Bike & Booze Bar Tour

I wasn't surprised that Denver, Colorado, who ranked in at #5 in Forbes' "2013 America's Top 20 Healthiest Cities", could make even drinking a little bit healthier. Last week I spent my time traveling throughout Colorado, and one of the coolest activities I experienced while in Denver was a Denver Patio Ride, also known as a bike and booze bar tour! I, along with a couple of girlfriends, accepted the challenge for a friend's bachelorette party.

Dusk & Rubies had a chance to sit down with the owner, Nick, who was sweet enough to share some of his cheese covered French fries with me after my exhilarating, and fun two hour bike ride ended. I was famished! We talked about his business, how it started, and all the details you'll want to know before you hop on!

Owner: Nick

10 Things You Need To Know:

1. No, you are not driving. Phew! No one wants a BWI. You have a driver who steers the massive bicycle, as well as powers it.

2. No, if you are not the athletic type, or the type who likes to ride a bike you do not have to petal.

3. The bike speed only hits about 6 miles per hour. You are going slow and steady and will not fall off easily. That being said, you are not, under any circumstance, no matter how athletic you think you are, allowed to jump off the bike. No, no, no!

4. There are 3 different routes you can choose from:
- "the classic"
- "the brew loop"
- "the larimer loop"

each route takes about 2 hours.

5. Each bar that you stop at has a beer or drink special waiting for you! So it is relatively affordable!

6. You are allowed to bring your own beers or alcohol for while you are riding.

7. You are allowed to bring your own I-phone or I-pod to hook up for music. We did and it was awesome!

8. You meet up in front of Billy's Gourmet Hot Dogs which is the perfect place to eat after your bike and booze experience.

9. Nick started his company after a friend started a patio ride tour in Milwaukie. He told me it did well over in Milwaukie, and he thought this would be the perfect fit for a place like Denver, Colorado.

10. For more information visit their website: www.denverpatiorides.com
or,
watch the video!

Here are some more fun pictures from my experience:



The Retro Room



The Z Bar

Stay Lovely,

D.R

Editor and Curator of

Dusk & Rubies

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DIY: Your New Summer Drinks Are Here!

Can't afford a tropical vacation? That is A-Okay because here at Dusk & Rubies we have the perfect fix...you're very own tropical happy hour where the living is easy, and the drinks are even easier to make!

While in Grenada I had the pleasure of trying some new cocktails, and when I got home I had to try to recreate them. Here are three easy recipes, and some low calorie options to some oldies but goodies!

 

 

Stay Lovely,

 

D.R

 

Editor and Curator of

 

Dusk & Rubies

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Girl's Guide to Lake House Livin'

Three weekends ago a gaggle of us girls went up to Claryville New York for a surprise bachelorette party. We spent it in the luxury of a beautiful lake house with full lake access. Our stay from Friday to Sunday was complete with barbecue, beers, kayaking, chess, dining, whooping, dancing, and of course smashing the Bachelorette's face in the cake.

Naturally, the first question girl's ask each other is what are you wearing? So the first bit of information is what to wear:

If you know one thing about me it is that I hate over packing. I rather pack exactly what I need, so I pack actual outfits with pieces I can use multiple times in different ways to save space. I packed just my back pack and I was good to go. Here is my four outfits for the weekend:

1. For a girl's night out, or for hanging around the fire grab your light wash boyfriend denim, and a lace comfortable cream top pair with flip flops.

2. For day time on the lake don your best two piece suit, and sandals that can get wet!

3. Re-use those boyfriend jeans, and the flip flops you packed, and add a cami and a black lace jacket. This outfit is relaxed enough to hang out with the girls and barbecue, but is also something you could easily go out in.

4. Pajamas that also duel as clothes to wear on the ride home when you need something comfy and you're stuck in traffic is a must! I suggest yoga pants, and a hoodie. 

Voila! These were my four outfits, all of which fit in my back pack!

Next is girls always want to contribute: a casserole, a quiche, beers, no one likes to show up empty handed. Here is what I brought:

I also brought: almonds, oatmeal, and popcorn which everyone appreciated! All healthy and enjoyable foods!

Are you going away for a lake house weekend? Send us pictures of your perfect lake house livin' outfits!

Like always stay lovely,

D.R

Editor and Curator of

Dusk & Rubies

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Grenada: 1 Country 5 Ways



 

Hello lovelies! Long time no post, but don't you start worrying about me. I have been in the beautiful, breathtaking country of Grenada. I am newly sun kissed, well fed, and still high off my last trip. Now, don't you feel silly for worrying? Speaking of my newest adventure, I am here to give you all the details on how you can make the most of your vacation if you ever choose to visit the friendly peoples of Grenada. Are you ready? Ready, Set....Let's Jet!

