#CSTravelDiaries: 48 Hours in Miami

Running your own business isn’t as glamorous as it sounds. To be honest, I spend a lot of time working (of course– especially since I am primarily a solopreneur) and taking caring of administrative stuff like billing, taxes, and all that jazz. So vacations are hard to come by as time doesn’t always lend itself for them.  But after getting a very dicey start to 2016 health wise, I vowed I would do better (It also doesn’t help that a now retired Mr. Socialite has more time to be around to be on me about “resting” as well). So when an opportunity to go to Miami for the Style Chambers launch, I seized the moment as a time to build in a mini-vacation and spend some quality time with Mr. Socialite.

Because this was still a working vacation (I can’t escape it), we ended up making this a road trip and embarked on a 20-hour drive—yes 20 hours—to Florida. But it wasn’t as you may think. We used the time to catch up (life gets in the way and so it’s nice to have no interruptions and some alone time with your significant other), jam to Sirius Radio, listen and talk about politics, watch/listen the Olympics and more. We stopped at some interesting places along the way and saw some very interesting people.

When we made it to Vero Beach, we got hit with one of the craziest rainstorms that area had seen in a while (3.5 inches came down in an hour and pretty much zero visibility) had us pull over for a few until it let up a bit so we can continue on. We spent a few days in the Palm Beaches with my parents and for me to do some business before heading down to Miami (about 40 minutes south of Palm Beach County).

We arrived around 4:30 pm at the Yve Hotel, a Destination Hotel Group property, located in the heart of Downtown Miami. Located on Miami’s main thoroughfare, Biscayne Boulevard, the Yve is a boutique hotel is about a mile away from the Port of Miami and within of steps of the famed Bayside Marketplace, Bayfront Park, and the American Airlines Arena (home of the Miami Heat).  Miami’s famed Perez Art Museum is less than a 15-minute walk away while the Wynwood Design District, Miami Beach and the famed shopping mecca, Lincoln Road are less than 15 minutes away by car.

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Each room (though a little small) offers a flat screen TV, desk, a safe, and a petite (read small) bathroom.  Rooms have spectacular views of the bay and downtown areas. Valet parking is available for those who bring their own cars as we did.

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That evening, Mr. Socialite and I decided to explore the immediate area surrounding the hotel. As we took a stroll, we ventured into City Smoke, a cute little cigar shop offering a vast selection of Latin American and American cigars, vaporizers and accessories. The young lady was very knowledgeable about the various leaves and flavors of tobacco and where they were from and helped us select something that was light and ideal for someone who doesn’t smoke often. By this time our stomachs were starting to talk to us and it was time to look about dinner.

Located in Downtown Miami

We didn’t have to go far to find something spectacular to eat. Not too far down the same block (still behind that of the Yve) we came across Cvi.che 105, a restaurant specializing in Peruvian cuisine. To be honest, it was kind of hard to miss as it was definitely popping with music, lights and crowds. We were immediately seated and introduced to Yassine, our waiter for the evening. He immediately had us smiling and ready for a great dinner.

If you couldn’t tell by the name, Cvi.che 105 one of its specialties is ceviche. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the dish, ceviche is a very popular northern South American dish (think Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru) that is made from fresh raw fish cured in citrus juices (lemon, or lime mainly) and seasoned with aji or chili peppers, onions, salt, cilantro and more. Ceviche is usually paired with sides that complement its flavor such as sweet potato, avocado, corn and plantains.

There was so many amazing choices, we didn’t know where to begin. So we asked Yassine to help us choose the perfect appetizer. His recommendation…. the Pulpito a la Herradura (Octopus marinated in Peruvian red pepper with potatoes and salsa). To say it was absolutely delicious would be an understatement.

For the main meal, Mr. Socialite and I shared the Trilogia de Ceviches (the Ceviche Trilogy) – a platter of the eatery’s three most popular fish ceviches: virgin cream, yellow pepper and rocoto cream.

Patricia, the manager, brought over some Mai Tais wade with a little extra passion (alcohol) which were absolutely delicious. She kept our drinks full at all times (I think Mr. Socialite had a fan in Patricia, lol!).

We were definitely full be the end of the meal and didn’t have room for dessert. So we continued our stroll back to the hotel and sat our front to people watch and enjoy our cigar.

The next day we slept in a little. The king sized bed was absolutely divine and neither of us wanted to leave it but my purpose for being in Miami called. So we had to get it together and make our way downstairs…

The Yve is also the home to the Biscayne Tavern, an American pub which serves local cuisine, artisan cocktails, and craft beers. Mr. Socialite and I had brunch there on Saturday Morning before I headed over to the launch event.

The Interior

The Exterior

I gnoshed on fresh fruit, sweet plantains, croquettes and scrambled eggs before making my way a few blocks over to Mindwarehouse Connect, a gorgeous event space and gallery owned by Winsome Bolt (yes of the Olympic connection) who also owns the shared work space on the floor above, where the Style Chambers launch was being hosted. I got a chance to tour the space prior to the event and checked out some of the art work on display. Here are a few of my favorite pieces that were being exhibited as part of the From Haiti with Love exhibit.

