La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

78

description

The summer issue is filled with our contributors' local travel guides to their city, a lakeside editorial, DIY beach hair spray, apartment decor on a budget + more!

Transcript of La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

Page 1: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

la petite fashionista magISSUE 7

ENTERTAINING p 24 HAVE YOUR CAKE +EAT IT TOOA nostalgia-inducing birthday celebration- complete with cakeBY SARAH ENNIS

p 2 2 DIY MARINADEA do-it-yourself pineapple cilantro lime marinade BY JOCELYN MANDALOU

LIFESTYLEp 56 THE TRAVEL GUIDELPF Mag contributors share a local rsquos guide to their citiesBY KATEY MCFARLAN JACQUELINE YANCHOCIK BROOKE KENNEDY BECCA LUCIO MAYA MCDONALD EMMA LOUISE BONNIE MOTT+ LAUREN VAN MULLEMILLUSTRATION BY AIMEE SICORA

p 2 2 REAL GIRLS HOME TOURTour a Mid-Century Modern Bachelorette pad decorated on a budgetBY AMANDA RISIUS

p 2 2 WOMEN WHO INSPIRE USAn interview with Lizzibeth owner Lizzi Weasler

la petite fashionista magISSUE 7

table of contents

FASHION

p 6 LPF LOVESTwo trends we canrsquot get enough of this summer

p 34 SUMMER AT THE LAKEAn all-american editorial at the lake housePHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT ENGELHART

SYLED BY LAUREN FELIX

p 24 HAVE YOUR CAKE +EAT IT TOOA nostalgia-inducing birthday celebration- complete with cakeBY SARAH ENNIS

p 2 2 DIY MARINADEA do-it-yourself pineapple cilantro lime marinade BY JOCELYN MANDALOU

BEAUTY + HEALTHp 20 SUMMER SMOOTHIESBreak out the blender for these healthy amp delicious smoothie recipesBY NIA HANKENHOF

p 54 DIY BEACH BABE HAIR SPRAYA recipe for instant surfer girl wavy hairBY LAUREN FELIX

p 52 HEALTHY IS HAPPYA weight loss journey of health and happiness BY JESSICA ZIMLICH

LETTER FROM the editorHAPPY SUMMER EVERYONE

These past few months Irsquove truly been living everything that I preach about on La Petite Fashionista Irsquove alway had the entre-preneurial urge but I finally took the plunge and started my own business in March Irsquom now using my fashion industry and blog-ging background to do social media consulting and strategy for other businesses and I couldnrsquot be more excited about this slight-ly terrifying but oh-so-gratifying new endeavor

This issue 7 of La Petite Fashionista Magazine and I couldnrsquot be more excited for what the teamrsquos come up with Warning- this issue may inspire a serious streak of Wanderlust Check out the

localrsquos guides of our contributorrsquos cities + be sure to follow along on pinterest We also have a gorgeous editorial inspired by

summer at the lake healthy smoothie recipes real girlrsquos home tour done on a budget + so much more inspiring content The

LPF Mag contributors are one seriously talented team

Letrsquos all make this a summer to follow our dreams (and our pass-

ports) wherever they may take us

xoxo

LaurenKEEP IN TOUCH

LAPETITEFASHIONISTACOMLAPETITEFASHIONISTA

LPFMAGLOVE

EDITOR IN CHIEF

LETTER FROM the contributors

AMANDa RISIUS NIA HANKENHOF JOCELYN MANDALOU

SARAH ENNIS JESSICA ZIMLICH KATEY MCFARLAN26ANDNOTCOUNTING KATEYMCFARLANEVENTSUNCORKED

SAUCYJOCEYSKITCHENNIA_TRITIONAMANDARISIUS

JACQUELINE YANCHOCIK BROOKE KENNEDY BECCA LUCIOBROOKEEJ BECCAMARIELUCIO

MAYA MCDONALD

EMMA LOUISE

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

LAUREN VAN MULLEM LIZZI WEASLER COURTNEY PELOTLVANMULLEM COURTNEYPELOTSHOPLIZZIBETH

ISLAND STYLElpf loves

Rom

we

$18

Wet

Sea

l $2

5

Topshop $96

Matches $38

Roxy

$40

Mau

i Bab

e $1

1

Baub

lebar

$2

2

JCrew Factory $12

Charlotte Russe $23

Dorothy Perkins $27

Target $20

Capri Blue $30

Roxy

$56

THE 90s lpf loves

Rima $30

Birkenstock $90

Boohoo $38

BCBG

ener

atio

n $

18Sole Society $90

TopShop $60

Mot

el $

22

Topshop $16

NastyGal $68

ASO

S $

21

Mot

el $

68

TopShop $32

TopShop $15U

rban

Out

fitte

rs $

29

MID CENTURY MODERN BACHELORETTE PAD

MID CENTURY MODERN BACHELORETTE PAD on a budget

Q+A with Amanda riSIUSLPF Mag Where do you liveAmanda Living in San Francisco for the summer originally from Iowa

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your day jobAmanda Marketing Assistant at Apartment 34

LPF Mag How would you describe your interior design style Amanda My style is constantly evolving I love clean and mid-century modern designs with lots of texture and some rustic elements

LPF Mag Where do you shop for your home Amanda I shop my own home Really Also Target Anthropologie and thrift stores are great for accessories and I love Hobby Lobby and Home Depot for project mate-rials

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite DIY project yoursquove done for your houseAmanda I donrsquot think you can ever have too many pillows so I love working with textiles and making my own pillow covers The tree stamp pillow was made using a potato and is one of my favorites I also love the marble tray DIY because it was so easy and the copper lipstick holder is pretty inventive )

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your biggest splurge Biggest save Amanda My biggest splurge was actually my white Moroccan rug for $100 I got it for a major steal during a big sale and itrsquos one of my favor-ite things in my home Itrsquos just so cozy My biggest save was my coffee table I found at Goodwill for $6

interior design

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT AMANDArsquos BLOG

A HAMMER amp HEELSAMANDARISIUS

Decorating on a budget does not mean you have to sacrifice style I suggest by first really analyzing what you have for furniture and decor and working with that Get creative and repurpose furniture to fit your current style A little paint can go a long way

After arranging and styling your home with the items you already have next take a look and see whatrsquos missing By first working with what you have yoursquoll save tons of money because you arenrsquot hitting the shops and buying useless things you might not even need Once you take notes on the areas in your home that are lacking you have a clear focus of what exactly you need to purchase

When you are shopping donrsquot look at stores you know are out of budget It only makes it harder Stick to the stores that are in your price range and donrsquot be afraid to hit thrift stores Some of my most unique decor items are from thrift stores

Also keep an open mind Stores are full of great decorating items even if they arenrsquot labeled so Paper Source Home Depot and Target clearance section all have pretty items that can work as wall art desk accessories or anything

ON A budgeTdecorating

HEALTHY

SMOOTHIES

BERRY SMOOTHIE12 cup blueberries 12 cup blackberries 12 cup coconut water 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional) Handful of ice cubes 1 tbsp honey or stevia (optional)

STRAWBERRY + MANGO SMOOTHIE12 cup mango 12 cup strawberries 14 cup coconut water 1 tbsp chia seeds 1 tbsp honey or stevia (optional) Sliced almonds to garnish

KALE BANANA PINEAPPLE + MANGO SMOOTHIE14 cup chopped kale 1 whole chopped banana 12 cup chopped mango 12 cup pineapple 12 cup coconut water 12 tsp chia seeds Handful of ice cubes

NIA IS A HEALTH ENTHUSIAST ASPIRING TO INSPIRE PEOPLE TO LIVE A COLORFUL

WHOLESOME AND HAPPY LIFE

FOLLOW HER ON INSTAGRAM NIA_TRITION + SIGN UP FOR HER MAILING LIST FOR WEEKLY HEALTHY RECIPES IN YOUR INBOX

PINEAPPLE CILANTRO LIME MARINADE

Marinade for 1 lb of meatPreparation Time 5 minutesMarinating Time 1 hourTotal Time 1 hour 5 minutes

INGREDIENTS12 cup extra virgin olive oil14 cup pineapple juice14 cup fresh cilantro1 lime (for zest and juice)34 tsp salt12 tsp cumin14 tsp onion powder18 tsp black pepper

1 Rinse and chop cilantro

2 Zest the lime

3 Juice the lime and whisk all ingredients together

4 Mix meat and marinade together

5 Cover meat and marinade (or seal in a zip top bag) and place in the refrigerator for 1 hour

6 Cook as you please Grilling with pineapple bell pepper and onion is recommended

Our cooking expert Jocelyn Mandalou at Saucy Joceyrsquos Kitchen shows us how to make our own marinade for cookouts Itrsquos healthier than a store bought

marinade amp super simple

Follow Jocelyn at SaucyJoceysKitchencomSaucyJoceysKitchen

Photography by Sarah Ennis

haveyourcakeamp eat it too

letrsquos party Often in the middle of the day I find myself drifting off and dreaming of beautiful parties From weddings to holidays I canrsquot help but think of what to do to take it to the next level

However when it comes to birthdays my mind shifts the opposite direction While throwing an over the top birthday bash may work for some I much prefer the beauty of a simpler get together like when I was a kid I donrsquot need 100 people at a fancy restaurant or an elaborate theme brought to life All I really need is a cake like mom used to make snacks for all to enjoy and a little lemonade to sip on

That was the inspiration behind this gathering I wanted to create an event to inspire the simpler things and take you back to the good olrsquo days where all you needed was bal-loons streamers confetti goody bags matching plates and napkins and of course a little Pin the Tail on the Donkey for fun

So as you glance at the images I hope they spark a little nostalgia and inspire a trip down memory lane for your next birthday celebration

We loved this grown up take on the goody bag Creating the perfect favor bag is a mix

between old favorites and new likes Include candies from when you were a kid a fun straw and everything your guests need to

make spiked peach lemonade at home

Ingredients4 Cups Lemonade4 Oz Gin2 Oz Peach Schnapps6 Basil Leaves plus more for garnish

Directions1 Combine all ingredients in large pitcher Let sit for 2-4 hours before serving2 Serve over ice and garnish with basil leaves serving

Spiked Peach Lemonade with Basil

SEE MORE FROM SARAH ATEventsUncorkedcom

EVENTSUNCORKED

Herbed Parmesan Popcorn

INGREDIENTS2 Bags Salted Natural Popcorn2 Tablespoons Butter2 Tablespoons Olive Oil1 Tablespoon Italian Herb Mixturesfrac12 Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Directions1 Pop popcorn according to box directions Pour into large mixing bowl2 In a small sauce pan melt butter olive oil and Italian herb mixture 3 Pour mixture and parmesan cheese over popcorn quickly stir-ring to combine

HOMEMADE INDIVUDUAL PIZZAS

Ingredientsfrac34 Cup Lukewarm Water1 Teaspoon Dry Active Yeast2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour1 frac12 Teaspoons Salt

Directions1 In a medium mixing bowl dissolve dry active yeast in luke-warm water 2 Add in whole wheat flour and salt to the bowl and mix un-til yoursquove formed a shaggy dough3 Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead until all combined and smooth about 5 minutes If dough begins to stick to surface or hands add additional flour4 Return to bowl and let rise about 15 hours or until doubled in size Use or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days5 Split dough in half Form each half into a ball Roll out with a rolling pin 6 Top with desired toppings and bake at 500 degrees for 5 minutes Rotate pizzas and bake for an additional 3-5 min-utes or until cheese is melted and bubbly

Vanilla Buttercream IcingIngredients2 Sticks Unsalted Butter room temperature4 Cups Powdered Sugarfrac14 Cup Heavy Cream2 frac12 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract

Directions1 Beat softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes until creamy

2 Add powdered sugar heavy cream and vanilla extract beating until thick and smooth approximately 3 minutes

3 Apply to cool cake between layers and on top Top with additional sprinkles if desired

Ingredients3 13 Cups All Purpose Flour1 Teaspoon Baking Powderfrac12 Teaspoon Baking Soda1 Teaspoon Salt2 Sticks Unsalted Butter melted1 frac12 Cups Granulated Sugarfrac12 Cup Dark Brown Sugar2 Large Eggsfrac12 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt1 frac12 Cups Milk2 Tablespoons Vanilla Extract1 13 Cup Rainbow Sprinkles (Not Non-Pareils)

Directions1 Preheat Oven to 350 degrees Spray (2) 9rdquo Round Cake Pans with non-stick spray

2 In a medium bowl mix flour baking powder baking soda and salt Set aside

3 In a large mixing bowl whisk together melted butter granulated sugar and dark brown sugar Be sure to get out any lumps

4 Whisk into sugar mixture egg milk yogurt and vanilla extract until combined

5 Slowly mix in dry ingredients until no lumps remain

6 Add sprinkles and stir till just combined being carful as to not over stir Sprinkles will begin to melt if over combined

7 Bake for 20 minutes Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 13-17 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean

8 Let cool on a wire rack completely before icing

homemade

Lake SUMMER

AT THE

Photography by Matt Engelhart

lpf style tip

canoe ridescampfiresBASEBALL CAPS

best friends

LAKE LIFE

FIREFLIES

SUMMER

SHOP THE LOOK lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $18Lizzibeth $34

Olivia Taylor $10

Lizzibeth $15

Mango $25

Sperry $85

J Crew $20

Choies $63

Lizzibeth $13

Lizzibeth $13

lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $36

Splendid $86

Tretorn $93Romwe $18

Fore

ver 2

1 $

5

Lizzibeth $20

Forever 21 $9

Lizzibeth $14

Olivia Taylor $10

Irsquom going to be completely honest with you all I dread telling people that I used to be over-weight The excess weight I carried around was a representation of some of the most unhappiest years of my life and they are hard to look back on

Growing up I was always super skinny I ate whatever I wanted when I wanted I even had trouble gaining weight at various points in my life I was downright scrawny In high school it was just me and my size zero jeans all the way through graduation Once I got to college I no-ticed a little bit of weight gain but nothing like the freshman 15 everyone was always talking about I figured I was finally filling out my womanly body

Somewhere between my junior year of col-lege and graduation in May of 2011 things changed At my peak I wore a size 14 in womenrsquos pants And not the sexy-built-to-be-curvy size 14 that Christina Mendez is rocking I Wish To say I had let myself go would be an understate-ment

When I finally acknowledged my weight and stepped on the scale I almost had a heart attack Thatrsquos probably not an exaggeration considering the lack of exercise paired with all of the fatty foods I was consuming regularly It read 178 I panicked The last time I stepped on a scale I was at the doctorrsquos office several years prior and the

number read 110 (a number far too small for my 5rsquo7rsquorsquo frame but thatrsquos another story) WHAT HAPPENED My mind was a blur trying to process those three not-so-little numbers

Luckily this happened after my workout oth-erwise Irsquom quite positive the shock would have sent me running (okay walking) out the front doors I can honestly say it was one of the most overwhelming experiences Irsquove ever had Up until that point I had let everything roll off my shoulder I ignored it all the Facebook messag-es from an ex-boyfriend calling me a fat btch the degrading hoop and holler from boys when they drove past me on the street and worst of

all I ignored the fact that my ldquofriendsrdquo were saying these terrible things about me behind my back and I was just standing by letting it happen I was fed up I made a commitment to get on track for myself

I started documenting I prefer this word to counting which is how my blog name came about (26 and Not Counting calories years flying by how many items are in my online shopping cart compared to the dollars in my bank accountyou get the gist) I started tracking calories and workouts in the myfitnesspal app committed to 5-6 workouts a week (including weight lifting which I had never done in my life) and limited my booze fests with friends (which had been going on far too often) to one night a week

Healthy is happyCOntributor Jessicarsquos Journey to a happier + Healthier self

ldquoNot only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of

negativity that coNsumed my liferdquo

It wasnrsquot as if I had never worked out before that simply wasnrsquot the case I grew up active and en-joyed spin class in my early col-lege years but I had fallen off the bandwagon

So I was working out right But what about food I hate the word diet Diet is typically defined as something you ldquogo onrdquo before a big trip and it usually means that whatever crazy thing you are doing to try and shed pounds (the grapefruit diet) will eventual-ly have an ending point I didnrsquot start drinking any crazy weight loss drink or ban everything fried but I did start watching what I ate I paid attention to my body and when it was full and aimed to eat more home cooked meals op-posed to eating out all the time

The first time someone noticed I had a lost a few pounds (8 to be exact) I nearly fell off my bar stool Yes I was at the bar cele-brating a friendrsquos birthday (I had found a happy balance and kept my social life hallelujah) The words were simple ldquoJess you are looking goodrdquo I canrsquot tell you how thankful I am to that person that they recognized the work I had been putting in

Maintaining my body will be a daily practice for the rest of my life I had to marry that thought from the get-go Til death do us part Just this past year I set out to lose another 10 pounds and

slowly but surely I reached my goal I wasnrsquot happy in my body so I fixed it and in doing so I fixed a lot of other areas in my life Irsquom proud to say that I currently weigh 131lbs Irsquove wrestled some unhealthy habits into portion controlled treats found that Irsquom a much happier person when I workout and Irsquove grown into the person I am meant to be Not only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of negativity that consumed my life

Irsquom still not where I want to be and thatrsquos okay That simply means that itrsquos time to set anoth-er goal and push myself harder than ever My hope is that if you arenrsquot happy with where yoursquore at in life whether it be your weight your job your relationship that you will love yourself enough to change the situation and create a life that makes you happy to your core

One last thing you should also know that there is such a thing as a skinny fat person Someone may appear to be skinny but that doesnrsquot necessarily mean they are healthy Being fit doesnrsquot mean fitting into a size 2 (or even 4 6 or 8) for all women (Serena Williams and Whitney Thompson are per-fect examples) Just because some-one appears to be ldquofatrdquo doesnrsquot mean they canrsquot outrun you Be kind and encouraging toward oth-er people and especially yourself

happy jessICArsquosfitnessjourney

Jess- 2011

Jess- 2014

HAIR SPRAY

BEACH BABE HAIR SPRAY14 C WATER

1 TBSP SEA SALT

1 TBSP HAIR GEL

2 DROPS ARGAN OIL OR CONDITIONER

POUR INGREDIENTS INTO TRAVEL SIZE SPRAY BOTTLE + SHAKE WELL

HAIR SPRAY

SPRAY ONTODAMP HAIR +

SCRUNCH FOR BEST BEACHY

WAVE RESULTS

The

GUIDELPF MAG CONTRIBUTORS SHARE A LOCALrsquos GUIDE TO THEIR CITIES

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO -

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO

Irsquom Katey a style blogger with Chronicles of Frivolity living as a Dallasite No we donrsquot ride horses to the mall and everything really is

bigger from our Margaritas to our eyelashes

1 Eat Dallas has more restaurants per capita than anywhere in America seriously We eat so well

2 Shop Dallas ALSO has more Shopping centers per capita than anywhere in America Itrsquos absurd

3 Marg Everywhere you look you are 10 feet from a patio with chips salsa and the best margarita yoursquove ever had 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Hattiersquos Hattiersquos is southern food with LA-white deacutecor You can enjoy Bacon-Wrapped Fried Oys-ters and Macaroni and Cheese Crusted Filet while sipping a Sweet Tea Martini

2 Stampede 66 Stampede 66 wins best margari-ta every year (The Modern Star Canyon) and The Butterscotch Pudding is worth gaining 20 pounds for

3 Saint Ann Saint Ann has one of the most beau-tiful patios in Dallas and I could probably have The Skinny Basil Lemonade and Salmon every meal of my life

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

KATEY MCFARLANof Chronicles of Frivolity

KATEYMCFARLAN

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Milk amp Honey Boutique Milk amp Honey Bou-tique might be the most affordable and unique boutique in Dallas PS go to the back room everything is on sale and there are a million size options

2 Movida Boutique Movida Boutique has the most beautiful bright pieces a neon pink or chartreuse blazer Under $40 Yes marsquoam

3 Northpark Mall Northpark Mall isnrsquot exactly affordable in every way but if you go to Dallas and donrsquot stop by it is a sin From Gucci to Nei-mans itrsquos like a museum of designers more so than a typical mall

3 TOP DALLAS AIRBNB PICKS

1 Trendy Uptown Loft A gorgeous two story loft near all of the

cities best bars amp restaurantsDallas $160 per night

2 Private Guest House w Exposed BeamsWe canrsquot get over how gorgeous this private

guest house is Dallas $150 per night

3 Contemporary CabinThis cabin is located right next to an art museum

amp always has live music at nightDallas $90 per night

I was fortunate enough to spend the majority of my college career living in the bustling city of Raleigh North Carolina Raleigh is one of those towns that flies under the radar Itrsquos a beautiful historical area with a taste of southern charm Raleigh is a relatively in-

expensive destination with lots to see and do you just need to find the right spots

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Take an afternoon or evening stroll around Lake Johnson It is the perfect place to go for a jog take a walk with your dog or hop in one of the paddle boats and explore the peaceful sights

2 Check out the local Farmerrsquos Market based right near the NC State University campus each vendor sets up their own stand of fresh produce crafts homemade goods- itrsquos open on weekends

3 Head over to the Amphitheater at Walnut Creek Lots of summer concerts are on the list tickets are super affordable in the lawn section with a great view of the stage

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Flying Biscuit- Known for their southern made delicious buttery baked biscuits paired with just about any breakfast entree it is the happening spot for a weekend brunch

2 Cameron Bar amp Grill - An upscale looking restaurant with affordable prices for a fabulous meal they have great appetizers and unique dinner dishes to pair with any delicious choice of wine

3 Boylan Bridge Brewpub - The best place to hit up to catch a sunset the local pub sits right on the bridge that overlooks the Raleigh skyline sit outside on the terrace amp enjoy one of their many craft beers (amp cheese dip) made right there

JACQUELINE YANCHOCIK

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Fabrsquorik Fabrsquorik is a hostpot with lots of affordable clothes like bright colored maxi dresses tanks and any handbag you could pos-sibly need

2 The Impeccable Pig Looking for the perfect day dress The Impeccable Pig is the place to go the store features lots of cute floral prints in dresses tops and shorts this is your summer destination shop

3 Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique is a one stop shop for all your accessory needs from simple earrings to some diamond pieces the customerrsquos of Charlottersquos are on the cutting edge of fashion

3 TOP RALEIGH AIRBNB PICKS

1 Hotel NicaraguaSsaid to be a stop from Jack Kerouacrsquos

noteworthy book ldquoOn the Roadrdquo nestled right outside downtown Raleigh this is definitely a

historic gemRaleigh $70 per night

2 Cookiersquos Garden SuiteA 1899 bungalow located in the Oakwood

Historic District enjoy a private entrance with all the amenities yoursquoll need right by downtown

Raleigh $75 per night

3 Sallyrsquos Downtown Historic SuiteThis historic home sits in a gorgeous neighbor-hood with leafy oaks close to coffee shops and

nearby bars Raleigh $85 per night

Irsquove been living in Los Angeles for over 3 years Los Angeles is a very spread out megacity with each area diverse in restaurants activities fashion architecture and even weather I grew up on

the beach so it was only fitting that I move to the west side of LA closest to the Pacific Venice is a colorful eccentric one-of-a kind district in Los Angeles right on the Pacific Ocean

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Venice has near-perfect weather year round so biking is a common activity here Marvin Braude Bike Trail (known as The Strand) is a bike path along the Pacific shoreline starting from Malibu down through Venice all the way Redondo Beach

2 Abbot Kinney is the artsy hipster sister of Bev-erly Hillsrsquo Rodeo Drive First Friday brings the best local art fashion music and food trucks to locals and visitors alike

3 Yoga and Venice go hand in hand There are multiple studios in the Venice area with incredible instructors and a class nearly every hour

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Tasting Kitchen A very special dining experience Trendy upscale atmosphere but with a rustic twist Communal seating under the trees a creative and fresh menu that changes daily and an overall obscure charm that suits Venice to a T

2 Chop Daddyrsquos Nestled between some of the cityrsquos most well-reviewed restaurants is some of the best BBQ in Los Angeles The tastiest fried pickles Irsquove ever had

3 Kippyrsquos Non-dairy raw organic coconut cream based ice cream My favorite is the orangesicle

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Firefly - the perfect collection of house-wares gifts and clothing reflecting the effort-less and beachy Venice lifestyle

2 Principessa - their website says it best ldquooutfitting the modern flower child in a so-phisticated style that is comfortable sexy and timelessrdquo

3 Aviator Nation Quintessential Southern California style that has become an obsession for many Aviator Nation has one-of-a kind t-shirt tanks sweats and more that have that worn-in feel so soft and comfortable 3 TOP VENICE AIRBNB PICKS

1 Artistrsquos CottageAn art filled cottage in proximity to one of the

worldrsquos best beaches$140 per night

2 Stylish Venice BungalowWalk to beach shops and dining from this ro-mantic and stylish holiday bungalow in a lush

garden setting$149 per night

3 Venice Garden RetreatA guesthouse filled with treasures from the

ownersrsquo travels abroad $125 per night

BROOKE KENNEDYBROOKEEJ

My name is Becca and I fell in love with Atlanta two years ago Although I moved to Atlanta for graduate school and thought it would be temporary I have fallen for a city that could be my forever home Having to choose my favorites are going to be

hard in a city that has so much to do

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Irsquove quickly made a tradition out of going to Music Midtown Music Festival in September at Piedmont Park I had the time of my life dancing the night away with best friends listening to great bands amp the Atlanta skyline in the background

2 Brunch is the only thing that gets me out of bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings Try the 100 item Bloody bar at Front Page News or all you can eat breakfast at Grsquos near piedmont If you get up early enough try West Egg in Westside Provisions

3 For a mere ten bucks you get six samples and a beautiful pint at the Sweetwater Brewery Tour But be warned the pours are heavy

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Noche This tiny tapas bar is full of flavors in tinybites Their chef special never seems to disap-point and therersquos always a drink special (Sangria Sundays are a personal favorite)

2 Park Tavern This restaurant with its own brew-ery offers some of the best views of Atlanta They have a late night sushi special and when it rains they pour dollar beers In the winter they have a full skating rink with adult only hours (so you donrsquot trip over that kid)

3YEAH Burger My favorite burger place in the world they offer a made to order burger that quenches even the pickiest of eaters appetites

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 The Lucky Exchange This second hand store is a treasure trove of pieces some extravagant sequin dresses some office appropriate attire My best find Brand new in the box Prada Loafers for under 30$

2 The Merchant at Howell Mill Grab a cup of coffee at Octane and then cross the street to Merchant A wide array of gifts and acces-sories offer the opportunity to pick up some-thing for your friends and yourself

3 Lizard Thicket Shop this trendy boutiquefor gameday dresses in your favorite team colors or the latest shipment of Bourbon and Bowetie bracelets

3 TOP ATLANTA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Secluded TreehouseHow could a girl not want to spend the night in an adult sized treehouse nestled right in popular

neighborhood Buckhead $275 per night

2 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentMidtown is close to everything you could want to be- food culture Piedmont Park museums amp an active nightlife there is something for everyone

This is a gorgeous room in a mini-mansion $73 per night

3 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentThis apartment is in the perfect location for some-one visiting town for food drinks and shopping

$69 per night

BECCA LUCIOof Becca Marie LucioBECCAMARIELUCIO

I moved to Chicago a little over a year ago and Irsquove completely fallen in love with the city As a Midwesterner all my life Chicago offers the charms of living in the Midwest while offering

amazing big city life There are summer street festivals every weekend the best brunch spots in the area shopping galore amp hidden gems in every gorgeous neighborhood

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Taste test cupcakes around Lincoln Park (I love Sweet Mandy Brsquos and Swirlz)

2 Spend the afternoon blogging at local coffee shops like Floriole amp Heritage

3 Explore local shops in new neighborhoods ndash there are so many incredible places to explore

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Range Hidden gem in Lincoln park that boasts seasonal recipes all made fromlocal ingredients Best of all itrsquos only a few blocks from my apartment Needless to say they know me by name

2 Little Goat Diner ndash I love Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzardrsquos mid-priced diner best of all her Chicago restaurants Offering home-style recipes with a fancy twist Irsquom a big fan of everything Irsquove tried Irsquod recommend the pork belly pancake amp tira-misu shake if you stop in

3 Xoco Rick Bayless has been one of my favorite chefsfor years His lower priced concept Xoco is the perfect spot to meet friends for lunch in River North Plus Margaritas (enough said right)

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 2: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

la petite fashionista magISSUE 7

table of contents

FASHION

p 6 LPF LOVESTwo trends we canrsquot get enough of this summer

p 34 SUMMER AT THE LAKEAn all-american editorial at the lake housePHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT ENGELHART

SYLED BY LAUREN FELIX

p 24 HAVE YOUR CAKE +EAT IT TOOA nostalgia-inducing birthday celebration- complete with cakeBY SARAH ENNIS

p 2 2 DIY MARINADEA do-it-yourself pineapple cilantro lime marinade BY JOCELYN MANDALOU

BEAUTY + HEALTHp 20 SUMMER SMOOTHIESBreak out the blender for these healthy amp delicious smoothie recipesBY NIA HANKENHOF

p 54 DIY BEACH BABE HAIR SPRAYA recipe for instant surfer girl wavy hairBY LAUREN FELIX

p 52 HEALTHY IS HAPPYA weight loss journey of health and happiness BY JESSICA ZIMLICH

LETTER FROM the editorHAPPY SUMMER EVERYONE

These past few months Irsquove truly been living everything that I preach about on La Petite Fashionista Irsquove alway had the entre-preneurial urge but I finally took the plunge and started my own business in March Irsquom now using my fashion industry and blog-ging background to do social media consulting and strategy for other businesses and I couldnrsquot be more excited about this slight-ly terrifying but oh-so-gratifying new endeavor

This issue 7 of La Petite Fashionista Magazine and I couldnrsquot be more excited for what the teamrsquos come up with Warning- this issue may inspire a serious streak of Wanderlust Check out the

localrsquos guides of our contributorrsquos cities + be sure to follow along on pinterest We also have a gorgeous editorial inspired by

summer at the lake healthy smoothie recipes real girlrsquos home tour done on a budget + so much more inspiring content The

LPF Mag contributors are one seriously talented team

Letrsquos all make this a summer to follow our dreams (and our pass-

ports) wherever they may take us

xoxo

LaurenKEEP IN TOUCH

LAPETITEFASHIONISTACOMLAPETITEFASHIONISTA

LPFMAGLOVE

EDITOR IN CHIEF

LETTER FROM the contributors

AMANDa RISIUS NIA HANKENHOF JOCELYN MANDALOU

SARAH ENNIS JESSICA ZIMLICH KATEY MCFARLAN26ANDNOTCOUNTING KATEYMCFARLANEVENTSUNCORKED

SAUCYJOCEYSKITCHENNIA_TRITIONAMANDARISIUS

JACQUELINE YANCHOCIK BROOKE KENNEDY BECCA LUCIOBROOKEEJ BECCAMARIELUCIO

MAYA MCDONALD

EMMA LOUISE

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

LAUREN VAN MULLEM LIZZI WEASLER COURTNEY PELOTLVANMULLEM COURTNEYPELOTSHOPLIZZIBETH

ISLAND STYLElpf loves

Rom

we

$18

Wet

Sea

l $2

5

Topshop $96

Matches $38

Roxy

$40

Mau

i Bab

e $1

1

Baub

lebar

$2

2

JCrew Factory $12

Charlotte Russe $23

Dorothy Perkins $27

Target $20

Capri Blue $30

Roxy

$56

THE 90s lpf loves

Rima $30

Birkenstock $90

Boohoo $38

BCBG

ener

atio

n $

18Sole Society $90

TopShop $60

Mot

el $

22

Topshop $16

NastyGal $68

ASO

S $

21

Mot

el $

68

TopShop $32

TopShop $15U

rban

Out

fitte

rs $

29

MID CENTURY MODERN BACHELORETTE PAD

MID CENTURY MODERN BACHELORETTE PAD on a budget

Q+A with Amanda riSIUSLPF Mag Where do you liveAmanda Living in San Francisco for the summer originally from Iowa

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your day jobAmanda Marketing Assistant at Apartment 34

LPF Mag How would you describe your interior design style Amanda My style is constantly evolving I love clean and mid-century modern designs with lots of texture and some rustic elements

LPF Mag Where do you shop for your home Amanda I shop my own home Really Also Target Anthropologie and thrift stores are great for accessories and I love Hobby Lobby and Home Depot for project mate-rials

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite DIY project yoursquove done for your houseAmanda I donrsquot think you can ever have too many pillows so I love working with textiles and making my own pillow covers The tree stamp pillow was made using a potato and is one of my favorites I also love the marble tray DIY because it was so easy and the copper lipstick holder is pretty inventive )

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your biggest splurge Biggest save Amanda My biggest splurge was actually my white Moroccan rug for $100 I got it for a major steal during a big sale and itrsquos one of my favor-ite things in my home Itrsquos just so cozy My biggest save was my coffee table I found at Goodwill for $6

interior design

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT AMANDArsquos BLOG

A HAMMER amp HEELSAMANDARISIUS

Decorating on a budget does not mean you have to sacrifice style I suggest by first really analyzing what you have for furniture and decor and working with that Get creative and repurpose furniture to fit your current style A little paint can go a long way

After arranging and styling your home with the items you already have next take a look and see whatrsquos missing By first working with what you have yoursquoll save tons of money because you arenrsquot hitting the shops and buying useless things you might not even need Once you take notes on the areas in your home that are lacking you have a clear focus of what exactly you need to purchase

When you are shopping donrsquot look at stores you know are out of budget It only makes it harder Stick to the stores that are in your price range and donrsquot be afraid to hit thrift stores Some of my most unique decor items are from thrift stores

Also keep an open mind Stores are full of great decorating items even if they arenrsquot labeled so Paper Source Home Depot and Target clearance section all have pretty items that can work as wall art desk accessories or anything

ON A budgeTdecorating

HEALTHY

SMOOTHIES

BERRY SMOOTHIE12 cup blueberries 12 cup blackberries 12 cup coconut water 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional) Handful of ice cubes 1 tbsp honey or stevia (optional)

STRAWBERRY + MANGO SMOOTHIE12 cup mango 12 cup strawberries 14 cup coconut water 1 tbsp chia seeds 1 tbsp honey or stevia (optional) Sliced almonds to garnish

KALE BANANA PINEAPPLE + MANGO SMOOTHIE14 cup chopped kale 1 whole chopped banana 12 cup chopped mango 12 cup pineapple 12 cup coconut water 12 tsp chia seeds Handful of ice cubes

NIA IS A HEALTH ENTHUSIAST ASPIRING TO INSPIRE PEOPLE TO LIVE A COLORFUL

WHOLESOME AND HAPPY LIFE

FOLLOW HER ON INSTAGRAM NIA_TRITION + SIGN UP FOR HER MAILING LIST FOR WEEKLY HEALTHY RECIPES IN YOUR INBOX

PINEAPPLE CILANTRO LIME MARINADE

Marinade for 1 lb of meatPreparation Time 5 minutesMarinating Time 1 hourTotal Time 1 hour 5 minutes

INGREDIENTS12 cup extra virgin olive oil14 cup pineapple juice14 cup fresh cilantro1 lime (for zest and juice)34 tsp salt12 tsp cumin14 tsp onion powder18 tsp black pepper

1 Rinse and chop cilantro

2 Zest the lime

3 Juice the lime and whisk all ingredients together

4 Mix meat and marinade together

5 Cover meat and marinade (or seal in a zip top bag) and place in the refrigerator for 1 hour

6 Cook as you please Grilling with pineapple bell pepper and onion is recommended

Our cooking expert Jocelyn Mandalou at Saucy Joceyrsquos Kitchen shows us how to make our own marinade for cookouts Itrsquos healthier than a store bought

marinade amp super simple

Follow Jocelyn at SaucyJoceysKitchencomSaucyJoceysKitchen

Photography by Sarah Ennis

haveyourcakeamp eat it too

letrsquos party Often in the middle of the day I find myself drifting off and dreaming of beautiful parties From weddings to holidays I canrsquot help but think of what to do to take it to the next level

However when it comes to birthdays my mind shifts the opposite direction While throwing an over the top birthday bash may work for some I much prefer the beauty of a simpler get together like when I was a kid I donrsquot need 100 people at a fancy restaurant or an elaborate theme brought to life All I really need is a cake like mom used to make snacks for all to enjoy and a little lemonade to sip on

That was the inspiration behind this gathering I wanted to create an event to inspire the simpler things and take you back to the good olrsquo days where all you needed was bal-loons streamers confetti goody bags matching plates and napkins and of course a little Pin the Tail on the Donkey for fun

So as you glance at the images I hope they spark a little nostalgia and inspire a trip down memory lane for your next birthday celebration

We loved this grown up take on the goody bag Creating the perfect favor bag is a mix

between old favorites and new likes Include candies from when you were a kid a fun straw and everything your guests need to

make spiked peach lemonade at home

Ingredients4 Cups Lemonade4 Oz Gin2 Oz Peach Schnapps6 Basil Leaves plus more for garnish

Directions1 Combine all ingredients in large pitcher Let sit for 2-4 hours before serving2 Serve over ice and garnish with basil leaves serving

Spiked Peach Lemonade with Basil

SEE MORE FROM SARAH ATEventsUncorkedcom

EVENTSUNCORKED

Herbed Parmesan Popcorn

INGREDIENTS2 Bags Salted Natural Popcorn2 Tablespoons Butter2 Tablespoons Olive Oil1 Tablespoon Italian Herb Mixturesfrac12 Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Directions1 Pop popcorn according to box directions Pour into large mixing bowl2 In a small sauce pan melt butter olive oil and Italian herb mixture 3 Pour mixture and parmesan cheese over popcorn quickly stir-ring to combine

HOMEMADE INDIVUDUAL PIZZAS

Ingredientsfrac34 Cup Lukewarm Water1 Teaspoon Dry Active Yeast2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour1 frac12 Teaspoons Salt

Directions1 In a medium mixing bowl dissolve dry active yeast in luke-warm water 2 Add in whole wheat flour and salt to the bowl and mix un-til yoursquove formed a shaggy dough3 Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead until all combined and smooth about 5 minutes If dough begins to stick to surface or hands add additional flour4 Return to bowl and let rise about 15 hours or until doubled in size Use or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days5 Split dough in half Form each half into a ball Roll out with a rolling pin 6 Top with desired toppings and bake at 500 degrees for 5 minutes Rotate pizzas and bake for an additional 3-5 min-utes or until cheese is melted and bubbly

Vanilla Buttercream IcingIngredients2 Sticks Unsalted Butter room temperature4 Cups Powdered Sugarfrac14 Cup Heavy Cream2 frac12 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract

Directions1 Beat softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes until creamy

2 Add powdered sugar heavy cream and vanilla extract beating until thick and smooth approximately 3 minutes

3 Apply to cool cake between layers and on top Top with additional sprinkles if desired

Ingredients3 13 Cups All Purpose Flour1 Teaspoon Baking Powderfrac12 Teaspoon Baking Soda1 Teaspoon Salt2 Sticks Unsalted Butter melted1 frac12 Cups Granulated Sugarfrac12 Cup Dark Brown Sugar2 Large Eggsfrac12 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt1 frac12 Cups Milk2 Tablespoons Vanilla Extract1 13 Cup Rainbow Sprinkles (Not Non-Pareils)

Directions1 Preheat Oven to 350 degrees Spray (2) 9rdquo Round Cake Pans with non-stick spray

2 In a medium bowl mix flour baking powder baking soda and salt Set aside

3 In a large mixing bowl whisk together melted butter granulated sugar and dark brown sugar Be sure to get out any lumps

4 Whisk into sugar mixture egg milk yogurt and vanilla extract until combined

5 Slowly mix in dry ingredients until no lumps remain

6 Add sprinkles and stir till just combined being carful as to not over stir Sprinkles will begin to melt if over combined

7 Bake for 20 minutes Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 13-17 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean

8 Let cool on a wire rack completely before icing

homemade

Lake SUMMER

AT THE

Photography by Matt Engelhart

lpf style tip

canoe ridescampfiresBASEBALL CAPS

best friends

LAKE LIFE

FIREFLIES

SUMMER

SHOP THE LOOK lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $18Lizzibeth $34

Olivia Taylor $10

Lizzibeth $15

Mango $25

Sperry $85

J Crew $20

Choies $63

Lizzibeth $13

Lizzibeth $13

lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $36

Splendid $86

Tretorn $93Romwe $18

Fore

ver 2

1 $

5

Lizzibeth $20

Forever 21 $9

Lizzibeth $14

Olivia Taylor $10

Irsquom going to be completely honest with you all I dread telling people that I used to be over-weight The excess weight I carried around was a representation of some of the most unhappiest years of my life and they are hard to look back on

Growing up I was always super skinny I ate whatever I wanted when I wanted I even had trouble gaining weight at various points in my life I was downright scrawny In high school it was just me and my size zero jeans all the way through graduation Once I got to college I no-ticed a little bit of weight gain but nothing like the freshman 15 everyone was always talking about I figured I was finally filling out my womanly body

Somewhere between my junior year of col-lege and graduation in May of 2011 things changed At my peak I wore a size 14 in womenrsquos pants And not the sexy-built-to-be-curvy size 14 that Christina Mendez is rocking I Wish To say I had let myself go would be an understate-ment

When I finally acknowledged my weight and stepped on the scale I almost had a heart attack Thatrsquos probably not an exaggeration considering the lack of exercise paired with all of the fatty foods I was consuming regularly It read 178 I panicked The last time I stepped on a scale I was at the doctorrsquos office several years prior and the

number read 110 (a number far too small for my 5rsquo7rsquorsquo frame but thatrsquos another story) WHAT HAPPENED My mind was a blur trying to process those three not-so-little numbers

Luckily this happened after my workout oth-erwise Irsquom quite positive the shock would have sent me running (okay walking) out the front doors I can honestly say it was one of the most overwhelming experiences Irsquove ever had Up until that point I had let everything roll off my shoulder I ignored it all the Facebook messag-es from an ex-boyfriend calling me a fat btch the degrading hoop and holler from boys when they drove past me on the street and worst of

all I ignored the fact that my ldquofriendsrdquo were saying these terrible things about me behind my back and I was just standing by letting it happen I was fed up I made a commitment to get on track for myself

I started documenting I prefer this word to counting which is how my blog name came about (26 and Not Counting calories years flying by how many items are in my online shopping cart compared to the dollars in my bank accountyou get the gist) I started tracking calories and workouts in the myfitnesspal app committed to 5-6 workouts a week (including weight lifting which I had never done in my life) and limited my booze fests with friends (which had been going on far too often) to one night a week

Healthy is happyCOntributor Jessicarsquos Journey to a happier + Healthier self

ldquoNot only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of

negativity that coNsumed my liferdquo

It wasnrsquot as if I had never worked out before that simply wasnrsquot the case I grew up active and en-joyed spin class in my early col-lege years but I had fallen off the bandwagon

So I was working out right But what about food I hate the word diet Diet is typically defined as something you ldquogo onrdquo before a big trip and it usually means that whatever crazy thing you are doing to try and shed pounds (the grapefruit diet) will eventual-ly have an ending point I didnrsquot start drinking any crazy weight loss drink or ban everything fried but I did start watching what I ate I paid attention to my body and when it was full and aimed to eat more home cooked meals op-posed to eating out all the time

The first time someone noticed I had a lost a few pounds (8 to be exact) I nearly fell off my bar stool Yes I was at the bar cele-brating a friendrsquos birthday (I had found a happy balance and kept my social life hallelujah) The words were simple ldquoJess you are looking goodrdquo I canrsquot tell you how thankful I am to that person that they recognized the work I had been putting in

Maintaining my body will be a daily practice for the rest of my life I had to marry that thought from the get-go Til death do us part Just this past year I set out to lose another 10 pounds and

slowly but surely I reached my goal I wasnrsquot happy in my body so I fixed it and in doing so I fixed a lot of other areas in my life Irsquom proud to say that I currently weigh 131lbs Irsquove wrestled some unhealthy habits into portion controlled treats found that Irsquom a much happier person when I workout and Irsquove grown into the person I am meant to be Not only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of negativity that consumed my life

Irsquom still not where I want to be and thatrsquos okay That simply means that itrsquos time to set anoth-er goal and push myself harder than ever My hope is that if you arenrsquot happy with where yoursquore at in life whether it be your weight your job your relationship that you will love yourself enough to change the situation and create a life that makes you happy to your core

One last thing you should also know that there is such a thing as a skinny fat person Someone may appear to be skinny but that doesnrsquot necessarily mean they are healthy Being fit doesnrsquot mean fitting into a size 2 (or even 4 6 or 8) for all women (Serena Williams and Whitney Thompson are per-fect examples) Just because some-one appears to be ldquofatrdquo doesnrsquot mean they canrsquot outrun you Be kind and encouraging toward oth-er people and especially yourself

happy jessICArsquosfitnessjourney

Jess- 2011

Jess- 2014

HAIR SPRAY

BEACH BABE HAIR SPRAY14 C WATER

1 TBSP SEA SALT

1 TBSP HAIR GEL

2 DROPS ARGAN OIL OR CONDITIONER

POUR INGREDIENTS INTO TRAVEL SIZE SPRAY BOTTLE + SHAKE WELL

HAIR SPRAY

SPRAY ONTODAMP HAIR +

SCRUNCH FOR BEST BEACHY

WAVE RESULTS

The

GUIDELPF MAG CONTRIBUTORS SHARE A LOCALrsquos GUIDE TO THEIR CITIES

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO -

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO

Irsquom Katey a style blogger with Chronicles of Frivolity living as a Dallasite No we donrsquot ride horses to the mall and everything really is

bigger from our Margaritas to our eyelashes

1 Eat Dallas has more restaurants per capita than anywhere in America seriously We eat so well

2 Shop Dallas ALSO has more Shopping centers per capita than anywhere in America Itrsquos absurd

3 Marg Everywhere you look you are 10 feet from a patio with chips salsa and the best margarita yoursquove ever had 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Hattiersquos Hattiersquos is southern food with LA-white deacutecor You can enjoy Bacon-Wrapped Fried Oys-ters and Macaroni and Cheese Crusted Filet while sipping a Sweet Tea Martini

2 Stampede 66 Stampede 66 wins best margari-ta every year (The Modern Star Canyon) and The Butterscotch Pudding is worth gaining 20 pounds for

3 Saint Ann Saint Ann has one of the most beau-tiful patios in Dallas and I could probably have The Skinny Basil Lemonade and Salmon every meal of my life

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

KATEY MCFARLANof Chronicles of Frivolity

KATEYMCFARLAN

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Milk amp Honey Boutique Milk amp Honey Bou-tique might be the most affordable and unique boutique in Dallas PS go to the back room everything is on sale and there are a million size options

2 Movida Boutique Movida Boutique has the most beautiful bright pieces a neon pink or chartreuse blazer Under $40 Yes marsquoam

3 Northpark Mall Northpark Mall isnrsquot exactly affordable in every way but if you go to Dallas and donrsquot stop by it is a sin From Gucci to Nei-mans itrsquos like a museum of designers more so than a typical mall

3 TOP DALLAS AIRBNB PICKS

1 Trendy Uptown Loft A gorgeous two story loft near all of the

cities best bars amp restaurantsDallas $160 per night

2 Private Guest House w Exposed BeamsWe canrsquot get over how gorgeous this private

guest house is Dallas $150 per night

3 Contemporary CabinThis cabin is located right next to an art museum

amp always has live music at nightDallas $90 per night

I was fortunate enough to spend the majority of my college career living in the bustling city of Raleigh North Carolina Raleigh is one of those towns that flies under the radar Itrsquos a beautiful historical area with a taste of southern charm Raleigh is a relatively in-

expensive destination with lots to see and do you just need to find the right spots

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Take an afternoon or evening stroll around Lake Johnson It is the perfect place to go for a jog take a walk with your dog or hop in one of the paddle boats and explore the peaceful sights

2 Check out the local Farmerrsquos Market based right near the NC State University campus each vendor sets up their own stand of fresh produce crafts homemade goods- itrsquos open on weekends

3 Head over to the Amphitheater at Walnut Creek Lots of summer concerts are on the list tickets are super affordable in the lawn section with a great view of the stage

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Flying Biscuit- Known for their southern made delicious buttery baked biscuits paired with just about any breakfast entree it is the happening spot for a weekend brunch

2 Cameron Bar amp Grill - An upscale looking restaurant with affordable prices for a fabulous meal they have great appetizers and unique dinner dishes to pair with any delicious choice of wine

3 Boylan Bridge Brewpub - The best place to hit up to catch a sunset the local pub sits right on the bridge that overlooks the Raleigh skyline sit outside on the terrace amp enjoy one of their many craft beers (amp cheese dip) made right there

JACQUELINE YANCHOCIK

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Fabrsquorik Fabrsquorik is a hostpot with lots of affordable clothes like bright colored maxi dresses tanks and any handbag you could pos-sibly need

2 The Impeccable Pig Looking for the perfect day dress The Impeccable Pig is the place to go the store features lots of cute floral prints in dresses tops and shorts this is your summer destination shop

3 Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique is a one stop shop for all your accessory needs from simple earrings to some diamond pieces the customerrsquos of Charlottersquos are on the cutting edge of fashion

3 TOP RALEIGH AIRBNB PICKS

1 Hotel NicaraguaSsaid to be a stop from Jack Kerouacrsquos

noteworthy book ldquoOn the Roadrdquo nestled right outside downtown Raleigh this is definitely a

historic gemRaleigh $70 per night

2 Cookiersquos Garden SuiteA 1899 bungalow located in the Oakwood

Historic District enjoy a private entrance with all the amenities yoursquoll need right by downtown

Raleigh $75 per night

3 Sallyrsquos Downtown Historic SuiteThis historic home sits in a gorgeous neighbor-hood with leafy oaks close to coffee shops and

nearby bars Raleigh $85 per night

Irsquove been living in Los Angeles for over 3 years Los Angeles is a very spread out megacity with each area diverse in restaurants activities fashion architecture and even weather I grew up on

the beach so it was only fitting that I move to the west side of LA closest to the Pacific Venice is a colorful eccentric one-of-a kind district in Los Angeles right on the Pacific Ocean

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Venice has near-perfect weather year round so biking is a common activity here Marvin Braude Bike Trail (known as The Strand) is a bike path along the Pacific shoreline starting from Malibu down through Venice all the way Redondo Beach

2 Abbot Kinney is the artsy hipster sister of Bev-erly Hillsrsquo Rodeo Drive First Friday brings the best local art fashion music and food trucks to locals and visitors alike

3 Yoga and Venice go hand in hand There are multiple studios in the Venice area with incredible instructors and a class nearly every hour

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Tasting Kitchen A very special dining experience Trendy upscale atmosphere but with a rustic twist Communal seating under the trees a creative and fresh menu that changes daily and an overall obscure charm that suits Venice to a T

2 Chop Daddyrsquos Nestled between some of the cityrsquos most well-reviewed restaurants is some of the best BBQ in Los Angeles The tastiest fried pickles Irsquove ever had

3 Kippyrsquos Non-dairy raw organic coconut cream based ice cream My favorite is the orangesicle

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Firefly - the perfect collection of house-wares gifts and clothing reflecting the effort-less and beachy Venice lifestyle

2 Principessa - their website says it best ldquooutfitting the modern flower child in a so-phisticated style that is comfortable sexy and timelessrdquo

