Beautifully Flawed

Three years ago I met a very talented designer through my internship writing at a local magazine, VERTICAL Tampa Bay. Designer Kimberly Hendrix, was new to St. Pete. She had recently relocated from California and brought with her a unique vision and creative eye.

I fell in love with her fall collection and decided to interview Kimberly to talk about the creative process in coming up with her collection. Kimberly believes in the philosophy of , REUSE. RENEW. RECYCLE.  “Every creation embraces beauty in its simplest form and is one-of-a-kind, as it should be.”  No one piece she creates is like the other. Kimberly uses scraps and throwaways  to design beauitful new pieces. After listening to her for sometime I realized something. The imperfections. It reminded me of one of my favorite songs from Gungor “You Make Beautiful Things.”

Isn’t that what God does with us? He takes our messy mistakes and the scraps we have left to give and makes us new, creating something far more beautiful in us.

I’ve learned to embrace the simple and raw things in life. From the smell of burnt wood after a bonfire to the grainy sand that collects underneath my nails when I’m playing in the sand on the beach. I love the smell of the pages from aged and crinkled books. I love the rawness of music being played, naturally and unrehearsed . And I’ve learned to love my wildly un-kept hair after a shower or swim in the ocean. But these are all much simpler examples of  imperfect things. Sometimes it’s the bigger messes and imperfections that life brings that we have to embrace too.

One Sunday I struggled to go to church a week after dealing with a family crisis. I carried the weight of fear, emptiness and hopelessness on my shoulders that morning. After what seemed like years of faithful praying over my family, the life I desired and for peace, I felt like giving up. I was numb and tired of fighting for the things I wanted. I was failing in every battle and collecting baggage along the way.

The message was on “No Other Name.”  I can’t recall now what worship song it was we sang but I remembered the lyrics being on how God made a sacrifice and saves us from death. I began to cry as I heard those words being sung. Not because I felt sad or felt unsaved but because I understood the words in a way I never had before.  I began thanking God. Thank you for my mess and for experiencing darkness. Thank you God for saving my family. Thank you that I am fiercely loved. And thank you for saving me from of life of emptiness and breathing passion back into my life. Because of the shards and scraps in my life I knew what it meant to experience God’s love and abundant grace. I knew God in a more intimate way. I understood then how much He really loved me. My prayers and efforts were not going unheard or unnoticed. God has been walking with me each step of the way making me stronger and more beautiful. The scraps and left over shards are part of my mold and meant for me to share with the world for His glory.

There is no other name that brings peace and joy like Jesus. He saves and makes us new EVERY DAY, making us more beautiful and perfect in His image.

If you would,  like to read more on my interview with Kimberly Hendrix continue below…

*****

 

A look back at the creative process behind the work of a local designer

     With permission by Kimberly Hendrix. Photograph by Jeffrey Williams

I first met Tampa Designer Kimberly Hendrix during my internship in spring 2011 at VERTICAL Tampa Bay Magazine’s. I was immediately drawn by Kimberly’s kind spirit and passion for design.

Kimberly was a featured designer at the 2010 Tampa Fashion Week. Her clothing has been worn by actresses Dooey Descanel and Juliette Lewis.

Kimberly expresses a unique vision to creating beautiful and edgy clothing through her brand K. Hendrix. Kimberly’s environmentally conscious lifestyle reflects in how she handcrafts each of her pieces by using vintage materials and experimenting with organic dyes. She’s a creative designer with a strong connection to her brand.

What is K. Hendrix the brand about and what kind of girl is K. Hendrix designed for?

The K. Hendrix brand is about embracing the flaws, not about perfection. It’s grungy chic wear.

Someone who wears K. Hendrix is simple, confident , they have an effortless style and natural beauty. They’re girls who know how to wear clothes and mix things up, which is very hipster.

What is the name of your Fall collection?

I really don’t put names to my collections. I try not to be a set collector.  I’m not too much into trends I like to create versatile pieces you can wear year round.

Q: What inspired these looks?

