Style & Accessories: The Cigar Bracelet

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By now you know I am very much into style and accessories- I adore bringing my love of fashion into my world of cigars whenever I can. Often, this is done through lighters, cutters, and cases. But this time, it is something I can wear.

Vintage fashion is something I am very fond of. The item I am here to introduce you to is not vintage but in fact made by a great friend. Every time I look at it I think vintage because of the timeless look and feel it carries. This is a wooden bracelet that has been designed with cigar bands. I say designed because Chancellor Karshens, the creator of this bracelet, took the time to think about how each band would look together from style and shape to color. He was also very clever to seal the inside of the band with the ribbon from a box of cigars- completing the theme with a strong sense of style!

There is a slight golden tint to the bracelet when it catches the light. I think that factor along with the ribbon that lines the interior makes me think “vintage”. It is a subtle thing- from a distance it looks like just another beautiful bracelet, but then when you get close you see the cigar bands. It makes me smile. I love how it isn’t obvious, almost understated until you really realize what it is.

Chance makes custom banded cigar fedoras, leather cuffs, flasks and more. I really appreciate his eye to detail and his placement of the bands. You can see his existing creations on his site at TOTALLY STOGED and maybe even get some ideas to have your own custom creations made.

I want to thank Chancellor for this wonderful bracelet- I adore it so much!! I enjoy showing it off each moment I can, and really enjoy the people who notice what it really represents. Cigars and fashion? Yes, I am a happy lady!

 

Smoker Spotlight: Behind The Visor

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I am very excited to introduce Jaime Valentino of Behind The Visor Magazine to you on the Smoker Spotlight! Jaime is the creator of the online magazine “Behind The Visor”, is a writer, sportbike enthusiast, and fellow cigar smoker. I had the privilege of being featured in an interview on his online magazine, but more importantly have gotten to know a great friend who understands the importance of combining the passions we have in life. Meet Jaime Valentino:

Teresa (SHCC): When people hear the word “motorcycle” or “sportbike”, different opinions may come to mind. What does it mean to you and what is the first thought or memory that triggers in your mind?

Jaime: When I hear the word sportbike or motorcycle, the first word that comes to mind is freedom. There is a freedom to riding a motorcycle that people who don’t ride don’t understand. There are sensations you experience, a sharpening of the senses, a discipline of the mind that leads to relaxation. I love the fact that there are so many paradoxes to riding, such as discipline leading to relaxing.
Underneath the crazy, rebel exterior of a lot of bikers is the strongest mental strength of any people I have ever come across.

What inspired you to ride? What inspires you now?

When I was about ten years old, a neighborhood friend got a small 50 bike. I swear, it was held together with duct tape, nails, twigs, and the endless hope of ten year old boys doing their best to both get into and stay out of trouble. I took one look at it and said, I wanna ride. My friend taught me to shift and how to use the throttle. I went up and down his backyard and was hooked. I experienced the power of an engine…wind on my face…such focus (that discipline of the mind)….and freedom. From that point on-I knew that motorcycles would be a part of my life.

Now, I am still inspired by that inherent freedom. That same feeling from when I was ten. I try to recapture that moment every time. But, also I now feel the discipline that leads to relaxation has transformed me in many ways and shaped my views. I got caught up in the rat race like everyone else who trys to lead a good life. It never fit me. I am different and I know it. I always found myself fascinated by people who led lives based on experience rather than money. Whether they were famous or not. Motorcycles fit that completely. Riders dont ride for the money, safety, or because they have to. They ride for the experience. That inspires me now. Experience life.

How does your perspective from the road influence your perspective in other areas of life?

Riders see the road differently than regular riders. We have to take things into consideration someone on 4 wheels will never even think about. For instance, car drivers are sitting in traffic frustrated trying to ‘get to somewhere’ all the time. They sit cramped listening to talk radio or music or even worse texting or talking on the phone. They are imprisoned. If Im on my bike-the destination is secondary to the ride itself. I dont want to hear ‘news radio’. I want to hear the wind. I don’t want to feel cramped on a hot, poly-leather seat. I want to stretch forward and hug my body into the machine to fully feel the road.

That has helped me to maintain perspective in life. To not be so goal oriented I lose the joy of the journey. To concentrate on those things that are experiential and not valued solely by the price tag or brand. To slow down. Everyone is rushing all the time in all ways. To what?