3 Aviator Nation Quintessential Southern California style that has become an obsession for many Aviator Nation has one-of-a kind t-shirt tanks sweats and more that have that worn-in feel so soft and comfortable 3 TOP VENICE AIRBNB PICKS

1 Artistrsquos CottageAn art filled cottage in proximity to one of the

worldrsquos best beaches$140 per night

2 Stylish Venice BungalowWalk to beach shops and dining from this ro-mantic and stylish holiday bungalow in a lush

garden setting$149 per night

3 Venice Garden RetreatA guesthouse filled with treasures from the

ownersrsquo travels abroad $125 per night

BROOKE KENNEDYBROOKEEJ

My name is Becca and I fell in love with Atlanta two years ago Although I moved to Atlanta for graduate school and thought it would be temporary I have fallen for a city that could be my forever home Having to choose my favorites are going to be

hard in a city that has so much to do

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Irsquove quickly made a tradition out of going to Music Midtown Music Festival in September at Piedmont Park I had the time of my life dancing the night away with best friends listening to great bands amp the Atlanta skyline in the background

2 Brunch is the only thing that gets me out of bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings Try the 100 item Bloody bar at Front Page News or all you can eat breakfast at Grsquos near piedmont If you get up early enough try West Egg in Westside Provisions

3 For a mere ten bucks you get six samples and a beautiful pint at the Sweetwater Brewery Tour But be warned the pours are heavy

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Noche This tiny tapas bar is full of flavors in tinybites Their chef special never seems to disap-point and therersquos always a drink special (Sangria Sundays are a personal favorite)

2 Park Tavern This restaurant with its own brew-ery offers some of the best views of Atlanta They have a late night sushi special and when it rains they pour dollar beers In the winter they have a full skating rink with adult only hours (so you donrsquot trip over that kid)

3YEAH Burger My favorite burger place in the world they offer a made to order burger that quenches even the pickiest of eaters appetites

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 The Lucky Exchange This second hand store is a treasure trove of pieces some extravagant sequin dresses some office appropriate attire My best find Brand new in the box Prada Loafers for under 30$

2 The Merchant at Howell Mill Grab a cup of coffee at Octane and then cross the street to Merchant A wide array of gifts and acces-sories offer the opportunity to pick up some-thing for your friends and yourself

3 Lizard Thicket Shop this trendy boutiquefor gameday dresses in your favorite team colors or the latest shipment of Bourbon and Bowetie bracelets

3 TOP ATLANTA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Secluded TreehouseHow could a girl not want to spend the night in an adult sized treehouse nestled right in popular

neighborhood Buckhead $275 per night

2 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentMidtown is close to everything you could want to be- food culture Piedmont Park museums amp an active nightlife there is something for everyone

This is a gorgeous room in a mini-mansion $73 per night

3 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentThis apartment is in the perfect location for some-one visiting town for food drinks and shopping

$69 per night

BECCA LUCIOof Becca Marie LucioBECCAMARIELUCIO

I moved to Chicago a little over a year ago and Irsquove completely fallen in love with the city As a Midwesterner all my life Chicago offers the charms of living in the Midwest while offering

amazing big city life There are summer street festivals every weekend the best brunch spots in the area shopping galore amp hidden gems in every gorgeous neighborhood

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Taste test cupcakes around Lincoln Park (I love Sweet Mandy Brsquos and Swirlz)

2 Spend the afternoon blogging at local coffee shops like Floriole amp Heritage

3 Explore local shops in new neighborhoods ndash there are so many incredible places to explore

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Range Hidden gem in Lincoln park that boasts seasonal recipes all made fromlocal ingredients Best of all itrsquos only a few blocks from my apartment Needless to say they know me by name

2 Little Goat Diner ndash I love Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzardrsquos mid-priced diner best of all her Chicago restaurants Offering home-style recipes with a fancy twist Irsquom a big fan of everything Irsquove tried Irsquod recommend the pork belly pancake amp tira-misu shake if you stop in

3 Xoco Rick Bayless has been one of my favorite chefsfor years His lower priced concept Xoco is the perfect spot to meet friends for lunch in River North Plus Margaritas (enough said right)

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 3: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

LETTER FROM the editorHAPPY SUMMER EVERYONE

These past few months Irsquove truly been living everything that I preach about on La Petite Fashionista Irsquove alway had the entre-preneurial urge but I finally took the plunge and started my own business in March Irsquom now using my fashion industry and blog-ging background to do social media consulting and strategy for other businesses and I couldnrsquot be more excited about this slight-ly terrifying but oh-so-gratifying new endeavor

This issue 7 of La Petite Fashionista Magazine and I couldnrsquot be more excited for what the teamrsquos come up with Warning- this issue may inspire a serious streak of Wanderlust Check out the

localrsquos guides of our contributorrsquos cities + be sure to follow along on pinterest We also have a gorgeous editorial inspired by

summer at the lake healthy smoothie recipes real girlrsquos home tour done on a budget + so much more inspiring content The

LPF Mag contributors are one seriously talented team

Letrsquos all make this a summer to follow our dreams (and our pass-

ports) wherever they may take us

xoxo

LaurenKEEP IN TOUCH

LAPETITEFASHIONISTACOMLAPETITEFASHIONISTA

LPFMAGLOVE

EDITOR IN CHIEF

LETTER FROM the contributors

AMANDa RISIUS NIA HANKENHOF JOCELYN MANDALOU

SARAH ENNIS JESSICA ZIMLICH KATEY MCFARLAN26ANDNOTCOUNTING KATEYMCFARLANEVENTSUNCORKED

SAUCYJOCEYSKITCHENNIA_TRITIONAMANDARISIUS

JACQUELINE YANCHOCIK BROOKE KENNEDY BECCA LUCIOBROOKEEJ BECCAMARIELUCIO

MAYA MCDONALD

EMMA LOUISE

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

LAUREN VAN MULLEM LIZZI WEASLER COURTNEY PELOTLVANMULLEM COURTNEYPELOTSHOPLIZZIBETH

ISLAND STYLElpf loves

Rom

we

$18

Wet

Sea

l $2

5

Topshop $96

Matches $38

Roxy

$40

Mau

i Bab

e $1

1

Baub

lebar

$2

2

JCrew Factory $12

Charlotte Russe $23

Dorothy Perkins $27

Target $20

Capri Blue $30

Roxy

$56

THE 90s lpf loves

Rima $30

Birkenstock $90

Boohoo $38

BCBG

ener

atio

n $

18Sole Society $90

TopShop $60

Mot

el $

22

Topshop $16

NastyGal $68

ASO

S $

21

Mot

el $

68

TopShop $32

TopShop $15U

rban

Out

fitte

rs $

29

MID CENTURY MODERN BACHELORETTE PAD

MID CENTURY MODERN BACHELORETTE PAD on a budget

Q+A with Amanda riSIUSLPF Mag Where do you liveAmanda Living in San Francisco for the summer originally from Iowa

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your day jobAmanda Marketing Assistant at Apartment 34

LPF Mag How would you describe your interior design style Amanda My style is constantly evolving I love clean and mid-century modern designs with lots of texture and some rustic elements

LPF Mag Where do you shop for your home Amanda I shop my own home Really Also Target Anthropologie and thrift stores are great for accessories and I love Hobby Lobby and Home Depot for project mate-rials

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite DIY project yoursquove done for your houseAmanda I donrsquot think you can ever have too many pillows so I love working with textiles and making my own pillow covers The tree stamp pillow was made using a potato and is one of my favorites I also love the marble tray DIY because it was so easy and the copper lipstick holder is pretty inventive )

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your biggest splurge Biggest save Amanda My biggest splurge was actually my white Moroccan rug for $100 I got it for a major steal during a big sale and itrsquos one of my favor-ite things in my home Itrsquos just so cozy My biggest save was my coffee table I found at Goodwill for $6

interior design

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT AMANDArsquos BLOG

A HAMMER amp HEELSAMANDARISIUS

Decorating on a budget does not mean you have to sacrifice style I suggest by first really analyzing what you have for furniture and decor and working with that Get creative and repurpose furniture to fit your current style A little paint can go a long way

After arranging and styling your home with the items you already have next take a look and see whatrsquos missing By first working with what you have yoursquoll save tons of money because you arenrsquot hitting the shops and buying useless things you might not even need Once you take notes on the areas in your home that are lacking you have a clear focus of what exactly you need to purchase

When you are shopping donrsquot look at stores you know are out of budget It only makes it harder Stick to the stores that are in your price range and donrsquot be afraid to hit thrift stores Some of my most unique decor items are from thrift stores

Also keep an open mind Stores are full of great decorating items even if they arenrsquot labeled so Paper Source Home Depot and Target clearance section all have pretty items that can work as wall art desk accessories or anything

ON A budgeTdecorating

HEALTHY

SMOOTHIES

BERRY SMOOTHIE12 cup blueberries 12 cup blackberries 12 cup coconut water 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional) Handful of ice cubes 1 tbsp honey or stevia (optional)

STRAWBERRY + MANGO SMOOTHIE12 cup mango 12 cup strawberries 14 cup coconut water 1 tbsp chia seeds 1 tbsp honey or stevia (optional) Sliced almonds to garnish

KALE BANANA PINEAPPLE + MANGO SMOOTHIE14 cup chopped kale 1 whole chopped banana 12 cup chopped mango 12 cup pineapple 12 cup coconut water 12 tsp chia seeds Handful of ice cubes

NIA IS A HEALTH ENTHUSIAST ASPIRING TO INSPIRE PEOPLE TO LIVE A COLORFUL

WHOLESOME AND HAPPY LIFE

FOLLOW HER ON INSTAGRAM NIA_TRITION + SIGN UP FOR HER MAILING LIST FOR WEEKLY HEALTHY RECIPES IN YOUR INBOX

PINEAPPLE CILANTRO LIME MARINADE

Marinade for 1 lb of meatPreparation Time 5 minutesMarinating Time 1 hourTotal Time 1 hour 5 minutes

INGREDIENTS12 cup extra virgin olive oil14 cup pineapple juice14 cup fresh cilantro1 lime (for zest and juice)34 tsp salt12 tsp cumin14 tsp onion powder18 tsp black pepper

1 Rinse and chop cilantro

2 Zest the lime

3 Juice the lime and whisk all ingredients together

4 Mix meat and marinade together

5 Cover meat and marinade (or seal in a zip top bag) and place in the refrigerator for 1 hour

6 Cook as you please Grilling with pineapple bell pepper and onion is recommended

Our cooking expert Jocelyn Mandalou at Saucy Joceyrsquos Kitchen shows us how to make our own marinade for cookouts Itrsquos healthier than a store bought

marinade amp super simple

Follow Jocelyn at SaucyJoceysKitchencomSaucyJoceysKitchen

Photography by Sarah Ennis

haveyourcakeamp eat it too

letrsquos party Often in the middle of the day I find myself drifting off and dreaming of beautiful parties From weddings to holidays I canrsquot help but think of what to do to take it to the next level

However when it comes to birthdays my mind shifts the opposite direction While throwing an over the top birthday bash may work for some I much prefer the beauty of a simpler get together like when I was a kid I donrsquot need 100 people at a fancy restaurant or an elaborate theme brought to life All I really need is a cake like mom used to make snacks for all to enjoy and a little lemonade to sip on

That was the inspiration behind this gathering I wanted to create an event to inspire the simpler things and take you back to the good olrsquo days where all you needed was bal-loons streamers confetti goody bags matching plates and napkins and of course a little Pin the Tail on the Donkey for fun

So as you glance at the images I hope they spark a little nostalgia and inspire a trip down memory lane for your next birthday celebration

We loved this grown up take on the goody bag Creating the perfect favor bag is a mix

between old favorites and new likes Include candies from when you were a kid a fun straw and everything your guests need to

make spiked peach lemonade at home

Ingredients4 Cups Lemonade4 Oz Gin2 Oz Peach Schnapps6 Basil Leaves plus more for garnish

Directions1 Combine all ingredients in large pitcher Let sit for 2-4 hours before serving2 Serve over ice and garnish with basil leaves serving

Spiked Peach Lemonade with Basil

SEE MORE FROM SARAH ATEventsUncorkedcom

EVENTSUNCORKED

Herbed Parmesan Popcorn

INGREDIENTS2 Bags Salted Natural Popcorn2 Tablespoons Butter2 Tablespoons Olive Oil1 Tablespoon Italian Herb Mixturesfrac12 Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Directions1 Pop popcorn according to box directions Pour into large mixing bowl2 In a small sauce pan melt butter olive oil and Italian herb mixture 3 Pour mixture and parmesan cheese over popcorn quickly stir-ring to combine

HOMEMADE INDIVUDUAL PIZZAS

Ingredientsfrac34 Cup Lukewarm Water1 Teaspoon Dry Active Yeast2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour1 frac12 Teaspoons Salt

Directions1 In a medium mixing bowl dissolve dry active yeast in luke-warm water 2 Add in whole wheat flour and salt to the bowl and mix un-til yoursquove formed a shaggy dough3 Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead until all combined and smooth about 5 minutes If dough begins to stick to surface or hands add additional flour4 Return to bowl and let rise about 15 hours or until doubled in size Use or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days5 Split dough in half Form each half into a ball Roll out with a rolling pin 6 Top with desired toppings and bake at 500 degrees for 5 minutes Rotate pizzas and bake for an additional 3-5 min-utes or until cheese is melted and bubbly

Vanilla Buttercream IcingIngredients2 Sticks Unsalted Butter room temperature4 Cups Powdered Sugarfrac14 Cup Heavy Cream2 frac12 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract

Directions1 Beat softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes until creamy

2 Add powdered sugar heavy cream and vanilla extract beating until thick and smooth approximately 3 minutes

3 Apply to cool cake between layers and on top Top with additional sprinkles if desired

Ingredients3 13 Cups All Purpose Flour1 Teaspoon Baking Powderfrac12 Teaspoon Baking Soda1 Teaspoon Salt2 Sticks Unsalted Butter melted1 frac12 Cups Granulated Sugarfrac12 Cup Dark Brown Sugar2 Large Eggsfrac12 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt1 frac12 Cups Milk2 Tablespoons Vanilla Extract1 13 Cup Rainbow Sprinkles (Not Non-Pareils)

Directions1 Preheat Oven to 350 degrees Spray (2) 9rdquo Round Cake Pans with non-stick spray

2 In a medium bowl mix flour baking powder baking soda and salt Set aside

3 In a large mixing bowl whisk together melted butter granulated sugar and dark brown sugar Be sure to get out any lumps

4 Whisk into sugar mixture egg milk yogurt and vanilla extract until combined

5 Slowly mix in dry ingredients until no lumps remain

6 Add sprinkles and stir till just combined being carful as to not over stir Sprinkles will begin to melt if over combined

7 Bake for 20 minutes Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 13-17 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean

8 Let cool on a wire rack completely before icing

homemade

Lake SUMMER

AT THE

Photography by Matt Engelhart

lpf style tip

canoe ridescampfiresBASEBALL CAPS

best friends

LAKE LIFE

FIREFLIES

SUMMER

SHOP THE LOOK lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $18Lizzibeth $34

Olivia Taylor $10

Lizzibeth $15

Mango $25

Sperry $85

J Crew $20

Choies $63

Lizzibeth $13

Lizzibeth $13

lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $36

Splendid $86

Tretorn $93Romwe $18

Fore

ver 2

1 $

5

Lizzibeth $20

Forever 21 $9

Lizzibeth $14

Olivia Taylor $10

Irsquom going to be completely honest with you all I dread telling people that I used to be over-weight The excess weight I carried around was a representation of some of the most unhappiest years of my life and they are hard to look back on

Growing up I was always super skinny I ate whatever I wanted when I wanted I even had trouble gaining weight at various points in my life I was downright scrawny In high school it was just me and my size zero jeans all the way through graduation Once I got to college I no-ticed a little bit of weight gain but nothing like the freshman 15 everyone was always talking about I figured I was finally filling out my womanly body

Somewhere between my junior year of col-lege and graduation in May of 2011 things changed At my peak I wore a size 14 in womenrsquos pants And not the sexy-built-to-be-curvy size 14 that Christina Mendez is rocking I Wish To say I had let myself go would be an understate-ment

When I finally acknowledged my weight and stepped on the scale I almost had a heart attack Thatrsquos probably not an exaggeration considering the lack of exercise paired with all of the fatty foods I was consuming regularly It read 178 I panicked The last time I stepped on a scale I was at the doctorrsquos office several years prior and the

number read 110 (a number far too small for my 5rsquo7rsquorsquo frame but thatrsquos another story) WHAT HAPPENED My mind was a blur trying to process those three not-so-little numbers

Luckily this happened after my workout oth-erwise Irsquom quite positive the shock would have sent me running (okay walking) out the front doors I can honestly say it was one of the most overwhelming experiences Irsquove ever had Up until that point I had let everything roll off my shoulder I ignored it all the Facebook messag-es from an ex-boyfriend calling me a fat btch the degrading hoop and holler from boys when they drove past me on the street and worst of

all I ignored the fact that my ldquofriendsrdquo were saying these terrible things about me behind my back and I was just standing by letting it happen I was fed up I made a commitment to get on track for myself

I started documenting I prefer this word to counting which is how my blog name came about (26 and Not Counting calories years flying by how many items are in my online shopping cart compared to the dollars in my bank accountyou get the gist) I started tracking calories and workouts in the myfitnesspal app committed to 5-6 workouts a week (including weight lifting which I had never done in my life) and limited my booze fests with friends (which had been going on far too often) to one night a week

Healthy is happyCOntributor Jessicarsquos Journey to a happier + Healthier self

ldquoNot only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of

negativity that coNsumed my liferdquo

It wasnrsquot as if I had never worked out before that simply wasnrsquot the case I grew up active and en-joyed spin class in my early col-lege years but I had fallen off the bandwagon

So I was working out right But what about food I hate the word diet Diet is typically defined as something you ldquogo onrdquo before a big trip and it usually means that whatever crazy thing you are doing to try and shed pounds (the grapefruit diet) will eventual-ly have an ending point I didnrsquot start drinking any crazy weight loss drink or ban everything fried but I did start watching what I ate I paid attention to my body and when it was full and aimed to eat more home cooked meals op-posed to eating out all the time

The first time someone noticed I had a lost a few pounds (8 to be exact) I nearly fell off my bar stool Yes I was at the bar cele-brating a friendrsquos birthday (I had found a happy balance and kept my social life hallelujah) The words were simple ldquoJess you are looking goodrdquo I canrsquot tell you how thankful I am to that person that they recognized the work I had been putting in

Maintaining my body will be a daily practice for the rest of my life I had to marry that thought from the get-go Til death do us part Just this past year I set out to lose another 10 pounds and

slowly but surely I reached my goal I wasnrsquot happy in my body so I fixed it and in doing so I fixed a lot of other areas in my life Irsquom proud to say that I currently weigh 131lbs Irsquove wrestled some unhealthy habits into portion controlled treats found that Irsquom a much happier person when I workout and Irsquove grown into the person I am meant to be Not only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of negativity that consumed my life

Irsquom still not where I want to be and thatrsquos okay That simply means that itrsquos time to set anoth-er goal and push myself harder than ever My hope is that if you arenrsquot happy with where yoursquore at in life whether it be your weight your job your relationship that you will love yourself enough to change the situation and create a life that makes you happy to your core

One last thing you should also know that there is such a thing as a skinny fat person Someone may appear to be skinny but that doesnrsquot necessarily mean they are healthy Being fit doesnrsquot mean fitting into a size 2 (or even 4 6 or 8) for all women (Serena Williams and Whitney Thompson are per-fect examples) Just because some-one appears to be ldquofatrdquo doesnrsquot mean they canrsquot outrun you Be kind and encouraging toward oth-er people and especially yourself

happy jessICArsquosfitnessjourney

Jess- 2011

Jess- 2014

HAIR SPRAY

BEACH BABE HAIR SPRAY14 C WATER

1 TBSP SEA SALT

1 TBSP HAIR GEL

2 DROPS ARGAN OIL OR CONDITIONER

POUR INGREDIENTS INTO TRAVEL SIZE SPRAY BOTTLE + SHAKE WELL

HAIR SPRAY

SPRAY ONTODAMP HAIR +

SCRUNCH FOR BEST BEACHY

WAVE RESULTS

The

GUIDELPF MAG CONTRIBUTORS SHARE A LOCALrsquos GUIDE TO THEIR CITIES

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO -

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO

Irsquom Katey a style blogger with Chronicles of Frivolity living as a Dallasite No we donrsquot ride horses to the mall and everything really is

bigger from our Margaritas to our eyelashes

1 Eat Dallas has more restaurants per capita than anywhere in America seriously We eat so well

2 Shop Dallas ALSO has more Shopping centers per capita than anywhere in America Itrsquos absurd

3 Marg Everywhere you look you are 10 feet from a patio with chips salsa and the best margarita yoursquove ever had 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Hattiersquos Hattiersquos is southern food with LA-white deacutecor You can enjoy Bacon-Wrapped Fried Oys-ters and Macaroni and Cheese Crusted Filet while sipping a Sweet Tea Martini

2 Stampede 66 Stampede 66 wins best margari-ta every year (The Modern Star Canyon) and The Butterscotch Pudding is worth gaining 20 pounds for

3 Saint Ann Saint Ann has one of the most beau-tiful patios in Dallas and I could probably have The Skinny Basil Lemonade and Salmon every meal of my life

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

KATEY MCFARLANof Chronicles of Frivolity

KATEYMCFARLAN

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Milk amp Honey Boutique Milk amp Honey Bou-tique might be the most affordable and unique boutique in Dallas PS go to the back room everything is on sale and there are a million size options

2 Movida Boutique Movida Boutique has the most beautiful bright pieces a neon pink or chartreuse blazer Under $40 Yes marsquoam

3 Northpark Mall Northpark Mall isnrsquot exactly affordable in every way but if you go to Dallas and donrsquot stop by it is a sin From Gucci to Nei-mans itrsquos like a museum of designers more so than a typical mall

3 TOP DALLAS AIRBNB PICKS

1 Trendy Uptown Loft A gorgeous two story loft near all of the

cities best bars amp restaurantsDallas $160 per night

2 Private Guest House w Exposed BeamsWe canrsquot get over how gorgeous this private

guest house is Dallas $150 per night

3 Contemporary CabinThis cabin is located right next to an art museum

amp always has live music at nightDallas $90 per night

I was fortunate enough to spend the majority of my college career living in the bustling city of Raleigh North Carolina Raleigh is one of those towns that flies under the radar Itrsquos a beautiful historical area with a taste of southern charm Raleigh is a relatively in-

expensive destination with lots to see and do you just need to find the right spots

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Take an afternoon or evening stroll around Lake Johnson It is the perfect place to go for a jog take a walk with your dog or hop in one of the paddle boats and explore the peaceful sights

2 Check out the local Farmerrsquos Market based right near the NC State University campus each vendor sets up their own stand of fresh produce crafts homemade goods- itrsquos open on weekends

3 Head over to the Amphitheater at Walnut Creek Lots of summer concerts are on the list tickets are super affordable in the lawn section with a great view of the stage

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Flying Biscuit- Known for their southern made delicious buttery baked biscuits paired with just about any breakfast entree it is the happening spot for a weekend brunch

2 Cameron Bar amp Grill - An upscale looking restaurant with affordable prices for a fabulous meal they have great appetizers and unique dinner dishes to pair with any delicious choice of wine

3 Boylan Bridge Brewpub - The best place to hit up to catch a sunset the local pub sits right on the bridge that overlooks the Raleigh skyline sit outside on the terrace amp enjoy one of their many craft beers (amp cheese dip) made right there

JACQUELINE YANCHOCIK

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Fabrsquorik Fabrsquorik is a hostpot with lots of affordable clothes like bright colored maxi dresses tanks and any handbag you could pos-sibly need

2 The Impeccable Pig Looking for the perfect day dress The Impeccable Pig is the place to go the store features lots of cute floral prints in dresses tops and shorts this is your summer destination shop

3 Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique is a one stop shop for all your accessory needs from simple earrings to some diamond pieces the customerrsquos of Charlottersquos are on the cutting edge of fashion

3 TOP RALEIGH AIRBNB PICKS

1 Hotel NicaraguaSsaid to be a stop from Jack Kerouacrsquos

noteworthy book ldquoOn the Roadrdquo nestled right outside downtown Raleigh this is definitely a

historic gemRaleigh $70 per night

2 Cookiersquos Garden SuiteA 1899 bungalow located in the Oakwood

Historic District enjoy a private entrance with all the amenities yoursquoll need right by downtown

Raleigh $75 per night

3 Sallyrsquos Downtown Historic SuiteThis historic home sits in a gorgeous neighbor-hood with leafy oaks close to coffee shops and

nearby bars Raleigh $85 per night

Irsquove been living in Los Angeles for over 3 years Los Angeles is a very spread out megacity with each area diverse in restaurants activities fashion architecture and even weather I grew up on

the beach so it was only fitting that I move to the west side of LA closest to the Pacific Venice is a colorful eccentric one-of-a kind district in Los Angeles right on the Pacific Ocean

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Venice has near-perfect weather year round so biking is a common activity here Marvin Braude Bike Trail (known as The Strand) is a bike path along the Pacific shoreline starting from Malibu down through Venice all the way Redondo Beach

2 Abbot Kinney is the artsy hipster sister of Bev-erly Hillsrsquo Rodeo Drive First Friday brings the best local art fashion music and food trucks to locals and visitors alike

3 Yoga and Venice go hand in hand There are multiple studios in the Venice area with incredible instructors and a class nearly every hour

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Tasting Kitchen A very special dining experience Trendy upscale atmosphere but with a rustic twist Communal seating under the trees a creative and fresh menu that changes daily and an overall obscure charm that suits Venice to a T

2 Chop Daddyrsquos Nestled between some of the cityrsquos most well-reviewed restaurants is some of the best BBQ in Los Angeles The tastiest fried pickles Irsquove ever had

3 Kippyrsquos Non-dairy raw organic coconut cream based ice cream My favorite is the orangesicle

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Firefly - the perfect collection of house-wares gifts and clothing reflecting the effort-less and beachy Venice lifestyle

2 Principessa - their website says it best ldquooutfitting the modern flower child in a so-phisticated style that is comfortable sexy and timelessrdquo

3 Aviator Nation Quintessential Southern California style that has become an obsession for many Aviator Nation has one-of-a kind t-shirt tanks sweats and more that have that worn-in feel so soft and comfortable 3 TOP VENICE AIRBNB PICKS

1 Artistrsquos CottageAn art filled cottage in proximity to one of the

worldrsquos best beaches$140 per night

2 Stylish Venice BungalowWalk to beach shops and dining from this ro-mantic and stylish holiday bungalow in a lush

garden setting$149 per night

3 Venice Garden RetreatA guesthouse filled with treasures from the

ownersrsquo travels abroad $125 per night

BROOKE KENNEDYBROOKEEJ

My name is Becca and I fell in love with Atlanta two years ago Although I moved to Atlanta for graduate school and thought it would be temporary I have fallen for a city that could be my forever home Having to choose my favorites are going to be

hard in a city that has so much to do

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Irsquove quickly made a tradition out of going to Music Midtown Music Festival in September at Piedmont Park I had the time of my life dancing the night away with best friends listening to great bands amp the Atlanta skyline in the background

2 Brunch is the only thing that gets me out of bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings Try the 100 item Bloody bar at Front Page News or all you can eat breakfast at Grsquos near piedmont If you get up early enough try West Egg in Westside Provisions

3 For a mere ten bucks you get six samples and a beautiful pint at the Sweetwater Brewery Tour But be warned the pours are heavy

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Noche This tiny tapas bar is full of flavors in tinybites Their chef special never seems to disap-point and therersquos always a drink special (Sangria Sundays are a personal favorite)

2 Park Tavern This restaurant with its own brew-ery offers some of the best views of Atlanta They have a late night sushi special and when it rains they pour dollar beers In the winter they have a full skating rink with adult only hours (so you donrsquot trip over that kid)

3YEAH Burger My favorite burger place in the world they offer a made to order burger that quenches even the pickiest of eaters appetites

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 The Lucky Exchange This second hand store is a treasure trove of pieces some extravagant sequin dresses some office appropriate attire My best find Brand new in the box Prada Loafers for under 30$

2 The Merchant at Howell Mill Grab a cup of coffee at Octane and then cross the street to Merchant A wide array of gifts and acces-sories offer the opportunity to pick up some-thing for your friends and yourself

3 Lizard Thicket Shop this trendy boutiquefor gameday dresses in your favorite team colors or the latest shipment of Bourbon and Bowetie bracelets

3 TOP ATLANTA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Secluded TreehouseHow could a girl not want to spend the night in an adult sized treehouse nestled right in popular

neighborhood Buckhead $275 per night

2 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentMidtown is close to everything you could want to be- food culture Piedmont Park museums amp an active nightlife there is something for everyone

This is a gorgeous room in a mini-mansion $73 per night

3 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentThis apartment is in the perfect location for some-one visiting town for food drinks and shopping

$69 per night

BECCA LUCIOof Becca Marie LucioBECCAMARIELUCIO

I moved to Chicago a little over a year ago and Irsquove completely fallen in love with the city As a Midwesterner all my life Chicago offers the charms of living in the Midwest while offering

amazing big city life There are summer street festivals every weekend the best brunch spots in the area shopping galore amp hidden gems in every gorgeous neighborhood

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Taste test cupcakes around Lincoln Park (I love Sweet Mandy Brsquos and Swirlz)

2 Spend the afternoon blogging at local coffee shops like Floriole amp Heritage

3 Explore local shops in new neighborhoods ndash there are so many incredible places to explore

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Range Hidden gem in Lincoln park that boasts seasonal recipes all made fromlocal ingredients Best of all itrsquos only a few blocks from my apartment Needless to say they know me by name

2 Little Goat Diner ndash I love Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzardrsquos mid-priced diner best of all her Chicago restaurants Offering home-style recipes with a fancy twist Irsquom a big fan of everything Irsquove tried Irsquod recommend the pork belly pancake amp tira-misu shake if you stop in

3 Xoco Rick Bayless has been one of my favorite chefsfor years His lower priced concept Xoco is the perfect spot to meet friends for lunch in River North Plus Margaritas (enough said right)

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 4: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

LETTER FROM the contributors

AMANDa RISIUS NIA HANKENHOF JOCELYN MANDALOU

SARAH ENNIS JESSICA ZIMLICH KATEY MCFARLAN26ANDNOTCOUNTING KATEYMCFARLANEVENTSUNCORKED

SAUCYJOCEYSKITCHENNIA_TRITIONAMANDARISIUS

JACQUELINE YANCHOCIK BROOKE KENNEDY BECCA LUCIOBROOKEEJ BECCAMARIELUCIO

MAYA MCDONALD

EMMA LOUISE

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

LAUREN VAN MULLEM LIZZI WEASLER COURTNEY PELOTLVANMULLEM COURTNEYPELOTSHOPLIZZIBETH

ISLAND STYLElpf loves

Rom

we

$18

Wet

Sea

l $2

5

Topshop $96

Matches $38

Roxy

$40

Mau

i Bab

e $1

1

Baub

lebar

$2

2

JCrew Factory $12

Charlotte Russe $23

Dorothy Perkins $27

Target $20

Capri Blue $30

Roxy

$56

THE 90s lpf loves

Rima $30

Birkenstock $90

Boohoo $38

BCBG

ener

atio

n $

18Sole Society $90

TopShop $60

Mot

el $

22

Topshop $16

NastyGal $68

ASO

S $

21

Mot

el $

68

TopShop $32

TopShop $15U

rban

Out

fitte

rs $

29

MID CENTURY MODERN BACHELORETTE PAD

MID CENTURY MODERN BACHELORETTE PAD on a budget

Q+A with Amanda riSIUSLPF Mag Where do you liveAmanda Living in San Francisco for the summer originally from Iowa

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your day jobAmanda Marketing Assistant at Apartment 34

LPF Mag How would you describe your interior design style Amanda My style is constantly evolving I love clean and mid-century modern designs with lots of texture and some rustic elements

LPF Mag Where do you shop for your home Amanda I shop my own home Really Also Target Anthropologie and thrift stores are great for accessories and I love Hobby Lobby and Home Depot for project mate-rials

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite DIY project yoursquove done for your houseAmanda I donrsquot think you can ever have too many pillows so I love working with textiles and making my own pillow covers The tree stamp pillow was made using a potato and is one of my favorites I also love the marble tray DIY because it was so easy and the copper lipstick holder is pretty inventive )

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your biggest splurge Biggest save Amanda My biggest splurge was actually my white Moroccan rug for $100 I got it for a major steal during a big sale and itrsquos one of my favor-ite things in my home Itrsquos just so cozy My biggest save was my coffee table I found at Goodwill for $6

interior design

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT AMANDArsquos BLOG

A HAMMER amp HEELSAMANDARISIUS

Decorating on a budget does not mean you have to sacrifice style I suggest by first really analyzing what you have for furniture and decor and working with that Get creative and repurpose furniture to fit your current style A little paint can go a long way

After arranging and styling your home with the items you already have next take a look and see whatrsquos missing By first working with what you have yoursquoll save tons of money because you arenrsquot hitting the shops and buying useless things you might not even need Once you take notes on the areas in your home that are lacking you have a clear focus of what exactly you need to purchase

When you are shopping donrsquot look at stores you know are out of budget It only makes it harder Stick to the stores that are in your price range and donrsquot be afraid to hit thrift stores Some of my most unique decor items are from thrift stores

Also keep an open mind Stores are full of great decorating items even if they arenrsquot labeled so Paper Source Home Depot and Target clearance section all have pretty items that can work as wall art desk accessories or anything

ON A budgeTdecorating

HEALTHY

SMOOTHIES

BERRY SMOOTHIE12 cup blueberries 12 cup blackberries 12 cup coconut water 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional) Handful of ice cubes 1 tbsp honey or stevia (optional)

STRAWBERRY + MANGO SMOOTHIE12 cup mango 12 cup strawberries 14 cup coconut water 1 tbsp chia seeds 1 tbsp honey or stevia (optional) Sliced almonds to garnish

KALE BANANA PINEAPPLE + MANGO SMOOTHIE14 cup chopped kale 1 whole chopped banana 12 cup chopped mango 12 cup pineapple 12 cup coconut water 12 tsp chia seeds Handful of ice cubes

NIA IS A HEALTH ENTHUSIAST ASPIRING TO INSPIRE PEOPLE TO LIVE A COLORFUL

WHOLESOME AND HAPPY LIFE

FOLLOW HER ON INSTAGRAM NIA_TRITION + SIGN UP FOR HER MAILING LIST FOR WEEKLY HEALTHY RECIPES IN YOUR INBOX

PINEAPPLE CILANTRO LIME MARINADE

Marinade for 1 lb of meatPreparation Time 5 minutesMarinating Time 1 hourTotal Time 1 hour 5 minutes

INGREDIENTS12 cup extra virgin olive oil14 cup pineapple juice14 cup fresh cilantro1 lime (for zest and juice)34 tsp salt12 tsp cumin14 tsp onion powder18 tsp black pepper

1 Rinse and chop cilantro

2 Zest the lime

3 Juice the lime and whisk all ingredients together

4 Mix meat and marinade together

5 Cover meat and marinade (or seal in a zip top bag) and place in the refrigerator for 1 hour

6 Cook as you please Grilling with pineapple bell pepper and onion is recommended

Our cooking expert Jocelyn Mandalou at Saucy Joceyrsquos Kitchen shows us how to make our own marinade for cookouts Itrsquos healthier than a store bought

marinade amp super simple

Follow Jocelyn at SaucyJoceysKitchencomSaucyJoceysKitchen

Photography by Sarah Ennis

haveyourcakeamp eat it too

letrsquos party Often in the middle of the day I find myself drifting off and dreaming of beautiful parties From weddings to holidays I canrsquot help but think of what to do to take it to the next level

However when it comes to birthdays my mind shifts the opposite direction While throwing an over the top birthday bash may work for some I much prefer the beauty of a simpler get together like when I was a kid I donrsquot need 100 people at a fancy restaurant or an elaborate theme brought to life All I really need is a cake like mom used to make snacks for all to enjoy and a little lemonade to sip on

That was the inspiration behind this gathering I wanted to create an event to inspire the simpler things and take you back to the good olrsquo days where all you needed was bal-loons streamers confetti goody bags matching plates and napkins and of course a little Pin the Tail on the Donkey for fun

So as you glance at the images I hope they spark a little nostalgia and inspire a trip down memory lane for your next birthday celebration

We loved this grown up take on the goody bag Creating the perfect favor bag is a mix

between old favorites and new likes Include candies from when you were a kid a fun straw and everything your guests need to

make spiked peach lemonade at home

Ingredients4 Cups Lemonade4 Oz Gin2 Oz Peach Schnapps6 Basil Leaves plus more for garnish

Directions1 Combine all ingredients in large pitcher Let sit for 2-4 hours before serving2 Serve over ice and garnish with basil leaves serving

Spiked Peach Lemonade with Basil

SEE MORE FROM SARAH ATEventsUncorkedcom

EVENTSUNCORKED

Herbed Parmesan Popcorn

INGREDIENTS2 Bags Salted Natural Popcorn2 Tablespoons Butter2 Tablespoons Olive Oil1 Tablespoon Italian Herb Mixturesfrac12 Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Directions1 Pop popcorn according to box directions Pour into large mixing bowl2 In a small sauce pan melt butter olive oil and Italian herb mixture 3 Pour mixture and parmesan cheese over popcorn quickly stir-ring to combine

HOMEMADE INDIVUDUAL PIZZAS

Ingredientsfrac34 Cup Lukewarm Water1 Teaspoon Dry Active Yeast2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour1 frac12 Teaspoons Salt

Directions1 In a medium mixing bowl dissolve dry active yeast in luke-warm water 2 Add in whole wheat flour and salt to the bowl and mix un-til yoursquove formed a shaggy dough3 Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead until all combined and smooth about 5 minutes If dough begins to stick to surface or hands add additional flour4 Return to bowl and let rise about 15 hours or until doubled in size Use or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days5 Split dough in half Form each half into a ball Roll out with a rolling pin 6 Top with desired toppings and bake at 500 degrees for 5 minutes Rotate pizzas and bake for an additional 3-5 min-utes or until cheese is melted and bubbly

Vanilla Buttercream IcingIngredients2 Sticks Unsalted Butter room temperature4 Cups Powdered Sugarfrac14 Cup Heavy Cream2 frac12 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract

Directions1 Beat softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes until creamy

2 Add powdered sugar heavy cream and vanilla extract beating until thick and smooth approximately 3 minutes

3 Apply to cool cake between layers and on top Top with additional sprinkles if desired

Ingredients3 13 Cups All Purpose Flour1 Teaspoon Baking Powderfrac12 Teaspoon Baking Soda1 Teaspoon Salt2 Sticks Unsalted Butter melted1 frac12 Cups Granulated Sugarfrac12 Cup Dark Brown Sugar2 Large Eggsfrac12 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt1 frac12 Cups Milk2 Tablespoons Vanilla Extract1 13 Cup Rainbow Sprinkles (Not Non-Pareils)

Directions1 Preheat Oven to 350 degrees Spray (2) 9rdquo Round Cake Pans with non-stick spray

2 In a medium bowl mix flour baking powder baking soda and salt Set aside

3 In a large mixing bowl whisk together melted butter granulated sugar and dark brown sugar Be sure to get out any lumps

4 Whisk into sugar mixture egg milk yogurt and vanilla extract until combined

5 Slowly mix in dry ingredients until no lumps remain

6 Add sprinkles and stir till just combined being carful as to not over stir Sprinkles will begin to melt if over combined

7 Bake for 20 minutes Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 13-17 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean

8 Let cool on a wire rack completely before icing

homemade

Lake SUMMER

AT THE

Photography by Matt Engelhart

lpf style tip

canoe ridescampfiresBASEBALL CAPS

best friends

LAKE LIFE

FIREFLIES

SUMMER

SHOP THE LOOK lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $18Lizzibeth $34

Olivia Taylor $10

Lizzibeth $15

Mango $25

Sperry $85

J Crew $20

Choies $63

Lizzibeth $13

Lizzibeth $13

lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $36

Splendid $86

Tretorn $93Romwe $18

Fore

ver 2

1 $

5

Lizzibeth $20

Forever 21 $9

Lizzibeth $14

Olivia Taylor $10

Irsquom going to be completely honest with you all I dread telling people that I used to be over-weight The excess weight I carried around was a representation of some of the most unhappiest years of my life and they are hard to look back on

Growing up I was always super skinny I ate whatever I wanted when I wanted I even had trouble gaining weight at various points in my life I was downright scrawny In high school it was just me and my size zero jeans all the way through graduation Once I got to college I no-ticed a little bit of weight gain but nothing like the freshman 15 everyone was always talking about I figured I was finally filling out my womanly body

Somewhere between my junior year of col-lege and graduation in May of 2011 things changed At my peak I wore a size 14 in womenrsquos pants And not the sexy-built-to-be-curvy size 14 that Christina Mendez is rocking I Wish To say I had let myself go would be an understate-ment

When I finally acknowledged my weight and stepped on the scale I almost had a heart attack Thatrsquos probably not an exaggeration considering the lack of exercise paired with all of the fatty foods I was consuming regularly It read 178 I panicked The last time I stepped on a scale I was at the doctorrsquos office several years prior and the

number read 110 (a number far too small for my 5rsquo7rsquorsquo frame but thatrsquos another story) WHAT HAPPENED My mind was a blur trying to process those three not-so-little numbers

Luckily this happened after my workout oth-erwise Irsquom quite positive the shock would have sent me running (okay walking) out the front doors I can honestly say it was one of the most overwhelming experiences Irsquove ever had Up until that point I had let everything roll off my shoulder I ignored it all the Facebook messag-es from an ex-boyfriend calling me a fat btch the degrading hoop and holler from boys when they drove past me on the street and worst of

all I ignored the fact that my ldquofriendsrdquo were saying these terrible things about me behind my back and I was just standing by letting it happen I was fed up I made a commitment to get on track for myself

I started documenting I prefer this word to counting which is how my blog name came about (26 and Not Counting calories years flying by how many items are in my online shopping cart compared to the dollars in my bank accountyou get the gist) I started tracking calories and workouts in the myfitnesspal app committed to 5-6 workouts a week (including weight lifting which I had never done in my life) and limited my booze fests with friends (which had been going on far too often) to one night a week

Healthy is happyCOntributor Jessicarsquos Journey to a happier + Healthier self

ldquoNot only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of

negativity that coNsumed my liferdquo

It wasnrsquot as if I had never worked out before that simply wasnrsquot the case I grew up active and en-joyed spin class in my early col-lege years but I had fallen off the bandwagon

So I was working out right But what about food I hate the word diet Diet is typically defined as something you ldquogo onrdquo before a big trip and it usually means that whatever crazy thing you are doing to try and shed pounds (the grapefruit diet) will eventual-ly have an ending point I didnrsquot start drinking any crazy weight loss drink or ban everything fried but I did start watching what I ate I paid attention to my body and when it was full and aimed to eat more home cooked meals op-posed to eating out all the time

The first time someone noticed I had a lost a few pounds (8 to be exact) I nearly fell off my bar stool Yes I was at the bar cele-brating a friendrsquos birthday (I had found a happy balance and kept my social life hallelujah) The words were simple ldquoJess you are looking goodrdquo I canrsquot tell you how thankful I am to that person that they recognized the work I had been putting in

Maintaining my body will be a daily practice for the rest of my life I had to marry that thought from the get-go Til death do us part Just this past year I set out to lose another 10 pounds and

slowly but surely I reached my goal I wasnrsquot happy in my body so I fixed it and in doing so I fixed a lot of other areas in my life Irsquom proud to say that I currently weigh 131lbs Irsquove wrestled some unhealthy habits into portion controlled treats found that Irsquom a much happier person when I workout and Irsquove grown into the person I am meant to be Not only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of negativity that consumed my life

Irsquom still not where I want to be and thatrsquos okay That simply means that itrsquos time to set anoth-er goal and push myself harder than ever My hope is that if you arenrsquot happy with where yoursquore at in life whether it be your weight your job your relationship that you will love yourself enough to change the situation and create a life that makes you happy to your core

One last thing you should also know that there is such a thing as a skinny fat person Someone may appear to be skinny but that doesnrsquot necessarily mean they are healthy Being fit doesnrsquot mean fitting into a size 2 (or even 4 6 or 8) for all women (Serena Williams and Whitney Thompson are per-fect examples) Just because some-one appears to be ldquofatrdquo doesnrsquot mean they canrsquot outrun you Be kind and encouraging toward oth-er people and especially yourself

happy jessICArsquosfitnessjourney

Jess- 2011

Jess- 2014

HAIR SPRAY

BEACH BABE HAIR SPRAY14 C WATER

1 TBSP SEA SALT

1 TBSP HAIR GEL

2 DROPS ARGAN OIL OR CONDITIONER

POUR INGREDIENTS INTO TRAVEL SIZE SPRAY BOTTLE + SHAKE WELL

HAIR SPRAY

SPRAY ONTODAMP HAIR +

SCRUNCH FOR BEST BEACHY

WAVE RESULTS

The

GUIDELPF MAG CONTRIBUTORS SHARE A LOCALrsquos GUIDE TO THEIR CITIES

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO -

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO

Irsquom Katey a style blogger with Chronicles of Frivolity living as a Dallasite No we donrsquot ride horses to the mall and everything really is

bigger from our Margaritas to our eyelashes

1 Eat Dallas has more restaurants per capita than anywhere in America seriously We eat so well

2 Shop Dallas ALSO has more Shopping centers per capita than anywhere in America Itrsquos absurd

3 Marg Everywhere you look you are 10 feet from a patio with chips salsa and the best margarita yoursquove ever had 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Hattiersquos Hattiersquos is southern food with LA-white deacutecor You can enjoy Bacon-Wrapped Fried Oys-ters and Macaroni and Cheese Crusted Filet while sipping a Sweet Tea Martini

2 Stampede 66 Stampede 66 wins best margari-ta every year (The Modern Star Canyon) and The Butterscotch Pudding is worth gaining 20 pounds for

3 Saint Ann Saint Ann has one of the most beau-tiful patios in Dallas and I could probably have The Skinny Basil Lemonade and Salmon every meal of my life

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

KATEY MCFARLANof Chronicles of Frivolity

KATEYMCFARLAN

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Milk amp Honey Boutique Milk amp Honey Bou-tique might be the most affordable and unique boutique in Dallas PS go to the back room everything is on sale and there are a million size options

2 Movida Boutique Movida Boutique has the most beautiful bright pieces a neon pink or chartreuse blazer Under $40 Yes marsquoam

3 Northpark Mall Northpark Mall isnrsquot exactly affordable in every way but if you go to Dallas and donrsquot stop by it is a sin From Gucci to Nei-mans itrsquos like a museum of designers more so than a typical mall

3 TOP DALLAS AIRBNB PICKS

1 Trendy Uptown Loft A gorgeous two story loft near all of the

cities best bars amp restaurantsDallas $160 per night

2 Private Guest House w Exposed BeamsWe canrsquot get over how gorgeous this private

guest house is Dallas $150 per night

3 Contemporary CabinThis cabin is located right next to an art museum

amp always has live music at nightDallas $90 per night

I was fortunate enough to spend the majority of my college career living in the bustling city of Raleigh North Carolina Raleigh is one of those towns that flies under the radar Itrsquos a beautiful historical area with a taste of southern charm Raleigh is a relatively in-

expensive destination with lots to see and do you just need to find the right spots

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Take an afternoon or evening stroll around Lake Johnson It is the perfect place to go for a jog take a walk with your dog or hop in one of the paddle boats and explore the peaceful sights

2 Check out the local Farmerrsquos Market based right near the NC State University campus each vendor sets up their own stand of fresh produce crafts homemade goods- itrsquos open on weekends

3 Head over to the Amphitheater at Walnut Creek Lots of summer concerts are on the list tickets are super affordable in the lawn section with a great view of the stage

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Flying Biscuit- Known for their southern made delicious buttery baked biscuits paired with just about any breakfast entree it is the happening spot for a weekend brunch

2 Cameron Bar amp Grill - An upscale looking restaurant with affordable prices for a fabulous meal they have great appetizers and unique dinner dishes to pair with any delicious choice of wine

3 Boylan Bridge Brewpub - The best place to hit up to catch a sunset the local pub sits right on the bridge that overlooks the Raleigh skyline sit outside on the terrace amp enjoy one of their many craft beers (amp cheese dip) made right there

JACQUELINE YANCHOCIK

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Fabrsquorik Fabrsquorik is a hostpot with lots of affordable clothes like bright colored maxi dresses tanks and any handbag you could pos-sibly need

2 The Impeccable Pig Looking for the perfect day dress The Impeccable Pig is the place to go the store features lots of cute floral prints in dresses tops and shorts this is your summer destination shop

3 Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique is a one stop shop for all your accessory needs from simple earrings to some diamond pieces the customerrsquos of Charlottersquos are on the cutting edge of fashion

3 TOP RALEIGH AIRBNB PICKS

1 Hotel NicaraguaSsaid to be a stop from Jack Kerouacrsquos

noteworthy book ldquoOn the Roadrdquo nestled right outside downtown Raleigh this is definitely a

historic gemRaleigh $70 per night

2 Cookiersquos Garden SuiteA 1899 bungalow located in the Oakwood

Historic District enjoy a private entrance with all the amenities yoursquoll need right by downtown

Raleigh $75 per night

3 Sallyrsquos Downtown Historic SuiteThis historic home sits in a gorgeous neighbor-hood with leafy oaks close to coffee shops and

nearby bars Raleigh $85 per night

Irsquove been living in Los Angeles for over 3 years Los Angeles is a very spread out megacity with each area diverse in restaurants activities fashion architecture and even weather I grew up on

the beach so it was only fitting that I move to the west side of LA closest to the Pacific Venice is a colorful eccentric one-of-a kind district in Los Angeles right on the Pacific Ocean

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Venice has near-perfect weather year round so biking is a common activity here Marvin Braude Bike Trail (known as The Strand) is a bike path along the Pacific shoreline starting from Malibu down through Venice all the way Redondo Beach

2 Abbot Kinney is the artsy hipster sister of Bev-erly Hillsrsquo Rodeo Drive First Friday brings the best local art fashion music and food trucks to locals and visitors alike

3 Yoga and Venice go hand in hand There are multiple studios in the Venice area with incredible instructors and a class nearly every hour

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Tasting Kitchen A very special dining experience Trendy upscale atmosphere but with a rustic twist Communal seating under the trees a creative and fresh menu that changes daily and an overall obscure charm that suits Venice to a T

2 Chop Daddyrsquos Nestled between some of the cityrsquos most well-reviewed restaurants is some of the best BBQ in Los Angeles The tastiest fried pickles Irsquove ever had

3 Kippyrsquos Non-dairy raw organic coconut cream based ice cream My favorite is the orangesicle

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Firefly - the perfect collection of house-wares gifts and clothing reflecting the effort-less and beachy Venice lifestyle

2 Principessa - their website says it best ldquooutfitting the modern flower child in a so-phisticated style that is comfortable sexy and timelessrdquo

3 Aviator Nation Quintessential Southern California style that has become an obsession for many Aviator Nation has one-of-a kind t-shirt tanks sweats and more that have that worn-in feel so soft and comfortable 3 TOP VENICE AIRBNB PICKS

