Sugary Spotlight: Dylan’s Candy Bar

Sorry I’ve been a little out of touch the last few days…work at the fitness club is finally winding down and I even got to take a few days off, courtesy of my boss who wants me relax (and maybe decrease the payroll). The strangest thing is that even when I am not working, I still want to be proactive and to be doing something productive with my time. Unfortunately at my house our lousy router (A Dell router) has finally broken down and my parents are currently waiting for an angel from the magical heavens of Apple to descend and set up our new one. Therefore, I have to venture far away from Neverland in order to get Internet. Yet another reason why I haven’t been posting anything of significant content.

But thankfully I am chilling at the Hanover Mall where there is some wifi and I am typing away! If you didn’t hear via Facebook or Twitter, I visited my boyfriend last weekend and BOY oh BOY that was very fun. It’s amazing how much fun you can still have with someone even if you’ve been with them for such a long time. Of course, being an avid sugar-addict, I had to make one particular pit-stop that always manages to satisfy my sweet-tooth. Dylan’s Candy Bar.

If you have never been to Dylan’s before…it’s an experience. You walk in and it’s like you are transported into a magical land with floor-to-ceiling candy. And EVERY CANDY IMAGINABLE!

Although it is quite crowded as you walk in, with all of the crazed tourists, once you walk around a bit, you’ll realize that the store is three floors. Did you get that? THREE FLOORS OF CANDY. Awesome. My dentist will love me for this. But you have endless possibilities for choices here. My favorite area to explore is the bulk candy area where you just grab a bag and choose as many types and pieces of candy you can ask for! I am personally addicted to gumballs. I know…not the first candy you’d think of when you are going through an endless selection…but I am ADDICTED to them. I could chew bubblegum all day. Although my jaw muscles would probably have something to say about that…

They don’t JUST sell candy by the way. Of course I had to get myself some goodies while I was bagging candy like it was going out of style.

Dylan’s sells everything from candy, to Dylan-branded clothing, to office supplies, to adorable candy pillows… a collection I’ve always wanted to start. (If you don’t know already…I am an avid collector. I had to make my final project for my college Museum Studies class about my outrageously huge Beanie Babies collection). But can you blame me? Look how cute they are!

Dylan’s Candy Bar also offers freshly dipped snacks from their famous chocolate fountain! I remember last time I was there taking a peep and having it dipped in their decadent chocolate and…OH MAN…it was taste-gasmic. It is definitely a must if you have not tried it yet. And who doesn’t like chocolate fondue, right?

Well…that’s it for me and Dylan’s Candy Bar…at least for this part of the year. I normally hit NYC around late Fall when my college offers free bus rides to and from NYC. So maybe next time I will have more to blog about Dylan’s.

Stay tuned for more reviews of places I hit in NYC this past weekend. And as always, have a lovely day!

Ready…Set…MOTIVATE!

Some days, after a long day at work, you can really feel the weight of your life on your shoulders. And sometimes, it almost seems too much to bear at once and you feel like you want to break down. I most definitely have been in that boat for the past few weeks or so. And even though I am not one to admit it, I am definitely feeling a tad burned out nowadays. Unfortunately for most people, feeling down and out makes you want to stray away from your healthy routines and remain idle and isolated. However, one amazing way I like to reboot my system is reading some motivation via Pinterest. You can find all sorts of wonderful content there that can really make you smile. I could spend HOURS there! I especially love looking at Health/Fitness motivation there. Keep this in mind…if you are feeling blue, working out is a natural pick-me-up that will not only make you feel better inside, but make you look amazing on the outside as well! Here is a collection of my favorites that I found on one of my excavations of Pinterest. Enjoy 😉

Source: healthyintrusion.tumblr.com via Hillary on Pinterest

Source: fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net via Hillary on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Hillary on Pinterest

Source: thebestpictureontheinternet.blogspot.ca via Hillary on Pinterest

Source: media-cache7.pinterest.com via Hillary on Pinterest

Source: healthyisalwaysbetter.tumblr.com via Hillary on Pinterest

Source: health-heaven.tumblr.com via Hillary on Pinterest

Source: healthyisalwaysbetter.tumblr.com via Hillary on Pinterest

Source: letsmakeahealthiertomorrow.tumblr.com via Hillary on Pinterest

Source: tomorrowneverdiets.wordpress.com via Hillary on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Hillary on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Hillary on Pinterest

Source: tumblr.com via Hillary on Pinterest

Source: via Hillary on Pinterest

Fab Finds at T.J. Maxx!

