No you didn't Donald Duck

Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Donald Donald Donald. Last month, Gabe told me he wanted to run the Walt Disney World Half Marathon so he could get the "coolest Run Disney Medal ever" and I agreed. In fact, I gave up running the 2012 Wine and Dine Half so we could do both the WDW 1/2 and the Princess Half Marathon the following month. At this rate, I may need a second job to feed my Run Disney obsession.
2012 Walt Disney World 1/2 Marathon Medal
Then to my surprise, I receive an email tonight from Run Disney with a video notifying us that Donald Duck stole Mickey Mouses medal design for the 2013 20th anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon because Donald was jealous and wanted a new medal design.

During the video, you will find out that Donald shouldn't have been jealous - he is getting a new medal too. NOOOO! I wanted that Donald Medal!! I know veteran Run Disney members are rejoicing to be receiving a new medal in 2013 so I cannot be upset. I am optimistic that the 2013 medal rocks.

Donald is now known as the Great Medal Caper. A Facebook page has created to assist catching him and I have to applaud Disney's creative team. It is very  interactive and there are multiple levels, you advance to the next levels with clues, liking the page, sharing photos, videos and links. Eventually Donald will be found and they will release the 2013 20th anniversary Disney World Marathon Medal and Disney World 1/2 Marathon Medal. Visit The Great Medal Caper page to interact with the fun. One thing I love about Disney is that they have the magical ability to make you feel like a kid again and not feel immature for doing so.

www.facebook.com/rundisney
I love Run Disney - if it weren't for them, I wouldn't be where I am today. I suggest anyone looking to get into running to sign up for any of the Disney 5K's. The magic will hit you and next thing you know, you're training for a 10 miler with a half marathon right behind it's tail.

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July Foodie Pen Pal Revealed!

Well if I didn't score the Foodie Pen Pal jackpot this month. On pairing day, I immediately look to see who I was paired, stalk their blog and then do the same on who selected me. I was the lucky recipient of Sylvia from Frolic Through Life. When I saw who I selected, I went into a little bit of shock mode - Foodie Pen Pal Queen Bee Lindsay Livingston. More on that below.

I received my box on an evening of one of my foodie events. I had to put up huge sticky notes so Gabe wouldn't touch anything.

When Sylvia asked what kinds of foods I enjoyed, I asked her to send me some of her favorite things. One thing I try to do with all of my Foodie Pen Pals is give them a recipe of something that I enjoy. I was very pleased to find that Sylvia did the same thing. She gave me a recipe for Pad See Ew, one of my favorite Thai dishes, coincidentally, one that I have never made at home. I also had all of the ingredients, except for the oyster sauce and rice noodles, which she sent! It's almost as if she knew what was in my pantry.
This is where the fun and games ended with me and Gabe. Fabiane's Almond Merengue cookies, a local bakery in NYC. A small argument actually broke out when I saw him popping these bad boys in his mouth like they were Oreo's. They were SO good. As most of you know, I am leaving for NYC tomorrow. Gabe has asked me a few times to stop by Fabiane's to bring some cookies home.
Another thing Sylvia did was get me addicted to Justin's Organic Peanut Butter Cups. These bad boys are SO good. She also sent me a pure organic bar, which was an excellent source of protein before one of my morning runs  along with two of her favorite granola's. Unfortunately, I found one empty before I could try it (I am seriously going to get Gabe his own Foodie Pen Pal).
Sylvia did an amazing job and both Gabe and I enjoyed everything she sent over.

As I mentioned above, I selected Lindsay Livingston. I had a brief panic attack knowing my box would be seen by the tons of readers that she has. I calmed down and had fun with her box and figured out the trick of shipping cookies from FL to Ohio (Foodsaver vacuum sealer). You can check out what I sent Lindsay here.

If you are interested in becoming a foodie pen pal (which I strongly encourage), contact Lindsay at the Lean Green Bean. Here is a link to the registration sheet.



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BlogHer Sessions

Monday, July 30, 2012
Has your outlook calendar ever made your eyes cross? Mine currently is as I am leaving in a two days for BlogHer12. I posted about my calendar last week but I felt the need to share an updated version. My outlook hell is about to start. I am a little OCD when it comes to travel arrangements, just ask anyone in my life (feel sympathy for those I travel with):

Now that we got that settled, I wanted to share the sessions that I am taking. Since Darlynn is attending as well, we get to benefit from going to different sessions and sharing our learning's with each other. One great thing about BlogHer is that they will be releasing the video recorded sessions to us after the conference. This will be a great way to go back and revisit what you  have learned and to share with co-workers.