How do you involve your passion for bikes with your passion of cigars?

Pleasure. Life is filled with difficulty and hardship. No one gets out alive or un-scarred. But, life is not meant to be defined by hardship or even work. Cigars are there for no other reason than to be enjoyed. They are an experience-the same as riding. I found that just as people who don’t ride don’t understand, people who don’t smoke cigars don’t understand the pleasure of enjoying this experience that is both solitary and social (just like riding). Just as bikers ride alone-they often ride with others. It is both solitary and a fraternity of sorts. Cigar smokers enjoy their cigar but usually in the presence of other smokers who also have a passion for them.

What is one of your favorite experiences involving bikes and cigars?

It was when a whole group of my friends rode to a local cigar shop. We were out in the parking lot with our bikes and our cigars. Helmets, motorcycles, gear, Arturo Fuente, Davidoff, and the sun. It was good conversation. Good company. Good cigars. I can’t tell you how many people passed us in the lot and told us how jealous they were of us. It was one of the moments you neither forget nor want to end. The smell of motorcycle engines mixed with cigar smoke in the gentlest of breezes. Nothing but our friendly banter and the occasional sound of motorcycle gear moving could be heard. I love that.

For someone who has never had a look into the sportbike community, or anything about sportbikes for that matter, how would you describe it or what would you want them to know?

I would tell them it’s probably not what they think. And that sportbikers in particular are a unique bunch. You may see someone zipping down the road and leaning hard into a turn and think-he or she is crazy. How could they do that? My response is, how could they not? Sportbikers know the risks-better than you. But, they still want to experience the ride.
I would also try to destroy the myth that sportbikers are uneducated risk-takers. Look at the Moto Chics. An all woman motorcycle club. Their president is a fashion design teacher in Manhattan. They have lawyers, teachers, artists, and consultants in their club alone. Their mission? To give women a safe place to meet and learn how to ride safely. To be educators and

Also, sportbikers are inclusive. If you can ride-you are one of us. Period. Bus driver or high powered attorney-it doesnt matter. Two wheels. One love. The same with cigar smokers. In the cigar environment-we don’t care what you do. If you enjoy cigars, we have a common bond. It is a great equalizer. Two common traits to sportbikes and cigars. We come from all walks of life. We don’t care what you do, only that we have a common bond.

Beyond sportbikes, you have an amazing way of sharing your perspective which is seen through your writing. You consider yourself a writer first- how has this role played throughout your life and especially now?

Thank you for that compliment.
It has defined me in so many ways. I am always thinking how to put what I am seeing in my mind, whether it’s a story or an article, onto “paper”. I try to not just experience something myself…I try to be an observer as well. So, I can share the story with my readers. It creates a dual experience in life. I do whatever-ride, smoke a cigar, enjoy a bottle of wine, or Tango. That is the experience. But, as I do that thing-I am taking in all of the experience as best I can…so I can relate it to my readers in such a way that they will feel they are there too. It has intensified many experiences in my life. I am very thankful to God for the gift of writing. I feel, for all the difficulty involved in writing, it is dwarfed by the joy of intense experiences and getting to see my readers “feel” as though they were there with me. I get to experience life a few times over…

Your blog “Behind The Visor” has grown into a magazine of its own- congratulations! What was the transition like from a blog into an online magazine and where do you see it growing from here?

Thank you!
It was 100% organic. I like that it grew of its own accord and in ways I never imagined. It started with me writing about nothing more than the things I found passion in and a different perspective of life. My readers, whom I love, really took to it and pushed its growth. As the blog grew, I realized it could no longer just be me yapping about how to make the perfect cup of coffee (although-I will still write about those things). When interviews with large names like B&E Protective Services (pro bodyguards who protect NFL stars like Keith Bullick and music stars like Jay Z) and pro woman sportbike stunter Mai-Lin of Germany, started coming in-I knew it was time to transition. And it was done with hard work and ease. No complaints from me.The magazine is going to expand-no longer just about J and his passions. I have other writers, whom I immensely respect, coming in to share their perspective as well. And we are going to expand on sportbike philosophy even more so. If you believe in and enjoy what you do-then all the hard work is worth it.

What is something about you that may surprise people?

My faith. All I am, everything I have-including my different view of life is a gift from the Lord. I know it-far more now than I ever have before in my life. And I am extremely grateful for all of it.