Hello everyone! Hope you are having a lovely hump-day. The weekend is now within our grasp! Have you ever gone to a store to try on clothes just for fun? I most certainly have…on multiple occasions. Even though you may get some dirty looks from the staff who manages the dressing rooms, trying on clothes just for enjoyment is quite a blast!

After work today I dilly-dallied over to my trusty T.J. Maxx and pulled out my inner Maxxinista and got to work. I am in LOVE with the dresses you can find there. Aside from Forever21, which is the store I buy most of my dresses, some of my absolute best dresses that I get the most compliments on come from there. They carry designer names for extremely low prices! Who can deny such a deal? So during my adventure through T.J. Maxx I stumbled upon some contenders…so sad to know that they will not be coming home with me. But still…taking pictures can hold the memory. 🙂

Of course I had to try on yet ANOTHER, as my boss calls them, “Rachel Berry dress”. I have a thing for polka dots and A-line cut skirts. The top was fitted and had gold metal buttons going down the top while the skirt flared out into an A-line, making it easy-breezy to wear. The top also had some cute short-sleeve cuffs that highlight smaller shoulders. SUPER CUTE!

Oh yes…any sort of dress with an opening in the back I am all for. Really, I would even go for a backless dress if I had the right occasion. I think the back is a beautiful part of the body to show off that most people don’t even think about showing. Especially if you are athletic and have some sexy muscles to show, flaunt it! This dress had a lower-back opening, so I won’t be able to flaunt any sort of back muscle there, but again, the A-line skirt and the fitted top was definitely made with a pear-shaped girl in mind. The pattern was cutsie and I never thought purple and orange would go together, but they are meshed together in this dress so well! Never let your inhibitions prevent you from experimenting with color! Mixing and matching colors in outfits is a great way to express yourself and your personality through your individual style choices.

Okay…this might be the one that broke me a bit. I ADORED this dress when I put it on. The material was an easy jersey, making it comfortable to wear and easy to move around in. And plus…it had POCKETS! I mean come on… that lone fact that the dress had pockets nearly made me break my promise not to buy anything that day. It was so perfect…and only about $14. But what really grabbed me about this dress was the pattern. The blue and purple flowers contrast so beautifully with the black background of the fabric. It certainly gives the look some pop-factor!

So those are my Fab FInds from T.J. Maxx! I hope you’ve enjoyed these looks! I certainly did. I secretly want to go back tomorrow and buy one. I am having the opposite of shoppers remorse…

Quick question of the day (I’d REALLY appreciate it if I had your input and commented on this post). If I were to go back to buy one of these three dresses, which one should I choose? (If you are wondering what they are price-wise, they range from $14-$20).

As always, have a lovely day!

Fab and Fashionable Flats!

Not all of us are the biggest heel enthusiasts, and I’m sure our poor feet can speak to that! Sometimes, on a laid-back summer day, you just want to slip on a nice pair of flats. Here are some more Fab Finds!

Steve Madden Women’s Shoes, Studlyy Flats – $105

f you’re looking for a cool way to create that cool, grungy look, try these studded black flats and pair them with a leather jacket and some black skinny jeans. Make sure to incorporate some color somewhere in there!

TOMS Linen Classic Tangerine – $48

Oh…my beloved orange. How I adore thee… Orange has got to be one of my favorite colors of the season. It used to turn me off back in the day, but the color can be so vibrant and adds that desirable pop-factor to any outfit.

