JANELLE PAIGE BRANDOM
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New York City: Travel Guide

8/27/2018

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NYC!!! The city of dreams and bright lights. The city that never sleeps and never goes out of style. It's unlike any other place I've ever been. Skyscrapers, landmarks, shopping, museums, broadway shows, etc. I've visited the Big Apple 8+ times and it never gets old.  It's starting to feel like this is my second home. It's one of the top cities in the US I actually know pretty well. I've been lucky; visiting for work & play since 2007. I still remember my first trip like it was yesterday. I was in 9th grade, only about 15 years old, and got to see the city as a true tourist. Now, I have 3 very close friends that live in the city and I go and visit a couple times a year. I want to share some of the places and things that I think are a must see and must do in this marvelous and magical city. Every outfit shown below is shopable, click here! 
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PLACES TO SEE/ THINGS TO DO:

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Central Park
  • Loeb Boat House
    • One of the mot famous landmarks of Central Park
    • Restaurant, bar, & cafe
    • Boat rentals and gondola ride​
  • Horse Carriage Ride
    • These rides are easy to grab anywhere around the park, but you can make reservations online.
  • Bethesda Terrace & Fountain
  • Run the park
    • ​This is one of my favorite things to do in NYC because day or night you're inspired by others. The park is always filled with bikers, runners, walkers. There are also numerous beautiful massive rocks you can rest at and view the sites and sounds or have a picnic.

​Brooklyn Bridge
  • Photo Op
    • If you're looking for a great place to snap a good Instagram pic this is it. The bridge has so much history, it's free to walk, and takes only about 30 minutes. In 2015, my best friend and I actually ran the 'Holiday Half Marathon' in Brooklyn perpendicular to the bridge. It was my first half ever and such an amazing experience.​

Times Square
  • Broadway District
    • This is a must for me; I love musicals. 'Wicked', 'Finding Neverland', 'The Color Purple', etc.
  • Good Morning America

Rockefeller Center
  • Today Show
  • Famous Ice Skating Rink
  • Top of the Rock
  • NBC Tour (Tonight Show Staring Jimmy Fallon, Saturday Night Live, etc.)

9/11 Memorial & Museum
  • Ground Zero Tour
    • Visiting the museum is on my bucket list. I've been to ground zero but haven't gotten a chance to do the full tour. The tour takes about 90 minutes, not including the time at the museum. Packages run $30- $109 depending on what you pick and your age.
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RESTAURANTS/FOOD EXPERIENCES I LOVE

Brunch: Tavern on the Green 
  • Yet another beautiful and iconic place in Central Park. We went here for a celebration brunch once my bff found her wedding dress. The homemade pastry basket is to die for, no it's not gluten free, but it's worth the tummy pain hehe. Our table split lots of yummy foods like; Avocado Poached Eggs, Brioche French Toast, and the Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad. YASSS!

​Pizza: Joe's Pizza
  • This is known to be the best thin crust pizza in NYC, and I'd have to agree. I may or may not have eaten 2 massive slices hehe (as big as your head). 

Candy Shop/Bakery: 
  • Dylan's Candy Bar
  • M&M'S World
  • Magnolia Bakery- yummy cupcakes and famous banana pudding 
  • Junior's Cheesecake 

Dinner: Lexington Brass 
  • Looking for a place to grab dinner in midtown Manhattan? This was delicious, and with lots of healthy options. I enjoyed a glass of red wine, butternut squash soup (the best I've ever had) and brussels sprouts. 

Dessert: Serendipity 
  • Dessert HEAVEN, in my opinion hehe! I've been here 3 times and always get the Frrrozen Hot Chocolate or the Banana Split. Reservations book really far out, so if you know you want to go here, I'd definitely call ahead.  They were founded in 1954, and well known for hosting lots of celebrities. You may have seen Serendipity 3 in movies like; One Fine Day, Serendipity, Trust The Man, etc. 
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​Drinks: Rooftop bars with a view 
  • Magic Hour  
  • Top of the Strand
  • Spyglass
  • Le Bain 
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Disclaimer: These are all of my own thoughts and opinions. 

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Maxi Dresses Under $100

8/18/2018

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Where do I even being?... Maxi dresses are the easiest outfit to throw together. WHY? Because there isn't much to it. There is basically no planning involved. You pick the dress and your shoes and go. I love that they come in so many different forms; body con, flowy, backless, high neck, floral, casual, fancy, etc. Here are some of my favorite under $100 maxi dresses online right now (in no specific order)! 