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Style Chambers is the brain child of New York based stylist and image consultant, Styles Lewis, and South Florida based marketing guru, Tresa Chambers, which was born earlier this year. The mission of the brand is to produce live events, broadcast and digital content that reaches affluent taste makers passionate about fashion, art and culture. The brand launched with a great event that drew a diverse group of movers and shakers from New York and Miami (an eclectic mix just like the brand’s founders) including Rory Lee, internationally recognized make-up artist and beauty business maven, up-and-coming fashion designer, Yasser Faraco, and more.

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I cut out the event a little early to grab dinner with Mr. Socialite who hung back (for those of you have had the pleasure of seeing the unicorn that is he is you will understand that he rarely makes public appearances) to watch track and field and basketball – it was the Olympics after all. This time we decided to take our adventure in Miami a little further out than the downtown area. Be recommendation of our valet, we headed to the West Flagler neighborhood of Miami (near the airport) and to the famous La Carreta restaurant for a traditional Cuban food.

Ok, let me warn you now….in real Miami (sorry South Beach) everyone assumes you speak Spanish unless you prove otherwise no matter your race (I’m not going to get into what people think Hispanic/Latin is in the US versus the rest of the world in this post and if you want to read some great posts about that, check out my girl, Amaris over at Black, Latina & Fabulous). So when you come to La Carreta they will speak to you in Spanish first. Wasn’t a problem for me as I do speak Spanish but, please note that the majority of their clientele do speak Spanish. But when you respond in English they will continue the conversation in English and then give you the English menu. Just letting you know. With that said, you will be glad you came.

La Carreta has been serving Miami since the 70s and they offer what tastes like homemade Cuban food. Where we live in the New York/ New Jersey area, we don’t always get a chance to truly authentic Cuban food so Mr. Socialite and I were definitely in from a treat. From the yucca fries served with cilantro aioli sauce to the Famous Cuban Sandwich (Mr. Socialite’s choice) to Chicarrones with Black beans and Rice (my choice) we were in foodie heaven. The food was affordable and large portions (we had enough to take back with us!).

Yuca Fries with Cilantro Aioli Sauce

La Carreta’s Famous Cuban Sandwich with Plantain Chips

Chicarrones with Black beans and Rice

With very full bellies we headed back to the Yve for the evening. The next day we had to head back on our long road trip back home. But though the trip was brief, we did have an excellent 48 hours in Miami.

I admit, getting that  work-life balance thing  right is still a work in progress, but this trip was weekend “escape” was a great start.

 

Until the next trip….

 

 

EVENT ALERT: Style Chambers Launch in Miami 8/13!

Hi Miami (and South Florida)!

I’ll be in town August 13th for the launch of STYLE CHAMBERS, the region’s newest event series geared toward the style, art and culture enthusiast. I will be speaking as part of the panel. 

Interested in attending, RSVP at Stylechambers.biz@gmail.com.

See you there! 

WHAT I’M LOVING NOW (Spring Edition)

I know it has been a minute (OK…OK…a few months) since my last post; but to say that life has gotten in the way would be an understatement.

Work at QM has picked up quite a bit which has kept me super busy as of late. With the uptake in work  came some crazy moments with my health (as many of you know I have been managing Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis which when out of control can really have me out of it along with my migraines). But, after NYFW this past February, I took stock and refocused and got myself back in order. Sometimes as women, we forget how difficult it can be to keep everything in balance if we don’t make a conscious effort to do so. I used the Spring (a time of renewal and rebirth) to make a pledge to myself to literally add the “me time” to the calendar in pen– otherwise know as investing in #TeamMe.

What does that mean?

Well, I have added yoga back to my weekly calendar after a two and a half year hiatus. At least twice a week, you can find me at Yoga Herald Square sweating it out at a 60 or 90 minute hot yoga class– releasing the stress and easing the aches and pains that come taking care of business (and running all over town doing so).

#TeamMe also had really making an effort of getting my thyroid disorder under control as it was affecting everything else in my life (sleep, diet, energy, skin, hair, concentration….just to name a few). I was tired of feel sluggish and tired all the time and looking like I got hit by a MACK truck (yes seriously…..I felt like it too). It didn’t help that I was in the middle of prepping clients for Fashion Week shows/presentations and burning the candle on both ends and along the sides (is that even possible?). After spending the night in the hospital after a really bad migraine right before NYFW  and being told by my doctor (well being screamed at to be more accurate) that I pretty much was deficient in every vitamin and mineral known to man– and being threatened with a hospital stay, I sought the help of a nutritional coach to help me get back on the ball.

Which brings me to the first item on my “What I’m Loving Now” List….

