Ciao ciao ciao from Italy!! After Croatia, Chelsea and I headed over to Italy.

We flew to Pisa for the night, where we stayed long enough to see the leaning tower, and then jetted over to the West coast.

Our destination was Riomaggiore located in the sleepy coastal towns of Cinque Terre (translates as the five lands in English). The Cinque Terre are five small towns connected by hiking paths. Tourists and backpackers go there to spend the day hiking and swimming in the summer heat.

The trails wind along the coastline and are set into the steep hillside making for one of the most beautiful hikes you could imagine.

Above is the quaint harbor you walk through to get to the water where there is a nice pebble beach. Below Chelsea is wearing the Pamela Body Suit by Alternative Apparel tucked into a high waisted skirt and some sandals from Lulus.com!

 We happened to arrive in Italy in the middle of an intense heat wave so me and Chelsea made sure we kept cool eating lots of Gelato! 

 When the sun set over the ocean it was a remarkable view that we won’t soon forget.

I thought I would share with you guys my favorite new buys for each week. Most of them are beauty products and face washes (since that’s what I’m addicted to), but anything that strikes my fancy is up for game. I’ll let you know why I love each item and have added it to my routine. (P.S. I bought all these items with my own money and was not paid for my opinion)

First up – Purity Made Simple, One-Step Facial Cleanser.

There’s nothing worse than finding leftover foundation hanging out on your freshly washed face. This cleanser takes care of that, leaving you with pure, supple skin. My skin is very dry, and this does leave a slight “tightness,” but as long as you follow up with moisturizer it shouldn’t be a problem.

Number 2 – Luna & Larry’s Coconut Bliss Non-Dairy Dessert

My sweet tooth seems to go crazy when the weather warms up, and Coconut Bliss really hits the spot. I love that they use Agave sweetener which is gentler on your system. Plus, the coconut milk adds an unbelievable richness.

Number 3 – Maybelline Great Lash, Clear Lash and Brow Gel,

I can’t believe how long I’ve gone without this product in life! Keeping unruly brows in place is no longer an issue. I also love using this gel after regular mascara. It helps separate the lashes and add a little gloss.

Number 4 – DERMAdoctor KP Duty Body Scrub

I bought this scrub last summer and am getting it again! For those annoying dry skin bumps of the winter, this scrub kicks major butt. This is also great for creating a smooth canvas the day before a self tan.  

Share with me one of your favorite things!!

When my friend Quinn got an internship/job at a cupcake bakery I was, I have to say, more than a little bit confused. But then one day at her house, on accident, I picked up a bite sized banana cupcake with peanut butter frosting and … I understood instantly!

When I found out that these bite-sized delectable treats, created by the wonderfully fashionable Keavy Landreth, were sold down the street from my Brooklyn apartment, they became my favorite! New York is famous for its chic pastry shops and boutiques, especially its cupcakes.

However, funny thing is, this gal has taken it to a whole new level and made cupcakes taste like nothing they have ever tasted like before. Flavors such as Maple Bacon Pecan, Lemon Lavender, Coffee Carmel Bourbon, and P.B. Banana Honey are catchy not just to the ear, but to your tongue as well.

She has not only created cool flavors but a new way to eat them. I mean, what is more appealing than being able to pop a cupcake into your mouth like a bonbon?

With a BFA from the renowned Parsons School of Design, The French Culinary Institute, and the Culinary Institute of America we could even begin to call her Willy Wonka reincarnate!

 My suggestion…. stage a dress up dessert tea party with all your girlfriends this week!