and loved ones.

My latest obsession is creating new, fresh, and healthy snacks that's quick to make but doesn't sacrifice taste or time because I'd rather be laughing with my friends than slaving away in the kitchen and missing out on the latest scoop from my besties. That means that I'm always on the hunt for healthy and convenient substitutions to the usual ingredients in my dishes and snacks that I make while hosting my friends at home.

Luckily for me, I found Harvest Snaps to help me do just that - create yummy, healthy, and easy snacks and dishes to share with my friends. Harvest Snaps are created from all-natural, real peas and provides an abundant amount of fiber and protein to your diet without adding any unnecessary fat or sodium to your diet.

But what I love most about Harvest Snaps is their wide variety of flavors that I can mix-and-match in my recipes. I can use the same fresh ingredients for my homemade guacamole, spinach salads, and more, and just switch up the flavor of my Harvest Snaps that I pair with my dishes for a fresh, new, and different taste.

You can even find your favorite flavor near the produce section of your grocery store. The delicious flavors range from Lightly Salted, Tomato Basil, Onion Thyme, Habanero, Wasabi Ranch, Caesar, Mango Chile Lime, and Black Pepper.

Part of being a healthy host is making sure that there's nice music playing in the background to create a calm yet inviting environment, there are fun activities for you and your guests such as board games, card games, or my personal favorite, creating mood boards, and also make sure to have a variety of beverages and snacks available.

Two of my favorite healthy, easy, and tasty recipes are below that I love making for my friends, try them out and let me know how you like them!

Harvest Snaps Girls Night Guacamole

What you'll need:

  • Your favorite flavor Harvest Snaps peas

  • 3 freshly chopped avocados

  • 1 freshly chopped tomato

  • ½ cup of freshly chopped red onion

  • 1 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice

  • A pinch of black pepper

  • A pinch of onion powder

  • A pinch of garlic powder

Directions:

Mix all ingredients in a bowl until blended to taste and personal preference.
 

Healthy Harvest Snaps Host Tip:

Instead of pairing your homemade guacamole with the usual tortilla chips or bread, use your favorite flavor of healthy Harvest Snaps as the perfect companion to your dish.


Harvest Snaps Spinach Salad

What you'll need:

  • Your favorite flavor of Harvest Snaps

  • 2 cups of fresh spinach

  • ½ cup of chopped tomato

  • 1 medium-sized carrot, chopped

  • A handful of goat cheese

  • 2 tablespoons of your favorite low-fat salad dressing

Directions:

Mix together all of the ingredients except for the Harvest Snaps and goat cheese, as you should sprinkle these ingredients on top of salad once all other ingredients are combined.

Healthy Harvest Snaps Host Tip:

Instead of topping of your salad with your usual croutons, break up your favorite flavor of Harvest Snaps into bite-size pieces and sprinkle them on top of your salad for added flavor, taste, and crunch.

Enjoy!

*Although this is a sponsored post by Harvest Snaps, all opinions are my own.

FOX's The Gifted. Watch the full trailer now.

Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

The official trailer for the new FOX show, The Gifted is finally here! Watch it below and see how it all began.

What tore them apart will bring them together. 

#TheGifted #AreYouGifted #ad

Taste the Rainbow with Stouffer’s Family Size Macaroni & Cheese

Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

I spent the past week unwinding on the beach while on a lovely holiday in Mexico to watch one of my best friends from college marry the love of his life. The vacation was exactly what I needed: sun, sand, and good laughs with close friends.

But since getting back to reality, its been an adjustment to get into the swing of things after unplugging from the usual hustle-and-bustle of my daily life. My usual routine entails running from meetings, errands, photoshoots, coffee dates, events, and hitting the gym, all while finding the time to squeeze in actual work with blogging, taking photos and videos, and juggling my on-camera hosting duties.

However, due to my busy and active lifestyle, one of my top priorities is making sure that I enjoy every moment of my life by finding ways to incorporate fun and easy ways to stay grounded, healthy, and connected to my friends and loved ones 'in real life' and even when I'm not on vacation in Mexico!

I know that feeling grounded and healthy starts from the inside out, and that's why I turn to Stouffer's. Their prepared meals help me keep my eating habits both balanced and nutritious without sacrificing a ton of time.