 

HERBALIFE’S FORMULA 1 HEALTHY MEAL NUTRITIONAL SHAKE MIX– ALTERNATIVE PROTEINS

 

One of the biggest problems I was having was that I was so busy that I did’t have time to eat. I pretty much would spend the entire day working and would get into a flow and not want to stop for lunch and then find myself having unable to eat because either my head would hurt so much from a hunger headache or from being so filled with air that I just wasn’t hungry anymore. It was not a good look. It was wreaking havoc on my thyroid and pretty much just messing me up badly. I ended up meeting Irina (a former member of the Romanian national gymnastics team) over at NYC Health & Nutrition and began a 6 week program to get myself back on track. Irina put me on a schedule that included vitamins and food (among other things) that would help me get back in control.

One of the things she introduced me to was Herbalife’s nutritional shakes. It was a great option to get the much needed nutrients (remember what the doctor said) that I was missing from my lack of eating like a human being. Now Herbalife has a whole bunch of nutritional shakes in a some amazing flavors (dulce de leche, cookies and cream, chocolate, etc). I personally opted for the Alternative Proteins Shake which currently only comes in Vanilla as it doesn’t contain soy and gluten (no-no’s for folks with my issue). But why do I like it so much?  “Formula 1 Alternative Proteins is a delicious healthy meal that satisfies hunger, helps manage weight and gives lasting energy, with balanced amino acids from pea, sesame and rice proteins. Each gluten-free certified shake is packed with 21 vitamins and minerals, herbs and fiber.” I make mine with Almond milk and it taste great or when I want to feel fancy or have more time (like on the weekends) I throw it in the Nutribullet with a banana and some chia and other fruit and make a delicious smoothie. I have the shake twice a day (my second one is either before or after yoga) and keep it moving).

You can meet Irina or one of her partners at NYC Health & Nutrition here in New York or in their office in LA. Just visit their website here for more info.  Tell them Tamara sent you!

 

FITBIT CHARGE

Maybe it’s in my name or maybe it is just what it is….but I am a walker. I walk everywhere here in New York. To be honest, I think it is more because I don’t have the patience to wait for public transportation or a cab. I just joined the FitBit tribe last month when I got a Charge. I’ve had fitness trackers in the past, but this is by far my favorite.Not the brand’s most fancy one, but for me it does what it needs to do and more  (track steps, distance, calories burned, floors climbed, active minutes and sleep– and it has caller ID and it tells time– HA).  But why do I love it so much? Well, it syncs to your phone via their own app (Android & iPhone) and your computer. It also has the ability to sync with other apps including MyFitnessPal, UA Record, MapMyFitness and many more. It also allows you to challenge your friends to see who can rack up the most steps during the day, the week or over the weekend. The natural competitor in me loves that and online, they have community forums which can lead to you finding a workout partner or a new friend. I can easily see why this is the most popular of the fitness trackers on the market.

 

DESHELI HYALURONIC CAPSULES

My skin suffered the most during this whole crazy period when my thyroid was really out of whack. I had breakouts that I hadn’t seen since junior high and that had me running to the dermatologists and to the spa to try and save my face. I started going for regular facials at the Desheli Spa & Rejuvenation Center in Midtown. Desheli, founded in 2008 in Israel, is known worldwide for their innovation in botanical, stem-cell, diamond powder and light therapies. They focus on improving the look and texture of the skin and hair of men women with patented deep hydration and anti-aging products. One of my favorite products are their hyaluronic capsules.

Look, it’s a fact, we are going to get older and our skin changes. Some faster than others and outside factors (pollution, health, etc) also contribute to the acceleration of the aging process. These capsules contain hyaluronic acid that fill cells with moisture and helps them stay hydrated throughout the day. Used morning and night, the capsules help stimulate the  cells regeneration process, helping to minimize lines and wrinkles, increases the tone of the skin, and slows the aging process. Desheli’s Hyaluronic Capsules contain natural oils and extracts that nourish the skin.

 

TROPIC ISLE LIVING LAVENDER JAMAICAN BLACK CASTOR OIL

Another random and unwanted side effect of Hashimoto’s is super dry skin and hair (which causes the hair to thin and break a lot). Having dreadlocks,it’s hard to put some of the products on the market “designed” for natural hair  in my hair as they tend to be heavy and cake and not dissolve totally in my hair due to the nature of the style and also have parabens and other irritants that hurt my scalp. With that said, my new best friend is Tropic Isle Living’s Lavender Jamaican Black Castor Oil. I use it for everything! It’s a natural miracle worker. It’s great for treating everything from dry hair and dry scalp to helping to thicken your hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows! It is also great for helping with extremely dry skin and mild acne (did I say it was a miracle worker? For more uses, check out this great article.). By itself, castor oil can smell a little icky, but Tropic Isle Living infuses theirs with some great natural oils including lavender and coconut. I personally like the scent of lavender and it’s calming properties (I tend to do my hair moisturizing at night so it helps to calm me before sleeping).  Mr Socialite has commented on how thick and healthy and long my hair has gotten thanks to this all natural (yep…only ingredients…Castor Oil and Lavender Oil) gem of a product.

