$400 Visa Card Giveaway!!

Time to Refresh That Summer Wardrobe 

with a $400 Visa Gift Card!!

~Yes it’s time for another out of this world 🌎 giveaway!~ 

I have teamed up with some other epic bloggers to give 

one amazing and lucky reader a $400 Visa Gift Card for a summer wardrobe refresh!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

"Piper & I want to wish you ALL GOOD LUCK because we love ya'll tons!!"

⚠️PLEASE READ BEFORE YOU ENTER!⚠️
If you unfollow after the giveaway ends you will not be eligible for future giveaways ☺️ we will be running one month so make sure to turn on your notifications.
The giveaway will run for a month, from 6/14/22 3pm est to 7/16/22 at 12am est. To enter just click on the above rafflecopter form and complete the many different tasks to double and triple your chances of winning many times over.

You must be 18+ years of age and reside in the USA, AUS, or CANADA to win. This giveaway is VOID where prohibited. The winner will be notified within 24hrs of the giveaway closing and he or she will have 48hrs to respond, or a new winner will be selected. 

Thanks so much for following and Good Luck 🍀 everyone!!

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Spring Ice Cream Tour Part A/Connecticut

The Connecticut Portion of Our Trip!

I'm so excited to share our Spring Ice-Cream Tour with you guys. It's a road trip that spanned many states and many amazing stops along the way. We stopped in Stamford, Connecticut for 3 days, then New York City for another 3 days, then New Jersey for another 2 days. I will be doing a blog post on each stop as not to make them too long, and for the first post we will be getting a view at our stop in Stamford Connecticut. There were two main spots we stopped in Stamford for, one is called Elm Street Diner, and the other is called Bona Bona. We arrived in Stamford around 2pm at which time we checked into our room at The Stamford Hotel. Our stay solidified the fact that it's the ONLY place to stay while in the area, and below you will see why. 

The room and bed were both very comfy, clean, and more than roomy. There were also plenty of common areas, a full gym, a swimming pool area and then some. Not to mention the staff was super nice and helpful when we asked for local recommendations on food and shopping. Everything in downtown Stamford, such as restaurants, bars, and shopping, is a 5 to 8 minute drive from the hotel, which makes it super convenient. They are also pet friendly, so that means next time we come Piper will be able to accompany us. 

Downstairs as you enter the hotel, there are several common areas that are really nice and roomy. I love the fun colorful vibe, I'm even happy to say I found some fun purple stairs to match my new Under Armour outfit...loll! Once we got settled into the room and rested up for a few hours, we headed out to find some dinner and do some quick shopping. Originally the trip was supposed to be 6 days, but we stretched it out a bit more when we decided to stop in New Jersey for a couple extra days. Rob and I picked up a few things (one being a new CK dress that I'll show you below) and wandered around the mall for a bit.

We ate dinner at a cute little Greek spot not far from the hotel, I had a chicken and lemon orzo soup with a greek salad, Rob had the same. By the time we made it back to the hotel it was almost 10pm, and we were exhausted. After driving all day, some serious rest was needed. Plus we had to be up early the next day to check out Elm Street Diner, which was also right up the street from our hotel. I was more than excited because Elm Street had been in my mind for some time, they have the most amazing over-the-top milkshakes and desserts. We arrived there bright and early the next morning, after a VERY good nights sleep. We were greeted by John the owner, who graciously helped us to pick the most insane items for pictures. 

Prepare to be blown away...!!

First up is the Nutella Kinder Donuts, this is a stack of donuts  with Kinder Bueno, Peanut Butter Cups, and covered in Nutella and other divine sauces. It's nothing like you have ever seen or tasted, and wow so sinfully sweet. As you can see it definitely put a smile on my face, but wait this is nothing compared to what's coming. 

There's so much more.  

