How to Be 30...

Today I want to share with you my post on "My Thirty Spot". Erin of "My Thirty Spot" had such a wonderful idea, ask others to share their story about life in the thirty's. All of the writers so far have such interesting perspectives and stories. I'm glad to be a part of the "Love for 30 Project"!

Make-over, Make-under, Make-up Everywhere!

Of course my beauty product obsession/fantasy of being a makeup artist continued even though I was on vacation. First stop, the Nars Flagship Store on Melrose Avenue

Sidebar: NARS is also around the corner from the Equipment store. You know I almost passed out walking inside...it probably would have been more magical if it had looked more like the Alexis Bittar stores with fantastical creatures and what not inside.

Back at NARS, the salesgirls and I experimented with a gothic purple lip (too Rihanna), a bright pink lip (too chalky) until I made it back to my safety-red. I really do try to rock other colors, but it's something about red, from fire-engine to tomato, it always looks right!

Image Courtesy of LATimes

 Next I headed to "The Original Farmer's Market" at "The Grove" and of course Nordstrom's was having a crazy mascara sale, buy two get one free. I am devoted to my Maybelline and I had just restocked, so I had to pass...maybe another time. I did head to the MAC counter to grab a sample of their new Mineralize foundation. Apparently it is supposed to have some magical powers...  
"A combination of powders creates an optical blurring effect that virtually diminishes imperfections and fine lines, for a more even tone. The light-reflecting, natural satin finish makes skin appear refined, revitalized and refreshed with a new purity, softly lit from within. SPF 15 adds the perfect finishing touch of sun protection. Features our 77-Mineral Complex, Shea Butter and Vitamin E."

Who knew there were so many types of mascara brushes?

Next it was off to Glendale to visit the L'Occitane and Sephora stores for my new favorite lotions, and for samples of the NARS Illuminators (see photo above). I am still trying to figure how to apply them and what they actually do....

Finally Nigel's Beauty Emporium in "The Valley". I thought I died when I walked into this store.

Image Courtesy of Nigel's Beauty Emporium

My new obsession is faux eyelashes. They are so much fun!!!

Venice Beach

Here's a few more photos from my amazing trip to LA. Memorial Day we decided to drive over to Venice Beach to check out the scene. There is such a creative energy in this town and all of the shops do their best to reflect this from the faux yellow and white unicorn in Alexis Bittar (totally forgot to snap a photo) to the landscaping and exterior paint jobs, this was quite an experience!

Potito's Italian Bakery: Home of the "Best of Philly" Cannolii

Potito's Bakery is one of the staples of South Philly, but sometimes South Philly is sooo far away, so the owners, Christina and Matthew brought some treats to Center City! The new shop, Potito's Bakery& Cafe, opened in March and is already a welcome addition to the neighborhood. The pastries are made in their South Philly location, so you won't be tempted by the aroma of baking goods, but with a variety of cookies, pastries, cupcakes and of course cannolis, you can certainly enjoy everything the Potito/Benigno family stands for...good, quality desserts that become part of your family's traditions and memories. 

 This is the reason that Potito's has been ranked number one for so many years....

My new best friend!

Photo Credit: Mark Hylton

 I had to limit myself to only five treats during the event, so I had to choose wisely...

A visual history of the family owned Potito's American Bakery. Photo Credit: Mark Hylton

A perfect cake for my niece's first birthday party....

Ahhh the display case!!! Photo Credit: Mark Hylton

Photo Credit: Mark Hylton

  

Photo Credit: Mark Hylton

Is your mouth watering yet?

One of the coolest features of this event was watching this cake transform.

Photo Credit: Mark Hylton

I reached my pastry limit, so I just watched other people enjoy their treats!

This cherry confection caught my eye...

 

According to the sales clerk, it's a Black Forest Cake...or a strawberry shortcake with chocolate cake and cherries instead....and according to her "Why go to the gym if you can't eat pastries?" My new motto!

Owners Christina and Matthew Benigno, JRochelle, GM Joe Martella. Photo Credit: Mark Hylton

 You should run to Potito's Bakery...either location to grab one of these goodies!