I thought a lot about Kristen Stewart in creating this collection. I had that vampire, Kristen Stewart kind of vibe going. What I’ve always liked about Kristen is that she never looks like shes trying too hard, you can always see some of  her flaws. Her style is interesting. She has this cool, funk about her.

You’re known for  reusing and renewing fabrics, so in what ways have you manipulated the fabrics you’ve renewed in your fall collection?

Because I use vintage materials I have to think, what can I do with what I have here? I experimented with different treatment and shredding techniques. I dulled  sequins by boiling it and added textured looks by dying my leather. I don’t normally make sweaters but what I did for this collection was shred and destroy them to go with the flawed, imperfect look I was going for.

Because of the treatment techniques I use what I design is very durable. They’re not easily ruined. It’s funny because people will always handle my clothing with so much care,  they’ll ask where would you like me to put this? And  I say oh just give it to me and I’ll sometimes just toss them back on a hanger.

What was the most fun and difficult part of creating your collection?

The most fun part in creating this collection was watching how somethings came out unexpectedly.  I was using a dye to color one of my skirts hoping for a taupe color to come out, instead there was this odd chemical reaction that turned the skirt into a grayish color.

The most difficult part are finding organic dyes and using organic materials.  One of my models went on a medical trip to Peru, where she found they used many things from nature to make their dyes like blueberries and bugs. I really try to avoid using anything that is not organic. I don’t want to sell what I don’t live by.

Who are your favorite designers and why?

I love French designer Isabel Marant, our styles are similar. She designs a more  casual and softer version of the French rocker girl look. Balmain’s former fashion designer Christoph Decarnin has this cool-chic, rocker-girl attitude. I’ve always liked that messy French girl look. French women throw their hair up in these loose,messy buns and they still look confident and chic. And I admire the pure artistry and talent of Galliano.

Shredded  Wool Cardigan (Photograph by Jeffrey Williams Boring)

Silk Petal Skirt and Boiled Sequins Skirt (Photograph by Jeffrey Williams Boring)

Flat Sequins Cocktail Dress ( Photograph by Jeffrey Williams Boring)

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Live your life. Take the plunge.

I always remember that scene in the “Notebook” when Allie is too scared to jump in the lake from the tire swing and Noah shouts out to her trying to encourage her to just jump in. It’s probably one of the smallest, most insignificant parts in the movie but for me it’s one of my favorite parts. That may be because I’ve always wanted to take a plunge into a lake from a tire swing, screaming at the top of my lungs.

In life, plenty of us have been in that place when something exciting or big was about to happen and we felt too afraid to invite life in and take the plunge. I remember as a little girl coming home with new scratches and bruises on my legs from playing outside. I hated my legs. I always tried to cover them up and hide my cuts and bruises. But that never stopped me from going back outside the next day. I kept on playing.

God gave each of us life through Jesus Christ. We each deserve to live out our life to the fullest and whole heatedly. Friends and loved ones will come along to help encourage you to pursue the things you don’t want to miss out on. Whether that’s love, exploring a new career, taking that trip you’ve always wanted to go on or something as small as the thrill of your first tire swing into a lake.

Forget your scratches and fears. Take the plunge, have some fun and keep on playing. Life is too short and too sweet not to.

Andrea

Mozzaro’s Italian Market: A Taste of Italy

I’m sitting on the patio of my friend’s condo overlooking the marina across the water as I type this post. The sun is out, there’s a nice breeze and boats are passing by idly as boaters wave hello. I  wish I had my camera to capture the view.

SHOPPING AT MOZZARO’S

Photo via the theclumsyeater.com

This Saturday morning I took a trip to Mozzaro’s Italian Market in St. Pete. I’ve heard rave reviews about Mozzaro’s gourmet food market. Some might even say it’s the culinary destination to go to in Tampa Bay. Wednesdays are typically one of their slower days I’m told by one of the girls working there, but judging by the crowd I might have caught a busy hour. The place was bustling with people and visitors from all over: England, France, Italy and local regulars. I like to feed off the vibes of crowds, but today with the number of people flowing in from one room to the next, I felt mostly overwhelmed.