Next up is the Waffle Tower, yes I said waffle tower. It's basically an ice-cream sandwich made out of waffles, then piled high with more ice-cream, donuts, cake, cupcakes, chocolate bars, a chocolate chip cookie ice-cream sandwich, Nutella, an eclair bar and then some. Talk about a cheat day treat, I have never seen anything like it. I asked them to blow me away and they sure nailed it. I have to tell you Rob fell in love with the chocolate cake, he ate the whole piece by himself. 

 Ok next up is my favorite item because of the beautiful coloring, it's called the Cotton Candy French Toast. It's the most amazing french toast, topped with a delish vanilla ice-cream, cotton candy, rainbow sprinkles and the most amazing pink, blue, and white icing. When I say amazing french toast I mean it, wow was it good....definitely my favorite food item from this stop. 

Ok so next up was the St Patrick's Day Freakshake, the day we stopped in was the Saturday before St Patty's Day. We were excited to get something themed for the holiday and WOW did they deliver. What you see below is a piece of 4 layer cake, topped with a donut, 2 cupcakes, a lollipop, a clover sugar cookie, rock candy, and lotsa pot of gold vibes. All piled high in a vanilla frosting rimmed glass, with chocolate coins and pearl candy sprinkles. Oh...My....Goodness was this by far the coolest St Patty's Day Shake I've ever seen. 

 Ok we have one more ....Last and certainly not least is the Strawberry Shortcake Freakshake, and WOW will it freak your tastebuds. This shake is also piled high with lots of yummies like a slice of cheesecake, a cupcake, rock candy, cherries, a strawberry, a strawberry shortcake ice-cream pop, all piled high atop a yummy strawberry milkshake, in a vanilla frosting, chocolate chip and rainbow sprinkle rimmed glass. 

As they say save the best for last, I absolutely love anything strawberry related especially when it involves ice-cream. I would love to know in the comments which one you would pick. If you guys keep an eye on my Instagram -> (@DanaStargazerTruitt) you will see the video views of each item shown above, which always makes them look so sooooo much better. Also what do you think of the cute new Calvin Klein dress? This is one of the new items I picked up from the Macy's in Stamford Mall. The colors were to perfect, I couldn't help myself. I also got a beautiful blazer to match, which you will see in the next blog post, on our stop in New Jersey. Then the third and final blog post on the trip will be our time in New York City, which will by far be the biggest. By the time we ate breakfast and finished shooting Elm Street Diner it was around 4pm, so we headed back to the room to relax for a few hours. I caught the most beautiful sunset from our window that overlooked most of Stamford. It was the best end to the day. 

The next morning, after another great night of sleep, we went out for breakfast at a cute little diner, again right down the street from the hotel. After we ate breakfast, we headed back to the hotel to pack up, check out and head onto the next stop, which was a spot called Bona Bona. It's located on our way out of Connecticut, so it worked out perfectly. They have the coolest unique flavor that I wish I could get here in Baltimore. What they do is add a house-made custard to the tops of their cones and scoops, then they char it like you would a marshmallow. It tastes soooooo good. It tastes kinda like marshmallow, but the consistency isn't gooey like marshmallow, it's literally like a fluffy custard. I wish I could email you guys one, because you would love it. 

Ok so here just above is the Bona Bona waffle cone, now keep in mind they make their own ice cream, with some of the best unique flavor combos. They also have trucks where they sell as well as doing events. Hint...Hint...Come to Baltimore Bona Bona!! The ice-cream I tried that I absolutely loved was the frosted animal cracker ice-cream, with some of the custard on top, it's shown below. That was one that I completely finished all on my own, because it was just too good to stop eating until it was allllllll gone...lol! TRY IT, I promise it's an amazing flavor combo.

 

They also have some really good milkshakes, I tried the Over The Rainbow and The Italian Campfire. Both shown below. 

I really loved the smoothness and flavor of their ice-cream, which was perfect for a milkshake. I had them top the bottom one with the custard, instead of the usual whipped cream. I think it tasted amazing and looks fabulous. I really enjoyed their store, it's super fun and colorful inside. There is one room with rainbow sprinkles all over the walls, then the outer room has pink walls on one side, and rainbow on another. It's the perfect atmosphere for such delish treats. If you live in the area look them up, it's a must try spot.