Here are the sessions I am taking.


Friday Conference Agenda:
7am: A morning workout with the Rockette's at Radio City Music Hall! (more on that later)
8am: Newbie Breakfast. We will try to make this but the Rockette's took priority
9am: Welcome
10:15am: The Professional - The Brand-Blogger Connection. This is one of the sessions that I am super excited for. It will be covering great brand blogger interactions.
11:45am: Lunch with Martha Stewart!
1:15pm: The Professional - Strategic Content Development Across Multiple Media: Onstage, Onscreen, and Online. Again, this is another session that I will not miss. I feel is very important for my career growth.
2:45pm: The Professional - Advanced | Media training for bloggers. This is an interesting session, coaching you to be prepared for television, radio, print interviews. I have been quoted in a few articles here and usually what you say does not come out on paper. I also think this could help with pitching Social Media to clients as they are going to fine-tune your elevator pitch and coach you to sound confident, prepared and professional.

Saturday Conference Agenda:
8am: Breakfast
9am: The Technical - Advanced SEO for Bloggers. SEO is commonly seen a dirty 3 letter word. I am very curios to hear what is said, shared and taught at this session.
11am: The Professional | When it's time to spend money  to market your work. Anyone who has their own company will benefit greatly with this. I am looking forward to learning new ideas for my company Halftime Designs.
12:00pm - Lunch with Katie Couric!
2:00 Women Influencers as Change Agents with  Soledad O'Brien, Christy Turlington Burns, and Malaak Compton-Rock
3:15 The Technical - How to make an App. This has nothing to do with me as a professional, social media girl or a designer. I have always been intrigued with apps and I have an opportunity to  learn how to make one. Who knows, maybe I have the next Angry Birds stuck somewhere deep inside this brain of mine.

All this and it doesn't start to dent the multiple sponsor parties we have graciously been invited to.  I am so excited for BlogHer12. That will be a post in it's own.I also must thank North Highland for giving me an opportunity to attend BlogHer and better my career. It's amazing to work for a company who wants to see you succeed.
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Fitness Week in Review

Sunday, July 29, 2012
Is it September yet? This heat and humidity is getting the better of me.

So we skipped one of our three weekly runs this week. I know there is no room for excuses but I had so many foodie events this week that I couldn't keep up with my routine: Dine Tampa Bay Kickoff Party & Yelp Elite Capitol Grille Generous Pour. Le Sigh. I chose wine and food over running. Don't judge.

My Map My Run is also on the fritz. While it thinks I ran 2.82 miles in 32:34, we actually ran 3 miles in 32:34. We run the same path during our weekly runs so I have no idea what was up with it. I really need to invest in a Garmin.

The second run of this week was our long run...which Gabe talked me into doing at 11:00am. The devil came out in me again. It's very bizarre because running usually gives me a sense of calmness and serenity, then BAM I get angry at poor Gabe for no reason whatsoever. This week was because he insisted on us running at 11am instead of 7am and he used his Zombie's, Run! app on our long run, meaning he left me at times to run from imaginary zombies..... 
Next week should be interesting as I am headed to NYC for BlogHer12. Somehow through all the food and wine, we will find ourselves running through Central Park! Very excited about that.
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World Best Lasagna & Spaghetti Sauce

I decided to be BAD and make homemade lasagna this week. This is one of the few dishes that I do not try to make healthy. It is worth it to go off the healthy boat once in a while to have this dish. It is amazing and I get accolades every time I make it. I also make extra sauce during the process to freeze for for another night.I found a recipe a while back on All Recipes called World's Best Lasagna Recipe. It has 5 stars and over 6,000 positive reviews. It truly is the World's Best Lasagna. I did make a few minor changes in the steps and left out the fenal.

Here's a money saving tip: check your butcher to see if they sell individual sausages. If they don't ask if they will break up packages for you. My butcher also carries ground beef by the pound so I could request 3/4 lb of lean ground beef instead of purchasing 1.5lb that comes pre-packaged.

