I got engaged!

This post is way past due. I got engaged on my birthday January 12, 2012. I had planned a  special trip with all my friends in the most magical place on earth to celebrate my 24th birthday. I went up to Disney one day early with my then boyfriend Anthony to have a special birthday dinner in a restaurant I had been dying to try. Little did I know that behind my back he had my reservations cancelled and had planned a surprise engagement.

On that Thursday we went to the Magic Kingdom where I got my Happy Birthday pin. Anthony bought me my first pair of Minnie Mouse ears and we enjoyed our day at one of my favorite parks.

That night he surprised me by taking me to the Grand Floridian for a private boat cruise to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks. All the while, claiming it was a birthday surprise. I was fooled the whole time. We took pictures on the boat. He had chilled champagne and a red rose waiting for me. Then amidst the fireworks show he tapped me on the shoulder and I turned around to see the love of my life on bended knee. He popped the question and as my personal fairytale goes I said yes. All that is left is to live out our very own Happily Ever After!

After the boat ride we had a private table at Narcoossee's at the Grand Floridian. We were welcomed by the restaurant manager who had special menus printed for us and had our bottle of champagne chilled and ready for us at our table. 

My sister and I

On Friday we went to Animal Kingdom and at night met up with all our friends. We spent Saturday at Epcot and drank around the world. It was the best birthday weekend ever and I am so happy and blessed to have such wonderful people in my life. 

LIFE Magazine - 75 Years 'The Very Best of LIFE'

For someone who is a logophile and bibliophile, I have to admit that nothing can compare to a beautiful and breathtaking picture. No amount of words can ever capture the beauty and spontaneity of a 'perfect' picture. Today while I was at the grocery store I purchased Life Magazines '75 Years of Life Magazine'. This edition of the magazine holds countless images of the past 75 years. All the images will invoke emotions. Some made me teary eyed and some sent a warm rush of joy inside me. A picture really can capture 1,000 words. Below is a link from a CBS telecast about the book version of the magazine which has a lot more images. I will be purchasing the book version as well. These photos are a time capsule of World History and a treasure to own.

Newspaper Nails

Here is something new I am going to try... Newspaper Nails

I will try it out this week and post a picture.

Here is the Youtube Tutorial

(Video Compliments of CutePolish)

DIY Costume: Black Widow Spider

My Halloween costume this year... Black Widow Spider! Here is how I did it. Best part? I now have accessories that I can use for another costume instead of buying one costume that I cannot use to make others. Consider making your own costume. It is fun and I bet you won't have to worry about someone else cramping your style at this year's Halloween party. Try it!

Happy Halloween!

(The Concept)

American Apparel leotard

Black Jewelry, Spider Web Eyelashes, and Skirt from Icing

Tiara, Fangs, and Spider Necklace from Spirit Halloween Store

All Craft Supplies to make this costume were purchased at Michaels

To make this costume I purchased sticky glitter foam from Michaels as well as Red Paint Markers Martha Stewart Glitter in black. Once I got home I cut out spider web shapes from the foam glitter and cut out nice black ribbon to make a bow and cover the elastic band on the skirt. I sewed the little black spiders to each piece and painted the red Black Widow Spider on each spider. I also attached one of these spiders to the black tiara. The picture below shows the finished spiders.  

 I spray painted the large spider I used for my belt in black. It was really a glow in the dark suction cup house decoration. After, it dried I used spray glue to adhere the glitter. I highly recommend the Martha Stewart glitter it is incredible and so SPARKLY!

 (Sparkly Spiders)

 After, the glitter dried on I painted the Black Widow Spider symbol using the red paint marker. 

To add to my costume I had my nails done and used OPI nail polish in a cool metallic purple (I will try to find the color) and Black Shatter. I love how it looked with the costume. 

The final piece... an American Apparel leotard. American Apparel really is the best go-to place for costume leotards. They also look sexy and hip for clubbin'. 

Reminiscing My Summer Vacation: Costa Rica

This summer I went to Costa Rica and as I glanced through my pictures I decide to dedicate a post to this beautiful country.

Here are some of my pictures...

