Stilettos With My Latte Staging

Currently craving the tranquility of the beach.

Wish I could close my eyes and immediately transport to this one in Cabo

First things first, we needed a drink to catch up since we hadn't seen each other in over 6 months

This restaurant turned out to be a great pick - they had white chocolate ice-cream on the menu. Also, yes we looked at the dessert menu first, so we could decide how big of an entree we could enjoy. It is all about priorities.

Cheers to Val & Maks putting on a great show! And guess who drank bourbon in a mixed drink and liked it?!

Wanesha went with shrimp & cheddar grits, while I dined on buttermilk fried chicken, french fries, and pickles.

My first experience with delicious beignets. I was not disappointed...especially after we added the ice-cream and caramel on the side!

All I knew was on this night I wanted to dance - I don't know if it was the drinks, the shoes, or the anticipation of seeing Maks & Val live - but whatever it was, I felt GOOD!

Now you know I came home with souvenirs. I could not leave the program book behind. I also was taking a picture of the drink specials at the bar - the bar tender came up and asked me did I just want to take it home. Well of course I did, but does it also come with a splash of Val and a hug from Maks??? And what's up with a REAL backstage boogie?! These were serious questions that needed answers.

What is not to love about this picture?!

As we drove home, we spotted fireworks off the highway. What a great end to a perfect night!

Maks & Val tell an inspiring story. They refuse to settle for no and will find a way to accomplish what they want to achieve. Our Way leaves you wanting to strive for more - they didn't just entertain, they stirred my passion. And we all need an extra push from time to time. Thanks Maks & Val for always being open with your fans.

With so many things going on in today's society, it is easy to get caught up in all the emotions surrounding you. Luckily for me, I have this kid around always ready to give me an extra hug & kiss. His presence reminds me to be still and to always exhibit a spirit of gratitude.

He also allows me to unleash my inner child and embrace the more simple pleasures of life like swinging on swings, ice-cream cones with jimmies, or infectious giggles.

After a hard day at school (he had an accident and will end up losing a front tooth), I gave him an ice-cream cone for dinner. Ice-cream always makes everything better.

And he is constantly learning - he has just mastered tying his shoes. My boy is really growing up and he beams with pride as he accomplishes each milestones.



AND the best lessons of them all: love with no reservation...exhibit a kind & gentle spirit...and when all else fails, SMILE.

I think I will keep him around forever.

Oh how I love fresh flowers!

A Buttercup Chandelier - their signature yellow blowdryer is named Buttercup

Their menu

Mimosas while I get my hair done?! YES, please. (coffee and water are also options) Zoya's Lake  pictured here

UMMMM...and they have USB ports at every station to charge your phone. I was SOLD.

Product wall - I am such a product junkie!

Ummmm this was leave in conditioner with gold glitter - could you tell I was in heaven?!

The service was exemplary at the Dry Bar. My stylist, Dawn, was very personable and kept me laughing while she went to work on my hair. Rae and I both selected the Cosmo Tai, which is a combo of loose curls & beach waves. We both felt and looked FABULOUS.



The only logical thing to do next was to go to brunch. Duh! We decided to try out Gaslight in Old City and man oh man - it was DELICIOUS!



We decided to order 2 different meals and swap plates half way through, so we could both try 2 entrees. I swear this is an unspoken rule with me and all my girlfriends...my fork is always in their plates. It works out well since we all love to try multiple things anyways. I highly suggest this method when dining out.

Can you guess what I picked?! Although the chicken & waffles were good...Rae picked an absolute winner with the Strawberry Peanut Butter French Toast. I would have NEVER thought an intense flavor explosion would occur by simply placing peanut butter underneath a slice of french toast and then adding strawberries on top with homemade whipped cream and syrup. I definitely will replicate this at home.

No brunch is complete without cocktails - I opted for a Modern Love while Rae selected a Bloody Mary

With my hair flowing fabulously and being well fed, I suppose I need to finish up this party prep, huh?! The weather is wreaking havoc on my plans - I cannot decide if I should just move it inside and forgo my vision of it being outdoors. Stay tuned later this week to see how it all pans out!

I swear you have the BEST conversations in the most unlikely places. Case and point, every 5 weeks I lay on the table and talk to my therapist.

I have been seeing Sabah for about 3 years now - she has become more like my older sister than an esthetician. There is NO topic off limits. Well, how could there be since all inhibitions are left outside the door. As she goes through the motions, we really talk. I love the relationship we have built and I have learned so much about her religion, her culture, and her expectations in her next relationship.

You see, we both have been single for some time now. And I had so much to divulge in my last appointment.

As we began to dissect a few situations, all of a sudden Sabah stopped and said, Holly love is an art. It cannot be forced. The passion is either there or it is not.  You have to remain patient and your appreciation will be that much deeper once your love is found. And sometimes we have to work hard for it - love transcends all...even distance, so travel & explore. I took pause, reflected, and quickly agreed.

Love. IS. Art. 

I cannot wait to see Sabah today so she can help me decipher some more things on my list.

Oh Margaritaville - you have a place in my heart. As I drank, my mom was sending pictures to my father who wanted to know how many ounces were in each glass. I told him 16 - I knew I would be questioned about that further later - lol!

After consuming all my margaritas and most of my burger, it was time to rush back down the boardwalk to catch our Cirque du Soleil Show, Ovo.

Let me rewind a bit - I HATE seagulls. My biggest fear is being shit on by one of them. When they dive in low, I get all squeamish and want to run, but I just walk faster. SO as I am hustling back down the boardwalk, I feel this warm sensation hit my arm. I look down and I exclaim LOUDLY, OH F&*K! Everybody turns around and looks at the shit on my arm and down my black dress. My mom grabs my phone and bag. This lady who is walking by throws her bottle of water on me (so now I have spit and shit on me) and starts wiping my arm, as I wipe my dress. She then asks for a selfie with me and she wants a kiss...because after all, IT'S HER BIRTHDAY AND SHE WILL NEVER FORGET THIS DAY! I oblige and thank her for her help - and silently I am still cursing, but at least it did NOT get in my hair, right?! And apparently, being shit on is good luck - so they tell me to go play at one of the casinos.

Anyways, there was no time for my dramatics because the show started in 20 minutes...and we slid in our seats just in time. Ovo blew my mind! I was captivated the entire time.

This was my face the day after when I sat down at my desk - no amount of coffee sustained me properly, BUT Rae & I went to the new Wawa for lunch and I discovered their milkshakes. And THAT was exactly what I needed to make it to 5pm.

What are some of your favorite childhood summer memories?