Category: Drink

Unboxing Day: Drink qii

Ever wondered what you can do keep your mouth its’ healthiest?! Besides brushing, flossing, and mouthwash splashing…

Here’s a new idea:

It’s qii (pronounced: chee)

“Introducing qii, the worlds first drink that tackles your oral health so you can unleash the power within. qii is formulated with XyVita which works by reducing your mouth’s acidity and risk of tooth decay while freshening your breath.”

I know what you’re thinking “Uh Rena, this isn’t coffee.” and I know but I don’t ALWAYS drink coffee…I love water, tea, cranberry juice and a good ol’ Mountain Dew when there isn’t a cup of java in front of me. Plus, this qii drink has some benefits!

Anything that can help your oral health sounds good to me! Especially when it’s something you can easily carry with you when you’re on the go or just chillin’. Bonus, it quenches your thirst too!

SO, how does it taste?

Not bad actually!

There’s currently two flavors, Classic Oolong Tea and Lemongrass Ginger Green Tea. I’ve had the opportunity to taste both…yes, I’ll always be the guinea pig for you guys. Of those two flavors, my favorite is the Classic Oolong Tea. It wasn’t really sweet at all and didn’t leave an aftertaste (which I was definitely worried about.) The Classic Oolong tastes like regular tea so yay! The Lemongrass Ginger Green Tea ehhh not my favorite and it definitely leaves an aftertaste. I LOVE ginger so that wasn’t it so it had to be the lemongrass flavor that wasn’t best FOR ME. If lemongrass is your thing then this flavor is certainly for you! Other than that, I’m absolutely glad this new drink brand is getting off the ground and promoting a healthy oral mouth!

Interested? Want to grab a qii with me?

Follow along here:  Twitter drink qii // Facebook drink qii

Read more about qii on their website and enter to win some FRREEEE qii! Yes FREE!

Disclaimer: I was given this product for free to try and promote.

Starbucks Zombie Frappucino

 



 

Coming for a Starbucks near you muuuhahaha (that’s my best scary laugh lol)

 

(photos via Starbucks.com)

 

 

UPDATE:

I TRIED IT!!!

You knew this would happen! So, the very next day, I decided to go out and try it (I also bought a caramel frappucino just in case this was god awful…gotta think ahead) The flavor was more mocha than green caramel apple to me. The apple flavor was more of an after taste but it wasn’t bad…I mean, it could’ve been worse. If you want to try it…go now…you have today (October 30th) and tomorrow (October 31st) ONLY!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The colorful frozen treat is filled with apple and caramel flavors. Not sure if I’ll grab one because these aren’t flavors that I particularly love BUT and that’s a big but…I don’t want to have FOMO (fear of missing out). 

The Zombie Frappucino is only available between October 26th- October 31st so if you’re going to try it, you better hurry in to your nearest store and grab one!!

 

You’ll know if I grab one…let me know if you do!

 

 



Sipping at Starbucks: Unicorn Frappuccino

Rumors circulated around the interwebs for weeks…

A colorful drink that no one thought existed until the week of April 17th.  That’s when actual pictures of the mythical Unicorn Frappuccino drink surfaced (well, that’s when I saw actual pics.)

Starbucks then gave us a countdown til the release of the beast for consumption on April 19th! We wouldn’t know what it tasted like until you actually took a sip. Claims of color changing and flavor changing liquids are things for the science fair Gods but here we are as adults in 2017 getting hype for unicorns!

Now, of course, nothing in the coffee world that’s pink, blue or purple is acceptable but I didn’t want to be that person living with regret because I didn’t try this Unicorn Frappuccino. So, bright eyed and bushy-top knotted, I made my way to my favorite Starbucks to try it.

After chatting with my ever-so-peppy barista (seriously, Steve is the best) he handed me my very own sparkly unicorn!

 

 

Not an actual unicorn but this Unicorn Frappuccino will do! It is indeed color changing and flavor changing!

At first sip, it reminded me of those orange creamsicles that you could get off the ice cream truck back in the day (that is, if you’re old enough to remember.)  The actual color of the drink started off pink with a blue drizzle strip in the middle and as the drink melted or got stirred it would change into a purple color! Whip cream was topped off with sour sugar that change the flavor of the drink if mixed in. 

If you recall mixing your primary paints in kindergarten, you learned that mixing certain colors together gave you a whole new color!

The flavor wasn’t my favorite… Mostly because, I like a regular coffee frapp (clearly) and I don’t like the creamy fruit flavors of anything…or creamy slushes. It wasn’t the worst thing I’ve ever tasted ( I did read a few tweets on release day that people said it was disgusting and to each their own.)

As a limited time offering, it was worth it try the Unicorn Frappuccino from Starbucks but it probably wouldn’t be on my daily must-have list. Back to our regularly scheduled coffee.

Lavazza Coffee x New York Fashion Week

lavazza coffee new york fashion week

‘Tis the season for snow, street fashion, and super models in New York!

