We’ve all been there before. Hosted a friend or family member at our home for a few days. By the time they’ve left we regret ever opening our home to them… NO?! Just me?! Well, with Spring Break approaching I thought to share a short list of tips sure to please both guest and host.

Arrive With A Gift

It’s customary to graciously thank your host by offering a gift. Bring flowers, bottle of wine or a scented candle. After all, you’re receiving complimentary boarding; and who doesn’t like a small token of appreciation?!

Pack Toiletries

It comes as no surprise that the toothbrush is the most commonly forgotten daily essential. A request for commonly forgotten necessities is understandable but needing ALL vital toiletries is bad form. Prior to your travels, stop by Target and grab a few minis- not only are they inexpensive but they pack well in your carry on.

Pitch In

Your intentions are good, of that i’m sure but merely offering a helping hand isn’t enough. Actively assist without asking or being prompted. The sink is full of dishes, roll up your sleeves and bust those suds! Wake up early to cook breakfast for your host. Small gestures go a long way!

The most important tip of all is to not out stay your welcome. Staying a few extra days to squeeze in more sightseeing or catch the last day of an exhibit? Grab a hotel room! Maintaining healthy boundaries is key.

Thank me later  😉

Positioned on a cute side street in Metuchen, NJ lies a colorful sugary sweet confectionary wonderland. Lollipop Land is a D R E A M Y haven with offerings a plenty. Truffles, double coated caramel filled chocolate, gummies, swirly pops, semi-sweet chocolate, candy on a rope and MORE! This place is literally a cavity waiting to happen {in the best way possible}.

To celebrate the month of love, the children and I decided to enjoy a date of candy and fun. Lollipop Land hosted our evening of delight. The staff was overly accommodating, providing us with everything we could’ve possibly needed.

While exploring the store we discovered that it is owned by Two Chicks with Chocolate. Their story is one of diligence and perseverance. Beginning as a door to door chocolate sales woman, the creator of the company had a high standard for chocolate. Overcoming many obstacles their companies are thriving, providing superior confectionary goodness.

Our experience was one for the books. I highly recommend Lollipop Land as it is a great time for grown ups and children alike.

365 Days ago I started Oh So Bentley

What a lovely rollercoaster ride it has been; full of twists and turns. Embarking on this adventure was one that fell into my lap. I am ever so pleased to have done so.

The journey to this point has been the most fun filled time. I’ve learned how to navigate the dark world of coding and HTML, which is an incredible feat as I am NOT computer savvy at all. Made new friends, explored sides of fashion I never considered and learned to view things through a more artistic lens.  Most importantly I’ve learned that the industry, the blogging industry that is, is fickle. Remaining true to oneself and being upfront with your expectations is key. Looking forward to what the second year will bring.

Drink W A T E R the END… HA… if only it were that simple…

Acneic skin has been an issue that’s plagued me for many years. Overactive sebaceous glands coupled with environmental factors (smog/pollution) have left my skin patchy, red and inflamed with pustules that are unsightly.

Throughout my struggle with acne i’ve gone through a host of products, from creams and serums to tonics and ointments, with no resolve. After awhile I decided to see a dermatologist with hopes of a medical grade miracle. What I learned through trial and error is that there is no easy fix. Time, diet, adequate hydration and a consistent hygienic routine all play a major role in achieving AND maintaining healthy clear skin.

THE REMEDY

I am no physician, however I have gone through a great deal of product and feel that I may know a thing or two about acenic skin. Allow me to preface this by saying that my remedy/routine may not be effective as it is not a one size fits all. There are many different skin types that are inundated with issues unfamiliar to others. The key is to find a regimen that works and stick to it.

Clean skin equates to clear skin. Face washing twice daily is the key. Cleanse in the morning to remove overnight grime and again in the night to rid your skin of the day. It is important to wash two times twice daily. The initial wash gets rid of what has accumulated on your skin during the day. Be it dirt, makeup, what have you- the initial wash cleanses the skin. It is the secondary scrub that fully penetrates the skin.