1 Artistrsquos CottageAn art filled cottage in proximity to one of the

worldrsquos best beaches$140 per night

2 Stylish Venice BungalowWalk to beach shops and dining from this ro-mantic and stylish holiday bungalow in a lush

garden setting$149 per night

3 Venice Garden RetreatA guesthouse filled with treasures from the

ownersrsquo travels abroad $125 per night

BROOKE KENNEDYBROOKEEJ

My name is Becca and I fell in love with Atlanta two years ago Although I moved to Atlanta for graduate school and thought it would be temporary I have fallen for a city that could be my forever home Having to choose my favorites are going to be

hard in a city that has so much to do

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Irsquove quickly made a tradition out of going to Music Midtown Music Festival in September at Piedmont Park I had the time of my life dancing the night away with best friends listening to great bands amp the Atlanta skyline in the background

2 Brunch is the only thing that gets me out of bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings Try the 100 item Bloody bar at Front Page News or all you can eat breakfast at Grsquos near piedmont If you get up early enough try West Egg in Westside Provisions

3 For a mere ten bucks you get six samples and a beautiful pint at the Sweetwater Brewery Tour But be warned the pours are heavy

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Noche This tiny tapas bar is full of flavors in tinybites Their chef special never seems to disap-point and therersquos always a drink special (Sangria Sundays are a personal favorite)

2 Park Tavern This restaurant with its own brew-ery offers some of the best views of Atlanta They have a late night sushi special and when it rains they pour dollar beers In the winter they have a full skating rink with adult only hours (so you donrsquot trip over that kid)

3YEAH Burger My favorite burger place in the world they offer a made to order burger that quenches even the pickiest of eaters appetites

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 The Lucky Exchange This second hand store is a treasure trove of pieces some extravagant sequin dresses some office appropriate attire My best find Brand new in the box Prada Loafers for under 30$

2 The Merchant at Howell Mill Grab a cup of coffee at Octane and then cross the street to Merchant A wide array of gifts and acces-sories offer the opportunity to pick up some-thing for your friends and yourself

3 Lizard Thicket Shop this trendy boutiquefor gameday dresses in your favorite team colors or the latest shipment of Bourbon and Bowetie bracelets

3 TOP ATLANTA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Secluded TreehouseHow could a girl not want to spend the night in an adult sized treehouse nestled right in popular

neighborhood Buckhead $275 per night

2 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentMidtown is close to everything you could want to be- food culture Piedmont Park museums amp an active nightlife there is something for everyone

This is a gorgeous room in a mini-mansion $73 per night

3 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentThis apartment is in the perfect location for some-one visiting town for food drinks and shopping

$69 per night

BECCA LUCIOof Becca Marie LucioBECCAMARIELUCIO

I moved to Chicago a little over a year ago and Irsquove completely fallen in love with the city As a Midwesterner all my life Chicago offers the charms of living in the Midwest while offering

amazing big city life There are summer street festivals every weekend the best brunch spots in the area shopping galore amp hidden gems in every gorgeous neighborhood

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Taste test cupcakes around Lincoln Park (I love Sweet Mandy Brsquos and Swirlz)

2 Spend the afternoon blogging at local coffee shops like Floriole amp Heritage

3 Explore local shops in new neighborhoods ndash there are so many incredible places to explore

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Range Hidden gem in Lincoln park that boasts seasonal recipes all made fromlocal ingredients Best of all itrsquos only a few blocks from my apartment Needless to say they know me by name

2 Little Goat Diner ndash I love Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzardrsquos mid-priced diner best of all her Chicago restaurants Offering home-style recipes with a fancy twist Irsquom a big fan of everything Irsquove tried Irsquod recommend the pork belly pancake amp tira-misu shake if you stop in

3 Xoco Rick Bayless has been one of my favorite chefsfor years His lower priced concept Xoco is the perfect spot to meet friends for lunch in River North Plus Margaritas (enough said right)

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 5: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

ISLAND STYLElpf loves

Rom

we

$18

Wet

Sea

l $2

5

Topshop $96

Matches $38

Roxy

$40

Mau

i Bab

e $1

1

Baub

lebar

$2

2

JCrew Factory $12

Charlotte Russe $23

Dorothy Perkins $27

Target $20

Capri Blue $30

Roxy

$56

THE 90s lpf loves

Rima $30

Birkenstock $90

Boohoo $38

BCBG

ener

atio

n $

18Sole Society $90

TopShop $60

Mot

el $

22

Topshop $16

NastyGal $68

ASO

S $

21

Mot

el $

68

TopShop $32

TopShop $15U

rban

Out

fitte

rs $

29

MID CENTURY MODERN BACHELORETTE PAD

MID CENTURY MODERN BACHELORETTE PAD on a budget

Q+A with Amanda riSIUSLPF Mag Where do you liveAmanda Living in San Francisco for the summer originally from Iowa

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your day jobAmanda Marketing Assistant at Apartment 34

LPF Mag How would you describe your interior design style Amanda My style is constantly evolving I love clean and mid-century modern designs with lots of texture and some rustic elements

LPF Mag Where do you shop for your home Amanda I shop my own home Really Also Target Anthropologie and thrift stores are great for accessories and I love Hobby Lobby and Home Depot for project mate-rials

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite DIY project yoursquove done for your houseAmanda I donrsquot think you can ever have too many pillows so I love working with textiles and making my own pillow covers The tree stamp pillow was made using a potato and is one of my favorites I also love the marble tray DIY because it was so easy and the copper lipstick holder is pretty inventive )

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your biggest splurge Biggest save Amanda My biggest splurge was actually my white Moroccan rug for $100 I got it for a major steal during a big sale and itrsquos one of my favor-ite things in my home Itrsquos just so cozy My biggest save was my coffee table I found at Goodwill for $6

interior design

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT AMANDArsquos BLOG

A HAMMER amp HEELSAMANDARISIUS

Decorating on a budget does not mean you have to sacrifice style I suggest by first really analyzing what you have for furniture and decor and working with that Get creative and repurpose furniture to fit your current style A little paint can go a long way

After arranging and styling your home with the items you already have next take a look and see whatrsquos missing By first working with what you have yoursquoll save tons of money because you arenrsquot hitting the shops and buying useless things you might not even need Once you take notes on the areas in your home that are lacking you have a clear focus of what exactly you need to purchase

When you are shopping donrsquot look at stores you know are out of budget It only makes it harder Stick to the stores that are in your price range and donrsquot be afraid to hit thrift stores Some of my most unique decor items are from thrift stores

Also keep an open mind Stores are full of great decorating items even if they arenrsquot labeled so Paper Source Home Depot and Target clearance section all have pretty items that can work as wall art desk accessories or anything

ON A budgeTdecorating

HEALTHY

SMOOTHIES

BERRY SMOOTHIE12 cup blueberries 12 cup blackberries 12 cup coconut water 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional) Handful of ice cubes 1 tbsp honey or stevia (optional)

STRAWBERRY + MANGO SMOOTHIE12 cup mango 12 cup strawberries 14 cup coconut water 1 tbsp chia seeds 1 tbsp honey or stevia (optional) Sliced almonds to garnish

KALE BANANA PINEAPPLE + MANGO SMOOTHIE14 cup chopped kale 1 whole chopped banana 12 cup chopped mango 12 cup pineapple 12 cup coconut water 12 tsp chia seeds Handful of ice cubes

NIA IS A HEALTH ENTHUSIAST ASPIRING TO INSPIRE PEOPLE TO LIVE A COLORFUL

WHOLESOME AND HAPPY LIFE

FOLLOW HER ON INSTAGRAM NIA_TRITION + SIGN UP FOR HER MAILING LIST FOR WEEKLY HEALTHY RECIPES IN YOUR INBOX

PINEAPPLE CILANTRO LIME MARINADE

Marinade for 1 lb of meatPreparation Time 5 minutesMarinating Time 1 hourTotal Time 1 hour 5 minutes

INGREDIENTS12 cup extra virgin olive oil14 cup pineapple juice14 cup fresh cilantro1 lime (for zest and juice)34 tsp salt12 tsp cumin14 tsp onion powder18 tsp black pepper

1 Rinse and chop cilantro

2 Zest the lime

3 Juice the lime and whisk all ingredients together

4 Mix meat and marinade together

5 Cover meat and marinade (or seal in a zip top bag) and place in the refrigerator for 1 hour

6 Cook as you please Grilling with pineapple bell pepper and onion is recommended

Our cooking expert Jocelyn Mandalou at Saucy Joceyrsquos Kitchen shows us how to make our own marinade for cookouts Itrsquos healthier than a store bought

marinade amp super simple

Follow Jocelyn at SaucyJoceysKitchencomSaucyJoceysKitchen

Photography by Sarah Ennis

haveyourcakeamp eat it too

letrsquos party Often in the middle of the day I find myself drifting off and dreaming of beautiful parties From weddings to holidays I canrsquot help but think of what to do to take it to the next level

However when it comes to birthdays my mind shifts the opposite direction While throwing an over the top birthday bash may work for some I much prefer the beauty of a simpler get together like when I was a kid I donrsquot need 100 people at a fancy restaurant or an elaborate theme brought to life All I really need is a cake like mom used to make snacks for all to enjoy and a little lemonade to sip on

That was the inspiration behind this gathering I wanted to create an event to inspire the simpler things and take you back to the good olrsquo days where all you needed was bal-loons streamers confetti goody bags matching plates and napkins and of course a little Pin the Tail on the Donkey for fun

So as you glance at the images I hope they spark a little nostalgia and inspire a trip down memory lane for your next birthday celebration

We loved this grown up take on the goody bag Creating the perfect favor bag is a mix

between old favorites and new likes Include candies from when you were a kid a fun straw and everything your guests need to

make spiked peach lemonade at home

Ingredients4 Cups Lemonade4 Oz Gin2 Oz Peach Schnapps6 Basil Leaves plus more for garnish

Directions1 Combine all ingredients in large pitcher Let sit for 2-4 hours before serving2 Serve over ice and garnish with basil leaves serving

Spiked Peach Lemonade with Basil

SEE MORE FROM SARAH ATEventsUncorkedcom

EVENTSUNCORKED

Herbed Parmesan Popcorn

INGREDIENTS2 Bags Salted Natural Popcorn2 Tablespoons Butter2 Tablespoons Olive Oil1 Tablespoon Italian Herb Mixturesfrac12 Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Directions1 Pop popcorn according to box directions Pour into large mixing bowl2 In a small sauce pan melt butter olive oil and Italian herb mixture 3 Pour mixture and parmesan cheese over popcorn quickly stir-ring to combine

HOMEMADE INDIVUDUAL PIZZAS

Ingredientsfrac34 Cup Lukewarm Water1 Teaspoon Dry Active Yeast2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour1 frac12 Teaspoons Salt

Directions1 In a medium mixing bowl dissolve dry active yeast in luke-warm water 2 Add in whole wheat flour and salt to the bowl and mix un-til yoursquove formed a shaggy dough3 Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead until all combined and smooth about 5 minutes If dough begins to stick to surface or hands add additional flour4 Return to bowl and let rise about 15 hours or until doubled in size Use or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days5 Split dough in half Form each half into a ball Roll out with a rolling pin 6 Top with desired toppings and bake at 500 degrees for 5 minutes Rotate pizzas and bake for an additional 3-5 min-utes or until cheese is melted and bubbly

Vanilla Buttercream IcingIngredients2 Sticks Unsalted Butter room temperature4 Cups Powdered Sugarfrac14 Cup Heavy Cream2 frac12 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract

Directions1 Beat softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes until creamy

2 Add powdered sugar heavy cream and vanilla extract beating until thick and smooth approximately 3 minutes

3 Apply to cool cake between layers and on top Top with additional sprinkles if desired

Ingredients3 13 Cups All Purpose Flour1 Teaspoon Baking Powderfrac12 Teaspoon Baking Soda1 Teaspoon Salt2 Sticks Unsalted Butter melted1 frac12 Cups Granulated Sugarfrac12 Cup Dark Brown Sugar2 Large Eggsfrac12 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt1 frac12 Cups Milk2 Tablespoons Vanilla Extract1 13 Cup Rainbow Sprinkles (Not Non-Pareils)

Directions1 Preheat Oven to 350 degrees Spray (2) 9rdquo Round Cake Pans with non-stick spray

2 In a medium bowl mix flour baking powder baking soda and salt Set aside

3 In a large mixing bowl whisk together melted butter granulated sugar and dark brown sugar Be sure to get out any lumps

4 Whisk into sugar mixture egg milk yogurt and vanilla extract until combined

5 Slowly mix in dry ingredients until no lumps remain

6 Add sprinkles and stir till just combined being carful as to not over stir Sprinkles will begin to melt if over combined

7 Bake for 20 minutes Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 13-17 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean

8 Let cool on a wire rack completely before icing

homemade

Lake SUMMER

AT THE

Photography by Matt Engelhart

lpf style tip

canoe ridescampfiresBASEBALL CAPS

best friends

LAKE LIFE

FIREFLIES

SUMMER

SHOP THE LOOK lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $18Lizzibeth $34

Olivia Taylor $10

Lizzibeth $15

Mango $25

Sperry $85

J Crew $20

Choies $63

Lizzibeth $13

Lizzibeth $13

lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $36

Splendid $86

Tretorn $93Romwe $18

Fore

ver 2

1 $

5

Lizzibeth $20

Forever 21 $9

Lizzibeth $14

Olivia Taylor $10

Irsquom going to be completely honest with you all I dread telling people that I used to be over-weight The excess weight I carried around was a representation of some of the most unhappiest years of my life and they are hard to look back on

Growing up I was always super skinny I ate whatever I wanted when I wanted I even had trouble gaining weight at various points in my life I was downright scrawny In high school it was just me and my size zero jeans all the way through graduation Once I got to college I no-ticed a little bit of weight gain but nothing like the freshman 15 everyone was always talking about I figured I was finally filling out my womanly body

Somewhere between my junior year of col-lege and graduation in May of 2011 things changed At my peak I wore a size 14 in womenrsquos pants And not the sexy-built-to-be-curvy size 14 that Christina Mendez is rocking I Wish To say I had let myself go would be an understate-ment

When I finally acknowledged my weight and stepped on the scale I almost had a heart attack Thatrsquos probably not an exaggeration considering the lack of exercise paired with all of the fatty foods I was consuming regularly It read 178 I panicked The last time I stepped on a scale I was at the doctorrsquos office several years prior and the

number read 110 (a number far too small for my 5rsquo7rsquorsquo frame but thatrsquos another story) WHAT HAPPENED My mind was a blur trying to process those three not-so-little numbers

Luckily this happened after my workout oth-erwise Irsquom quite positive the shock would have sent me running (okay walking) out the front doors I can honestly say it was one of the most overwhelming experiences Irsquove ever had Up until that point I had let everything roll off my shoulder I ignored it all the Facebook messag-es from an ex-boyfriend calling me a fat btch the degrading hoop and holler from boys when they drove past me on the street and worst of

all I ignored the fact that my ldquofriendsrdquo were saying these terrible things about me behind my back and I was just standing by letting it happen I was fed up I made a commitment to get on track for myself

I started documenting I prefer this word to counting which is how my blog name came about (26 and Not Counting calories years flying by how many items are in my online shopping cart compared to the dollars in my bank accountyou get the gist) I started tracking calories and workouts in the myfitnesspal app committed to 5-6 workouts a week (including weight lifting which I had never done in my life) and limited my booze fests with friends (which had been going on far too often) to one night a week

Healthy is happyCOntributor Jessicarsquos Journey to a happier + Healthier self

ldquoNot only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of

negativity that coNsumed my liferdquo

It wasnrsquot as if I had never worked out before that simply wasnrsquot the case I grew up active and en-joyed spin class in my early col-lege years but I had fallen off the bandwagon

So I was working out right But what about food I hate the word diet Diet is typically defined as something you ldquogo onrdquo before a big trip and it usually means that whatever crazy thing you are doing to try and shed pounds (the grapefruit diet) will eventual-ly have an ending point I didnrsquot start drinking any crazy weight loss drink or ban everything fried but I did start watching what I ate I paid attention to my body and when it was full and aimed to eat more home cooked meals op-posed to eating out all the time

The first time someone noticed I had a lost a few pounds (8 to be exact) I nearly fell off my bar stool Yes I was at the bar cele-brating a friendrsquos birthday (I had found a happy balance and kept my social life hallelujah) The words were simple ldquoJess you are looking goodrdquo I canrsquot tell you how thankful I am to that person that they recognized the work I had been putting in

Maintaining my body will be a daily practice for the rest of my life I had to marry that thought from the get-go Til death do us part Just this past year I set out to lose another 10 pounds and

slowly but surely I reached my goal I wasnrsquot happy in my body so I fixed it and in doing so I fixed a lot of other areas in my life Irsquom proud to say that I currently weigh 131lbs Irsquove wrestled some unhealthy habits into portion controlled treats found that Irsquom a much happier person when I workout and Irsquove grown into the person I am meant to be Not only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of negativity that consumed my life

Irsquom still not where I want to be and thatrsquos okay That simply means that itrsquos time to set anoth-er goal and push myself harder than ever My hope is that if you arenrsquot happy with where yoursquore at in life whether it be your weight your job your relationship that you will love yourself enough to change the situation and create a life that makes you happy to your core

One last thing you should also know that there is such a thing as a skinny fat person Someone may appear to be skinny but that doesnrsquot necessarily mean they are healthy Being fit doesnrsquot mean fitting into a size 2 (or even 4 6 or 8) for all women (Serena Williams and Whitney Thompson are per-fect examples) Just because some-one appears to be ldquofatrdquo doesnrsquot mean they canrsquot outrun you Be kind and encouraging toward oth-er people and especially yourself

happy jessICArsquosfitnessjourney

Jess- 2011

Jess- 2014

HAIR SPRAY

BEACH BABE HAIR SPRAY14 C WATER

1 TBSP SEA SALT

1 TBSP HAIR GEL

2 DROPS ARGAN OIL OR CONDITIONER

POUR INGREDIENTS INTO TRAVEL SIZE SPRAY BOTTLE + SHAKE WELL

HAIR SPRAY

SPRAY ONTODAMP HAIR +

SCRUNCH FOR BEST BEACHY

WAVE RESULTS

The

GUIDELPF MAG CONTRIBUTORS SHARE A LOCALrsquos GUIDE TO THEIR CITIES

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO -

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO

Irsquom Katey a style blogger with Chronicles of Frivolity living as a Dallasite No we donrsquot ride horses to the mall and everything really is

bigger from our Margaritas to our eyelashes

1 Eat Dallas has more restaurants per capita than anywhere in America seriously We eat so well

2 Shop Dallas ALSO has more Shopping centers per capita than anywhere in America Itrsquos absurd

3 Marg Everywhere you look you are 10 feet from a patio with chips salsa and the best margarita yoursquove ever had 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Hattiersquos Hattiersquos is southern food with LA-white deacutecor You can enjoy Bacon-Wrapped Fried Oys-ters and Macaroni and Cheese Crusted Filet while sipping a Sweet Tea Martini

2 Stampede 66 Stampede 66 wins best margari-ta every year (The Modern Star Canyon) and The Butterscotch Pudding is worth gaining 20 pounds for

3 Saint Ann Saint Ann has one of the most beau-tiful patios in Dallas and I could probably have The Skinny Basil Lemonade and Salmon every meal of my life

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

KATEY MCFARLANof Chronicles of Frivolity

KATEYMCFARLAN

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Milk amp Honey Boutique Milk amp Honey Bou-tique might be the most affordable and unique boutique in Dallas PS go to the back room everything is on sale and there are a million size options

2 Movida Boutique Movida Boutique has the most beautiful bright pieces a neon pink or chartreuse blazer Under $40 Yes marsquoam

3 Northpark Mall Northpark Mall isnrsquot exactly affordable in every way but if you go to Dallas and donrsquot stop by it is a sin From Gucci to Nei-mans itrsquos like a museum of designers more so than a typical mall

3 TOP DALLAS AIRBNB PICKS

1 Trendy Uptown Loft A gorgeous two story loft near all of the

cities best bars amp restaurantsDallas $160 per night

2 Private Guest House w Exposed BeamsWe canrsquot get over how gorgeous this private

guest house is Dallas $150 per night

3 Contemporary CabinThis cabin is located right next to an art museum

amp always has live music at nightDallas $90 per night

I was fortunate enough to spend the majority of my college career living in the bustling city of Raleigh North Carolina Raleigh is one of those towns that flies under the radar Itrsquos a beautiful historical area with a taste of southern charm Raleigh is a relatively in-

expensive destination with lots to see and do you just need to find the right spots

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Take an afternoon or evening stroll around Lake Johnson It is the perfect place to go for a jog take a walk with your dog or hop in one of the paddle boats and explore the peaceful sights

2 Check out the local Farmerrsquos Market based right near the NC State University campus each vendor sets up their own stand of fresh produce crafts homemade goods- itrsquos open on weekends

3 Head over to the Amphitheater at Walnut Creek Lots of summer concerts are on the list tickets are super affordable in the lawn section with a great view of the stage

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Flying Biscuit- Known for their southern made delicious buttery baked biscuits paired with just about any breakfast entree it is the happening spot for a weekend brunch

2 Cameron Bar amp Grill - An upscale looking restaurant with affordable prices for a fabulous meal they have great appetizers and unique dinner dishes to pair with any delicious choice of wine

3 Boylan Bridge Brewpub - The best place to hit up to catch a sunset the local pub sits right on the bridge that overlooks the Raleigh skyline sit outside on the terrace amp enjoy one of their many craft beers (amp cheese dip) made right there

JACQUELINE YANCHOCIK

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Fabrsquorik Fabrsquorik is a hostpot with lots of affordable clothes like bright colored maxi dresses tanks and any handbag you could pos-sibly need

2 The Impeccable Pig Looking for the perfect day dress The Impeccable Pig is the place to go the store features lots of cute floral prints in dresses tops and shorts this is your summer destination shop

3 Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique is a one stop shop for all your accessory needs from simple earrings to some diamond pieces the customerrsquos of Charlottersquos are on the cutting edge of fashion

3 TOP RALEIGH AIRBNB PICKS

1 Hotel NicaraguaSsaid to be a stop from Jack Kerouacrsquos

noteworthy book ldquoOn the Roadrdquo nestled right outside downtown Raleigh this is definitely a

historic gemRaleigh $70 per night

2 Cookiersquos Garden SuiteA 1899 bungalow located in the Oakwood

Historic District enjoy a private entrance with all the amenities yoursquoll need right by downtown

Raleigh $75 per night

3 Sallyrsquos Downtown Historic SuiteThis historic home sits in a gorgeous neighbor-hood with leafy oaks close to coffee shops and

nearby bars Raleigh $85 per night

Irsquove been living in Los Angeles for over 3 years Los Angeles is a very spread out megacity with each area diverse in restaurants activities fashion architecture and even weather I grew up on

the beach so it was only fitting that I move to the west side of LA closest to the Pacific Venice is a colorful eccentric one-of-a kind district in Los Angeles right on the Pacific Ocean

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Venice has near-perfect weather year round so biking is a common activity here Marvin Braude Bike Trail (known as The Strand) is a bike path along the Pacific shoreline starting from Malibu down through Venice all the way Redondo Beach

2 Abbot Kinney is the artsy hipster sister of Bev-erly Hillsrsquo Rodeo Drive First Friday brings the best local art fashion music and food trucks to locals and visitors alike

3 Yoga and Venice go hand in hand There are multiple studios in the Venice area with incredible instructors and a class nearly every hour

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Tasting Kitchen A very special dining experience Trendy upscale atmosphere but with a rustic twist Communal seating under the trees a creative and fresh menu that changes daily and an overall obscure charm that suits Venice to a T

2 Chop Daddyrsquos Nestled between some of the cityrsquos most well-reviewed restaurants is some of the best BBQ in Los Angeles The tastiest fried pickles Irsquove ever had

3 Kippyrsquos Non-dairy raw organic coconut cream based ice cream My favorite is the orangesicle

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Firefly - the perfect collection of house-wares gifts and clothing reflecting the effort-less and beachy Venice lifestyle

2 Principessa - their website says it best ldquooutfitting the modern flower child in a so-phisticated style that is comfortable sexy and timelessrdquo

3 Aviator Nation Quintessential Southern California style that has become an obsession for many Aviator Nation has one-of-a kind t-shirt tanks sweats and more that have that worn-in feel so soft and comfortable 3 TOP VENICE AIRBNB PICKS

1 Artistrsquos CottageAn art filled cottage in proximity to one of the

worldrsquos best beaches$140 per night

2 Stylish Venice BungalowWalk to beach shops and dining from this ro-mantic and stylish holiday bungalow in a lush

garden setting$149 per night

3 Venice Garden RetreatA guesthouse filled with treasures from the

ownersrsquo travels abroad $125 per night

BROOKE KENNEDYBROOKEEJ

My name is Becca and I fell in love with Atlanta two years ago Although I moved to Atlanta for graduate school and thought it would be temporary I have fallen for a city that could be my forever home Having to choose my favorites are going to be

hard in a city that has so much to do

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Irsquove quickly made a tradition out of going to Music Midtown Music Festival in September at Piedmont Park I had the time of my life dancing the night away with best friends listening to great bands amp the Atlanta skyline in the background

2 Brunch is the only thing that gets me out of bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings Try the 100 item Bloody bar at Front Page News or all you can eat breakfast at Grsquos near piedmont If you get up early enough try West Egg in Westside Provisions

3 For a mere ten bucks you get six samples and a beautiful pint at the Sweetwater Brewery Tour But be warned the pours are heavy

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Noche This tiny tapas bar is full of flavors in tinybites Their chef special never seems to disap-point and therersquos always a drink special (Sangria Sundays are a personal favorite)

2 Park Tavern This restaurant with its own brew-ery offers some of the best views of Atlanta They have a late night sushi special and when it rains they pour dollar beers In the winter they have a full skating rink with adult only hours (so you donrsquot trip over that kid)

3YEAH Burger My favorite burger place in the world they offer a made to order burger that quenches even the pickiest of eaters appetites

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 The Lucky Exchange This second hand store is a treasure trove of pieces some extravagant sequin dresses some office appropriate attire My best find Brand new in the box Prada Loafers for under 30$

2 The Merchant at Howell Mill Grab a cup of coffee at Octane and then cross the street to Merchant A wide array of gifts and acces-sories offer the opportunity to pick up some-thing for your friends and yourself

3 Lizard Thicket Shop this trendy boutiquefor gameday dresses in your favorite team colors or the latest shipment of Bourbon and Bowetie bracelets

3 TOP ATLANTA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Secluded TreehouseHow could a girl not want to spend the night in an adult sized treehouse nestled right in popular

neighborhood Buckhead $275 per night

2 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentMidtown is close to everything you could want to be- food culture Piedmont Park museums amp an active nightlife there is something for everyone

This is a gorgeous room in a mini-mansion $73 per night

3 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentThis apartment is in the perfect location for some-one visiting town for food drinks and shopping

$69 per night

BECCA LUCIOof Becca Marie LucioBECCAMARIELUCIO

I moved to Chicago a little over a year ago and Irsquove completely fallen in love with the city As a Midwesterner all my life Chicago offers the charms of living in the Midwest while offering

amazing big city life There are summer street festivals every weekend the best brunch spots in the area shopping galore amp hidden gems in every gorgeous neighborhood

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Taste test cupcakes around Lincoln Park (I love Sweet Mandy Brsquos and Swirlz)

2 Spend the afternoon blogging at local coffee shops like Floriole amp Heritage

3 Explore local shops in new neighborhoods ndash there are so many incredible places to explore

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Range Hidden gem in Lincoln park that boasts seasonal recipes all made fromlocal ingredients Best of all itrsquos only a few blocks from my apartment Needless to say they know me by name

2 Little Goat Diner ndash I love Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzardrsquos mid-priced diner best of all her Chicago restaurants Offering home-style recipes with a fancy twist Irsquom a big fan of everything Irsquove tried Irsquod recommend the pork belly pancake amp tira-misu shake if you stop in

3 Xoco Rick Bayless has been one of my favorite chefsfor years His lower priced concept Xoco is the perfect spot to meet friends for lunch in River North Plus Margaritas (enough said right)

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 6: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

Baub

lebar

$2

2

JCrew Factory $12

Charlotte Russe $23

Dorothy Perkins $27

Target $20

Capri Blue $30

Roxy

$56

THE 90s lpf loves

Rima $30

Birkenstock $90

Boohoo $38

BCBG

ener

atio

n $

18Sole Society $90

TopShop $60

Mot

el $

22

Topshop $16

NastyGal $68

ASO

S $

21

Mot

el $

68

TopShop $32

TopShop $15U

rban

Out

fitte

rs $

29

MID CENTURY MODERN BACHELORETTE PAD

MID CENTURY MODERN BACHELORETTE PAD on a budget

Q+A with Amanda riSIUSLPF Mag Where do you liveAmanda Living in San Francisco for the summer originally from Iowa

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your day jobAmanda Marketing Assistant at Apartment 34

LPF Mag How would you describe your interior design style Amanda My style is constantly evolving I love clean and mid-century modern designs with lots of texture and some rustic elements

LPF Mag Where do you shop for your home Amanda I shop my own home Really Also Target Anthropologie and thrift stores are great for accessories and I love Hobby Lobby and Home Depot for project mate-rials

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite DIY project yoursquove done for your houseAmanda I donrsquot think you can ever have too many pillows so I love working with textiles and making my own pillow covers The tree stamp pillow was made using a potato and is one of my favorites I also love the marble tray DIY because it was so easy and the copper lipstick holder is pretty inventive )

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your biggest splurge Biggest save Amanda My biggest splurge was actually my white Moroccan rug for $100 I got it for a major steal during a big sale and itrsquos one of my favor-ite things in my home Itrsquos just so cozy My biggest save was my coffee table I found at Goodwill for $6

interior design

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT AMANDArsquos BLOG

A HAMMER amp HEELSAMANDARISIUS

Decorating on a budget does not mean you have to sacrifice style I suggest by first really analyzing what you have for furniture and decor and working with that Get creative and repurpose furniture to fit your current style A little paint can go a long way

After arranging and styling your home with the items you already have next take a look and see whatrsquos missing By first working with what you have yoursquoll save tons of money because you arenrsquot hitting the shops and buying useless things you might not even need Once you take notes on the areas in your home that are lacking you have a clear focus of what exactly you need to purchase

When you are shopping donrsquot look at stores you know are out of budget It only makes it harder Stick to the stores that are in your price range and donrsquot be afraid to hit thrift stores Some of my most unique decor items are from thrift stores

Also keep an open mind Stores are full of great decorating items even if they arenrsquot labeled so Paper Source Home Depot and Target clearance section all have pretty items that can work as wall art desk accessories or anything

ON A budgeTdecorating

HEALTHY

SMOOTHIES

BERRY SMOOTHIE12 cup blueberries 12 cup blackberries 12 cup coconut water 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional) Handful of ice cubes 1 tbsp honey or stevia (optional)

STRAWBERRY + MANGO SMOOTHIE12 cup mango 12 cup strawberries 14 cup coconut water 1 tbsp chia seeds 1 tbsp honey or stevia (optional) Sliced almonds to garnish

KALE BANANA PINEAPPLE + MANGO SMOOTHIE14 cup chopped kale 1 whole chopped banana 12 cup chopped mango 12 cup pineapple 12 cup coconut water 12 tsp chia seeds Handful of ice cubes

NIA IS A HEALTH ENTHUSIAST ASPIRING TO INSPIRE PEOPLE TO LIVE A COLORFUL

WHOLESOME AND HAPPY LIFE

FOLLOW HER ON INSTAGRAM NIA_TRITION + SIGN UP FOR HER MAILING LIST FOR WEEKLY HEALTHY RECIPES IN YOUR INBOX

PINEAPPLE CILANTRO LIME MARINADE

Marinade for 1 lb of meatPreparation Time 5 minutesMarinating Time 1 hourTotal Time 1 hour 5 minutes

INGREDIENTS12 cup extra virgin olive oil14 cup pineapple juice14 cup fresh cilantro1 lime (for zest and juice)34 tsp salt12 tsp cumin14 tsp onion powder18 tsp black pepper

1 Rinse and chop cilantro

2 Zest the lime

3 Juice the lime and whisk all ingredients together

4 Mix meat and marinade together

5 Cover meat and marinade (or seal in a zip top bag) and place in the refrigerator for 1 hour

6 Cook as you please Grilling with pineapple bell pepper and onion is recommended

Our cooking expert Jocelyn Mandalou at Saucy Joceyrsquos Kitchen shows us how to make our own marinade for cookouts Itrsquos healthier than a store bought

marinade amp super simple

Follow Jocelyn at SaucyJoceysKitchencomSaucyJoceysKitchen

Photography by Sarah Ennis

haveyourcakeamp eat it too

letrsquos party Often in the middle of the day I find myself drifting off and dreaming of beautiful parties From weddings to holidays I canrsquot help but think of what to do to take it to the next level

However when it comes to birthdays my mind shifts the opposite direction While throwing an over the top birthday bash may work for some I much prefer the beauty of a simpler get together like when I was a kid I donrsquot need 100 people at a fancy restaurant or an elaborate theme brought to life All I really need is a cake like mom used to make snacks for all to enjoy and a little lemonade to sip on

That was the inspiration behind this gathering I wanted to create an event to inspire the simpler things and take you back to the good olrsquo days where all you needed was bal-loons streamers confetti goody bags matching plates and napkins and of course a little Pin the Tail on the Donkey for fun

So as you glance at the images I hope they spark a little nostalgia and inspire a trip down memory lane for your next birthday celebration

We loved this grown up take on the goody bag Creating the perfect favor bag is a mix

between old favorites and new likes Include candies from when you were a kid a fun straw and everything your guests need to

make spiked peach lemonade at home

Ingredients4 Cups Lemonade4 Oz Gin2 Oz Peach Schnapps6 Basil Leaves plus more for garnish

Directions1 Combine all ingredients in large pitcher Let sit for 2-4 hours before serving2 Serve over ice and garnish with basil leaves serving

Spiked Peach Lemonade with Basil

SEE MORE FROM SARAH ATEventsUncorkedcom

EVENTSUNCORKED

Herbed Parmesan Popcorn

INGREDIENTS2 Bags Salted Natural Popcorn2 Tablespoons Butter2 Tablespoons Olive Oil1 Tablespoon Italian Herb Mixturesfrac12 Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Directions1 Pop popcorn according to box directions Pour into large mixing bowl2 In a small sauce pan melt butter olive oil and Italian herb mixture 3 Pour mixture and parmesan cheese over popcorn quickly stir-ring to combine

HOMEMADE INDIVUDUAL PIZZAS

Ingredientsfrac34 Cup Lukewarm Water1 Teaspoon Dry Active Yeast2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour1 frac12 Teaspoons Salt

Directions1 In a medium mixing bowl dissolve dry active yeast in luke-warm water 2 Add in whole wheat flour and salt to the bowl and mix un-til yoursquove formed a shaggy dough3 Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead until all combined and smooth about 5 minutes If dough begins to stick to surface or hands add additional flour4 Return to bowl and let rise about 15 hours or until doubled in size Use or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days5 Split dough in half Form each half into a ball Roll out with a rolling pin 6 Top with desired toppings and bake at 500 degrees for 5 minutes Rotate pizzas and bake for an additional 3-5 min-utes or until cheese is melted and bubbly

Vanilla Buttercream IcingIngredients2 Sticks Unsalted Butter room temperature4 Cups Powdered Sugarfrac14 Cup Heavy Cream2 frac12 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract

Directions1 Beat softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes until creamy

2 Add powdered sugar heavy cream and vanilla extract beating until thick and smooth approximately 3 minutes

3 Apply to cool cake between layers and on top Top with additional sprinkles if desired

Ingredients3 13 Cups All Purpose Flour1 Teaspoon Baking Powderfrac12 Teaspoon Baking Soda1 Teaspoon Salt2 Sticks Unsalted Butter melted1 frac12 Cups Granulated Sugarfrac12 Cup Dark Brown Sugar2 Large Eggsfrac12 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt1 frac12 Cups Milk2 Tablespoons Vanilla Extract1 13 Cup Rainbow Sprinkles (Not Non-Pareils)

Directions1 Preheat Oven to 350 degrees Spray (2) 9rdquo Round Cake Pans with non-stick spray

2 In a medium bowl mix flour baking powder baking soda and salt Set aside

3 In a large mixing bowl whisk together melted butter granulated sugar and dark brown sugar Be sure to get out any lumps

4 Whisk into sugar mixture egg milk yogurt and vanilla extract until combined

5 Slowly mix in dry ingredients until no lumps remain

6 Add sprinkles and stir till just combined being carful as to not over stir Sprinkles will begin to melt if over combined

7 Bake for 20 minutes Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 13-17 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean

8 Let cool on a wire rack completely before icing

homemade

Lake SUMMER

AT THE

Photography by Matt Engelhart

lpf style tip

canoe ridescampfiresBASEBALL CAPS

best friends

LAKE LIFE

FIREFLIES

SUMMER

SHOP THE LOOK lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $18Lizzibeth $34

Olivia Taylor $10

Lizzibeth $15

Mango $25

Sperry $85

J Crew $20

Choies $63

Lizzibeth $13

Lizzibeth $13

lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $36

Splendid $86

Tretorn $93Romwe $18

Fore

ver 2

1 $

5

Lizzibeth $20

Forever 21 $9

Lizzibeth $14

Olivia Taylor $10

Irsquom going to be completely honest with you all I dread telling people that I used to be over-weight The excess weight I carried around was a representation of some of the most unhappiest years of my life and they are hard to look back on

Growing up I was always super skinny I ate whatever I wanted when I wanted I even had trouble gaining weight at various points in my life I was downright scrawny In high school it was just me and my size zero jeans all the way through graduation Once I got to college I no-ticed a little bit of weight gain but nothing like the freshman 15 everyone was always talking about I figured I was finally filling out my womanly body

Somewhere between my junior year of col-lege and graduation in May of 2011 things changed At my peak I wore a size 14 in womenrsquos pants And not the sexy-built-to-be-curvy size 14 that Christina Mendez is rocking I Wish To say I had let myself go would be an understate-ment

When I finally acknowledged my weight and stepped on the scale I almost had a heart attack Thatrsquos probably not an exaggeration considering the lack of exercise paired with all of the fatty foods I was consuming regularly It read 178 I panicked The last time I stepped on a scale I was at the doctorrsquos office several years prior and the

number read 110 (a number far too small for my 5rsquo7rsquorsquo frame but thatrsquos another story) WHAT HAPPENED My mind was a blur trying to process those three not-so-little numbers

Luckily this happened after my workout oth-erwise Irsquom quite positive the shock would have sent me running (okay walking) out the front doors I can honestly say it was one of the most overwhelming experiences Irsquove ever had Up until that point I had let everything roll off my shoulder I ignored it all the Facebook messag-es from an ex-boyfriend calling me a fat btch the degrading hoop and holler from boys when they drove past me on the street and worst of

all I ignored the fact that my ldquofriendsrdquo were saying these terrible things about me behind my back and I was just standing by letting it happen I was fed up I made a commitment to get on track for myself

I started documenting I prefer this word to counting which is how my blog name came about (26 and Not Counting calories years flying by how many items are in my online shopping cart compared to the dollars in my bank accountyou get the gist) I started tracking calories and workouts in the myfitnesspal app committed to 5-6 workouts a week (including weight lifting which I had never done in my life) and limited my booze fests with friends (which had been going on far too often) to one night a week

Healthy is happyCOntributor Jessicarsquos Journey to a happier + Healthier self

ldquoNot only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of

negativity that coNsumed my liferdquo

It wasnrsquot as if I had never worked out before that simply wasnrsquot the case I grew up active and en-joyed spin class in my early col-lege years but I had fallen off the bandwagon

So I was working out right But what about food I hate the word diet Diet is typically defined as something you ldquogo onrdquo before a big trip and it usually means that whatever crazy thing you are doing to try and shed pounds (the grapefruit diet) will eventual-ly have an ending point I didnrsquot start drinking any crazy weight loss drink or ban everything fried but I did start watching what I ate I paid attention to my body and when it was full and aimed to eat more home cooked meals op-posed to eating out all the time

The first time someone noticed I had a lost a few pounds (8 to be exact) I nearly fell off my bar stool Yes I was at the bar cele-brating a friendrsquos birthday (I had found a happy balance and kept my social life hallelujah) The words were simple ldquoJess you are looking goodrdquo I canrsquot tell you how thankful I am to that person that they recognized the work I had been putting in

Maintaining my body will be a daily practice for the rest of my life I had to marry that thought from the get-go Til death do us part Just this past year I set out to lose another 10 pounds and

slowly but surely I reached my goal I wasnrsquot happy in my body so I fixed it and in doing so I fixed a lot of other areas in my life Irsquom proud to say that I currently weigh 131lbs Irsquove wrestled some unhealthy habits into portion controlled treats found that Irsquom a much happier person when I workout and Irsquove grown into the person I am meant to be Not only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of negativity that consumed my life

Irsquom still not where I want to be and thatrsquos okay That simply means that itrsquos time to set anoth-er goal and push myself harder than ever My hope is that if you arenrsquot happy with where yoursquore at in life whether it be your weight your job your relationship that you will love yourself enough to change the situation and create a life that makes you happy to your core

One last thing you should also know that there is such a thing as a skinny fat person Someone may appear to be skinny but that doesnrsquot necessarily mean they are healthy Being fit doesnrsquot mean fitting into a size 2 (or even 4 6 or 8) for all women (Serena Williams and Whitney Thompson are per-fect examples) Just because some-one appears to be ldquofatrdquo doesnrsquot mean they canrsquot outrun you Be kind and encouraging toward oth-er people and especially yourself

happy jessICArsquosfitnessjourney

Jess- 2011

Jess- 2014

HAIR SPRAY

BEACH BABE HAIR SPRAY14 C WATER

1 TBSP SEA SALT

1 TBSP HAIR GEL

2 DROPS ARGAN OIL OR CONDITIONER

POUR INGREDIENTS INTO TRAVEL SIZE SPRAY BOTTLE + SHAKE WELL

HAIR SPRAY

SPRAY ONTODAMP HAIR +

SCRUNCH FOR BEST BEACHY

WAVE RESULTS

The

GUIDELPF MAG CONTRIBUTORS SHARE A LOCALrsquos GUIDE TO THEIR CITIES

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO -

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO

Irsquom Katey a style blogger with Chronicles of Frivolity living as a Dallasite No we donrsquot ride horses to the mall and everything really is

bigger from our Margaritas to our eyelashes

1 Eat Dallas has more restaurants per capita than anywhere in America seriously We eat so well

2 Shop Dallas ALSO has more Shopping centers per capita than anywhere in America Itrsquos absurd

3 Marg Everywhere you look you are 10 feet from a patio with chips salsa and the best margarita yoursquove ever had 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Hattiersquos Hattiersquos is southern food with LA-white deacutecor You can enjoy Bacon-Wrapped Fried Oys-ters and Macaroni and Cheese Crusted Filet while sipping a Sweet Tea Martini

2 Stampede 66 Stampede 66 wins best margari-ta every year (The Modern Star Canyon) and The Butterscotch Pudding is worth gaining 20 pounds for

3 Saint Ann Saint Ann has one of the most beau-tiful patios in Dallas and I could probably have The Skinny Basil Lemonade and Salmon every meal of my life

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

KATEY MCFARLANof Chronicles of Frivolity

KATEYMCFARLAN

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Milk amp Honey Boutique Milk amp Honey Bou-tique might be the most affordable and unique boutique in Dallas PS go to the back room everything is on sale and there are a million size options

2 Movida Boutique Movida Boutique has the most beautiful bright pieces a neon pink or chartreuse blazer Under $40 Yes marsquoam

3 Northpark Mall Northpark Mall isnrsquot exactly affordable in every way but if you go to Dallas and donrsquot stop by it is a sin From Gucci to Nei-mans itrsquos like a museum of designers more so than a typical mall

3 TOP DALLAS AIRBNB PICKS

1 Trendy Uptown Loft A gorgeous two story loft near all of the

cities best bars amp restaurantsDallas $160 per night

2 Private Guest House w Exposed BeamsWe canrsquot get over how gorgeous this private

guest house is Dallas $150 per night

3 Contemporary CabinThis cabin is located right next to an art museum

amp always has live music at nightDallas $90 per night

I was fortunate enough to spend the majority of my college career living in the bustling city of Raleigh North Carolina Raleigh is one of those towns that flies under the radar Itrsquos a beautiful historical area with a taste of southern charm Raleigh is a relatively in-

expensive destination with lots to see and do you just need to find the right spots

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Take an afternoon or evening stroll around Lake Johnson It is the perfect place to go for a jog take a walk with your dog or hop in one of the paddle boats and explore the peaceful sights

2 Check out the local Farmerrsquos Market based right near the NC State University campus each vendor sets up their own stand of fresh produce crafts homemade goods- itrsquos open on weekends

3 Head over to the Amphitheater at Walnut Creek Lots of summer concerts are on the list tickets are super affordable in the lawn section with a great view of the stage

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Flying Biscuit- Known for their southern made delicious buttery baked biscuits paired with just about any breakfast entree it is the happening spot for a weekend brunch

2 Cameron Bar amp Grill - An upscale looking restaurant with affordable prices for a fabulous meal they have great appetizers and unique dinner dishes to pair with any delicious choice of wine

3 Boylan Bridge Brewpub - The best place to hit up to catch a sunset the local pub sits right on the bridge that overlooks the Raleigh skyline sit outside on the terrace amp enjoy one of their many craft beers (amp cheese dip) made right there

JACQUELINE YANCHOCIK

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Fabrsquorik Fabrsquorik is a hostpot with lots of affordable clothes like bright colored maxi dresses tanks and any handbag you could pos-sibly need

2 The Impeccable Pig Looking for the perfect day dress The Impeccable Pig is the place to go the store features lots of cute floral prints in dresses tops and shorts this is your summer destination shop

3 Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique is a one stop shop for all your accessory needs from simple earrings to some diamond pieces the customerrsquos of Charlottersquos are on the cutting edge of fashion

3 TOP RALEIGH AIRBNB PICKS

1 Hotel NicaraguaSsaid to be a stop from Jack Kerouacrsquos

noteworthy book ldquoOn the Roadrdquo nestled right outside downtown Raleigh this is definitely a

historic gemRaleigh $70 per night

2 Cookiersquos Garden SuiteA 1899 bungalow located in the Oakwood

Historic District enjoy a private entrance with all the amenities yoursquoll need right by downtown

Raleigh $75 per night

3 Sallyrsquos Downtown Historic SuiteThis historic home sits in a gorgeous neighbor-hood with leafy oaks close to coffee shops and

nearby bars Raleigh $85 per night

Irsquove been living in Los Angeles for over 3 years Los Angeles is a very spread out megacity with each area diverse in restaurants activities fashion architecture and even weather I grew up on

the beach so it was only fitting that I move to the west side of LA closest to the Pacific Venice is a colorful eccentric one-of-a kind district in Los Angeles right on the Pacific Ocean

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Venice has near-perfect weather year round so biking is a common activity here Marvin Braude Bike Trail (known as The Strand) is a bike path along the Pacific shoreline starting from Malibu down through Venice all the way Redondo Beach

2 Abbot Kinney is the artsy hipster sister of Bev-erly Hillsrsquo Rodeo Drive First Friday brings the best local art fashion music and food trucks to locals and visitors alike

3 Yoga and Venice go hand in hand There are multiple studios in the Venice area with incredible instructors and a class nearly every hour

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Tasting Kitchen A very special dining experience Trendy upscale atmosphere but with a rustic twist Communal seating under the trees a creative and fresh menu that changes daily and an overall obscure charm that suits Venice to a T

2 Chop Daddyrsquos Nestled between some of the cityrsquos most well-reviewed restaurants is some of the best BBQ in Los Angeles The tastiest fried pickles Irsquove ever had

3 Kippyrsquos Non-dairy raw organic coconut cream based ice cream My favorite is the orangesicle

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Firefly - the perfect collection of house-wares gifts and clothing reflecting the effort-less and beachy Venice lifestyle

2 Principessa - their website says it best ldquooutfitting the modern flower child in a so-phisticated style that is comfortable sexy and timelessrdquo

3 Aviator Nation Quintessential Southern California style that has become an obsession for many Aviator Nation has one-of-a kind t-shirt tanks sweats and more that have that worn-in feel so soft and comfortable 3 TOP VENICE AIRBNB PICKS

1 Artistrsquos CottageAn art filled cottage in proximity to one of the

worldrsquos best beaches$140 per night

2 Stylish Venice BungalowWalk to beach shops and dining from this ro-mantic and stylish holiday bungalow in a lush

garden setting$149 per night

3 Venice Garden RetreatA guesthouse filled with treasures from the

ownersrsquo travels abroad $125 per night

BROOKE KENNEDYBROOKEEJ

My name is Becca and I fell in love with Atlanta two years ago Although I moved to Atlanta for graduate school and thought it would be temporary I have fallen for a city that could be my forever home Having to choose my favorites are going to be

hard in a city that has so much to do

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Irsquove quickly made a tradition out of going to Music Midtown Music Festival in September at Piedmont Park I had the time of my life dancing the night away with best friends listening to great bands amp the Atlanta skyline in the background

2 Brunch is the only thing that gets me out of bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings Try the 100 item Bloody bar at Front Page News or all you can eat breakfast at Grsquos near piedmont If you get up early enough try West Egg in Westside Provisions

3 For a mere ten bucks you get six samples and a beautiful pint at the Sweetwater Brewery Tour But be warned the pours are heavy

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Noche This tiny tapas bar is full of flavors in tinybites Their chef special never seems to disap-point and therersquos always a drink special (Sangria Sundays are a personal favorite)

2 Park Tavern This restaurant with its own brew-ery offers some of the best views of Atlanta They have a late night sushi special and when it rains they pour dollar beers In the winter they have a full skating rink with adult only hours (so you donrsquot trip over that kid)

3YEAH Burger My favorite burger place in the world they offer a made to order burger that quenches even the pickiest of eaters appetites

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 The Lucky Exchange This second hand store is a treasure trove of pieces some extravagant sequin dresses some office appropriate attire My best find Brand new in the box Prada Loafers for under 30$

2 The Merchant at Howell Mill Grab a cup of coffee at Octane and then cross the street to Merchant A wide array of gifts and acces-sories offer the opportunity to pick up some-thing for your friends and yourself

3 Lizard Thicket Shop this trendy boutiquefor gameday dresses in your favorite team colors or the latest shipment of Bourbon and Bowetie bracelets

3 TOP ATLANTA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Secluded TreehouseHow could a girl not want to spend the night in an adult sized treehouse nestled right in popular

neighborhood Buckhead $275 per night

2 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentMidtown is close to everything you could want to be- food culture Piedmont Park museums amp an active nightlife there is something for everyone

This is a gorgeous room in a mini-mansion $73 per night

3 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentThis apartment is in the perfect location for some-one visiting town for food drinks and shopping

$69 per night

BECCA LUCIOof Becca Marie LucioBECCAMARIELUCIO

I moved to Chicago a little over a year ago and Irsquove completely fallen in love with the city As a Midwesterner all my life Chicago offers the charms of living in the Midwest while offering

amazing big city life There are summer street festivals every weekend the best brunch spots in the area shopping galore amp hidden gems in every gorgeous neighborhood