 

New York Fashion week has kicked off and there’s a new sponsor in town. Lavazza coffee signed on to be one of the sponsors this fashion season and hosted a few tasting (tasty) events. The Lavazza Coffee Moment happening during NYFW at Skylight Clarkson Square in the Papyrus Café & VIP Lounge. 

 

NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 10: Lavazza coffee and Papyrus cards on display at Lavazza Coffee Moment At NYFW VIP Lounge & Cafe at Skylight Clarkson Sq on February 10, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for Lavazza)

 

 

NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 10: The menu at the Lavazza Coffee Moment At NYFW VIP Lounge & Cafe at Skylight Clarkson Sq on February 10, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for Lavazza)

 

NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 10: Lavazza espresso on display at the Lavazza Coffee Moment At NYFW VIP Lounge & Cafe at Skylight Clarkson Sq on February 10, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for Lavazza)

 

NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 10: Lavazza coffee served at the Papyrus cafe at the Lavazza Coffee Moment At NYFW VIP Lounge & Cafe at Skylight Clarkson Sq on February 10, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for Lavazza)

 

Bummed, I’m not in New York to experience this particular event (and the many runway shows) because it sure looks delicious! Fellow coffee lovers that aren’t in NYC, we must converged one of these days!

 

 

 

 

 

Endless Summer VoxBox from Influenster

Hey, I got an Influenster VoxBox! Feels like forever since I’ve had the pleasure of getting such goodies.

 

And goodies they were! See more of what’s included…

 

maxfactor

Max Factor

High Precision Liquid Eyeliner + Masterpiece Max Mascara.

OK, this eyeliner tip is absolute genius! I’ve used countless liquid liners over the years but none like this! The shape allows you to get both a thick line AND a thin line just by simply turning the liner. There’s no hard work…just simply turn the liner in your hand, it’s all about how you hold it to create the perfect line you want! Downside to this great tip….it isn’t soft at all. It feels like a rough tip marker. I would love for this to go on smoother.

As for the mascara…it did show up as promised “four times more volume on natural lashes” so that’s a plus. It didn’t clump either…double plus! All the pics I took didn’t show how happy I was with using both of these which is a bummer but overall, I’m glad to have tried both.

 

numitea

Numi Tea

Organic Turmeric, Jasmine Green, and Pu-erh

Yes, I love me some coffee but I DO drink lots of tea as well. To be perfectly honest, I’ve only tried the the caffeine free Jasmine Green Tea…definitely floral and fragrant. It had a nice taste to it but not my cup of tea (no pun intended.) I’d love to try all the flavors of this brand one day…when I’m back on caffeine again. After visiting their website, I love everything that they’re doing for other communities and their blog with tons of recipes and such. Be sure to check them out.

 

notyourmothers

Not Your Mother’s Way to Grow Leave-In Conditioner

Love leave-in conditioners! As a part-time curly hair girl, having a good leave-in on the days I go heat free and air dry is a MUST! The smell was nice and light…didn’t feel like it was weighing my already thick strands down. Bottom line, this just might be a new fave for me.

 

sechenails

Seche Nail Polish

sechenailsinfluenster

This polish was…meh. The application was smooth and I absolutely loved the fast drying top coat but the manicure didn’t last more than a couple of days. I didn’t do anything out of the ordinary during the time I had it on but it certainly started to chip on the SECOND day of wear. By the weekend, I was peeling it off by hand without polish remover. Not sure if I’d actually spend money on this brand of polish in the future. Perhaps, I might get one bottle just to see if it holds up better…I’ll keep you posted.

 

irontek

Iron Tek Essential Protein

Despite being a “protein shake” (and chocolate…personally not a fan of chocolate, I know, I can hear you all screaming at me now) this shake was quite delicious! I already have shaker bottles so I used that one Saturday morning to mix up and I was good to go! I’d definitely buy these in other flavors like vanilla and please for the love of all things great, make a strawberry flavor!

 

Sooo yea! Crazy good goodies!

Disclaimer: These items were given to me for free by Influenster for my honest opinion.  

National Coffee Day 2016 is Here!

Get excited fellow coffee lovers and connoisseurs, our holiday is finally upon us again! September 29th is here and it’s National Coffee Day! If you’ve followed me around for the last 4 years, you know I take this day serious!

Have a blast from past celebrations here at Curves And Coffee:

~ A Coffee Break with The CEO of Camus Coffee

~ National Coffee Day: Featuring Camus Coffee

~ Celebrate National Coffee Day (Night) with Sobieski Espresso Vodka

 

Every year, select establishments that serve the drink we love so much will be offering some caffeine infused deals. Of course I’ve already done the digging for you so take a looksie below to see where to stop for a little (probably a lot) of java!

 

Einstein Bros – Free medium coffee with purchase

Peets Coffee – Free coffee with food purchase

Dunkin Donuts – Medium coffee for $0.66

Krispy Kreme – Free small coffee + free original glazed donut

Pilot Flying J – Free coffee + other hot beverages

I think this list is getting shorter and shorter every year and that absolutely sucks! More retailers should take advantage of this day to give back to its’ loyalist of customers (just saying ya know).