Well that's all for the Connecticut portion of our trip, make sure you keep an eye out for the New Jersey post coming soon.

Thanks so much for followingAlso if you ever want to see unseen footage of all these amazing trips, just follow me on my Instagram or Pinterest at @DanaStargazerTruitt, both platforms have their own unique content.

To check out the last Ice Cream Tour just click here-> "First Annual Ice Cream Tour"

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Birthday Weekend Getaway!

"Epic Birthday Getaway!"

(Me enjoying the lobby common area of The Melrose Georgetown)

Hello Luvs, I'm super excited to be sharing my Birthday weekend getaway to DC with you all, we had so much fun exploring Georgetown DC. I also can’t wait to tell and show you all about the luxury boutique hotel we stayed in called The Melrose Georgetown, located at 2430 Pennsylvania Ave, Washington DC 20037.  WOW where can I start? We arrived at the Melrose on a Friday around noon, and we were more than pleased to find out that the hotel was just an 8-10 minute walk from the center of Georgetown, right where all the great shops and restaurants are. Once we left our car with valet we checked in and headed up to our suite, wow was the entrance and common area more than grand. It’s covered in all types of classy decor covered in marble and granite, as I told Rob if this is an indicator of how amazing the suite will be I think we are really going to love our time here. 

 (Front lobby entrance and bar)

 (Lobby common room in the Melrose)

(Grand entrance and front desk)

Boy was I right, the suite was beautiful. Just as you walk in the door the is a cute little office with a desk just off to the left. I really enjoyed how they themed the cedar around the constitution, perfect touch for DC. The as you proceed straight ahead you walk into the living room area complete with a cozy couch and coffee table to the right, an arm chair and ottoman to the left, right next to the dresser and big screen television. Then there was a huge picture window with a great view of of the area, and finally down the hall to the left was a bedroom with a queen sized bed and another big screen television. A little further down the hall to the left was the bathroom, all decked out in marble tiles in a law and white color combo. It was more than enough room for Rob and I to spend the next couple days, and OMG the bed was super comfy with crisp clean bedding and pillows. I’m one of those people that finds it very difficult to feel at home in hotel beds, at the Melrose I had no problem relaxing in and sleeping soundly. Once we got settled in and hung up our clothes we got dressed and walked down to the Georgetown waterfront to look for dinner. 

 (Office)

 (Bedroom)

 (Living room)

 (Bathroom)

The weather was absolutely perfect and because it was a Friday night there were so many different people, all scattered about and walking around just enjoying all the many restaurants to choose from. There where yachts docked on the peer and the sun was just setting so e sat down at some outdoor tables and just enjoyed the scenery. Nothing is more fun than eating a good meal and doing a bit of people watching...lol! After we finished eating  we stopped into a gelato shop that we saw on the walk up... for a couple scoops of course. Then we headed back to the hotel to relax and rest up for a day of birthday fun, we had plans to do a couple shoots and go out for dinner. When we made it back to the room we enjoyed some fruit, cheese and a glass of wine before turning in and because we slept both cozy and comfortably, we were able to get up bright and early the next morning. 

(Fruit, cheese and wine at The Melrose before bed)

We made sure to stop into the hotel restaurant on our way out and boy was it good. I had an egg white omelette and Rob had the waffles topped with fruit... both were amazing. Needless to say we ate breakfast there the next morning as well, it was that good. Once we filled our bellies we set out for Main St in the heart of Georgetown, there is a great little spot up there called Greenworks Florist, it has pink floral walls that are beautiful and I was very eager to take some pictures there. On the way back we stopped into several stores and shops to look around and explore though I have to say I didn't buy anything but an ice-cream cone. We did stop into Kate Spade where I saw thee single cutest little french bulldog bag, only bummer was to small, I could barley fit my wallet so that was a no go. We also came across some cute walls, so you know we had to stop and shoot a couple pictures. By the time we got back to the hotel it was almost 4pm and we were exhausted, so we settled in and relaxed until 7pm when we had a reservation at Jardenea the hotel restaurant. 