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Taste test cupcakes around Lincoln Park (I love Sweet Mandy Brsquos and Swirlz)

2 Spend the afternoon blogging at local coffee shops like Floriole amp Heritage

3 Explore local shops in new neighborhoods ndash there are so many incredible places to explore

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Range Hidden gem in Lincoln park that boasts seasonal recipes all made fromlocal ingredients Best of all itrsquos only a few blocks from my apartment Needless to say they know me by name

2 Little Goat Diner ndash I love Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzardrsquos mid-priced diner best of all her Chicago restaurants Offering home-style recipes with a fancy twist Irsquom a big fan of everything Irsquove tried Irsquod recommend the pork belly pancake amp tira-misu shake if you stop in

3 Xoco Rick Bayless has been one of my favorite chefsfor years His lower priced concept Xoco is the perfect spot to meet friends for lunch in River North Plus Margaritas (enough said right)

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 7: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

THE 90s lpf loves

Rima $30

Birkenstock $90

Boohoo $38

BCBG

ener

atio

n $

18Sole Society $90

TopShop $60

Mot

el $

22

Topshop $16

NastyGal $68

ASO

S $

21

Mot

el $

68

TopShop $32

TopShop $15U

rban

Out

fitte

rs $

29

MID CENTURY MODERN BACHELORETTE PAD

MID CENTURY MODERN BACHELORETTE PAD on a budget

Q+A with Amanda riSIUSLPF Mag Where do you liveAmanda Living in San Francisco for the summer originally from Iowa

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your day jobAmanda Marketing Assistant at Apartment 34

LPF Mag How would you describe your interior design style Amanda My style is constantly evolving I love clean and mid-century modern designs with lots of texture and some rustic elements

LPF Mag Where do you shop for your home Amanda I shop my own home Really Also Target Anthropologie and thrift stores are great for accessories and I love Hobby Lobby and Home Depot for project mate-rials

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite DIY project yoursquove done for your houseAmanda I donrsquot think you can ever have too many pillows so I love working with textiles and making my own pillow covers The tree stamp pillow was made using a potato and is one of my favorites I also love the marble tray DIY because it was so easy and the copper lipstick holder is pretty inventive )

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your biggest splurge Biggest save Amanda My biggest splurge was actually my white Moroccan rug for $100 I got it for a major steal during a big sale and itrsquos one of my favor-ite things in my home Itrsquos just so cozy My biggest save was my coffee table I found at Goodwill for $6

interior design

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT AMANDArsquos BLOG

A HAMMER amp HEELSAMANDARISIUS

Decorating on a budget does not mean you have to sacrifice style I suggest by first really analyzing what you have for furniture and decor and working with that Get creative and repurpose furniture to fit your current style A little paint can go a long way

After arranging and styling your home with the items you already have next take a look and see whatrsquos missing By first working with what you have yoursquoll save tons of money because you arenrsquot hitting the shops and buying useless things you might not even need Once you take notes on the areas in your home that are lacking you have a clear focus of what exactly you need to purchase

When you are shopping donrsquot look at stores you know are out of budget It only makes it harder Stick to the stores that are in your price range and donrsquot be afraid to hit thrift stores Some of my most unique decor items are from thrift stores

Also keep an open mind Stores are full of great decorating items even if they arenrsquot labeled so Paper Source Home Depot and Target clearance section all have pretty items that can work as wall art desk accessories or anything

ON A budgeTdecorating

HEALTHY

SMOOTHIES

BERRY SMOOTHIE12 cup blueberries 12 cup blackberries 12 cup coconut water 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional) Handful of ice cubes 1 tbsp honey or stevia (optional)

STRAWBERRY + MANGO SMOOTHIE12 cup mango 12 cup strawberries 14 cup coconut water 1 tbsp chia seeds 1 tbsp honey or stevia (optional) Sliced almonds to garnish

KALE BANANA PINEAPPLE + MANGO SMOOTHIE14 cup chopped kale 1 whole chopped banana 12 cup chopped mango 12 cup pineapple 12 cup coconut water 12 tsp chia seeds Handful of ice cubes

NIA IS A HEALTH ENTHUSIAST ASPIRING TO INSPIRE PEOPLE TO LIVE A COLORFUL

WHOLESOME AND HAPPY LIFE

FOLLOW HER ON INSTAGRAM NIA_TRITION + SIGN UP FOR HER MAILING LIST FOR WEEKLY HEALTHY RECIPES IN YOUR INBOX

PINEAPPLE CILANTRO LIME MARINADE

Marinade for 1 lb of meatPreparation Time 5 minutesMarinating Time 1 hourTotal Time 1 hour 5 minutes

INGREDIENTS12 cup extra virgin olive oil14 cup pineapple juice14 cup fresh cilantro1 lime (for zest and juice)34 tsp salt12 tsp cumin14 tsp onion powder18 tsp black pepper

1 Rinse and chop cilantro

2 Zest the lime

3 Juice the lime and whisk all ingredients together

4 Mix meat and marinade together

5 Cover meat and marinade (or seal in a zip top bag) and place in the refrigerator for 1 hour

6 Cook as you please Grilling with pineapple bell pepper and onion is recommended

Our cooking expert Jocelyn Mandalou at Saucy Joceyrsquos Kitchen shows us how to make our own marinade for cookouts Itrsquos healthier than a store bought

marinade amp super simple

Follow Jocelyn at SaucyJoceysKitchencomSaucyJoceysKitchen

Photography by Sarah Ennis

haveyourcakeamp eat it too

letrsquos party Often in the middle of the day I find myself drifting off and dreaming of beautiful parties From weddings to holidays I canrsquot help but think of what to do to take it to the next level

However when it comes to birthdays my mind shifts the opposite direction While throwing an over the top birthday bash may work for some I much prefer the beauty of a simpler get together like when I was a kid I donrsquot need 100 people at a fancy restaurant or an elaborate theme brought to life All I really need is a cake like mom used to make snacks for all to enjoy and a little lemonade to sip on

That was the inspiration behind this gathering I wanted to create an event to inspire the simpler things and take you back to the good olrsquo days where all you needed was bal-loons streamers confetti goody bags matching plates and napkins and of course a little Pin the Tail on the Donkey for fun

So as you glance at the images I hope they spark a little nostalgia and inspire a trip down memory lane for your next birthday celebration

We loved this grown up take on the goody bag Creating the perfect favor bag is a mix

between old favorites and new likes Include candies from when you were a kid a fun straw and everything your guests need to

make spiked peach lemonade at home

Ingredients4 Cups Lemonade4 Oz Gin2 Oz Peach Schnapps6 Basil Leaves plus more for garnish

Directions1 Combine all ingredients in large pitcher Let sit for 2-4 hours before serving2 Serve over ice and garnish with basil leaves serving

Spiked Peach Lemonade with Basil

SEE MORE FROM SARAH ATEventsUncorkedcom

EVENTSUNCORKED

Herbed Parmesan Popcorn

INGREDIENTS2 Bags Salted Natural Popcorn2 Tablespoons Butter2 Tablespoons Olive Oil1 Tablespoon Italian Herb Mixturesfrac12 Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Directions1 Pop popcorn according to box directions Pour into large mixing bowl2 In a small sauce pan melt butter olive oil and Italian herb mixture 3 Pour mixture and parmesan cheese over popcorn quickly stir-ring to combine

HOMEMADE INDIVUDUAL PIZZAS

Ingredientsfrac34 Cup Lukewarm Water1 Teaspoon Dry Active Yeast2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour1 frac12 Teaspoons Salt

Directions1 In a medium mixing bowl dissolve dry active yeast in luke-warm water 2 Add in whole wheat flour and salt to the bowl and mix un-til yoursquove formed a shaggy dough3 Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead until all combined and smooth about 5 minutes If dough begins to stick to surface or hands add additional flour4 Return to bowl and let rise about 15 hours or until doubled in size Use or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days5 Split dough in half Form each half into a ball Roll out with a rolling pin 6 Top with desired toppings and bake at 500 degrees for 5 minutes Rotate pizzas and bake for an additional 3-5 min-utes or until cheese is melted and bubbly

Vanilla Buttercream IcingIngredients2 Sticks Unsalted Butter room temperature4 Cups Powdered Sugarfrac14 Cup Heavy Cream2 frac12 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract

Directions1 Beat softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes until creamy

2 Add powdered sugar heavy cream and vanilla extract beating until thick and smooth approximately 3 minutes

3 Apply to cool cake between layers and on top Top with additional sprinkles if desired

Ingredients3 13 Cups All Purpose Flour1 Teaspoon Baking Powderfrac12 Teaspoon Baking Soda1 Teaspoon Salt2 Sticks Unsalted Butter melted1 frac12 Cups Granulated Sugarfrac12 Cup Dark Brown Sugar2 Large Eggsfrac12 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt1 frac12 Cups Milk2 Tablespoons Vanilla Extract1 13 Cup Rainbow Sprinkles (Not Non-Pareils)

Directions1 Preheat Oven to 350 degrees Spray (2) 9rdquo Round Cake Pans with non-stick spray

2 In a medium bowl mix flour baking powder baking soda and salt Set aside

3 In a large mixing bowl whisk together melted butter granulated sugar and dark brown sugar Be sure to get out any lumps

4 Whisk into sugar mixture egg milk yogurt and vanilla extract until combined

5 Slowly mix in dry ingredients until no lumps remain

6 Add sprinkles and stir till just combined being carful as to not over stir Sprinkles will begin to melt if over combined

7 Bake for 20 minutes Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 13-17 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean

8 Let cool on a wire rack completely before icing

homemade

Lake SUMMER

AT THE

Photography by Matt Engelhart

lpf style tip

canoe ridescampfiresBASEBALL CAPS

best friends

LAKE LIFE

FIREFLIES

SUMMER

SHOP THE LOOK lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $18Lizzibeth $34

Olivia Taylor $10

Lizzibeth $15

Mango $25

Sperry $85

J Crew $20

Choies $63

Lizzibeth $13

Lizzibeth $13

lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $36

Splendid $86

Tretorn $93Romwe $18

Fore

ver 2

1 $

5

Lizzibeth $20

Forever 21 $9

Lizzibeth $14

Olivia Taylor $10

Irsquom going to be completely honest with you all I dread telling people that I used to be over-weight The excess weight I carried around was a representation of some of the most unhappiest years of my life and they are hard to look back on

Growing up I was always super skinny I ate whatever I wanted when I wanted I even had trouble gaining weight at various points in my life I was downright scrawny In high school it was just me and my size zero jeans all the way through graduation Once I got to college I no-ticed a little bit of weight gain but nothing like the freshman 15 everyone was always talking about I figured I was finally filling out my womanly body

Somewhere between my junior year of col-lege and graduation in May of 2011 things changed At my peak I wore a size 14 in womenrsquos pants And not the sexy-built-to-be-curvy size 14 that Christina Mendez is rocking I Wish To say I had let myself go would be an understate-ment

When I finally acknowledged my weight and stepped on the scale I almost had a heart attack Thatrsquos probably not an exaggeration considering the lack of exercise paired with all of the fatty foods I was consuming regularly It read 178 I panicked The last time I stepped on a scale I was at the doctorrsquos office several years prior and the

number read 110 (a number far too small for my 5rsquo7rsquorsquo frame but thatrsquos another story) WHAT HAPPENED My mind was a blur trying to process those three not-so-little numbers

Luckily this happened after my workout oth-erwise Irsquom quite positive the shock would have sent me running (okay walking) out the front doors I can honestly say it was one of the most overwhelming experiences Irsquove ever had Up until that point I had let everything roll off my shoulder I ignored it all the Facebook messag-es from an ex-boyfriend calling me a fat btch the degrading hoop and holler from boys when they drove past me on the street and worst of

all I ignored the fact that my ldquofriendsrdquo were saying these terrible things about me behind my back and I was just standing by letting it happen I was fed up I made a commitment to get on track for myself

I started documenting I prefer this word to counting which is how my blog name came about (26 and Not Counting calories years flying by how many items are in my online shopping cart compared to the dollars in my bank accountyou get the gist) I started tracking calories and workouts in the myfitnesspal app committed to 5-6 workouts a week (including weight lifting which I had never done in my life) and limited my booze fests with friends (which had been going on far too often) to one night a week

Healthy is happyCOntributor Jessicarsquos Journey to a happier + Healthier self

ldquoNot only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of

negativity that coNsumed my liferdquo

It wasnrsquot as if I had never worked out before that simply wasnrsquot the case I grew up active and en-joyed spin class in my early col-lege years but I had fallen off the bandwagon

So I was working out right But what about food I hate the word diet Diet is typically defined as something you ldquogo onrdquo before a big trip and it usually means that whatever crazy thing you are doing to try and shed pounds (the grapefruit diet) will eventual-ly have an ending point I didnrsquot start drinking any crazy weight loss drink or ban everything fried but I did start watching what I ate I paid attention to my body and when it was full and aimed to eat more home cooked meals op-posed to eating out all the time

The first time someone noticed I had a lost a few pounds (8 to be exact) I nearly fell off my bar stool Yes I was at the bar cele-brating a friendrsquos birthday (I had found a happy balance and kept my social life hallelujah) The words were simple ldquoJess you are looking goodrdquo I canrsquot tell you how thankful I am to that person that they recognized the work I had been putting in

Maintaining my body will be a daily practice for the rest of my life I had to marry that thought from the get-go Til death do us part Just this past year I set out to lose another 10 pounds and

slowly but surely I reached my goal I wasnrsquot happy in my body so I fixed it and in doing so I fixed a lot of other areas in my life Irsquom proud to say that I currently weigh 131lbs Irsquove wrestled some unhealthy habits into portion controlled treats found that Irsquom a much happier person when I workout and Irsquove grown into the person I am meant to be Not only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of negativity that consumed my life

Irsquom still not where I want to be and thatrsquos okay That simply means that itrsquos time to set anoth-er goal and push myself harder than ever My hope is that if you arenrsquot happy with where yoursquore at in life whether it be your weight your job your relationship that you will love yourself enough to change the situation and create a life that makes you happy to your core

One last thing you should also know that there is such a thing as a skinny fat person Someone may appear to be skinny but that doesnrsquot necessarily mean they are healthy Being fit doesnrsquot mean fitting into a size 2 (or even 4 6 or 8) for all women (Serena Williams and Whitney Thompson are per-fect examples) Just because some-one appears to be ldquofatrdquo doesnrsquot mean they canrsquot outrun you Be kind and encouraging toward oth-er people and especially yourself

happy jessICArsquosfitnessjourney

Jess- 2011

Jess- 2014

HAIR SPRAY

BEACH BABE HAIR SPRAY14 C WATER

1 TBSP SEA SALT

1 TBSP HAIR GEL

2 DROPS ARGAN OIL OR CONDITIONER

POUR INGREDIENTS INTO TRAVEL SIZE SPRAY BOTTLE + SHAKE WELL

HAIR SPRAY

SPRAY ONTODAMP HAIR +

SCRUNCH FOR BEST BEACHY

WAVE RESULTS

The

GUIDELPF MAG CONTRIBUTORS SHARE A LOCALrsquos GUIDE TO THEIR CITIES

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO -

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO

Irsquom Katey a style blogger with Chronicles of Frivolity living as a Dallasite No we donrsquot ride horses to the mall and everything really is

bigger from our Margaritas to our eyelashes

1 Eat Dallas has more restaurants per capita than anywhere in America seriously We eat so well

2 Shop Dallas ALSO has more Shopping centers per capita than anywhere in America Itrsquos absurd

3 Marg Everywhere you look you are 10 feet from a patio with chips salsa and the best margarita yoursquove ever had 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Hattiersquos Hattiersquos is southern food with LA-white deacutecor You can enjoy Bacon-Wrapped Fried Oys-ters and Macaroni and Cheese Crusted Filet while sipping a Sweet Tea Martini

2 Stampede 66 Stampede 66 wins best margari-ta every year (The Modern Star Canyon) and The Butterscotch Pudding is worth gaining 20 pounds for

3 Saint Ann Saint Ann has one of the most beau-tiful patios in Dallas and I could probably have The Skinny Basil Lemonade and Salmon every meal of my life

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

KATEY MCFARLANof Chronicles of Frivolity

KATEYMCFARLAN

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Milk amp Honey Boutique Milk amp Honey Bou-tique might be the most affordable and unique boutique in Dallas PS go to the back room everything is on sale and there are a million size options

2 Movida Boutique Movida Boutique has the most beautiful bright pieces a neon pink or chartreuse blazer Under $40 Yes marsquoam

3 Northpark Mall Northpark Mall isnrsquot exactly affordable in every way but if you go to Dallas and donrsquot stop by it is a sin From Gucci to Nei-mans itrsquos like a museum of designers more so than a typical mall

3 TOP DALLAS AIRBNB PICKS

1 Trendy Uptown Loft A gorgeous two story loft near all of the

cities best bars amp restaurantsDallas $160 per night

2 Private Guest House w Exposed BeamsWe canrsquot get over how gorgeous this private

guest house is Dallas $150 per night

3 Contemporary CabinThis cabin is located right next to an art museum

amp always has live music at nightDallas $90 per night

I was fortunate enough to spend the majority of my college career living in the bustling city of Raleigh North Carolina Raleigh is one of those towns that flies under the radar Itrsquos a beautiful historical area with a taste of southern charm Raleigh is a relatively in-

expensive destination with lots to see and do you just need to find the right spots

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Take an afternoon or evening stroll around Lake Johnson It is the perfect place to go for a jog take a walk with your dog or hop in one of the paddle boats and explore the peaceful sights

2 Check out the local Farmerrsquos Market based right near the NC State University campus each vendor sets up their own stand of fresh produce crafts homemade goods- itrsquos open on weekends

3 Head over to the Amphitheater at Walnut Creek Lots of summer concerts are on the list tickets are super affordable in the lawn section with a great view of the stage

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Flying Biscuit- Known for their southern made delicious buttery baked biscuits paired with just about any breakfast entree it is the happening spot for a weekend brunch

2 Cameron Bar amp Grill - An upscale looking restaurant with affordable prices for a fabulous meal they have great appetizers and unique dinner dishes to pair with any delicious choice of wine

3 Boylan Bridge Brewpub - The best place to hit up to catch a sunset the local pub sits right on the bridge that overlooks the Raleigh skyline sit outside on the terrace amp enjoy one of their many craft beers (amp cheese dip) made right there

JACQUELINE YANCHOCIK

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Fabrsquorik Fabrsquorik is a hostpot with lots of affordable clothes like bright colored maxi dresses tanks and any handbag you could pos-sibly need

2 The Impeccable Pig Looking for the perfect day dress The Impeccable Pig is the place to go the store features lots of cute floral prints in dresses tops and shorts this is your summer destination shop

3 Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique is a one stop shop for all your accessory needs from simple earrings to some diamond pieces the customerrsquos of Charlottersquos are on the cutting edge of fashion

3 TOP RALEIGH AIRBNB PICKS

1 Hotel NicaraguaSsaid to be a stop from Jack Kerouacrsquos

noteworthy book ldquoOn the Roadrdquo nestled right outside downtown Raleigh this is definitely a

historic gemRaleigh $70 per night

2 Cookiersquos Garden SuiteA 1899 bungalow located in the Oakwood

Historic District enjoy a private entrance with all the amenities yoursquoll need right by downtown

Raleigh $75 per night

3 Sallyrsquos Downtown Historic SuiteThis historic home sits in a gorgeous neighbor-hood with leafy oaks close to coffee shops and

nearby bars Raleigh $85 per night

Irsquove been living in Los Angeles for over 3 years Los Angeles is a very spread out megacity with each area diverse in restaurants activities fashion architecture and even weather I grew up on

the beach so it was only fitting that I move to the west side of LA closest to the Pacific Venice is a colorful eccentric one-of-a kind district in Los Angeles right on the Pacific Ocean

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Venice has near-perfect weather year round so biking is a common activity here Marvin Braude Bike Trail (known as The Strand) is a bike path along the Pacific shoreline starting from Malibu down through Venice all the way Redondo Beach

2 Abbot Kinney is the artsy hipster sister of Bev-erly Hillsrsquo Rodeo Drive First Friday brings the best local art fashion music and food trucks to locals and visitors alike

3 Yoga and Venice go hand in hand There are multiple studios in the Venice area with incredible instructors and a class nearly every hour

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Tasting Kitchen A very special dining experience Trendy upscale atmosphere but with a rustic twist Communal seating under the trees a creative and fresh menu that changes daily and an overall obscure charm that suits Venice to a T

2 Chop Daddyrsquos Nestled between some of the cityrsquos most well-reviewed restaurants is some of the best BBQ in Los Angeles The tastiest fried pickles Irsquove ever had

3 Kippyrsquos Non-dairy raw organic coconut cream based ice cream My favorite is the orangesicle

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Firefly - the perfect collection of house-wares gifts and clothing reflecting the effort-less and beachy Venice lifestyle

2 Principessa - their website says it best ldquooutfitting the modern flower child in a so-phisticated style that is comfortable sexy and timelessrdquo

3 Aviator Nation Quintessential Southern California style that has become an obsession for many Aviator Nation has one-of-a kind t-shirt tanks sweats and more that have that worn-in feel so soft and comfortable 3 TOP VENICE AIRBNB PICKS

1 Artistrsquos CottageAn art filled cottage in proximity to one of the

worldrsquos best beaches$140 per night

2 Stylish Venice BungalowWalk to beach shops and dining from this ro-mantic and stylish holiday bungalow in a lush

garden setting$149 per night

3 Venice Garden RetreatA guesthouse filled with treasures from the

ownersrsquo travels abroad $125 per night

BROOKE KENNEDYBROOKEEJ

My name is Becca and I fell in love with Atlanta two years ago Although I moved to Atlanta for graduate school and thought it would be temporary I have fallen for a city that could be my forever home Having to choose my favorites are going to be

hard in a city that has so much to do

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Irsquove quickly made a tradition out of going to Music Midtown Music Festival in September at Piedmont Park I had the time of my life dancing the night away with best friends listening to great bands amp the Atlanta skyline in the background

2 Brunch is the only thing that gets me out of bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings Try the 100 item Bloody bar at Front Page News or all you can eat breakfast at Grsquos near piedmont If you get up early enough try West Egg in Westside Provisions

3 For a mere ten bucks you get six samples and a beautiful pint at the Sweetwater Brewery Tour But be warned the pours are heavy

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Noche This tiny tapas bar is full of flavors in tinybites Their chef special never seems to disap-point and therersquos always a drink special (Sangria Sundays are a personal favorite)

2 Park Tavern This restaurant with its own brew-ery offers some of the best views of Atlanta They have a late night sushi special and when it rains they pour dollar beers In the winter they have a full skating rink with adult only hours (so you donrsquot trip over that kid)

3YEAH Burger My favorite burger place in the world they offer a made to order burger that quenches even the pickiest of eaters appetites

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 The Lucky Exchange This second hand store is a treasure trove of pieces some extravagant sequin dresses some office appropriate attire My best find Brand new in the box Prada Loafers for under 30$

2 The Merchant at Howell Mill Grab a cup of coffee at Octane and then cross the street to Merchant A wide array of gifts and acces-sories offer the opportunity to pick up some-thing for your friends and yourself

3 Lizard Thicket Shop this trendy boutiquefor gameday dresses in your favorite team colors or the latest shipment of Bourbon and Bowetie bracelets

3 TOP ATLANTA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Secluded TreehouseHow could a girl not want to spend the night in an adult sized treehouse nestled right in popular

neighborhood Buckhead $275 per night

2 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentMidtown is close to everything you could want to be- food culture Piedmont Park museums amp an active nightlife there is something for everyone

This is a gorgeous room in a mini-mansion $73 per night

3 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentThis apartment is in the perfect location for some-one visiting town for food drinks and shopping

$69 per night

BECCA LUCIOof Becca Marie LucioBECCAMARIELUCIO

I moved to Chicago a little over a year ago and Irsquove completely fallen in love with the city As a Midwesterner all my life Chicago offers the charms of living in the Midwest while offering

amazing big city life There are summer street festivals every weekend the best brunch spots in the area shopping galore amp hidden gems in every gorgeous neighborhood

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Taste test cupcakes around Lincoln Park (I love Sweet Mandy Brsquos and Swirlz)

2 Spend the afternoon blogging at local coffee shops like Floriole amp Heritage

3 Explore local shops in new neighborhoods ndash there are so many incredible places to explore

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Range Hidden gem in Lincoln park that boasts seasonal recipes all made fromlocal ingredients Best of all itrsquos only a few blocks from my apartment Needless to say they know me by name

2 Little Goat Diner ndash I love Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzardrsquos mid-priced diner best of all her Chicago restaurants Offering home-style recipes with a fancy twist Irsquom a big fan of everything Irsquove tried Irsquod recommend the pork belly pancake amp tira-misu shake if you stop in

3 Xoco Rick Bayless has been one of my favorite chefsfor years His lower priced concept Xoco is the perfect spot to meet friends for lunch in River North Plus Margaritas (enough said right)

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 8: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

Topshop $16

NastyGal $68

ASO

S $

21

Mot

el $

68

TopShop $32

TopShop $15U

rban

Out

fitte

rs $

29

MID CENTURY MODERN BACHELORETTE PAD

MID CENTURY MODERN BACHELORETTE PAD on a budget

Q+A with Amanda riSIUSLPF Mag Where do you liveAmanda Living in San Francisco for the summer originally from Iowa

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your day jobAmanda Marketing Assistant at Apartment 34

LPF Mag How would you describe your interior design style Amanda My style is constantly evolving I love clean and mid-century modern designs with lots of texture and some rustic elements

LPF Mag Where do you shop for your home Amanda I shop my own home Really Also Target Anthropologie and thrift stores are great for accessories and I love Hobby Lobby and Home Depot for project mate-rials

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite DIY project yoursquove done for your houseAmanda I donrsquot think you can ever have too many pillows so I love working with textiles and making my own pillow covers The tree stamp pillow was made using a potato and is one of my favorites I also love the marble tray DIY because it was so easy and the copper lipstick holder is pretty inventive )

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your biggest splurge Biggest save Amanda My biggest splurge was actually my white Moroccan rug for $100 I got it for a major steal during a big sale and itrsquos one of my favor-ite things in my home Itrsquos just so cozy My biggest save was my coffee table I found at Goodwill for $6

interior design

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT AMANDArsquos BLOG

A HAMMER amp HEELSAMANDARISIUS

Decorating on a budget does not mean you have to sacrifice style I suggest by first really analyzing what you have for furniture and decor and working with that Get creative and repurpose furniture to fit your current style A little paint can go a long way

After arranging and styling your home with the items you already have next take a look and see whatrsquos missing By first working with what you have yoursquoll save tons of money because you arenrsquot hitting the shops and buying useless things you might not even need Once you take notes on the areas in your home that are lacking you have a clear focus of what exactly you need to purchase

When you are shopping donrsquot look at stores you know are out of budget It only makes it harder Stick to the stores that are in your price range and donrsquot be afraid to hit thrift stores Some of my most unique decor items are from thrift stores

Also keep an open mind Stores are full of great decorating items even if they arenrsquot labeled so Paper Source Home Depot and Target clearance section all have pretty items that can work as wall art desk accessories or anything

ON A budgeTdecorating

HEALTHY

SMOOTHIES

BERRY SMOOTHIE12 cup blueberries 12 cup blackberries 12 cup coconut water 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional) Handful of ice cubes 1 tbsp honey or stevia (optional)

STRAWBERRY + MANGO SMOOTHIE12 cup mango 12 cup strawberries 14 cup coconut water 1 tbsp chia seeds 1 tbsp honey or stevia (optional) Sliced almonds to garnish

KALE BANANA PINEAPPLE + MANGO SMOOTHIE14 cup chopped kale 1 whole chopped banana 12 cup chopped mango 12 cup pineapple 12 cup coconut water 12 tsp chia seeds Handful of ice cubes

NIA IS A HEALTH ENTHUSIAST ASPIRING TO INSPIRE PEOPLE TO LIVE A COLORFUL

WHOLESOME AND HAPPY LIFE

FOLLOW HER ON INSTAGRAM NIA_TRITION + SIGN UP FOR HER MAILING LIST FOR WEEKLY HEALTHY RECIPES IN YOUR INBOX

PINEAPPLE CILANTRO LIME MARINADE

Marinade for 1 lb of meatPreparation Time 5 minutesMarinating Time 1 hourTotal Time 1 hour 5 minutes

INGREDIENTS12 cup extra virgin olive oil14 cup pineapple juice14 cup fresh cilantro1 lime (for zest and juice)34 tsp salt12 tsp cumin14 tsp onion powder18 tsp black pepper

1 Rinse and chop cilantro

2 Zest the lime

3 Juice the lime and whisk all ingredients together

4 Mix meat and marinade together

5 Cover meat and marinade (or seal in a zip top bag) and place in the refrigerator for 1 hour

6 Cook as you please Grilling with pineapple bell pepper and onion is recommended

Our cooking expert Jocelyn Mandalou at Saucy Joceyrsquos Kitchen shows us how to make our own marinade for cookouts Itrsquos healthier than a store bought

marinade amp super simple

Follow Jocelyn at SaucyJoceysKitchencomSaucyJoceysKitchen

Photography by Sarah Ennis

haveyourcakeamp eat it too

letrsquos party Often in the middle of the day I find myself drifting off and dreaming of beautiful parties From weddings to holidays I canrsquot help but think of what to do to take it to the next level

However when it comes to birthdays my mind shifts the opposite direction While throwing an over the top birthday bash may work for some I much prefer the beauty of a simpler get together like when I was a kid I donrsquot need 100 people at a fancy restaurant or an elaborate theme brought to life All I really need is a cake like mom used to make snacks for all to enjoy and a little lemonade to sip on

That was the inspiration behind this gathering I wanted to create an event to inspire the simpler things and take you back to the good olrsquo days where all you needed was bal-loons streamers confetti goody bags matching plates and napkins and of course a little Pin the Tail on the Donkey for fun

So as you glance at the images I hope they spark a little nostalgia and inspire a trip down memory lane for your next birthday celebration

We loved this grown up take on the goody bag Creating the perfect favor bag is a mix

between old favorites and new likes Include candies from when you were a kid a fun straw and everything your guests need to

make spiked peach lemonade at home

Ingredients4 Cups Lemonade4 Oz Gin2 Oz Peach Schnapps6 Basil Leaves plus more for garnish

Directions1 Combine all ingredients in large pitcher Let sit for 2-4 hours before serving2 Serve over ice and garnish with basil leaves serving

Spiked Peach Lemonade with Basil

SEE MORE FROM SARAH ATEventsUncorkedcom

EVENTSUNCORKED

Herbed Parmesan Popcorn

INGREDIENTS2 Bags Salted Natural Popcorn2 Tablespoons Butter2 Tablespoons Olive Oil1 Tablespoon Italian Herb Mixturesfrac12 Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Directions1 Pop popcorn according to box directions Pour into large mixing bowl2 In a small sauce pan melt butter olive oil and Italian herb mixture 3 Pour mixture and parmesan cheese over popcorn quickly stir-ring to combine

HOMEMADE INDIVUDUAL PIZZAS

Ingredientsfrac34 Cup Lukewarm Water1 Teaspoon Dry Active Yeast2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour1 frac12 Teaspoons Salt

Directions1 In a medium mixing bowl dissolve dry active yeast in luke-warm water 2 Add in whole wheat flour and salt to the bowl and mix un-til yoursquove formed a shaggy dough3 Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead until all combined and smooth about 5 minutes If dough begins to stick to surface or hands add additional flour4 Return to bowl and let rise about 15 hours or until doubled in size Use or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days5 Split dough in half Form each half into a ball Roll out with a rolling pin 6 Top with desired toppings and bake at 500 degrees for 5 minutes Rotate pizzas and bake for an additional 3-5 min-utes or until cheese is melted and bubbly

Vanilla Buttercream IcingIngredients2 Sticks Unsalted Butter room temperature4 Cups Powdered Sugarfrac14 Cup Heavy Cream2 frac12 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract

Directions1 Beat softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes until creamy

2 Add powdered sugar heavy cream and vanilla extract beating until thick and smooth approximately 3 minutes

3 Apply to cool cake between layers and on top Top with additional sprinkles if desired

Ingredients3 13 Cups All Purpose Flour1 Teaspoon Baking Powderfrac12 Teaspoon Baking Soda1 Teaspoon Salt2 Sticks Unsalted Butter melted1 frac12 Cups Granulated Sugarfrac12 Cup Dark Brown Sugar2 Large Eggsfrac12 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt1 frac12 Cups Milk2 Tablespoons Vanilla Extract1 13 Cup Rainbow Sprinkles (Not Non-Pareils)

Directions1 Preheat Oven to 350 degrees Spray (2) 9rdquo Round Cake Pans with non-stick spray

2 In a medium bowl mix flour baking powder baking soda and salt Set aside

3 In a large mixing bowl whisk together melted butter granulated sugar and dark brown sugar Be sure to get out any lumps

4 Whisk into sugar mixture egg milk yogurt and vanilla extract until combined

5 Slowly mix in dry ingredients until no lumps remain

6 Add sprinkles and stir till just combined being carful as to not over stir Sprinkles will begin to melt if over combined

7 Bake for 20 minutes Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 13-17 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean

8 Let cool on a wire rack completely before icing

homemade

Lake SUMMER

AT THE

Photography by Matt Engelhart

lpf style tip

canoe ridescampfiresBASEBALL CAPS

best friends

LAKE LIFE

FIREFLIES

SUMMER

SHOP THE LOOK lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $18Lizzibeth $34

Olivia Taylor $10

Lizzibeth $15

Mango $25

Sperry $85

J Crew $20

Choies $63

Lizzibeth $13

Lizzibeth $13

lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $36

Splendid $86

Tretorn $93Romwe $18

Fore

ver 2

1 $

5

Lizzibeth $20

Forever 21 $9

Lizzibeth $14

Olivia Taylor $10

Irsquom going to be completely honest with you all I dread telling people that I used to be over-weight The excess weight I carried around was a representation of some of the most unhappiest years of my life and they are hard to look back on

Growing up I was always super skinny I ate whatever I wanted when I wanted I even had trouble gaining weight at various points in my life I was downright scrawny In high school it was just me and my size zero jeans all the way through graduation Once I got to college I no-ticed a little bit of weight gain but nothing like the freshman 15 everyone was always talking about I figured I was finally filling out my womanly body

Somewhere between my junior year of col-lege and graduation in May of 2011 things changed At my peak I wore a size 14 in womenrsquos pants And not the sexy-built-to-be-curvy size 14 that Christina Mendez is rocking I Wish To say I had let myself go would be an understate-ment

When I finally acknowledged my weight and stepped on the scale I almost had a heart attack Thatrsquos probably not an exaggeration considering the lack of exercise paired with all of the fatty foods I was consuming regularly It read 178 I panicked The last time I stepped on a scale I was at the doctorrsquos office several years prior and the

number read 110 (a number far too small for my 5rsquo7rsquorsquo frame but thatrsquos another story) WHAT HAPPENED My mind was a blur trying to process those three not-so-little numbers

Luckily this happened after my workout oth-erwise Irsquom quite positive the shock would have sent me running (okay walking) out the front doors I can honestly say it was one of the most overwhelming experiences Irsquove ever had Up until that point I had let everything roll off my shoulder I ignored it all the Facebook messag-es from an ex-boyfriend calling me a fat btch the degrading hoop and holler from boys when they drove past me on the street and worst of

all I ignored the fact that my ldquofriendsrdquo were saying these terrible things about me behind my back and I was just standing by letting it happen I was fed up I made a commitment to get on track for myself

I started documenting I prefer this word to counting which is how my blog name came about (26 and Not Counting calories years flying by how many items are in my online shopping cart compared to the dollars in my bank accountyou get the gist) I started tracking calories and workouts in the myfitnesspal app committed to 5-6 workouts a week (including weight lifting which I had never done in my life) and limited my booze fests with friends (which had been going on far too often) to one night a week

Healthy is happyCOntributor Jessicarsquos Journey to a happier + Healthier self

ldquoNot only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of

negativity that coNsumed my liferdquo

It wasnrsquot as if I had never worked out before that simply wasnrsquot the case I grew up active and en-joyed spin class in my early col-lege years but I had fallen off the bandwagon

So I was working out right But what about food I hate the word diet Diet is typically defined as something you ldquogo onrdquo before a big trip and it usually means that whatever crazy thing you are doing to try and shed pounds (the grapefruit diet) will eventual-ly have an ending point I didnrsquot start drinking any crazy weight loss drink or ban everything fried but I did start watching what I ate I paid attention to my body and when it was full and aimed to eat more home cooked meals op-posed to eating out all the time

The first time someone noticed I had a lost a few pounds (8 to be exact) I nearly fell off my bar stool Yes I was at the bar cele-brating a friendrsquos birthday (I had found a happy balance and kept my social life hallelujah) The words were simple ldquoJess you are looking goodrdquo I canrsquot tell you how thankful I am to that person that they recognized the work I had been putting in

Maintaining my body will be a daily practice for the rest of my life I had to marry that thought from the get-go Til death do us part Just this past year I set out to lose another 10 pounds and

slowly but surely I reached my goal I wasnrsquot happy in my body so I fixed it and in doing so I fixed a lot of other areas in my life Irsquom proud to say that I currently weigh 131lbs Irsquove wrestled some unhealthy habits into portion controlled treats found that Irsquom a much happier person when I workout and Irsquove grown into the person I am meant to be Not only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of negativity that consumed my life

Irsquom still not where I want to be and thatrsquos okay That simply means that itrsquos time to set anoth-er goal and push myself harder than ever My hope is that if you arenrsquot happy with where yoursquore at in life whether it be your weight your job your relationship that you will love yourself enough to change the situation and create a life that makes you happy to your core

One last thing you should also know that there is such a thing as a skinny fat person Someone may appear to be skinny but that doesnrsquot necessarily mean they are healthy Being fit doesnrsquot mean fitting into a size 2 (or even 4 6 or 8) for all women (Serena Williams and Whitney Thompson are per-fect examples) Just because some-one appears to be ldquofatrdquo doesnrsquot mean they canrsquot outrun you Be kind and encouraging toward oth-er people and especially yourself

happy jessICArsquosfitnessjourney

Jess- 2011

Jess- 2014

HAIR SPRAY

BEACH BABE HAIR SPRAY14 C WATER

1 TBSP SEA SALT

1 TBSP HAIR GEL

2 DROPS ARGAN OIL OR CONDITIONER

POUR INGREDIENTS INTO TRAVEL SIZE SPRAY BOTTLE + SHAKE WELL

HAIR SPRAY

SPRAY ONTODAMP HAIR +

SCRUNCH FOR BEST BEACHY

WAVE RESULTS

The

GUIDELPF MAG CONTRIBUTORS SHARE A LOCALrsquos GUIDE TO THEIR CITIES

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO -

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO

Irsquom Katey a style blogger with Chronicles of Frivolity living as a Dallasite No we donrsquot ride horses to the mall and everything really is

bigger from our Margaritas to our eyelashes

1 Eat Dallas has more restaurants per capita than anywhere in America seriously We eat so well

2 Shop Dallas ALSO has more Shopping centers per capita than anywhere in America Itrsquos absurd

3 Marg Everywhere you look you are 10 feet from a patio with chips salsa and the best margarita yoursquove ever had 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Hattiersquos Hattiersquos is southern food with LA-white deacutecor You can enjoy Bacon-Wrapped Fried Oys-ters and Macaroni and Cheese Crusted Filet while sipping a Sweet Tea Martini

2 Stampede 66 Stampede 66 wins best margari-ta every year (The Modern Star Canyon) and The Butterscotch Pudding is worth gaining 20 pounds for

3 Saint Ann Saint Ann has one of the most beau-tiful patios in Dallas and I could probably have The Skinny Basil Lemonade and Salmon every meal of my life

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

KATEY MCFARLANof Chronicles of Frivolity

KATEYMCFARLAN

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Milk amp Honey Boutique Milk amp Honey Bou-tique might be the most affordable and unique boutique in Dallas PS go to the back room everything is on sale and there are a million size options

2 Movida Boutique Movida Boutique has the most beautiful bright pieces a neon pink or chartreuse blazer Under $40 Yes marsquoam

3 Northpark Mall Northpark Mall isnrsquot exactly affordable in every way but if you go to Dallas and donrsquot stop by it is a sin From Gucci to Nei-mans itrsquos like a museum of designers more so than a typical mall

3 TOP DALLAS AIRBNB PICKS

1 Trendy Uptown Loft A gorgeous two story loft near all of the

cities best bars amp restaurantsDallas $160 per night

2 Private Guest House w Exposed BeamsWe canrsquot get over how gorgeous this private

guest house is Dallas $150 per night

3 Contemporary CabinThis cabin is located right next to an art museum

amp always has live music at nightDallas $90 per night

I was fortunate enough to spend the majority of my college career living in the bustling city of Raleigh North Carolina Raleigh is one of those towns that flies under the radar Itrsquos a beautiful historical area with a taste of southern charm Raleigh is a relatively in-

expensive destination with lots to see and do you just need to find the right spots

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Take an afternoon or evening stroll around Lake Johnson It is the perfect place to go for a jog take a walk with your dog or hop in one of the paddle boats and explore the peaceful sights

2 Check out the local Farmerrsquos Market based right near the NC State University campus each vendor sets up their own stand of fresh produce crafts homemade goods- itrsquos open on weekends

3 Head over to the Amphitheater at Walnut Creek Lots of summer concerts are on the list tickets are super affordable in the lawn section with a great view of the stage

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Flying Biscuit- Known for their southern made delicious buttery baked biscuits paired with just about any breakfast entree it is the happening spot for a weekend brunch

2 Cameron Bar amp Grill - An upscale looking restaurant with affordable prices for a fabulous meal they have great appetizers and unique dinner dishes to pair with any delicious choice of wine

3 Boylan Bridge Brewpub - The best place to hit up to catch a sunset the local pub sits right on the bridge that overlooks the Raleigh skyline sit outside on the terrace amp enjoy one of their many craft beers (amp cheese dip) made right there

JACQUELINE YANCHOCIK

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Fabrsquorik Fabrsquorik is a hostpot with lots of affordable clothes like bright colored maxi dresses tanks and any handbag you could pos-sibly need

2 The Impeccable Pig Looking for the perfect day dress The Impeccable Pig is the place to go the store features lots of cute floral prints in dresses tops and shorts this is your summer destination shop

3 Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique is a one stop shop for all your accessory needs from simple earrings to some diamond pieces the customerrsquos of Charlottersquos are on the cutting edge of fashion

3 TOP RALEIGH AIRBNB PICKS

1 Hotel NicaraguaSsaid to be a stop from Jack Kerouacrsquos

noteworthy book ldquoOn the Roadrdquo nestled right outside downtown Raleigh this is definitely a

historic gemRaleigh $70 per night

2 Cookiersquos Garden SuiteA 1899 bungalow located in the Oakwood

Historic District enjoy a private entrance with all the amenities yoursquoll need right by downtown

Raleigh $75 per night

3 Sallyrsquos Downtown Historic SuiteThis historic home sits in a gorgeous neighbor-hood with leafy oaks close to coffee shops and

nearby bars Raleigh $85 per night

Irsquove been living in Los Angeles for over 3 years Los Angeles is a very spread out megacity with each area diverse in restaurants activities fashion architecture and even weather I grew up on

the beach so it was only fitting that I move to the west side of LA closest to the Pacific Venice is a colorful eccentric one-of-a kind district in Los Angeles right on the Pacific Ocean

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Venice has near-perfect weather year round so biking is a common activity here Marvin Braude Bike Trail (known as The Strand) is a bike path along the Pacific shoreline starting from Malibu down through Venice all the way Redondo Beach

2 Abbot Kinney is the artsy hipster sister of Bev-erly Hillsrsquo Rodeo Drive First Friday brings the best local art fashion music and food trucks to locals and visitors alike

3 Yoga and Venice go hand in hand There are multiple studios in the Venice area with incredible instructors and a class nearly every hour

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Tasting Kitchen A very special dining experience Trendy upscale atmosphere but with a rustic twist Communal seating under the trees a creative and fresh menu that changes daily and an overall obscure charm that suits Venice to a T

2 Chop Daddyrsquos Nestled between some of the cityrsquos most well-reviewed restaurants is some of the best BBQ in Los Angeles The tastiest fried pickles Irsquove ever had

3 Kippyrsquos Non-dairy raw organic coconut cream based ice cream My favorite is the orangesicle

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Firefly - the perfect collection of house-wares gifts and clothing reflecting the effort-less and beachy Venice lifestyle

2 Principessa - their website says it best ldquooutfitting the modern flower child in a so-phisticated style that is comfortable sexy and timelessrdquo

3 Aviator Nation Quintessential Southern California style that has become an obsession for many Aviator Nation has one-of-a kind t-shirt tanks sweats and more that have that worn-in feel so soft and comfortable 3 TOP VENICE AIRBNB PICKS

1 Artistrsquos CottageAn art filled cottage in proximity to one of the

worldrsquos best beaches$140 per night

2 Stylish Venice BungalowWalk to beach shops and dining from this ro-mantic and stylish holiday bungalow in a lush

garden setting$149 per night

3 Venice Garden RetreatA guesthouse filled with treasures from the

ownersrsquo travels abroad $125 per night

BROOKE KENNEDYBROOKEEJ

My name is Becca and I fell in love with Atlanta two years ago Although I moved to Atlanta for graduate school and thought it would be temporary I have fallen for a city that could be my forever home Having to choose my favorites are going to be

hard in a city that has so much to do

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Irsquove quickly made a tradition out of going to Music Midtown Music Festival in September at Piedmont Park I had the time of my life dancing the night away with best friends listening to great bands amp the Atlanta skyline in the background

2 Brunch is the only thing that gets me out of bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings Try the 100 item Bloody bar at Front Page News or all you can eat breakfast at Grsquos near piedmont If you get up early enough try West Egg in Westside Provisions

3 For a mere ten bucks you get six samples and a beautiful pint at the Sweetwater Brewery Tour But be warned the pours are heavy

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Noche This tiny tapas bar is full of flavors in tinybites Their chef special never seems to disap-point and therersquos always a drink special (Sangria Sundays are a personal favorite)

2 Park Tavern This restaurant with its own brew-ery offers some of the best views of Atlanta They have a late night sushi special and when it rains they pour dollar beers In the winter they have a full skating rink with adult only hours (so you donrsquot trip over that kid)

3YEAH Burger My favorite burger place in the world they offer a made to order burger that quenches even the pickiest of eaters appetites

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 The Lucky Exchange This second hand store is a treasure trove of pieces some extravagant sequin dresses some office appropriate attire My best find Brand new in the box Prada Loafers for under 30$

2 The Merchant at Howell Mill Grab a cup of coffee at Octane and then cross the street to Merchant A wide array of gifts and acces-sories offer the opportunity to pick up some-thing for your friends and yourself

3 Lizard Thicket Shop this trendy boutiquefor gameday dresses in your favorite team colors or the latest shipment of Bourbon and Bowetie bracelets

3 TOP ATLANTA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Secluded TreehouseHow could a girl not want to spend the night in an adult sized treehouse nestled right in popular

neighborhood Buckhead $275 per night

2 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentMidtown is close to everything you could want to be- food culture Piedmont Park museums amp an active nightlife there is something for everyone

This is a gorgeous room in a mini-mansion $73 per night

3 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentThis apartment is in the perfect location for some-one visiting town for food drinks and shopping

$69 per night

BECCA LUCIOof Becca Marie LucioBECCAMARIELUCIO

I moved to Chicago a little over a year ago and Irsquove completely fallen in love with the city As a Midwesterner all my life Chicago offers the charms of living in the Midwest while offering

amazing big city life There are summer street festivals every weekend the best brunch spots in the area shopping galore amp hidden gems in every gorgeous neighborhood

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Taste test cupcakes around Lincoln Park (I love Sweet Mandy Brsquos and Swirlz)

2 Spend the afternoon blogging at local coffee shops like Floriole amp Heritage

3 Explore local shops in new neighborhoods ndash there are so many incredible places to explore

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Range Hidden gem in Lincoln park that boasts seasonal recipes all made fromlocal ingredients Best of all itrsquos only a few blocks from my apartment Needless to say they know me by name

2 Little Goat Diner ndash I love Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzardrsquos mid-priced diner best of all her Chicago restaurants Offering home-style recipes with a fancy twist Irsquom a big fan of everything Irsquove tried Irsquod recommend the pork belly pancake amp tira-misu shake if you stop in

3 Xoco Rick Bayless has been one of my favorite chefsfor years His lower priced concept Xoco is the perfect spot to meet friends for lunch in River North Plus Margaritas (enough said right)

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 9: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

MID CENTURY MODERN BACHELORETTE PAD

MID CENTURY MODERN BACHELORETTE PAD on a budget

Q+A with Amanda riSIUSLPF Mag Where do you liveAmanda Living in San Francisco for the summer originally from Iowa

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your day jobAmanda Marketing Assistant at Apartment 34

LPF Mag How would you describe your interior design style Amanda My style is constantly evolving I love clean and mid-century modern designs with lots of texture and some rustic elements

LPF Mag Where do you shop for your home Amanda I shop my own home Really Also Target Anthropologie and thrift stores are great for accessories and I love Hobby Lobby and Home Depot for project mate-rials

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite DIY project yoursquove done for your houseAmanda I donrsquot think you can ever have too many pillows so I love working with textiles and making my own pillow covers The tree stamp pillow was made using a potato and is one of my favorites I also love the marble tray DIY because it was so easy and the copper lipstick holder is pretty inventive )

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your biggest splurge Biggest save Amanda My biggest splurge was actually my white Moroccan rug for $100 I got it for a major steal during a big sale and itrsquos one of my favor-ite things in my home Itrsquos just so cozy My biggest save was my coffee table I found at Goodwill for $6

interior design

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT AMANDArsquos BLOG

A HAMMER amp HEELSAMANDARISIUS

Decorating on a budget does not mean you have to sacrifice style I suggest by first really analyzing what you have for furniture and decor and working with that Get creative and repurpose furniture to fit your current style A little paint can go a long way

After arranging and styling your home with the items you already have next take a look and see whatrsquos missing By first working with what you have yoursquoll save tons of money because you arenrsquot hitting the shops and buying useless things you might not even need Once you take notes on the areas in your home that are lacking you have a clear focus of what exactly you need to purchase

When you are shopping donrsquot look at stores you know are out of budget It only makes it harder Stick to the stores that are in your price range and donrsquot be afraid to hit thrift stores Some of my most unique decor items are from thrift stores

Also keep an open mind Stores are full of great decorating items even if they arenrsquot labeled so Paper Source Home Depot and Target clearance section all have pretty items that can work as wall art desk accessories or anything

ON A budgeTdecorating

HEALTHY

SMOOTHIES

BERRY SMOOTHIE12 cup blueberries 12 cup blackberries 12 cup coconut water 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional) Handful of ice cubes 1 tbsp honey or stevia (optional)

STRAWBERRY + MANGO SMOOTHIE12 cup mango 12 cup strawberries 14 cup coconut water 1 tbsp chia seeds 1 tbsp honey or stevia (optional) Sliced almonds to garnish

