My Summer Reads....

Since the summer has almost come to an end, so (inevitably) must my ravenous thirst to devour as many books as possible in a short amount of time. Not that I don't want to, but the trash kind of has to make way for things I've really really been dying to read. Ahhhh to sit and read all day.... that's the life!

Here are the books I made my way through this summer....

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson -

An awesome book about the man that has changed a lot of our lives forever. Complete asshole? Yes... But every genius is entitled to their quirks. The best is that he knew he was an asshole.. Ok maybe not the best, but it sure was entertaining. It was interesting to learn how much of a hippie he was (you know me). Also loved the stories of Pixar and his contribution... Downsides were denying paternity to his daughter almost to the point of a DNA test and his reality distortion field. Still, soooo talented!

Let's Pretend this Never Happened by Jenny Lawson -

You already know my feelings on this book - Love, Love annnnnnd Love! Her blog could possibly be funnier than the book. Follow it here or see my review on this book here.

Hunger Games Trilogy by Susanne Collins -

Ok so I'm kind of cheating on this one... I'm in the middle of Mockingjay (the third book). I must admit that taking a break from my obsession with non-fiction was great. Will Katniss and Peeta end up together? Ahhhh... the suspense! Don't tell me! This was also one of those stories where you see the movie and the book is so much better. Isn't the book always better?

Life by Keith Richards -

If you couldn't tell already I love reading biographies. Especially biographies about those who were alive during the 60's and 70's. Maria told me once that I was born in the wrong decade. I still don't know how to digest that one because I think I was too. So what's better than to read about it? Keith was a really bad drug addict, but incredibly talented. He had a head injury almost exactly like my mom so that was interesting as well. It's a thick book, but well worth it. I especially loved the stories about him and John Lennon... sigh...

Amy, My Daughter - Mitch Winehouse

I loved this book so much. It made me want to bring Amy back... She was so troubled and would have led a much better life had her husband Blake not entered it. I love all of her music so learning the different things that inspired the songs and lyrics was a real treat. I also learned that she spent some time in Miami to record her albums. I sent a tweet to Amy's dad Mitch after I read the book thanking him for the glimpse into their lives and he was nice enough to follow me back. Thanks Mitch!

Thanks Mitch!

True Love by Thich Nhat Hanh -

A short book of only about 100 pages. I read about this book on the Tory Burch blog and must say it was a great little read. While I suppose it would be classified as a Buddhist book it has great stories and practices for awakening your heart to the love around you. It can be finished in an hour and I highly recommend it. You should totally put in on your library hold list like I suggested here. :)

So that's about it... Still not on the 50 Shades of Grey bus.... nope... not doing it!

All of these books are amazing... I feel a Reading Rainbow Lavar Burton moment coming on... "But you don't have to take my word for it!"

What have you read this summer? Any suggestions on what to read next?

Fashion's Night Out South Florida Preview....

Tonight is Fashion's Night Out ya'll and I'm uber-excited!

This will be the fourth year of the event and I'm proud to say that I've been buzzed shopping at the last three! Who doesn't like free wine, samples, deep discounts and posing in front of step and repeats?! It is, however, the end of a mini 2 year era with Sara and I attending since she moved away. You'll be with us in spirit darling!!!

Sara and I at FNO 2010!

While we aren't quite the originating NYC, there are oh so many things to do in South Florida tonight. Below is just my sampling...

Aventura Mall -

This has been our go-to spot for the last 2 years. It has been host to everyone from Project Runway designers to Jill and Bobby Zarin to Steve Madden and this year is no exception. This year Macy's is hosting a fashion show with Real Housewives of NYC Luann de Lesseps and supermodel Niki Taylor. Spend $75 at Macy's and you can meet them too! In years past (I'm sure this year is the same) the entire mall turns into a party. Every store has free food and drinks and you can walk around from store to store eating and sipping. Buzzed purchase anyone? More on Aventura Mall's event offerings here.

Bobby Zarin with us at Macy's in 2011

Aren't we cute!