(The old Greenworks Florist in Georgetown)

(Cute alley mural we came across in Georgetown)

(Blind Whino Painter Church)

Wow that was a dinner to remember, everything from start to finish was delicious. First I ordered the barley and lentil soup and Rob ordered a fall and mixed greens salad, as well as some cheese brioche’ dinner rolls. For our entrees I got the fillet and Rob ordered the blackened rainbow trout, both meals were seasoned just right and cooked to perfection. It's very rare that we both love everything about our meals, and eat everything on our plates...or in this case everything they put on the table. The dinner rolls were sooooo good with their cheesy centers. Finally for dessert I got the southern pecan pie and ice-cream, Rob got the vanilla cheesecake and chocolate ganach. My pecan pie was so good and perfectly paired with the vanilla icecream because it was still warm. Let’s just say by the time we left the restaurant we were stuffed and more than ready for bed, plus we had to get up early the next morning for breakfast and start heading back home. 

(Soup and salad appetizers at Jardenea) 

(Filet at Jardenea)

 (Pecan pie and ice-cream dessert at Jardenea)

It was a bummer the weekend was over so fast, but as they say time flies when you’re having fun. I just had to make one pit-stop before we checked out at noon, you guys know I don’t go anywhere without finding the amazing sweet treats that the area has to offer so I can share it with you. I did some area searches and realized that not one but two spots I had my eye on for some time were not that far away from our hotel. I was more than excited!! The first one is a place called The Salt Line, they have some amazing desserts and freak shakes that I had been reading about for a minute. Not only are they delish they are also super decked out with all kinds of yummy toppings like donuts, candy, marshmallows and then some. Plus they aren't just a sweet shop they're also a full serve restaurant and bar with fresh seafood. 

(The Salt Line Freakshake)

(Marion Berry from IceCream Jubilee)

I also stopped into Ice Cream Jubilee which is about 2 or 3 blocks away, you know I had to stop into both. I got a double dip of Marion Berry at Jubilee, it was all piled high in a fresh rainbow sprinkle waffle cone, OMG you guys it was amazing. The flavor profile is epic...a yummy berry flavored ribbon, mixed with graham cracker and super fresh vanilla. If they sold it in gallons I would have bought 5, that's how yummy and rich it was. They make their icecream fresh daily and are always combining so many unique and amazing flavors that all work together, like a harmonious song that make your tastebuds straight up want to sing. These are 2 great spots I whole heartily recommend to you guys if you are in DC, trust me your tummy will thank you. Well after our icecream escapades we headed back to the hotel to pack and set out for home, back to Baltimore. On the way Rob and I made plans to make it a yearly tradition to get away on our birthdays, to basically take some time to ourselves to just relax and recharge. I have been learning to pay more attention to self care, it's always important to take time for you, especially when you have hectic on-the-go busy lifestyle like we do. I know one thing, we will definitely be going back to The Melrose. I plan to see what other locations they have in the US because I’m excited about the adventures and possibilities ahead. For more info on The Melrose Georgetown check out their website at: www.melrosehoteldc.com, see if there is a location near you. 

 (Me relaxing in the Melrose Lobby)

(The view from our suite)

(Breakfast at the Melrose)

(Me enjoying the cherry on top)

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Our Stay in Ocean City with Aloft!!

(This post is sponsored by Aloft Ocean City, all opinions and experiences are mine and mine alone.)

"Our Aloft Weekend Getaway!!"