Speaking of giving back…for National Coffee Day, Starbucks will donate a coffee tree for every brewed cup of México Chiapas coffee. So grab your dollars for the Mexico Chiapas so Starbucks can plant a tree! That’s definitely a win-win situation!

If you know of anymore deals, feel free to send them to me via Twitter or email!

Remember, sharing is caring.

 

US Open 2016: Lavazza x Andre Agassi “I’m Back”

The US Open kicked off on Monday and I couldn’t be more excited! Not only do I get to see my favorite sport on east coast hours but the legendary Andre Agassi is making his return. Lavazza helped celebrate his return to the US Open. After a decade of being gone from the US Open, he returned.
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 30: A Lavazza Andre Agassi group performs at Union Square on August 30, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images for Lavazza)
NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 30: A Lavazza Andre Agassi group performs at Union Square on August 30, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images for Lavazza)

Ok, that isn’t Andre Agassi but a flash mob of blonde mullet lookalikes that invaded Union Station in New York. Earlier on Tuesday, Agassi teamed up with Lavazza for a celebration that included the flash mob and coffee at NYC’s Nomo Kitchen.

NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 30: Andre Agassi at the kickoff party announcing his global partnership with Lavazza at NOMO Kitchen on August 30, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images for Lavazza)
NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 30: Andre Agassi at the kickoff party announcing his global partnership with Lavazza at NOMO Kitchen on August 30, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images for Lavazza)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 30: Atmosphere shot from the Lavazza kickoff event for a global partnership with Andre Agassi at Nomo Kitchen on August 30, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images for Lavazza)
NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 30: Atmosphere shot from the Lavazza kickoff event for a global partnership with Andre Agassi at Nomo Kitchen on August 30, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images for Lavazza)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 30: A Lavazza Andre Agassi group performs at Union Square on August 30, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images for Lavazza)
NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 30: A Lavazza Andre Agassi group performs at Union Square on August 30, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images for Lavazza)
Lavazza Celebrates: the Return of Andre Agassi to the US Open
I don’t know about you but I definitely want a cup of Lavazza after seeing this frothy brewed cup.
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 30: Atmosphere shot from the Lavazza kickoff event for a global partnership with Andre Agassi at Nomo Kitchen on August 30, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images for Lavazza)
NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 30: Atmosphere shot from the Lavazza kickoff event for a global partnership with Andre Agassi at Nomo Kitchen on August 30, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images for Lavazza)

To top off all of this goodness, Lavazza will be donating a portion of their sales during the US Open to the Andre Agassi Foundation which will support the education of children. “For every cup of Lavazza coffee ($3) purchased at the US Open this year, one dollar ($1) will be donated to the USTA to support the Andre Agassi Foundation.”  So if you’re in the New York area and going to see some tennis, be sure to help the kids and get your brew crew on!

National Coffee Day 2015

It’s finally time for everyone else to celebrate what I (and other fellow coffee lovers) celebrate every single day…

drum roll please

 

It’s National Coffee Day!

 

Check out these national chains who are game to give us free coffee (or discounted deals) on a cup of java!

Krispy Kreme

Dunkin’ Donuts

Peet’s Coffee

 

I’m slightly bummed some chains aren’t offering a free cup like they did in previous years but don’t let that stop you! Be sure to stop in your local coffee shops to what deals they may be offering. Plus it’s always great to shop and spend at small businesses.

You can also show your team spirit on social media by tagging posts and pics with #NationalCoffeeDay and #CurvesAndCoffee! I’d love to see your warm indulgences!

To see past celebrations simply click here ~~~> National Coffee Day

 

Mint Juleps According to The Kentucky Derby

Counting down to the annual race today? Invite a few friends over and concoct the perfect Mint Julep with this recipe right from the horses’ mouth! Ok, so it’s not exactly from a horse but it is from the good folks over at the Kentucky Derby.

 

The Old Forester Mint Julep Recipe

kentuckyderbymintjulep
the Kentucky derby mint julep

Make a simple syrup by boiling sugar and water together for five minutes.

Cool and place in a covered container with six or eight sprigs of fresh mint, then refrigerate overnight.

Make one julep at a time by filling a julep cup with crushed ice, adding one tablespoon mint syrup and two ounces of Old Forester Kentucky Bourbon.

Stir rapidly with a spoon to frost the outside of the cup. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

2 cups sugar
2 cups water
Sprigs of fresh mint
Crushed ice
Old Forester Kentucky Bourbon
Silver Julep Cups

 

You can read up on the history of the Mint Julep all over the web so recipes may vary! Since I’m not in Kentucky to pick up any Old Forester Bourbon, I’m sure substituting with any of my (or your) favorite whiskey will do. A trick I learned to make Mint Juleps: use a pestle mortar to grind the mint and extract the flavor (saves on having to let anything sit overnight.)

Since you’re going to be drinking so early today, try to pace yourself…remember there is a fight to watch much later. Horse racing plus the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao fight, what better way to spend a sports-filled Saturday than drink mixing with friends?!

 

Have fun!

 

(this is not my recipe nor did I create it. simply sharing 🙂