Pumpkin Patch Perfection!

Fall Vibes Rock!

We had an amazing time at Laugher's Orchard last week, it was so full of fun things to eat, pick and see...not to mention pet! It's a huge orchard/farm not far from my house in Westminster Md, they grow every kind of fruit and vegetable you can think of, then they have different times of the year that you can come and pick them. Peaches, apples, pumpkins, berries, and much much more. Now that I know about it I definitely plan to come back next summer and enjoy their fresh strawberries and apples, yummy peaches and blackberries. They also have a little country store like atmosphere where you can buy fresh fruit already picked, fresh apple pies, homemade ice cream and so much more. Along with huge posts of beautiful mums, and halloween decor.

They also have a tiny little petting zoo area, when we walked in the gate all of the animals ...billy goats, turkeys, sheep, pheasants and a donkey all came jogging across the yard to say hello. The video of this is posted on Piper's account on Instagram -> (HERE!) They all loved sniffing Piper curiously, and wow were they all so cute and friendly. The one jumped up to get a better look at Piper and myself as you can see below. 

They billy goats where the coolest, they just loved Piper and the idea of another little furry creature in their midst, they came up and sniffed noses with her over and over. I also grabbed some of their feed from the grate and fed them for quite some time. All in all it was an amazing and super fun experience and I really loved that its only a half hour from my house. I can definitely see us making many more trips to Laugher's in the future. Even the Turkey was cool, he flew up next to us and just checked us out, animals are so cool. It always makes me smile when I see how excited Piper gets to interact with them, and because she's only 1 year old she's still much like a puppy. 

Therefore she's always getting into some kind of trouble, as you can see below she was insanely interested in seeing what the mums where all about. She sniffed them and she ate them...lol!! This is her way to check out everything, she reminds me much of a baby. I'm so glad that the rain held out but the cold surely didn't, I'm sure as you can tell by my outfit it was chilly as heck. I know when I have to pull out the North Face Fleece the cold weather has definitely set in, add a pair of Uggs and some jeggings and you have my winter uniform. I love the soft and comfy feel of winter fashion, it's by far my favorite seasonal wear, people think I'm crazy when I say fall and winter is my favorite but thats for many good reasons. A. No sweating like crazy, the heat kills me, I'm definitely not made for it. B. I love hot cocoa and comfy sweaters, boots, hats and scarves. C. I love snow and the holidays. Trust me I could go on forever, but you guys get the idea. 

I'm curious what's your favorite season??

Well I hope you guys enjoyed my little Pumpkin Patch Fun, I always love sharing these great outings with you. I have an amazing trip coming up in a couple weeks, it's all about a Weekend Getaway Trip to Virginia. It will include a beautiful Hotel & Spa, a stunning Winery, and lots of local charm and fun. It a fun and affordable trip that I think y'all will absolutely love. In the meantime have a wonderful week.

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The Baltimore Chef Shop!!

Absolutely love this place!!

Hey guys!! Sorry I have been a little MIA, not only is October my birth month it’s my favorite time of year because of course FALL IS FABULOUS so I have been taking a bit of a break from work to enjoy it before it's gone. I recently went to thee coolest class that I can’t wait to tell you all about, it’s a spot called Baltimore Chef Shop, located at: 807 W 36th Street, in Hampden Baltimore. It's one of the most interesting things I have done in a while and wow was it fun, first you choose from their calendar what type of class you want to take. We chose Moroccan food because it’s one of our favorites and I’ve never actually made it before, it's alway neat to learn something new. As you can see below they offer so many different options from sweet to savory, and much much more. 

Another awesome thing is you can BYOB ....yasssss!! Bring your own bottle of wine or beer, I don’t think you can bring liquor due to MD laws. The good thing about this is you can enjoy a glass of wine while you are cooking. Basically there is a whole meal set out in recipes on each table, there are two groups of 8 people. All of the needed utensils, bowls, pots, pans and plates are available and surrounded by a fully equipped, clean and modern kitchen. Then all of the fresh ingredients are set out on each table, spices, herbs ect. Each of the two groups get the same recipes, so both groups are cooking the same meal. Each table/group it broken up into 4 pairs, and each pair gets a recipe to work on, that way you all work together to create this amazing meal, while the chef walks you through each step and helps make sure you don’t burn the place down ....lol!! Rob and I got the main dish which was chicken tangine with olives and lemon. Our other recipes included a tomato and chick pea soup, chermoula spiced carrots, vegetable couscous, Moroccan mint tea and Moroccan flat bread. Yassssss we made all of this in one class and did it quite well, we were all quite proud of ourselves and how great it tasted. 