photo via allthingsruffnerian.blogspot.com

The first thing to catch my eye is Mozzaro’s quirky and fun decor. The vibrant colors of the mediterranean and the nostalgic touches of vintage photos and wall hangings, display the playful flare of the market. In the midst of all the hustle and bustle there is still a feel of warmth and welcome found in the variety of foods “carefully and lovingly” baked and prepared. I LOVE cheese, so the Cheese Room was my first stop. With over 300 choices to pick from,  I needed to narrow my options down and find something fit for my own occasion. Uhh…I’d like to phone-a-friend please! A quick call to my cousin’s mother, Tina, an Italian, brought a little more focus on the types of cheeses I should look for. The staff was also very helpful and knowledgeable. One of the staff explained the different regions and small farms the cheeses came from. She also explained the difference in textures, which I found especially helpful. I’m all about textures. If you’re looking for something special and imported stroll down the Gourmet Imports section. There you can find an assortment of exotic spices, bruschetta toppings and sweets from Italy.

photo via findeatdrink.com

* Best times to shop & eat: Mon-Wed before 11am OR after 3pm (certain deli or market foods may run out during later hours)

I suggest knowing what you want to purchase before going. I had some idea of what I wanted to buy, but I looked like a lost puppy.  With the extra help from a relative, I was fortunate this trip. The staff are also great guides.

TAKING OUR TASTE

As a guest, I always like to do something small but sweet for friends who open their homes to me. Tonight I thought I’d make a girls night of it and put together an appetizer and desert for my spring break roomies, Michelle and Julie. On the menu:

• Puglies Bread
• Fresh Mozzarella Cheese w/ Grape Tomatoes
• Red Wine from California
• Dessert: Amaretto Nut Truffle Ice Cream

 

Bon Appetit!

Part of the joy and excitement of experiencing new things is learning about them. After we saturated our taste buds with seasoned olive oil,  earthy wine, and sweet amaretto, each of us took turns pulling slips of folded paper from a glass and read out a few fun facts we didn’t know about Italy and it’s food. Did you know…

National Eat Italian Day is February 13th, a day before Valentine’s Day. We were a month off. Next year:)

The three colors of the Italian flag have meanings. Green stands for hope, White stands for faith and Red stands for charity.

Also a fact, Italy has been making wines for over 2800 years!

The oldest tree in Italy is the Umbria, which is said to be over 1700 years old.

Although not food related I thought this was interesting…The oldest film festival is the Venice Film Festival which began in 1932.

 

Until my next stop, Ciao!

Andrea

Ceviche Tapas Bar: A Taste of Spain

10. Try authentic foreign cuisines all over Tampa

No.10 has to be one of my favorites on our list. I LOVE food, and good food at that. I’m happy to try a dish I’ve never tasted or a drink I’ve never sipped. With spring break coming up, the extra free time has allowed me to revisit the bucket list for things to try, do and learn.  I got an early start this past weekend treating a friend to a bite for her birthday at one of Tampa’s best spots for Spanish food, Ceviche Tapas Bar & Restaurant. 

Food can say a lot about a culture. Coming from a Latin family myself it’s safe to say in our culture the kitchen is a place especially at the heart of our homes.  When food is served and shared it’s our way of welcoming friends into the family. Food is how we nurture one another. If it were a love language, that would be ours. I’m sure you’re familiar with the saying “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” I think the same applies here haha. The purpose of eating tapas style is to share and encourage conversations with friends.

When you first walk up to  the restaurant the outside closely resembles a converted bungalow home…an extended bungalow home that is. Inside the lighting is dim, but the rooms are nicely lit with soft blue and red lights that give off a warm glow (yup, I just said warm glow). It feels a lot like being in a Spanish cavern. Traditional Spanish music is played in the background. I’m pretty sure I heard the Gypsy Kings.

*Live flamenco and Latin music is played by a band at 11pm on Friday and Saturday nights.

Since Alexia and I had a bit of a wait before being seated I thought I’d have a go at the bar and check out their wine menu. I typically order Sangria but this night I decided on ordering Cava (cave), a Spanish sparkling wine. Most cava is made from the area of Catalunya and has been since the mid-late 1800’s.