I especially love the Stouffer’s Family Size Macaroni & Cheese, not only because of its authentic and fresh taste, but also because it's the perfect way to accommodate my busy lifestyle while providing meal options that are actually good for me.

With Stouffer’s Family Size Macaroni & Cheese as my busy lifestyle meal partner-in-crime, I don't have to sacrifice the quality of my food just to save time. My nourish meals on a schedule secret is to prep my meals for the week and since Stouffer's provides family size options, I always have enough leftover for a few days worth of meals, so I can just heat it up, enjoy, while on-the-go. 

Plus, when I have my friends and family over, it's any way to create a meal without starting from scratch. That way, I can focus on unplugging and connecting with my friends and not on spending a ton of time in the kitchen, since Stouffer’s Mac & Cheese recipe includes real, simple ingredients, like freshly made pasta, cheddar cheese, milk and butter.

My favorite way to balance my meals are by incorporating prepared foods as my entree and then I pair it with an easy-to-make side dish made of fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy. So if you're busy like me, but want to maintain balance in both your life and eating habits, then check out my recipe below for my favorite “Taste The Rainbow” side that I pair with my go-to Stouffer’s Family Size Macaroni & Cheese

It's called “Taste the Rainbow” because of the vibrant colors from the fresh veggies and ingredients from the green spinach, red tomatoes, purple onions, to the yellow and orange sweet peppers.

If you need more info, check out Balance Your Plate, which is an educational program designed to help you put together delicious and nutritious meals that incorporate both frozen and fresh foods. Additionally, research has proven that Americans are only meeting MyPlate recommendations for vegetables, fruit, proteins, dairy and grains seven days out of 365, so beat the odds and try out a nutritious side dish with a freshly made Stouffer's prepared meal. 

Taste the Rainbow:

  • 1 cup of fresh spinach

  • ½ chopped tomato

  • 2 chopped sweet peppers

  • 1 cup chopped onion

  • small handful of goat cheese

  • 2 tablespoons of Omega 3 Oil

Directions: Combine all ingredients, except the goat cheese, into a stick-free pan and sautee until crisp or around 5 minutes on a medium fire. Once sauteed add to plate and sprinkle on goat cheese and enjoy!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Work it: BBVA Compass

Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

I recently listened to the BBVA Compass 10 podcast series, Working Moms Mean Businessand even though I'm not a mother, the lessons learned from the podcast resonated with me as I'm navigating creating a career that fulfills me while seeking harmony with my career, personal life, and romantic life. 

The podcast series is hosted by Emma Johnson of the Wealthy Single Mommy, who is also a writer and blogger that focuses on personal finance. During the podcast, I realized that as an entrepreneur, particularly a female entrepreneur, that many of the same crossroads and challenges that many working mothers face, were very similar to the same experiences that I needed to overcome while paving my own way as a creative professional. 

The podcast that really hit home for me, was the "Mom Momentum in Careers" interview featuring Samantha Ettus. The podcast touched upon creating healthy boundaries both at home and in the workplace, and gave Shonda Rhimes' "no emails after 7pm" policy as the perfect example of how to create the working lifestyle that you want while conditioning your co-workers, employees, and even bosses, to do the same. 

Another a-ha moment came to me while reading the "Mom Guilt: Why we have it and how to conquer it" ebook, when I saw even more parallels between working moms and myself, such as having to embrace your own sense of independence, financial freedom, and becoming a true example of what it means to be a successful and fulfilled woman. The pursuit of seeking a holistic life was the same for me as a female entrepreneur. 

When I left corporate America to forge my own path and cultivate my own personal brand as a writer, blogger, and influencer, I quickly learned that there was no such thing as "work/life balance." The lines between me-time, work-time, life-time, family-time, boyfriend-time, friend-time, and personal-time, all began to blur and there was no way that all of the parts could get equal attention.

But my true moment of clarity came when I realized that they shouldn't. Not all areas of my life needed equal time and attention and it was ok to accept that without feeling like I'm being a bad friend, sister, daughter, girlfriend, or professional. It was ok to give more attention to certain things at certain times and that didn't mean that I was lacking in any sense. All of these beautiful parts that make-up a fulfilled life needed to work in harmony with each other, not perfectly balanced and opposed to each other. 