The team we got was phenomenal, the chef was patient, super down to earth, and more than friendly, Rob and I literally got the coolest table of people ever to work with. This is the best part about the whole thing, because you’re all working together as a team to create this big meal together you all become friends in the process then you break bread together, or at least we did at our table. We drank, laughed, cooked and ate together, it was a more than fabulous experience. So much so that I definitely plan on going again. Did I mention the food turned out ahhhhhhhmazing? I have to say I recommend Baltimore Chef Shop, it was a more than awesome experience.

For more info on upcoming classes, pricing and more just check out their website https://www.baltimorechefshop.com, or give them a call at 443-869-5121. Just tell them Dana sent you, i know you will love these classes if you go. Well I hope you enjoyed reading this post as much as I did attending, if you have any questions feel free to ask away.  

Also keep an eye on my IG for video and posts on stories, there will be much more coming up.

PS....What class would you choose? 

I would love some ideas for my next one.

Have a wonderful week Dolls!

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My Rainy Trip to NYC!!

I was so bummed that it just did not stop raining from the second we left for NYC, right up until the second we came home. We did get a couple hours of dry weather on the last day, so we rushed to Dumbo Brooklyn to get some of the oh-so-iconic Dumbo Brooklyn Bridge shots. I can see why so many people flock there, it's an amazing view that makes the bridge seem so massive and beautiful. As you can see in the shots the tippy top is tucked up into the foggy rain clouds, and the sky was thick and gray. I definitely plan to return on a beautiful sunny day so the colors pop and the pictures are much more crisp and clear. Light is the one thing that can seriously make or break a shot, and in this case I had NONE...lol!

I just had to share the below shot, I saw this on the corner just up the street from the bridge, I thought it went perfectly with my shoes. As most of you that follow me on Instagram know they're my absolute faves. We also stopped into a great little spot called Vida Verde where I met up with some friends Erin and Christina. Erin is the brunette and Christina is the blonde, we all sat down for some more than delish food, I had some sliders that were just out of this world. They were made up of ground brisket and short rib, omg they were so tasty. I can't believe I ate all three of them, yah know how you continue to eat it even after your full because it tastes so darn good. This was definitely one of those situations. They were so cute as was the restaurant, fun and colorful. You know I had to get in a photo op, and what better chance to show off my new Kate Spade bag and Gucci sunnies. 

All in all we didn't let the rain get us down, yes it made exploring the city a little more difficult but oh well wish happens. I did mange to find some more than amazing ice cream cone spots, keep an eye out for this week's Dessert Diva post on Instagram. For those of you that don't know, I post a delish sweet treat every Saturday. During the warmer months I do ice-cream cones, and boy did I find some great spots in NYC. There are so many cool places that I more than wish we had here in Baltimore or eve DC. 

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New Product Alert!!

This post is sponsored by Keranique, all experiences and opinions are 100% mine and mine alone 

~My Keranique Review!~

Hello Luvs, I hope you all has a wonderful week! 

(Quick heads up, this blog post will start off a bit different from most because I'm having technical issues with my platform, I can't seem to load any more pictures in, which is annoying the heck out of me. I was able to get two up so for the time being, as soon as I get some help from technical I'll edit them in.) 

Either which way I have some amazing news for you guys, I recently got the opportunity to try out a product called Keranique. It's an amazing little system to help you achieve thicker, fuller, more lustrous hair. As most of you know I just turned 40 last year, and I have started noticing that my hair isn't as full and thick as it used to be, especially in the front area where my hairline is around my bangs. I also have very fine shafts, so my hair doesn't have a lot of body or natural fullness. Let's just say I have had my eye on a product of this nature for the past year since I noticed the change, so I was very excited to get the chance to try it out. What Keranique does is help treat hair loss by pairing up a clinically proven hair regrowth system, with legit premium hair care for beautiful, thicker, fuller, and healthier-looking hair. There is the shampoo, conditioner, the lift and repair, and lastly the hair regrowth. I have been using them for just under a month and can see a very noticeable difference in my hair. It's for sure fuller and wow does it shine, I plan to continue using it and can't wait to post an update when I hit the 60 day mark. I'll give you a quick little breakdown of what each product does and how it works. We'll start off with the Scalp Stimulating Shampoo it's super easy to use, just apply it like your normal shampoo and let it sit for 1 to 2 mins before rinsing. It helps to remove build up, preparing your hair/scalp to receive the minoxidil and other treatments. Then there's the cream-based volumizing conditioner, it provides moisture without weighing your hair down. Then we have the key product in the system which is the Hair Regrowth Treatment with 2% monoxidil, an FDA approved ingredient that is clinically proven to help regrow hair in women. Immediately hair is left feeling softer and it looks voluminous due to Keranique's proprietary Keratin Amino Complex Infused shampoo and conditioner. Then lastly there is the Lift and Repair Treatment spray, it works just like a lift spray. It seals your split ends, strengthens your hair shafts and protects against heat damage. I love using it because it helps adds lift and volume, as well as protecting my hair during the blow drying process. All in all this system is amazing, my hair has never felt so healthy. For more info on the Keranique system go to their website: www.Keranique.com.
**If you already use Keranique I would love to hear about your results and how this system worked for you, I may contact you to use your input in my 60 day update!!**

