Following on our adventures via Instagram – specifically Instagram stories – is a really good way to see how busy we are but also how much fun we have doing what we do best. At the end of the day, building #DoTheDaniel has taken me five years of blood, sweat and tears. But amid all of those things, there has been so much more laughter, love & life. December is always a bit of an introspective month for me where I start to look back on the lessons I have learnt over the year in order to ensure I go into the new year as the best version of myself. This past weekend I had the pleasure of heading home to Montreal with BELVEDERE, and it was one of my favourite experiences of the year. A quick in-and-out that allowed me the opportunity to connect with incredible people, eat some incredible food, dance like no one was watching, and laugh more than I have in a very long time. There is something to be said about experiences and moments like that, even if they are brief, and I’m happy for the chance to share it with you all.
While I encourage you to watch the specific highlight from the trip on our Instagram account here, I wanted to tell you what about this trip made me so happy. Life is getting busier than ever for me here at the blog, and while I am in the process of interviews to expand the team not only here in Toronto but in new Canadian cities, I think sometimes I lose sight of my necessity to relax for the sake of relaxing. Amid running the blog, writing content, attending events, working on getting my first book published… I usually get home and collapse on the couch or in my bed. I wholeheartedly love what I do, but prior to this past weekend, I can’t remember the last time I went out dancing for the sake of going out to dance. And it is all thanks to BELVEDERE.
But what was the reason for the quick trip you ask? Well, the launch of the beautiful new #BelvedereXLaolu bottle is upon us in Canada, and to celebrate they brought together some of the best content creators in French Canada and extended the invite for me to join them for an experience like no other. Every year for the last eight years, BELVEDERE has created a bottle which offers us the consumer the chance to help make the world a better place. When I think about the money I spend on purchasing beautiful items such as this limited edition bottle, it makes me happy to know that it will be a purchase that gives back to something I am quite passionate about.
“When Laolu paints a subject, each design is unique to what he believes depicts their inner beauty. This phenomenal message is seamlessly in line with our mission to reveal the unexpected beauty in life,” said Rodney Williams, president of Belvedere Vodka. “Also as a social advocate and former human rights attorney, Laolu’s philosophies align with our commitment to community and creating positive action in the world; in this case, the program supports (RED) and the Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa, a mission we’ve been supporting for 8 years.”
Two years ago I was lucky enough to go to NYC (for the first time ever) for a similar experience. Click here to read how incredible that trip was alongside some pretty fantastic people in my life – so although in a different city, and a different bottle, there was a certain sense of familiarity and celebration. I think that is one of my favourite parts about BELVEDERE. There is a sense of attainable luxury and of unquestioned quality. But there is also the fact that it appeases the inner collector in me – now I want all of them in my life. Someone tell BELVEDERE if they’re looking to send me a Christmas gift, I would love to round out my collection from the last eight years at home to display them on my bar.
Finally, I should once again (similar to how I did on the dedicated highlight from the trip) thank BELVEDERE for an experience that I have added to my list of favourites from 2018. Not only was I able to meet and become close with my French Canadian colleagues in the industry, but I laughed and danced the night away. Something I haven’t done in a very long time, and something that I encourage you to do with your friends after enjoying the new #BelvedereXLaolu bottle responsibly this holiday season.
For more information on what products we will continue to feature and celebrate in partnership with BELVEDERE , make sure to click here. To join in on the social media conversation taking place around the world, make sure to follow @BelvedereVodka on Twitter, @BelvedereCanada Instagram, and ‘Like’ The Belvedere Vodka Facebook Page. We can’t wait to share more exciting news and recipes with you very soon!
This post is not intended to be seen by persons under the legal alcohol drinking age or in countries with restrictions on advertising on alcoholic beverages. Please remember to enjoy responsibly and never drink and drive.
For more behind the scenes of this and other amazing brands we are working with around the world, make sure to follow along with the #DoTheDaniel Instagram account. We would love to have you join on our adventures!
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Photos: BELVEDERE, Glam Africa, BellaNaija, Hypress Live, Daniel Reyes & All Social Media accounts listed above
Cheers!
Mobile photos were taken with my #HuaweiP20Pro on the Rogers network
*Please note that this is a sponsored post – our disclosure can be found at all times by clicking here.