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Wherever It Takes Me Rainbow Stripe Maxi Dress Ever After (click to shop) 

PRICE: $84.00
DETAILS: Comes in 2 colors, adjustable straps. I got mine hemmed at a tailor, padded chest area so no ​bra needed (I'm seen wearing this above) 
OCCASION: Brunch, wedding, summer party, etc. 
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​A One Time Fling Blue Print Maxi Dress

PRICE:$54.00
DETAILS: Low v-neck, comes in 2 colors and 3 sizes
OCCASION: Brunch, party, day date 
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​Surplice Maxi Dress 

PRICE: $24.90
DETAILS: 5 different colors
OCCASION: Shopping, lunch with friends, errands, bbq, day by the beach, vacation dress, etc. 
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Think Again Maxi Dress 

PRICE: $44.00
DETAILS: Cotton, tie dress
OCCASION: Errands, movie/game night, grocery shopping, trip to the zoo, day date, movie theater, mall, etc. 
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​Blooming Jelly Women's Floral Print Long Summer Maxi 


PRICE: $23.79
DETAILS: XS-Large, 4/5 star rating on Amazon 
OCCASION: Casual running errands, versatile dress, casual date night, etc.  
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​Knit Maxi Dress 


PRICE: $38.90
DETAILS: 7 different colors (I wear an XS) 
OCCASION: I love this dress. I've owned it for 2+ years. It's cotton and easy and comfortable. I throw it on to travel, run errands, grocery store, mall shopping, etc. This I personally wouldn't wear on a night date,but I would wear it on a day date. 
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Solance Maxi 


​PRICE: $78.00
DETAILS: One color, high neck, long slit, low back
​OCASSION: I would always pair this with heels because it has a fancier vibe to me. This is perfect for a rehearsal dinner, evening date, etc. 
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​Lucky Star Rainbow Stripe 

PRICE: $50.00
DETAILS: Slip underneath, super flattering because the stripes are vertical  
OCCASION: Date (day or night), wedding, bridal shower, engagement party, baby shower, etc. 
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​Wayf Posie Maxi Dress

PRICE: $79.00 
DETAILS: 3 different color, this dress is similar to the lace tie top from Nordstrom I'm sure you've seen all over insta (shop here)!
OCCASION: Another super versatile dress; date (night or day), throw it on for errands, or even dress is up with heels for a party!
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Weekend Trip: Sedona, Arizona

8/13/2018

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Hey friends! I'm back and excited to start blogging more. I've been traveling tons lately for work and for fun and fallen in love with the spontaneity of it all . Ya'll have been requesting me to share my experiences... so here goes nothing. Sedona, Arizona was so good to me; relaxing yet filled with adventure, and yummy food. Let's recap my experiences in the red rock mountains.
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​Food

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​BREAKFAST: 

​Local Juicery 
Heaven! That's the one word to describe this adorable little shop.. OH and it's meant for the health nuts of the world; gluten free, vegan, dairy free options all over the menu!! We went there for a quick grab before a hike! Bulletproof coffee and a coffee protein shake! We may have sampled all 4 juices on the counter too. The bullet proof coffee was delicious, but I don't suggest bringing it on an off-roading trip, I may or may not had dropped it all over the inside of the truck ;( party foul!
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​LUNCH:

​Picazzos Healthy Italian Kitchen
Voted Phoenix New Times "Best Gluten Free Restaurant 2018"... like WHAT? Yeah, so we had to go there! If you follow me on IG you know I love anything gluten free. I don't eat pizza often, but when I do I go all out, so we ordered the MEATY MEATY, with a side of ranch for me ;) Service was a tad slow outside on the patio, but worth the wait. 

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Hilton Sedona
Talk about a full day! We started at the hotel gym with a sweat sesh, then went and got some color at the pool, and finished it off with a drink and salad at the hotel restaurant. The service was amazing, our gal was so sweet and made sure we were happy and taken care of. This was hands down the best cobb salad I've personally ever had & this Blueberry Kombucha Rita was refreshing and delicious! 
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DINNER: 

​Elote Cafe
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Mexican food you cannot miss out on! If you're anything like me and LOVE a skinny margarita, guacamole, chips, salsa, and amazing meals then you have to add this to your Sedona food list. I googled Mexican food in Sedona before we went, and this place came up on every single list. It was so good I actually forgot to even take pictures of our food (don't hate me). They are so popular you need to get to the restaurant early... the good news they have a waiting bar area, and give you yummy popcorn to snack on while you wait to be seated. 


​Things To Do
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WINE TASTING: 

​Page Springs Cellars
This winery was beautiful and relaxing and had eveything you could want. Breathtaking views from balconies high above the vineyard, quiet places to sit and talk near the grapes, and a secret little area overlooking the creek. They even offer yoga and massages, and have a full food menu. If you are looking for a great wine tasting or even some killer photo opportunities this is your place! We enjoyed a red wine tasting then a glass of wine to stroll around the property. 