*Best sipped with sweets, fried foods, seafood or during the holidays.

Ceviche just created their new dinner menu in January, so we felt pretty lucky. The menu offers over 100 traditional tapas/raciones.  We were seated outside by the water fountain. Well worth the wait.  So what did we order?

Birthday Girl’s Tapa: Calamares Rellenos

Braised squid stuffed with veal and chorizo, topped with a tomato sauce and Manchego cheese

Umm, okay can I just start by saying yes, I know how veal is made and I feel AWFUL for admitting this but the veal was good, like really good. Please don’t judge me!

Alexia’s input: “It’s squishy.” Nicely put.

My Tapa: Bacalao Bilbaina

Fried cod fish, sauteed with red peppers and garlic with sliced potatoes

 The sauce had a spicy kick but no flavor was over powering. Nothing short of yummy. Conversations hardly need encouraging among girls, but when it came time to eat our silence was compliments to the chefs.

For Dessert: Crema Catalana

Traditional Spanish creme brulee in dark chocolate shell

What sets Crema Catalana a part from other creme brulees is it’s custard base. Creme brulee is usually made with a vanilla custard base. Crema Catalana is made with a lemon and cinnamon custard base. We inhaled our desert and came out VERY happy customers.

Next taste stop in Tampa, Mazzaro’s Italian Market for some authentic cheeses and wine.

Bienvenido y disfrute!

Andrea

Hooping in the park with Hoola for Happiness

Hoola for Happiness (H4H), a Tampa based non profit, hosts it’s weekly Wednesday Night Hoop Jam in an effort to promote the organization’s mission to spread joy, peace and hoola hoops around the world through hoop dancing.  USF alumni, Carissa Caricato founded the organization just over two years ago.

H4H has hooped their way across the globe to over over 35 different countries including,  Germany, Africa, Haiti and in January to parts of India in an effort to reach out to young women from the sex trafficking industry.

While much of Caricato’s time is spent traveling the world on missions, she says she began Wednesday Night Hoop Jam as a way to establish a presence in Tampa and to reach out to her local community in a fun way.

As a central location in downtown, right off the water, Curtis Hixon Park is a hot spot for runners, physical trainers and visitors. On any given day of the week you will find workout groups and families utilizing the park.

Caricato and her team of joy spreaders bring their hoops and music player to the park every Wednesday night. On occasion they bring food along to share with the locals who hang around downtown and the park.

Lauren Arias, a  local hairstylist, has been involved with Hoola for Happiness for a little less than a year. Her first mission trip with the organization to Costa Rica encouraged her to continue participating in the organizations efforts. Wednesday Night Hoop Jams is one of the ways she stays involved locally.

Sarah Page, chief operator for Hoola for Happiness, explains hoop dancers tend to have a reputation for being hippies or part of a New Age community that promotes drugs and smoking out. She explains that’s not what H4H is about or what it promotes.

“We are trying to build a community and introduce hoola hooping as a fun and healthy activity,” says Page, “What we promote is fun loving and charitable.”

Downtown’s Curtis Hixon Park.

This Wednesday a few tourists from Brazil and Ecuador join in for a hoop session.

Founder, Carissa Caricato takes a moment from teaching to freestyle hoop.

Tampa hairstylist and hooper, Taryn Daws comes out frequently to offer her support and encourage hoop dancing.

Lauren Arias gets playful and dances in the water fountain.

As night falls, glow hoops are brought out. The park becomes a sea of lights and shapes in motion.

A local girl shares her tricks by spinning her hoop around her waste.

Led by Sarah Page, a group of hoopers put on a synchronized dance for visitors and homeless in the park.

A homeless man by the name of Howard watches from a distance and asks if he can try a hoop. He is welcomed in with open arms. Howard learned two new tricks Wednesday night.

A Flower Sash for Marja’s Wedding

No. 8. Make your own collection of headbands and accessories

What a perfect occasion to for another to-do from our Bucket list. Marja’s wedding! Okay, headbands may not be included in this collection, but that’s for another project another day. Marja and her fiance Ethan, are having an exotic destination wedding in Costa Rica this November, PURA VIDA! I couldn’t be more excited for the both of them. The wedding is taking place in a beautiful mansion located atop a mountain off the coast of Jaco Bay, Costa Rica.