 

VANITY PLANET’S SPIN FOR PERFECT SKIN

 

Who doesn’t love the feel of a clean face? Between the recent breakouts, my hot yoga workouts and my general obsession with my skin, I am always looking for the perfect product or tool to help achieve the feel and look of gorgeous clear skin. Vanity Planet’s Spin For  Perfect Skin cleansing brush set is definitely a must have for the skin obsessed. This 5 piece system (1 facial cleansing brush, 1 exfoliating facial brush, 1 body cleansing brush, 1 pumice stone and the handheld device) needs to be part of your daily and weekly routine. Let’s face it (pun intended) we live in environments which wreak havoc on our skin. From smog and other air pollutants, the sun, sweat and more….and the fact that we are aging (hello, we aren’t getting any younger), we want our skin to look its best. The Spin For Perfect Skin system pretty much can help you do that from head to toe with brushes (and a pumice stone) for all your needs. What separates this  brush systems from many of the others out there is that it actually spins in gentle circular motions versus a side to side movement. I personally like this because I feel like I am getting a gentle exfoliation with each wash as well as a thorough cleansing. Afterward, I did the astringent test– you know, when you go and follow your cleansing with an astringent. Most times you find yourself still removing a layer of dirt and asking yourself “did I actually wash my face?” But, with the Spin For Perfect Skin, I haven’t had to ask myself this once! Oh and yeah…your misters are going to want to get in on the action too…smdh. Just ask Mr. Socialite who finds this thing pretty cool.

 

GARNIER MICELLAR CLEANSING WATER 

The French have been raving about Micellar Cleansing Water for over a hundred years. We here in the States are a little tardy to the party on this one. Found at most local drugstores, beauty specialty stores and department stores, (I am found of Garnier’s and I get mine at CVS), there is no longer any excuses ladies to sleep with makeup on. None. Nope. Nada. I don’t care how tired you are coming from work or the club or wherever, you can now clean your face before bed. Why? Because this one product simplifies the nightly cleansing process from 3-4 steps down to just 1– and no rinsing is involved! I know you are looking at the screen all skeptical, but it works and it’s pretty simple (and ingenious) actually. Micellar Cleansing Water features micelle cleansing molecules that pull oil and dirt away from the face (see the images below for the explanation). And because there is no alcohol, fragrance or harsh chemicals in micellar cleansing water, it’s pretty much safe for all skin types (particularly those who suffer with dry and acne prone skin– yay me).

 

 

TRADITIONAL CLEANSERS work individually to dissolve oil, dirt and makeup so you have to rub your face harshly and rinse with water to clean your face completely (image via Garnier)

 

MICELLAR CLEANSING MOLECULES cluster together to lift the oil, dirt and makeup on contact. So basically you don’t have to rub or rinse! (image courtesy of Garnier)

 

That’s what I have been coveting so far this spring. All the images (except for the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water) are clickable and will lead you to the brand’s page so you can get one too. Because you can get the Cleansing Water at most major chain drug stores, start there first.

And also….this isn’t a sponsored post. I bought each product mentioned here and reviewed each on my own without any solicitation.

Hope you find these products as great as I have found them.

Until next time my lovelies!

 

“IS SHE REALLY THAT GOOD OR JUST ARROGANT?”

OK…. this is part random musings and part rant/vent.

Here I am on a Sunday afternoon catching up on the last episode of Scandal. To say that the “drama” and the proverbial “sh*t” is hitting the fan would be an understatement. If you are a fellow “gladiator” you know what I am talking about. For those of you who are not, here is the shortest synopsis of what the show is about and what I am referring to:

Scandal is the ABC network’s political drama loosely based on the life of Washington, DC- based “fixer,” Judy Smith that was created by the Shonda Rhimes (think Grey’s Anatomy). The series stars Kerry Washington as the Smith-like character, Olivia Pope, who runs a “crisis management” firm (think about some of the most salacious political scandals in recent times—she’s the one type that helps them disappear from the headlines and our memories). The show centers around Pope’s eponymous firm and its staff as well as the staff of the White House under fictions President Fitzgerald Grant III (played by Tony Goldwyn).

The key point you need to know about the show is that Olivia is having an affair with the married President of the United States (this didn’t happen to Ms. Smith) and the First Lady knows about it and of course is being driven crazy by this fact. It has been going on for years (the show alludes to the long standing romance with flashbacks to the days of Fitz’s gubernatorial and subsequent presidential campaigns). Well here’s what is going on this season—the cat’s been let out of the bag and after past insinuations by many of the President’s political foes, the whole world has confirmation that Olivia is sleeping with Fitz and get this…. she admitted it on TV! I know when that happened, everyone was “clutching their pearls,” gasping and whatever else one does in shock when the news broke.