Have a Wonderful Weekend!! 

PS...I will be going to Fashion Week in NYC on the 9th through the 11th, if there i somewhere you would love to see in the travel post let me know below. I just may go and include the details. 

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Baltimore's Best!!

Welcome to my Baltimore Faves!

I have been living in Baltimore my whole life, and even now I still find new spots to eat, fun places to go and things to do every day. I promised you a tour of my favorite local spots so here she is....ENJOY my beautiful city! Baltimore is ever changing in so many good ways. The number one spot to see is the Baltimore Inner Harbor, with all of the updates and changes it really has morphed into a beautiful place. We'll start off with the mall, there is 3 levels of A+ shopping at the Gallery, it includes stores like Victoria's Secret, Forever21, Pandora, Starbucks, the Gap, Foot Locker, Aldo, and The Sunglass Hut, just to name a few. 

Then if you cross the street to Harborplace there are a couple more larger sections of restaurants and stores that wrap around the actual harbor where there are boats, docks, and even a submarine. Each are available to board and explore. We also have the Aquarium and the Trade Center where you can see the 911 memorial. Some of the restaurants include Hard Rock Cafe, Bubba Gump Shrimp, The Rusty Scupper and one of my personal favorites McCormick & Schmicks. We stopped in the other day for dinner and were more than impressed, I was surprised that it was our first time eating there. To start off we ordered a wedge salad with blue cheese, I also ordered a strawberry basil smash, it's such a good cocktail. When I order it I always say to make it sweet, it has a strawberry lemonade flavor. For our entrees I ordered the garlic beef medallions, with roasted red pepper mashed potatoes and broccoli. Rob ordered the salmon platter, it came atop a beet and onion mixture of some kind. I didn't pay to much attention to it because I'm so not enthused by beets. 

I absolutely loved the beef medallions, I could have cut them with a butter knife it was so tender, not to mention the drink was out of this world, hence the reason I had two. Rob also raved about his plate, he told me the salmon was cooked to perfection and full of flavor. We will be eating there again for sure. If you are more interested in breakfast you can go just a bit down the road to Miss Shirley's, it's an iconic Baltimore spot known for their amazing breakfast/brunch menu. I had the southwest omelette last time I was there, it's beyond fantastic and more than enough for the price. We also like a place called Tagliata, it's an Italian restaurant just a few blocks away as you get into Little Italy. The food there tastes amazing and the restaurant is absolutely stunning. At Tagliata I always order the chicken marsala, with a side of spaghetti, and we side it with the pea soup. I know you're thinking ugh pea soup, but I promise you this will be the best you have ever had. They also give you fresh bread and in house parmesan cheese by the chunk, it's the real deal when it comes to authentic Italian food, and they are all at a good price point so they're more than affordable. 

If you are in the mood for a couple drinks and some fun company with a view, you definitely have to check out the SkyBar, it's a fun little rooftop bar that gives you an entire view of downtown Baltimore. The staff is so nice and welcoming, and the drinks are fantastic. It's the coolest laid back atmosphere, I love that it's very chill and they serve some food as well. It's more like bar food such as pizza, hot dogs, nachos and tacos, the perfect tipsy munchies as I call them. Now you guys know I'm an ice-cream enthusiest so of course I have an amazing ice-cream spot to share. It's called Bmore Licks and it's beyond amazing, they have so many soft serve flavors unlike the usual and 

oh-so-boring vanilla and chocolate, or don't let me forget the chocolate and vanilla swirl. They also have a ton of unique hard scoop ice cream flavors, I love going there because they give me so many choices and options to make the Insta-worthy cones you see on my Instagram feed every Saturday.