Lala Couture - The ultimate girly Fort Lauderdale shop in the amazing Gateway shops (my favorite place ever) is serving up free champagne and having a sneak peak of all the fall trends. DJ in the house? Check! Be sure to say hello to Molly, the shops owner. She's super nice and willing to help you put together your new fall wardrobe! You can find out more about this Lala event here.

Bal Harbour Shops - Saks Fifth Avenue at Bal Harbour shops is serving up free shakes, burgers and custard alongside a high tech photobooth for your social media fix. Accessories designer Nancy Gonzalez will also be making a personal appearance at Neiman Marcus. Sweet! There are so many store events going on here that I can't possibly list them all... Check them out here.

And finally..... The FNO Event that Cari and I are attending tonight:

The District Factory -

Our favorite South Florida Jewelry designer and friend Susie Rekechensky will be there with her Phairytale wares. Local designers and vintage in my favorite part of town... Hello!? I smell a purchase coming on! I've been meaning to make it down to the District Factory for the last few months... What a perfect excuse! There will be 30 brands of apparel, vintage, accessories and a Rock the Block party with live dance and DJ's. Yes please!

Soooooooo what are you going to do for Fashion's Night Out?

Key West... OMG

Can you believe I had to wait until Friday to feel back to normal enough to write this post?! I'm getting OLD!! I also write this post having not even seen most of the pictures from this past weekend.... Get on that Carl!

Nerd Alert!

We all had an amazing weekend in the Southern Most Tip of the US celebrating Keith's Birthday...

Southern Most Strangers

Casa Marina was more than excellent to us loud people at the pool...

Casa Marina views... Including Carl on her balcony...

We ate, we drank... We saw, we conquered... Friday night started with a trip to Sloppy Joe's....

This is the only pic I took there... Riveting...

Then to Rumor Lounge where they have a Men's and a Whoever bathroom...

Yet another riveting photo....

And then to Hog's Breath and a couple other unmentionable places... :)

Saturday consisted of pool time and Keith's Birthday dinner at Conch Republic... Yum!

Conch Republic Shenanigans

Sunday, time to go home... Breakfast with the roosters at the amazing Blue Heaven and shopping at Wanderlust across the street. I got an amazing mermaid shirt by a local Key West artist... Love! Reviews on both of these places to come!

Outside at Blue Heaven

So Monday morning rolls around.... I'm in the drive through line at Dunkin and what am I behind?

Key West Cluster...

You can check out my Yelp on Casa Marina here.... Reviews of others to come!

My only question is... When are we going back?

The Most Hilarious Book I've Ever Read....

In lieu of a Wednesday Obsessions blog I had to share with you one of the most hilarious books I've ever read... I literally couldn't put it down and finished it within a 24 hour period.

Let's Pretend This Never Happened - By Jenny Lawson

First off let me say I can't believe I read something on the NY Times Best Seller list! (without realizing it of course)! It's the little things....

Jenny Lawson, originally from Wall, Texas is full of some of the funniest stories you'll ever hear. She admits herself that she had to call it a mostly true memoir to protect the people within the book. She claims, "the moment you think you've heard the most fucked up crazy stories... Those are the true ones" And it's true!

Her stories range everywhere from childhood in the most rural of rural towns (including a class in high school where she had to inseminate a cow and gets her arm stuck up in there) to stories of childbirth, her obsession with oddball taxidermy and her loving and hopeless husband Victor.

Jenny... A Self-Portrait

She has a sarcastic tone that carries throughout the book and is so refreshing to hear. If you love Jenny McCarthy or Chelsea Handler books, this one's for you!

Jenny was also named one of the Nielson Top 50 Most Powerful Mom Bloggers and Forbes listed her blog as one of their Top 100 Websites for Women.

After finishing the book, the fun and hilarity continues on her blog - theblogess.com - You'll get daily shenanigans that will have you rolling in your office chair.

5 foot metal chicken named Beyonce? Of course!

Do you have a favorite funny book? Have you read Jenny's book or blog?

I'm a 2012 Elite Yelper!