I feel especially honored because Marja has not only asked me to be a part of her special day but she has also asked me to make sashes for our bridesmaid dresses. I of course said yes:)

Our dresses are a champagne pink with a hint of a sweet-peach hue. The color palettes are soft and romantic. Marja wanted an accessory piece that was delicate enough to go with the look of our bridesmaid garbs but vibrant enough to go with the Costa Rican wedding.

I chose to handcraft this silk Turquoise Blossom Sash with subtle glass pearl buds. It has the perfect blue to capture the coastal waters of Costa Rica and soft layers of petals that almost look real!

I used a technique I learned a few months back with my brother’s girlfriend, Jessica. We cut silk fabric into several different sizes of circles, then cut slits along the edges and held them over a flame. We watched the fabric melt and curl into pretty petals.

I loved the process of making these pieces.

Costa Rica is a place that has already created special memories in our friendship. This November we will be making new memories to cherish, this time in a whole ‘nother fashion;)

A toast to the wed couple to be…

XOXO,

Andrea

Celebrating the Gift of Nature

“In all things of nature there is something marvelous.” (Aristotle)

Yesterday was the 123rd Anniversary of the Yosemite National Park! Random fact, I know. But this particularly struck a note with me because I’m currently taking a wetland environments course ( A gen ed requirement) and just finished watching a video on the wildlife and plant life of Yosemite National Park. The sights were stunning.

I appreciate beautiful things both created and natural. Nature is one of those things I am captivated by.

So, in honor of this special anniversary here are a few of my favorite photographs capturing the national park during fall and winter season.

A Many Splendid Thing

“Think about everything that is admirable and praiseworthy— as you run with endurance the race I’ve especially marked out for you! I will shower my blessings over you…”

One of my favorite notes to read off my bulletin board before I leave the house.

I’ve never been great at reading my bible consistently, I try…I think most of us do. Part of that reason is because sometimes I have no clue where to start reading. When all else fails start with the Beginning: creation. The other day as I was reading in the first chapter of Genesis I began thinking, God has an order to all things. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth…Then God said let there be light, and there was light. And God saw that it was good (Genesis 1: 1-4). From the heavens and the earth, to the light and the darkness, to the water and the sky, to the seed-bearing fruit and the birds and the animals, one creation after another, God made it all in his perfect timing and saw that it was good. Each of these things, in the order they came were blessings given to Adam to “multiply” and make “fruit” from. In the same way God creates seasons in our lives and grants each of us gifts in those times to multiply and make fruit from, be that in the form of time, things, people or places.

God has really blessed me in this stage of my life as a student. While I pray for many things: a job to start my career, a home of my own etc…God has blessed me with many other things as I wait.

Last year, my summer started off with running my first 5K . As I see it I’ve been running with endurance since. In this last week of my break, I am checking things off the list and realizing it doesn’t matter where you are in life, see that it is good and embrace it. Be open to the people and things around you. Make the most of those relationships and things because each can be an opportunity to experience a daily blessing.

Between these past two summers I’ve experienced the gift of adventure. I have been blessed with many opportunities to try new things, explore the city I live in and discover new things about myself.  And man I’m having fun doing it! I’m COMPLETELY lost in it! The best part, aside from my experiences, has been sharing them with friends and family, and having them be read by our followers.  In some way everyone has had some contribution in making this time in my life an incredible one. What a splendid thing!