Additionally, whether you're a mother or not, I learned that if you are a woman in the workforce who decides to defy convention, you are bound to experience push-back, guilt, and self-doubt. All of which are born from the need to not feel judged by your co-workers, peers, family, and friends, and most importantly, by your self.

Through my own personal and professional successes and pitfalls, I have found that self-judgement is one of the biggest killers of living a complete and fulfilled life. I remember when I first started out and I had no idea what to charge for my services. I was scared to ask for what I knew I was worth out of fear of being rejected and hearing, "no."

But literally, out of necessity, since being a writer, blogger, and influencer is my full-time job, I had to start charging what I was worth in order to stay a float. It taught me to quickly get comfortable with the word, "no," and that it wouldn't stop me. In fact, it made the "yeses" even that much sweeter. I was doing less work, but in a more meaningful way, while getting paid based on the value that I was providing and delivering for my clients. 

For more insights and to listen to the podcast and download the ebook, visit here.

Mineral Fusion x CVS x EWG

Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

One of my favorite ways to take care of my body and let my inner beauty shine, is through using eco-friendly and cruelty-free make-up and beauty products on a daily basis. The secret to achieving flawless and effortless beauty is to use products that are formulated with healthy and safe ingredients that are antioxidant- and mineral-rich. That's why I turn to Mineral Fusion® for my face and body needs. 

What sets Mineral Fusion a apart from other make-up collections, is that all Mineral Fusion products are 100% vegetarian, eco-friendly and free of gluten, parabens, SLS, phthalates, artificial colors and synthetic fragrances. Most SKUs are 100% Vegan.

Mineral Fusion is also recognized as cruelty-free and holds certifications from PETA and Leaping Bunny. The brand boasts the most EWG VERIFIED products, with over 120 licensed items from its color cosmetics collection.

THE BEAUTY SCOOP ON MINERAL FUSION

"Dedicated to providing safe, effective beauty solutions, Mineral Fusion now provides accessible products to the ever-evolving, health-minded consumer more conveniently than ever before. Beginning in March 2017, Mineral Fusion announced its distribution roll-out across 300 California-based CVS stores and CVS.com. Earlier in 2017, the brand expanded into more than 50 The Vitamin Shoppe locations, as well as VitaminShoppe.com. All points of retail now offer the brand’s vast portfolio including skin care and EWG VERIFIEDTM color cosmetics.

Staying true to its core values, Mineral Fusion continues to contribute to the wellbeing of its community – the pursuit of Minerals on a Mission®. Through the official partnership with philanthropic organization The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Mineral Fusion has taken strides to support the fight against domestic violence and helps women in need through monetary and product donations year-round.

With rigorous criteria and strict ingredient standards, Mineral Fusion is also committed to good manufacturing practices and robust labeling, ensuring trust among its consumers. Furthermore, the brand uses sustainable technologies in all production including the utilization of wind power, soy inks and 100% recyclable packaging.

Mineral Fusion® is available at Whole Foods Markets nationwide, MineralFusion.com, as well as online and in select stores at The Vitamin Shoppe and CVS."

It's Nice to See You: GlassesUSA.com

Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

I love changing up my look, and that doesn't just mean my outfits. I love to express myself and my style through my eyewear as well, but without breaking the bank. That's why I turn to GlassesUSA.com for my stylish, yet affordable, eyewear needs. While going through their online eyewear gallery, I absolutely fell in love with the Muse M1134 Glasses.

The tortoise print on the wide, then frames are a perfect fit for my downtown, boho-chic style while still being cool enough to stand-alone as its own accessory. 

GlassesUSA.com offers high quality online prescription glasses at reasonable price points with up to 70% off retail prices and a full pair of glasses that includes both the frames and lenses starts at $48.  

Be sure to head over to GlassesUSA.com, here, for special offers and details and peruse a large selection of over 2,500 styles from in-house brands like Muse and Amelia E. to designer brands like Ray-Ban, Oakley, Tom Ford, Chloe, Armani, Adidas, and more.

The Girlfriend's Guide to Wine: Stay Golden with NakedWines.com

Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

Spring has officially sprung here in sunny Los Angeles, CA. This means that it's time to take advantage of the beautiful weather and plan fun gatherings and trips with my group of besties. The only thing we love more than laughing, taking road trips, shopping, and just grabbing lattes, is enjoying a refreshing glass of wine, Rosé, or champers, while plotting to take over the world and take our #girlBOSS status to the next level.