(Outback Jack's Roadkill Grill)

Outback Jack's Roadkill Grill is the first place we ate in Costa Rica and it was delicious. The owner is an American from Detroit. He was so accommodating and welcoming. 

Here is a picture of my first meal in Costa Rica... Nachos and Imperial Beer!

You have not had enough? Here is more of the delicious food I ate in Costa Rica...

(Coconut Breaded Shrimp with a Mango Sauce)

I had this delicious meal in El Avion. This restaurant and bar is all centered around a plane or avion in Spanish. The entire interior of the plane was gutted out and it is now a bar. El Avion had the most beautiful view of the rainforest and the food was delicious. I also tried a Guaro Sour. Guaro is a Costa Rican liquor, similar to a rum. The most popular brand of Guaro is Cacique.  

To learn more about El Avion, visit their site (http://www.elavion.net/) 

To learn more about Guaro, visit the Cacique site (http://www.guaroliquor.com/home/index.php)

(A Casada: Typical Costa Rican plate of Chicken, Platanos Maduros, and Rice)

(Cappuccino)

(Banana Split)

(Pina Colada)

(Squash Soup)

(Kahlua and Coffee drinks with a Chocoflan)

(Steak with Rice, Black Beans, and an assortment of Vegetables)

There is one more dish that is very typical in Costa Rica and sadly I do not have a photo of it. I found the following photo online...

(Photo Compliments of http://travelcostaricanow.com/index.php/Tico_Food)

(This is a typical Tico breakfast. Tico is what Costa Ricans call themselves. The breakfast which by the way is delicious, consists of Gallo Pinto rice, Fried egg, Maduros, Cheese, and a Flour Tortilla)

What else does Costa Rica have to offer? Animals!

I have to admit that I am not one that looks forward to vacationing in a place that is not known for its art and architecture. I prefer a 'concrete jungle' over a real one. But, Costa Rica took my breath away. The people were some of the nicest people I have ever met and the country is breathtaking. We stayed in Manuel Antonio and visited the National Park. There we saw the Capuchin Monkey, Three-Toed Sloth, and Iguanas. I also visited El Arenal Volcan and the Tabacon Hot Springs Spa. It is expensive to go to Tabacon but it is the tranquil place I have ever been to. The hot springs are natural and heated by the volcano.

Here is the site for Tabacon if you would like to see and read more about this majestic place. (http://www.tabacon.com/)

I plan to do another post about Costa Rica because one is simply not enough. Costa Rica is paradise and I will return one day.

Like Most Girls... I Have a Passion for Fashion!

What am I loving this season? COLOR BLOCKING

Here is an example from the cover of Elle Magazine. What is color blocking? It is combining solid colors that compliment each other. 

If you need a little inspiration for your first color blocking attempt here is a color wheel...

(Color Wheel compliments of AcademiChic)

If you love art like me you may want to gain a little inspiration from Piet Mondrian the German Modernist painter...

Piet Mondrian has also inspired fashion...

Image Compliments of www.nwareia.org

Image Compliments of www.kicksonfire.com

I hope this blog inspires you try out color blocking. It is fun and adds so much depth to an outfit. If you are a bit wary of being too bold with your color blocking, start slow and ease your way into it, maybe try a colored handbag or statement necklace. 

Have fun and be fashion forward this season!

Another Passion... FOOD!

A Brunch Table-scape

Prosecco and Champagne glasses for Mimosas

Brie en Croute served with Water Crackers and a Pear, Walnut, and Grand Marnier Jelly 

Tips for a Successful Brunch:

• A great and inexpensive way to make a mimosa is to use Prosecco (an Italian Sparkling Wine) and Orange Juice. 
• The Brie en Croute is a delicious and elegant hors d'oeuvres. To make this brie, use a wheel of Brie and wrap it with Puff Pastry. Bake it in the oven for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown at 250 degrees Fahrenheit. To serve the Brie en Croute you can use Water Crackers and add extra flavor with honey, a fruit glaze or marmalade, or nuts. 

Where to Buy Prosecco: 

The Prosecco I prefer is Mionetto Prosecco. It can be found in Crown Wine and Spirits as well as some Grocery Stores. Here is a link to order it online: Buy Prosecco Here!