Take a bite out of the Big Apple

I'm in love with New York City, but who isn't?

I love the stores, the people, heck I even like riding the subways. But that's only because I'm a visitor.

But perhaps my most favorite thing about the big city is the restaurants.

And just recently, I've noticed how many NY based restaurants have opened up right here in our own backyard.

So here's my compilation of restaurants where you can take a bite out of the Big Apple, without booking a trip.

The Shake Shack opened its doors in 2004 in Madison Square Garden, and since then they've expanded to D.C., Connecticut, Miami and even the Middle East.

The chain's hamburgers, hot dogs, custards and shakes are some of the best in the country, so the next time you're on Lincoln Road make sure you check it out.

5 Napkin Burger named after the franchise's most famous dish-- the 5 napkin burger, which is 10 ounces of fresh ground chuck topped with Gruyere cheese, caramelized onions and rosemary aioli.

YUM!

Although famous for its burgers, this restaurant also has sushi rolls, salads and a huge selection of cocktails.

Named after a little shoe, Scarpetta opened up inside of the Fontainebleau and it's one of the few places in Miami where you can find delicious, authentic Italian food.

Jennifer Lopez celebrated her 42nd birthday at Scarpetta.

Another great Italian restaurant that opened its doors in Miami is Il Gabbiano, which is owned by The Masci brothers, who also own and operate Il Muliano in the Greenwich neighborhood.

An American classic, Houston's is a beloved spot that has great service.

Houston's Chicago-style spinach dip is by far the best dip I've ever tried.  I always go there for the dip, drinks and a nice view.

MR CHOW is a world renowned franchise and especially popular in LA and NYC, so I was so thrilled to hear that a restaurant would open inside of the W Hotel in Miami Beach.

And because it is Miami, you can find all of their classic dishes, along with some new exciting recipes executed by the head chef.

NOBU is possibly the most recognized Japanese restaurant in the world, and I'm just glad that we have a restaurant here in Miami.

Make sure you wash down any of their amazing signature dishes with their mango martini, which is to absolutely die for.


Are there any other NY restaurants that have opened in Miami that are not on this list?

Let me know and I'll add them.

Also, don't forget Miami Spice starts from August 1st-September 30th and some of the restaurants mentioned above will be participating. Check it out: Miami Spice Participating Restaurants


Until next time!

xO's,
your GTG

"There are no better conversations than those that take place around great food and great company."--Yours truly.

A Guide to Stamp Manis

This past weekend, I hung out with my one of my besties for a Sunday filled of beauty and blogging. And let me start off by saying that if I'm your go to gal, Priscilla is my makeup maven. She is not only a licensed makeup artist, but she has an amazing understanding of makeup and all things beauty.

She also did a keratin hair treatment for me, which I will be sharing pictures with you later this week, and I'll be debunking the myths of keratin.

Below you will find a short video (that we filmed and edited ourselves) of the materials and steps needed to do your very own stamp manicure and please don't forget to check out this rad girl's blog and site.

Please note that you can also do pedicures in the same way,

Also, check out some pictures of the finished product. :)

The stencil also comes with a few other different styles, so the combinations of colors and styles you can do are endless. It's also very easy and fun.

Hope you guys enjoy this short and sweet post!

xoxo

Your GTG

"It's amazing what a little color on your hands or feet can do for you." -- Anonymous

Shapes and Shades

Hi gals and boys,

I am back with a brand new post that I hope you guys not only enjoy, but you learn from it.

Before I get to the fun stuff, I want to touch base on the importance of dressing for your body.

Style is all about confidence. And the only way you're going to build that confidence is by knowing what works on you, but even more importantly by knowing what doesn't work for you.

As a teenager, I didn't know much about body types, but I always knew that if I didn't feel comfortable in something I just wouldn't wear it.

As I got older, I mostly learned what worked and what didn't work on my body from trying on clothes. The fit of clothes is just as important as what you're buying to wear.

I have so many friends who squeeze into a smaller size of clothes just to say: I'm a size 4, rather than going up to the next size and looking and feeling good about their clothes and themselves.

