Recap of All Things April

So if you're new to Dusk & Rubies Blog, or if you're just interested in my April adventures your in luck because  here come a parade of pictures of things that happened this April:

 

I voyaged to Manhattan...

I love when the Cherry Blossoms are in bloom!

I was inspired by a room full of talented writers...

 

I saw beautiful views through wine tasting at the Boat House in Central Park...

 

I celebrated love at a bridal party, and enjoyed the company of old friends...

 

I experienced my first ever Cask Festival...

 

I worked on my company and had loads of fun shooting my jewelry designs...

 

 I spent some R&R time in the Hamptons with the boyfriend...

 

 I sipped pre-cinco de mayo margaritas in Westhampton...

 

I jammed out to these guys Soundswell...

 

I lost another 5 lbs! That is 10 total in 2 months. Yes!! It has been a slow process, but I am truly doing it the right way. Eating every meal, never skipping, and I have snacks too! I work out sometimes. My goal for May is to start getting back into the routine of working out. Wish me luck...

Before: End of February Beginning of March





After: End of April Beginning of May


If you're interested in losing weight the healthy way click on "The Health Issue" label and scroll down to the blog post M.I.A March Here To Stay April...or click below:

M.I.A March Here To Stay April

 

Well now it is May, and last weekend was spectacular I can't wait to share!

 

Like always stay lovely,

D.R

Editor and Curator of

Dusk and Rubies

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Local Bands: Soundswell

Soundswell, does not just sound well, or sound swell; they sound awesome. This band is a good time! Maybe I am biased because I know some of the band members, or maybe I am just a sucker for a band that can play both: laid back jazzy jams with a mixture of trumpet, and upbeat songs that totally shred on guitar and get the crowd jumping and pumping their glow sticks. It didn't hurt that I was completely enchanted and entertained by not only the band Soundswell, but also the venue 89 North located in the town of Patchogue. The space is all brick walled, neon lights, plays classic black and white movies projected onto the walls, and serves Blood Orange Pale Ale by Great South Bay Brewery...need I say more?

 Here is another awesome review that also supports my appreciation of the Long Island band Soundswell:

"This hot band that burst onto the local music scene in late 2011 and has built a loyal following because of their outstanding musicianship and great energy...Their sound infuses elements of rock, folk and jazz that is building a growing fan base of 'SwellFolk'." (The Patchogue Patch 2013)

For more from this article click the link: The Patchogue Patch

To stay up to date with band information and events "like" the band Soundswell on facebook.

 

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Don't forget to check out 89 North's webpage for upcoming events! 

 

Stay Lovely,

D.R

Editor and Curator

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5 Microbreweries You Just Have To Try!

    Microbreweries. Or a brewery, typically producing specialty beers. Over the past weekend I attended the Blue Point Brewery's Annual Cask Festival, and I am pleased to say that from all the beer I have tasted I have a list of five beers you just have to try:

1. Great South Bay Brewery: Blood Orange Pale Ale.This beer is light, crisp, and has a delightful fruit aftertaste. The Great South Bay Brewery states it best on their website when they say, "You'll be pleased with how amazingly the malt, hops, and blood orange meld together to create a sensation". Consider me pleased! I am more of a stout girl myself, and don't like anything too hoppy, but this beer quenches your thirst, and makes you dream of sweet sweet Summer.

Blood Orange Pale Ale: One of the first casks to be tapped.



2 & 3. Spider Bite Beer Company: They offered both the White Bite Wheat Ale and the Black Bite Roasted Wheat. Firstly, White Bite is another wonderfully light and refreshing beer perfect for the warming weather. There is a hint of citrus, that even the person who is not a fan of fruit beer can enjoy. The Black Bite is a heavier beer, with a smooth, mellow, aftertaste of blackberries. Delightful.

4. The Blind Bat Brewery: Sweet Potato Saison. Do you love pumpkin ales? Well, if you do then this is a great alternative for you. The Sweet Potato Saison is a beer you can enjoy in not just the Fall and Winter months, but also Spring. This beer is brewed with organic sweet potatoes, and surprisingly not sweet or sugary, but rather tart, and spicy.  

5. Blue Point Brewery: I may be biased, because this is a brewery close to home but their beer is truly well crafted. My favorites are the Oatmeal Stout, Blueberry Ale, and Cherry Imperial Stout. But the beer most preferred by people is the Toasted Lager.

Here are some other great breweries also worth giving a try:

Oh, and then there is always these guys. They call themselves The Beer Amigos and have a live podcast that you can get on itunes for updates, and credible information on different breweries.

Like always

Stay Lovely,

D.R

Editor and Curator



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DIY: Festival Necklaces "Pretzel Necklace"

Festivals. There are so many different types: music, beer, wine, food, literary...the list is numerous and endless. This idea originated from one of my good girlfriends Patrice. They were at a St. Patrick's Day Parade where there was an endless supply of beverages, so naturally Patrice thought it was a good idea to bring a snack! But, where to put it? No one wants to carry a big bag of pretzels at a parade. So this is what she came up with!

What you will need:

• Pretzels
• Heavy Duty String (I bought shoe laces at the Dollar Tree 16/$1)
• Honey Combs Cereal (As a jewelry designer I wanted to play around a little)

Materials: I do not recommend the chocolate pretzels because they will melt on a warm day and ruin clothing.



Step 1: Tie your shoe laces of course! Make sure to create a sturdy knot.


 



Step 2: Start to string your pretzels! You can make a pattern if you are using different types of pretzels or different types of snacks!

Step 3: Show it off for all to see!

Yummm

Level of Difficulty: Easy

Time: 10 minutes

 

Like always stay lovely,

D.R

Editor and Curator



CONTINUE READING

March Matchup: Recap of all things March

     I did a lot in March three out of the four weekends I went away. I went to Philadelpha with the boyfriend, Manhattan with Sammy Girl, and Newburgh with friends from my college job to visit the beautiful and talented Patrice Marissa, who holds a very prestigious job over at Ralph Lauren Headquarters, and just recently moved to Newburgh with her new hubby!

Our hotel was on Market St.

At the pub Elephant & Castle

My boyfriend posing with the top hat monopoly piece.

This was my first time trying a Phillie Cheese Steak!

One of the most interesting exhibits I have been to.

I'm a mobster!

At a.kitchen in Rittensquare

 The best way to start of a Girlfriend's Getaway is with a glass of wine!

Cheers @ Fig & Olive Restaurant

Samantha's Dinner. I love a good fingerling potato!

My Dinner: Raw Salmon in Citrus Sauce

Left to Right: Samantha and I

Getting ready for a night out on the town.

 Drinking Malbecs @ The Irish Exit on 2nd Ave.

The next morning drinking coffee at my favorite breakast spot Le Pain Quotidienne

 Low fat organic yogurt w/ berries and cinnamon @ Le Pain Quotidienne

Then on to a day at the Met

 Tyra calls this Random Acts Of Modeling

Looking from a different perspective

Random Acts of Modeling: Samantha

 Fashion is all around in the Big City

 Onwards to the Plaza for Lunch

@ Ethos for dinner...I strongly recommend

 Plaza Girl!

                                                 @ The Newburgh Brewery. I'm laughing.

                                                           Britt. Patrice. Kelly. Erica & Myself

                                                                       The Brew List

                                           After a few rounds we decided to break out the Jenga...

                                            It became competitive rather quickly...

                                                 ...and many worked on their concentration

                                                                   Then it got weird...

                                    After a night out we went for a beautiful hike at one of the many parks


                   I promise I'll be updating on a more regular basis for the month of April. Happy Spring!

As always stay lovely,
Editor and Curator
D.R

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