Date Night: Mixology Class

Jonah and I had yet another date with HowAboutWe, a company with the goal of helping people fall in love and stay in love, and we chose a mixology class! Since we've made dumplings, heard Ira Glass talk and gone indoor skydiving, it seemed like a celebratory drink was in order, and the class turned out to be the perfect blend of fun and learning. You can sign up for free to browse HowAboutWe's date options, and as a bonus, use this link to get $50 off your first date! (New members only, offer expires May 31, 2014.)

The mixology class was sponsored by Tanqueray, so we learned all about the history of gin and the delicious cocktails you can make with it. For someone who has always thought that gin tastes like pine trees, I discovered I actually like a drink with gin when it's done right.

Two entertaining and knowledgeable bartenders talked us through the cocktail-making at The Royalton Hotel in midtown Manhattan, which has a great bar and huge lounge of a lobby if you're ever looking for a place to grab a drink. Jonah loved hearing about the history and science of gin, and I loved the plate of truffles and chocolate-covered strawberries we got to snack on. We each made a French 75 and an Aviation, and they were both delicious! It was a perfect way to spend a cold Saturday afternoon.

Here's the recipe for an Aviation, a gorgeous and tasty cocktail, if you're interested.

The Aviation

2 oz. gin

1/4 oz. maraschino liqueur, such as Luxardo

1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice

1/4 oz. creme de violette

Pour the gin, maraschino liqueur and lemon juice into a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice. Shake well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Drizzle creme de violette into glass. Garnish with lemon peel.

For our next date, I'm eyeing a movie night, this urban foraging outing and this glassblowing class. Interested in HowAboutWe? Sign up for free to browse their date options and be sure to use this link to get $50 off your first date!

Our date and this post were made possible by HowAboutWe.

Date Night: Indoor Skydiving in Seattle

While we were in Seattle for Thanksgiving, Jonah and I went on one of our date nights through HowAboutWe, a membership service that sets up dates designed to fit all sorts of interests. You just browse their site and pick the dates you like, they do the rest. So far we've made dumplings and heard Ira Glass talk, so for something completely different, we decided to give indoor skydiving a try.

First of all, I'm a scaredy-cat / major chicken, but Jonah seemed interested in the indoor skydiving date at iFly, so I decided to put on a brave face and give it go. I was anxious beforehand -- seriously, I cannot understand how people leap into the actual sky from actual planes -- but our instructor and everyone we encountered was friendly, professional and super excited, which of course, makes you feel super excited. We had a run-through on how your body should be positioned and hand signals to know so you can make adjustments, then suited up -- jumpsuit, earplugs, goggles and helmet. See how cool we look.

We each got two turns in the flight chamber. My first attempt was not the greatest. I was so concerned with my legs that I forgot to keep my chin up, which makes all the difference. I knew how to correct for my second attempt, which was much more enjoyable and awesome-looking. Random strangers even high-fived me when I was finished. We had so much fun! I can totally understand people going on repeat visits, learning more, improving and getting to do cool tricks. It was just enough adrenalin for my taste, the kind that makes you all happy and giggly. Speaking of giggly, our mid-air photos continue to be a source of amusement for everyone who sees them. I can't wait to force people to watch the DVD.




For our January date, I'm eyeing this at-home couples massage, this brewery tour and this drawing class at the Met. I can't wait for our next big night out. Interested in HowAboutWe? Sign up for free to browse their date options and be sure to use this link to get $50 off your first date!

Our date and this post were made possible by HowAboutWe.

Date Night: Live from the New York Public Library

Last week, Jonah and I headed to the New York Public Library in Bryant Park for our second date night through HowAboutWe, a membership service that sets up dates designed to fit pretty much any interest (like making dumplings) -- all you have to do is show up!

This date was of the educational sort, a Q&A with Ira Glass of This American Life fame and Nico Muhly, the youngest composer to ever have his work performed at the Metropolitan Opera House. We initially picked the date because we both love This American Life and could listen to Ira Glass talk all day long. Sometimes I make Jonah do his Ira Glass impression, and it just kills me.