Olivia Pope as portrayed by Kerry Washington

So of course, as with any scandal, the news programs decided to give us some insight on who the real Olivia Pope was (remember Monica Lewinsky?). Well as Olivia is sitting at home watching all these different programs delve into her past as an African American woman who “done good” by any means necessary (he father is in prison for supposedly embezzling money to fund a lavish lifestyle for him and his daughter when she was younger – but that is just a “cover”)—the pull out all kinds of people from her past including her 3^rd grade teacher (smdh).

So as we watched Olivia watching all of this, one of the reporters uttered a phrase that had me hitting pause and question what I just heard….” Is she really this good or just arrogant?” The reporter was referring to her success as DC’s top fixer and the academic accolades and other achievements she racked up over the years. Now I know it is a TV show and that this is fake and all, but it really made me stop and think. Why did a question like that really have to be asked? Couldn’t she really be that good to really achieve all the success she had professionally? What did she have to be considered arrogant? Is it because she saw herself as amazing and deserving of that title? And before all of you jump on me about the whole sleeping with a married man (and yes, the President) thing, I am talking that out of the equation for now because I am going to relate it to real life now. Sadly, it seems that when one refers to a woman of color (particularly a Black woman) who is successful, there is always some caveat that comes with it. Oh it’s great that she is successful but she’s a bitch or she’s conceited or she’s arrogant or thinks too much of herself. It is never…oh wow her accomplishments are so impressive or inspiring or great for ALL women.

First Lady Michelle Obama in her 2013 official portrait (Courtesy of Wikipedia)

Over the years I have had this conversation with women of all races and creeds in my circle and it always is something that left us either confused or angry. My white friends would first think I was being sensitive until they started listening more to what was being said. My friends of color (Asian, Black and Latina) would just shake their heads because it had become par for the course. What do I mean? Let’s take First Lady Michelle Obama for example. Over the years we have heard her called a bitch, arrogant, standoffish, “angry” and all kinds of stuff. Why is that? I am not saying one has to love or even like her, but can she just have accomplishments noted without adding admonitions about people’s perception of her as a person? And for the record, I actually say this about all women at the end of the day.

In my own life, I have had a lot of people later admit to me that I am totally different than what they surmised me to be like given my background and education level. One said that I am actually nice and not bitchy at all (how does one take that as a compliment?). I try not to get too worked up about it but things like this have happened on more than one occasion. Just last week, I was told that I must think I am entitled because I didn’t grow up in the projects and went to Wellesley. (Really?????????)

I mean seriously…why is it wrong for me to think I am worthy of success and recognition (and for the record I really don’t go looking for any) of said success? Is it wrong to think that I deserve the best things in life like my male and non-Black counterparts? Maybe I should blame it on my Caribbean upbringing that valued hard work and striving for the top; or maybe that as a woman of color I’ve had to put in twice as much work to be considered a fraction (can’t even say half) as good as others in my field; or maybe it’s just because I am a Virgo—that’s what I say when anyone points out that I am an “overachiever.” I wonder If I looked more like what many consider the American ideal of beauty (blonde hair, blue eyes and a size 2) would you say the same things to me about being arrogant or would that just come with the territory of who I was perceived to be? I have theories about the answer to this question but I am just going to end my post here so that I can get back to watching my “stories.”

Until next time love bugs.

*** NB: All images from the television show Scandal are courtesy of ABC.

Happy Blogiversary!

Ummm….so 5 years ago today,  I embarked on a very special journey with the launch of The Curvy Socialite. To be honest, I never thought it would grow to be where it is today. This  was just supposed to be an outlet for my (mis)adventures here in my day to day travels. Now the Curvy Socialite  has turned into a lifestyle blog that has led to some pretty amazing opportunities (wait post Fashion Week for more about that).

Thank you everyone who has followed  and supported this  burgeoning brand over the past 5 years. I’m looking forward to more “blogiversaries” in the years  to come.

Also, in the next few weeks, Curvy  Socialite will be experiencing  a makeover that reflects  the awesomeness that she has  become.

Thank you again for your continued support!

Xoxo,

Tamara Walker
Aka The Curvy Socialite

CONTEST: Fashionably Delicious

MAGNUM^® ICE CREAM AND BCBGMAXAZRIA COLLABORATION TURNS CHOCOLATE AND COUTURE INTO THE WORLD’S MOST PLEASURABLE FASHION ACCESSORY

The BCBGMaxazria for MAGNUM Belgian Chocolate Wrap unveiling at BCBGMaxazria on Fifth Avenue, in New York. (Photo by Jason DeCrow/Invision for MAGNUM/AP Images)

Who knows when it first started….the love affair between the human taste bud and the decadence of chocolate? We all have heard people even say that the taste and smell are practically orgasmic.

