The Lobsters are having a FESTIVAL #licensetospill #shop


Disclosure: I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias and their client.

Every September the Ports of Call Lobster Festival comes to San Pedro, and every September, my other half and I walk from our apartment to the festival.  This is our tradition and this year was no exception.

LobsterFEST, Ports O Call, #shop, Better Tour, Lobster

This year my other half and I were invited out to stop in and check out the #licensetospill better tour.  What was this tour, you ask?  The tour invites people to check out SmartStrand Carpeting, and boy, was I ever impressed.  The SmartStrand carpet was created by Mohawk Flooring, which is the world’s largest carpet manufacturer.

#licensetospill, #shop, Better TourUp above to the left you can see me getting my carpet sample dirty with soy sauce and red wine.  And to the right, with just the spray of water we watch as the stains completely disappear.  And that’s how TRULY easy it is to clean.  Even with those heavy duty stains all you would need is a dishrag, some warm water and a mild detergent like dish soap.  This is my dream carpet, what about yours?

What makes SmartStrand Carpet do this, you ask?  They’ve added stain and soil resistance to the carpet so it will never wear off.  Most other carpet companies add this topically so it wears off.

While there I asked one of the sales associates how long the carpets last.  He had been with the business for 11 years, and he says he has not had one customer come back to him asking for a replacement yet.  The carpet is guaranteed to last, but not only that, guaranteed to protect from those stains.

Better Show, Jd Roberto, #shop, LobsterFEST

Also present during the day was JD Roberto from the Better Show, a well known TV Show on the Hallmark Channel.  He was there testing out the SmartStrand Carpet, enjoying the LobsterFest and handing out samples of food by Noramae Munster from Port O’ Call Restaurant.  When we were there they were handing out samples of Lobster Cioppino.  I could have gone back for seconds it was that good.

If you are ever in San Pedro, I definitely recommend stopping in the Port O’ Call Waterfront Restaurant.  You will receive an amazing view as you dine on your meal.

LobsterFest, #shop, Festivals

And then my other half and I continued on to enjoy the festival.  We got our lobster, and enjoyed our meal.  We ran across pirates with a rat, tested out new vehicles by Ford, and even played a few games before making our trek back home.  And of course, with any festival, especially one that’s a tradition, we did our part in dressing up for the occasion.

Be sure to stop by Mohawk Flooring’s site and enter to win your very own 6 x 9 SmartStrand Silk bound carpet rug and to also find out where the Better Tour will be heading next.

And you can also connect with them on Facebook and Twitter.

 

Categories: Campaigns, Travel | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Where To Get a Macaron in LA?


Yesterday I talked about French Wines, today I talk about the French Macaron.  I’m gathering a theme here.  Throughout the  summer I have been obsessed with this cookie looking for fun places to go and find these yummy cookies throughout all of LA. Where do you find a Macaron in LA?

These locations are based off of personal experience, if you know of a fun little place that has these fun little treats please share in the comments:

Napoleons Macarons

1) Napoleon’s Macarons

I was introduced to these little gems when I attended an EventBrite brunch earlier this summer.  And let me tell you I’ve been obsessed with them since.  Flavors such as Rose, Lemon, Pistachio, Caramel and my all time favorite: French Lavender.  Located at the Americana at Brand.

2) Chocolate Opulance

If you have yet to spend some time at the Santa Monica Place, more specifically their market place, you need to.  Cute little shops and restaurants adorn this area offering artisan treats such as cheeses, wines, and at Chocolate Opulance, sweet treats including French Macarons

3) Layer Cake Bakery ~ Fullerton

layercakefullerton

I haven’t explored the OC nearly as much as I should, but one summer day I was fortunate to explore downtown Fullerton and ran across Layer Cake Bakery.  What’s great about their Macarons is that they’re made with real butter.  And you can truly taste the difference.

4) Paris in a Cup

Another fun place to pick up authentic French Macarons is none other than the Orange Circle in Orange.  Stop by the fun shop “Paris in a Cup” to get a taste of Paris.  Stay for tea, and enjoy a macaron on the way out.

5) Treat Tea and Ice

Treat Tea and Ice

This is my favorite go to place when I’m having a Macaron Craving.  Not only because it’s a fun dessert shop located close to the movies, but because it’s a location close to home.  If you’re ever in the South Bay area be sure to put this on your places to visit right in Torrance.

6) Lette

With locations in Beverly Hills, Little Toyko, and Pasadena this little macaron shop is becoming a favorite amongst locals.

Lette Macarons

8) Bottega Louie

Okay, so I haven’t been here yet, but RAVE reviews, and I mean RAVE reviews have been coming in for Bottega Louie and especially when it comes to their macarons especially their Le Grand Macaron.  This fun restaurant located in Downtown Los Angeles is a great recommendation whenever you’re looking for a place to eat before going out on the town for the evening in Downtown.

Did I miss any of your favorites? If so, please share in the comments.  Not only good for me but others that happen to stop by.

Categories: Cooking, Events in LA, Travel | Tags: , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Gearing up for #FrenchWineWeek!


Disclosure: I was invited out to celebrate French Wine Week at Sofitel Los Angeles on Monday, September 23rd.

The week of September 23rd through the 29th, #FrenchWineWeek will be happening at all Hotel Sofitel Locations around the world.  Celebrating the great regions of French Wine.  Each day the hotels will celebrate a different region of France:

Monday, September 23rd: Champagne

Tuesday, September 24th: Bordeaux

Wednesday, September 25th: Burgundy

Thursday, September 26th: Cote du Rhone

Friday, September 27th: Sancerre

Saturday, September 28th: Tour de France

Sunday, September 29th: Rose

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Opening celebrations will take place on Monday, September 23rd from 7 to 9pm at Riviera 31 at a private opening party event in Hotel Sofitel Los Angeles.  Special performances by Cabaret Versatile, the only authentic French cabaret troupe in California.

“Each day from Monday to Sunday, a Sofitel sommelier will be on hand to guide visitors on a journey through the many wine-producing regions and favorite locales of France including Champagne, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Cote du Rhone, Sancerre and more.  Guidebooks dedicated to the love of French wine, such as Bettane et Desseauve, will also be available to peruse. Guests may visit Riviera 31 for wine tastings from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. ($6-$9 a glass) and Estérel restaurant from 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. for wine pairing menus, events, and more surprises (prices are á la carte).”

I hope you will join me in celebrating French Wine Week at Sofitel Beverly Hills this upcoming next week.

 

 

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