When washing my face I start with Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser. The second wash requires something a bit stronger as it best penetrates the skin. I use Clean + Clear Acne Cleanser, the 10% benzoyl peroxide not only combats acne but it also acts as a bleaching agent ridding my skin of acne scars and dark spots.

AM Routine After cleaning my face I use Mario Bedescu Rosewater Toner. Rosewater is calming to the skin and aids in hydration. Following toner I apply hyaluronic acid and  Obagi Brightening Cream. After 5 minutes of dancing in the mirror and letting my face dry I apply Embryolisse moisturizer. Lastly I slather on an SPF 50 sunscreen to protect my skin from free radicals and sun exposure.

PM Routine Before cleansing my skin I use Shiseido wipes to rid my face of makeup and creams applied previously. My morning routine is repeated sans sunscreen. Just before bed I apply a dime size amount of Obagi Tretinoin 0.05 retinoid cream. Tretinoin  is a leading aggressive treatment for moderate to severe acne; not only does it treat acne but it also (helps) shrink pores, cell turnover and collagen production. Downside- peeling and mild to moderate skin irritation. I don’t know about you but i’ll take a little peeling over mountainous pustules and blackheads.

Weekly Routine My weekly routine consists of masks that aid in regenerating cells and collagen. 100% Pure has the most fabulous all natural options. Below is a list of my go-to products

• Brightening Eye Mask
• Ginseng Collagen Boost Mask
• Cherry Honey Facial Scrub
  

TREATMENTS

After the birth of my son I began to experience severe cystic acne. It’s believed to have been caused by the shift in my hormones. My physician sent me to a specialist who suggested I invest in DermaPen {micro-needling} treatments. Micro-needling is a procedure used to improve the condition of skin and reproduce collagen.  At $500 per treatment I was somewhat hesitant to try but was in desperate need of improvement. The initial treatment was very uncomfortable; wasn’t prepared for the pain associated with having 32 needles puncturing tiny holes into my face. Each treatment following the first was easier to handle. The results were well worth every ounce of discomfort. The texture of my skin improved tremendously, over time scarring minimized and the acne vanished. My pocketbook wasn’t pleased with the cost of the procedures. I decided to try an at home kit (against the advice of my doctor). After months of research I decided to go with the Dr.Pen brand micro-needling device. In addition to purchasing the device from the manufacturer I grabbed 25 needle heads (they’re single use items).

{R to L} Before 1st treatment to 3rd treatment

 After 6 (months) treatments  {ZERO makeup un-retouched image}

The photos clearly exhibit the change in my skin over the course of 6 months with micro-needling treatments.

My skin continues to improve as I perform at home treatments monthly.

Let me leave you with this,  in order to have flawless makeup you must have flawless skin.

Monogrammed canvas, soft buttery leather, feminine silhouettes are a few words that come to mind when I think of Louis Vuitton. Introduced to the United States in the year 1893, Louis Vuitton has been a mainstay for over 120 years.  Touting trinkets and trunks, Louis Vuitton’s traveling exhibition touched down in Séoul, Paris and Tokyo in recent years.  Goes without saying I was overjoyed when I learned that the highly coveted brand would FINALLY bring an exhibition to the states.

Courtesy of my Louis Vuitton PS I was able to secure tickets for a private docent. Three floors of walls adorned with LV’s logo with help from Stephen Sprouse, Supreme and a host of other legendary artists. Most noteworthy of the exhibit were the travel trunks dating back to the late 1800’s; myself and fellow attendees found them fascinating!

With thousands of pieces on display, Volez, Voguez, Voyagez is a must for all to experience. Be sure to check it out before it sails away January 7th ’18.

Bon Voyage

Tucking in your shirt is wicked old school

Not Steve Urkel old school but like 19th Century old school.

The tuck is one of those things that we don’t really think about right?