Huge thanks to Johnny T for voting me an 2012 Elite Yelper - I've even got a new shiny badge to prove it!

Of course, as always, follow my reviews all around town on yelp here.

Obsessions Wednesday... The Wayfarer

I know I know, I'm waaaaaayyyyyy behind the boat on this one.

Last week during my amazing week off vacation I made a trip to Boca Town Center with Mrs. Doopiemoos for a little retail therapy. Within this retail therapy I had a little inkling of what I had set out to buy.

Behold the Wayfarer....

The originals 

The little black dress of the sunglass world, I had always admired them, those that wear them and the classic chic look that they bring, but had never realized the history behind them. I'm talking way deeper than just a little Risky Business.

They've been around since 1956 and have adorned the most classic of classic (and some maybe not so classic)...

Just a sampling of the appeal...

My beauties are the Wayfarer RB2140 which are the originals, taken from the original design.


Want more history on them? Wikipedia is more that happy to oblige!

Missed the boat or not, I'm in love! What are your fave pair of sunnies?

Weekend in Review....

What a fun weekend! It could have been even more fun had I not succumb to a stomach bug on Saturday night, yuck! I pushed myself through Indie Craft Bazaar, but after packing up the car and sitting down for dinner at Tarpon Bend, the spins and aches came on full throttle. Props to the Edelmans and Andy for noticing I did not look right and needed to go home. Feeling much better this Monday thank you very much!

Here's a breakdown of the two events that made my weekend!

Grouplove at Ricochet:

I can't say thank you enough to South Florida Music Obesessed for getting Andy and I into this invite only show. After last seeing them playing for thousands streaming Bonnaroo at home, this was such a special treat. I mean there were maybe 100 people there. Such a blast! I'm gonna "bump the beats till beddy bye" for a while to come!

Click over here to see some awesome photos and videos shot by South Florida Music Obsessed of the event!

To see my yelp on Ricochet, check here.

AND

Indie Craft Bazaar: Summer of Love:

Since I already gave you an awesome preview of some of my fave vendors last week, I hope you were able to make it! I ended up with an awesome new Henna love courtesy of Lori, with plans to get another new one next week before we go to Key West!

It was a great show and had an amazing turnout! I have the best friends in the world that keep coming back to visit and even managed to make a few new ones. It's so crazy how you can meet people nowadays! My best ICB meetup would have to be Ashley. We met on instagram (crazy right?!) and she takes the most amazing South Florida pics, not to mention shes a super cool chick! Why did we not get a pic together?! Next time! Follow Ashley and her amazing pics here.

Did you make it out to ICB? What did you do this weekend?

Mangia Monday - Bru's Room Coconut Creek

This past Saturday night we made the trek up to Coconut Creek and enjoyed the Miami Heat Game at Bru's Room.

There are 50 million tvs (slight exaggeration) and plenty of space for you and 500 of your closest friends in this multi-room mega-plex. Bru's has several locations, but this one is definitely the largest.

Heat Win!

While we did have to get there almost 3 hours early to secure the best seat in the house (a booth with plenty of room in the corner), it was definitely worth it once the crowd started rolling in. We feasted on wings, beers, drinks and 4th quarter cheeseburgers! Best of all - The Heat won!

You can check out the full selection on Bru's menu here or check out my Yelp on Bru's here.

Happy Monday - School's out for summer and we're going to Buffalo this weekend! Woohoo!

Indie Craft Bazaar (and GCD flowers!) on Local 10...

Just a quick little post to show you a segment that the amazing Channel 10 news reporter Constance Jones did on Indie Craft Bazaar! Can you spot the GCD flowers in the video? We're famous!

Unfortunately there was no way to embed the video, so please click the link:

Local 10 Video on the Handmade Movement

Enjoy!

Mangia Monday.... Hard Rock Edition!

Yay Structure! Mangia Mondays... Where to and not to eat in South Florida!

For those who are not familiar with my lingo Italiano, Mangia is to eat!

This past weekend we celebrated my husband Andy's birthday at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, FL. A staple in the South FL night life scene, we have been coming here for a good time for years. Years I tell ya!