Ingredients and Instructions found at the bottom of this post
Layering
Finished Lasagna
Ingredients

1 pound sweet Italian sausage (2 1/2 sausages)
3/4 pound lean ground beef
1/2 cup minced onion
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
2 (6.5 ounce) cans canned tomato sauce
 1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil leaves (I use fresh and wait until the last 5 minutes to add)
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon salt + 1 1/2 teaspoons for Ricotta mixture
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
12 lasagna noodles I use the no bake lasagna noodles and only need 6-8 of them
15 ounces ricotta cheese
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 pound mozzarella cheese, sliced (purchase the 16oz pre-sliced mozzarella)
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions
1. Sautee your onions with a little bit of EVOO until translucent (5+ minutes, stirring often) into a dutch oven or large sauce pan. Add garlic and sautee for 1 minute.
2. Remove casings from your Italian Sausage, add into the pan. Add the lean ground beef. Cook until browned (10 minutes).
3. Add the tomatoes, water, sugar, Italian seasoning, salt & pepper and stir well to combine. Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours, stirring often.
4. During the last 5 minutes, add your basil and 2 tablespoons of parsley and preheat your oven to 375
5. Combine your Ricotta, egg, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt.
6. Take 1 1/2 cups of your sauce and spread on the bottom of a sprayed 13x9 pan (I use olive oil spray)
7. Layer 3 no bake lasagna noodles
8. Spread 1/2 the Ricotta mix on top of the noodles
9. Place 2 mozzarella rounds on each noodle (6 total each layer)
10. Spread another 1 1/2 cups of sauce
11. Spread 1/2 of the Parmesan cheese on top of the sauce
12. Repeat  steps 7-11 and top the sauce with remaining mozzarella (shred it)
13. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 25 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes before serving
14. Save additional sauce for Spaghetti, shells or ravioli later in the week
Leftover Sauce
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Dine Tampa Bay Kick-Off Party at A la Carte Pavilion

Friday, July 27, 2012
I was honored to attend last nights Dine Tampa Bay kick-off party at A la Carte Pavilion. Dine Tampa Bay officially starts next Friday, but we were able to get a sneak peak of some of the restaurants that will be participating with specially priced three-course meal for dinner ($25, $35 or $45). I have never been to A la Carte Pavilion before. Upon walking in, we found ourselves at the bar (shocker) and shortly after found Katie (She likes Ruffles He likes Truffles) & her husband Justin. After grabbing a table, we took turns visiting all of the various restaurants tables, so we could each try what was offered. I also ran into my friend Rachel (Runners Tales) but with all of the foods to try and take photos of, there was not much room for socializing.

My favorite dish of the evening was a tie between Chart House's Tuna Tartare with plantain crisps and Roy's beef short rib with polenta. I was happy to see two of my favorite restaurants in attendance, The Melting Pot who served chocolate fondue and Texas de Brazil who had a shrimp croistini with an avocado spread. Tampa Bay Times sponsored a candy bar, which was such an excellent touch to the event. Another amazing show put on by the team at Dine Tampa Bay!


 

There was a celebrity cook off with local chef's and media personalities, former NFL players, etc. The hitch was that the chef's were not allowed to touch the food, they were there to instruct the guest chef. This was done Food Network Chopped style where they were given secret ingredients in a brown paper bag. I snagged a shot of Chef Andrew Bausch Pelagia Trattoria and his cooking partner, Jeff Houck, which you can see above.
The ingredients given were a mix of ingredients ranging from Minute rice, steak, broccoli, marshmallow fluff, and preserves. They had 20 minutes to cook their meal. The winners were Ryan Nece and Chef Mike Swords from Irish 31. Neither Katie or I knew what was being cooked and Ryan graciously responded to us on twitter this morning. I would really like to know what a peach nutmeg palm tree is!



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Eating lunch while making a difference in Tampa Bay

Thursday, July 26, 2012
How many times have you gone out to lunch or ordered  catering and left with a feeling that you just helped someone else out? No, I am not talking about the server wearing orange short shorts who you tipped 30% for serving you beer wings because she was a struggling student. I am talking about helping families in need out.