OUTFIT DETAILS (click here) 

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​HIKING & OFF-ROADING: Devils Bridge

If you're looking for a super intense hike, this probably isn't it... BUT if you're looking for a hike with amazing views, a beautiful ending, and a chance to experience nature with others then THIS IS IT. Having lived in Arizona for 8+ years, I had heard of this hike forever and always wanted to do it. We drove up the first about 2 miles in the truck jamming to country music, then got out and hiked the next 2+ miles to the top. That's where the iconic Devil's Bridge photos are taken. We ended up running back down to get a bit of a workout in ;) 
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Other Activities: 


HORSEBACK RIDING: 
This is something I've always wanted to do. It's on my list for the next time I go back to Sedona. 'See Sedona From The Saddle'... I mean why not... as long as you're not afraid of large animals haha! 
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PINK JEEP TOURS: 
I went on a Pink Jeep Tour with my family years ago growing up in Arizona, and let me tell ya it's a blast. We didn't do it on this vacation, because we went up the mountain in our own truck, but if you don't have a truck I highly recommend. The cool thing about the Jeep Tours is you feel one with the land, they don't have any windows so you're out in the open up close to the dirt and rocks and get an awesome view. This can be pricey so make sure to search online ahead of time. 

ATV RIDING: 
Adventure seeker? This one is your game! I rode ATV's in Hawaii in high school and had the time of my life. You can rent buggy's, atv's, motorcycles, etc and they have so many different trains you can see. Don't worry, if you're too apprehensive to go alone, they have 2 person rides. 

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Session Dry Bar- Dallas Review

8/12/2018

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Girls Night Out calls for a blowout and makeover!! Thank you to Session Dry Bar for inviting me and four of my girlfriends to come in and give the new place a try. We had girl time, blow outs, and got our makeup done while catching up on each others lives with a little champagne! 
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BEFORE (all natural)

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AFTER (all dolled up)

I'm all about feeling confident in your natural skin and owning your imperfections, but every once in a while it's fun to get dolled up and have someone do your hair & makeup. Let's go through the process! 
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1.) Shampoo & Conditioner 

This is one of my favorite parts of the experience. The shampoo & conditioner smelled like heaven and the massage was amazing, so relaxing, I almost fell asleep! 
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TIP: Tell them was kind of massage you want; gentle or deep. I also always say I want to have a double shampoo so that the sent lasts longer and smells fresh. 
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2.) Makeup  

If you're anything like me, you're kinda picky about your makeup. Having been in TV News and infront of the camera for years I've learned what I like and don't like on myself. I did my own foundation, top eye liner and mascara. I let the gal do my bronzer, powder, blush, highlighter, eye shadow. She did a wonderful job of listening to what I asked for; which was lots of bronzer and subtle eye makeup with dark outside corners. 
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TIP: Bring you own makeup as back up so you can touch yours up if you don't like it, or you can have them use an item of yours. Also, have a screenshot of the type of eye makeup you want them to copy on you! 
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3.) Blowout & Curls 

Now it's time to relax, drink your wine, or champagne, chat with your girlfriends or play on your phone while you Finnish the last couple steps! 

TIP: This is another time you have to speak up or you won't probably LOVE your hair. The stylists at Session were wonderful, but they don't know your hair like YOU do (it would be impossible to), so tell them what you want. I made sure my gal knew I wanted my hair blown out straight no round brush, then curls with a small sized iron for a messy look. I even showed her a picture of what I like. I also asked for lots of mousse because I like how it makes my hair full,  and lots of hairspray and texture spray. 
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4.) Final Look & Thoughts

Overall, absolutely lovely experience at Session Dry Bar! My curls were exactly how I wanted them, small, textured, with straight ends. My makeup was perfect for a girls night out, not too much, not too little. I personally don't like false lashes on me so I did just mascara, but they do offer false lashes for an extra jazzed look. My hair lasted 2 days and through a workout, and smelled AMAZING, which is my favorite part. When we arrived they gave us the option of what drinks we wanted and had a cheese platter and snacks. 
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This was a very similar experience to the Dry Bar, BAM, and numerous other hair/makeup bars in Dallas, you can't go wrong with any of them. BUT I do want to mention that I am a very tough critic when it comes to my hair... basically I'm picky... and I LOVED my hair. Seriously ya'll not just saying that, I really didn't have to fix even one piece. Typically I'm that girl that will nicely grab the curling iron or hairspray and fix something. This time I DIDN'T have to =) YAY! The stylists at Session were super helpful and treated us great, I will definitely be going back! xoxo
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For more information on the Salon click here! 

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