My Life Got Better When I Started Living it My Way

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. The following content is intended for readers who are 21 or older. #passiondefinedremyrefined #CollectiveBias

Would you believe me if I told you that I toured the Midwest as the lead singer of a popular reggae band? Fact! The opportunity to perform reggae music while living in St. Louis made me feel so connected to my island roots. Caribbean culture shaped who I am after all! I’ve performed at the Wild Hare in Chicago and opened for international recording artists like Luciano and Steel Pulse. While music had always been a passion, it had never been one I thought I could or should explore while building my academic career. But, why can’t we have it all? I’m really excited, then, that Rémy Martin feels the same way and wants to help you pursue your passions, whatever they may be.

I’m so grateful for three important role models who guided me while I navigated my varied interests. They encouraged me not to be defined by what I do and to instead do all the things that inspire me. I had no idea at the time how important that lesson was. I now know; however, that that encouragement has served as a catalyst for me to continue exploring new interests. I started a blog. I started teaching dance fitness courses. I’ve embraced opportunities to do public speaking. And, all of these things paint the picture of who I am.

Need help pursuing your passion? Enter the Rémy Martin Sweepstakes:

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, 2016 for Missouri winners (“Second Prize’).

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

One of my mottos is to live colorfully. You’ve seen my colorful clothing and outfits. You’ve seen my colorful home. I eat and drink in color as well. Here’s one of my favorite cocktails to serve during the summertime. It’s tropical, it’s bright, and it’s super tasty. I like to call it “Paradise Blend.” The drink uses Rémy Martin VSOP (or Rémy Martin 1738 on special occasions), my favorite Fine Champagne cognac. This cognac has fruity notes that blend perfectly with tropical juices.

Paradise Blend Recipe:

1 oz Rémy Martin VSOP

2 oz Tropical juice (I used a blend of pineapple, apple, carrot, and passion fruit)

Ice for shaking

Strawberry slices for garnish

Lemon slices for garnish

Directions: Shake ice, Rémy Martin VSOP, and juice together. Strain into a glass. Add garnishes et voila!

What would you most love to do if you could be supported in that endeavor? Give yourself a chance, and enter the Rémy Martin sweepstakes today.