BCBG MAXAZRIA gets it and knows that this scrumptious scent can be the ultimate pleasure.  That is why the fashion brand has teamed with Belgian chocolate brand, MAGNUM, to create the marriage of indulgence between fashion and delectable forbidden fruit. What was the result? This teaming culminated in the innovation designed wrap which allows you to experience the pleasure of chocolate wherever you go with the launch of The BCBGMAXAZARIA for MAGNUM Belgian Chocolate Wrap.

This beautiful wrap allows the wearer to experience the sensual effect of the famed European chocolate. Infused with the sexy scent, you fall under the indulgent spell of the “MAGNUM Effect,” as you’re wrapped in aromatic pleasure.

The MAGNUM Effect was the creation of Harvard scientist and scent inventor David Edwards and master perfumer Christophe Laudamiel—the result of crafting a blend of vanilla, sandalwood, creamy natural chocolate with Orris butter and Orris resinoid creating a scent that is soft, creamy and mouthwatering.

The wrap features an innovative technology called Wearable oNotes are designed to carry scent-based “messages” that trigger the positive experience associated with the smell of chocolate.

This fashionably delicious wrap is a limited edition “gift with a purchase” at select BCBGMAXAZRIA stores this summer.

Click here to enter the giveaway!

Want a BCBGMAXAZRIA for MAGNUM Chocolate Wrap of your own? Click the image above to enter the giveaway!

THE CS BOOK CLUB: Brittany Gibbons’ Fat Girl Walking

The last few months, I think I have gotten the same piece of advice/instruction from almost everyone I know—“Stop stressing.” And when I say everyone, I mean everyone. Mr. Socialite says it daily. My mother has been saying it a lot lately too. Even my physician went as far as to write a prescription literally saying….”Stop Stressing and go have fun.” Thanks Doc. Great advice but easier said than done.

The sad part is I know I stress a lot. Sometimes it’s warranted and other times it’s due to the stars. Yes, I said the stars. Being a Virgo has its privileges but there are some nasty side effects—one of them being the never-ending quest for perfection and the stress that comes with this (Ask me how many times I have actually started this post and why it’s taken me almost two weeks to finally post it, SMDH). But I am learning to manage stress and being a Virgo a lot better as I get older. One of my coping mechanisms is reading.

Just as much as I like to write, I love to read. Magazines (I’m subscribed to a million of them), the newspaper (I blame you Mama Socialite for that one….I read 3-4 different local newspapers every day. Seriously how different can each retelling of the same news item be?) , Blogs (Bloglovin’ is one of my most active apps on my phone) and of course books.

Books are like the ultimate vacation. Where else can you travel to exotic places, time warp to the past or future; or even live someone else’s life (without being on the lam) for free? Alright….maybe for the cost of the book or download but free if you go to the library (support your local library!). For me, books are the ultimate escape from the everyday. And sometimes they are almost as good as a therapist or sister-friend. So it’s no surprise that I am launching the Curvy Socialite Book Club. The CS Book Club will feature new and old books alike (truthfully what catches my fancy at the time) with my thoughts on the book, the author and more.

To kick things off, I will talk about fellow blogger extraordinaire, Brittany Gibbons’ book, Fat Girl Walking.

Many of you know Brittany Gibbons already—maybe not by her real name but at least by her blog’s name, Brittany Herself. She is ranked as one of the top bloggers in the Plus Size/Curvy, Mommy and Lifestyle categories. I think Brittany first came across my radar after I read some coverage about an experiment in body image and self-love were she had sex every day for a year with her husband, Andy (yeah you read that right—yeah she tells us all about it in her book). To be honest, I always thought she was brave as she bared everything for the world to see (she’s also known for wowing the crowd as she stripped down to a bikini during her TED Talk a few years back). But how did Brittany Gibbons become the fabulous body positive activist and champion for the everyday woman? Simple…she was just herself.

Fat Girl Walking is one of those books that reads more like a conversation with your BFF rather than an autobiography. In it, Brittany shares her life story of growing up as a “big girl” in Ohio and dealing with mental illness, obesity, family, dating (not easy at any size) , eating disorders and more. Chock full with hilarious stories riddled with pop culture references as well as some of raw painful moments that out right broke my heart, I found myself sitting their laughing out loud (and sometimes at the most inopportune times—try cracking up in the quiet car on the Metro North….if looks could kill….) and even shedding tears throughout the whole read. She pretty much bares her soul to the reader to giving us all the good, bad and sometimes out right gross details of it all (yeah the post childbirth stories will have you second guessing kids if you don’t have them already) At the end of the day, she takes us on an intimate journey of how she came to love herself despite—rather in spite of—her size.

Fat Girl Walking is definitely a must for your summer reading list….no matter your size.

Brittany Gibbons…herself

DON’T CALL IT A COME BACK…..The return of the Curvy Socialite

It’s been over six months since my last blog post.

Six months….Six LONG months.

Many of you have sent me many a private message asking if I was coming back.