I had an opportunity to eat at Inside the Box in Downtown Tampa. Inside the Box Cafe & Catering is the brainchild of Metropolitan Ministries. I was introduced to MM a few months ago while doing a Day of Giving Back with my company, North Highland. Today, I was fortunate enough to have an opportunity to sit with their President and CEO Tim Marks, along with Advancement Coordinator  Keelee Wren to learn a little more about what Inside the Box has to offer.

One thing that immediately impressed me was Inside the Box's concept. Imagine Tom's shoes - One for One (for every pair purchased, a child in need receives a pair) but incorporate that with food: A meal for you a meal for them. For every meal purchased at Inside the Box, you are giving someone in need a meal.

It is in a great spot to grab an inexpensive gourmet sandwich or salad in Downtown Tampa. A 1/2 sandwich will only set you back $3.95!

Italian Antipasto Sandwich
Inside the Box Executive Chef, Cliff Barsi spent three decades working in resorts and corporate catering. Now he is uses his culinary skills to train those who want to better their life. All of the staff at Inside the Box are graduates of Metropolitan Ministries program, helping people get back on their feet. This concept not only keeps people off the streets but gives them hope and a future.

Grilled Veggie Sandwich
Today, I tried the weekly special (which I feel should be on the menu all the time), the Chicken Waldorf Sandwich. It was full of flavor and fruit. 
Chicken Waldorf Sandwich
Inside the Box has a variety of options and tons of side dishes. The box lunches are a great idea for corporate catering. I will surely be using then in the future for our lunch and learns! PS - the fire roasted veggie and edamame side salad is off the chain. Check out the full menu and catering menu
Inside The Box Cafe on Urbanspoon
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The Columbia - Ybor City

Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Sometimes in life, you take an experience over quality. I have been to the Columbia in Ybor City quite a few times. We frequent there for business lunches and it is in walking distance from our condo. We had a few bad experiences yet I keep returning. Why you ask? The Columbia is an absolutely beautiful, historical restaurant. I have yet to find another restaurant with it's ambiance. They also offer Flamenco show on Friday and Saturday night. Our dinners here are sometimes mediocre but the overall experience is usually awesome.

With my multiple experiences dining here, this is what I have learned. If you are going on a Friday or Saturday night, make sure you book reservations for dining during the Flamenco show. It is an extra $5 per person but well worth it. You cannot go wrong with ordering the 1905 Salad, a pitcher of Sangria and the white chocolate bread pudding. You are on your own for the rest, as we have yet to find an entree that has blown us away.

Always start out with a pitcher of Sangria. We have had every version that is offered on their menu, but the house is our favorite:
Next, you have to order the 1905 Salad. This by far is my favorite thing on the menu. USA Today named it “One of 10 Great Places to Make a Meal Out of a Salad”. It is made table side and is truly amazing. This time, we tried it with shrimp, but I prefer it the original way.
The filet Mignon Chacho: Filet Mignon, served with a rich sauce of bourbon, shallots and mushrooms. Flambéed table side with a 121 proof bourbon. Way too sweet for my taste. All I could taste was the bourbon. Sorry the photo is so dark, the Flamenco show had started.
The Bambino: 14-ounce NY Strip named after Babe Ruth. It is seasoned, grilled and brushed with the “World-Famous Original “1905” Dressing. With the Char on this steak, you would think it was full of flavor. But it wasn't. In fact, it had no flavor at all.

I have heard wonderful things about the Boliche Criolle at the Columbia. It was so beefy. It reminded me of beef stew. Another one in the "I will not order this again" books.
Dessert - You HAVE to get the White Chocolate Bread Pudding. Next to the 1905 Salad, it is the best thing on the menu.

Columbia Restaurant on Urbanspoon
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New York State of Mind part 3 - Adult Beverages & Happy Hour

Tuesday, July 24, 2012
In 8 days, my Outlook calendar will fully take over my life in NYC at BlogHer. I feel we deserve a few cocktails along the way

While researching for this post, I have come to the realization of two things:
1. A specialty drink in NYC will put you back $20 a pop after tip
2. I am not sophisticated by NYC drinking standards. Gone are the days of ordering a simple Cosmo

It seems there are tons of Speakeasy's throughout Manhattan, so we will be visiting PDT - Please Don't Tell. PDT is a prohibition style bar located inside of Crif Dogs. You find the phone booth, and you get access into a bar which is claimed to have amazing drinks.
The hidden entrance to PDT
I am sure we are going to be in need of many Bloody Mary's this trip. I found what has been named one of the best Bloody Mary's in town at Brother Jimmy's. It is served in a Mason Jar, with pickled green beans. Win win. Going to a BBQ joint in NYC will be a first for both of us.