My group of strong and intelligent besties reminds me of one another group of equally inspiring women, the lovely ladies from one of my favorite television shows, The Golden Girls. The iconic Dorothy, Sophia, Blanche, and Rose, may have had cheesecake to bring them all together, but my besties and I have wine to unite us thanks to NakedWines.com.

But it should be said, that we should enjoy our wine in a responsible way. There's nothing wrong with seeking help with detoxing and any additions that you may have, especially at the Colorado alcohol detox center. 

NakedWines.com gives us exclusive access and special prices wine created by independent winemakers, so we can support other entrepreneurs while we bond and unwind. What we particularly love about NakedWines.com, is that we are able to uncover new wines that we can't get from our average or local stores.

Plus, it allows us to support boutique and smaller vineyards, winemakers, and wineries by using the internet to connect us in a new and innovative way. We simply sign-up as an “Angel” and then we get insider access to

The Girlfriend's Guide to Wine: Stay Golden

DOROTHY ZBORNAK:

If you're a Dorothy that means that you're glue that holds your friend group together and every one comes to you when they need some tough love with a gentle delivery. You're the natural leader of the pack who's smart, strong, and fiercely loyal.

Dorothy Wines:

Christian Patat Pecorino 2015
Get yours here: http://bit.ly/2ouftfZ

  • $9.99 angel pricing/$16.99 retail

  • 100% Pecorino (yes, it’s a grape too!)

  • 12.5% ABV

  • From Marche, Italy which is centrally located in the middle of the country next to the Adriatic Sea named after the sheep in Marche who used to snack on them.

  • Appearance: Straw yellow with some hints of green

  • Aroma: White peach, white flower, ocean breeze

  • Palate: Papaya, grapefruit, blood orange

  • Food Pairing Recommendations: Shrimp pasta with basil, garlic and a homemade tomato sauce

Mr Glover Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2016
Get yours here: http://bit.ly/2nTeOnt

  • $12.99 angel pricing/$21.99 retail

  • 100% Sauvignon Blanc

  • 13% ABV

  • From Marlborough, New Zealand which is the north part of the South Island

  • Appearance: Pale, light straw

  • Aroma: Passionfruit, gooseberry, lime, fresh cut grass

  • Palate: Lemongrass, green pepper, guava, pink grapefruit, peach

  • Food Pairing Recommendations: Thai food


SOPHIA PETRILLO:

If you're a Sophia, then you're the wittiest and funniest gal in your girl group. Everyone comes to you for a good laugh, sound advice, and a home-cooked meal with a glass of wine. Even though you're quick as a whip and can be super sarcastic at times, you're still super sensitive and would be there for your besties in a heart beat.

Sophia's Wines:

Villebois Pouilly Fume 2015
Get yours here: http://bit.ly/2n4Pc88

  • $18.99 angel pricing/$31.99 retail

  • 100% Sauvignon Blanc

  • 12.5% ABV

  • From the Central Vineyards in the Loire Valley, right next to Sancerre

  • Appearance: pale, light straw

  • Aroma: Gunpowder, smokiness (flint), tropical fruit

  • Palate: Limestone, pineapple, mango, grapefruit

  • Food Pairing Recommendations: Anything with goat cheese or shellfish dishes

Petit Villebois Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Get yours here: http://bit.ly/2nPieWu

  • $11.99 angel pricing/$25.99 retail

  • 100% Sauvignon Blanc from several vineyards in the Loire Valley (where Sancerre is located)

  • 12% ABV

  • Appearance: Pale, light straw with some hints of green

  • Aroma: Gooseberry, lemon, lime, grapefruit

  • Palate: Limestone, asparagus, citrus

  • Food Pairing Recommendations: Anything with goat cheese or shellfish dishes


BLANCHE DEVEREAUX:

If you're a Blanche, then you never apologize for being who you are and you love it when all eyes are on you. You're the go-to fashionista of your girl group and you always have the best guy advice. You ooze confidence but you have a sweet spot for spending quality with your friends. You bring the spice to every party and you're always game for an adventure.