Sperry Top-Sider “Authentic Original” Gold Boat Shoes – $72

Gotta have some Sperry’s! They are an essential to any shoe collection. And the added metallic gold makes them in season! The best part is, these shoes go with nearly any outfit!

Fab. Loafers Studs Beach Pink – $175

A nice girly baby-pink flat that is covered in cute little gold heart studs. It’s a sweet alternative to the sharper look of the black studded flats.

Kate Spade New York Heather – $180

The capped flat is also quite a popular fashion statement to make this year. It’s a very classic look that, when incorporated correctly, can be the finishing touch to create a lovely, preppy outfit.

Bobby Stripe Lace-Up Shoe – $95

Wowzers, look at that pattern! Talk about pop-factor! I am always an advocate of shoes making a bold statement in your outfit. Why not go all out? This black and white striped flat just screams LOOK AT ME I’M STYLISH!

TOMS ‘Classic Crochet’ Slip-On – $58

I bought these online when I was at college immediately when I saw them grace my computer screen. They are just PERFECT for the summer. TOMS never disappoints when creating comfortable, colorful, and cute shoes, and these have definitely become a staple.

TOMS Purple Glitter Slip-On Shoes – $54

I know…I know…3 TOMS? But you can’t deny the power of glitter. And while this purple may seem a little juvenile, I say, go for it! Just make sure that the rest of your outfit is toned down so that these over-the-top TOMS have room to shine.

Alrighty everyone! Hope you enjoyed looking through another Fab Finds, and feel inspired to stock up on some flats! I know I sure am!

As always, have a lovely day!

Va-Va-Vintage!

Hello lovelies…and Happy Father’s Day!

This weekend I have returned to one of my favorite pastimes, “Online Window Shopping”. This is when I look on random clothing stores’ websites at all of their stuff with no intention of buying anything. I’ve been watching my wallet, making sure that I don’t spend money on things unless I am truly in need of them. And trust me…it has not been the easiest practice to follow…

But one of the websites that I never grow tired of scavenging is ModCloth.com.

ModCloth is an American online retailer that is based in Pittsburgh, PA that is a hub of vintage-inspired and indie clothing, accessories, and decor. It is truly amazing. And while scowering the site, I decided to pick out some of my favorite vintage-y pieces for a new Fab Finds!

Classic Twist Dress (Black)

$54.99

This dress just SCREAMS Audrey Hepburn with a modern-day twist. The dress has the perfect mix of elegance, sophistication, with a touch of sexiness with the half-open back. This is the perfect dress for pear-shapes, if you are looking to enhance a smaller bust and torso and hide your lower half with this fit-and-flare style.

Daisy Day In Dress

$87.99

Okay, I know for some of you, that yellow bow may be a turn-off…but in my mind…this dress is SIMPLY ADORABLE! I have been accused by my boss of having a “Rachel Berry-esque” style, so it wouldn’t surprise her if I were to walk in one day wearing this dress. I could picture our favorite Broadway-bound Glee club member rocking this number, what do you think? This dress was designed by the British sister/designer duo Trollied Dolly. The big yellow bow is a bold, adorable accent to the bust that draws your attention upward towards the face. This accent, paired with the daisy-flower pattern can brighten up anybody’s day!

Flight as Can Be Dress

$84.99

Can you tell I have a thing for bows? They are kind of my weakness. I am in love with late 50s and 60s fashion, and those bow details have become an inspiration for a lot of my day-to-day outfits these days. This little dress is the perfect way to incorporate vintage fashion into your spring/summer wardrobe. The thin material is perfect for the warmer temperatures, as is the length and cap-sleeve. The dress is detailed with small white and red birds, accompanied by a Peter Pan collar with a bow detail. So cute!

You Are Cherry Welcome Dress

$57.99

Ah…I can just picture wearing this dress, walking into my fully-furnished dream kitchen on a sunny afternoon, and baking endless amounts of cherry pie. I’d have my hair in a 60s-style updo with that pin-up makeup look, finished with fire engine red lipstick. Ah, what a wonderful life…

Woops! Off track now! This dress has such a spunky and unique pattern, you’d definitely be the center of attention anywhere you’d go. Again, similarly to the first two dresses, this dress accentuates your torso and flares out at the waist in a gorgeous A-line skirt. A nice twist to this dress is that the shoulder straps criss-cross in the back, giving you even MORE wow-factor.