1. For the Fittie:

Where to stay: The Grenadian Rex Resorts. Wake up for your pre-morning workout either: yoga on Magazine or Pink Gin private beaches, laps in the pool, or a run on the treadmill. Then, it is off to the Cinnamon Café for an all you can eat papaya and granola at their delicious breakfast buffet. Mmmm!

Mid-Morning: Catch some rays down on the beach by kayaking or taking a sailing lesson! There is nothing like toning your arms and core while basking in some tropical sunlight!

Afternoon: Head up to the pool restaurant where lunch is served buffet style with delicious salads and toppers like corn, king fish, sword fish, egg plant, carrots, and onions! Then it is time for a game of tennis! Go head girl grab your racket, can of Wilsons and you're ready to play that 10 game pro!



Dinner: The Oriental Room has elegance and a carving station every night! Have your protein plated expertly, you're going to need it when tomorrow comes and consists of the same fit-life!

 

2. For The Tourist:

If you're camera doesn't stop clicking, and a good day is based on the amount of shots you've got in, then you are by our definition a tourey.

Morning: Go down to the beach front rooms and walk along the shore for some superb sites.

 

 

 

Afternoon: Take a taxi to Grand Anse beach, and soak in the culture, and yet another vision of limitless blue. Bask in the green foliage of plant life, and take some artsy photos!

 

 

 

 

Early Evening: Watch the sun set on Prickley Bay. There is no shot quite like the numerous white sail boats docked in the bay against a myriad of tropical colors!

 

3. For The Aristocrat:

 

Only the best of the best for you? Where to stay: The Coyaba or Maca Bana. (Is this a couples getaway? Then, we suggest Maca Bana where you and your significant other will have a cabin on a cliff overlooking a beautiful beach all to yourself. Want to know how to top that? Hot tub with a view...boom!...we just did it, didn't we?) The Coyaba is situated on Grand Anse Beach with a private area just for you and your boo!

 

 

 

 

Midday: Grab some culinary perfection at Aquarium (the restaurant is situated below the cabanas at Maca Bana), or swim up to the pool bar at Coyaba.

 

                                    

                                     

 

Night: Relax in the hot tub next to your cabana on top of a cliff overlooking the ocean, head over to Umbrellas a restaurant next to Coyaba, and top your night off by ordering a massage. C'est magnifique!

 



 

4. For the Beach Bum:

 

Morning: Slather on some SPF and grab a fresh towel you're heading to the beach! But, you need to grab some sustenance to snack on while there, and a good book to read. Why not read what I read while on vaca? May I suggest Jemima J by Jane Green.

 

                                                                     

Midday: Saddle up to the pool bar just a couple feet away and grab yourself something light like their local beer called Carib. Absolutely refreshing, and now I think it is time for you to turn over. You want to get an even tan.

 

Night: the sun sets at 6:30 pm here, so by 5 it is time to wade into the nearby water to not only cool off but bring out your hard day's work. Oh the life of a beach bum!

 

 

 

 5. For the Adventurer:

 

Morning: Grenada is known for its spices, so it is only natural that Grenada would offer the adventurous a spice and nut tour! Your hotel should offer information but if you want the details now here they are:

 

"On this 4.5-hour tour, discover why Grenada is known as the ‘Island of Spice!’ Visit three picturesque Grenada spice gardens: the private Sunnyside Garden; De La Grenade's Spice Garden Trail, where you'll taste local jams and jellies; and Smithy's Garden, where you'll enjoy its 'jungle' atmosphere. See what makes Grenada’s nutmeg the best around as you learn about the process of producing nutmeg, along with other spices, from your expert guide."

 

Pricing: One website quoted around $70 dollars.

 

Afternoon: If you love hiking and secret waterfalls then I completely suggest doing the Waterfall Hike. This was also offered through our hotel The Grenadian A Rex Resort. I found this information located on Viator:

 

"Hike through a tropical rainforest in Grenada on this 4.5-hour small-group hiking tour Visit Grand Etang National Park and enjoy a moderate hike through the lush, scenic rainforest. Your knowledgeable guide will point out various spice trees, root crops and vegetables that line the walking path. See beautiful waterfalls; spot various wildlife including monkeys and armadillos; and take a refreshing swim in a natural pool."

 

Pricing: This website quoted $60.00

 

Evening: The Owl Restaurant and Bar has crab races, and dancing! But have you ever watched a crab race over some Grenadian Rum? Yes, this is a once in a life time event. Check out there webpage here.

                                                      

 

Stay right here with me as I continue to give you the info, photos, and talk Grenadian lifestyle with all of you lovelies!

 

Have you ever been to Grenada send us your photos, suggestions, and stories at our e-mail: duskandrubies@gmail.com. We would love to hear from you!

 

Stay Lovely,

 

D.R

Editor and Curator of

 

Dusk & Rubies

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How To Be Successful...As An Extra In A Commercial

Whoever said you can't have your metaphorical cake, and eat it too may be correct, but when it comes to Guinness I'll speak from experience: a girl can definitely have her Guinness and drink it too!