Happy Bday Andy - At Center Bar

Soooooo to break tradition from our usual Tatu birthday celebrations, this time we decided to try the semi-newly opened Cafe Martorano.  This is another location and more of a cafe than the original Martoranos that's in Fort Lauderdale. Can you say YUM!? Apparently this Martoranos has two separate seating areas, inside or out. While we would normally automatically opt for the under AC choice, we were greeted with the option of a 2 and a half hour wait for indoors or immediate seating outdoors. Break out the pony tail, lets sit outside!

I wish I would have taken a picture of the food, but I was too busy shoveling it all in my face. That's right... face! Thanks Louis CK! We ordered 4 menu choices which we all shared family style. We split a meatball. That's right, one meatball - 4 people. At $18 for a meatball, I think it was well worth it to feed 4. Then moved on to linguini with white clam sauce, a cheesesteak AND a pizza. At Martoranos you can also order the house Martorano wine, which is delish! A bottle of Pinot Grigio and a bottle of Chianti please! I'm so ready to go back again.... Would even wait 2 and a half hours if I had to - Delish! You can see the awesome menu for Martoranos here.

Now comes the irritating part.... Bongos. While we had all previously been huge fans of the upstairs bar (including me wanting to have my 30th birthday celebration there) that all went downhill. We wanted a bottle of champagne and a seat. They were out of champagne... Now, it's Saturday night at 8:00pm and you are out of champagne?? Isn't there Happy Pappy's across the street? Couldn't you send someone to Publix? We were so confused! SO CONFUSED!!! Now we can see why Bongo's is all over Groupon and Travelzoo. It's terrible!!! They can't give away their food and drinks! Also, I should mention that Andy said the bathrooms were worse than a NYC subway. After that lovely tidbit, we didn't even attempt to brave the women's ones.

Bongos upstairs... Super cool. If only they could get it together!

Though Bongos was terrible, I do have to thank them for being SO stupid that we ended back at our favorite hangout - Tatu! Tatu - a well prepared, delicious, gourmet Japanese fusion style restaurant, was NOT out of champagne. Smart! I knew I loved them for a reason....

Finally!

You can check out my Yelp's on Tatu, Martoranos and Bongos by clicking the links!

What's your favorite Hard Rock restaurant?

Monday.... Errrrr Tuesday....

Happy Monday.... Well Tuesday... Still feels like a Monday...

Want, need to get back on a schedule here people... That's what the summer is for. Only a couple weeks left until Buffalo and my summer vacation!!! So many plans for the summer... Not only just Buffalo, but Key West too! Lots of birthdays, weddings and other shenanigans.

Speaking of Shenanigans... Even the ATM is sticky

What did you do for Memorial Day weekend? Andy and I went to a BBQ at the Edelman's house and played with the kiddies in the pool. Yesterday we also ventured out to see The Dictator - Hilarious. There's a scene with a zip line and a robe... You just have to see it. 

We originally tried going to the amazing stupendous Wilton Wings.... Bonk... Nope Closed... Then to Jezebel for a little shopping... Bonk... No again. Soooooo we ended up just taking a cruise down A1A and stopping at Fort Lauderdale Ale House before our movie at Coral Ridge AMC. Can you say free movie tickets? Thanks to a light problem when we went to see The Muppets we scored free tix and only had to pay $14 for popcorn and a soda this time! Ha! :)

Also since this weekend, I'm back to being a brunette! Big thanks to Mama Fullone for putting me back on the wagon - my hair grows too fast for those damn highlights and who needs another car payment anyway?

This weekend I finally finally finally made it through EVERYTHING in my Google Reader. I had over 2000 posts unread... Sorry to the friends and Andy that kept constantly getting emails from me pointing out the cool people, places and events... Some of which had already past. Oh well... Lesson learned.  

You can see my Yelp's on Fort Lauderdale Ale House & Coral Ridge AMC by clicking the links.

Thanks for stopping by! Check out a new summer-fied and updated blog coming soon!

Girl... Where have you been?!