Sleek It Out Dress (Cherry Red)

$47.99

As they say in the Victoria’s Secret commercials…Hello Bombshell! This dress is made to make a powerful statement in any woman’s wardrobe. You will definitely be the center of attention at any venue strutting your stuff in this body-hugging number. What makes this cut even more flattering are the seams that are tailored to accentuate the curves of the female body, making you even more red hot! Try not to burn anyone on your way to your seat, hun.

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Those are some of my top picks from ModCloth’s Vintage Collection! I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about these picks, and that you’re inspired to incorporate some of your own vintage styles to enhance your summer wardrobe.

As always, have a lovely day!

My Week in NYC Part 2

Hey guys!

My week in NYC was absolutely amazing… but alas, now I am back in good ol’ Massachusetts where the weather is nothing but rainy.

But the rest of my week in NYC was splendid! The weather was gorgeous throughout the week, which made my next few adventures a lot more enjoyable!

Cafe Reggio

“The Home of the Original Cappuccino” is such a cute little cafe for a quick, authentic Italian coffee. The environment is very much inspired by the coffeehouses in Italy, with beautiful paintings and sculptures that resemble famous works by Italian artists. It has been around since 1927 and is one of the most popular cafes in Greenwich Village, so it is definitely a must when you visit there.

Siggy’s Good Food

This little restaurant in Brooklyn is home to cuisine that is 100% organic and made with only pure, clean & whole foods ingredients. (Since I am a health-food fanatic, this place definitely spoke my language). They get their ingredients from local farmers to ensure its freshness, making their food not only healthy but DELICIOUS! They also accommodate for all sorts of dietary restrictions, including vegetarian and gluten free. Even their wine and beer is organic!

Eric and I just had some of their “Snacks” for lunch, but they were SO GOOD. I had Quinoa and Spinach cakes topped with an organic salsa, while Eric had a hummus dish with ciabatta bread. Let me just say, whatever was in that hummus…it was magical!

Brooklyn Heights

Ahhhh, the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. Where do I start? This third-of-a-mile stretch is a pathway on the edge of Brooklyn that gives you a picture-perfect view lower Manhattan, South Street Seaport, the East River and the Brooklyn Bridge. It was such a gorgeous day, the sun was shining, not a cloud in sight, and I must say…it definitely makes for a really romantic spot. 😉

High Line

Again with the romantic pathways… Last January when I came to NYC, Eric took me to the High Line, which is a 1 mile long linear park that was originally a section of the former elevated New York Central Railroad which runs along the lower west side of Manhattan. Since it was in the middle of winter, the plants that gardens were a little lack-luster. I was promised that in the summer, the High Line gardens would be brought to life…and it definitely was. Eric and I walked along and I was amazed at how much the gardens had grown since my last visit and how much more alive the pathway had become. More and more businesses and food carts have been placed along the Highline, allowing for passersby to grab a quick coffee or yummy fro-yo as they continue on their path.

The flowers are simply gorgeous…I REEEEEAAALLY recommend it.

I’m really going to miss NYC…it is one of my favorite places in the world. The city that never sleeps. But after a long 4-hour train ride, I’m happy to be back home. But now…I must organize my upstairs…I still haven’t organized my crap from my move home from college, YIKES!

As always, have a lovely day!

My Week in NYC Part 1

Hey guys! Finals week is over WOOHOO! My boyfriend and I had our last final on the very last day of finals week at 2:30 pm. And by then…the entire campus was dead. But after a long drive we finally made it to NYC! I will be staying here for about a week to celebrate Eric’s (my boyfriend) birthday.

So while I am here I will be blogging about all of the amazing restaurants, shops, boutiques, etc that I find here in NYC. I’ve only been here about 2 days, and I already have so much to talk about!