Two Mondays ago I had a really awesome, once in a lifetime experience playing around on the set of a Guinness commercial. While on set I met some new people, and hung around with some old buds, with no Buds or Bud Lite Limes in site- this was a promotional shoot for Guinness for goodness sakes! Not only did I really enjoy the experience (I equate it to I Love Lucy's Vitameatavegimen episode), I also learned a lot about extra work. Here are some tips, things to do. not to do, and other information that might prove helpful for you!

Reasons to become an extra:

1. If you're interested in pursuing a career in entertainment, then you have to start building up your resume. A great place to start is by being an extra, especially if it is your first time in front of a camera. (I've been a camera before at two live tapings of Tyra Bank's talk show- I even had a few lines to say/ few reaction shots highlighted. I have also had to sign a waiver to be an extra in a live action sequence on Disney's Hollywood Studios Lot.) I found this experience just as fun, but completely different. 



Circa 2007. This always makes me laugh.

2. If you're off from work, or looking for a side job to make extra money, then this is a great gig because you can create your own schedule.

 

3. If you are just interested in the whole movie magic process than you will definitely learn a lot by being involved, even if it is just as an extra. I learned a lot on set, and I'm a bit of a nerd so I absolutely loved learning about something new to me!

 

Reasons to NOT become an extra:

 

1. If you're trying to get noticed right away extra work is not for you. As an extra you are seen and not heard, and sometimes because of the way the shot is cropped you're not seen either. If you're just happy to be there like I was then I suggest definitely trying it out!

2. If you have a problem with working over time, or waiting around for lengths at a time while lighting is being set up, then being an extra is not for you. I took the time to get to know the people I was working with, so waiting did not bother me at all.

3. If you're not the type of person who can follow directions then extra work is not for you. The director and producer are always setting, and resetting, telling the extras to "go back to 1", giving direction, and making sure your pint glass (in our case) is facing towards the camera so the logo could be seen. You need to have your eyes and ears open at all times.

Some cool facts I learned on set at the Guinness commercial:

1. Yes, those people in the bar scenes are actually enjoying a nice cold beverage.

2. No, when they are all cheering for their favorite team the television was not even on...too much noise.

3. Unfortunately, to my boyfriend's dismay, you cannot just repeat the words "peas and carrots" again and again. It does not look natural what-so-ever.

4. It is really hard to act like you are having a conversation while you are pantomiming with another person, because in actuality there are two separate conversations going on at once. 

5. Probably the most fascinating facts I learned was that Nigeria is one of the top three countries to sell more Guinness than the United States. Guinness for 200 please!

Here are some more photos from my glamorous day as an extra:



Waiting to be brought down to set!





Guinness themed bar called The Perfect Pint  in NYC.

Stay Lovely,

D.R

Editor and Curator of

Dusk & Rubies

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What To Wear: To A Festival

Firstly, I apologize for being M.I.A from the blogosphere. I have had quite the tumultuous, exciting, and daunting couple of weeks as of late. (Part of me is upset that last sentence lacked parallelism but it will just have to do!) Anyway, of course this means there is a lot to share, but the most exciting is yet to come. The month of August will play host to most of my traveling opportunities this summer; I leave for Grenada today, and then Colorado. I also might be making a quick trip to Orlando (since I won a vacation for four! But hmmm who should I take?) 

Now, onto what this post is truly about: The Great South Bay Festival and even more importantly something ridiculously awesome I saw there! You know I am a big fan, and advocate for small businesses. I love their attention to detail, the personable ways in which they make sure their clientele is taken care of, and of course the amount of passion and hard work that goes into creating something truly unique. That being said, I found the next small business I wanted to highlight on my blog. Their store is named, fittingly, Nomad. I became acquainted with this business at GSB!

Let's talk about how great of an idea this is! Food trucks are extremely popular right now. There are even television shows dedicated to those who aspire to own and operate their own food truck businesses. So why not fill a truck with delicious creations that won't add inches to your waist line, but rather cleverly hide, cinch, embellish, or highlight your lovely attributes instead? I'll take a second helping of that please, with a large statement ring on top!



My sister trying on rings.



Beautiful jewelry displays.

Here are just some of the items Dusk & Rubies loved, and thought were perfect for festival wear:

Check out more of their cool swag, and when and where this truck will be visiting a city near you on their Facebook page!

Stay Lovely,

D.R

Editor and Curator of

Dusk & Rubies

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Part of the WSWP: Women Support Women Project:

Know someone who is starting a small business and is looking for press? E-mail us your story, and your business may be chosen to have an article written about it [duskandrubies@gmail.com]

Written by: Danielle A. Rufrano
NYS Teacher Certification in English Language Arts
Freelance writer for: yourzenlife.com and getfesty.com
BA in English, 2010

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