Living my life girl... That's where I've been!

Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!!!! After over a months hiatus I'm back to say hola... or holla.... or challah?

Wow... it feels weird to be typing here after the break, but really really good at the same time. Let's see what's been up over the past month?! I guess I left off last as we were going to the Bahamas... Well... We went! And it was nothing short of amazeballs!

Bahamas Trip 2012

While we were there I read 2 books in 3 days... Something I have never before accomplished - The Happiness Project and The Art of Happiness by the Dalai Lama. No I'm not getting all crazy or depressed... I just love reading stuff like that - Gives a good perspective on life! I also got a wicked case of sun poisoning.... But only on my arms? Oooookkkk?

I had close to a week and a half off and spent the days spring cleaning my house (as inspired by the Happiness Project) playing with my Etsy shop, thrifting with my mom, meeting friends for lunch and dinner, bringing Bella to my parents to run around the yard, doing yoga and anything else that might have fit my fancy. I loved having all that extra time... Sigh....

The Spring Break awesomeness ended with a night in my favorite South Florida spot, Wynwood! Us and the Edelman's headed down to eat at Joey's and take in the Art Walk. I have to say this place is becoming an absolute mad house now during Art Walk! If you're going to go and want to see everything, go early. You would think it was Mardi Gras or something! Best part of the night - Car-e-oke (Karaoke in a car) Or Cari-oke... Either way, laughs to be cherished forever.

Wynwood Highlights!

I even managed to accidentally take a video when we were trying to take a photo again - WTF is wrong with me?! Hilarious!!

In other fun news I had a fun time tweeting with Brad Wollack from Chelsea Lately - I offended him, which I was terribly sorry about! Though it did get his and Sarah Colonna's attention... Sorry Brad... You ARE a sensitive bunny - Love you!

Soooooo.... Since then I had an awesome time vending at Indie Craft Bazaar - Spring Fling. Cari and I set up shop right next to each other and did it for the first time without any manly, husbandly help. (Well... except for Keith coming in the beginning) The show was at Revolution Live and spilled out over into Green Room. I tell ya, the things you notice in there when you haven't had a couple cocktails... Like the entire place filled with Shepard Fairey artwork... Durrr!!!

Having fun at Indie Craft Bazaar!

After the show, we completed the puzzle of loading multiple tables and all of our work into one car and managed to make it to Dennis and Maria's house just in time for dinner and cocktails!

The past weekend we did the annual (or semi-annual) Fullone family garage sale. I never know where I accumulate so much crap! After the garage sale, Andy and I headed up to Sunfest with Dawn, Scott, Kayla and Tyler and had a blast. We were able to sit in the VIP section and see Michael Franti in all of his yumminess up close.

Sunfest fun!

Also in news this month, Andy and I booked a trip to Buffalo next month! For those that don't know - that's where I'm originally from and I'm ashamed to say that I haven't been back there in about 12 years. My husband doesn't know or hasn't seen where I've spent a little less than half of my life. How crazy is that?! I'm so excited to get back to my roots :)

So I guess that's all for now....(Like that's not enough) Going to get back on the wagon with this - Summer is a coming which is fun to be had!! What's new with you!?

Odd Duck Bazaar Sneak Peek....

It's getting close to Odd Duck!!!!! The GCD Etsy shop is officially closed in preparation!

Here's a little teaser of the new pieces that will be available tomorrow exclusively at the show...

Flowers and Flowers.... and Oh Hey - More Flowers!

I've added SO MANY new cool flowers to the mix. Bright and colorful ones, maps, sheet music and all of your childhood favorite books. Favorite books include Dr. Seuss, Harold and the Purple Crayon, Sesame Street, Harry Potter, Twilight... And classics like Gone with the Wind, The Old Man and the Sea, Jane Eyre, War and Peace and so many more! They each have a long newspaper stem that can be cut to whatever length you need - Priced at $3 each, you can mix and match your own bouquet!

I've also made lots and lots of my decorative hanging flower balls.

They will be all around the perimeter of my tent, so watch your head! 

