What I'm listening to...

Iggy Azalea

Robin Thicke

Robyn

Nicki Minaj and Busta Rhymes

Nicki Minaj and French Montana

Tamar Braxton

Kelly Rowland

New Features....

I just wanted to bring your attention to a new feature on the blog...TABS! 

I've got a new bio section, design projects, and even local and online shopping deals. 

Additional tabs are being added soon, so check in once in a while to see what's new!

Weekly Round-Up

Carly of ThirtySomethingFashion wants you to head to the shore to support local Jersey businesses that have managed to rebuild after Hurricane Sandy...and I certainly agree. Buy local! Support small businesses!

Image Courtesy of ThirtySomethingFashion

Susie Bubble.

Ausmonde presents Willow

Hope I am as stylish as Linda Rodin when I get older...

Image Courtesy of Advanced Style

YES! I want one of these swimsuits; yes that's right it's a swimsuit designed for those whose religious and cultural beliefs allow you to swim, but encourage that you remain modest. I'm not quite sure what I would do with it, but the color, cut and piping is gorgeous on the swim tunic.

Image Courtesy of Mode-sty

From photos on birthday cakes to photos on nails. Technology is astounding and we're struggling to keep up. Did you ever think this was possible? Thank you Phoebe Davies.

Images via StyleBubble

I've Got the Blues...

Blazer: JCrew; Shirt: Equipment; Pants: Theory, old, but try these; Shoes: Charles Jourdan, old, but these will work;     Bag: JRochelle Designs.

Watch:ToyWatch; Necklace: Loehman's, old, but this is dope; Bracelets: Tiffany& Co, Tiffany& Co, similar here, and street vendor in Puerto Rico:try this instead.

Tastykake® Kandy Bar Kakes: Sponsored Post

" The best of both worlds. Light and fluffy chocolate enrobed cakes come in a unique kandy bar shape with a delicious créme filling made with your favorite candy flavors. Available in S'mores, Peppermint, and Peanut Butter flavor." via Tastykake
 

I love love love Tastykake products, from the cookie bars, to the pies, to my number one fave the elusive strawberry iced Krimpets and my second fave Butterscotch Krimpets. Needless to say I was excited to receive one in my #SpringFeverVoxBox. However it was the Reese's peanut butter one, and peanut butter is on my list of least favorite things. I tried it anyway, but couldn't finish it because the peanut butter filling is definitely the star of the show. I am really excited to try the S'mores flavor one day, but because I don't like peanut butter this one was not for me.

What candy bars would you like to see made into Tastykakes? My list would probably include Kit Kat, Milkyway and maybe even a Three Musketeers. Marshmallow and chocolate is always great! Leave a comment and let me know what candy bar you would transform.






*** I received this product complimentary for testing and review purposes from Influenster.

Weekly Round Up featuring Secret Outlast Clear Gel (among other awesome things)

Summer Collection by Philly's own eco-friendly label Cheryl Ana

I'm lovin this jacket from Vince, and a little confused why the company chose to devote an email blast to it even though it is the middle of summer...
 

Image Courtesy of Vince

I'm adding this to my shopping list cause Kaitlin Jessing-Butz from The Cut has seen results...even though I've never met her, nor seen her skin before or after using this product.

I'm not sure that I can pull this off without looking like a 5th grader but it is cute.
 

Image Courtesy of Pixie Market

I received the Influenster Spring Fever Vox Box (a mouthful, I know) for free, and the best part so far has been the Secret Outlast deodorant.

Image Courtesy of Dove

Image Courtesy of Influenster.com

The best part about this is that I didn't notice any difference between Secret Outlast and my long time staple, Dove Visibly Smooth, is...drumroll please...I can last longer than 24hours without having to reapply. How long you ask? I'll never tell. This is great for when my eczema is telling my brain that water is evil and toxic (believe me it happens), or when I'm out on a safari in Africa (probably never gonna happen) or just on a cross country road-trip or cross-continental flight (both have happened, and I wish I had this deodorant then).

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!