KALE BANANA PINEAPPLE + MANGO SMOOTHIE14 cup chopped kale 1 whole chopped banana 12 cup chopped mango 12 cup pineapple 12 cup coconut water 12 tsp chia seeds Handful of ice cubes

NIA IS A HEALTH ENTHUSIAST ASPIRING TO INSPIRE PEOPLE TO LIVE A COLORFUL

WHOLESOME AND HAPPY LIFE

FOLLOW HER ON INSTAGRAM NIA_TRITION + SIGN UP FOR HER MAILING LIST FOR WEEKLY HEALTHY RECIPES IN YOUR INBOX

PINEAPPLE CILANTRO LIME MARINADE

Marinade for 1 lb of meatPreparation Time 5 minutesMarinating Time 1 hourTotal Time 1 hour 5 minutes

INGREDIENTS12 cup extra virgin olive oil14 cup pineapple juice14 cup fresh cilantro1 lime (for zest and juice)34 tsp salt12 tsp cumin14 tsp onion powder18 tsp black pepper

1 Rinse and chop cilantro

2 Zest the lime

3 Juice the lime and whisk all ingredients together

4 Mix meat and marinade together

5 Cover meat and marinade (or seal in a zip top bag) and place in the refrigerator for 1 hour

6 Cook as you please Grilling with pineapple bell pepper and onion is recommended

Our cooking expert Jocelyn Mandalou at Saucy Joceyrsquos Kitchen shows us how to make our own marinade for cookouts Itrsquos healthier than a store bought

marinade amp super simple

Follow Jocelyn at SaucyJoceysKitchencomSaucyJoceysKitchen

Photography by Sarah Ennis

haveyourcakeamp eat it too

letrsquos party Often in the middle of the day I find myself drifting off and dreaming of beautiful parties From weddings to holidays I canrsquot help but think of what to do to take it to the next level

However when it comes to birthdays my mind shifts the opposite direction While throwing an over the top birthday bash may work for some I much prefer the beauty of a simpler get together like when I was a kid I donrsquot need 100 people at a fancy restaurant or an elaborate theme brought to life All I really need is a cake like mom used to make snacks for all to enjoy and a little lemonade to sip on

That was the inspiration behind this gathering I wanted to create an event to inspire the simpler things and take you back to the good olrsquo days where all you needed was bal-loons streamers confetti goody bags matching plates and napkins and of course a little Pin the Tail on the Donkey for fun

So as you glance at the images I hope they spark a little nostalgia and inspire a trip down memory lane for your next birthday celebration

We loved this grown up take on the goody bag Creating the perfect favor bag is a mix

between old favorites and new likes Include candies from when you were a kid a fun straw and everything your guests need to

make spiked peach lemonade at home

Ingredients4 Cups Lemonade4 Oz Gin2 Oz Peach Schnapps6 Basil Leaves plus more for garnish

Directions1 Combine all ingredients in large pitcher Let sit for 2-4 hours before serving2 Serve over ice and garnish with basil leaves serving

Spiked Peach Lemonade with Basil

SEE MORE FROM SARAH ATEventsUncorkedcom

EVENTSUNCORKED

Herbed Parmesan Popcorn

INGREDIENTS2 Bags Salted Natural Popcorn2 Tablespoons Butter2 Tablespoons Olive Oil1 Tablespoon Italian Herb Mixturesfrac12 Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Directions1 Pop popcorn according to box directions Pour into large mixing bowl2 In a small sauce pan melt butter olive oil and Italian herb mixture 3 Pour mixture and parmesan cheese over popcorn quickly stir-ring to combine

HOMEMADE INDIVUDUAL PIZZAS

Ingredientsfrac34 Cup Lukewarm Water1 Teaspoon Dry Active Yeast2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour1 frac12 Teaspoons Salt

Directions1 In a medium mixing bowl dissolve dry active yeast in luke-warm water 2 Add in whole wheat flour and salt to the bowl and mix un-til yoursquove formed a shaggy dough3 Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead until all combined and smooth about 5 minutes If dough begins to stick to surface or hands add additional flour4 Return to bowl and let rise about 15 hours or until doubled in size Use or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days5 Split dough in half Form each half into a ball Roll out with a rolling pin 6 Top with desired toppings and bake at 500 degrees for 5 minutes Rotate pizzas and bake for an additional 3-5 min-utes or until cheese is melted and bubbly

Vanilla Buttercream IcingIngredients2 Sticks Unsalted Butter room temperature4 Cups Powdered Sugarfrac14 Cup Heavy Cream2 frac12 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract

Directions1 Beat softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes until creamy

2 Add powdered sugar heavy cream and vanilla extract beating until thick and smooth approximately 3 minutes

3 Apply to cool cake between layers and on top Top with additional sprinkles if desired

Ingredients3 13 Cups All Purpose Flour1 Teaspoon Baking Powderfrac12 Teaspoon Baking Soda1 Teaspoon Salt2 Sticks Unsalted Butter melted1 frac12 Cups Granulated Sugarfrac12 Cup Dark Brown Sugar2 Large Eggsfrac12 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt1 frac12 Cups Milk2 Tablespoons Vanilla Extract1 13 Cup Rainbow Sprinkles (Not Non-Pareils)

Directions1 Preheat Oven to 350 degrees Spray (2) 9rdquo Round Cake Pans with non-stick spray

2 In a medium bowl mix flour baking powder baking soda and salt Set aside

3 In a large mixing bowl whisk together melted butter granulated sugar and dark brown sugar Be sure to get out any lumps

4 Whisk into sugar mixture egg milk yogurt and vanilla extract until combined

5 Slowly mix in dry ingredients until no lumps remain

6 Add sprinkles and stir till just combined being carful as to not over stir Sprinkles will begin to melt if over combined

7 Bake for 20 minutes Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 13-17 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean

8 Let cool on a wire rack completely before icing

homemade

Lake SUMMER

AT THE

Photography by Matt Engelhart

lpf style tip

canoe ridescampfiresBASEBALL CAPS

best friends

LAKE LIFE

FIREFLIES

SUMMER

SHOP THE LOOK lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $18Lizzibeth $34

Olivia Taylor $10

Lizzibeth $15

Mango $25

Sperry $85

J Crew $20

Choies $63

Lizzibeth $13

Lizzibeth $13

lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $36

Splendid $86

Tretorn $93Romwe $18

Fore

ver 2

1 $

5

Lizzibeth $20

Forever 21 $9

Lizzibeth $14

Olivia Taylor $10

Irsquom going to be completely honest with you all I dread telling people that I used to be over-weight The excess weight I carried around was a representation of some of the most unhappiest years of my life and they are hard to look back on

Growing up I was always super skinny I ate whatever I wanted when I wanted I even had trouble gaining weight at various points in my life I was downright scrawny In high school it was just me and my size zero jeans all the way through graduation Once I got to college I no-ticed a little bit of weight gain but nothing like the freshman 15 everyone was always talking about I figured I was finally filling out my womanly body

Somewhere between my junior year of col-lege and graduation in May of 2011 things changed At my peak I wore a size 14 in womenrsquos pants And not the sexy-built-to-be-curvy size 14 that Christina Mendez is rocking I Wish To say I had let myself go would be an understate-ment

When I finally acknowledged my weight and stepped on the scale I almost had a heart attack Thatrsquos probably not an exaggeration considering the lack of exercise paired with all of the fatty foods I was consuming regularly It read 178 I panicked The last time I stepped on a scale I was at the doctorrsquos office several years prior and the

number read 110 (a number far too small for my 5rsquo7rsquorsquo frame but thatrsquos another story) WHAT HAPPENED My mind was a blur trying to process those three not-so-little numbers

Luckily this happened after my workout oth-erwise Irsquom quite positive the shock would have sent me running (okay walking) out the front doors I can honestly say it was one of the most overwhelming experiences Irsquove ever had Up until that point I had let everything roll off my shoulder I ignored it all the Facebook messag-es from an ex-boyfriend calling me a fat btch the degrading hoop and holler from boys when they drove past me on the street and worst of

all I ignored the fact that my ldquofriendsrdquo were saying these terrible things about me behind my back and I was just standing by letting it happen I was fed up I made a commitment to get on track for myself

I started documenting I prefer this word to counting which is how my blog name came about (26 and Not Counting calories years flying by how many items are in my online shopping cart compared to the dollars in my bank accountyou get the gist) I started tracking calories and workouts in the myfitnesspal app committed to 5-6 workouts a week (including weight lifting which I had never done in my life) and limited my booze fests with friends (which had been going on far too often) to one night a week

Healthy is happyCOntributor Jessicarsquos Journey to a happier + Healthier self

ldquoNot only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of

negativity that coNsumed my liferdquo

It wasnrsquot as if I had never worked out before that simply wasnrsquot the case I grew up active and en-joyed spin class in my early col-lege years but I had fallen off the bandwagon

So I was working out right But what about food I hate the word diet Diet is typically defined as something you ldquogo onrdquo before a big trip and it usually means that whatever crazy thing you are doing to try and shed pounds (the grapefruit diet) will eventual-ly have an ending point I didnrsquot start drinking any crazy weight loss drink or ban everything fried but I did start watching what I ate I paid attention to my body and when it was full and aimed to eat more home cooked meals op-posed to eating out all the time

The first time someone noticed I had a lost a few pounds (8 to be exact) I nearly fell off my bar stool Yes I was at the bar cele-brating a friendrsquos birthday (I had found a happy balance and kept my social life hallelujah) The words were simple ldquoJess you are looking goodrdquo I canrsquot tell you how thankful I am to that person that they recognized the work I had been putting in

Maintaining my body will be a daily practice for the rest of my life I had to marry that thought from the get-go Til death do us part Just this past year I set out to lose another 10 pounds and

slowly but surely I reached my goal I wasnrsquot happy in my body so I fixed it and in doing so I fixed a lot of other areas in my life Irsquom proud to say that I currently weigh 131lbs Irsquove wrestled some unhealthy habits into portion controlled treats found that Irsquom a much happier person when I workout and Irsquove grown into the person I am meant to be Not only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of negativity that consumed my life

Irsquom still not where I want to be and thatrsquos okay That simply means that itrsquos time to set anoth-er goal and push myself harder than ever My hope is that if you arenrsquot happy with where yoursquore at in life whether it be your weight your job your relationship that you will love yourself enough to change the situation and create a life that makes you happy to your core

One last thing you should also know that there is such a thing as a skinny fat person Someone may appear to be skinny but that doesnrsquot necessarily mean they are healthy Being fit doesnrsquot mean fitting into a size 2 (or even 4 6 or 8) for all women (Serena Williams and Whitney Thompson are per-fect examples) Just because some-one appears to be ldquofatrdquo doesnrsquot mean they canrsquot outrun you Be kind and encouraging toward oth-er people and especially yourself

happy jessICArsquosfitnessjourney

Jess- 2011

Jess- 2014

HAIR SPRAY

BEACH BABE HAIR SPRAY14 C WATER

1 TBSP SEA SALT

1 TBSP HAIR GEL

2 DROPS ARGAN OIL OR CONDITIONER

POUR INGREDIENTS INTO TRAVEL SIZE SPRAY BOTTLE + SHAKE WELL

HAIR SPRAY

SPRAY ONTODAMP HAIR +

SCRUNCH FOR BEST BEACHY

WAVE RESULTS

The

GUIDELPF MAG CONTRIBUTORS SHARE A LOCALrsquos GUIDE TO THEIR CITIES

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO -

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO

Irsquom Katey a style blogger with Chronicles of Frivolity living as a Dallasite No we donrsquot ride horses to the mall and everything really is

bigger from our Margaritas to our eyelashes

1 Eat Dallas has more restaurants per capita than anywhere in America seriously We eat so well

2 Shop Dallas ALSO has more Shopping centers per capita than anywhere in America Itrsquos absurd

3 Marg Everywhere you look you are 10 feet from a patio with chips salsa and the best margarita yoursquove ever had 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Hattiersquos Hattiersquos is southern food with LA-white deacutecor You can enjoy Bacon-Wrapped Fried Oys-ters and Macaroni and Cheese Crusted Filet while sipping a Sweet Tea Martini

2 Stampede 66 Stampede 66 wins best margari-ta every year (The Modern Star Canyon) and The Butterscotch Pudding is worth gaining 20 pounds for

3 Saint Ann Saint Ann has one of the most beau-tiful patios in Dallas and I could probably have The Skinny Basil Lemonade and Salmon every meal of my life

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

KATEY MCFARLANof Chronicles of Frivolity

KATEYMCFARLAN

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Milk amp Honey Boutique Milk amp Honey Bou-tique might be the most affordable and unique boutique in Dallas PS go to the back room everything is on sale and there are a million size options

2 Movida Boutique Movida Boutique has the most beautiful bright pieces a neon pink or chartreuse blazer Under $40 Yes marsquoam

3 Northpark Mall Northpark Mall isnrsquot exactly affordable in every way but if you go to Dallas and donrsquot stop by it is a sin From Gucci to Nei-mans itrsquos like a museum of designers more so than a typical mall

3 TOP DALLAS AIRBNB PICKS

1 Trendy Uptown Loft A gorgeous two story loft near all of the

cities best bars amp restaurantsDallas $160 per night

2 Private Guest House w Exposed BeamsWe canrsquot get over how gorgeous this private

guest house is Dallas $150 per night

3 Contemporary CabinThis cabin is located right next to an art museum

amp always has live music at nightDallas $90 per night

I was fortunate enough to spend the majority of my college career living in the bustling city of Raleigh North Carolina Raleigh is one of those towns that flies under the radar Itrsquos a beautiful historical area with a taste of southern charm Raleigh is a relatively in-

expensive destination with lots to see and do you just need to find the right spots

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Take an afternoon or evening stroll around Lake Johnson It is the perfect place to go for a jog take a walk with your dog or hop in one of the paddle boats and explore the peaceful sights

2 Check out the local Farmerrsquos Market based right near the NC State University campus each vendor sets up their own stand of fresh produce crafts homemade goods- itrsquos open on weekends

3 Head over to the Amphitheater at Walnut Creek Lots of summer concerts are on the list tickets are super affordable in the lawn section with a great view of the stage

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Flying Biscuit- Known for their southern made delicious buttery baked biscuits paired with just about any breakfast entree it is the happening spot for a weekend brunch

2 Cameron Bar amp Grill - An upscale looking restaurant with affordable prices for a fabulous meal they have great appetizers and unique dinner dishes to pair with any delicious choice of wine

3 Boylan Bridge Brewpub - The best place to hit up to catch a sunset the local pub sits right on the bridge that overlooks the Raleigh skyline sit outside on the terrace amp enjoy one of their many craft beers (amp cheese dip) made right there

JACQUELINE YANCHOCIK

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Fabrsquorik Fabrsquorik is a hostpot with lots of affordable clothes like bright colored maxi dresses tanks and any handbag you could pos-sibly need

2 The Impeccable Pig Looking for the perfect day dress The Impeccable Pig is the place to go the store features lots of cute floral prints in dresses tops and shorts this is your summer destination shop

3 Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique is a one stop shop for all your accessory needs from simple earrings to some diamond pieces the customerrsquos of Charlottersquos are on the cutting edge of fashion

3 TOP RALEIGH AIRBNB PICKS

1 Hotel NicaraguaSsaid to be a stop from Jack Kerouacrsquos

noteworthy book ldquoOn the Roadrdquo nestled right outside downtown Raleigh this is definitely a

historic gemRaleigh $70 per night

2 Cookiersquos Garden SuiteA 1899 bungalow located in the Oakwood

Historic District enjoy a private entrance with all the amenities yoursquoll need right by downtown

Raleigh $75 per night

3 Sallyrsquos Downtown Historic SuiteThis historic home sits in a gorgeous neighbor-hood with leafy oaks close to coffee shops and

nearby bars Raleigh $85 per night

Irsquove been living in Los Angeles for over 3 years Los Angeles is a very spread out megacity with each area diverse in restaurants activities fashion architecture and even weather I grew up on

the beach so it was only fitting that I move to the west side of LA closest to the Pacific Venice is a colorful eccentric one-of-a kind district in Los Angeles right on the Pacific Ocean

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Venice has near-perfect weather year round so biking is a common activity here Marvin Braude Bike Trail (known as The Strand) is a bike path along the Pacific shoreline starting from Malibu down through Venice all the way Redondo Beach

2 Abbot Kinney is the artsy hipster sister of Bev-erly Hillsrsquo Rodeo Drive First Friday brings the best local art fashion music and food trucks to locals and visitors alike

3 Yoga and Venice go hand in hand There are multiple studios in the Venice area with incredible instructors and a class nearly every hour

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Tasting Kitchen A very special dining experience Trendy upscale atmosphere but with a rustic twist Communal seating under the trees a creative and fresh menu that changes daily and an overall obscure charm that suits Venice to a T

2 Chop Daddyrsquos Nestled between some of the cityrsquos most well-reviewed restaurants is some of the best BBQ in Los Angeles The tastiest fried pickles Irsquove ever had

3 Kippyrsquos Non-dairy raw organic coconut cream based ice cream My favorite is the orangesicle

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Firefly - the perfect collection of house-wares gifts and clothing reflecting the effort-less and beachy Venice lifestyle

2 Principessa - their website says it best ldquooutfitting the modern flower child in a so-phisticated style that is comfortable sexy and timelessrdquo

3 Aviator Nation Quintessential Southern California style that has become an obsession for many Aviator Nation has one-of-a kind t-shirt tanks sweats and more that have that worn-in feel so soft and comfortable 3 TOP VENICE AIRBNB PICKS

1 Artistrsquos CottageAn art filled cottage in proximity to one of the

worldrsquos best beaches$140 per night

2 Stylish Venice BungalowWalk to beach shops and dining from this ro-mantic and stylish holiday bungalow in a lush

garden setting$149 per night

3 Venice Garden RetreatA guesthouse filled with treasures from the

ownersrsquo travels abroad $125 per night

BROOKE KENNEDYBROOKEEJ

My name is Becca and I fell in love with Atlanta two years ago Although I moved to Atlanta for graduate school and thought it would be temporary I have fallen for a city that could be my forever home Having to choose my favorites are going to be

hard in a city that has so much to do

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Irsquove quickly made a tradition out of going to Music Midtown Music Festival in September at Piedmont Park I had the time of my life dancing the night away with best friends listening to great bands amp the Atlanta skyline in the background

2 Brunch is the only thing that gets me out of bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings Try the 100 item Bloody bar at Front Page News or all you can eat breakfast at Grsquos near piedmont If you get up early enough try West Egg in Westside Provisions

3 For a mere ten bucks you get six samples and a beautiful pint at the Sweetwater Brewery Tour But be warned the pours are heavy

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Noche This tiny tapas bar is full of flavors in tinybites Their chef special never seems to disap-point and therersquos always a drink special (Sangria Sundays are a personal favorite)

2 Park Tavern This restaurant with its own brew-ery offers some of the best views of Atlanta They have a late night sushi special and when it rains they pour dollar beers In the winter they have a full skating rink with adult only hours (so you donrsquot trip over that kid)

3YEAH Burger My favorite burger place in the world they offer a made to order burger that quenches even the pickiest of eaters appetites

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 The Lucky Exchange This second hand store is a treasure trove of pieces some extravagant sequin dresses some office appropriate attire My best find Brand new in the box Prada Loafers for under 30$

2 The Merchant at Howell Mill Grab a cup of coffee at Octane and then cross the street to Merchant A wide array of gifts and acces-sories offer the opportunity to pick up some-thing for your friends and yourself

3 Lizard Thicket Shop this trendy boutiquefor gameday dresses in your favorite team colors or the latest shipment of Bourbon and Bowetie bracelets

3 TOP ATLANTA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Secluded TreehouseHow could a girl not want to spend the night in an adult sized treehouse nestled right in popular

neighborhood Buckhead $275 per night

2 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentMidtown is close to everything you could want to be- food culture Piedmont Park museums amp an active nightlife there is something for everyone

This is a gorgeous room in a mini-mansion $73 per night

3 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentThis apartment is in the perfect location for some-one visiting town for food drinks and shopping

$69 per night

BECCA LUCIOof Becca Marie LucioBECCAMARIELUCIO

I moved to Chicago a little over a year ago and Irsquove completely fallen in love with the city As a Midwesterner all my life Chicago offers the charms of living in the Midwest while offering

amazing big city life There are summer street festivals every weekend the best brunch spots in the area shopping galore amp hidden gems in every gorgeous neighborhood

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Taste test cupcakes around Lincoln Park (I love Sweet Mandy Brsquos and Swirlz)

2 Spend the afternoon blogging at local coffee shops like Floriole amp Heritage

3 Explore local shops in new neighborhoods ndash there are so many incredible places to explore

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Range Hidden gem in Lincoln park that boasts seasonal recipes all made fromlocal ingredients Best of all itrsquos only a few blocks from my apartment Needless to say they know me by name

2 Little Goat Diner ndash I love Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzardrsquos mid-priced diner best of all her Chicago restaurants Offering home-style recipes with a fancy twist Irsquom a big fan of everything Irsquove tried Irsquod recommend the pork belly pancake amp tira-misu shake if you stop in

3 Xoco Rick Bayless has been one of my favorite chefsfor years His lower priced concept Xoco is the perfect spot to meet friends for lunch in River North Plus Margaritas (enough said right)

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 10: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

MID CENTURY MODERN BACHELORETTE PAD on a budget

Q+A with Amanda riSIUSLPF Mag Where do you liveAmanda Living in San Francisco for the summer originally from Iowa

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your day jobAmanda Marketing Assistant at Apartment 34

LPF Mag How would you describe your interior design style Amanda My style is constantly evolving I love clean and mid-century modern designs with lots of texture and some rustic elements

LPF Mag Where do you shop for your home Amanda I shop my own home Really Also Target Anthropologie and thrift stores are great for accessories and I love Hobby Lobby and Home Depot for project mate-rials

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite DIY project yoursquove done for your houseAmanda I donrsquot think you can ever have too many pillows so I love working with textiles and making my own pillow covers The tree stamp pillow was made using a potato and is one of my favorites I also love the marble tray DIY because it was so easy and the copper lipstick holder is pretty inventive )

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your biggest splurge Biggest save Amanda My biggest splurge was actually my white Moroccan rug for $100 I got it for a major steal during a big sale and itrsquos one of my favor-ite things in my home Itrsquos just so cozy My biggest save was my coffee table I found at Goodwill for $6

interior design

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT AMANDArsquos BLOG

A HAMMER amp HEELSAMANDARISIUS

Decorating on a budget does not mean you have to sacrifice style I suggest by first really analyzing what you have for furniture and decor and working with that Get creative and repurpose furniture to fit your current style A little paint can go a long way

After arranging and styling your home with the items you already have next take a look and see whatrsquos missing By first working with what you have yoursquoll save tons of money because you arenrsquot hitting the shops and buying useless things you might not even need Once you take notes on the areas in your home that are lacking you have a clear focus of what exactly you need to purchase

When you are shopping donrsquot look at stores you know are out of budget It only makes it harder Stick to the stores that are in your price range and donrsquot be afraid to hit thrift stores Some of my most unique decor items are from thrift stores

Also keep an open mind Stores are full of great decorating items even if they arenrsquot labeled so Paper Source Home Depot and Target clearance section all have pretty items that can work as wall art desk accessories or anything

ON A budgeTdecorating

HEALTHY

SMOOTHIES

BERRY SMOOTHIE12 cup blueberries 12 cup blackberries 12 cup coconut water 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional) Handful of ice cubes 1 tbsp honey or stevia (optional)

STRAWBERRY + MANGO SMOOTHIE12 cup mango 12 cup strawberries 14 cup coconut water 1 tbsp chia seeds 1 tbsp honey or stevia (optional) Sliced almonds to garnish

KALE BANANA PINEAPPLE + MANGO SMOOTHIE14 cup chopped kale 1 whole chopped banana 12 cup chopped mango 12 cup pineapple 12 cup coconut water 12 tsp chia seeds Handful of ice cubes

NIA IS A HEALTH ENTHUSIAST ASPIRING TO INSPIRE PEOPLE TO LIVE A COLORFUL

WHOLESOME AND HAPPY LIFE

FOLLOW HER ON INSTAGRAM NIA_TRITION + SIGN UP FOR HER MAILING LIST FOR WEEKLY HEALTHY RECIPES IN YOUR INBOX

PINEAPPLE CILANTRO LIME MARINADE

Marinade for 1 lb of meatPreparation Time 5 minutesMarinating Time 1 hourTotal Time 1 hour 5 minutes

INGREDIENTS12 cup extra virgin olive oil14 cup pineapple juice14 cup fresh cilantro1 lime (for zest and juice)34 tsp salt12 tsp cumin14 tsp onion powder18 tsp black pepper

1 Rinse and chop cilantro

2 Zest the lime

3 Juice the lime and whisk all ingredients together

4 Mix meat and marinade together

5 Cover meat and marinade (or seal in a zip top bag) and place in the refrigerator for 1 hour

6 Cook as you please Grilling with pineapple bell pepper and onion is recommended

Our cooking expert Jocelyn Mandalou at Saucy Joceyrsquos Kitchen shows us how to make our own marinade for cookouts Itrsquos healthier than a store bought

marinade amp super simple

Follow Jocelyn at SaucyJoceysKitchencomSaucyJoceysKitchen

Photography by Sarah Ennis

haveyourcakeamp eat it too

letrsquos party Often in the middle of the day I find myself drifting off and dreaming of beautiful parties From weddings to holidays I canrsquot help but think of what to do to take it to the next level

However when it comes to birthdays my mind shifts the opposite direction While throwing an over the top birthday bash may work for some I much prefer the beauty of a simpler get together like when I was a kid I donrsquot need 100 people at a fancy restaurant or an elaborate theme brought to life All I really need is a cake like mom used to make snacks for all to enjoy and a little lemonade to sip on

That was the inspiration behind this gathering I wanted to create an event to inspire the simpler things and take you back to the good olrsquo days where all you needed was bal-loons streamers confetti goody bags matching plates and napkins and of course a little Pin the Tail on the Donkey for fun

So as you glance at the images I hope they spark a little nostalgia and inspire a trip down memory lane for your next birthday celebration

We loved this grown up take on the goody bag Creating the perfect favor bag is a mix

between old favorites and new likes Include candies from when you were a kid a fun straw and everything your guests need to

make spiked peach lemonade at home

Ingredients4 Cups Lemonade4 Oz Gin2 Oz Peach Schnapps6 Basil Leaves plus more for garnish

Directions1 Combine all ingredients in large pitcher Let sit for 2-4 hours before serving2 Serve over ice and garnish with basil leaves serving

Spiked Peach Lemonade with Basil

SEE MORE FROM SARAH ATEventsUncorkedcom

EVENTSUNCORKED

Herbed Parmesan Popcorn

INGREDIENTS2 Bags Salted Natural Popcorn2 Tablespoons Butter2 Tablespoons Olive Oil1 Tablespoon Italian Herb Mixturesfrac12 Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Directions1 Pop popcorn according to box directions Pour into large mixing bowl2 In a small sauce pan melt butter olive oil and Italian herb mixture 3 Pour mixture and parmesan cheese over popcorn quickly stir-ring to combine

HOMEMADE INDIVUDUAL PIZZAS

Ingredientsfrac34 Cup Lukewarm Water1 Teaspoon Dry Active Yeast2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour1 frac12 Teaspoons Salt

Directions1 In a medium mixing bowl dissolve dry active yeast in luke-warm water 2 Add in whole wheat flour and salt to the bowl and mix un-til yoursquove formed a shaggy dough3 Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead until all combined and smooth about 5 minutes If dough begins to stick to surface or hands add additional flour4 Return to bowl and let rise about 15 hours or until doubled in size Use or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days5 Split dough in half Form each half into a ball Roll out with a rolling pin 6 Top with desired toppings and bake at 500 degrees for 5 minutes Rotate pizzas and bake for an additional 3-5 min-utes or until cheese is melted and bubbly

Vanilla Buttercream IcingIngredients2 Sticks Unsalted Butter room temperature4 Cups Powdered Sugarfrac14 Cup Heavy Cream2 frac12 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract

Directions1 Beat softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes until creamy

2 Add powdered sugar heavy cream and vanilla extract beating until thick and smooth approximately 3 minutes

3 Apply to cool cake between layers and on top Top with additional sprinkles if desired

Ingredients3 13 Cups All Purpose Flour1 Teaspoon Baking Powderfrac12 Teaspoon Baking Soda1 Teaspoon Salt2 Sticks Unsalted Butter melted1 frac12 Cups Granulated Sugarfrac12 Cup Dark Brown Sugar2 Large Eggsfrac12 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt1 frac12 Cups Milk2 Tablespoons Vanilla Extract1 13 Cup Rainbow Sprinkles (Not Non-Pareils)

Directions1 Preheat Oven to 350 degrees Spray (2) 9rdquo Round Cake Pans with non-stick spray

2 In a medium bowl mix flour baking powder baking soda and salt Set aside

3 In a large mixing bowl whisk together melted butter granulated sugar and dark brown sugar Be sure to get out any lumps

4 Whisk into sugar mixture egg milk yogurt and vanilla extract until combined

5 Slowly mix in dry ingredients until no lumps remain

6 Add sprinkles and stir till just combined being carful as to not over stir Sprinkles will begin to melt if over combined

7 Bake for 20 minutes Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 13-17 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean

8 Let cool on a wire rack completely before icing

homemade

Lake SUMMER

AT THE

Photography by Matt Engelhart

lpf style tip

canoe ridescampfiresBASEBALL CAPS

best friends

LAKE LIFE

FIREFLIES

SUMMER

SHOP THE LOOK lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $18Lizzibeth $34

Olivia Taylor $10

Lizzibeth $15

Mango $25

Sperry $85

J Crew $20

Choies $63

Lizzibeth $13

Lizzibeth $13

lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $36

Splendid $86

Tretorn $93Romwe $18

Fore

ver 2

1 $

5

Lizzibeth $20

Forever 21 $9

Lizzibeth $14

Olivia Taylor $10

Irsquom going to be completely honest with you all I dread telling people that I used to be over-weight The excess weight I carried around was a representation of some of the most unhappiest years of my life and they are hard to look back on

Growing up I was always super skinny I ate whatever I wanted when I wanted I even had trouble gaining weight at various points in my life I was downright scrawny In high school it was just me and my size zero jeans all the way through graduation Once I got to college I no-ticed a little bit of weight gain but nothing like the freshman 15 everyone was always talking about I figured I was finally filling out my womanly body

Somewhere between my junior year of col-lege and graduation in May of 2011 things changed At my peak I wore a size 14 in womenrsquos pants And not the sexy-built-to-be-curvy size 14 that Christina Mendez is rocking I Wish To say I had let myself go would be an understate-ment

When I finally acknowledged my weight and stepped on the scale I almost had a heart attack Thatrsquos probably not an exaggeration considering the lack of exercise paired with all of the fatty foods I was consuming regularly It read 178 I panicked The last time I stepped on a scale I was at the doctorrsquos office several years prior and the

number read 110 (a number far too small for my 5rsquo7rsquorsquo frame but thatrsquos another story) WHAT HAPPENED My mind was a blur trying to process those three not-so-little numbers

Luckily this happened after my workout oth-erwise Irsquom quite positive the shock would have sent me running (okay walking) out the front doors I can honestly say it was one of the most overwhelming experiences Irsquove ever had Up until that point I had let everything roll off my shoulder I ignored it all the Facebook messag-es from an ex-boyfriend calling me a fat btch the degrading hoop and holler from boys when they drove past me on the street and worst of

all I ignored the fact that my ldquofriendsrdquo were saying these terrible things about me behind my back and I was just standing by letting it happen I was fed up I made a commitment to get on track for myself

I started documenting I prefer this word to counting which is how my blog name came about (26 and Not Counting calories years flying by how many items are in my online shopping cart compared to the dollars in my bank accountyou get the gist) I started tracking calories and workouts in the myfitnesspal app committed to 5-6 workouts a week (including weight lifting which I had never done in my life) and limited my booze fests with friends (which had been going on far too often) to one night a week

Healthy is happyCOntributor Jessicarsquos Journey to a happier + Healthier self

ldquoNot only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of

negativity that coNsumed my liferdquo

It wasnrsquot as if I had never worked out before that simply wasnrsquot the case I grew up active and en-joyed spin class in my early col-lege years but I had fallen off the bandwagon

So I was working out right But what about food I hate the word diet Diet is typically defined as something you ldquogo onrdquo before a big trip and it usually means that whatever crazy thing you are doing to try and shed pounds (the grapefruit diet) will eventual-ly have an ending point I didnrsquot start drinking any crazy weight loss drink or ban everything fried but I did start watching what I ate I paid attention to my body and when it was full and aimed to eat more home cooked meals op-posed to eating out all the time

The first time someone noticed I had a lost a few pounds (8 to be exact) I nearly fell off my bar stool Yes I was at the bar cele-brating a friendrsquos birthday (I had found a happy balance and kept my social life hallelujah) The words were simple ldquoJess you are looking goodrdquo I canrsquot tell you how thankful I am to that person that they recognized the work I had been putting in

Maintaining my body will be a daily practice for the rest of my life I had to marry that thought from the get-go Til death do us part Just this past year I set out to lose another 10 pounds and

slowly but surely I reached my goal I wasnrsquot happy in my body so I fixed it and in doing so I fixed a lot of other areas in my life Irsquom proud to say that I currently weigh 131lbs Irsquove wrestled some unhealthy habits into portion controlled treats found that Irsquom a much happier person when I workout and Irsquove grown into the person I am meant to be Not only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of negativity that consumed my life

Irsquom still not where I want to be and thatrsquos okay That simply means that itrsquos time to set anoth-er goal and push myself harder than ever My hope is that if you arenrsquot happy with where yoursquore at in life whether it be your weight your job your relationship that you will love yourself enough to change the situation and create a life that makes you happy to your core

One last thing you should also know that there is such a thing as a skinny fat person Someone may appear to be skinny but that doesnrsquot necessarily mean they are healthy Being fit doesnrsquot mean fitting into a size 2 (or even 4 6 or 8) for all women (Serena Williams and Whitney Thompson are per-fect examples) Just because some-one appears to be ldquofatrdquo doesnrsquot mean they canrsquot outrun you Be kind and encouraging toward oth-er people and especially yourself

happy jessICArsquosfitnessjourney

Jess- 2011

Jess- 2014

HAIR SPRAY

BEACH BABE HAIR SPRAY14 C WATER

1 TBSP SEA SALT

1 TBSP HAIR GEL

2 DROPS ARGAN OIL OR CONDITIONER

POUR INGREDIENTS INTO TRAVEL SIZE SPRAY BOTTLE + SHAKE WELL

HAIR SPRAY

SPRAY ONTODAMP HAIR +

SCRUNCH FOR BEST BEACHY

WAVE RESULTS

The

GUIDELPF MAG CONTRIBUTORS SHARE A LOCALrsquos GUIDE TO THEIR CITIES

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO -

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO

Irsquom Katey a style blogger with Chronicles of Frivolity living as a Dallasite No we donrsquot ride horses to the mall and everything really is

bigger from our Margaritas to our eyelashes

1 Eat Dallas has more restaurants per capita than anywhere in America seriously We eat so well

2 Shop Dallas ALSO has more Shopping centers per capita than anywhere in America Itrsquos absurd

3 Marg Everywhere you look you are 10 feet from a patio with chips salsa and the best margarita yoursquove ever had 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Hattiersquos Hattiersquos is southern food with LA-white deacutecor You can enjoy Bacon-Wrapped Fried Oys-ters and Macaroni and Cheese Crusted Filet while sipping a Sweet Tea Martini

2 Stampede 66 Stampede 66 wins best margari-ta every year (The Modern Star Canyon) and The Butterscotch Pudding is worth gaining 20 pounds for

3 Saint Ann Saint Ann has one of the most beau-tiful patios in Dallas and I could probably have The Skinny Basil Lemonade and Salmon every meal of my life

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

KATEY MCFARLANof Chronicles of Frivolity

KATEYMCFARLAN

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Milk amp Honey Boutique Milk amp Honey Bou-tique might be the most affordable and unique boutique in Dallas PS go to the back room everything is on sale and there are a million size options

2 Movida Boutique Movida Boutique has the most beautiful bright pieces a neon pink or chartreuse blazer Under $40 Yes marsquoam

3 Northpark Mall Northpark Mall isnrsquot exactly affordable in every way but if you go to Dallas and donrsquot stop by it is a sin From Gucci to Nei-mans itrsquos like a museum of designers more so than a typical mall

3 TOP DALLAS AIRBNB PICKS

1 Trendy Uptown Loft A gorgeous two story loft near all of the

cities best bars amp restaurantsDallas $160 per night

2 Private Guest House w Exposed BeamsWe canrsquot get over how gorgeous this private

guest house is Dallas $150 per night

3 Contemporary CabinThis cabin is located right next to an art museum

amp always has live music at nightDallas $90 per night

I was fortunate enough to spend the majority of my college career living in the bustling city of Raleigh North Carolina Raleigh is one of those towns that flies under the radar Itrsquos a beautiful historical area with a taste of southern charm Raleigh is a relatively in-

expensive destination with lots to see and do you just need to find the right spots

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Take an afternoon or evening stroll around Lake Johnson It is the perfect place to go for a jog take a walk with your dog or hop in one of the paddle boats and explore the peaceful sights

2 Check out the local Farmerrsquos Market based right near the NC State University campus each vendor sets up their own stand of fresh produce crafts homemade goods- itrsquos open on weekends

3 Head over to the Amphitheater at Walnut Creek Lots of summer concerts are on the list tickets are super affordable in the lawn section with a great view of the stage

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Flying Biscuit- Known for their southern made delicious buttery baked biscuits paired with just about any breakfast entree it is the happening spot for a weekend brunch

2 Cameron Bar amp Grill - An upscale looking restaurant with affordable prices for a fabulous meal they have great appetizers and unique dinner dishes to pair with any delicious choice of wine

3 Boylan Bridge Brewpub - The best place to hit up to catch a sunset the local pub sits right on the bridge that overlooks the Raleigh skyline sit outside on the terrace amp enjoy one of their many craft beers (amp cheese dip) made right there

JACQUELINE YANCHOCIK

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Fabrsquorik Fabrsquorik is a hostpot with lots of affordable clothes like bright colored maxi dresses tanks and any handbag you could pos-sibly need

2 The Impeccable Pig Looking for the perfect day dress The Impeccable Pig is the place to go the store features lots of cute floral prints in dresses tops and shorts this is your summer destination shop

3 Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique is a one stop shop for all your accessory needs from simple earrings to some diamond pieces the customerrsquos of Charlottersquos are on the cutting edge of fashion

3 TOP RALEIGH AIRBNB PICKS

1 Hotel NicaraguaSsaid to be a stop from Jack Kerouacrsquos

noteworthy book ldquoOn the Roadrdquo nestled right outside downtown Raleigh this is definitely a

historic gemRaleigh $70 per night

2 Cookiersquos Garden SuiteA 1899 bungalow located in the Oakwood

Historic District enjoy a private entrance with all the amenities yoursquoll need right by downtown

Raleigh $75 per night

3 Sallyrsquos Downtown Historic SuiteThis historic home sits in a gorgeous neighbor-hood with leafy oaks close to coffee shops and

nearby bars Raleigh $85 per night

Irsquove been living in Los Angeles for over 3 years Los Angeles is a very spread out megacity with each area diverse in restaurants activities fashion architecture and even weather I grew up on

the beach so it was only fitting that I move to the west side of LA closest to the Pacific Venice is a colorful eccentric one-of-a kind district in Los Angeles right on the Pacific Ocean

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Venice has near-perfect weather year round so biking is a common activity here Marvin Braude Bike Trail (known as The Strand) is a bike path along the Pacific shoreline starting from Malibu down through Venice all the way Redondo Beach

2 Abbot Kinney is the artsy hipster sister of Bev-erly Hillsrsquo Rodeo Drive First Friday brings the best local art fashion music and food trucks to locals and visitors alike

3 Yoga and Venice go hand in hand There are multiple studios in the Venice area with incredible instructors and a class nearly every hour

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Tasting Kitchen A very special dining experience Trendy upscale atmosphere but with a rustic twist Communal seating under the trees a creative and fresh menu that changes daily and an overall obscure charm that suits Venice to a T

2 Chop Daddyrsquos Nestled between some of the cityrsquos most well-reviewed restaurants is some of the best BBQ in Los Angeles The tastiest fried pickles Irsquove ever had

3 Kippyrsquos Non-dairy raw organic coconut cream based ice cream My favorite is the orangesicle

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Firefly - the perfect collection of house-wares gifts and clothing reflecting the effort-less and beachy Venice lifestyle

2 Principessa - their website says it best ldquooutfitting the modern flower child in a so-phisticated style that is comfortable sexy and timelessrdquo

3 Aviator Nation Quintessential Southern California style that has become an obsession for many Aviator Nation has one-of-a kind t-shirt tanks sweats and more that have that worn-in feel so soft and comfortable 3 TOP VENICE AIRBNB PICKS

1 Artistrsquos CottageAn art filled cottage in proximity to one of the

worldrsquos best beaches$140 per night

2 Stylish Venice BungalowWalk to beach shops and dining from this ro-mantic and stylish holiday bungalow in a lush

garden setting$149 per night

3 Venice Garden RetreatA guesthouse filled with treasures from the

ownersrsquo travels abroad $125 per night

BROOKE KENNEDYBROOKEEJ

My name is Becca and I fell in love with Atlanta two years ago Although I moved to Atlanta for graduate school and thought it would be temporary I have fallen for a city that could be my forever home Having to choose my favorites are going to be

hard in a city that has so much to do

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Irsquove quickly made a tradition out of going to Music Midtown Music Festival in September at Piedmont Park I had the time of my life dancing the night away with best friends listening to great bands amp the Atlanta skyline in the background

2 Brunch is the only thing that gets me out of bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings Try the 100 item Bloody bar at Front Page News or all you can eat breakfast at Grsquos near piedmont If you get up early enough try West Egg in Westside Provisions

3 For a mere ten bucks you get six samples and a beautiful pint at the Sweetwater Brewery Tour But be warned the pours are heavy

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Noche This tiny tapas bar is full of flavors in tinybites Their chef special never seems to disap-point and therersquos always a drink special (Sangria Sundays are a personal favorite)

2 Park Tavern This restaurant with its own brew-ery offers some of the best views of Atlanta They have a late night sushi special and when it rains they pour dollar beers In the winter they have a full skating rink with adult only hours (so you donrsquot trip over that kid)

3YEAH Burger My favorite burger place in the world they offer a made to order burger that quenches even the pickiest of eaters appetites

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 The Lucky Exchange This second hand store is a treasure trove of pieces some extravagant sequin dresses some office appropriate attire My best find Brand new in the box Prada Loafers for under 30$

2 The Merchant at Howell Mill Grab a cup of coffee at Octane and then cross the street to Merchant A wide array of gifts and acces-sories offer the opportunity to pick up some-thing for your friends and yourself

3 Lizard Thicket Shop this trendy boutiquefor gameday dresses in your favorite team colors or the latest shipment of Bourbon and Bowetie bracelets

3 TOP ATLANTA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Secluded TreehouseHow could a girl not want to spend the night in an adult sized treehouse nestled right in popular

neighborhood Buckhead $275 per night

2 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentMidtown is close to everything you could want to be- food culture Piedmont Park museums amp an active nightlife there is something for everyone

This is a gorgeous room in a mini-mansion $73 per night

3 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentThis apartment is in the perfect location for some-one visiting town for food drinks and shopping

$69 per night

BECCA LUCIOof Becca Marie LucioBECCAMARIELUCIO

I moved to Chicago a little over a year ago and Irsquove completely fallen in love with the city As a Midwesterner all my life Chicago offers the charms of living in the Midwest while offering

amazing big city life There are summer street festivals every weekend the best brunch spots in the area shopping galore amp hidden gems in every gorgeous neighborhood

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Taste test cupcakes around Lincoln Park (I love Sweet Mandy Brsquos and Swirlz)

2 Spend the afternoon blogging at local coffee shops like Floriole amp Heritage

3 Explore local shops in new neighborhoods ndash there are so many incredible places to explore

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Range Hidden gem in Lincoln park that boasts seasonal recipes all made fromlocal ingredients Best of all itrsquos only a few blocks from my apartment Needless to say they know me by name

2 Little Goat Diner ndash I love Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzardrsquos mid-priced diner best of all her Chicago restaurants Offering home-style recipes with a fancy twist Irsquom a big fan of everything Irsquove tried Irsquod recommend the pork belly pancake amp tira-misu shake if you stop in

3 Xoco Rick Bayless has been one of my favorite chefsfor years His lower priced concept Xoco is the perfect spot to meet friends for lunch in River North Plus Margaritas (enough said right)

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 11: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

Q+A with Amanda riSIUSLPF Mag Where do you liveAmanda Living in San Francisco for the summer originally from Iowa

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your day jobAmanda Marketing Assistant at Apartment 34

LPF Mag How would you describe your interior design style Amanda My style is constantly evolving I love clean and mid-century modern designs with lots of texture and some rustic elements

LPF Mag Where do you shop for your home Amanda I shop my own home Really Also Target Anthropologie and thrift stores are great for accessories and I love Hobby Lobby and Home Depot for project mate-rials

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite DIY project yoursquove done for your houseAmanda I donrsquot think you can ever have too many pillows so I love working with textiles and making my own pillow covers The tree stamp pillow was made using a potato and is one of my favorites I also love the marble tray DIY because it was so easy and the copper lipstick holder is pretty inventive )

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your biggest splurge Biggest save Amanda My biggest splurge was actually my white Moroccan rug for $100 I got it for a major steal during a big sale and itrsquos one of my favor-ite things in my home Itrsquos just so cozy My biggest save was my coffee table I found at Goodwill for $6

interior design

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT AMANDArsquos BLOG

A HAMMER amp HEELSAMANDARISIUS

Decorating on a budget does not mean you have to sacrifice style I suggest by first really analyzing what you have for furniture and decor and working with that Get creative and repurpose furniture to fit your current style A little paint can go a long way

After arranging and styling your home with the items you already have next take a look and see whatrsquos missing By first working with what you have yoursquoll save tons of money because you arenrsquot hitting the shops and buying useless things you might not even need Once you take notes on the areas in your home that are lacking you have a clear focus of what exactly you need to purchase

When you are shopping donrsquot look at stores you know are out of budget It only makes it harder Stick to the stores that are in your price range and donrsquot be afraid to hit thrift stores Some of my most unique decor items are from thrift stores

Also keep an open mind Stores are full of great decorating items even if they arenrsquot labeled so Paper Source Home Depot and Target clearance section all have pretty items that can work as wall art desk accessories or anything

ON A budgeTdecorating

HEALTHY

SMOOTHIES

BERRY SMOOTHIE12 cup blueberries 12 cup blackberries 12 cup coconut water 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional) Handful of ice cubes 1 tbsp honey or stevia (optional)

STRAWBERRY + MANGO SMOOTHIE12 cup mango 12 cup strawberries 14 cup coconut water 1 tbsp chia seeds 1 tbsp honey or stevia (optional) Sliced almonds to garnish

KALE BANANA PINEAPPLE + MANGO SMOOTHIE14 cup chopped kale 1 whole chopped banana 12 cup chopped mango 12 cup pineapple 12 cup coconut water 12 tsp chia seeds Handful of ice cubes

NIA IS A HEALTH ENTHUSIAST ASPIRING TO INSPIRE PEOPLE TO LIVE A COLORFUL

WHOLESOME AND HAPPY LIFE

FOLLOW HER ON INSTAGRAM NIA_TRITION + SIGN UP FOR HER MAILING LIST FOR WEEKLY HEALTHY RECIPES IN YOUR INBOX

PINEAPPLE CILANTRO LIME MARINADE

Marinade for 1 lb of meatPreparation Time 5 minutesMarinating Time 1 hourTotal Time 1 hour 5 minutes

INGREDIENTS12 cup extra virgin olive oil14 cup pineapple juice14 cup fresh cilantro1 lime (for zest and juice)34 tsp salt12 tsp cumin14 tsp onion powder18 tsp black pepper

1 Rinse and chop cilantro

2 Zest the lime

3 Juice the lime and whisk all ingredients together

4 Mix meat and marinade together

5 Cover meat and marinade (or seal in a zip top bag) and place in the refrigerator for 1 hour

6 Cook as you please Grilling with pineapple bell pepper and onion is recommended

Our cooking expert Jocelyn Mandalou at Saucy Joceyrsquos Kitchen shows us how to make our own marinade for cookouts Itrsquos healthier than a store bought

marinade amp super simple

Follow Jocelyn at SaucyJoceysKitchencomSaucyJoceysKitchen

Photography by Sarah Ennis

haveyourcakeamp eat it too

letrsquos party Often in the middle of the day I find myself drifting off and dreaming of beautiful parties From weddings to holidays I canrsquot help but think of what to do to take it to the next level

However when it comes to birthdays my mind shifts the opposite direction While throwing an over the top birthday bash may work for some I much prefer the beauty of a simpler get together like when I was a kid I donrsquot need 100 people at a fancy restaurant or an elaborate theme brought to life All I really need is a cake like mom used to make snacks for all to enjoy and a little lemonade to sip on

That was the inspiration behind this gathering I wanted to create an event to inspire the simpler things and take you back to the good olrsquo days where all you needed was bal-loons streamers confetti goody bags matching plates and napkins and of course a little Pin the Tail on the Donkey for fun

So as you glance at the images I hope they spark a little nostalgia and inspire a trip down memory lane for your next birthday celebration

We loved this grown up take on the goody bag Creating the perfect favor bag is a mix

between old favorites and new likes Include candies from when you were a kid a fun straw and everything your guests need to

make spiked peach lemonade at home

Ingredients4 Cups Lemonade4 Oz Gin2 Oz Peach Schnapps6 Basil Leaves plus more for garnish

Directions1 Combine all ingredients in large pitcher Let sit for 2-4 hours before serving2 Serve over ice and garnish with basil leaves serving

Spiked Peach Lemonade with Basil

SEE MORE FROM SARAH ATEventsUncorkedcom

EVENTSUNCORKED

Herbed Parmesan Popcorn

INGREDIENTS2 Bags Salted Natural Popcorn2 Tablespoons Butter2 Tablespoons Olive Oil1 Tablespoon Italian Herb Mixturesfrac12 Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Directions1 Pop popcorn according to box directions Pour into large mixing bowl2 In a small sauce pan melt butter olive oil and Italian herb mixture 3 Pour mixture and parmesan cheese over popcorn quickly stir-ring to combine

HOMEMADE INDIVUDUAL PIZZAS

Ingredientsfrac34 Cup Lukewarm Water1 Teaspoon Dry Active Yeast2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour1 frac12 Teaspoons Salt

Directions1 In a medium mixing bowl dissolve dry active yeast in luke-warm water 2 Add in whole wheat flour and salt to the bowl and mix un-til yoursquove formed a shaggy dough3 Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead until all combined and smooth about 5 minutes If dough begins to stick to surface or hands add additional flour4 Return to bowl and let rise about 15 hours or until doubled in size Use or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days5 Split dough in half Form each half into a ball Roll out with a rolling pin 6 Top with desired toppings and bake at 500 degrees for 5 minutes Rotate pizzas and bake for an additional 3-5 min-utes or until cheese is melted and bubbly