There’s nothing like a good weekend getaway to refresh you and make you feel like new again. I’ve had some craziness the last couple months and Our little weekend getaway was just what the doctor ordered. There is nothing like fresh ocean air, sand under your feet, hanging out poolside and just enjoying the sun on your skin. Everyone knows that your trip is just as good as the hotel you stay at which is why we’re more than happy we stayed at Aloft Ocean City. Because the staff greet you like family the atmosphere is fantastic and we felt  super comfortable, plus they’re very pet friendly which is a big think with us because Piper always joins us. The rooms were beautiful with a sleek modern decor, I really loved the colorful rugs and wall hangings. You guys know how I love a good splash of

color, plus they even provided a bed and bag of goodies for Piper. It had cookies and toys, which automatically made her feel right at home as well. The rooms have little refrigerators, a safe, WiFi, smart TV’s, boy I could go on and on. Our balcony looked over the back of the property which was a stunning view, especially in the evening when the sun set you could see the beautiful colors over the water. There was also a view of the bay and swimming pool area, as well as their private beach where you could do some paddle boarding and kayaking from.

After we settled into the room and unpacked we then put on out swimsuits and headed for the pool, there’s a great little bar out back where you can order food and drinks, as well as swim and lay out. They also have live music at different points during the day and it was great!! I definitely recommend the Bavarian soft pretzels, omg so so good. There is also a little food counter in the hotel where you can order breakfast lunch or dinner, along with some great snacks and drinks. Everything Rob and I ordered we enjoyed so I’m gathering it probably all was. I saw this yummy corned beef hash selection on the breakfast menu, but due to my recent stomach issues wasn’t able to get it but Rob did and wow did he love it. After we ate dinner we took a walk to the beach and checked out a few stores, then after a long day of driving we retreated back to the hotel and turned in early to rest up for the next day. 

We woke up at 7am and started showering and getting dressed, we ate breakfast and headed out to the Boardwalk for a little early morning walk with the dog. Then we hopped in the car and headed to Rohoboth Beach so I could check out Mug & Spoon, a fantastic little freakshake spot. We had thee funnest shoot, the shakes were so colorful and absolutely amazing. They had 4 or 5 different shake choices and all types of amazing and unique icecream flavors, coffees and cookies. If you are ever on Rohoboth definitely stop in, your tastebuds will thank you. After lunch, milkshakes, alot of boardwalk and beach walking we retreated back to the Aloft hotel for some poolside rest and relaxation. Piper sat on the sun chair with me while I ordered some soft pretzels and together we enjoyed them and the amazing weather. To be honest this is what we did most of the trip, the hotel was so relaxing we really didn’t want to leave, at least I know I didn’t. There are so many amazing amenities and comfy common areas, they also have pool and game tables for adults and kids alike. 

By the time the day came to an end I had a nice tan and was more than recharged, sometimes you just need to get away for a couple days. The daily stresses of life in general can be exhausting, so I was more than sad we had to go home the next afternoon. We did get up early so we wouldn’t miss a single minute, and we were also meeting my mom for breakfast. She lives about 20 minutes outside of Ocean City, so every time we go to the beach we have this little thing where we always meet up for breakfast. I always love seeing my mom, I sure wish she still lived right down the street from me. It’s tough with her living 3 hours away because I don’t get to see her much any more. 

You guys know no matter where I go that I always find you the best of the best when it comes to icecream and shakes, so after breakfast I wanted to make sure I got a shoot in with my all time Ocean City favorite... Kohr Brothers, they have thee most amazing frozen custard. Their cones are covered in chocolate and sprinkles, then to add an extra pop of color I added a delish Boardwalk lollipop 🍭and wow was it cute. After our little photo shoot we had a little lunch and Doughroller and started back for the hotel to pack up and check out. I was sad to leave Aloft, it was so nice and will definitely be the only place we stay from now on when we go to the beach. I for sure recommend it to all, you will more than love your time there.

All in all our beach trip was amazing, all three of us had an amazing time. It’s something that we do every year because like I said above it really helps to just get away for a few days and refresh yourself. I definitely think we will more than love Paris, I’m more than excited to be going in September. I also think we will be taking a little DC staycation between now and then, something fun to mix it up!! Well here’s to a wonderful weekend, enjoy the weather and stay cool. 

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