One last question- From your many travels, what has been one of the greatest finds? A book, a bike, a place, a friend- what is something that your passion has lead you to discover?

People. My greatest treasure has been the people I have been blessed to work with, interview, and spend time with. I am honored that God would bless me in such a way. There are so many, I would love to mention them all, but can’t. People like Moto Chics President Roberta Frey-who is a faithful and good friend. World singer and performer Montserrat Franco who is the definition of culture and class. Big E and Bo at B&E Protective Services who define working hard at what you do. Mai-Lin, who taught me that life is for the bold and all about experience. And you. If I had not had a passion for cigars and writing-you and I would never have crossed paths in any way. And I would have missed out on someone truly special.

This has been such a privilege! Thank you for giving us such a great perspective and for sharing your stories with us. Be sure to check out Behind the Visor: http://www.behindthevisor.net

Photography credit: Leftie Montes  (Times Square Red Steps shoot)

Xikar Portable Ash Can Cigar Accessory Review

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The first time I saw this “ash can” I knew I had to have one. As described- it is a portable ashtray from Xikar designed to fit in the console of your car and is great for the cigar smoker on the go. One of my favorite uses for it (in addition to using it in my car) is taking it with me to the patios of local restaurants and cafes where smoking is welcomed, but ashtrays are not provided.

I cannot tell you how many times I’ve had to play the balancing act trying to rest my cigar on the edge of the table while I take a bite of food or a sip of my drink. It isn’t fun and becomes a distraction. With this portable ashcan I can now just set my cigar down without a worry. And because of the design, it doesn’t take up much space on the table either.

If you enjoy smoking a cigar in the car or outside on the patio- at home, at a restaurant, or by the pool, then this is for you. I have been so excited to get my hands on one and now I finally have it! Go ahead, show it off. It is the must have accessory your car has been waiting for.

*Xikar is a sponsor of this site, however I purchased this product from a local cigar shop.

Interviewed in Behind The Visor Magazine

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There are people who you connect with, who have a strong perspective on life, and who inspire you. Jaime Valentino of Behind The Visor Magazine is one of those people. To be interviewed by him for his magazine is such an honor and a treat I cannot even begin to tell you. I want to thank Jaime for such a wonderful opportunity as well as for reminding me about the journey here. This interview tells you a lot about who I am, how my site began, and the direction I am moving towards.

BEHIND THE VISOR: Smoking Hot Cigar Chick Interview

PS Be on the lookout for more about Jaime and Behind The Visor in the next few days… I have a special feature I am excited to share with you!

Interviewed By Guillaume Tesson of Infidèle Magazine

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It is such an honor to have been interviewed by Guillaume Tesson for Infidèle Magazine! It means a lot to me to be included in this French Luxury magazine, and I am very grateful for the opportunity. Luxury is very important to me as you may know. I very much enjoyed getting to speak not only about cigars but about what the lifestyle is about, along with my life as my life as a model.

Infidèle Magazine: Interview With The Smoking Hot Cigar Chick

Cigar Safari: Joya De Nicaragua Visit Part I

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The Cigar Safari tour continues with a visit to Joya De Nicaragua in Nicaragua. In this video we learn about the technique that goes into bunching and rolling a cigar at the Joya De Nicaragua factory. This is truly an art.

Many of you know that there is nothing worse than a plugged cigar or a cigar that keeps going out. Here we can see the movement and technique it takes to maintain an even quality throughout the cigar. The different types of tobacco leaves (from a flavor perspective as well as from a construction perspective) are distributed evenly. You can see that every movement is well thought out, the tobacco is handled with care and everything is performed in controlled manner. So many details are accounted for every step of the way.

Lanceros are a difficult vitola to bunch and roll, and it is one of my favorites. Learning from Mario about how they maintain quality in their lanceros and seeing it as it happens makes me appreciate it even more.

I want to thank Mario Perez of Joya De Nicaragua for giving us such an excellent explanation of this process. There is much more to come!

Cocktail: Ramos Gin Fizz

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This is one of my favorite classic cocktails. It originated in New Orleans from Henry C. Ramos.  It takes a little work but is worth the results, if you have never had one I highly recommend giving it a taste.