Vanilla Buttercream IcingIngredients2 Sticks Unsalted Butter room temperature4 Cups Powdered Sugarfrac14 Cup Heavy Cream2 frac12 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract

Directions1 Beat softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes until creamy

2 Add powdered sugar heavy cream and vanilla extract beating until thick and smooth approximately 3 minutes

3 Apply to cool cake between layers and on top Top with additional sprinkles if desired

Ingredients3 13 Cups All Purpose Flour1 Teaspoon Baking Powderfrac12 Teaspoon Baking Soda1 Teaspoon Salt2 Sticks Unsalted Butter melted1 frac12 Cups Granulated Sugarfrac12 Cup Dark Brown Sugar2 Large Eggsfrac12 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt1 frac12 Cups Milk2 Tablespoons Vanilla Extract1 13 Cup Rainbow Sprinkles (Not Non-Pareils)

Directions1 Preheat Oven to 350 degrees Spray (2) 9rdquo Round Cake Pans with non-stick spray

2 In a medium bowl mix flour baking powder baking soda and salt Set aside

3 In a large mixing bowl whisk together melted butter granulated sugar and dark brown sugar Be sure to get out any lumps

4 Whisk into sugar mixture egg milk yogurt and vanilla extract until combined

5 Slowly mix in dry ingredients until no lumps remain

6 Add sprinkles and stir till just combined being carful as to not over stir Sprinkles will begin to melt if over combined

7 Bake for 20 minutes Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 13-17 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean

8 Let cool on a wire rack completely before icing

homemade

Lake SUMMER

AT THE

Photography by Matt Engelhart

lpf style tip

canoe ridescampfiresBASEBALL CAPS

best friends

LAKE LIFE

FIREFLIES

SUMMER

SHOP THE LOOK lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $18Lizzibeth $34

Olivia Taylor $10

Lizzibeth $15

Mango $25

Sperry $85

J Crew $20

Choies $63

Lizzibeth $13

Lizzibeth $13

lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $36

Splendid $86

Tretorn $93Romwe $18

Fore

ver 2

1 $

5

Lizzibeth $20

Forever 21 $9

Lizzibeth $14

Olivia Taylor $10

Irsquom going to be completely honest with you all I dread telling people that I used to be over-weight The excess weight I carried around was a representation of some of the most unhappiest years of my life and they are hard to look back on

Growing up I was always super skinny I ate whatever I wanted when I wanted I even had trouble gaining weight at various points in my life I was downright scrawny In high school it was just me and my size zero jeans all the way through graduation Once I got to college I no-ticed a little bit of weight gain but nothing like the freshman 15 everyone was always talking about I figured I was finally filling out my womanly body

Somewhere between my junior year of col-lege and graduation in May of 2011 things changed At my peak I wore a size 14 in womenrsquos pants And not the sexy-built-to-be-curvy size 14 that Christina Mendez is rocking I Wish To say I had let myself go would be an understate-ment

When I finally acknowledged my weight and stepped on the scale I almost had a heart attack Thatrsquos probably not an exaggeration considering the lack of exercise paired with all of the fatty foods I was consuming regularly It read 178 I panicked The last time I stepped on a scale I was at the doctorrsquos office several years prior and the

number read 110 (a number far too small for my 5rsquo7rsquorsquo frame but thatrsquos another story) WHAT HAPPENED My mind was a blur trying to process those three not-so-little numbers

Luckily this happened after my workout oth-erwise Irsquom quite positive the shock would have sent me running (okay walking) out the front doors I can honestly say it was one of the most overwhelming experiences Irsquove ever had Up until that point I had let everything roll off my shoulder I ignored it all the Facebook messag-es from an ex-boyfriend calling me a fat btch the degrading hoop and holler from boys when they drove past me on the street and worst of

all I ignored the fact that my ldquofriendsrdquo were saying these terrible things about me behind my back and I was just standing by letting it happen I was fed up I made a commitment to get on track for myself

I started documenting I prefer this word to counting which is how my blog name came about (26 and Not Counting calories years flying by how many items are in my online shopping cart compared to the dollars in my bank accountyou get the gist) I started tracking calories and workouts in the myfitnesspal app committed to 5-6 workouts a week (including weight lifting which I had never done in my life) and limited my booze fests with friends (which had been going on far too often) to one night a week

Healthy is happyCOntributor Jessicarsquos Journey to a happier + Healthier self

ldquoNot only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of

negativity that coNsumed my liferdquo

It wasnrsquot as if I had never worked out before that simply wasnrsquot the case I grew up active and en-joyed spin class in my early col-lege years but I had fallen off the bandwagon

So I was working out right But what about food I hate the word diet Diet is typically defined as something you ldquogo onrdquo before a big trip and it usually means that whatever crazy thing you are doing to try and shed pounds (the grapefruit diet) will eventual-ly have an ending point I didnrsquot start drinking any crazy weight loss drink or ban everything fried but I did start watching what I ate I paid attention to my body and when it was full and aimed to eat more home cooked meals op-posed to eating out all the time

The first time someone noticed I had a lost a few pounds (8 to be exact) I nearly fell off my bar stool Yes I was at the bar cele-brating a friendrsquos birthday (I had found a happy balance and kept my social life hallelujah) The words were simple ldquoJess you are looking goodrdquo I canrsquot tell you how thankful I am to that person that they recognized the work I had been putting in

Maintaining my body will be a daily practice for the rest of my life I had to marry that thought from the get-go Til death do us part Just this past year I set out to lose another 10 pounds and

slowly but surely I reached my goal I wasnrsquot happy in my body so I fixed it and in doing so I fixed a lot of other areas in my life Irsquom proud to say that I currently weigh 131lbs Irsquove wrestled some unhealthy habits into portion controlled treats found that Irsquom a much happier person when I workout and Irsquove grown into the person I am meant to be Not only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of negativity that consumed my life

Irsquom still not where I want to be and thatrsquos okay That simply means that itrsquos time to set anoth-er goal and push myself harder than ever My hope is that if you arenrsquot happy with where yoursquore at in life whether it be your weight your job your relationship that you will love yourself enough to change the situation and create a life that makes you happy to your core

One last thing you should also know that there is such a thing as a skinny fat person Someone may appear to be skinny but that doesnrsquot necessarily mean they are healthy Being fit doesnrsquot mean fitting into a size 2 (or even 4 6 or 8) for all women (Serena Williams and Whitney Thompson are per-fect examples) Just because some-one appears to be ldquofatrdquo doesnrsquot mean they canrsquot outrun you Be kind and encouraging toward oth-er people and especially yourself

happy jessICArsquosfitnessjourney

Jess- 2011

Jess- 2014

HAIR SPRAY

BEACH BABE HAIR SPRAY14 C WATER

1 TBSP SEA SALT

1 TBSP HAIR GEL

2 DROPS ARGAN OIL OR CONDITIONER

POUR INGREDIENTS INTO TRAVEL SIZE SPRAY BOTTLE + SHAKE WELL

HAIR SPRAY

SPRAY ONTODAMP HAIR +

SCRUNCH FOR BEST BEACHY

WAVE RESULTS

The

GUIDELPF MAG CONTRIBUTORS SHARE A LOCALrsquos GUIDE TO THEIR CITIES

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO -

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO

Irsquom Katey a style blogger with Chronicles of Frivolity living as a Dallasite No we donrsquot ride horses to the mall and everything really is

bigger from our Margaritas to our eyelashes

1 Eat Dallas has more restaurants per capita than anywhere in America seriously We eat so well

2 Shop Dallas ALSO has more Shopping centers per capita than anywhere in America Itrsquos absurd

3 Marg Everywhere you look you are 10 feet from a patio with chips salsa and the best margarita yoursquove ever had 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Hattiersquos Hattiersquos is southern food with LA-white deacutecor You can enjoy Bacon-Wrapped Fried Oys-ters and Macaroni and Cheese Crusted Filet while sipping a Sweet Tea Martini

2 Stampede 66 Stampede 66 wins best margari-ta every year (The Modern Star Canyon) and The Butterscotch Pudding is worth gaining 20 pounds for

3 Saint Ann Saint Ann has one of the most beau-tiful patios in Dallas and I could probably have The Skinny Basil Lemonade and Salmon every meal of my life

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

KATEY MCFARLANof Chronicles of Frivolity

KATEYMCFARLAN

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Milk amp Honey Boutique Milk amp Honey Bou-tique might be the most affordable and unique boutique in Dallas PS go to the back room everything is on sale and there are a million size options

2 Movida Boutique Movida Boutique has the most beautiful bright pieces a neon pink or chartreuse blazer Under $40 Yes marsquoam

3 Northpark Mall Northpark Mall isnrsquot exactly affordable in every way but if you go to Dallas and donrsquot stop by it is a sin From Gucci to Nei-mans itrsquos like a museum of designers more so than a typical mall

3 TOP DALLAS AIRBNB PICKS

1 Trendy Uptown Loft A gorgeous two story loft near all of the

cities best bars amp restaurantsDallas $160 per night

2 Private Guest House w Exposed BeamsWe canrsquot get over how gorgeous this private

guest house is Dallas $150 per night

3 Contemporary CabinThis cabin is located right next to an art museum

amp always has live music at nightDallas $90 per night

I was fortunate enough to spend the majority of my college career living in the bustling city of Raleigh North Carolina Raleigh is one of those towns that flies under the radar Itrsquos a beautiful historical area with a taste of southern charm Raleigh is a relatively in-

expensive destination with lots to see and do you just need to find the right spots

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Take an afternoon or evening stroll around Lake Johnson It is the perfect place to go for a jog take a walk with your dog or hop in one of the paddle boats and explore the peaceful sights

2 Check out the local Farmerrsquos Market based right near the NC State University campus each vendor sets up their own stand of fresh produce crafts homemade goods- itrsquos open on weekends

3 Head over to the Amphitheater at Walnut Creek Lots of summer concerts are on the list tickets are super affordable in the lawn section with a great view of the stage

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Flying Biscuit- Known for their southern made delicious buttery baked biscuits paired with just about any breakfast entree it is the happening spot for a weekend brunch

2 Cameron Bar amp Grill - An upscale looking restaurant with affordable prices for a fabulous meal they have great appetizers and unique dinner dishes to pair with any delicious choice of wine

3 Boylan Bridge Brewpub - The best place to hit up to catch a sunset the local pub sits right on the bridge that overlooks the Raleigh skyline sit outside on the terrace amp enjoy one of their many craft beers (amp cheese dip) made right there

JACQUELINE YANCHOCIK

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Fabrsquorik Fabrsquorik is a hostpot with lots of affordable clothes like bright colored maxi dresses tanks and any handbag you could pos-sibly need

2 The Impeccable Pig Looking for the perfect day dress The Impeccable Pig is the place to go the store features lots of cute floral prints in dresses tops and shorts this is your summer destination shop

3 Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique is a one stop shop for all your accessory needs from simple earrings to some diamond pieces the customerrsquos of Charlottersquos are on the cutting edge of fashion

3 TOP RALEIGH AIRBNB PICKS

1 Hotel NicaraguaSsaid to be a stop from Jack Kerouacrsquos

noteworthy book ldquoOn the Roadrdquo nestled right outside downtown Raleigh this is definitely a

historic gemRaleigh $70 per night

2 Cookiersquos Garden SuiteA 1899 bungalow located in the Oakwood

Historic District enjoy a private entrance with all the amenities yoursquoll need right by downtown

Raleigh $75 per night

3 Sallyrsquos Downtown Historic SuiteThis historic home sits in a gorgeous neighbor-hood with leafy oaks close to coffee shops and

nearby bars Raleigh $85 per night

Irsquove been living in Los Angeles for over 3 years Los Angeles is a very spread out megacity with each area diverse in restaurants activities fashion architecture and even weather I grew up on

the beach so it was only fitting that I move to the west side of LA closest to the Pacific Venice is a colorful eccentric one-of-a kind district in Los Angeles right on the Pacific Ocean

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Venice has near-perfect weather year round so biking is a common activity here Marvin Braude Bike Trail (known as The Strand) is a bike path along the Pacific shoreline starting from Malibu down through Venice all the way Redondo Beach

2 Abbot Kinney is the artsy hipster sister of Bev-erly Hillsrsquo Rodeo Drive First Friday brings the best local art fashion music and food trucks to locals and visitors alike

3 Yoga and Venice go hand in hand There are multiple studios in the Venice area with incredible instructors and a class nearly every hour

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Tasting Kitchen A very special dining experience Trendy upscale atmosphere but with a rustic twist Communal seating under the trees a creative and fresh menu that changes daily and an overall obscure charm that suits Venice to a T

2 Chop Daddyrsquos Nestled between some of the cityrsquos most well-reviewed restaurants is some of the best BBQ in Los Angeles The tastiest fried pickles Irsquove ever had

3 Kippyrsquos Non-dairy raw organic coconut cream based ice cream My favorite is the orangesicle

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Firefly - the perfect collection of house-wares gifts and clothing reflecting the effort-less and beachy Venice lifestyle

2 Principessa - their website says it best ldquooutfitting the modern flower child in a so-phisticated style that is comfortable sexy and timelessrdquo

3 Aviator Nation Quintessential Southern California style that has become an obsession for many Aviator Nation has one-of-a kind t-shirt tanks sweats and more that have that worn-in feel so soft and comfortable 3 TOP VENICE AIRBNB PICKS

1 Artistrsquos CottageAn art filled cottage in proximity to one of the

worldrsquos best beaches$140 per night

2 Stylish Venice BungalowWalk to beach shops and dining from this ro-mantic and stylish holiday bungalow in a lush

garden setting$149 per night

3 Venice Garden RetreatA guesthouse filled with treasures from the

ownersrsquo travels abroad $125 per night

BROOKE KENNEDYBROOKEEJ

My name is Becca and I fell in love with Atlanta two years ago Although I moved to Atlanta for graduate school and thought it would be temporary I have fallen for a city that could be my forever home Having to choose my favorites are going to be

hard in a city that has so much to do

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Irsquove quickly made a tradition out of going to Music Midtown Music Festival in September at Piedmont Park I had the time of my life dancing the night away with best friends listening to great bands amp the Atlanta skyline in the background

2 Brunch is the only thing that gets me out of bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings Try the 100 item Bloody bar at Front Page News or all you can eat breakfast at Grsquos near piedmont If you get up early enough try West Egg in Westside Provisions

3 For a mere ten bucks you get six samples and a beautiful pint at the Sweetwater Brewery Tour But be warned the pours are heavy

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Noche This tiny tapas bar is full of flavors in tinybites Their chef special never seems to disap-point and therersquos always a drink special (Sangria Sundays are a personal favorite)

2 Park Tavern This restaurant with its own brew-ery offers some of the best views of Atlanta They have a late night sushi special and when it rains they pour dollar beers In the winter they have a full skating rink with adult only hours (so you donrsquot trip over that kid)

3YEAH Burger My favorite burger place in the world they offer a made to order burger that quenches even the pickiest of eaters appetites

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 The Lucky Exchange This second hand store is a treasure trove of pieces some extravagant sequin dresses some office appropriate attire My best find Brand new in the box Prada Loafers for under 30$

2 The Merchant at Howell Mill Grab a cup of coffee at Octane and then cross the street to Merchant A wide array of gifts and acces-sories offer the opportunity to pick up some-thing for your friends and yourself

3 Lizard Thicket Shop this trendy boutiquefor gameday dresses in your favorite team colors or the latest shipment of Bourbon and Bowetie bracelets

3 TOP ATLANTA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Secluded TreehouseHow could a girl not want to spend the night in an adult sized treehouse nestled right in popular

neighborhood Buckhead $275 per night

2 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentMidtown is close to everything you could want to be- food culture Piedmont Park museums amp an active nightlife there is something for everyone

This is a gorgeous room in a mini-mansion $73 per night

3 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentThis apartment is in the perfect location for some-one visiting town for food drinks and shopping

$69 per night

BECCA LUCIOof Becca Marie LucioBECCAMARIELUCIO

I moved to Chicago a little over a year ago and Irsquove completely fallen in love with the city As a Midwesterner all my life Chicago offers the charms of living in the Midwest while offering

amazing big city life There are summer street festivals every weekend the best brunch spots in the area shopping galore amp hidden gems in every gorgeous neighborhood

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Taste test cupcakes around Lincoln Park (I love Sweet Mandy Brsquos and Swirlz)

2 Spend the afternoon blogging at local coffee shops like Floriole amp Heritage

3 Explore local shops in new neighborhoods ndash there are so many incredible places to explore

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Range Hidden gem in Lincoln park that boasts seasonal recipes all made fromlocal ingredients Best of all itrsquos only a few blocks from my apartment Needless to say they know me by name

2 Little Goat Diner ndash I love Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzardrsquos mid-priced diner best of all her Chicago restaurants Offering home-style recipes with a fancy twist Irsquom a big fan of everything Irsquove tried Irsquod recommend the pork belly pancake amp tira-misu shake if you stop in

3 Xoco Rick Bayless has been one of my favorite chefsfor years His lower priced concept Xoco is the perfect spot to meet friends for lunch in River North Plus Margaritas (enough said right)

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 12: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT AMANDArsquos BLOG

A HAMMER amp HEELSAMANDARISIUS

Decorating on a budget does not mean you have to sacrifice style I suggest by first really analyzing what you have for furniture and decor and working with that Get creative and repurpose furniture to fit your current style A little paint can go a long way

After arranging and styling your home with the items you already have next take a look and see whatrsquos missing By first working with what you have yoursquoll save tons of money because you arenrsquot hitting the shops and buying useless things you might not even need Once you take notes on the areas in your home that are lacking you have a clear focus of what exactly you need to purchase

When you are shopping donrsquot look at stores you know are out of budget It only makes it harder Stick to the stores that are in your price range and donrsquot be afraid to hit thrift stores Some of my most unique decor items are from thrift stores

Also keep an open mind Stores are full of great decorating items even if they arenrsquot labeled so Paper Source Home Depot and Target clearance section all have pretty items that can work as wall art desk accessories or anything

ON A budgeTdecorating

HEALTHY

SMOOTHIES

BERRY SMOOTHIE12 cup blueberries 12 cup blackberries 12 cup coconut water 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional) Handful of ice cubes 1 tbsp honey or stevia (optional)

STRAWBERRY + MANGO SMOOTHIE12 cup mango 12 cup strawberries 14 cup coconut water 1 tbsp chia seeds 1 tbsp honey or stevia (optional) Sliced almonds to garnish

KALE BANANA PINEAPPLE + MANGO SMOOTHIE14 cup chopped kale 1 whole chopped banana 12 cup chopped mango 12 cup pineapple 12 cup coconut water 12 tsp chia seeds Handful of ice cubes

NIA IS A HEALTH ENTHUSIAST ASPIRING TO INSPIRE PEOPLE TO LIVE A COLORFUL

WHOLESOME AND HAPPY LIFE

FOLLOW HER ON INSTAGRAM NIA_TRITION + SIGN UP FOR HER MAILING LIST FOR WEEKLY HEALTHY RECIPES IN YOUR INBOX

PINEAPPLE CILANTRO LIME MARINADE

Marinade for 1 lb of meatPreparation Time 5 minutesMarinating Time 1 hourTotal Time 1 hour 5 minutes

INGREDIENTS12 cup extra virgin olive oil14 cup pineapple juice14 cup fresh cilantro1 lime (for zest and juice)34 tsp salt12 tsp cumin14 tsp onion powder18 tsp black pepper

1 Rinse and chop cilantro

2 Zest the lime

3 Juice the lime and whisk all ingredients together

4 Mix meat and marinade together

5 Cover meat and marinade (or seal in a zip top bag) and place in the refrigerator for 1 hour

6 Cook as you please Grilling with pineapple bell pepper and onion is recommended

Our cooking expert Jocelyn Mandalou at Saucy Joceyrsquos Kitchen shows us how to make our own marinade for cookouts Itrsquos healthier than a store bought

marinade amp super simple

Follow Jocelyn at SaucyJoceysKitchencomSaucyJoceysKitchen

Photography by Sarah Ennis

haveyourcakeamp eat it too

letrsquos party Often in the middle of the day I find myself drifting off and dreaming of beautiful parties From weddings to holidays I canrsquot help but think of what to do to take it to the next level

However when it comes to birthdays my mind shifts the opposite direction While throwing an over the top birthday bash may work for some I much prefer the beauty of a simpler get together like when I was a kid I donrsquot need 100 people at a fancy restaurant or an elaborate theme brought to life All I really need is a cake like mom used to make snacks for all to enjoy and a little lemonade to sip on

That was the inspiration behind this gathering I wanted to create an event to inspire the simpler things and take you back to the good olrsquo days where all you needed was bal-loons streamers confetti goody bags matching plates and napkins and of course a little Pin the Tail on the Donkey for fun

So as you glance at the images I hope they spark a little nostalgia and inspire a trip down memory lane for your next birthday celebration

We loved this grown up take on the goody bag Creating the perfect favor bag is a mix

between old favorites and new likes Include candies from when you were a kid a fun straw and everything your guests need to

make spiked peach lemonade at home

Ingredients4 Cups Lemonade4 Oz Gin2 Oz Peach Schnapps6 Basil Leaves plus more for garnish

Directions1 Combine all ingredients in large pitcher Let sit for 2-4 hours before serving2 Serve over ice and garnish with basil leaves serving

Spiked Peach Lemonade with Basil

SEE MORE FROM SARAH ATEventsUncorkedcom

EVENTSUNCORKED

Herbed Parmesan Popcorn

INGREDIENTS2 Bags Salted Natural Popcorn2 Tablespoons Butter2 Tablespoons Olive Oil1 Tablespoon Italian Herb Mixturesfrac12 Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Directions1 Pop popcorn according to box directions Pour into large mixing bowl2 In a small sauce pan melt butter olive oil and Italian herb mixture 3 Pour mixture and parmesan cheese over popcorn quickly stir-ring to combine

HOMEMADE INDIVUDUAL PIZZAS

Ingredientsfrac34 Cup Lukewarm Water1 Teaspoon Dry Active Yeast2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour1 frac12 Teaspoons Salt

Directions1 In a medium mixing bowl dissolve dry active yeast in luke-warm water 2 Add in whole wheat flour and salt to the bowl and mix un-til yoursquove formed a shaggy dough3 Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead until all combined and smooth about 5 minutes If dough begins to stick to surface or hands add additional flour4 Return to bowl and let rise about 15 hours or until doubled in size Use or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days5 Split dough in half Form each half into a ball Roll out with a rolling pin 6 Top with desired toppings and bake at 500 degrees for 5 minutes Rotate pizzas and bake for an additional 3-5 min-utes or until cheese is melted and bubbly

Vanilla Buttercream IcingIngredients2 Sticks Unsalted Butter room temperature4 Cups Powdered Sugarfrac14 Cup Heavy Cream2 frac12 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract

Directions1 Beat softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes until creamy

2 Add powdered sugar heavy cream and vanilla extract beating until thick and smooth approximately 3 minutes

3 Apply to cool cake between layers and on top Top with additional sprinkles if desired

Ingredients3 13 Cups All Purpose Flour1 Teaspoon Baking Powderfrac12 Teaspoon Baking Soda1 Teaspoon Salt2 Sticks Unsalted Butter melted1 frac12 Cups Granulated Sugarfrac12 Cup Dark Brown Sugar2 Large Eggsfrac12 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt1 frac12 Cups Milk2 Tablespoons Vanilla Extract1 13 Cup Rainbow Sprinkles (Not Non-Pareils)

Directions1 Preheat Oven to 350 degrees Spray (2) 9rdquo Round Cake Pans with non-stick spray

2 In a medium bowl mix flour baking powder baking soda and salt Set aside

3 In a large mixing bowl whisk together melted butter granulated sugar and dark brown sugar Be sure to get out any lumps

4 Whisk into sugar mixture egg milk yogurt and vanilla extract until combined

5 Slowly mix in dry ingredients until no lumps remain

6 Add sprinkles and stir till just combined being carful as to not over stir Sprinkles will begin to melt if over combined

7 Bake for 20 minutes Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 13-17 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean

8 Let cool on a wire rack completely before icing

homemade

Lake SUMMER

AT THE

Photography by Matt Engelhart

lpf style tip

canoe ridescampfiresBASEBALL CAPS

best friends

LAKE LIFE

FIREFLIES

SUMMER

SHOP THE LOOK lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $18Lizzibeth $34

Olivia Taylor $10

Lizzibeth $15

Mango $25

Sperry $85

J Crew $20

Choies $63

Lizzibeth $13

Lizzibeth $13

lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $36

Splendid $86

Tretorn $93Romwe $18

Fore

ver 2

1 $

5

Lizzibeth $20

Forever 21 $9

Lizzibeth $14

Olivia Taylor $10

Irsquom going to be completely honest with you all I dread telling people that I used to be over-weight The excess weight I carried around was a representation of some of the most unhappiest years of my life and they are hard to look back on

Growing up I was always super skinny I ate whatever I wanted when I wanted I even had trouble gaining weight at various points in my life I was downright scrawny In high school it was just me and my size zero jeans all the way through graduation Once I got to college I no-ticed a little bit of weight gain but nothing like the freshman 15 everyone was always talking about I figured I was finally filling out my womanly body

Somewhere between my junior year of col-lege and graduation in May of 2011 things changed At my peak I wore a size 14 in womenrsquos pants And not the sexy-built-to-be-curvy size 14 that Christina Mendez is rocking I Wish To say I had let myself go would be an understate-ment

When I finally acknowledged my weight and stepped on the scale I almost had a heart attack Thatrsquos probably not an exaggeration considering the lack of exercise paired with all of the fatty foods I was consuming regularly It read 178 I panicked The last time I stepped on a scale I was at the doctorrsquos office several years prior and the

number read 110 (a number far too small for my 5rsquo7rsquorsquo frame but thatrsquos another story) WHAT HAPPENED My mind was a blur trying to process those three not-so-little numbers

Luckily this happened after my workout oth-erwise Irsquom quite positive the shock would have sent me running (okay walking) out the front doors I can honestly say it was one of the most overwhelming experiences Irsquove ever had Up until that point I had let everything roll off my shoulder I ignored it all the Facebook messag-es from an ex-boyfriend calling me a fat btch the degrading hoop and holler from boys when they drove past me on the street and worst of

all I ignored the fact that my ldquofriendsrdquo were saying these terrible things about me behind my back and I was just standing by letting it happen I was fed up I made a commitment to get on track for myself

I started documenting I prefer this word to counting which is how my blog name came about (26 and Not Counting calories years flying by how many items are in my online shopping cart compared to the dollars in my bank accountyou get the gist) I started tracking calories and workouts in the myfitnesspal app committed to 5-6 workouts a week (including weight lifting which I had never done in my life) and limited my booze fests with friends (which had been going on far too often) to one night a week

Healthy is happyCOntributor Jessicarsquos Journey to a happier + Healthier self

ldquoNot only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of

negativity that coNsumed my liferdquo

It wasnrsquot as if I had never worked out before that simply wasnrsquot the case I grew up active and en-joyed spin class in my early col-lege years but I had fallen off the bandwagon

So I was working out right But what about food I hate the word diet Diet is typically defined as something you ldquogo onrdquo before a big trip and it usually means that whatever crazy thing you are doing to try and shed pounds (the grapefruit diet) will eventual-ly have an ending point I didnrsquot start drinking any crazy weight loss drink or ban everything fried but I did start watching what I ate I paid attention to my body and when it was full and aimed to eat more home cooked meals op-posed to eating out all the time

The first time someone noticed I had a lost a few pounds (8 to be exact) I nearly fell off my bar stool Yes I was at the bar cele-brating a friendrsquos birthday (I had found a happy balance and kept my social life hallelujah) The words were simple ldquoJess you are looking goodrdquo I canrsquot tell you how thankful I am to that person that they recognized the work I had been putting in

Maintaining my body will be a daily practice for the rest of my life I had to marry that thought from the get-go Til death do us part Just this past year I set out to lose another 10 pounds and

slowly but surely I reached my goal I wasnrsquot happy in my body so I fixed it and in doing so I fixed a lot of other areas in my life Irsquom proud to say that I currently weigh 131lbs Irsquove wrestled some unhealthy habits into portion controlled treats found that Irsquom a much happier person when I workout and Irsquove grown into the person I am meant to be Not only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of negativity that consumed my life

Irsquom still not where I want to be and thatrsquos okay That simply means that itrsquos time to set anoth-er goal and push myself harder than ever My hope is that if you arenrsquot happy with where yoursquore at in life whether it be your weight your job your relationship that you will love yourself enough to change the situation and create a life that makes you happy to your core

One last thing you should also know that there is such a thing as a skinny fat person Someone may appear to be skinny but that doesnrsquot necessarily mean they are healthy Being fit doesnrsquot mean fitting into a size 2 (or even 4 6 or 8) for all women (Serena Williams and Whitney Thompson are per-fect examples) Just because some-one appears to be ldquofatrdquo doesnrsquot mean they canrsquot outrun you Be kind and encouraging toward oth-er people and especially yourself

happy jessICArsquosfitnessjourney

Jess- 2011

Jess- 2014

HAIR SPRAY

BEACH BABE HAIR SPRAY14 C WATER

1 TBSP SEA SALT

1 TBSP HAIR GEL

2 DROPS ARGAN OIL OR CONDITIONER

POUR INGREDIENTS INTO TRAVEL SIZE SPRAY BOTTLE + SHAKE WELL

HAIR SPRAY

SPRAY ONTODAMP HAIR +

SCRUNCH FOR BEST BEACHY

WAVE RESULTS

The

GUIDELPF MAG CONTRIBUTORS SHARE A LOCALrsquos GUIDE TO THEIR CITIES

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO -

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO

Irsquom Katey a style blogger with Chronicles of Frivolity living as a Dallasite No we donrsquot ride horses to the mall and everything really is

bigger from our Margaritas to our eyelashes

1 Eat Dallas has more restaurants per capita than anywhere in America seriously We eat so well

2 Shop Dallas ALSO has more Shopping centers per capita than anywhere in America Itrsquos absurd

3 Marg Everywhere you look you are 10 feet from a patio with chips salsa and the best margarita yoursquove ever had 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Hattiersquos Hattiersquos is southern food with LA-white deacutecor You can enjoy Bacon-Wrapped Fried Oys-ters and Macaroni and Cheese Crusted Filet while sipping a Sweet Tea Martini

2 Stampede 66 Stampede 66 wins best margari-ta every year (The Modern Star Canyon) and The Butterscotch Pudding is worth gaining 20 pounds for

3 Saint Ann Saint Ann has one of the most beau-tiful patios in Dallas and I could probably have The Skinny Basil Lemonade and Salmon every meal of my life

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

KATEY MCFARLANof Chronicles of Frivolity

KATEYMCFARLAN

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Milk amp Honey Boutique Milk amp Honey Bou-tique might be the most affordable and unique boutique in Dallas PS go to the back room everything is on sale and there are a million size options

2 Movida Boutique Movida Boutique has the most beautiful bright pieces a neon pink or chartreuse blazer Under $40 Yes marsquoam

3 Northpark Mall Northpark Mall isnrsquot exactly affordable in every way but if you go to Dallas and donrsquot stop by it is a sin From Gucci to Nei-mans itrsquos like a museum of designers more so than a typical mall

3 TOP DALLAS AIRBNB PICKS

1 Trendy Uptown Loft A gorgeous two story loft near all of the

cities best bars amp restaurantsDallas $160 per night

2 Private Guest House w Exposed BeamsWe canrsquot get over how gorgeous this private

guest house is Dallas $150 per night

3 Contemporary CabinThis cabin is located right next to an art museum

amp always has live music at nightDallas $90 per night

I was fortunate enough to spend the majority of my college career living in the bustling city of Raleigh North Carolina Raleigh is one of those towns that flies under the radar Itrsquos a beautiful historical area with a taste of southern charm Raleigh is a relatively in-

expensive destination with lots to see and do you just need to find the right spots

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Take an afternoon or evening stroll around Lake Johnson It is the perfect place to go for a jog take a walk with your dog or hop in one of the paddle boats and explore the peaceful sights

2 Check out the local Farmerrsquos Market based right near the NC State University campus each vendor sets up their own stand of fresh produce crafts homemade goods- itrsquos open on weekends

3 Head over to the Amphitheater at Walnut Creek Lots of summer concerts are on the list tickets are super affordable in the lawn section with a great view of the stage

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Flying Biscuit- Known for their southern made delicious buttery baked biscuits paired with just about any breakfast entree it is the happening spot for a weekend brunch

2 Cameron Bar amp Grill - An upscale looking restaurant with affordable prices for a fabulous meal they have great appetizers and unique dinner dishes to pair with any delicious choice of wine

3 Boylan Bridge Brewpub - The best place to hit up to catch a sunset the local pub sits right on the bridge that overlooks the Raleigh skyline sit outside on the terrace amp enjoy one of their many craft beers (amp cheese dip) made right there

JACQUELINE YANCHOCIK

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Fabrsquorik Fabrsquorik is a hostpot with lots of affordable clothes like bright colored maxi dresses tanks and any handbag you could pos-sibly need

2 The Impeccable Pig Looking for the perfect day dress The Impeccable Pig is the place to go the store features lots of cute floral prints in dresses tops and shorts this is your summer destination shop

3 Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique is a one stop shop for all your accessory needs from simple earrings to some diamond pieces the customerrsquos of Charlottersquos are on the cutting edge of fashion

3 TOP RALEIGH AIRBNB PICKS

1 Hotel NicaraguaSsaid to be a stop from Jack Kerouacrsquos

noteworthy book ldquoOn the Roadrdquo nestled right outside downtown Raleigh this is definitely a

historic gemRaleigh $70 per night

2 Cookiersquos Garden SuiteA 1899 bungalow located in the Oakwood

Historic District enjoy a private entrance with all the amenities yoursquoll need right by downtown

Raleigh $75 per night

3 Sallyrsquos Downtown Historic SuiteThis historic home sits in a gorgeous neighbor-hood with leafy oaks close to coffee shops and

nearby bars Raleigh $85 per night

Irsquove been living in Los Angeles for over 3 years Los Angeles is a very spread out megacity with each area diverse in restaurants activities fashion architecture and even weather I grew up on

the beach so it was only fitting that I move to the west side of LA closest to the Pacific Venice is a colorful eccentric one-of-a kind district in Los Angeles right on the Pacific Ocean

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Venice has near-perfect weather year round so biking is a common activity here Marvin Braude Bike Trail (known as The Strand) is a bike path along the Pacific shoreline starting from Malibu down through Venice all the way Redondo Beach

2 Abbot Kinney is the artsy hipster sister of Bev-erly Hillsrsquo Rodeo Drive First Friday brings the best local art fashion music and food trucks to locals and visitors alike

3 Yoga and Venice go hand in hand There are multiple studios in the Venice area with incredible instructors and a class nearly every hour

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Tasting Kitchen A very special dining experience Trendy upscale atmosphere but with a rustic twist Communal seating under the trees a creative and fresh menu that changes daily and an overall obscure charm that suits Venice to a T

2 Chop Daddyrsquos Nestled between some of the cityrsquos most well-reviewed restaurants is some of the best BBQ in Los Angeles The tastiest fried pickles Irsquove ever had

3 Kippyrsquos Non-dairy raw organic coconut cream based ice cream My favorite is the orangesicle

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Firefly - the perfect collection of house-wares gifts and clothing reflecting the effort-less and beachy Venice lifestyle

2 Principessa - their website says it best ldquooutfitting the modern flower child in a so-phisticated style that is comfortable sexy and timelessrdquo

3 Aviator Nation Quintessential Southern California style that has become an obsession for many Aviator Nation has one-of-a kind t-shirt tanks sweats and more that have that worn-in feel so soft and comfortable 3 TOP VENICE AIRBNB PICKS

1 Artistrsquos CottageAn art filled cottage in proximity to one of the

worldrsquos best beaches$140 per night

2 Stylish Venice BungalowWalk to beach shops and dining from this ro-mantic and stylish holiday bungalow in a lush

garden setting$149 per night

3 Venice Garden RetreatA guesthouse filled with treasures from the

ownersrsquo travels abroad $125 per night

BROOKE KENNEDYBROOKEEJ

My name is Becca and I fell in love with Atlanta two years ago Although I moved to Atlanta for graduate school and thought it would be temporary I have fallen for a city that could be my forever home Having to choose my favorites are going to be

hard in a city that has so much to do

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Irsquove quickly made a tradition out of going to Music Midtown Music Festival in September at Piedmont Park I had the time of my life dancing the night away with best friends listening to great bands amp the Atlanta skyline in the background

2 Brunch is the only thing that gets me out of bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings Try the 100 item Bloody bar at Front Page News or all you can eat breakfast at Grsquos near piedmont If you get up early enough try West Egg in Westside Provisions

3 For a mere ten bucks you get six samples and a beautiful pint at the Sweetwater Brewery Tour But be warned the pours are heavy

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Noche This tiny tapas bar is full of flavors in tinybites Their chef special never seems to disap-point and therersquos always a drink special (Sangria Sundays are a personal favorite)

2 Park Tavern This restaurant with its own brew-ery offers some of the best views of Atlanta They have a late night sushi special and when it rains they pour dollar beers In the winter they have a full skating rink with adult only hours (so you donrsquot trip over that kid)

3YEAH Burger My favorite burger place in the world they offer a made to order burger that quenches even the pickiest of eaters appetites

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 The Lucky Exchange This second hand store is a treasure trove of pieces some extravagant sequin dresses some office appropriate attire My best find Brand new in the box Prada Loafers for under 30$

2 The Merchant at Howell Mill Grab a cup of coffee at Octane and then cross the street to Merchant A wide array of gifts and acces-sories offer the opportunity to pick up some-thing for your friends and yourself

3 Lizard Thicket Shop this trendy boutiquefor gameday dresses in your favorite team colors or the latest shipment of Bourbon and Bowetie bracelets

3 TOP ATLANTA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Secluded TreehouseHow could a girl not want to spend the night in an adult sized treehouse nestled right in popular

neighborhood Buckhead $275 per night

2 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentMidtown is close to everything you could want to be- food culture Piedmont Park museums amp an active nightlife there is something for everyone

This is a gorgeous room in a mini-mansion $73 per night

3 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentThis apartment is in the perfect location for some-one visiting town for food drinks and shopping

$69 per night

BECCA LUCIOof Becca Marie LucioBECCAMARIELUCIO

I moved to Chicago a little over a year ago and Irsquove completely fallen in love with the city As a Midwesterner all my life Chicago offers the charms of living in the Midwest while offering

amazing big city life There are summer street festivals every weekend the best brunch spots in the area shopping galore amp hidden gems in every gorgeous neighborhood

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Taste test cupcakes around Lincoln Park (I love Sweet Mandy Brsquos and Swirlz)

2 Spend the afternoon blogging at local coffee shops like Floriole amp Heritage

3 Explore local shops in new neighborhoods ndash there are so many incredible places to explore

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Range Hidden gem in Lincoln park that boasts seasonal recipes all made fromlocal ingredients Best of all itrsquos only a few blocks from my apartment Needless to say they know me by name

2 Little Goat Diner ndash I love Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzardrsquos mid-priced diner best of all her Chicago restaurants Offering home-style recipes with a fancy twist Irsquom a big fan of everything Irsquove tried Irsquod recommend the pork belly pancake amp tira-misu shake if you stop in

3 Xoco Rick Bayless has been one of my favorite chefsfor years His lower priced concept Xoco is the perfect spot to meet friends for lunch in River North Plus Margaritas (enough said right)

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 13: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

Decorating on a budget does not mean you have to sacrifice style I suggest by first really analyzing what you have for furniture and decor and working with that Get creative and repurpose furniture to fit your current style A little paint can go a long way

After arranging and styling your home with the items you already have next take a look and see whatrsquos missing By first working with what you have yoursquoll save tons of money because you arenrsquot hitting the shops and buying useless things you might not even need Once you take notes on the areas in your home that are lacking you have a clear focus of what exactly you need to purchase

When you are shopping donrsquot look at stores you know are out of budget It only makes it harder Stick to the stores that are in your price range and donrsquot be afraid to hit thrift stores Some of my most unique decor items are from thrift stores

Also keep an open mind Stores are full of great decorating items even if they arenrsquot labeled so Paper Source Home Depot and Target clearance section all have pretty items that can work as wall art desk accessories or anything

ON A budgeTdecorating

HEALTHY

SMOOTHIES

BERRY SMOOTHIE12 cup blueberries 12 cup blackberries 12 cup coconut water 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional) Handful of ice cubes 1 tbsp honey or stevia (optional)

STRAWBERRY + MANGO SMOOTHIE12 cup mango 12 cup strawberries 14 cup coconut water 1 tbsp chia seeds 1 tbsp honey or stevia (optional) Sliced almonds to garnish

KALE BANANA PINEAPPLE + MANGO SMOOTHIE14 cup chopped kale 1 whole chopped banana 12 cup chopped mango 12 cup pineapple 12 cup coconut water 12 tsp chia seeds Handful of ice cubes

NIA IS A HEALTH ENTHUSIAST ASPIRING TO INSPIRE PEOPLE TO LIVE A COLORFUL

WHOLESOME AND HAPPY LIFE

FOLLOW HER ON INSTAGRAM NIA_TRITION + SIGN UP FOR HER MAILING LIST FOR WEEKLY HEALTHY RECIPES IN YOUR INBOX

PINEAPPLE CILANTRO LIME MARINADE

Marinade for 1 lb of meatPreparation Time 5 minutesMarinating Time 1 hourTotal Time 1 hour 5 minutes

INGREDIENTS12 cup extra virgin olive oil14 cup pineapple juice14 cup fresh cilantro1 lime (for zest and juice)34 tsp salt12 tsp cumin14 tsp onion powder18 tsp black pepper

1 Rinse and chop cilantro

2 Zest the lime

3 Juice the lime and whisk all ingredients together

4 Mix meat and marinade together

5 Cover meat and marinade (or seal in a zip top bag) and place in the refrigerator for 1 hour

6 Cook as you please Grilling with pineapple bell pepper and onion is recommended

Our cooking expert Jocelyn Mandalou at Saucy Joceyrsquos Kitchen shows us how to make our own marinade for cookouts Itrsquos healthier than a store bought

marinade amp super simple

Follow Jocelyn at SaucyJoceysKitchencomSaucyJoceysKitchen

Photography by Sarah Ennis

haveyourcakeamp eat it too

letrsquos party Often in the middle of the day I find myself drifting off and dreaming of beautiful parties From weddings to holidays I canrsquot help but think of what to do to take it to the next level

However when it comes to birthdays my mind shifts the opposite direction While throwing an over the top birthday bash may work for some I much prefer the beauty of a simpler get together like when I was a kid I donrsquot need 100 people at a fancy restaurant or an elaborate theme brought to life All I really need is a cake like mom used to make snacks for all to enjoy and a little lemonade to sip on

That was the inspiration behind this gathering I wanted to create an event to inspire the simpler things and take you back to the good olrsquo days where all you needed was bal-loons streamers confetti goody bags matching plates and napkins and of course a little Pin the Tail on the Donkey for fun

So as you glance at the images I hope they spark a little nostalgia and inspire a trip down memory lane for your next birthday celebration

We loved this grown up take on the goody bag Creating the perfect favor bag is a mix

between old favorites and new likes Include candies from when you were a kid a fun straw and everything your guests need to

make spiked peach lemonade at home

Ingredients4 Cups Lemonade4 Oz Gin2 Oz Peach Schnapps6 Basil Leaves plus more for garnish

Directions1 Combine all ingredients in large pitcher Let sit for 2-4 hours before serving2 Serve over ice and garnish with basil leaves serving

Spiked Peach Lemonade with Basil

SEE MORE FROM SARAH ATEventsUncorkedcom

EVENTSUNCORKED

Herbed Parmesan Popcorn

INGREDIENTS2 Bags Salted Natural Popcorn2 Tablespoons Butter2 Tablespoons Olive Oil1 Tablespoon Italian Herb Mixturesfrac12 Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Directions1 Pop popcorn according to box directions Pour into large mixing bowl2 In a small sauce pan melt butter olive oil and Italian herb mixture 3 Pour mixture and parmesan cheese over popcorn quickly stir-ring to combine

HOMEMADE INDIVUDUAL PIZZAS

Ingredientsfrac34 Cup Lukewarm Water1 Teaspoon Dry Active Yeast2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour1 frac12 Teaspoons Salt

Directions1 In a medium mixing bowl dissolve dry active yeast in luke-warm water 2 Add in whole wheat flour and salt to the bowl and mix un-til yoursquove formed a shaggy dough3 Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead until all combined and smooth about 5 minutes If dough begins to stick to surface or hands add additional flour4 Return to bowl and let rise about 15 hours or until doubled in size Use or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days5 Split dough in half Form each half into a ball Roll out with a rolling pin 6 Top with desired toppings and bake at 500 degrees for 5 minutes Rotate pizzas and bake for an additional 3-5 min-utes or until cheese is melted and bubbly

Vanilla Buttercream IcingIngredients2 Sticks Unsalted Butter room temperature4 Cups Powdered Sugarfrac14 Cup Heavy Cream2 frac12 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract

Directions1 Beat softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes until creamy

2 Add powdered sugar heavy cream and vanilla extract beating until thick and smooth approximately 3 minutes

3 Apply to cool cake between layers and on top Top with additional sprinkles if desired

Ingredients3 13 Cups All Purpose Flour1 Teaspoon Baking Powderfrac12 Teaspoon Baking Soda1 Teaspoon Salt2 Sticks Unsalted Butter melted1 frac12 Cups Granulated Sugarfrac12 Cup Dark Brown Sugar2 Large Eggsfrac12 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt1 frac12 Cups Milk2 Tablespoons Vanilla Extract1 13 Cup Rainbow Sprinkles (Not Non-Pareils)

Directions1 Preheat Oven to 350 degrees Spray (2) 9rdquo Round Cake Pans with non-stick spray

2 In a medium bowl mix flour baking powder baking soda and salt Set aside

3 In a large mixing bowl whisk together melted butter granulated sugar and dark brown sugar Be sure to get out any lumps

4 Whisk into sugar mixture egg milk yogurt and vanilla extract until combined

5 Slowly mix in dry ingredients until no lumps remain

6 Add sprinkles and stir till just combined being carful as to not over stir Sprinkles will begin to melt if over combined

7 Bake for 20 minutes Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 13-17 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean

8 Let cool on a wire rack completely before icing

homemade

Lake SUMMER

AT THE

Photography by Matt Engelhart

lpf style tip

canoe ridescampfiresBASEBALL CAPS

best friends

LAKE LIFE

FIREFLIES

SUMMER

SHOP THE LOOK lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $18Lizzibeth $34

Olivia Taylor $10

Lizzibeth $15

Mango $25

Sperry $85

J Crew $20

Choies $63

Lizzibeth $13

Lizzibeth $13

lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $36

Splendid $86

Tretorn $93Romwe $18

Fore

ver 2

1 $

5

Lizzibeth $20

Forever 21 $9

Lizzibeth $14

Olivia Taylor $10

Irsquom going to be completely honest with you all I dread telling people that I used to be over-weight The excess weight I carried around was a representation of some of the most unhappiest years of my life and they are hard to look back on

Growing up I was always super skinny I ate whatever I wanted when I wanted I even had trouble gaining weight at various points in my life I was downright scrawny In high school it was just me and my size zero jeans all the way through graduation Once I got to college I no-ticed a little bit of weight gain but nothing like the freshman 15 everyone was always talking about I figured I was finally filling out my womanly body

Somewhere between my junior year of col-lege and graduation in May of 2011 things changed At my peak I wore a size 14 in womenrsquos pants And not the sexy-built-to-be-curvy size 14 that Christina Mendez is rocking I Wish To say I had let myself go would be an understate-ment

When I finally acknowledged my weight and stepped on the scale I almost had a heart attack Thatrsquos probably not an exaggeration considering the lack of exercise paired with all of the fatty foods I was consuming regularly It read 178 I panicked The last time I stepped on a scale I was at the doctorrsquos office several years prior and the

number read 110 (a number far too small for my 5rsquo7rsquorsquo frame but thatrsquos another story) WHAT HAPPENED My mind was a blur trying to process those three not-so-little numbers

Luckily this happened after my workout oth-erwise Irsquom quite positive the shock would have sent me running (okay walking) out the front doors I can honestly say it was one of the most overwhelming experiences Irsquove ever had Up until that point I had let everything roll off my shoulder I ignored it all the Facebook messag-es from an ex-boyfriend calling me a fat btch the degrading hoop and holler from boys when they drove past me on the street and worst of

all I ignored the fact that my ldquofriendsrdquo were saying these terrible things about me behind my back and I was just standing by letting it happen I was fed up I made a commitment to get on track for myself

I started documenting I prefer this word to counting which is how my blog name came about (26 and Not Counting calories years flying by how many items are in my online shopping cart compared to the dollars in my bank accountyou get the gist) I started tracking calories and workouts in the myfitnesspal app committed to 5-6 workouts a week (including weight lifting which I had never done in my life) and limited my booze fests with friends (which had been going on far too often) to one night a week

Healthy is happyCOntributor Jessicarsquos Journey to a happier + Healthier self

ldquoNot only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of

negativity that coNsumed my liferdquo

It wasnrsquot as if I had never worked out before that simply wasnrsquot the case I grew up active and en-joyed spin class in my early col-lege years but I had fallen off the bandwagon

So I was working out right But what about food I hate the word diet Diet is typically defined as something you ldquogo onrdquo before a big trip and it usually means that whatever crazy thing you are doing to try and shed pounds (the grapefruit diet) will eventual-ly have an ending point I didnrsquot start drinking any crazy weight loss drink or ban everything fried but I did start watching what I ate I paid attention to my body and when it was full and aimed to eat more home cooked meals op-posed to eating out all the time

The first time someone noticed I had a lost a few pounds (8 to be exact) I nearly fell off my bar stool Yes I was at the bar cele-brating a friendrsquos birthday (I had found a happy balance and kept my social life hallelujah) The words were simple ldquoJess you are looking goodrdquo I canrsquot tell you how thankful I am to that person that they recognized the work I had been putting in

Maintaining my body will be a daily practice for the rest of my life I had to marry that thought from the get-go Til death do us part Just this past year I set out to lose another 10 pounds and

slowly but surely I reached my goal I wasnrsquot happy in my body so I fixed it and in doing so I fixed a lot of other areas in my life Irsquom proud to say that I currently weigh 131lbs Irsquove wrestled some unhealthy habits into portion controlled treats found that Irsquom a much happier person when I workout and Irsquove grown into the person I am meant to be Not only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of negativity that consumed my life

Irsquom still not where I want to be and thatrsquos okay That simply means that itrsquos time to set anoth-er goal and push myself harder than ever My hope is that if you arenrsquot happy with where yoursquore at in life whether it be your weight your job your relationship that you will love yourself enough to change the situation and create a life that makes you happy to your core