Darlynn has taken the backseat this trip on my neurotic planning. She had only two requests in the land of cocktails. First was drinking at a roof top bar. We found the Sky Room Times Square which happens to have a Happy Hour! Conveniently, Wednesday's are $7 Caipirinha night.!
Sky Room Times Square
 Darlynn's second was going to St. Dymphna's for a pint. This is her favorite bar in NYC.
St Dymphna's
I am currently obsessed with Pisco Sour's, and there multiple locations offering this yummy drink. I really wanted to go to WD-50 but it is too far for our limited time schedule. So we will be visiting Pio Pio
Pisco Sour
The London is offering a free glass of champagne or a complimentary appetizer to BlogHer attendees - so we will be partaking in a little bubbly. The London is very active on Twitter, you should follow them if you are planning on going to NYC.
The London Bar
And finally a trip to NYC wouldn't be the same without a few Cosmos. I may be stuck in the last decade, but I still love Carrie Bradshaw and can watch countless hours of Sex and the City (the show, not the movie).

I think I will end this post now, as it is making me especially thirsty.

If you missed New York State of mind part one and two, you can find them here:
Beauty
Foodie
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Avocados, Chicken, Pizza and Chocolate Chips

Monday, July 23, 2012
After setting out boneless skinless chicken this morning, I had no idea what to make for dinner. I was walking around the store like a lost person, with only a bottle of wine in my cart. I mindlessly  grabbed an avocado and then spotted the 75% off basket at Sweetbay - McCormick's Grill Mates Mexican Fiesta was one of the products in there. I usually make my own marinades but at $0.30, I couldn't walk away. Now I had a Mexico chicken flavor profile but I wanted nothing to do with Tacos, Taco Salad or Fajitas. I am over it. I saw Boboli's 100% Whole Wheat Thin Crust (thank you at home pizza gods - this is the 1st time I have found this since moving to Tampa). I knew immediately what I would create! I marinaded my chicken in the Mexican Fiesta, baked it for 20 minutes at 400 degrees and chopped it up.
While the chicken was baking, I created a pizza sauce. I took a can of diced tomatoes and drained them, added 1 small can of tomato paste, oregano, salt, pepper, and mixed them up with my Cuisinart Smart Stick. I then added A LOT of fresh garlic slices, spread it on the pizza and step by step, added the chicken, 1/2 a can of black beans (drained and rinsed) and some fat free cheese. I threw it in the oven for 9 minutes at 425.
What can make this better? Add 1/2 of a Hass Avocado
Well - I have to say, this recipe is boy tested and approved. As a matter of fact, he asked me where I found the recipe and begged me to put it on the repeat list! It is so easy and took barely anytime at all.

Well what do I do with that other half of the avocado? Gabe wanted to eat it like an apple. I had better ideas. Avocado chocolate chip popsicles!! Do not be put off by avocado's as a dessert. They are such a creamy base and are amazing when you add a natural sweeter to them. We love them and both of us were once very picky eaters.

I got a Zoku pop maker last summer and honestly, do not use it enough as I should. I had some coconut milk, blended it with the remaining avocado, put honey in to taste and a lot of chocolate chips. Voila! Enough to make 3 pops. 
For 2 (or 3!) pops
1/2 avocado - remove the pit, get the flesh out and put into a blender. Add 1/8 a cup or more coconut milk - you want it to be a medium consistency. Pour honey in to taste, depending on how sweet you want it to be. Blend until smooth. Add the chocolate chips and pour into your Popsicle maker. If you are using your Zoku, it will take 8 minutes to freeze. If it is another brand, I cannot help you with the time.
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Capital Grille - The Generous Pour Summer Wine Event

Summer is my favorite time of year. A few of my favorite things are going to the beach, hanging out on the boat, summer vacations, living in sundresses and flip flops. Another favorite is $25 for all you can drink wine at The Capital Grille.

Yes, you read that correct. From July 9th through September 2nd, The Capital Grille offers The Generous Pour Summer Wine Event. For only $25, you can drink as much wine as you want from 9 selections. Everything from a sparkling rose to a dessert wine.