Blanche's Wines:

Jean Philippe Moulin Champagne Rose
Get yours here: http://bit.ly/2n4FUZG

  • $29.99 angel pricing/ $59.99 retail

  • Don't overly chill-48°F to 51°F is perfect temperature

  • 85% Chardonnay 15% Pinot Noir

  • 12% ABV

  • Comparable to Tattinger & Bollinger Champagne rose

  • Appearance: Coral/salmon

  • Aroma: Fresh strawberries, raspberries, red currant

  • Palate: Dry, elegantly smooth, pomegranate, red fruit preserves

  • Food Pairing Recommendations: Proscuitto wrapped melon or tuna tartare

W. Donaldson Blanc de Blancs 2014
Get yours here: http://bit.ly/2oRlBLP

  • $18.99 angel pricing/ $34.99 retail

  • 100% Chardonnay

  • 12.5% ABV

  • Sparkling wine made just like Champagne, but from California from Wayne Donaldson who used to be the head winemaker of Chandon

  • Blanc de Blancs translates to white wine from white grapes, which makes sense because it is 100% Chardonnay

  • Aged on yeasts for 24 months to create crisp, graceful wine with poise and concentration

  • Grapes are from the coldest areas of Sonoma County

  • Appearance: Yellow straw

  • Aroma: Apricot, fresh baked pastries, grapefruit

  • Palate: Brioche, granny smith apple, green fig

  • Food Pairing Recommendations: Raw oysters

Benjamin Laroche Chablis 1er Cru Vaucoupin 2014
Get yours here: http://bit.ly/2ou8jsE

  • $21.99 angel pricing/$36.99 retail

  • 100% Chardonnay

  • 13% ABV

  • From a premier cru vineyard located in Chablis which is a part of Burgundy, France

  • Appearance: Pale, light straw

  • Aroma: White flowers, pear, starfruit

  • Palate: Honeycomb, lemon, chalky minerality

  • Food Pairing Recommendations: Triple cream brie


ROSE NYLUND:

If you're a Rose, then you have a heart of gold and is the group's resident sweetheart. You're positivity and encouragement is infectious and everyone always feels better about themselves when they're around you. You love making your friends smile and you're always game to be your bestie's partner-in-crime.

Rose's Wines:

Benjamin Darnault Pique Nique Rosé 2015
Get yours here: http://bit.ly/2otUGcP

  • $9.99 angel pricing/ $16.99 retail

  • Grapes from the south of France in the Pays d’ Oc (Languedoc-Roussillon) with coastal Mediterranean influences

  • 100% grenache

  • 12.5% ABV

  • Made by the maceration method, when red wine grapes (grenache in this case) are left alone to rest, otherwise known as “macerate” for an extended period of time. The wine touches the red grape skins for 2-20 hours typically. Afterward, the entire batch of juice is transformed into a rosé.

  • Appearance: Pale rose gold

  • Aroma: Fresh strawberries and whipped cream, rose petals

  • Palate: Dry, rich, medium plus acidity, clean, crisp, refreshing with notes of raspberry, strawberry, golden honeydew, saline, with a nice mineral, savory finish

  • Food Pairing Recommendations: Shrimp sauteed in garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, olive oil, lemon juice topped with feta cheese on top of mixed greens of a pasta of choice

W. Donaldson Rose 2014
Get yours here: http://bit.ly/2n4G5o0

  • $18.99 angel pricing/$34.99 retail

  • 75% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay

  • 13% ABV

  • Sparkling wine made just like Champagne, but from California from Wayne Donaldson who used to be the head winemaker of Chandon

  • Aged on yeasts for 24 months to create crisp, graceful wine with poise and concentration

  • Grapes are from the coldest areas of Sonoma County

  • Appearance: Pink

  • Aroma: Summer berries, rose petals

  • Palate: Rich and elegant with notes of strawberry, raspberry, and cranberry

  • Food Pairing Recommendations: Smoked salmon

Stefano di Blasi IGT delle Venezie 2015
Get yours here: http://bit.ly/2nTkeyF

  • $9.99 angel pricing/$16.99 retail

  • 90% Garganega , 10 % Chardonnay

  • 12% ABV

  • Blended chardonnay for ripeness and garganega for minerality

  • The IGT delle Venezie appellation, otherwise known as Tre Venezie (three Venices) is located in Northeast Italy

  • Appearance: Pale, light straw

  • Aroma: Honeydew, white nectarine, fennel and honeysuckle

  • Palate: Marjoram, peach, saline

  • Food Pairing Recommendations: Anything with pesto