Well….here I am.

I’m back.

I think unconsciously I needed a hiatus. Life was getting in the way (and so was stress) and because of that the things that I am passionate about (i.e. the blog) began taking a backseat to everything.

A good thing about being away from the Curvy Socialite was that I realized how much I missed writing and how much this blog has become a part of who I am. I kind of had a bit of separation anxiety– almost like a parent who has taken a long business trip away from their child.

I didn’t totally abandon everything with Curvy Socialite. I kept up on social media with regular Instagram and Facebook posts filled inspirational quotes, pop culture news, red carpet fashion and other random musings…as well as tweets about my favorite shows, about interesting reads I came across during my time away from CS and more.

The Curvy Socialite

Another thing I learned while “on leave”– and what may have prompted the hiatus in the first place– was how to put myself first. Between running a boutique PR firm, blogging and trying to be a good significant other, daughter, sister, and friend, I found myself spread super thin. There were major and minor crises that had to be handled, along with other fires that had to be put out. I soon found my role with many in my life morphing from a helper to the new dual role of doer/fixer. But I can’t really blame anyone for that happening except myself. I had allowed myself to fall into a role of having others be too dependent on me. At the end of the day I had no time to do what I wanted or even needed to do for myself. I felt like the life was being sucked right out of me.

Now don’t get me wrong– I love my family, friends, and clients, but I wasn’t loving myself. And when that happens the world truly does start to fall apart around you. I wasn’t sleeping enough (trying to get everything done for everyone and then trying to cram a few hours in the evening to get my stuff done late at night) , or eating properly (again never enough time in the day) , and I was always sick (chronic bronchitis and  my thyroid issues lead to other issues). Something had to give because I was now no good to myself or those who needed/wanted my help.

It’s like what the flight attendants say before the flight takes off, ”put your oxygen mask on first THEN help the others around you.” It makes sense. How can you help someone else if you’re passed out from lack of air? So I found myself asking, how could I help everyone else if I wasn’t helping myself?

During these six months away, I have been regrouping and recouping. I began “cleaning house” in a variety of sectors in my life—getting rid of both the people and things that were holding me down. Sometimes it was a painful process (lost a few “friends” during this time) and other times it was a natural loss of dead weight that was keeping me from what I needed to do and what I needed to be in order to be at my best. I pretty much have been going through a mental “detox.”

I literally got this whole process going with a private one-on-one  ThetaHealing session.

Naturally you’re asking what is THETAHEALING?

ThetaHealing is a “mind/body technique that uses the energy that flows through all things to produce instantaneous and permanent change.” Sounds deep right? Well it is. I know you think it sounds like some new-age type of fad. But honestly speaking…it isn’t. Ok…it is kind of new in the sense that ThetaHealing itself was found in 1995. But the basic concept is something that is rooted in beliefs that are thousands of years old– the belief that we are all connected—mind body and universe.  Changes created by ThetaHealing result in physical, emotional and spiritual transformation.

Discussions like this can be a rather touchy subject (remember what your Mom always says…never discuss politics money and religion). But in order to understand where I am now, you have to understand where I have been. So let me put this out there…I am not here to convert you to anything or even convince you of anything but rather to share my experience with you. Also, this isn’t something that “interferes” with one’s belief systems.  In ThetaHealing,  the belief is you connect directly with the Creator (God, Allah, Yahweh, Jehovah, the Universe….) to co-create the change in your life by reestablishing the original “connection with our minds and bodies, one another and the Divine.”

A ThetaHealing session is a definitely a unique experience. For me it was a power opportunity to start the change I needed to create in my life. I was lucky enough to have a session with certified Master ThetaHealer (and one of the co-Founders of ThetaHealing NYC), Tara Greenway.

I thoroughly enjoyed my session with Tara (which I did virtually over the phone—yeah, like I said life was getting in the way of everything). Her personality and demeanor was everything I needed during that crazy point in my life. She was kind, patient, friendly—not intimidating in the slightest–  but most of all, she was genuine. I think that is naturally who she is as a person coupled with her experience over the years working with individuals with all kinds of issues (physical and emotional issues to those looking to escape the craziness of anxiety, depression and other pains).

My session (as is everyone’s session) was tailored to fit my needs so that I could achieve the best results for me. Because it is intense you have to mentally (be open minded) and physically prepare (in the sense you need to be well hydrated) as you truly get down to the nitty gritty about what you want to change in your life be it health, energy levels, emotional difficulties, grief, relationship issues, clearing obstacles, spiritual growth, manifesting greatness and more. For me, my session was the catalyst for what would come over the next few months. I learned a lot about myself and what I needed to focus on and why. Afterwards, I felt as if huge weights were lifted off my shoulders and I was given the tools needed to begin my detoxification.

So after 6 months….I’m still not done but I am moving into a better place.

But now it’s time to get back to business and reconnect with the world again.