Ramos Gin Fizz

1 ½ oz Gin
1 egg white
1 oz heavy cream
½ oz lemon juice
½ oz lime juice
1 tbsp simple syrup (1:1)
3 drops orange flower water

top with club soda in a highball glass

Begin by placing the egg white in a cocktail shaker (no ice!). It is best to begin with the egg just in case you have any egg shells, it will be easy to remove and you haven’t wasted any of your ingredients. You want to begin without ice so that you can get a better emulsification. After the egg white, add all of your ingredients except for the club soda. Shake – a lot. You want to wake the cocktail up, shake well.

Once you have done so, you may now add ice and then begin shaking again in order to chill your cocktail to perfection. Next, strain the cocktail into a highball glass. Finish the cocktail by topping it off with some chilled club soda and you are done (about 1 oz or until the glass is full). Enjoy!

A bottle of orange flower water goes a long way, and you can add a few drops to many of your favorite libations. A classic martini for example- you can use orange bitters or some orange flower water for a great new taste. The same is true of rose flower water. Because you only need a few drops, a bottle will last you a while.

Cigar featured in this tasting: Kristoff Brittania Reserva

Wrapper: Honduran Connecticut
Binder: Cuban Seed Dominican
Filler: Cuban Seed Dominican, Cuban Seed Nicaraguan

Corona: 5 x 44

Bonus Cocktail Recipe: The Eagle

..and because I was in the mood for another egg white and gin cocktail, I followed up my evening with an Eagle cocktail. Now, I’ve seen the recipe with Crème Yvette in place of the Crème de Violette and understand it takes it to another level. I am very curious to try it that way, but until then I enjoy the subtly of the drink as it is here:

The Eagle

1 ½ oz gin
¾ oz crème de violette
1 oz lemon juice (juice of half a lemon)
1 tsp sugar
egg white

Instructions are the same as far as the egg white is concerned- add it first, shake dry (without ice) then again with ice. Strain into a cocktail or wine glass, and enjoy!

If you want to experiment further, here is the Eagle’s Dream Cocktail (as printed in The Savoy Cocktail book):

1 Teaspoonful of Powdered sugar
The White of 1 Egg
The Juice of 1/4 Lemon
1/4 Creme Yvette
3/4 Dry Gin

Which leads me even more to think that the creme Yvette is the way to go. Definitely will be trying it soon!

Cigar “Pub” Crawl with Hight Cigar

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Have cigar, will travel. Earlier this week I had the pleasure of joining Chip Hight of Hight Cigar for a “pub” crawl featuring a night of cigars and scotch on the town. I say pub crawl but it was more like a steakhouse crawl and proved to be an amazing evening!

I love walking into a restaurant’s patio on a beautiful day, people are laughing from table to table enjoying themselves, and then seeing a group of cigar smokers welcoming your arrival as they hand you a cigar and offer you a drink. It is almost a dream. Then you realize that you know those faces well, and that the dream is a reality. With so few places permitting smoke these days, this was an important event for me to see come through. The enthusiasm behind the event really inspired me and made me feel confident that greater things are to come.

The night consisted of three steakhouses with two hour visits at each location, cigars sponsored by Chip Hight and scotch provided by Chivas. Bring in some really cool people and you have an amazing night going through the city with a cigar in hand all throughout the night. The restaurants (in this case: Del Frisco’s, Sullivan’s, and Smith & Wollensky) were all very hospitable and took the evening to the next level. It had me thinking of more ways to enhance the cigar smoking experience. A cigar crawl, it was brilliant!

The past few weeks have been filled with wonderful nights of wine tastings, cigar events, and scotch events- but it is always rare when you have the combined dream of food, spirits, and cigars. I’m very grateful to have friends in each of these industries, and more so now to see things begin to come together. Lines are ready to be crossed. It is about time- and it is going to be big. Are you ready to get involved?

Cigar Safari: Don Pepin Garcia’s Seedling Nursery

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Here we get to see the Nursery where the seeds are planted and the tobacco plant begins to grow. This environment gives extra care and proper light and nutrients to the plant until it is ready to be replanted in the tobacco fields. Once ready to be replanted, each one is grouped with other plants of the same height and condition. If certain plants are growing faster with bigger leaves, then they will be selected first.

Take a look at the seeds, learn more about the soil, and discover the time it takes the tobacco to go from a planted seed inside the nursery and then into the fields.

Thank you Don Pepin Garcia for taking the time to show us through the Nursery, and thank you to Drew Estate for making this opportunity possible! There is much more to share from the Cigar Safari in Nicaragua!