Please remember that clothes are shrinking. A size 12 today is about a size 8 of yesteryear, so don't feel self-conscious about what size your clothes are. The only thing that matters is that you look good in what you're wearing.

So you've read a few paragraphs of what you thought was a guide to buying sunglasses, and all you've read about is the fit of clothing, but I did that intentionally to stress the importance of how knowing your body can help you dress in the best possible way.

So just like you should know how to dress for your body type, you should also know about your face shape, which will  help you pick out what sunglasses and haircuts look best on you.

Along with helping you determine your face shape, I'm also including a list of the hottest sunglasses for this summer season.

This week's public announcement: Wear SPF products on your face and all other exposed areas of the body when you're out in the sun. Skin cancer is NOT cute.

So are you guys ready? Here it is:

There are many face shapes, but I'm focusing on the 5 main ones in this post, regardless of your shape, you will see that some like the inverted triangle face shape is very similar to the heart face shape and therefore, will be under the same category.

Oval

Oval face shapes are considered to be the most versatile and most desired face shape, as it provides balanced proportions and these are the folks who look good in just about any style of glasses and haircuts.

Women with oval face shapes can pull off a sleek pulled back ponytail better than anyone.

Recommendations: Look for sunglasses that have frames that are just as wide or wider, as the broadest part of your face in order to maintain a proportional look. Also look for rounded square-shaped lenses, but stay away from square frames, as it may look too harsh on your face.

Jennifer Aniston is a celebrity with an oval face.

Round

Round face shapes are primarily characterized by wide cheeks and a round chin.

Women with round faces should keep their hair in soft waves to soften the roundness of their faces, instead of wearing their hair in super curly or straight hair styles.

Men with round faces should avoid heavy sideburns, but keep beards or moustaches for a more flattering look.

Recommendations: Choose frames with a rectangular shape as this will lengthen your face and make it appear naturally thinner. Rimless or frameless glasses also look good on this shape. Stay away from round and oversized glasses, as well as lenses that are too small, which can make your face look rounder.

Kate Bosworth is a celebrity with a round face.

Square

Square face shapes have a strong defined jawline and a square trimmed chin.

Women with square face shapes should have bangs, which accentuate your face shape and layers that can help soften your face.

Recommendations: When looking for reading or sunglasses, keep in mind that anything with oval frames will look best on your face, but make sure the lenses aren't too small.

Demi Moore is a celebrity with a square face.

Oblong

Oblong face shapes may look like a long oval or a long rectangular shape depending on the angle of the person's chin.

Women with oblong face shapes always look great in side-swept bangs. Men with oblong faces can pull off moustaches better than any other face shape.

Recommendations: Aviator sunglasses will work best on your shape.

Sarah Jessica Parker is a celebrity with an oblong face shape.

Triangle

Triangular face shapes are also known as heart shaped faces, which are mainly characterized by a pointy chin and a broad forehead.

Women and men with this face shape look good in either really short or really long hair styles.

Recommendations: It's all about oval glasses for people with triangular face shapes.

Reese Witherspoon is a celebrity with a triangular face shape.

Tips:

Now that you know the 5 main face shapes and the type of glasses and hair styles that look best on you, the next step is determining your face shape. 

• The easiest way to do this is by grabbing a lipstick (preferably one you don't use anymore) and tracing the shape of your reflection to the mirror and then comparing it to the images of  the various face shapes.

Hottest Shades for Women:

 Gucci Aviators in white with gold trim

 Marc by Marc Jacobs Eye Cat Sunglasses 

MJ are super adorbz, though!

 Dior Oversized Glasses

 Marc by Marc Jacobs Shield Sunglasses

Hottest Shades for Men:

Ray Ban Original Wayfarers

Tom Ford Men's Eyewear

Persol Aviators

Prada Rimless Square Framed Sunglasses

Ray Ban New Clubmaster Sunglasses

And there you have it folks!

I'd love to see what sunglasses you are all wearing this summer. I'll be updating this blog with a picture of my brand new Marc by Marc Jacobs rounded frames.

Happy summertime!

XO's

Your GTG

“Summer is kind of like the ultimate one-night stand: hot as hell, totally thrilling, and gone before you know it.” -- Cosmopolitan Magazine