The second cone shot down with the blue soft serve was a cotton candy flavor as was the cone, wow is all I can say. there was even choices for Pip. They have a yummy pup sundae with vanilla ice cream, and 2 milk bones treats. Needless to say Piper ate it in two seconds flat, I'm guessing because it was good and 95 degrees out...she ate it so fast that I was wondering if she got a brain freeze....lol!! I could talk about ice-cream all day but there's more to show you!! Lastly let's talk about a hotel, being a blogger I have stayed in many all over the east coast. You guys know that Pip goes with us everywhere, so I was overly elated to discover the Monaco Hotel by Kimpton, just up the street from the Inner Harbor. It's the most pet friendly hotel I have ever stayed in, they had a pet bed, dog bowls, dog treats and even a dog toy for Pip. The whole hotel was out of this world stunning, and super clean. There are no words for how grand the front entrance is, I can only show you the pictures so you see just what I mean. 

(Duster Top by: Anthropologie * Jeans by: American Eagle Outfitters * Shoes by: Toms * Handbag by: Micheal Kors)

The staircases are all marble from top to bottom, everything was created with the utmost class. I had no idea a gem like this existed downtown, and to top it all off the rooms are moderately priced. The huge chandelier and rugs, the lighting and marble all create this amazing vibe. Then up on the 2nd floor just off to the right from the front desk, they have the coziest little lounge area where they offer complimantary drinks for Happy Hour from 5-6 pm. Doesn't it remind you of something straight out of the 40's, it's just full of class.

 (Pant suite by: Anthropologie * Thong Sandals by Michael Kors * Sunglasses by Tory Burch) 

Now for the best part of all, the room and the food. We stayed in the Mediterranean sweet on the 9th floor, as you come into the door you are in the living/TV room which consists of a sofa, coffee table, and a swanky little end table and lamp, the room is full of color and character. Off to the left is the bedroom space, and let me tell you the bed was gorgeous, it has a huge statement headboard and super comfy mattress. Off to the right corner is a cute little office space, perfect for getting some work done.

Now I'll admit I don't enjoy sleeping in beds other than my own for many reasons I'm sure you are aware of, but the bed and linens where so nice, comfy and clean, that you literally wanted to lay down and settle in. I was more than pleasantly surprised, and got thee best 2 nights of rest while I was there. Plus it's within walking distance of all the places noted here in this post, it's literally in the center of everything which makes it super conveninet. Back to the room tour, next up is the bathroom, OH MY GOODNESS talk about a spectacular bathroom. 

They carried the classy theme all throughout with marble from top to bottom, a granite counter top,  and I don't know what the mirror frame was made out of, but it was so cool looking. The shower was big enough for two and included the best jet tub, which i soaked in for almost two hours. Another added point is the provided shampoo, conditioner and body wash. I have noticed that whenever I go to a hotel the provided little bottles are watered down, no good and completely ineffective. 

This is why I always make sure to pack my own, but in my haste to get everything together I left my shampoo and conditioner sitting on my bed...derp. So it was more than refreshing to see that the Monaco was on point, and wow did they all smell so good. Long story short it's less stuff I have to pack, along with the fact that their hairdryer to was great. Again less junk for me to drag with me because it's already provided. Oh I almost forgot the great view from the bathroom. Piper and I really enjoyed sitting in that window and just watching the world go bye. 

It was definitely one of my favorite things about the room, along with the room service. We ordered a big lunch to avoid going out because it was literally 100 degrees that day. We decided to stay in the hotel and enjoy all of the amenities. I ordered some pit beef sliders, a fruit and cheese plate, a salad and bowl of beef stew. Everything came hot and was more than flavorful, my favorite was the sliders. That's the thing I recommend, the bread was soft and fresh, the pit beef was tender and tasty, and they add crunchy fried onions, it was all just top of the line good.

After our bellies were full Rob laid down for a nap and I used the desk area to get some much needed blogging done, it's all set up perfectly. We stayed a total of 2 nights and I honestly can say I am really impressed, so much so that when I go to New York for Fashion Week I plan to stay with the Kimpton again. I've never felt so at home in a hotel, the staff is very welcoming and friendly to both Piper and myself. That was another plus point for me, you guys know Piper goes everywhere with us, so it's important that she be welcomed as well. All in all we had a fantastic experience and I definitely recommend The Monaco 100%. Well that's all I have for now, but no worries I'm always posting about Baltimore, and as I said new stuff is always popping up as the city is ever-changing. I am so curious where you guys would like to see me go? What city are you most curious about seeing more of, yah never know I maybe I'll go there and do some exploring. 

I hope you all enjoyed being shown around my beautiful city, I'm very eager to read your comments and hear what you think of the post!!

Have a Wonderful Weekend Everyone!!

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