How ones shirt is tucked in says a lot about them. The traditional tuck is…well…traditional.

 The half tuck on the other hand, its a trendy mainstay.

It’s simple ya see, loosely tuck the front midsection (one side or both sides) of your top into your trousers leaving the rear untucked. There you have it; don’t say I never taught you anything 😉

One cannot properly celebrate the holidays without a head to toe red look.

Simplicity is the key to effortlessly pulling off a tonal ensemble.

Designer handbags are always a wise investment as one can liquidate them via consignment for quick cash. Use the money earned from sales to purchase something new or put it away for a rainy day. The trick is to choose timeless pieces that hold their value. Here's a quick guide I use when purchasing my bags.

Collectors Piece

{i.e., Cruise Collection, Capsule Collection)

Dior Cruise 2018

Gucci Ophidia Cruise 2018

 STAPLES

These timeless pieces never go out of style. They match nearly every outfit imaginable and hold their value.

 Louis Vuitton Favourite

Chanel Double Flap Bag

Louis Vuitton Speedy

The Structured Bag

One thing is certain, fashion recycles every few years.

Structured handbags filter in and out of style.

These unique bags are a wise investment because one can enjoy while its on trend. Pack it away and return to it when the trend recycles itself.

Givenchy Antigona

Fendi Peekaboo

Louis Vuitton Alma

Once In a Lifetime Bag

Hermes Kelly

This classically timeless piece sports a hefty price tag upwards of $10,000.

Surprisingly the Hermes line of handbags are rare in the sense that they may increase in value over time.

It’s that time again

New Season. New Trends. New Pieces

Check out some of my faves

THE SLOUCH BOOT

Saint Laurent introduced a $10,000 Swarovski  crystal slouch boot in the A/W ’17 collection. Needless to say that is out of the budget, so I opted for these dope alternatives by Jessica Simpson.

THE DENIM JACKET

 This season is all about reinventing classics; whats more classic than denim?! Denim jackets have always been a staple in my closet. Denim pairs well with nearly every color, pattern and texture. When adding denim to my wardrobe unique pieces {like this H&M cutie) grab my attention.

THE SOCK BOOT

The sock boot trend is the most fun of them all. Easily executed, simply pulled off.

VELVET

Boots. Jackets. Trousers. Pumps… This trend was heavily displayed across nearly every fashion house for the A/W’17 Season. Bold jewel tone velvets are especially trending.

FROCK OVER TROUSERS

 At first glance this cool layering concept seems easy but finding items that pair well together proves to be more challenging. Stella McCartney played with textures in her A/W’17 review, pairing sequin adorned dresses with tassel detail trousers. My play on this fun trend was the opposite of McCartney’s display. Pearl detail denims with a simple wrap dress and a flashy shoe as seen below.

🎶 love, love will keep us together…

Truer words have never been spoken. Love conquers all and has mended broken hearts. The love between my honey and I  can easily be considered that kind of love. When I met my love we were both recently divorced and reeling from the devastating realities of life.

How We Met

We met on a Sunday at a rooftop pool party. We were introduced by mutual friends; I was half naked and high on good vibes and music. My future husband could seemingly care less about my presence as he was digging the scene with friends. After hours of cocktails, swimming and hot tubbing, the sun began to set. The number of people lessened as did the temperature. Looking to stay warm I cuddled under blankets with my now love and turned on the Bentley charm.

Goes without saying he fell for my charm and feminine wiles. From there everything moved quickly; we fell in love, traveled and experienced 5 years of life in what seemed like 5 days. Our engagement was fly by night as were our nuptials. Seems we flew through the courtship straight to our happily ever after. When “they” (whoever the heck they are) say “when you know, you know” they were spot on!

Here we are 5 years into this beautiful thing called life, together,  celebrating our love for one another. Trials, tribulations, peaks and valleys- we are happier than ever before. Cheers to us ♥️

cruisin’ to Honduras

Rob’s 31st bday

we make the gnarliest faces!