Mainstream Military

Dress: Milly, old, similar here; Coat: U.S. Airforce: Thrift Store, similar here; Shoes: Tory Burch, old, but try these.

Weekly Round-Up

Click here to view the new E-catalog from Anthropologie

Image Courtesy of Knit Collage

Image Courtesy of Fancy Giraffe

Sneak Peek of Tria Taproom

Image Courtesy of Tiffany& Co.

There's something about watching jewelry that makes you feel like you own it...

Terrain says eat the violets and I shall...

Apparently I am not a "cool girl" cuz I don't own any of these items and the only one that appeals to me even slightly is the black neoprene skirt... I'm getting old. C'est la vie.

Pixie Market

Relaxation LA Style

Warning: Once you finish reading this post, you will be overcome with jealousy.... or maybe just a slight case of envy. Groupon and I managed to come up with the best combination of spa treatments to de-stress and rejuvenate during my LA vacation.


I started my trip off with a delicious cherry tart, arugula salad and an okay brisket for lunch at the cute and very popular Huckleberry Cafe.

Then I killed some time by getting a polish change at Montana Nails (surprise, surprise my manicure from Saturday didn't last very long).

Next it was off to Exhale Spa's Fusion Fest.

I enjoyed the Core Cardio and the Core Barre classes that were on the outer balcony overlooking the pool. Both classes were intense, and yoga-based, so they were good, but I'm not a yogi.  Next I headed to the pool to enjoy some crudite, VitaCoco and healthy cocktails provided by Veev's VitaFrute . They also offered quick manis, hairstyling by Art Lab Salon and there were vendors to shop. Despite my best efforts the jetlag set in and I went promptly to bed around 7:45PM

My spa experiences continued on Friday. I started the day off with a hot paprika facial by Oksana at Skin by Oksana. Be warned this is a gruesome photo.

It actually was not as painful as I thought it would be. The technician/owner was very professional and thorough and efficient throughout the hour long treatment. Then it was off for a long road trip to the Dara Spa for a combination Swedish/Thai massage.

I probably would have balked if I had looked at images like this before hand, but I survived and my body felt...not relaxed but stretched afterwards.

Image Courtesy of Darinya Massage

Next stop the Wi Spa. I read a lot of reviews before my visit, so I was prepared for the nudity, the kids/families, the restaurant, the variety of saunas (salt, clay, bulgami (super, duper hot), jade and ice) and baths.

Himalayan Pink Salt Sauna at Wi Spa

Cold, Warm and Hot Baths in the Single-Sex area of Wi Spa

I thought I was being fancy so I even booked a body scrub, just to have the full experience. Not one review explained that during the body scrub you are scrubbed so hard that you are praying for death to come just to relieve the pain....and that nothing can really prepare you for the clumps of dead skin that fall onto the bed/table next to you, on top of you and when you turn underneath you. The good part is that despite the pain during the scrub, once they rinse you off the pain disappears, so you aren't actually harmed which is good. Unfortunately my skin didn't really feel anything but dry afterwards, and several days later it still sort of feels the same, but it's not like I had alligator skin in the first place, so I guess it was okay.

After hitting the warm bath again, I showered and brushed my teeth with salt (they have disposable toothbrushes and a large bowl of salt as well as toothpaste for you to get the complete cleansing experience). My mouth was just salty afterwards. Then I headed off to my first Pilates reformer class at Whole Body Method

I hate being a beginner at anything; I always love a challenge, but you've gotta start somewhere. I learned about the machine, and different Reformer exercises, and really liked the instructor, but I didn't love the class, only because it was a beginner level. I bought their introductory package, so I will be heading back for two more classes, so maybe I won't really be a beginner anymore...

I had to reschedule the second half of my spa experience because I got an invite to the exclusive Wolvesmouth dinner that evening... stay tuned for pics, a recap and your chance to join in on the experience!

I concluded the spa experience with a bikini wax at Piel Skin Care and a 70minute foot massage at Iped Foot Spa.

BEST VACATION EVER!!!

Just so you don't completely hate me, I did do some research for you, and I found a Philadelphia Korean spa, Chung Dam Spa& Fitness, (which I will certainly be checking out in the near future!). This place has pretty decent reviews, but I am sure it won't compare to the size of Wi Spa...