David’s Tea

This cute little tea shop is on 275 Bleecker St (between Jones St & Morton St) in Manhattan in the West Village. They were having a special for Mother’s Day where they were giving away free tea to any mothers. So sweet!

But this place was so adorable. They are reasonably priced, and they have an amazing selection of teas. Some of the standouts I saw were Pumpkin Chai, Ice Cream Cake, Strawberry Shortcake, and … Swampwater? Yuck-a-doo.

When you walk in, the shop resembles a bar with dozens and DOZENS of teas for you to choose from. And the workers let you choose whichever tea you want and smell them (which explains why we ended up staying so long!)

If you are an extreme tea-lover who wants high-quality tea for a reasonable price, David’s is the place to be. They even sell their own tea accessories like tea sets, pitchers, infusers, mugs, you name it!

What Size Am I?

Hello there my lovely followers! I’m sorry I’ve been so out of the loop lately. This week has been ridden with finals and lots and lots of STRESS!

EEK. Finals.

But I feel bad that I haven’t blogged in a while. So to prove to you that I am still alive and well…I am posting a Fab Find!

While scoping Reddit (yes, my boyfriend has officially made me a Redditer…) I stumbled upon a subreddit known as FemaleFashionAdvice. AMAZING. And in my loitering, I found a nifty little site that I think you ladies will thank me for posting.

It’s called What Size Am I? It is a handy-dandy chart where you enter your bust, waist, and hip measurements, and on the right-hand column it will tell you exactly what sizes you should buy in tops, jeans, dresses, etc for all of your favorite stores. (H&M, Forever21, Gap, and MOREMOREMORE!)

As they say on the site, finding clothes that fit you shouldn’t be so hard. This chart is great for those of you like me who want to find clothes that are meant to fit your body’s natural shape. I have yet to really experiment with this site, so let me know in the comments below how it works out for you!

But as always, have a lovely day!

Shoes shoes and more SHOES!

I’m sure I am not the only person who spends hours on end browsing the Internet for the best fashion deals and steals. However, this time I decided to look around for the most amazing shoes I could find that I want to add to my closet…shoes I could only dream of affording one day.

 

I have a guilty pleasure for OUTRAGEOUS shoes, especially if they have the name Jeffrey Campbell on them. These Night Litas are amazing! Plus, who can say that they’ve rocked a heel-less shoe before? Not me…not yet.

 

Another Jeffrey Campbell shoe, these Black Spike Litas are great for giving some grunginess to any look. The spikes on the heel definitely give personality to your outfit. Try mixing a shoe like this with some feminine pieces, like a flowy blouse, and complete it with a black leather skirt. Mixing and matching hard and soft pieces will give some much-needed dimension and variety to your look.

 

ADORABLE! This Handcar Regatta Heel is such an precious little bootie-heel. The black lace mixed with that cute black bow is a nice feminine detail that can really complete a look. You can also add it to any outfit that is in need of some finishing touches. (I have always considered shoes to be your best and most valuable accessories in your closet.) Just like jewelry, they add personality to whatever outfit you wear them with and can make a powerful statement.

 

There we go…now I’m finally moving away from the dark colors and moving on to a platform wedge – the Makes Me Blush Wedge. Adorable name, right? This baby-pink shoe, although it is not black, gray, or beige, can actually serve as a neutral. In this sense, this wedge serves the opposite purpose as the ones before it. If you already have a look that is very busy with either intricate patterns or bright, vibrant colors, use this toned-down shoe to counter those busy elements to create balance in your outfit.

 

OH MY GOODNESS POP-FACTOR! This Mease heel from ALDO is simply adorable! In store, this heel is a neon-yellow (a HUGE trend this season). Nothing says vibrancy and personality like a neon shoe! And the best part is, this shoe comes in lots of other colors including…

PINK! What else could a girl ask for, right?

Anyhoo, those are all of my Fab Finds that I have for today. If I had a million dollars, I would shamelessly say I’d spend it all on shoes! (And skirts…and dresses…)

As always, have a lovely day!