Last summer, Keri and I  had an opportunity to partake in The Generous Pour event. We had an absolutely wonderful dinner (and a little too much to drink)!
Megan & Keri's Girls Night Out at Capital Grille - Generous Pour Event 2011
I was very excited to hear The Capital Grille would be doing The Generous Pour event again this summer. I was even more excited when I became Yelp Elite just in time for their event, Yelp's Capital Gluttonment Elite Event at The Capital Grille, introducing the Generous Pour event! YAY.
Here are the wines you will indulge in for $25 during the event

Lunetta Rose
Sparkling Rose, Trentino - Italy
Served with a lobster crab cake, which I did not get to try and did not get a photo of. The rose was amazing. Very easy to drink (maybe a little too easy to drink, could be dangerous).
 Simcic, 2008/2009
 Rebula, Goriska Brda-Slovenia
Served with a smoked pulled chicken croistini with hummus. This wine is known as "the orange wine" for it's color. I was personally not a fan, but Gabe (who is not a wine drinker) and my friend Lauren both enjoyed it.

Gary Farrell, 2009 
Chardonnay, Carneros
I really enjoyed this Chardonnay and could drink it all day. I do not know what was paired along side of this - I was too busy talking to the fabulous Katie from Ruffles and Truffles
Conn Creek Anthology, 2007
Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
There are three Cab's on the Generous Pour menu. Of the three, this was my second favorite.

Ferrari-Carano, Mountain Reserve, 2008
Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley
I am familiar with the Farrari-Carano wine family. I usually like their wines but this one in particular, I wasn't fond of. After reading the tasting notes, I realized why - Oak and licorice, two of my least favorite flavors.


These wines were served with an amazing mushroom bisque soup, which is not on the menu, which is a shame as I would be getting a bowl of it for lunch today. I'm just going to have to learn how to make this myself.

Chateu Du Pin, 2009
Merlot / Cabernet Sauvignon/ Cabernet Franc, Bourdeaux - France
I loved this wine. It was amazing. We had it paired with a filet sandwich with boursin cheese and mushrooms

Villa Mt. Eden, Grand Reserve, 2007
Pinot Noir, Russian River
I love love love Pinot Noir and this was an excellent wine. It was paired with a huge assortment of cheese
 Another red on the list was Falesco, Assisi Rosso, 2009, a Sangiovese / Merlot / Cabernet Sauvignon, from Umbria Italy. I did not get to try this wine. By this round, I had found my fill of wine for 5:30pm on a Sunday.


Kanu Kia Ora, 2006
Noble Late Harvest
I am not a fan of dessert wine, but I found Mr. "I don't like wine" at this table a few times. I am not sure if it was the creme brulee or the wine, but it was his favorite pairing of the night.
Overall I was very impressed with both The Capital Grille and Yelp. I found it very well put together with a touch of class. Capital Grille in Tampa is now on my list of considered restaurants to host a client event for my real job.
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New York State of Mind - Part 2 (beauty)

This issue is all about the beauty. We will call it the Vogue episode


BlogHer is all about the parties, the events and the swag right? No ma'am, it is actually about learning new things and meeting amazing women.

With that said, you feel your best when you are feeling pretty. All of a sudden, I am having a Natalie Wood moment. From one Wood to another, I feel Pretty (ps - my last name is Wood)!


Dar and I have scheduled a few beauty sessions prior to the big BlogHer event. On Wednesday morning, Darlynn will be visiting the Dry Bar at Le Parker Meridien


A few hours later, I will be getting my Princess Leia hair on. Just kidding!! Actually, I will be visiting The Braid Bar at John Barrett Salon at Bergdorf Goodman. While this video actually isn't from the above mentioned Braid Bar - you get the idea. I wish I was as talented as my new friend Katie at Ruffles and Truffles - I would be saving myself $50!
The question at hand is do we bother spending $32 each for a Mani at the new Essie Flagship Salon at Samuel Shriqui?
With that all said - and the money we will most definitely blow through in a week, I feel all of us women stressing out about BlogHer12 needs to realize that this is all about us learning from each other. Meeting amazing people. Being in contact with vendors we would never imagine seeing in person. Yet if you are feeling down  - take the advice from the Miss Piggy (but please don't give me a black eye).

Find the food episode here
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