One last thing you should also know that there is such a thing as a skinny fat person Someone may appear to be skinny but that doesnrsquot necessarily mean they are healthy Being fit doesnrsquot mean fitting into a size 2 (or even 4 6 or 8) for all women (Serena Williams and Whitney Thompson are per-fect examples) Just because some-one appears to be ldquofatrdquo doesnrsquot mean they canrsquot outrun you Be kind and encouraging toward oth-er people and especially yourself

happy jessICArsquosfitnessjourney

Jess- 2011

Jess- 2014

HAIR SPRAY

BEACH BABE HAIR SPRAY14 C WATER

1 TBSP SEA SALT

1 TBSP HAIR GEL

2 DROPS ARGAN OIL OR CONDITIONER

POUR INGREDIENTS INTO TRAVEL SIZE SPRAY BOTTLE + SHAKE WELL

HAIR SPRAY

SPRAY ONTODAMP HAIR +

SCRUNCH FOR BEST BEACHY

WAVE RESULTS

The

GUIDELPF MAG CONTRIBUTORS SHARE A LOCALrsquos GUIDE TO THEIR CITIES

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO -

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO

Irsquom Katey a style blogger with Chronicles of Frivolity living as a Dallasite No we donrsquot ride horses to the mall and everything really is

bigger from our Margaritas to our eyelashes

1 Eat Dallas has more restaurants per capita than anywhere in America seriously We eat so well

2 Shop Dallas ALSO has more Shopping centers per capita than anywhere in America Itrsquos absurd

3 Marg Everywhere you look you are 10 feet from a patio with chips salsa and the best margarita yoursquove ever had 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Hattiersquos Hattiersquos is southern food with LA-white deacutecor You can enjoy Bacon-Wrapped Fried Oys-ters and Macaroni and Cheese Crusted Filet while sipping a Sweet Tea Martini

2 Stampede 66 Stampede 66 wins best margari-ta every year (The Modern Star Canyon) and The Butterscotch Pudding is worth gaining 20 pounds for

3 Saint Ann Saint Ann has one of the most beau-tiful patios in Dallas and I could probably have The Skinny Basil Lemonade and Salmon every meal of my life

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

KATEY MCFARLANof Chronicles of Frivolity

KATEYMCFARLAN

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Milk amp Honey Boutique Milk amp Honey Bou-tique might be the most affordable and unique boutique in Dallas PS go to the back room everything is on sale and there are a million size options

2 Movida Boutique Movida Boutique has the most beautiful bright pieces a neon pink or chartreuse blazer Under $40 Yes marsquoam

3 Northpark Mall Northpark Mall isnrsquot exactly affordable in every way but if you go to Dallas and donrsquot stop by it is a sin From Gucci to Nei-mans itrsquos like a museum of designers more so than a typical mall

3 TOP DALLAS AIRBNB PICKS

1 Trendy Uptown Loft A gorgeous two story loft near all of the

cities best bars amp restaurantsDallas $160 per night

2 Private Guest House w Exposed BeamsWe canrsquot get over how gorgeous this private

guest house is Dallas $150 per night

3 Contemporary CabinThis cabin is located right next to an art museum

amp always has live music at nightDallas $90 per night

I was fortunate enough to spend the majority of my college career living in the bustling city of Raleigh North Carolina Raleigh is one of those towns that flies under the radar Itrsquos a beautiful historical area with a taste of southern charm Raleigh is a relatively in-

expensive destination with lots to see and do you just need to find the right spots

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Take an afternoon or evening stroll around Lake Johnson It is the perfect place to go for a jog take a walk with your dog or hop in one of the paddle boats and explore the peaceful sights

2 Check out the local Farmerrsquos Market based right near the NC State University campus each vendor sets up their own stand of fresh produce crafts homemade goods- itrsquos open on weekends

3 Head over to the Amphitheater at Walnut Creek Lots of summer concerts are on the list tickets are super affordable in the lawn section with a great view of the stage

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Flying Biscuit- Known for their southern made delicious buttery baked biscuits paired with just about any breakfast entree it is the happening spot for a weekend brunch

2 Cameron Bar amp Grill - An upscale looking restaurant with affordable prices for a fabulous meal they have great appetizers and unique dinner dishes to pair with any delicious choice of wine

3 Boylan Bridge Brewpub - The best place to hit up to catch a sunset the local pub sits right on the bridge that overlooks the Raleigh skyline sit outside on the terrace amp enjoy one of their many craft beers (amp cheese dip) made right there

JACQUELINE YANCHOCIK

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Fabrsquorik Fabrsquorik is a hostpot with lots of affordable clothes like bright colored maxi dresses tanks and any handbag you could pos-sibly need

2 The Impeccable Pig Looking for the perfect day dress The Impeccable Pig is the place to go the store features lots of cute floral prints in dresses tops and shorts this is your summer destination shop

3 Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique is a one stop shop for all your accessory needs from simple earrings to some diamond pieces the customerrsquos of Charlottersquos are on the cutting edge of fashion

3 TOP RALEIGH AIRBNB PICKS

1 Hotel NicaraguaSsaid to be a stop from Jack Kerouacrsquos

noteworthy book ldquoOn the Roadrdquo nestled right outside downtown Raleigh this is definitely a

historic gemRaleigh $70 per night

2 Cookiersquos Garden SuiteA 1899 bungalow located in the Oakwood

Historic District enjoy a private entrance with all the amenities yoursquoll need right by downtown

Raleigh $75 per night

3 Sallyrsquos Downtown Historic SuiteThis historic home sits in a gorgeous neighbor-hood with leafy oaks close to coffee shops and

nearby bars Raleigh $85 per night

Irsquove been living in Los Angeles for over 3 years Los Angeles is a very spread out megacity with each area diverse in restaurants activities fashion architecture and even weather I grew up on

the beach so it was only fitting that I move to the west side of LA closest to the Pacific Venice is a colorful eccentric one-of-a kind district in Los Angeles right on the Pacific Ocean

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Venice has near-perfect weather year round so biking is a common activity here Marvin Braude Bike Trail (known as The Strand) is a bike path along the Pacific shoreline starting from Malibu down through Venice all the way Redondo Beach

2 Abbot Kinney is the artsy hipster sister of Bev-erly Hillsrsquo Rodeo Drive First Friday brings the best local art fashion music and food trucks to locals and visitors alike

3 Yoga and Venice go hand in hand There are multiple studios in the Venice area with incredible instructors and a class nearly every hour

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Tasting Kitchen A very special dining experience Trendy upscale atmosphere but with a rustic twist Communal seating under the trees a creative and fresh menu that changes daily and an overall obscure charm that suits Venice to a T

2 Chop Daddyrsquos Nestled between some of the cityrsquos most well-reviewed restaurants is some of the best BBQ in Los Angeles The tastiest fried pickles Irsquove ever had

3 Kippyrsquos Non-dairy raw organic coconut cream based ice cream My favorite is the orangesicle

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Firefly - the perfect collection of house-wares gifts and clothing reflecting the effort-less and beachy Venice lifestyle

2 Principessa - their website says it best ldquooutfitting the modern flower child in a so-phisticated style that is comfortable sexy and timelessrdquo

3 Aviator Nation Quintessential Southern California style that has become an obsession for many Aviator Nation has one-of-a kind t-shirt tanks sweats and more that have that worn-in feel so soft and comfortable 3 TOP VENICE AIRBNB PICKS

1 Artistrsquos CottageAn art filled cottage in proximity to one of the

worldrsquos best beaches$140 per night

2 Stylish Venice BungalowWalk to beach shops and dining from this ro-mantic and stylish holiday bungalow in a lush

garden setting$149 per night

3 Venice Garden RetreatA guesthouse filled with treasures from the

ownersrsquo travels abroad $125 per night

BROOKE KENNEDYBROOKEEJ

My name is Becca and I fell in love with Atlanta two years ago Although I moved to Atlanta for graduate school and thought it would be temporary I have fallen for a city that could be my forever home Having to choose my favorites are going to be

hard in a city that has so much to do

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Irsquove quickly made a tradition out of going to Music Midtown Music Festival in September at Piedmont Park I had the time of my life dancing the night away with best friends listening to great bands amp the Atlanta skyline in the background

2 Brunch is the only thing that gets me out of bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings Try the 100 item Bloody bar at Front Page News or all you can eat breakfast at Grsquos near piedmont If you get up early enough try West Egg in Westside Provisions

3 For a mere ten bucks you get six samples and a beautiful pint at the Sweetwater Brewery Tour But be warned the pours are heavy

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Noche This tiny tapas bar is full of flavors in tinybites Their chef special never seems to disap-point and therersquos always a drink special (Sangria Sundays are a personal favorite)

2 Park Tavern This restaurant with its own brew-ery offers some of the best views of Atlanta They have a late night sushi special and when it rains they pour dollar beers In the winter they have a full skating rink with adult only hours (so you donrsquot trip over that kid)

3YEAH Burger My favorite burger place in the world they offer a made to order burger that quenches even the pickiest of eaters appetites

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 The Lucky Exchange This second hand store is a treasure trove of pieces some extravagant sequin dresses some office appropriate attire My best find Brand new in the box Prada Loafers for under 30$

2 The Merchant at Howell Mill Grab a cup of coffee at Octane and then cross the street to Merchant A wide array of gifts and acces-sories offer the opportunity to pick up some-thing for your friends and yourself

3 Lizard Thicket Shop this trendy boutiquefor gameday dresses in your favorite team colors or the latest shipment of Bourbon and Bowetie bracelets

3 TOP ATLANTA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Secluded TreehouseHow could a girl not want to spend the night in an adult sized treehouse nestled right in popular

neighborhood Buckhead $275 per night

2 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentMidtown is close to everything you could want to be- food culture Piedmont Park museums amp an active nightlife there is something for everyone

This is a gorgeous room in a mini-mansion $73 per night

3 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentThis apartment is in the perfect location for some-one visiting town for food drinks and shopping

$69 per night

BECCA LUCIOof Becca Marie LucioBECCAMARIELUCIO

I moved to Chicago a little over a year ago and Irsquove completely fallen in love with the city As a Midwesterner all my life Chicago offers the charms of living in the Midwest while offering

amazing big city life There are summer street festivals every weekend the best brunch spots in the area shopping galore amp hidden gems in every gorgeous neighborhood

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Taste test cupcakes around Lincoln Park (I love Sweet Mandy Brsquos and Swirlz)

2 Spend the afternoon blogging at local coffee shops like Floriole amp Heritage

3 Explore local shops in new neighborhoods ndash there are so many incredible places to explore

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Range Hidden gem in Lincoln park that boasts seasonal recipes all made fromlocal ingredients Best of all itrsquos only a few blocks from my apartment Needless to say they know me by name

2 Little Goat Diner ndash I love Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzardrsquos mid-priced diner best of all her Chicago restaurants Offering home-style recipes with a fancy twist Irsquom a big fan of everything Irsquove tried Irsquod recommend the pork belly pancake amp tira-misu shake if you stop in

3 Xoco Rick Bayless has been one of my favorite chefsfor years His lower priced concept Xoco is the perfect spot to meet friends for lunch in River North Plus Margaritas (enough said right)

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 14: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

HEALTHY

SMOOTHIES

BERRY SMOOTHIE12 cup blueberries 12 cup blackberries 12 cup coconut water 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional) Handful of ice cubes 1 tbsp honey or stevia (optional)

STRAWBERRY + MANGO SMOOTHIE12 cup mango 12 cup strawberries 14 cup coconut water 1 tbsp chia seeds 1 tbsp honey or stevia (optional) Sliced almonds to garnish

KALE BANANA PINEAPPLE + MANGO SMOOTHIE14 cup chopped kale 1 whole chopped banana 12 cup chopped mango 12 cup pineapple 12 cup coconut water 12 tsp chia seeds Handful of ice cubes

NIA IS A HEALTH ENTHUSIAST ASPIRING TO INSPIRE PEOPLE TO LIVE A COLORFUL

WHOLESOME AND HAPPY LIFE

FOLLOW HER ON INSTAGRAM NIA_TRITION + SIGN UP FOR HER MAILING LIST FOR WEEKLY HEALTHY RECIPES IN YOUR INBOX

PINEAPPLE CILANTRO LIME MARINADE

Marinade for 1 lb of meatPreparation Time 5 minutesMarinating Time 1 hourTotal Time 1 hour 5 minutes

INGREDIENTS12 cup extra virgin olive oil14 cup pineapple juice14 cup fresh cilantro1 lime (for zest and juice)34 tsp salt12 tsp cumin14 tsp onion powder18 tsp black pepper

1 Rinse and chop cilantro

2 Zest the lime

3 Juice the lime and whisk all ingredients together

4 Mix meat and marinade together

5 Cover meat and marinade (or seal in a zip top bag) and place in the refrigerator for 1 hour

6 Cook as you please Grilling with pineapple bell pepper and onion is recommended

Our cooking expert Jocelyn Mandalou at Saucy Joceyrsquos Kitchen shows us how to make our own marinade for cookouts Itrsquos healthier than a store bought

marinade amp super simple

Follow Jocelyn at SaucyJoceysKitchencomSaucyJoceysKitchen

Photography by Sarah Ennis

haveyourcakeamp eat it too

letrsquos party Often in the middle of the day I find myself drifting off and dreaming of beautiful parties From weddings to holidays I canrsquot help but think of what to do to take it to the next level

However when it comes to birthdays my mind shifts the opposite direction While throwing an over the top birthday bash may work for some I much prefer the beauty of a simpler get together like when I was a kid I donrsquot need 100 people at a fancy restaurant or an elaborate theme brought to life All I really need is a cake like mom used to make snacks for all to enjoy and a little lemonade to sip on

That was the inspiration behind this gathering I wanted to create an event to inspire the simpler things and take you back to the good olrsquo days where all you needed was bal-loons streamers confetti goody bags matching plates and napkins and of course a little Pin the Tail on the Donkey for fun

So as you glance at the images I hope they spark a little nostalgia and inspire a trip down memory lane for your next birthday celebration

We loved this grown up take on the goody bag Creating the perfect favor bag is a mix

between old favorites and new likes Include candies from when you were a kid a fun straw and everything your guests need to

make spiked peach lemonade at home

Ingredients4 Cups Lemonade4 Oz Gin2 Oz Peach Schnapps6 Basil Leaves plus more for garnish

Directions1 Combine all ingredients in large pitcher Let sit for 2-4 hours before serving2 Serve over ice and garnish with basil leaves serving

Spiked Peach Lemonade with Basil

SEE MORE FROM SARAH ATEventsUncorkedcom

EVENTSUNCORKED

Herbed Parmesan Popcorn

INGREDIENTS2 Bags Salted Natural Popcorn2 Tablespoons Butter2 Tablespoons Olive Oil1 Tablespoon Italian Herb Mixturesfrac12 Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Directions1 Pop popcorn according to box directions Pour into large mixing bowl2 In a small sauce pan melt butter olive oil and Italian herb mixture 3 Pour mixture and parmesan cheese over popcorn quickly stir-ring to combine

HOMEMADE INDIVUDUAL PIZZAS

Ingredientsfrac34 Cup Lukewarm Water1 Teaspoon Dry Active Yeast2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour1 frac12 Teaspoons Salt

Directions1 In a medium mixing bowl dissolve dry active yeast in luke-warm water 2 Add in whole wheat flour and salt to the bowl and mix un-til yoursquove formed a shaggy dough3 Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead until all combined and smooth about 5 minutes If dough begins to stick to surface or hands add additional flour4 Return to bowl and let rise about 15 hours or until doubled in size Use or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days5 Split dough in half Form each half into a ball Roll out with a rolling pin 6 Top with desired toppings and bake at 500 degrees for 5 minutes Rotate pizzas and bake for an additional 3-5 min-utes or until cheese is melted and bubbly

Vanilla Buttercream IcingIngredients2 Sticks Unsalted Butter room temperature4 Cups Powdered Sugarfrac14 Cup Heavy Cream2 frac12 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract

Directions1 Beat softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes until creamy

2 Add powdered sugar heavy cream and vanilla extract beating until thick and smooth approximately 3 minutes

3 Apply to cool cake between layers and on top Top with additional sprinkles if desired

Ingredients3 13 Cups All Purpose Flour1 Teaspoon Baking Powderfrac12 Teaspoon Baking Soda1 Teaspoon Salt2 Sticks Unsalted Butter melted1 frac12 Cups Granulated Sugarfrac12 Cup Dark Brown Sugar2 Large Eggsfrac12 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt1 frac12 Cups Milk2 Tablespoons Vanilla Extract1 13 Cup Rainbow Sprinkles (Not Non-Pareils)

Directions1 Preheat Oven to 350 degrees Spray (2) 9rdquo Round Cake Pans with non-stick spray

2 In a medium bowl mix flour baking powder baking soda and salt Set aside

3 In a large mixing bowl whisk together melted butter granulated sugar and dark brown sugar Be sure to get out any lumps

4 Whisk into sugar mixture egg milk yogurt and vanilla extract until combined

5 Slowly mix in dry ingredients until no lumps remain

6 Add sprinkles and stir till just combined being carful as to not over stir Sprinkles will begin to melt if over combined

7 Bake for 20 minutes Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 13-17 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean

8 Let cool on a wire rack completely before icing

homemade

Lake SUMMER

AT THE

Photography by Matt Engelhart

lpf style tip

canoe ridescampfiresBASEBALL CAPS

best friends

LAKE LIFE

FIREFLIES

SUMMER

SHOP THE LOOK lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $18Lizzibeth $34

Olivia Taylor $10

Lizzibeth $15

Mango $25

Sperry $85

J Crew $20

Choies $63

Lizzibeth $13

Lizzibeth $13

lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $36

Splendid $86

Tretorn $93Romwe $18

Fore

ver 2

1 $

5

Lizzibeth $20

Forever 21 $9

Lizzibeth $14

Olivia Taylor $10

Irsquom going to be completely honest with you all I dread telling people that I used to be over-weight The excess weight I carried around was a representation of some of the most unhappiest years of my life and they are hard to look back on

Growing up I was always super skinny I ate whatever I wanted when I wanted I even had trouble gaining weight at various points in my life I was downright scrawny In high school it was just me and my size zero jeans all the way through graduation Once I got to college I no-ticed a little bit of weight gain but nothing like the freshman 15 everyone was always talking about I figured I was finally filling out my womanly body

Somewhere between my junior year of col-lege and graduation in May of 2011 things changed At my peak I wore a size 14 in womenrsquos pants And not the sexy-built-to-be-curvy size 14 that Christina Mendez is rocking I Wish To say I had let myself go would be an understate-ment

When I finally acknowledged my weight and stepped on the scale I almost had a heart attack Thatrsquos probably not an exaggeration considering the lack of exercise paired with all of the fatty foods I was consuming regularly It read 178 I panicked The last time I stepped on a scale I was at the doctorrsquos office several years prior and the

number read 110 (a number far too small for my 5rsquo7rsquorsquo frame but thatrsquos another story) WHAT HAPPENED My mind was a blur trying to process those three not-so-little numbers

Luckily this happened after my workout oth-erwise Irsquom quite positive the shock would have sent me running (okay walking) out the front doors I can honestly say it was one of the most overwhelming experiences Irsquove ever had Up until that point I had let everything roll off my shoulder I ignored it all the Facebook messag-es from an ex-boyfriend calling me a fat btch the degrading hoop and holler from boys when they drove past me on the street and worst of

all I ignored the fact that my ldquofriendsrdquo were saying these terrible things about me behind my back and I was just standing by letting it happen I was fed up I made a commitment to get on track for myself

I started documenting I prefer this word to counting which is how my blog name came about (26 and Not Counting calories years flying by how many items are in my online shopping cart compared to the dollars in my bank accountyou get the gist) I started tracking calories and workouts in the myfitnesspal app committed to 5-6 workouts a week (including weight lifting which I had never done in my life) and limited my booze fests with friends (which had been going on far too often) to one night a week

Healthy is happyCOntributor Jessicarsquos Journey to a happier + Healthier self

ldquoNot only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of

negativity that coNsumed my liferdquo

It wasnrsquot as if I had never worked out before that simply wasnrsquot the case I grew up active and en-joyed spin class in my early col-lege years but I had fallen off the bandwagon

So I was working out right But what about food I hate the word diet Diet is typically defined as something you ldquogo onrdquo before a big trip and it usually means that whatever crazy thing you are doing to try and shed pounds (the grapefruit diet) will eventual-ly have an ending point I didnrsquot start drinking any crazy weight loss drink or ban everything fried but I did start watching what I ate I paid attention to my body and when it was full and aimed to eat more home cooked meals op-posed to eating out all the time

The first time someone noticed I had a lost a few pounds (8 to be exact) I nearly fell off my bar stool Yes I was at the bar cele-brating a friendrsquos birthday (I had found a happy balance and kept my social life hallelujah) The words were simple ldquoJess you are looking goodrdquo I canrsquot tell you how thankful I am to that person that they recognized the work I had been putting in

Maintaining my body will be a daily practice for the rest of my life I had to marry that thought from the get-go Til death do us part Just this past year I set out to lose another 10 pounds and

slowly but surely I reached my goal I wasnrsquot happy in my body so I fixed it and in doing so I fixed a lot of other areas in my life Irsquom proud to say that I currently weigh 131lbs Irsquove wrestled some unhealthy habits into portion controlled treats found that Irsquom a much happier person when I workout and Irsquove grown into the person I am meant to be Not only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of negativity that consumed my life

Irsquom still not where I want to be and thatrsquos okay That simply means that itrsquos time to set anoth-er goal and push myself harder than ever My hope is that if you arenrsquot happy with where yoursquore at in life whether it be your weight your job your relationship that you will love yourself enough to change the situation and create a life that makes you happy to your core

One last thing you should also know that there is such a thing as a skinny fat person Someone may appear to be skinny but that doesnrsquot necessarily mean they are healthy Being fit doesnrsquot mean fitting into a size 2 (or even 4 6 or 8) for all women (Serena Williams and Whitney Thompson are per-fect examples) Just because some-one appears to be ldquofatrdquo doesnrsquot mean they canrsquot outrun you Be kind and encouraging toward oth-er people and especially yourself

happy jessICArsquosfitnessjourney

Jess- 2011

Jess- 2014

HAIR SPRAY

BEACH BABE HAIR SPRAY14 C WATER

1 TBSP SEA SALT

1 TBSP HAIR GEL

2 DROPS ARGAN OIL OR CONDITIONER

POUR INGREDIENTS INTO TRAVEL SIZE SPRAY BOTTLE + SHAKE WELL

HAIR SPRAY

SPRAY ONTODAMP HAIR +

SCRUNCH FOR BEST BEACHY

WAVE RESULTS

The

GUIDELPF MAG CONTRIBUTORS SHARE A LOCALrsquos GUIDE TO THEIR CITIES

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO -

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO

Irsquom Katey a style blogger with Chronicles of Frivolity living as a Dallasite No we donrsquot ride horses to the mall and everything really is

bigger from our Margaritas to our eyelashes

1 Eat Dallas has more restaurants per capita than anywhere in America seriously We eat so well

2 Shop Dallas ALSO has more Shopping centers per capita than anywhere in America Itrsquos absurd

3 Marg Everywhere you look you are 10 feet from a patio with chips salsa and the best margarita yoursquove ever had 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Hattiersquos Hattiersquos is southern food with LA-white deacutecor You can enjoy Bacon-Wrapped Fried Oys-ters and Macaroni and Cheese Crusted Filet while sipping a Sweet Tea Martini

2 Stampede 66 Stampede 66 wins best margari-ta every year (The Modern Star Canyon) and The Butterscotch Pudding is worth gaining 20 pounds for

3 Saint Ann Saint Ann has one of the most beau-tiful patios in Dallas and I could probably have The Skinny Basil Lemonade and Salmon every meal of my life

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

KATEY MCFARLANof Chronicles of Frivolity

KATEYMCFARLAN

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Milk amp Honey Boutique Milk amp Honey Bou-tique might be the most affordable and unique boutique in Dallas PS go to the back room everything is on sale and there are a million size options

2 Movida Boutique Movida Boutique has the most beautiful bright pieces a neon pink or chartreuse blazer Under $40 Yes marsquoam

3 Northpark Mall Northpark Mall isnrsquot exactly affordable in every way but if you go to Dallas and donrsquot stop by it is a sin From Gucci to Nei-mans itrsquos like a museum of designers more so than a typical mall

3 TOP DALLAS AIRBNB PICKS

1 Trendy Uptown Loft A gorgeous two story loft near all of the

cities best bars amp restaurantsDallas $160 per night

2 Private Guest House w Exposed BeamsWe canrsquot get over how gorgeous this private

guest house is Dallas $150 per night

3 Contemporary CabinThis cabin is located right next to an art museum

amp always has live music at nightDallas $90 per night

I was fortunate enough to spend the majority of my college career living in the bustling city of Raleigh North Carolina Raleigh is one of those towns that flies under the radar Itrsquos a beautiful historical area with a taste of southern charm Raleigh is a relatively in-

expensive destination with lots to see and do you just need to find the right spots

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Take an afternoon or evening stroll around Lake Johnson It is the perfect place to go for a jog take a walk with your dog or hop in one of the paddle boats and explore the peaceful sights

2 Check out the local Farmerrsquos Market based right near the NC State University campus each vendor sets up their own stand of fresh produce crafts homemade goods- itrsquos open on weekends

3 Head over to the Amphitheater at Walnut Creek Lots of summer concerts are on the list tickets are super affordable in the lawn section with a great view of the stage

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Flying Biscuit- Known for their southern made delicious buttery baked biscuits paired with just about any breakfast entree it is the happening spot for a weekend brunch

2 Cameron Bar amp Grill - An upscale looking restaurant with affordable prices for a fabulous meal they have great appetizers and unique dinner dishes to pair with any delicious choice of wine

3 Boylan Bridge Brewpub - The best place to hit up to catch a sunset the local pub sits right on the bridge that overlooks the Raleigh skyline sit outside on the terrace amp enjoy one of their many craft beers (amp cheese dip) made right there

JACQUELINE YANCHOCIK

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Fabrsquorik Fabrsquorik is a hostpot with lots of affordable clothes like bright colored maxi dresses tanks and any handbag you could pos-sibly need

2 The Impeccable Pig Looking for the perfect day dress The Impeccable Pig is the place to go the store features lots of cute floral prints in dresses tops and shorts this is your summer destination shop

3 Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique is a one stop shop for all your accessory needs from simple earrings to some diamond pieces the customerrsquos of Charlottersquos are on the cutting edge of fashion

3 TOP RALEIGH AIRBNB PICKS

1 Hotel NicaraguaSsaid to be a stop from Jack Kerouacrsquos

noteworthy book ldquoOn the Roadrdquo nestled right outside downtown Raleigh this is definitely a

historic gemRaleigh $70 per night

2 Cookiersquos Garden SuiteA 1899 bungalow located in the Oakwood

Historic District enjoy a private entrance with all the amenities yoursquoll need right by downtown

Raleigh $75 per night

3 Sallyrsquos Downtown Historic SuiteThis historic home sits in a gorgeous neighbor-hood with leafy oaks close to coffee shops and

nearby bars Raleigh $85 per night

Irsquove been living in Los Angeles for over 3 years Los Angeles is a very spread out megacity with each area diverse in restaurants activities fashion architecture and even weather I grew up on

the beach so it was only fitting that I move to the west side of LA closest to the Pacific Venice is a colorful eccentric one-of-a kind district in Los Angeles right on the Pacific Ocean

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Venice has near-perfect weather year round so biking is a common activity here Marvin Braude Bike Trail (known as The Strand) is a bike path along the Pacific shoreline starting from Malibu down through Venice all the way Redondo Beach

2 Abbot Kinney is the artsy hipster sister of Bev-erly Hillsrsquo Rodeo Drive First Friday brings the best local art fashion music and food trucks to locals and visitors alike

3 Yoga and Venice go hand in hand There are multiple studios in the Venice area with incredible instructors and a class nearly every hour

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Tasting Kitchen A very special dining experience Trendy upscale atmosphere but with a rustic twist Communal seating under the trees a creative and fresh menu that changes daily and an overall obscure charm that suits Venice to a T

2 Chop Daddyrsquos Nestled between some of the cityrsquos most well-reviewed restaurants is some of the best BBQ in Los Angeles The tastiest fried pickles Irsquove ever had

3 Kippyrsquos Non-dairy raw organic coconut cream based ice cream My favorite is the orangesicle

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Firefly - the perfect collection of house-wares gifts and clothing reflecting the effort-less and beachy Venice lifestyle

2 Principessa - their website says it best ldquooutfitting the modern flower child in a so-phisticated style that is comfortable sexy and timelessrdquo

3 Aviator Nation Quintessential Southern California style that has become an obsession for many Aviator Nation has one-of-a kind t-shirt tanks sweats and more that have that worn-in feel so soft and comfortable 3 TOP VENICE AIRBNB PICKS

1 Artistrsquos CottageAn art filled cottage in proximity to one of the

worldrsquos best beaches$140 per night

2 Stylish Venice BungalowWalk to beach shops and dining from this ro-mantic and stylish holiday bungalow in a lush

garden setting$149 per night

3 Venice Garden RetreatA guesthouse filled with treasures from the

ownersrsquo travels abroad $125 per night

BROOKE KENNEDYBROOKEEJ

My name is Becca and I fell in love with Atlanta two years ago Although I moved to Atlanta for graduate school and thought it would be temporary I have fallen for a city that could be my forever home Having to choose my favorites are going to be

hard in a city that has so much to do

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Irsquove quickly made a tradition out of going to Music Midtown Music Festival in September at Piedmont Park I had the time of my life dancing the night away with best friends listening to great bands amp the Atlanta skyline in the background

2 Brunch is the only thing that gets me out of bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings Try the 100 item Bloody bar at Front Page News or all you can eat breakfast at Grsquos near piedmont If you get up early enough try West Egg in Westside Provisions

3 For a mere ten bucks you get six samples and a beautiful pint at the Sweetwater Brewery Tour But be warned the pours are heavy

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Noche This tiny tapas bar is full of flavors in tinybites Their chef special never seems to disap-point and therersquos always a drink special (Sangria Sundays are a personal favorite)

2 Park Tavern This restaurant with its own brew-ery offers some of the best views of Atlanta They have a late night sushi special and when it rains they pour dollar beers In the winter they have a full skating rink with adult only hours (so you donrsquot trip over that kid)

3YEAH Burger My favorite burger place in the world they offer a made to order burger that quenches even the pickiest of eaters appetites

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 The Lucky Exchange This second hand store is a treasure trove of pieces some extravagant sequin dresses some office appropriate attire My best find Brand new in the box Prada Loafers for under 30$

2 The Merchant at Howell Mill Grab a cup of coffee at Octane and then cross the street to Merchant A wide array of gifts and acces-sories offer the opportunity to pick up some-thing for your friends and yourself

3 Lizard Thicket Shop this trendy boutiquefor gameday dresses in your favorite team colors or the latest shipment of Bourbon and Bowetie bracelets

3 TOP ATLANTA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Secluded TreehouseHow could a girl not want to spend the night in an adult sized treehouse nestled right in popular

neighborhood Buckhead $275 per night

2 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentMidtown is close to everything you could want to be- food culture Piedmont Park museums amp an active nightlife there is something for everyone

This is a gorgeous room in a mini-mansion $73 per night

3 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentThis apartment is in the perfect location for some-one visiting town for food drinks and shopping

$69 per night

BECCA LUCIOof Becca Marie LucioBECCAMARIELUCIO

I moved to Chicago a little over a year ago and Irsquove completely fallen in love with the city As a Midwesterner all my life Chicago offers the charms of living in the Midwest while offering

amazing big city life There are summer street festivals every weekend the best brunch spots in the area shopping galore amp hidden gems in every gorgeous neighborhood

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Taste test cupcakes around Lincoln Park (I love Sweet Mandy Brsquos and Swirlz)

2 Spend the afternoon blogging at local coffee shops like Floriole amp Heritage

3 Explore local shops in new neighborhoods ndash there are so many incredible places to explore

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Range Hidden gem in Lincoln park that boasts seasonal recipes all made fromlocal ingredients Best of all itrsquos only a few blocks from my apartment Needless to say they know me by name

2 Little Goat Diner ndash I love Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzardrsquos mid-priced diner best of all her Chicago restaurants Offering home-style recipes with a fancy twist Irsquom a big fan of everything Irsquove tried Irsquod recommend the pork belly pancake amp tira-misu shake if you stop in

3 Xoco Rick Bayless has been one of my favorite chefsfor years His lower priced concept Xoco is the perfect spot to meet friends for lunch in River North Plus Margaritas (enough said right)

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 15: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

BERRY SMOOTHIE12 cup blueberries 12 cup blackberries 12 cup coconut water 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional) Handful of ice cubes 1 tbsp honey or stevia (optional)

STRAWBERRY + MANGO SMOOTHIE12 cup mango 12 cup strawberries 14 cup coconut water 1 tbsp chia seeds 1 tbsp honey or stevia (optional) Sliced almonds to garnish

KALE BANANA PINEAPPLE + MANGO SMOOTHIE14 cup chopped kale 1 whole chopped banana 12 cup chopped mango 12 cup pineapple 12 cup coconut water 12 tsp chia seeds Handful of ice cubes

NIA IS A HEALTH ENTHUSIAST ASPIRING TO INSPIRE PEOPLE TO LIVE A COLORFUL

WHOLESOME AND HAPPY LIFE

FOLLOW HER ON INSTAGRAM NIA_TRITION + SIGN UP FOR HER MAILING LIST FOR WEEKLY HEALTHY RECIPES IN YOUR INBOX

PINEAPPLE CILANTRO LIME MARINADE

Marinade for 1 lb of meatPreparation Time 5 minutesMarinating Time 1 hourTotal Time 1 hour 5 minutes

INGREDIENTS12 cup extra virgin olive oil14 cup pineapple juice14 cup fresh cilantro1 lime (for zest and juice)34 tsp salt12 tsp cumin14 tsp onion powder18 tsp black pepper

1 Rinse and chop cilantro

2 Zest the lime

3 Juice the lime and whisk all ingredients together

4 Mix meat and marinade together

5 Cover meat and marinade (or seal in a zip top bag) and place in the refrigerator for 1 hour

6 Cook as you please Grilling with pineapple bell pepper and onion is recommended

Our cooking expert Jocelyn Mandalou at Saucy Joceyrsquos Kitchen shows us how to make our own marinade for cookouts Itrsquos healthier than a store bought

marinade amp super simple

Follow Jocelyn at SaucyJoceysKitchencomSaucyJoceysKitchen

Photography by Sarah Ennis

haveyourcakeamp eat it too

letrsquos party Often in the middle of the day I find myself drifting off and dreaming of beautiful parties From weddings to holidays I canrsquot help but think of what to do to take it to the next level

However when it comes to birthdays my mind shifts the opposite direction While throwing an over the top birthday bash may work for some I much prefer the beauty of a simpler get together like when I was a kid I donrsquot need 100 people at a fancy restaurant or an elaborate theme brought to life All I really need is a cake like mom used to make snacks for all to enjoy and a little lemonade to sip on

That was the inspiration behind this gathering I wanted to create an event to inspire the simpler things and take you back to the good olrsquo days where all you needed was bal-loons streamers confetti goody bags matching plates and napkins and of course a little Pin the Tail on the Donkey for fun

So as you glance at the images I hope they spark a little nostalgia and inspire a trip down memory lane for your next birthday celebration

We loved this grown up take on the goody bag Creating the perfect favor bag is a mix

between old favorites and new likes Include candies from when you were a kid a fun straw and everything your guests need to

make spiked peach lemonade at home

Ingredients4 Cups Lemonade4 Oz Gin2 Oz Peach Schnapps6 Basil Leaves plus more for garnish

Directions1 Combine all ingredients in large pitcher Let sit for 2-4 hours before serving2 Serve over ice and garnish with basil leaves serving

Spiked Peach Lemonade with Basil

SEE MORE FROM SARAH ATEventsUncorkedcom

EVENTSUNCORKED

Herbed Parmesan Popcorn

INGREDIENTS2 Bags Salted Natural Popcorn2 Tablespoons Butter2 Tablespoons Olive Oil1 Tablespoon Italian Herb Mixturesfrac12 Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Directions1 Pop popcorn according to box directions Pour into large mixing bowl2 In a small sauce pan melt butter olive oil and Italian herb mixture 3 Pour mixture and parmesan cheese over popcorn quickly stir-ring to combine

HOMEMADE INDIVUDUAL PIZZAS

Ingredientsfrac34 Cup Lukewarm Water1 Teaspoon Dry Active Yeast2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour1 frac12 Teaspoons Salt

Directions1 In a medium mixing bowl dissolve dry active yeast in luke-warm water 2 Add in whole wheat flour and salt to the bowl and mix un-til yoursquove formed a shaggy dough3 Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead until all combined and smooth about 5 minutes If dough begins to stick to surface or hands add additional flour4 Return to bowl and let rise about 15 hours or until doubled in size Use or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days5 Split dough in half Form each half into a ball Roll out with a rolling pin 6 Top with desired toppings and bake at 500 degrees for 5 minutes Rotate pizzas and bake for an additional 3-5 min-utes or until cheese is melted and bubbly

Vanilla Buttercream IcingIngredients2 Sticks Unsalted Butter room temperature4 Cups Powdered Sugarfrac14 Cup Heavy Cream2 frac12 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract

Directions1 Beat softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes until creamy

2 Add powdered sugar heavy cream and vanilla extract beating until thick and smooth approximately 3 minutes

3 Apply to cool cake between layers and on top Top with additional sprinkles if desired

Ingredients3 13 Cups All Purpose Flour1 Teaspoon Baking Powderfrac12 Teaspoon Baking Soda1 Teaspoon Salt2 Sticks Unsalted Butter melted1 frac12 Cups Granulated Sugarfrac12 Cup Dark Brown Sugar2 Large Eggsfrac12 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt1 frac12 Cups Milk2 Tablespoons Vanilla Extract1 13 Cup Rainbow Sprinkles (Not Non-Pareils)

Directions1 Preheat Oven to 350 degrees Spray (2) 9rdquo Round Cake Pans with non-stick spray

2 In a medium bowl mix flour baking powder baking soda and salt Set aside

3 In a large mixing bowl whisk together melted butter granulated sugar and dark brown sugar Be sure to get out any lumps

4 Whisk into sugar mixture egg milk yogurt and vanilla extract until combined

5 Slowly mix in dry ingredients until no lumps remain

6 Add sprinkles and stir till just combined being carful as to not over stir Sprinkles will begin to melt if over combined

7 Bake for 20 minutes Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 13-17 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean

8 Let cool on a wire rack completely before icing

homemade

Lake SUMMER

AT THE

Photography by Matt Engelhart

lpf style tip

canoe ridescampfiresBASEBALL CAPS

best friends

LAKE LIFE

FIREFLIES

SUMMER

SHOP THE LOOK lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $18Lizzibeth $34

Olivia Taylor $10

Lizzibeth $15

Mango $25

Sperry $85

J Crew $20

Choies $63

Lizzibeth $13

Lizzibeth $13

lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $36

Splendid $86

Tretorn $93Romwe $18

Fore

ver 2

1 $

5

Lizzibeth $20

Forever 21 $9

Lizzibeth $14

Olivia Taylor $10

Irsquom going to be completely honest with you all I dread telling people that I used to be over-weight The excess weight I carried around was a representation of some of the most unhappiest years of my life and they are hard to look back on

Growing up I was always super skinny I ate whatever I wanted when I wanted I even had trouble gaining weight at various points in my life I was downright scrawny In high school it was just me and my size zero jeans all the way through graduation Once I got to college I no-ticed a little bit of weight gain but nothing like the freshman 15 everyone was always talking about I figured I was finally filling out my womanly body

Somewhere between my junior year of col-lege and graduation in May of 2011 things changed At my peak I wore a size 14 in womenrsquos pants And not the sexy-built-to-be-curvy size 14 that Christina Mendez is rocking I Wish To say I had let myself go would be an understate-ment

When I finally acknowledged my weight and stepped on the scale I almost had a heart attack Thatrsquos probably not an exaggeration considering the lack of exercise paired with all of the fatty foods I was consuming regularly It read 178 I panicked The last time I stepped on a scale I was at the doctorrsquos office several years prior and the

number read 110 (a number far too small for my 5rsquo7rsquorsquo frame but thatrsquos another story) WHAT HAPPENED My mind was a blur trying to process those three not-so-little numbers

Luckily this happened after my workout oth-erwise Irsquom quite positive the shock would have sent me running (okay walking) out the front doors I can honestly say it was one of the most overwhelming experiences Irsquove ever had Up until that point I had let everything roll off my shoulder I ignored it all the Facebook messag-es from an ex-boyfriend calling me a fat btch the degrading hoop and holler from boys when they drove past me on the street and worst of

all I ignored the fact that my ldquofriendsrdquo were saying these terrible things about me behind my back and I was just standing by letting it happen I was fed up I made a commitment to get on track for myself

I started documenting I prefer this word to counting which is how my blog name came about (26 and Not Counting calories years flying by how many items are in my online shopping cart compared to the dollars in my bank accountyou get the gist) I started tracking calories and workouts in the myfitnesspal app committed to 5-6 workouts a week (including weight lifting which I had never done in my life) and limited my booze fests with friends (which had been going on far too often) to one night a week

Healthy is happyCOntributor Jessicarsquos Journey to a happier + Healthier self

ldquoNot only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of

negativity that coNsumed my liferdquo

It wasnrsquot as if I had never worked out before that simply wasnrsquot the case I grew up active and en-joyed spin class in my early col-lege years but I had fallen off the bandwagon

So I was working out right But what about food I hate the word diet Diet is typically defined as something you ldquogo onrdquo before a big trip and it usually means that whatever crazy thing you are doing to try and shed pounds (the grapefruit diet) will eventual-ly have an ending point I didnrsquot start drinking any crazy weight loss drink or ban everything fried but I did start watching what I ate I paid attention to my body and when it was full and aimed to eat more home cooked meals op-posed to eating out all the time

The first time someone noticed I had a lost a few pounds (8 to be exact) I nearly fell off my bar stool Yes I was at the bar cele-brating a friendrsquos birthday (I had found a happy balance and kept my social life hallelujah) The words were simple ldquoJess you are looking goodrdquo I canrsquot tell you how thankful I am to that person that they recognized the work I had been putting in

Maintaining my body will be a daily practice for the rest of my life I had to marry that thought from the get-go Til death do us part Just this past year I set out to lose another 10 pounds and

slowly but surely I reached my goal I wasnrsquot happy in my body so I fixed it and in doing so I fixed a lot of other areas in my life Irsquom proud to say that I currently weigh 131lbs Irsquove wrestled some unhealthy habits into portion controlled treats found that Irsquom a much happier person when I workout and Irsquove grown into the person I am meant to be Not only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of negativity that consumed my life

Irsquom still not where I want to be and thatrsquos okay That simply means that itrsquos time to set anoth-er goal and push myself harder than ever My hope is that if you arenrsquot happy with where yoursquore at in life whether it be your weight your job your relationship that you will love yourself enough to change the situation and create a life that makes you happy to your core

One last thing you should also know that there is such a thing as a skinny fat person Someone may appear to be skinny but that doesnrsquot necessarily mean they are healthy Being fit doesnrsquot mean fitting into a size 2 (or even 4 6 or 8) for all women (Serena Williams and Whitney Thompson are per-fect examples) Just because some-one appears to be ldquofatrdquo doesnrsquot mean they canrsquot outrun you Be kind and encouraging toward oth-er people and especially yourself

happy jessICArsquosfitnessjourney

Jess- 2011

Jess- 2014

HAIR SPRAY

BEACH BABE HAIR SPRAY14 C WATER

1 TBSP SEA SALT

1 TBSP HAIR GEL

2 DROPS ARGAN OIL OR CONDITIONER

POUR INGREDIENTS INTO TRAVEL SIZE SPRAY BOTTLE + SHAKE WELL

HAIR SPRAY

SPRAY ONTODAMP HAIR +

SCRUNCH FOR BEST BEACHY

WAVE RESULTS

The

GUIDELPF MAG CONTRIBUTORS SHARE A LOCALrsquos GUIDE TO THEIR CITIES

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO -

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO

Irsquom Katey a style blogger with Chronicles of Frivolity living as a Dallasite No we donrsquot ride horses to the mall and everything really is

bigger from our Margaritas to our eyelashes

1 Eat Dallas has more restaurants per capita than anywhere in America seriously We eat so well

2 Shop Dallas ALSO has more Shopping centers per capita than anywhere in America Itrsquos absurd

3 Marg Everywhere you look you are 10 feet from a patio with chips salsa and the best margarita yoursquove ever had 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Hattiersquos Hattiersquos is southern food with LA-white deacutecor You can enjoy Bacon-Wrapped Fried Oys-ters and Macaroni and Cheese Crusted Filet while sipping a Sweet Tea Martini

2 Stampede 66 Stampede 66 wins best margari-ta every year (The Modern Star Canyon) and The Butterscotch Pudding is worth gaining 20 pounds for

3 Saint Ann Saint Ann has one of the most beau-tiful patios in Dallas and I could probably have The Skinny Basil Lemonade and Salmon every meal of my life

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

KATEY MCFARLANof Chronicles of Frivolity

KATEYMCFARLAN

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Milk amp Honey Boutique Milk amp Honey Bou-tique might be the most affordable and unique boutique in Dallas PS go to the back room everything is on sale and there are a million size options

2 Movida Boutique Movida Boutique has the most beautiful bright pieces a neon pink or chartreuse blazer Under $40 Yes marsquoam

3 Northpark Mall Northpark Mall isnrsquot exactly affordable in every way but if you go to Dallas and donrsquot stop by it is a sin From Gucci to Nei-mans itrsquos like a museum of designers more so than a typical mall

3 TOP DALLAS AIRBNB PICKS

1 Trendy Uptown Loft A gorgeous two story loft near all of the

cities best bars amp restaurantsDallas $160 per night

2 Private Guest House w Exposed BeamsWe canrsquot get over how gorgeous this private

guest house is Dallas $150 per night

3 Contemporary CabinThis cabin is located right next to an art museum

amp always has live music at nightDallas $90 per night

I was fortunate enough to spend the majority of my college career living in the bustling city of Raleigh North Carolina Raleigh is one of those towns that flies under the radar Itrsquos a beautiful historical area with a taste of southern charm Raleigh is a relatively in-

expensive destination with lots to see and do you just need to find the right spots

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Take an afternoon or evening stroll around Lake Johnson It is the perfect place to go for a jog take a walk with your dog or hop in one of the paddle boats and explore the peaceful sights

2 Check out the local Farmerrsquos Market based right near the NC State University campus each vendor sets up their own stand of fresh produce crafts homemade goods- itrsquos open on weekends

3 Head over to the Amphitheater at Walnut Creek Lots of summer concerts are on the list tickets are super affordable in the lawn section with a great view of the stage

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Flying Biscuit- Known for their southern made delicious buttery baked biscuits paired with just about any breakfast entree it is the happening spot for a weekend brunch

2 Cameron Bar amp Grill - An upscale looking restaurant with affordable prices for a fabulous meal they have great appetizers and unique dinner dishes to pair with any delicious choice of wine

3 Boylan Bridge Brewpub - The best place to hit up to catch a sunset the local pub sits right on the bridge that overlooks the Raleigh skyline sit outside on the terrace amp enjoy one of their many craft beers (amp cheese dip) made right there

JACQUELINE YANCHOCIK

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Fabrsquorik Fabrsquorik is a hostpot with lots of affordable clothes like bright colored maxi dresses tanks and any handbag you could pos-sibly need

2 The Impeccable Pig Looking for the perfect day dress The Impeccable Pig is the place to go the store features lots of cute floral prints in dresses tops and shorts this is your summer destination shop

3 Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique is a one stop shop for all your accessory needs from simple earrings to some diamond pieces the customerrsquos of Charlottersquos are on the cutting edge of fashion

3 TOP RALEIGH AIRBNB PICKS

1 Hotel NicaraguaSsaid to be a stop from Jack Kerouacrsquos

noteworthy book ldquoOn the Roadrdquo nestled right outside downtown Raleigh this is definitely a

historic gemRaleigh $70 per night

2 Cookiersquos Garden SuiteA 1899 bungalow located in the Oakwood

Historic District enjoy a private entrance with all the amenities yoursquoll need right by downtown

Raleigh $75 per night

3 Sallyrsquos Downtown Historic SuiteThis historic home sits in a gorgeous neighbor-hood with leafy oaks close to coffee shops and

nearby bars Raleigh $85 per night

Irsquove been living in Los Angeles for over 3 years Los Angeles is a very spread out megacity with each area diverse in restaurants activities fashion architecture and even weather I grew up on

the beach so it was only fitting that I move to the west side of LA closest to the Pacific Venice is a colorful eccentric one-of-a kind district in Los Angeles right on the Pacific Ocean

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Venice has near-perfect weather year round so biking is a common activity here Marvin Braude Bike Trail (known as The Strand) is a bike path along the Pacific shoreline starting from Malibu down through Venice all the way Redondo Beach

2 Abbot Kinney is the artsy hipster sister of Bev-erly Hillsrsquo Rodeo Drive First Friday brings the best local art fashion music and food trucks to locals and visitors alike

3 Yoga and Venice go hand in hand There are multiple studios in the Venice area with incredible instructors and a class nearly every hour

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Tasting Kitchen A very special dining experience Trendy upscale atmosphere but with a rustic twist Communal seating under the trees a creative and fresh menu that changes daily and an overall obscure charm that suits Venice to a T

2 Chop Daddyrsquos Nestled between some of the cityrsquos most well-reviewed restaurants is some of the best BBQ in Los Angeles The tastiest fried pickles Irsquove ever had

3 Kippyrsquos Non-dairy raw organic coconut cream based ice cream My favorite is the orangesicle

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Firefly - the perfect collection of house-wares gifts and clothing reflecting the effort-less and beachy Venice lifestyle

2 Principessa - their website says it best ldquooutfitting the modern flower child in a so-phisticated style that is comfortable sexy and timelessrdquo

3 Aviator Nation Quintessential Southern California style that has become an obsession for many Aviator Nation has one-of-a kind t-shirt tanks sweats and more that have that worn-in feel so soft and comfortable 3 TOP VENICE AIRBNB PICKS

1 Artistrsquos CottageAn art filled cottage in proximity to one of the

worldrsquos best beaches$140 per night

2 Stylish Venice BungalowWalk to beach shops and dining from this ro-mantic and stylish holiday bungalow in a lush

garden setting$149 per night

3 Venice Garden RetreatA guesthouse filled with treasures from the

ownersrsquo travels abroad $125 per night

BROOKE KENNEDYBROOKEEJ

My name is Becca and I fell in love with Atlanta two years ago Although I moved to Atlanta for graduate school and thought it would be temporary I have fallen for a city that could be my forever home Having to choose my favorites are going to be

hard in a city that has so much to do

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Irsquove quickly made a tradition out of going to Music Midtown Music Festival in September at Piedmont Park I had the time of my life dancing the night away with best friends listening to great bands amp the Atlanta skyline in the background

2 Brunch is the only thing that gets me out of bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings Try the 100 item Bloody bar at Front Page News or all you can eat breakfast at Grsquos near piedmont If you get up early enough try West Egg in Westside Provisions

3 For a mere ten bucks you get six samples and a beautiful pint at the Sweetwater Brewery Tour But be warned the pours are heavy

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Noche This tiny tapas bar is full of flavors in tinybites Their chef special never seems to disap-point and therersquos always a drink special (Sangria Sundays are a personal favorite)

2 Park Tavern This restaurant with its own brew-ery offers some of the best views of Atlanta They have a late night sushi special and when it rains they pour dollar beers In the winter they have a full skating rink with adult only hours (so you donrsquot trip over that kid)