EVENT ALERT: Botkier Meet & Greet (NYC)

Love Botkier handbags?

Come out on Sunday,  December 14th at 2pm and meet Monica Botkier at Nos Boutique in Brooklyn!

#SHOPSMALL—Small Business Saturday

For the past 88 years, the official start for the holiday season was the arrival of Santa Claus at the finale of Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in New York. Whether you watched at home or braved the cold to watch it live in Herald Square, everyone eagerly awaits Jolly Old St. Nick’s hearty chuckle signaling his arrival and ushering in the final countdown to the Big Day—and all the shopping that goes into preparing for it.

Santa Claus waves to the crowd during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 27, 2014 in New York City. The annual tradition marks the start of the holiday season. Getty Images/Andrew Burton

Black Friday now actually starts on Thanksgiving Day (seriously there were folks on the news camped out in front of stores having their turkey as they waited in line for the their door buster sales). And for those of us who do not brave the frigid temps, the long lines and sometimes insane shoppers, there is always Cyber Monday (which for some retailers has been going on for over a week). But how many remember to #ShopSmall?

What am I talking about?

Well four years ago American Express launched a “shopping” holiday to encourage the patronage of “brick and mortar” businesses—small and local—within our communities called Small Business Saturday. In all the holiday rush, many of these gems get loss in all the rush and excitement offered by big box retailers and e-commerce stores. Personally this is my favorite shopping day of all.

Shopping locally is a great way to find unique gifts (many small businesses feature the wares of local artisans, specialty items and more) and to give a boost to your local economy. In recent years, Small Business Saturday has gone on to include small e-commerce sites that may get lost among the Amazons and E-bays of the digital world. This year, I want to share the businesses where I #ShopSmall.

THE THRITY HOG & NOIR ET BLANC (NYC)

Located in the chic NoMad neighborhood in Manhattan, the Thrifty HoG is known for upscale vintage apparel and resale store specializing in items for the whole family and the home. Besides scoring some amazing finds (like vintage Louis Vuitton sneakers and super sexy Proenza Schouler booties), you’re not only supporting a local business but you will also be helping the homeless via Hearts of Gold, a charity founded by Deborah Koenigsberger whose mission is to help homeless women and their children build sustainable lives. All of the proceeds from the Thrifty HoG goes to support the various programs (including job training, school supplies and more) provided by Hearts of Gold—celebrating its 20^th anniversary– throughout the year. On Small Business Saturday, the Thrifty HoG is offering 30% off your entire purchase.

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Deborah also owns the upscale women’s boutique next door called Noir et Blanc. Noir et Blanc (or NEB for short) features a curated selection of contemporary American and European designers handpicked by the owner herself. With brands including Tracy Reese, Chen Luu, Donna Morgan and Ali Ro, Deborah and her staff will definitely have you bringing the catwalk to the sidewalk with the beautiful collections they have in store. Shop Small with Noir et Blanc which is offering 40-50% off their 2014 winter collections.

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The Thrifty HoG is located at 11 W 25^th Street between Broadway and Sixth Avenue and Noir et Blanc is next door at 7 W 25^th Street in Manhattan.

SULA NYC

I have been singing the praises of SULA NYC for a while now. This New York-based luxury spa brand’s entire beauty collection is based around the core ingredient of argan oil. Founded by Patricia Reinders, SULA NYC is sustainably sourced in Morocco, is 100% organic and is never tested on animals (they’re Leaping Bunny certified). The brand has quickly established itself with high quality products with proven results. Shoppers can enjoy three of SULA NYC’s most popular products (including the famed signature scented moisturizer, Fruit of Desire) in a beautifully packaged gift box. Sold in select boutiques and spas worldwide, you can shop SULA NYC’s website for this set and other amazing products. The gift set retails for $55.

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NATURALLY ME (NC)

Founded by a mother who was looking for healthy, all- natural remedies for her children’s different skin care issues, Naturally Me had humble beginnings as a labor of love. Owned and operated by Chaundra Smith, Naturally Me is a North Carolina-based certified vegan body care and candle company. Created on the belief that what goes on the body is as important as what goes in the body, Naturally Me features amazing products including the All Over Butter (an all natural steroid-free body butter that can be used on everything from your scalp to the soles of your feet—it’s my go to moisturizer from my hair and body—especially in the winter) and their deliciously aromatic soy “dessert candles” (seriously there’s one that smells like chocolate chipped cookies)— all still handmade by Chaundra herself. Naturally Me can be found in select boutiques around the country and via their wesite. For the next few days, including Small Business Saturday, everything is 50% off!

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Interesting…as I just finished my last featurette, I just realized that every brand featured today is woman owned and operated. How cool is that? So not only are you supporting small businesses when you shop the stores/sites featured here, you’re also supported 3 womenpreneurs who are also mompreneurs!

So today as you continue your world wind shopping spree, please #ShopSmall and support these and other local businesses today on Small Business Saturday!