So, here are a few of those unmentioned adventures Tampa has offered me from last summer up to now…

HENNA TATTOO

I was SO excited about this one. I was hanging out on a friend’s front porch one night. We were singing, cracking jokes and catching up on each other’s latest travel story. I sat and listened mostly. My friend Sarah, the chief operating “hoola-gan” of Hoola for Happiness, randomly walked out with a henna kit she brought back from India. She offered to create this beautiful design on my foot! Seriously, what were the odds? I LOVE the unexpected:)

Typically henna tattoos last between 1-2 weeks. It is believed in the Indian culture, the longer the tattoo lasts on a bride the longer her love will last in her marriage. Also, according to Indian tradition a bride’s husband’s name is written somewhere in the design of her henna tattoo. On their wedding night the groom must find his name in the henna design before they bed. Sounds like a task! Let’s hope their names are not too hard to find;)

INTERNSHIP WITH HOOLA FOR HAPPINESS/ DANCING WITH HOOPS

What’s not cool about dancing with hoops? That’s part of what they do at Hoola for Happiness, a Christian-based non-profit I’m currently an “frien-tern” for. I’ve always enjoyed dancing but I never knew you could do so much with a hoop. Not to mention its a great core workout. I even had the chance to FIRE HOOP for the first time! My hair was not singed nor were there 3rd degree burns. This internship; however, has taught me more than how to hoop dance. It has taught me to take risks by going out of my comfort zone and about the gift of freedom we find in Christ, his love and his joy. Through dance and games we help spread that same freedom, love and joy to others.

Hooping on Wednesday nights at Curtis Hixon Park in downtown Tampa

GASPARILLA RUN

I was stoked to finally get my feet in this one. For the past two years I’ve considered entering the Gasparilla race. I did some experimenting and had a friend tape me up in that Kinesio tape. More than anything I kinda thought it looked cool. As far as it’s effectiveness, it helped more in reducing muscle pain than it provided stability (that’s my customer comment insert for those who are considering;) I challenged myself to try and beat my last race time of 29 minutes from the Miles for Moffitt 5k run. Not counting the first 3 minutes into the race trying to clear my way  through the stampede of runners, I finished in just over 27 minutes:)

KAYAKING IN FT. DESOTO 

This trip was followed with a 10 minuted stand-up paddleboard lesson. No pics for proof:( For some of us kayak newbies we left with blisters on our hands from holding our paddles incorrectly. Sigh. Little lessons. If you don’t own a kayak or know somene who does, The United Park Services at Ft. Desoto have a variety of kayak rentals available.

RED BULL WAKE OPEN

I don’t wake board or really play ANY kind of water sports. The closest I’ve gotten to doing anything water sport related is riding the waves belly style …oh and that ONE time I went jet skying in Puerto Rico. Hey, but whatever, all the more reason to check out something new and different. I was enticed! This event was HUGE.  The Wake Open featured some of the world’s top wakeboarders from eight different countries competing in a 3 day event. I had never seen so many surfer dudes in bright colored Neff wear and water sport fanatics in one place, at one time. What a thrill and what a fun crowd.  Needless to say, I had a blast with friends and might consider adding this sport to my bucket list…this may require a double dose of dramamine, I get nauseous fairly easily:/

FIRST TASTE OF DATZ

I love to treat my taste buds to good food and sweets treats. So, I was happy when my friends suggested going to this American gastropub. This place had the coolest vibe and a boutique style.  They aren’t just trying to sell you on the advertisement when they call themselves the “flavor crusaders.” There are plenty of delectable flavors and homey foods to eat here. I ordered a cappuccino and  shared a chocolate reeses cupcake with my friend  Sarah. “Hannah – Banana” ordered some home made style macaroni with a side of baked cookie lol. Chocolate Heaven! We were spoiled.

FIRST FRIDAY

What were the odds that a friend would happen to choose a place on my bucket list for his birthday?! Double YAY! If you’re not familiar, every first Friday of every month St. Pete holds a block party off Central Avenue with live music and vendors serving food and wine along the strip. There was one lady selling massage oils, ha. Lots of stops to eat…On my way out from one of the lounges I was introduced to Mandarin Hide. Which is now a personal fave of  mine.  I’m definitely one to take notice of interior spaces. I loved the Lodgy feel and listening to their one-of-a-kind music.

Some of the gang who came out to celerate:)

TOUR OF TAMPA/HISTORY OF YBOR

I was amazed at how much history our little city had behind it.  Marja and I got a personal tour by Master Cigar Maker Dr. Wallace Reyes, the man who put Ybor on the map for The Guinness World Record by hand-rolling the longest cigar in the world!

