Living Life With Passion And Storied Sweetness

This #PassionDefinedRemyRefined sponsored post has been compensated by #CollectiveBias, Inc. and its advertiser. As always, my #DetroitSweepstakes and defined opinions are my own. The following content is intended for readers who are 21 or older.

I am a person that will always live with passion. Some facets of it were bred from my earliest memories. While other folds of interest needed to age within me like a fine bourbon. And as I approach the end of another decade, my passion has simply evolved toward pursuing an authentic life. 

“A common definition of “authenticity” in psychology refers to the attempt to live one’s life according to the needs of one’s inner being, rather than the demands of society or one’s early conditioning.”  Wikipedia

Knowing I have one life to live fully, I started embracing all my quirks and contradictions. And my enthusiasm flows with following my most inspired yearnings. I’m naturally drawn to things when they themselves have a history to tell. And I love sharing those things that have lived a life steeped in strength that others could gain wisdom from.

But the biggest hurdle I ever had in realizing my own happiness? Was that I didn’t have to be defined by only one of the things I garnered an interest in. Nor did I need to be limited in pursuing any one success.

The accomplishment of singing the Star Spangled Banner for 30,000 people didn’t end the second I walked out of that stadium. I’m still the same Lifestyle Expert I was last year when I was invited to do multiple segments on WNEM Channel 5. And self-publishing granted me my professional byline long before the actual print-work did this year.

My success today is based on everything I contribute to. But it was blogging that took me right back to my love of stories told in the kitchen. Of fresh produce, comfort food, and simple recipes. To not only relish the luxury that simplicity can offer, but to honor the quality that often comes with it.

One example of quality I love, is Rémy Martin Cognac. And they have crafted up an inspiring sweepstakes offering a grand prize that would ignite anyone’s passion! You totally have to see if for yourself, so here are the official details on how to enter and what you’d win:

To enter the sweepstakes, the Entrant must log on to his/her Twitter account and (i) follow @RemyRefined (if he/she does not already), and (ii) Tweet an image of Entrant showing their life passion and including the hashtags #RemyRefined and either #ChicagoSweepstakes, #DetroitSweepstakes, or #StLouisSweepstakes, depending on Entrant’s state of residence.

Grand Prize (1): The grand prize winner will receive a mentor for one (1) year to help winner live out his/her passion and a check for $5,000 (“Grand Prize”).

First Prize (15 [five (5) per location]): Each first prize winner will receive two (2) tickets to a Jhené Aiko concert on either August 12, 2016 for Michigan winners, August 16, 2016 for Illinois winners, or August 17, 2016 for Missouri winners, a meet and greet with Jhené Aiko, and a Rémy Martin gift bag (“First Prize”).

Second Prize (30 [ten (10) per location]): Each second prize winner will receive two (2) tickets to a Jhené Aiko concert on either August 12, 2016 for Michigan winners, August 16, 2016 for Illinois winners, or August 17, 2016for Missouri winners (“Second Prize’).

No Purch. Nec. Ends 8/31/16. 21+, IL, MI, MO only, Rules: RemyRefined.com

What did I tell you? Awesome right? Doesn’t that make you want to sing your own tune? As part of this post, I was even asked me to create my own cocktail drink using Rémy Martin VSOP. To which I couldn’t have been more delighted to create this Storied Sweetness.

A cognac spiked iced tea, this cocktail recipe relies first on an experience. An iced tea that is steeped with ripe apricots and fresh vanilla beans. With hints of apricots and vanilla itself, the smooth Rémy Martin VSOP will not only blend in taste but in color with the black tea as well.

A perfect drink for invoking some passion into an otherwise normal drink. All while steeping inspiration into a typical day.

• Simply place 6 cups boiling water with 3 halved apricots and 2-3 fresh vanilla beans into a glass jar.
• Add your loose leaf or pre-measured black tea bags to brew for 3-5 minutes.
• Lastly, a ¼ cup of rock sugar.
• Once your ice tea has steeped 4-6 hours, add one sphere or wedge of ice to a rocks glass.
• Add in 1oz of Rémy Martin VSOP.
• Then pour in 1-3oz iced tea to taste.

Because while I do love sipping cognac straight, there are other days that leave me inspired to mix it up a bit. To blend that quality experience with the simplest of pleasures. And thereby creating a new experience that builds upon itself.       

The world’s first and favorite Fine Champagne Cognac, the Rémy Martin VSOP it’s #1 in the United States. And I’d highly recommend the Rémy Martin 1738® for sipping with great company as well! I find this cognac is perfect for sipping straight. And is made from the most sought after grapes to produce an incredible spirit. One built upon 300 years of passionate commitment to time, tradition and respect of the land.

Now it’s your turn! I’d love to hear about how all your passions define who you are! Make sure to take a minute and tweet to enter this great Rémy Martin sweepstakes. And then comment below to tell me what you’d create and call your own cocktail!