The whole discussion was fascinating. It felt like a music appreciation class with bits of religion, technology and a few good laughs thrown in. I've actually never been to the opera, but the conversation piqued my interest ...maybe that should be our next date.

Bonus, we got to snack on coffee, tea and one of my favorite New York treats, cream'wiches! All in all, a pretty great Tuesday night.

Interested in HowAboutWe? Sign up for free to browse their date options and be sure to use this link to get $50 off your first date!

PS - Remember to join in on this month's date night photo project!

Our date and this post were made possible by HowAboutWe.

Godiva Truffle Flights Giveaway

Update: Cathi of Everyday Adventures of a Curious Gal is the winner. Congrats!

I felt selfish going on and on about Godiva's new Truffle Flights while you were probably sitting in front of your computer completely truffle-less. Thankfully, Godiva is offering a generous giveaway to make up for it. One lucky winner will receive all six Truffle Flights! The tasting journeys include ultimate dessert, dark decadence, nut lovers, heavenly mousse, milk chocolate lovers and cake truffles. That's 36 truffles (a $96 value) to share or eat all by yourself. No judgement here.

For a chance to win, just leave a comment below before noon on Friday, October 4, telling me which Truffle Flight you're most excited to try. You can learn more about each truffle flight here. One winner will be chosen at random. Good luck!

Thanks to Godiva Chocolatier for sponsoring this giveaway for SoHo readers.

Godiva Truffle Flights Tasting

On Tuesday night, I hosted a tasting with Godiva where my special guests and I had the chance to try Godiva's new Truffle Flights. It was so much fun to attend with fellow bloggers, readers and friends and enjoy delicious chocolate together on a chilly New York night. Godiva's Chef David taught us the correct way to eat a truffle and fully experience all of its flavors, and he took us through the inspiration and intention of two truffle flights, the cake and the dark decadence.

The cake flight includes: birthday, hummingbird pineapple, cheesecake, red velvet, chocolate lava and lemon chiffon cake truffles. There were raves about the cheesecake and lemon chiffon in particular.

I opted for the dark decadence, which includes: dark chocolate vanilla mousse, chocolate soufflé, 50% dark, chocolate lava cake, 72% extra dark and aztec spice. I especially enjoyed the lava cake and the aztec spice truffles. I'm amazed by all the tastes and textures Godiva packs into each bite. I hope you get a chance to taste them for yourself! See more photos from the event and get a closeup look at those truffles on Godiva's tumblr.

Thanks to Godiva Chocolatier for hosting the event and providing me with product and compensation for this post. All content is based on my own experience and opinion.

VIP Tasting Experience with Godiva

Calling all chocolate-loving New Yorkers: I'm teaming up with Godiva for a special event on Tuesday, September 17. Godiva is launching their new collection of Truffle Flights. Like a wine flight, the selection of truffles takes you on a tasting journey. There are six different assortments: nut lovers, dark decadence, heavenly mousse, cake truffles, ultimate dessert and milk chocolate lovers. I've loved Godiva since I was a little girl and am so excited to taste some of these delicious-looking truffles. Best of all, you can attend too!

Come join me in the VIP tent, and we'll sample a truffle flight together led by one of Godiva's chefs! Space is limited so contact me as soon as possible if you'd like to attend. Just send me an email at southernhostess[at]gmail.com and I'll let you know the details. Hope to see you there on Tuesday!

Get Your Shop On

Not only is Lydali one of my wonderful sponsors, but they have a mission I support and beautiful housewares, jewelry and accessories with distinct style. The online shop is a collection of curated products from all around the world, connecting shoppers to the artisans who create each item. Here are a few pieces that I think would make great Valentine's Day gifts. And if you order between now and February 14 with the promo code: VALENTINE you'll receive free shipping!

If you're interested in becoming a sponsor of The SoHo, email me at southernhostess[at]gmail.com