Ybor City Museum

One of Ybor’s cigar makers preparing the tobacco leaves

* Did you know what is now the Scientology church in Ybor was at one time the largest cigar factory in the world?

Marja, her nephew Benny and I just before entering one of the historic “casitas”

Inside one of the “casita” homes

THE GUIDE: “Anyone have questions?” BENNY: “Um Yeah…when is this tour over?”…I could have died from laughing so hard and trying to keep myself together.

Inside the Don Vicente de Ybor Historic Inn

* Did you know the materials used to make this stairway are said to have come from the same quarry Michelangelo got his marble from. Yup! Little known fact Dr. Reyes shared with us.

THE HENRY B PLANT MUSEUM  

Growing up my parents took us to all kinds of museums, science, history, art museums you name it. Learning about other cultures and history is something we value. So even here in our small city of Tampa we take every opportunity to learn something about it’s culture and history.

The Henry B. Plant Museum at the University of Tampa

The grand hallway showcasing Henry B. Plant’s collections from all over the world

My mom (center) and my aunts Maggie (left) and Sandy (right)

My little sis Erin (right) and I sitting outside the museum

HIGH TEA WITH THE AUNTS @ The Victorian Grace Tea Room

I still laugh when I think of a group of Puerto Rican women in a tea house. Seems like an oxymoron, but we love having these get togethers. I figure with a little bit of civilizing, a few tea hats and toned down voices no one will know;) I appreciate the time I spend with my mother and aunts. I can always expect that there will be lots of laughing and love.

In the Gone With the Wind Room. Best room in the house!

Pumpkin soup. Sooo good. I’m one for comfort foods:)

AMAZING LOVE MINISTRY

Amazing Love is ministry in Ybor held every Monday night where people serve food and worship with the homeless. A few of my friends have been a part of this weekly outreach and welcomed me to join. You’ll be surprised how much you’ll find in common with these people. You don’t need a home or an income to share everyday conversations with others. I’m kind of thankful there are no real photos of this one. Then you’d see how ridiculous I looked in my wedge shoes and tribal print dress among volunteers in sneakers and T’s feeding the homeless locals. But no matter, whether you’re in flats, sneakers, wedges or heels a servant’s heart is a servant’s heart 😉  

With love & thanks, Andrea

Pinky’s out!!

 

The Secret to Happiness

Hello dear loved ones, Marja speaking (writing)… unless this blog sucks, then it was Andrea. All jokes aside I have something so special to share with you all… The secret to Happiness! It is going to take all my strength to …

Pretty City: Livebeautifully Event

This past January Pretty City and SHAPE magazine partnered in hosting an ongoing Livebeautifully event series celebrating and demonstrating on how women can live beautifully everyday. They traveled their way through the nation one city at a time. Pretty City brought the party to Tampa Bay!

 

I knew this event would be a must. It’s things like these that capture so much of what I believe in: beauty, style and healthy living.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When I arrived, I was handed my “swag bag” and treated to wine, compliments of The Naked Grape. A candy bar was topped with all sorts of colorful rock candy goodies and pretty cupcakes sprinkled with playful dots.

Walking inside was like walking into a grand beauty closet. Vendors had their stations set up throughout the room. Hair and makeup demonstrations were being done and ladies were seated at tables getting their complimentary manis & pedis.

I popped into a few stops that caught my eye. The table of Artistic Hair & Make-up was covered in sparkling accessories and animal prints. Being the beauty professionals they are, I was curious and asked consultant Sally what she thought was most captivating about a woman:

“A woman’s eyes and lips. They’re the first things you notice when you talk to a person.”

Beauty Brought Out had an interesting set up with a station to snap “pink carpet” shots at. Beauty Brought Out is an award winning freelance Hair & Airbrush make-up service. Meaning, they come to you! Pretty cool concept. When I asked two of their beauty consultants, Krystal and Stephanie, what they thought was most captivating about a woman this was their response:

       “Her confidence and demure”

I loved that answer.

Live beautifully, claim your style and stay healthy!

Andrea