Large Map Flower Ball - $25

 Small Flower Balls - $12

The flower balls are made from the same papers as the flowers. Lots of vintage books, maps, scrap paper... Basically anything that I can find that looks cool! 

And last, but certainly not least new vases! My little Pom couldn't resist checking it out for herself. 

This one is a cool upcycled find that I painted with gray non toxic paint and covered in white recycled paper flowers. The centers of the flowers are adorned with silver rhinestones. 

Would definitely look great filled with GCD flowers!

Gray Jeweled Vase - $25 (cute dog not included)

Sooooooo there's your preview! Odd Duck is tomorrow from 12:00pm-6:00pm in Hollywood!

 See the flier below or go to http://www.oddduckbazaar.com for deets!

SEE YOU THERE!!!!!

Deering Seafood Festival on Sunday....

This Sunday at the Deering Estate in Miami is the greatest seafood fest in South Florida - The Deering Seafood Festival. I'm SOOOOOOO excited that we are able to go this year!

We went in 2010, but in 2011 I had an art show. The art show was a flop, so I was cursing that we weren't able to make it. All the more reason to enjoy this one!

Cari, Casey, Maria and I in 2010

In 2010 we feasted on oysters, paella, stone crabs, mussels and anything you can possibly imagine. It was great - we set up our little blanketed area and camped out for the day. They have a mini art show, a rock climbing wall, a stage with live music and pontoon boat rides to entertain you for the day also.

If you're small enough, you can even enjoy the Uncle Andy ride!

The event features the best restaurants in South Florida and local celebrity chefs. Miami's winner of Food Networks Chopped, Giorgio Rapicavoli will be there preparing specialties and doing demonstrations. There will also be lots of other cooking demonstrations under the big tent. I have to be honest though.... We like to just park it and pig out.... maybe dance a little :)

If you're planning on going, you can buy your tickets in advance here. They are $10 off per ticket if you purchase before Sunday. So $15 in advance and $25 at the door. Seems a little steep, but once you get in the food and drink prices aren't bad.

I would also say that parking can be a bit of a hassle so get there early! If you come across a park and ride, definitely take advantage.

You can see my Yelp on Deering Seafood Fest here - Hope you can make it out!

15th Street Fisheries... Yum!

This past Sunday Andy and I were driving around checking out a few different events in the area and decided to have lunch at one of our favorite places in Ft. Lauderdale - 15th Street Fisheries.

We've been coming here since back when we were dating... (Insert Awwwwwwwwwwww) and it's just such a staple to the Ft. Lauderdale area. Fresh seafood on the water - What more could you ask for?

View of the docks from our seat at the bar

We were surprised at the 45 minute wait for lunch since we arrived around 2:00... Late lunch crowd. So we just sat at the bar.

The food here is excellent! We've never been disappointed. I always get the crab cake sandwich. It comes with fries and a great dill sauce - So yum!

Another must try is the Bloody Mary.... This ain't your grandmama's bloody mary - don't go without having one! It's like a meal in a glass, and at $10 a piece I guess it should be!  It's got the celery stalk... But also an olive, a pepperchini and a HUGE shrimp.... My mouth is officially watering.

Is this not the most delicious thing you've ever seen?

On Yelp, there are a lot of people saying it's touristy. I've really never noticed it being touristy until we noticed the water taxi stop - other than that it's kind of hard to find, down a back street. More of a locals place to me... You can pull up with your boat, fill up gas, get bait, have a meal, etc.

Inside Bar Area... Don't ask why there's a dozen eggs on the bar

They have free valet if you're driving up, which helps because of the location. There's definitely limited parking.

The only thing bad I can say is that it gets super crowded when the weather is nice and can take a while to get a table... But well worth it once you do. Sit outside! You can also buy bait to feed the Tarpon with. Great for kids!

I should also mention that we were able to score a free beer for Andy for checking in on foursquare - see, that whole rant on social media does prove beneficial sometimes... FREE BEER!

You can check out my Yelp on Fifteenth Street Fisheries here or take a drive down on a nice day and enjoy the ambiance!