3YEAH Burger My favorite burger place in the world they offer a made to order burger that quenches even the pickiest of eaters appetites

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 The Lucky Exchange This second hand store is a treasure trove of pieces some extravagant sequin dresses some office appropriate attire My best find Brand new in the box Prada Loafers for under 30$

2 The Merchant at Howell Mill Grab a cup of coffee at Octane and then cross the street to Merchant A wide array of gifts and acces-sories offer the opportunity to pick up some-thing for your friends and yourself

3 Lizard Thicket Shop this trendy boutiquefor gameday dresses in your favorite team colors or the latest shipment of Bourbon and Bowetie bracelets

3 TOP ATLANTA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Secluded TreehouseHow could a girl not want to spend the night in an adult sized treehouse nestled right in popular

neighborhood Buckhead $275 per night

2 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentMidtown is close to everything you could want to be- food culture Piedmont Park museums amp an active nightlife there is something for everyone

This is a gorgeous room in a mini-mansion $73 per night

3 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentThis apartment is in the perfect location for some-one visiting town for food drinks and shopping

$69 per night

BECCA LUCIOof Becca Marie LucioBECCAMARIELUCIO

I moved to Chicago a little over a year ago and Irsquove completely fallen in love with the city As a Midwesterner all my life Chicago offers the charms of living in the Midwest while offering

amazing big city life There are summer street festivals every weekend the best brunch spots in the area shopping galore amp hidden gems in every gorgeous neighborhood

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Taste test cupcakes around Lincoln Park (I love Sweet Mandy Brsquos and Swirlz)

2 Spend the afternoon blogging at local coffee shops like Floriole amp Heritage

3 Explore local shops in new neighborhoods ndash there are so many incredible places to explore

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Range Hidden gem in Lincoln park that boasts seasonal recipes all made fromlocal ingredients Best of all itrsquos only a few blocks from my apartment Needless to say they know me by name

2 Little Goat Diner ndash I love Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzardrsquos mid-priced diner best of all her Chicago restaurants Offering home-style recipes with a fancy twist Irsquom a big fan of everything Irsquove tried Irsquod recommend the pork belly pancake amp tira-misu shake if you stop in

3 Xoco Rick Bayless has been one of my favorite chefsfor years His lower priced concept Xoco is the perfect spot to meet friends for lunch in River North Plus Margaritas (enough said right)

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 16: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

PINEAPPLE CILANTRO LIME MARINADE

Marinade for 1 lb of meatPreparation Time 5 minutesMarinating Time 1 hourTotal Time 1 hour 5 minutes

INGREDIENTS12 cup extra virgin olive oil14 cup pineapple juice14 cup fresh cilantro1 lime (for zest and juice)34 tsp salt12 tsp cumin14 tsp onion powder18 tsp black pepper

1 Rinse and chop cilantro

2 Zest the lime

3 Juice the lime and whisk all ingredients together

4 Mix meat and marinade together

5 Cover meat and marinade (or seal in a zip top bag) and place in the refrigerator for 1 hour

6 Cook as you please Grilling with pineapple bell pepper and onion is recommended

Our cooking expert Jocelyn Mandalou at Saucy Joceyrsquos Kitchen shows us how to make our own marinade for cookouts Itrsquos healthier than a store bought

marinade amp super simple

Follow Jocelyn at SaucyJoceysKitchencomSaucyJoceysKitchen

Photography by Sarah Ennis

haveyourcakeamp eat it too

letrsquos party Often in the middle of the day I find myself drifting off and dreaming of beautiful parties From weddings to holidays I canrsquot help but think of what to do to take it to the next level

However when it comes to birthdays my mind shifts the opposite direction While throwing an over the top birthday bash may work for some I much prefer the beauty of a simpler get together like when I was a kid I donrsquot need 100 people at a fancy restaurant or an elaborate theme brought to life All I really need is a cake like mom used to make snacks for all to enjoy and a little lemonade to sip on

That was the inspiration behind this gathering I wanted to create an event to inspire the simpler things and take you back to the good olrsquo days where all you needed was bal-loons streamers confetti goody bags matching plates and napkins and of course a little Pin the Tail on the Donkey for fun

So as you glance at the images I hope they spark a little nostalgia and inspire a trip down memory lane for your next birthday celebration

We loved this grown up take on the goody bag Creating the perfect favor bag is a mix

between old favorites and new likes Include candies from when you were a kid a fun straw and everything your guests need to

make spiked peach lemonade at home

Ingredients4 Cups Lemonade4 Oz Gin2 Oz Peach Schnapps6 Basil Leaves plus more for garnish

Directions1 Combine all ingredients in large pitcher Let sit for 2-4 hours before serving2 Serve over ice and garnish with basil leaves serving

Spiked Peach Lemonade with Basil

SEE MORE FROM SARAH ATEventsUncorkedcom

EVENTSUNCORKED

Herbed Parmesan Popcorn

INGREDIENTS2 Bags Salted Natural Popcorn2 Tablespoons Butter2 Tablespoons Olive Oil1 Tablespoon Italian Herb Mixturesfrac12 Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Directions1 Pop popcorn according to box directions Pour into large mixing bowl2 In a small sauce pan melt butter olive oil and Italian herb mixture 3 Pour mixture and parmesan cheese over popcorn quickly stir-ring to combine

HOMEMADE INDIVUDUAL PIZZAS

Ingredientsfrac34 Cup Lukewarm Water1 Teaspoon Dry Active Yeast2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour1 frac12 Teaspoons Salt

Directions1 In a medium mixing bowl dissolve dry active yeast in luke-warm water 2 Add in whole wheat flour and salt to the bowl and mix un-til yoursquove formed a shaggy dough3 Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead until all combined and smooth about 5 minutes If dough begins to stick to surface or hands add additional flour4 Return to bowl and let rise about 15 hours or until doubled in size Use or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days5 Split dough in half Form each half into a ball Roll out with a rolling pin 6 Top with desired toppings and bake at 500 degrees for 5 minutes Rotate pizzas and bake for an additional 3-5 min-utes or until cheese is melted and bubbly

Vanilla Buttercream IcingIngredients2 Sticks Unsalted Butter room temperature4 Cups Powdered Sugarfrac14 Cup Heavy Cream2 frac12 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract

Directions1 Beat softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes until creamy

2 Add powdered sugar heavy cream and vanilla extract beating until thick and smooth approximately 3 minutes

3 Apply to cool cake between layers and on top Top with additional sprinkles if desired

Ingredients3 13 Cups All Purpose Flour1 Teaspoon Baking Powderfrac12 Teaspoon Baking Soda1 Teaspoon Salt2 Sticks Unsalted Butter melted1 frac12 Cups Granulated Sugarfrac12 Cup Dark Brown Sugar2 Large Eggsfrac12 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt1 frac12 Cups Milk2 Tablespoons Vanilla Extract1 13 Cup Rainbow Sprinkles (Not Non-Pareils)

Directions1 Preheat Oven to 350 degrees Spray (2) 9rdquo Round Cake Pans with non-stick spray

2 In a medium bowl mix flour baking powder baking soda and salt Set aside

3 In a large mixing bowl whisk together melted butter granulated sugar and dark brown sugar Be sure to get out any lumps

4 Whisk into sugar mixture egg milk yogurt and vanilla extract until combined

5 Slowly mix in dry ingredients until no lumps remain

6 Add sprinkles and stir till just combined being carful as to not over stir Sprinkles will begin to melt if over combined

7 Bake for 20 minutes Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 13-17 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean

8 Let cool on a wire rack completely before icing

homemade

Lake SUMMER

AT THE

Photography by Matt Engelhart

lpf style tip

canoe ridescampfiresBASEBALL CAPS

best friends

LAKE LIFE

FIREFLIES

SUMMER

SHOP THE LOOK lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $18Lizzibeth $34

Olivia Taylor $10

Lizzibeth $15

Mango $25

Sperry $85

J Crew $20

Choies $63

Lizzibeth $13

Lizzibeth $13

lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $36

Splendid $86

Tretorn $93Romwe $18

Fore

ver 2

1 $

5

Lizzibeth $20

Forever 21 $9

Lizzibeth $14

Olivia Taylor $10

Irsquom going to be completely honest with you all I dread telling people that I used to be over-weight The excess weight I carried around was a representation of some of the most unhappiest years of my life and they are hard to look back on

Growing up I was always super skinny I ate whatever I wanted when I wanted I even had trouble gaining weight at various points in my life I was downright scrawny In high school it was just me and my size zero jeans all the way through graduation Once I got to college I no-ticed a little bit of weight gain but nothing like the freshman 15 everyone was always talking about I figured I was finally filling out my womanly body

Somewhere between my junior year of col-lege and graduation in May of 2011 things changed At my peak I wore a size 14 in womenrsquos pants And not the sexy-built-to-be-curvy size 14 that Christina Mendez is rocking I Wish To say I had let myself go would be an understate-ment

When I finally acknowledged my weight and stepped on the scale I almost had a heart attack Thatrsquos probably not an exaggeration considering the lack of exercise paired with all of the fatty foods I was consuming regularly It read 178 I panicked The last time I stepped on a scale I was at the doctorrsquos office several years prior and the

number read 110 (a number far too small for my 5rsquo7rsquorsquo frame but thatrsquos another story) WHAT HAPPENED My mind was a blur trying to process those three not-so-little numbers

Luckily this happened after my workout oth-erwise Irsquom quite positive the shock would have sent me running (okay walking) out the front doors I can honestly say it was one of the most overwhelming experiences Irsquove ever had Up until that point I had let everything roll off my shoulder I ignored it all the Facebook messag-es from an ex-boyfriend calling me a fat btch the degrading hoop and holler from boys when they drove past me on the street and worst of

all I ignored the fact that my ldquofriendsrdquo were saying these terrible things about me behind my back and I was just standing by letting it happen I was fed up I made a commitment to get on track for myself

I started documenting I prefer this word to counting which is how my blog name came about (26 and Not Counting calories years flying by how many items are in my online shopping cart compared to the dollars in my bank accountyou get the gist) I started tracking calories and workouts in the myfitnesspal app committed to 5-6 workouts a week (including weight lifting which I had never done in my life) and limited my booze fests with friends (which had been going on far too often) to one night a week

Healthy is happyCOntributor Jessicarsquos Journey to a happier + Healthier self

ldquoNot only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of

negativity that coNsumed my liferdquo

It wasnrsquot as if I had never worked out before that simply wasnrsquot the case I grew up active and en-joyed spin class in my early col-lege years but I had fallen off the bandwagon

So I was working out right But what about food I hate the word diet Diet is typically defined as something you ldquogo onrdquo before a big trip and it usually means that whatever crazy thing you are doing to try and shed pounds (the grapefruit diet) will eventual-ly have an ending point I didnrsquot start drinking any crazy weight loss drink or ban everything fried but I did start watching what I ate I paid attention to my body and when it was full and aimed to eat more home cooked meals op-posed to eating out all the time

The first time someone noticed I had a lost a few pounds (8 to be exact) I nearly fell off my bar stool Yes I was at the bar cele-brating a friendrsquos birthday (I had found a happy balance and kept my social life hallelujah) The words were simple ldquoJess you are looking goodrdquo I canrsquot tell you how thankful I am to that person that they recognized the work I had been putting in

Maintaining my body will be a daily practice for the rest of my life I had to marry that thought from the get-go Til death do us part Just this past year I set out to lose another 10 pounds and

slowly but surely I reached my goal I wasnrsquot happy in my body so I fixed it and in doing so I fixed a lot of other areas in my life Irsquom proud to say that I currently weigh 131lbs Irsquove wrestled some unhealthy habits into portion controlled treats found that Irsquom a much happier person when I workout and Irsquove grown into the person I am meant to be Not only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of negativity that consumed my life

Irsquom still not where I want to be and thatrsquos okay That simply means that itrsquos time to set anoth-er goal and push myself harder than ever My hope is that if you arenrsquot happy with where yoursquore at in life whether it be your weight your job your relationship that you will love yourself enough to change the situation and create a life that makes you happy to your core

One last thing you should also know that there is such a thing as a skinny fat person Someone may appear to be skinny but that doesnrsquot necessarily mean they are healthy Being fit doesnrsquot mean fitting into a size 2 (or even 4 6 or 8) for all women (Serena Williams and Whitney Thompson are per-fect examples) Just because some-one appears to be ldquofatrdquo doesnrsquot mean they canrsquot outrun you Be kind and encouraging toward oth-er people and especially yourself

happy jessICArsquosfitnessjourney

Jess- 2011

Jess- 2014

HAIR SPRAY

BEACH BABE HAIR SPRAY14 C WATER

1 TBSP SEA SALT

1 TBSP HAIR GEL

2 DROPS ARGAN OIL OR CONDITIONER

POUR INGREDIENTS INTO TRAVEL SIZE SPRAY BOTTLE + SHAKE WELL

HAIR SPRAY

SPRAY ONTODAMP HAIR +

SCRUNCH FOR BEST BEACHY

WAVE RESULTS

The

GUIDELPF MAG CONTRIBUTORS SHARE A LOCALrsquos GUIDE TO THEIR CITIES

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO -

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO

Irsquom Katey a style blogger with Chronicles of Frivolity living as a Dallasite No we donrsquot ride horses to the mall and everything really is

bigger from our Margaritas to our eyelashes

1 Eat Dallas has more restaurants per capita than anywhere in America seriously We eat so well

2 Shop Dallas ALSO has more Shopping centers per capita than anywhere in America Itrsquos absurd

3 Marg Everywhere you look you are 10 feet from a patio with chips salsa and the best margarita yoursquove ever had 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Hattiersquos Hattiersquos is southern food with LA-white deacutecor You can enjoy Bacon-Wrapped Fried Oys-ters and Macaroni and Cheese Crusted Filet while sipping a Sweet Tea Martini

2 Stampede 66 Stampede 66 wins best margari-ta every year (The Modern Star Canyon) and The Butterscotch Pudding is worth gaining 20 pounds for

3 Saint Ann Saint Ann has one of the most beau-tiful patios in Dallas and I could probably have The Skinny Basil Lemonade and Salmon every meal of my life

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

KATEY MCFARLANof Chronicles of Frivolity

KATEYMCFARLAN

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Milk amp Honey Boutique Milk amp Honey Bou-tique might be the most affordable and unique boutique in Dallas PS go to the back room everything is on sale and there are a million size options

2 Movida Boutique Movida Boutique has the most beautiful bright pieces a neon pink or chartreuse blazer Under $40 Yes marsquoam

3 Northpark Mall Northpark Mall isnrsquot exactly affordable in every way but if you go to Dallas and donrsquot stop by it is a sin From Gucci to Nei-mans itrsquos like a museum of designers more so than a typical mall

3 TOP DALLAS AIRBNB PICKS

1 Trendy Uptown Loft A gorgeous two story loft near all of the

cities best bars amp restaurantsDallas $160 per night

2 Private Guest House w Exposed BeamsWe canrsquot get over how gorgeous this private

guest house is Dallas $150 per night

3 Contemporary CabinThis cabin is located right next to an art museum

amp always has live music at nightDallas $90 per night

I was fortunate enough to spend the majority of my college career living in the bustling city of Raleigh North Carolina Raleigh is one of those towns that flies under the radar Itrsquos a beautiful historical area with a taste of southern charm Raleigh is a relatively in-

expensive destination with lots to see and do you just need to find the right spots

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Take an afternoon or evening stroll around Lake Johnson It is the perfect place to go for a jog take a walk with your dog or hop in one of the paddle boats and explore the peaceful sights

2 Check out the local Farmerrsquos Market based right near the NC State University campus each vendor sets up their own stand of fresh produce crafts homemade goods- itrsquos open on weekends

3 Head over to the Amphitheater at Walnut Creek Lots of summer concerts are on the list tickets are super affordable in the lawn section with a great view of the stage

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Flying Biscuit- Known for their southern made delicious buttery baked biscuits paired with just about any breakfast entree it is the happening spot for a weekend brunch

2 Cameron Bar amp Grill - An upscale looking restaurant with affordable prices for a fabulous meal they have great appetizers and unique dinner dishes to pair with any delicious choice of wine

3 Boylan Bridge Brewpub - The best place to hit up to catch a sunset the local pub sits right on the bridge that overlooks the Raleigh skyline sit outside on the terrace amp enjoy one of their many craft beers (amp cheese dip) made right there

JACQUELINE YANCHOCIK

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Fabrsquorik Fabrsquorik is a hostpot with lots of affordable clothes like bright colored maxi dresses tanks and any handbag you could pos-sibly need

2 The Impeccable Pig Looking for the perfect day dress The Impeccable Pig is the place to go the store features lots of cute floral prints in dresses tops and shorts this is your summer destination shop

3 Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique is a one stop shop for all your accessory needs from simple earrings to some diamond pieces the customerrsquos of Charlottersquos are on the cutting edge of fashion

3 TOP RALEIGH AIRBNB PICKS

1 Hotel NicaraguaSsaid to be a stop from Jack Kerouacrsquos

noteworthy book ldquoOn the Roadrdquo nestled right outside downtown Raleigh this is definitely a

historic gemRaleigh $70 per night

2 Cookiersquos Garden SuiteA 1899 bungalow located in the Oakwood

Historic District enjoy a private entrance with all the amenities yoursquoll need right by downtown

Raleigh $75 per night

3 Sallyrsquos Downtown Historic SuiteThis historic home sits in a gorgeous neighbor-hood with leafy oaks close to coffee shops and

nearby bars Raleigh $85 per night

Irsquove been living in Los Angeles for over 3 years Los Angeles is a very spread out megacity with each area diverse in restaurants activities fashion architecture and even weather I grew up on

the beach so it was only fitting that I move to the west side of LA closest to the Pacific Venice is a colorful eccentric one-of-a kind district in Los Angeles right on the Pacific Ocean

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Venice has near-perfect weather year round so biking is a common activity here Marvin Braude Bike Trail (known as The Strand) is a bike path along the Pacific shoreline starting from Malibu down through Venice all the way Redondo Beach

2 Abbot Kinney is the artsy hipster sister of Bev-erly Hillsrsquo Rodeo Drive First Friday brings the best local art fashion music and food trucks to locals and visitors alike

3 Yoga and Venice go hand in hand There are multiple studios in the Venice area with incredible instructors and a class nearly every hour

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Tasting Kitchen A very special dining experience Trendy upscale atmosphere but with a rustic twist Communal seating under the trees a creative and fresh menu that changes daily and an overall obscure charm that suits Venice to a T

2 Chop Daddyrsquos Nestled between some of the cityrsquos most well-reviewed restaurants is some of the best BBQ in Los Angeles The tastiest fried pickles Irsquove ever had

3 Kippyrsquos Non-dairy raw organic coconut cream based ice cream My favorite is the orangesicle

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Firefly - the perfect collection of house-wares gifts and clothing reflecting the effort-less and beachy Venice lifestyle

2 Principessa - their website says it best ldquooutfitting the modern flower child in a so-phisticated style that is comfortable sexy and timelessrdquo

3 Aviator Nation Quintessential Southern California style that has become an obsession for many Aviator Nation has one-of-a kind t-shirt tanks sweats and more that have that worn-in feel so soft and comfortable 3 TOP VENICE AIRBNB PICKS

1 Artistrsquos CottageAn art filled cottage in proximity to one of the

worldrsquos best beaches$140 per night

2 Stylish Venice BungalowWalk to beach shops and dining from this ro-mantic and stylish holiday bungalow in a lush

garden setting$149 per night

3 Venice Garden RetreatA guesthouse filled with treasures from the

ownersrsquo travels abroad $125 per night

BROOKE KENNEDYBROOKEEJ

My name is Becca and I fell in love with Atlanta two years ago Although I moved to Atlanta for graduate school and thought it would be temporary I have fallen for a city that could be my forever home Having to choose my favorites are going to be

hard in a city that has so much to do

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Irsquove quickly made a tradition out of going to Music Midtown Music Festival in September at Piedmont Park I had the time of my life dancing the night away with best friends listening to great bands amp the Atlanta skyline in the background

2 Brunch is the only thing that gets me out of bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings Try the 100 item Bloody bar at Front Page News or all you can eat breakfast at Grsquos near piedmont If you get up early enough try West Egg in Westside Provisions

3 For a mere ten bucks you get six samples and a beautiful pint at the Sweetwater Brewery Tour But be warned the pours are heavy

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Noche This tiny tapas bar is full of flavors in tinybites Their chef special never seems to disap-point and therersquos always a drink special (Sangria Sundays are a personal favorite)

2 Park Tavern This restaurant with its own brew-ery offers some of the best views of Atlanta They have a late night sushi special and when it rains they pour dollar beers In the winter they have a full skating rink with adult only hours (so you donrsquot trip over that kid)

3YEAH Burger My favorite burger place in the world they offer a made to order burger that quenches even the pickiest of eaters appetites

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 The Lucky Exchange This second hand store is a treasure trove of pieces some extravagant sequin dresses some office appropriate attire My best find Brand new in the box Prada Loafers for under 30$

2 The Merchant at Howell Mill Grab a cup of coffee at Octane and then cross the street to Merchant A wide array of gifts and acces-sories offer the opportunity to pick up some-thing for your friends and yourself

3 Lizard Thicket Shop this trendy boutiquefor gameday dresses in your favorite team colors or the latest shipment of Bourbon and Bowetie bracelets

3 TOP ATLANTA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Secluded TreehouseHow could a girl not want to spend the night in an adult sized treehouse nestled right in popular

neighborhood Buckhead $275 per night

2 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentMidtown is close to everything you could want to be- food culture Piedmont Park museums amp an active nightlife there is something for everyone

This is a gorgeous room in a mini-mansion $73 per night

3 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentThis apartment is in the perfect location for some-one visiting town for food drinks and shopping

$69 per night

BECCA LUCIOof Becca Marie LucioBECCAMARIELUCIO

I moved to Chicago a little over a year ago and Irsquove completely fallen in love with the city As a Midwesterner all my life Chicago offers the charms of living in the Midwest while offering

amazing big city life There are summer street festivals every weekend the best brunch spots in the area shopping galore amp hidden gems in every gorgeous neighborhood

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Taste test cupcakes around Lincoln Park (I love Sweet Mandy Brsquos and Swirlz)

2 Spend the afternoon blogging at local coffee shops like Floriole amp Heritage

3 Explore local shops in new neighborhoods ndash there are so many incredible places to explore

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Range Hidden gem in Lincoln park that boasts seasonal recipes all made fromlocal ingredients Best of all itrsquos only a few blocks from my apartment Needless to say they know me by name

2 Little Goat Diner ndash I love Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzardrsquos mid-priced diner best of all her Chicago restaurants Offering home-style recipes with a fancy twist Irsquom a big fan of everything Irsquove tried Irsquod recommend the pork belly pancake amp tira-misu shake if you stop in

3 Xoco Rick Bayless has been one of my favorite chefsfor years His lower priced concept Xoco is the perfect spot to meet friends for lunch in River North Plus Margaritas (enough said right)

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 17: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

Photography by Sarah Ennis

haveyourcakeamp eat it too

letrsquos party Often in the middle of the day I find myself drifting off and dreaming of beautiful parties From weddings to holidays I canrsquot help but think of what to do to take it to the next level

However when it comes to birthdays my mind shifts the opposite direction While throwing an over the top birthday bash may work for some I much prefer the beauty of a simpler get together like when I was a kid I donrsquot need 100 people at a fancy restaurant or an elaborate theme brought to life All I really need is a cake like mom used to make snacks for all to enjoy and a little lemonade to sip on

That was the inspiration behind this gathering I wanted to create an event to inspire the simpler things and take you back to the good olrsquo days where all you needed was bal-loons streamers confetti goody bags matching plates and napkins and of course a little Pin the Tail on the Donkey for fun

So as you glance at the images I hope they spark a little nostalgia and inspire a trip down memory lane for your next birthday celebration

We loved this grown up take on the goody bag Creating the perfect favor bag is a mix

between old favorites and new likes Include candies from when you were a kid a fun straw and everything your guests need to

make spiked peach lemonade at home

Ingredients4 Cups Lemonade4 Oz Gin2 Oz Peach Schnapps6 Basil Leaves plus more for garnish

Directions1 Combine all ingredients in large pitcher Let sit for 2-4 hours before serving2 Serve over ice and garnish with basil leaves serving

Spiked Peach Lemonade with Basil

SEE MORE FROM SARAH ATEventsUncorkedcom

EVENTSUNCORKED

Herbed Parmesan Popcorn

INGREDIENTS2 Bags Salted Natural Popcorn2 Tablespoons Butter2 Tablespoons Olive Oil1 Tablespoon Italian Herb Mixturesfrac12 Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Directions1 Pop popcorn according to box directions Pour into large mixing bowl2 In a small sauce pan melt butter olive oil and Italian herb mixture 3 Pour mixture and parmesan cheese over popcorn quickly stir-ring to combine

HOMEMADE INDIVUDUAL PIZZAS

Ingredientsfrac34 Cup Lukewarm Water1 Teaspoon Dry Active Yeast2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour1 frac12 Teaspoons Salt

Directions1 In a medium mixing bowl dissolve dry active yeast in luke-warm water 2 Add in whole wheat flour and salt to the bowl and mix un-til yoursquove formed a shaggy dough3 Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead until all combined and smooth about 5 minutes If dough begins to stick to surface or hands add additional flour4 Return to bowl and let rise about 15 hours or until doubled in size Use or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days5 Split dough in half Form each half into a ball Roll out with a rolling pin 6 Top with desired toppings and bake at 500 degrees for 5 minutes Rotate pizzas and bake for an additional 3-5 min-utes or until cheese is melted and bubbly

Vanilla Buttercream IcingIngredients2 Sticks Unsalted Butter room temperature4 Cups Powdered Sugarfrac14 Cup Heavy Cream2 frac12 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract

Directions1 Beat softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes until creamy

2 Add powdered sugar heavy cream and vanilla extract beating until thick and smooth approximately 3 minutes

3 Apply to cool cake between layers and on top Top with additional sprinkles if desired

Ingredients3 13 Cups All Purpose Flour1 Teaspoon Baking Powderfrac12 Teaspoon Baking Soda1 Teaspoon Salt2 Sticks Unsalted Butter melted1 frac12 Cups Granulated Sugarfrac12 Cup Dark Brown Sugar2 Large Eggsfrac12 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt1 frac12 Cups Milk2 Tablespoons Vanilla Extract1 13 Cup Rainbow Sprinkles (Not Non-Pareils)

Directions1 Preheat Oven to 350 degrees Spray (2) 9rdquo Round Cake Pans with non-stick spray

2 In a medium bowl mix flour baking powder baking soda and salt Set aside

3 In a large mixing bowl whisk together melted butter granulated sugar and dark brown sugar Be sure to get out any lumps

4 Whisk into sugar mixture egg milk yogurt and vanilla extract until combined

5 Slowly mix in dry ingredients until no lumps remain

6 Add sprinkles and stir till just combined being carful as to not over stir Sprinkles will begin to melt if over combined

7 Bake for 20 minutes Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 13-17 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean

8 Let cool on a wire rack completely before icing

homemade

Lake SUMMER

AT THE

Photography by Matt Engelhart

lpf style tip

canoe ridescampfiresBASEBALL CAPS

best friends

LAKE LIFE

FIREFLIES

SUMMER

SHOP THE LOOK lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $18Lizzibeth $34

Olivia Taylor $10

Lizzibeth $15

Mango $25

Sperry $85

J Crew $20

Choies $63

Lizzibeth $13

Lizzibeth $13

lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $36

Splendid $86

Tretorn $93Romwe $18

Fore

ver 2

1 $

5

Lizzibeth $20

Forever 21 $9

Lizzibeth $14

Olivia Taylor $10

Irsquom going to be completely honest with you all I dread telling people that I used to be over-weight The excess weight I carried around was a representation of some of the most unhappiest years of my life and they are hard to look back on

Growing up I was always super skinny I ate whatever I wanted when I wanted I even had trouble gaining weight at various points in my life I was downright scrawny In high school it was just me and my size zero jeans all the way through graduation Once I got to college I no-ticed a little bit of weight gain but nothing like the freshman 15 everyone was always talking about I figured I was finally filling out my womanly body

Somewhere between my junior year of col-lege and graduation in May of 2011 things changed At my peak I wore a size 14 in womenrsquos pants And not the sexy-built-to-be-curvy size 14 that Christina Mendez is rocking I Wish To say I had let myself go would be an understate-ment

When I finally acknowledged my weight and stepped on the scale I almost had a heart attack Thatrsquos probably not an exaggeration considering the lack of exercise paired with all of the fatty foods I was consuming regularly It read 178 I panicked The last time I stepped on a scale I was at the doctorrsquos office several years prior and the

number read 110 (a number far too small for my 5rsquo7rsquorsquo frame but thatrsquos another story) WHAT HAPPENED My mind was a blur trying to process those three not-so-little numbers

Luckily this happened after my workout oth-erwise Irsquom quite positive the shock would have sent me running (okay walking) out the front doors I can honestly say it was one of the most overwhelming experiences Irsquove ever had Up until that point I had let everything roll off my shoulder I ignored it all the Facebook messag-es from an ex-boyfriend calling me a fat btch the degrading hoop and holler from boys when they drove past me on the street and worst of

all I ignored the fact that my ldquofriendsrdquo were saying these terrible things about me behind my back and I was just standing by letting it happen I was fed up I made a commitment to get on track for myself

I started documenting I prefer this word to counting which is how my blog name came about (26 and Not Counting calories years flying by how many items are in my online shopping cart compared to the dollars in my bank accountyou get the gist) I started tracking calories and workouts in the myfitnesspal app committed to 5-6 workouts a week (including weight lifting which I had never done in my life) and limited my booze fests with friends (which had been going on far too often) to one night a week

Healthy is happyCOntributor Jessicarsquos Journey to a happier + Healthier self

ldquoNot only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of

negativity that coNsumed my liferdquo

It wasnrsquot as if I had never worked out before that simply wasnrsquot the case I grew up active and en-joyed spin class in my early col-lege years but I had fallen off the bandwagon

So I was working out right But what about food I hate the word diet Diet is typically defined as something you ldquogo onrdquo before a big trip and it usually means that whatever crazy thing you are doing to try and shed pounds (the grapefruit diet) will eventual-ly have an ending point I didnrsquot start drinking any crazy weight loss drink or ban everything fried but I did start watching what I ate I paid attention to my body and when it was full and aimed to eat more home cooked meals op-posed to eating out all the time

The first time someone noticed I had a lost a few pounds (8 to be exact) I nearly fell off my bar stool Yes I was at the bar cele-brating a friendrsquos birthday (I had found a happy balance and kept my social life hallelujah) The words were simple ldquoJess you are looking goodrdquo I canrsquot tell you how thankful I am to that person that they recognized the work I had been putting in

Maintaining my body will be a daily practice for the rest of my life I had to marry that thought from the get-go Til death do us part Just this past year I set out to lose another 10 pounds and

slowly but surely I reached my goal I wasnrsquot happy in my body so I fixed it and in doing so I fixed a lot of other areas in my life Irsquom proud to say that I currently weigh 131lbs Irsquove wrestled some unhealthy habits into portion controlled treats found that Irsquom a much happier person when I workout and Irsquove grown into the person I am meant to be Not only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of negativity that consumed my life

Irsquom still not where I want to be and thatrsquos okay That simply means that itrsquos time to set anoth-er goal and push myself harder than ever My hope is that if you arenrsquot happy with where yoursquore at in life whether it be your weight your job your relationship that you will love yourself enough to change the situation and create a life that makes you happy to your core

One last thing you should also know that there is such a thing as a skinny fat person Someone may appear to be skinny but that doesnrsquot necessarily mean they are healthy Being fit doesnrsquot mean fitting into a size 2 (or even 4 6 or 8) for all women (Serena Williams and Whitney Thompson are per-fect examples) Just because some-one appears to be ldquofatrdquo doesnrsquot mean they canrsquot outrun you Be kind and encouraging toward oth-er people and especially yourself

happy jessICArsquosfitnessjourney

Jess- 2011

Jess- 2014

HAIR SPRAY

BEACH BABE HAIR SPRAY14 C WATER

1 TBSP SEA SALT

1 TBSP HAIR GEL

2 DROPS ARGAN OIL OR CONDITIONER

POUR INGREDIENTS INTO TRAVEL SIZE SPRAY BOTTLE + SHAKE WELL

HAIR SPRAY

SPRAY ONTODAMP HAIR +

SCRUNCH FOR BEST BEACHY

WAVE RESULTS

The

GUIDELPF MAG CONTRIBUTORS SHARE A LOCALrsquos GUIDE TO THEIR CITIES

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO -

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO

Irsquom Katey a style blogger with Chronicles of Frivolity living as a Dallasite No we donrsquot ride horses to the mall and everything really is

bigger from our Margaritas to our eyelashes

1 Eat Dallas has more restaurants per capita than anywhere in America seriously We eat so well

2 Shop Dallas ALSO has more Shopping centers per capita than anywhere in America Itrsquos absurd

3 Marg Everywhere you look you are 10 feet from a patio with chips salsa and the best margarita yoursquove ever had 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Hattiersquos Hattiersquos is southern food with LA-white deacutecor You can enjoy Bacon-Wrapped Fried Oys-ters and Macaroni and Cheese Crusted Filet while sipping a Sweet Tea Martini

2 Stampede 66 Stampede 66 wins best margari-ta every year (The Modern Star Canyon) and The Butterscotch Pudding is worth gaining 20 pounds for

3 Saint Ann Saint Ann has one of the most beau-tiful patios in Dallas and I could probably have The Skinny Basil Lemonade and Salmon every meal of my life

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

KATEY MCFARLANof Chronicles of Frivolity

KATEYMCFARLAN

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Milk amp Honey Boutique Milk amp Honey Bou-tique might be the most affordable and unique boutique in Dallas PS go to the back room everything is on sale and there are a million size options

2 Movida Boutique Movida Boutique has the most beautiful bright pieces a neon pink or chartreuse blazer Under $40 Yes marsquoam

3 Northpark Mall Northpark Mall isnrsquot exactly affordable in every way but if you go to Dallas and donrsquot stop by it is a sin From Gucci to Nei-mans itrsquos like a museum of designers more so than a typical mall

3 TOP DALLAS AIRBNB PICKS

1 Trendy Uptown Loft A gorgeous two story loft near all of the

cities best bars amp restaurantsDallas $160 per night

2 Private Guest House w Exposed BeamsWe canrsquot get over how gorgeous this private

guest house is Dallas $150 per night

3 Contemporary CabinThis cabin is located right next to an art museum

amp always has live music at nightDallas $90 per night

I was fortunate enough to spend the majority of my college career living in the bustling city of Raleigh North Carolina Raleigh is one of those towns that flies under the radar Itrsquos a beautiful historical area with a taste of southern charm Raleigh is a relatively in-

expensive destination with lots to see and do you just need to find the right spots

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Take an afternoon or evening stroll around Lake Johnson It is the perfect place to go for a jog take a walk with your dog or hop in one of the paddle boats and explore the peaceful sights

2 Check out the local Farmerrsquos Market based right near the NC State University campus each vendor sets up their own stand of fresh produce crafts homemade goods- itrsquos open on weekends

3 Head over to the Amphitheater at Walnut Creek Lots of summer concerts are on the list tickets are super affordable in the lawn section with a great view of the stage

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Flying Biscuit- Known for their southern made delicious buttery baked biscuits paired with just about any breakfast entree it is the happening spot for a weekend brunch

2 Cameron Bar amp Grill - An upscale looking restaurant with affordable prices for a fabulous meal they have great appetizers and unique dinner dishes to pair with any delicious choice of wine

3 Boylan Bridge Brewpub - The best place to hit up to catch a sunset the local pub sits right on the bridge that overlooks the Raleigh skyline sit outside on the terrace amp enjoy one of their many craft beers (amp cheese dip) made right there

JACQUELINE YANCHOCIK

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Fabrsquorik Fabrsquorik is a hostpot with lots of affordable clothes like bright colored maxi dresses tanks and any handbag you could pos-sibly need

2 The Impeccable Pig Looking for the perfect day dress The Impeccable Pig is the place to go the store features lots of cute floral prints in dresses tops and shorts this is your summer destination shop

3 Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique is a one stop shop for all your accessory needs from simple earrings to some diamond pieces the customerrsquos of Charlottersquos are on the cutting edge of fashion

3 TOP RALEIGH AIRBNB PICKS

1 Hotel NicaraguaSsaid to be a stop from Jack Kerouacrsquos

noteworthy book ldquoOn the Roadrdquo nestled right outside downtown Raleigh this is definitely a

historic gemRaleigh $70 per night

2 Cookiersquos Garden SuiteA 1899 bungalow located in the Oakwood

Historic District enjoy a private entrance with all the amenities yoursquoll need right by downtown

Raleigh $75 per night

3 Sallyrsquos Downtown Historic SuiteThis historic home sits in a gorgeous neighbor-hood with leafy oaks close to coffee shops and

nearby bars Raleigh $85 per night

Irsquove been living in Los Angeles for over 3 years Los Angeles is a very spread out megacity with each area diverse in restaurants activities fashion architecture and even weather I grew up on

the beach so it was only fitting that I move to the west side of LA closest to the Pacific Venice is a colorful eccentric one-of-a kind district in Los Angeles right on the Pacific Ocean

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Venice has near-perfect weather year round so biking is a common activity here Marvin Braude Bike Trail (known as The Strand) is a bike path along the Pacific shoreline starting from Malibu down through Venice all the way Redondo Beach

2 Abbot Kinney is the artsy hipster sister of Bev-erly Hillsrsquo Rodeo Drive First Friday brings the best local art fashion music and food trucks to locals and visitors alike

3 Yoga and Venice go hand in hand There are multiple studios in the Venice area with incredible instructors and a class nearly every hour

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Tasting Kitchen A very special dining experience Trendy upscale atmosphere but with a rustic twist Communal seating under the trees a creative and fresh menu that changes daily and an overall obscure charm that suits Venice to a T

2 Chop Daddyrsquos Nestled between some of the cityrsquos most well-reviewed restaurants is some of the best BBQ in Los Angeles The tastiest fried pickles Irsquove ever had

3 Kippyrsquos Non-dairy raw organic coconut cream based ice cream My favorite is the orangesicle

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Firefly - the perfect collection of house-wares gifts and clothing reflecting the effort-less and beachy Venice lifestyle

2 Principessa - their website says it best ldquooutfitting the modern flower child in a so-phisticated style that is comfortable sexy and timelessrdquo

3 Aviator Nation Quintessential Southern California style that has become an obsession for many Aviator Nation has one-of-a kind t-shirt tanks sweats and more that have that worn-in feel so soft and comfortable 3 TOP VENICE AIRBNB PICKS

1 Artistrsquos CottageAn art filled cottage in proximity to one of the

worldrsquos best beaches$140 per night

2 Stylish Venice BungalowWalk to beach shops and dining from this ro-mantic and stylish holiday bungalow in a lush

garden setting$149 per night

3 Venice Garden RetreatA guesthouse filled with treasures from the

ownersrsquo travels abroad $125 per night

BROOKE KENNEDYBROOKEEJ

My name is Becca and I fell in love with Atlanta two years ago Although I moved to Atlanta for graduate school and thought it would be temporary I have fallen for a city that could be my forever home Having to choose my favorites are going to be

hard in a city that has so much to do

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Irsquove quickly made a tradition out of going to Music Midtown Music Festival in September at Piedmont Park I had the time of my life dancing the night away with best friends listening to great bands amp the Atlanta skyline in the background

2 Brunch is the only thing that gets me out of bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings Try the 100 item Bloody bar at Front Page News or all you can eat breakfast at Grsquos near piedmont If you get up early enough try West Egg in Westside Provisions

3 For a mere ten bucks you get six samples and a beautiful pint at the Sweetwater Brewery Tour But be warned the pours are heavy

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Noche This tiny tapas bar is full of flavors in tinybites Their chef special never seems to disap-point and therersquos always a drink special (Sangria Sundays are a personal favorite)

2 Park Tavern This restaurant with its own brew-ery offers some of the best views of Atlanta They have a late night sushi special and when it rains they pour dollar beers In the winter they have a full skating rink with adult only hours (so you donrsquot trip over that kid)

3YEAH Burger My favorite burger place in the world they offer a made to order burger that quenches even the pickiest of eaters appetites

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 The Lucky Exchange This second hand store is a treasure trove of pieces some extravagant sequin dresses some office appropriate attire My best find Brand new in the box Prada Loafers for under 30$

2 The Merchant at Howell Mill Grab a cup of coffee at Octane and then cross the street to Merchant A wide array of gifts and acces-sories offer the opportunity to pick up some-thing for your friends and yourself

3 Lizard Thicket Shop this trendy boutiquefor gameday dresses in your favorite team colors or the latest shipment of Bourbon and Bowetie bracelets

3 TOP ATLANTA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Secluded TreehouseHow could a girl not want to spend the night in an adult sized treehouse nestled right in popular

neighborhood Buckhead $275 per night

2 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentMidtown is close to everything you could want to be- food culture Piedmont Park museums amp an active nightlife there is something for everyone

This is a gorgeous room in a mini-mansion $73 per night

3 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentThis apartment is in the perfect location for some-one visiting town for food drinks and shopping

$69 per night

BECCA LUCIOof Becca Marie LucioBECCAMARIELUCIO

I moved to Chicago a little over a year ago and Irsquove completely fallen in love with the city As a Midwesterner all my life Chicago offers the charms of living in the Midwest while offering

amazing big city life There are summer street festivals every weekend the best brunch spots in the area shopping galore amp hidden gems in every gorgeous neighborhood

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Taste test cupcakes around Lincoln Park (I love Sweet Mandy Brsquos and Swirlz)

2 Spend the afternoon blogging at local coffee shops like Floriole amp Heritage

3 Explore local shops in new neighborhoods ndash there are so many incredible places to explore

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Range Hidden gem in Lincoln park that boasts seasonal recipes all made fromlocal ingredients Best of all itrsquos only a few blocks from my apartment Needless to say they know me by name

2 Little Goat Diner ndash I love Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzardrsquos mid-priced diner best of all her Chicago restaurants Offering home-style recipes with a fancy twist Irsquom a big fan of everything Irsquove tried Irsquod recommend the pork belly pancake amp tira-misu shake if you stop in

3 Xoco Rick Bayless has been one of my favorite chefsfor years His lower priced concept Xoco is the perfect spot to meet friends for lunch in River North Plus Margaritas (enough said right)

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 18: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

haveyourcakeamp eat it too

letrsquos party Often in the middle of the day I find myself drifting off and dreaming of beautiful parties From weddings to holidays I canrsquot help but think of what to do to take it to the next level

However when it comes to birthdays my mind shifts the opposite direction While throwing an over the top birthday bash may work for some I much prefer the beauty of a simpler get together like when I was a kid I donrsquot need 100 people at a fancy restaurant or an elaborate theme brought to life All I really need is a cake like mom used to make snacks for all to enjoy and a little lemonade to sip on

That was the inspiration behind this gathering I wanted to create an event to inspire the simpler things and take you back to the good olrsquo days where all you needed was bal-loons streamers confetti goody bags matching plates and napkins and of course a little Pin the Tail on the Donkey for fun

So as you glance at the images I hope they spark a little nostalgia and inspire a trip down memory lane for your next birthday celebration

We loved this grown up take on the goody bag Creating the perfect favor bag is a mix

between old favorites and new likes Include candies from when you were a kid a fun straw and everything your guests need to

make spiked peach lemonade at home

Ingredients4 Cups Lemonade4 Oz Gin2 Oz Peach Schnapps6 Basil Leaves plus more for garnish

Directions1 Combine all ingredients in large pitcher Let sit for 2-4 hours before serving2 Serve over ice and garnish with basil leaves serving

Spiked Peach Lemonade with Basil

SEE MORE FROM SARAH ATEventsUncorkedcom

EVENTSUNCORKED

Herbed Parmesan Popcorn

INGREDIENTS2 Bags Salted Natural Popcorn2 Tablespoons Butter2 Tablespoons Olive Oil1 Tablespoon Italian Herb Mixturesfrac12 Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Directions1 Pop popcorn according to box directions Pour into large mixing bowl2 In a small sauce pan melt butter olive oil and Italian herb mixture 3 Pour mixture and parmesan cheese over popcorn quickly stir-ring to combine

HOMEMADE INDIVUDUAL PIZZAS

Ingredientsfrac34 Cup Lukewarm Water1 Teaspoon Dry Active Yeast2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour1 frac12 Teaspoons Salt

Directions1 In a medium mixing bowl dissolve dry active yeast in luke-warm water 2 Add in whole wheat flour and salt to the bowl and mix un-til yoursquove formed a shaggy dough3 Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead until all combined and smooth about 5 minutes If dough begins to stick to surface or hands add additional flour4 Return to bowl and let rise about 15 hours or until doubled in size Use or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days5 Split dough in half Form each half into a ball Roll out with a rolling pin 6 Top with desired toppings and bake at 500 degrees for 5 minutes Rotate pizzas and bake for an additional 3-5 min-utes or until cheese is melted and bubbly

Vanilla Buttercream IcingIngredients2 Sticks Unsalted Butter room temperature4 Cups Powdered Sugarfrac14 Cup Heavy Cream2 frac12 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract

Directions1 Beat softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes until creamy

2 Add powdered sugar heavy cream and vanilla extract beating until thick and smooth approximately 3 minutes

3 Apply to cool cake between layers and on top Top with additional sprinkles if desired

Ingredients3 13 Cups All Purpose Flour1 Teaspoon Baking Powderfrac12 Teaspoon Baking Soda1 Teaspoon Salt2 Sticks Unsalted Butter melted1 frac12 Cups Granulated Sugarfrac12 Cup Dark Brown Sugar2 Large Eggsfrac12 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt1 frac12 Cups Milk2 Tablespoons Vanilla Extract1 13 Cup Rainbow Sprinkles (Not Non-Pareils)

Directions1 Preheat Oven to 350 degrees Spray (2) 9rdquo Round Cake Pans with non-stick spray

2 In a medium bowl mix flour baking powder baking soda and salt Set aside

3 In a large mixing bowl whisk together melted butter granulated sugar and dark brown sugar Be sure to get out any lumps

4 Whisk into sugar mixture egg milk yogurt and vanilla extract until combined

5 Slowly mix in dry ingredients until no lumps remain

6 Add sprinkles and stir till just combined being carful as to not over stir Sprinkles will begin to melt if over combined

7 Bake for 20 minutes Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 13-17 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean

8 Let cool on a wire rack completely before icing

homemade

Lake SUMMER

AT THE

Photography by Matt Engelhart

lpf style tip

canoe ridescampfiresBASEBALL CAPS

best friends

LAKE LIFE

FIREFLIES

SUMMER

SHOP THE LOOK lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $18Lizzibeth $34

Olivia Taylor $10

Lizzibeth $15

Mango $25

Sperry $85

J Crew $20

Choies $63

Lizzibeth $13

Lizzibeth $13

lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $36

Splendid $86

Tretorn $93Romwe $18

Fore

ver 2

1 $

5

Lizzibeth $20

Forever 21 $9

Lizzibeth $14

Olivia Taylor $10

Irsquom going to be completely honest with you all I dread telling people that I used to be over-weight The excess weight I carried around was a representation of some of the most unhappiest years of my life and they are hard to look back on

Growing up I was always super skinny I ate whatever I wanted when I wanted I even had trouble gaining weight at various points in my life I was downright scrawny In high school it was just me and my size zero jeans all the way through graduation Once I got to college I no-ticed a little bit of weight gain but nothing like the freshman 15 everyone was always talking about I figured I was finally filling out my womanly body

Somewhere between my junior year of col-lege and graduation in May of 2011 things changed At my peak I wore a size 14 in womenrsquos pants And not the sexy-built-to-be-curvy size 14 that Christina Mendez is rocking I Wish To say I had let myself go would be an understate-ment

When I finally acknowledged my weight and stepped on the scale I almost had a heart attack Thatrsquos probably not an exaggeration considering the lack of exercise paired with all of the fatty foods I was consuming regularly It read 178 I panicked The last time I stepped on a scale I was at the doctorrsquos office several years prior and the

number read 110 (a number far too small for my 5rsquo7rsquorsquo frame but thatrsquos another story) WHAT HAPPENED My mind was a blur trying to process those three not-so-little numbers

Luckily this happened after my workout oth-erwise Irsquom quite positive the shock would have sent me running (okay walking) out the front doors I can honestly say it was one of the most overwhelming experiences Irsquove ever had Up until that point I had let everything roll off my shoulder I ignored it all the Facebook messag-es from an ex-boyfriend calling me a fat btch the degrading hoop and holler from boys when they drove past me on the street and worst of

all I ignored the fact that my ldquofriendsrdquo were saying these terrible things about me behind my back and I was just standing by letting it happen I was fed up I made a commitment to get on track for myself

I started documenting I prefer this word to counting which is how my blog name came about (26 and Not Counting calories years flying by how many items are in my online shopping cart compared to the dollars in my bank accountyou get the gist) I started tracking calories and workouts in the myfitnesspal app committed to 5-6 workouts a week (including weight lifting which I had never done in my life) and limited my booze fests with friends (which had been going on far too often) to one night a week

Healthy is happyCOntributor Jessicarsquos Journey to a happier + Healthier self

ldquoNot only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of

negativity that coNsumed my liferdquo

It wasnrsquot as if I had never worked out before that simply wasnrsquot the case I grew up active and en-joyed spin class in my early col-lege years but I had fallen off the bandwagon

So I was working out right But what about food I hate the word diet Diet is typically defined as something you ldquogo onrdquo before a big trip and it usually means that whatever crazy thing you are doing to try and shed pounds (the grapefruit diet) will eventual-ly have an ending point I didnrsquot start drinking any crazy weight loss drink or ban everything fried but I did start watching what I ate I paid attention to my body and when it was full and aimed to eat more home cooked meals op-posed to eating out all the time

The first time someone noticed I had a lost a few pounds (8 to be exact) I nearly fell off my bar stool Yes I was at the bar cele-brating a friendrsquos birthday (I had found a happy balance and kept my social life hallelujah) The words were simple ldquoJess you are looking goodrdquo I canrsquot tell you how thankful I am to that person that they recognized the work I had been putting in

Maintaining my body will be a daily practice for the rest of my life I had to marry that thought from the get-go Til death do us part Just this past year I set out to lose another 10 pounds and

slowly but surely I reached my goal I wasnrsquot happy in my body so I fixed it and in doing so I fixed a lot of other areas in my life Irsquom proud to say that I currently weigh 131lbs Irsquove wrestled some unhealthy habits into portion controlled treats found that Irsquom a much happier person when I workout and Irsquove grown into the person I am meant to be Not only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of negativity that consumed my life

Irsquom still not where I want to be and thatrsquos okay That simply means that itrsquos time to set anoth-er goal and push myself harder than ever My hope is that if you arenrsquot happy with where yoursquore at in life whether it be your weight your job your relationship that you will love yourself enough to change the situation and create a life that makes you happy to your core

One last thing you should also know that there is such a thing as a skinny fat person Someone may appear to be skinny but that doesnrsquot necessarily mean they are healthy Being fit doesnrsquot mean fitting into a size 2 (or even 4 6 or 8) for all women (Serena Williams and Whitney Thompson are per-fect examples) Just because some-one appears to be ldquofatrdquo doesnrsquot mean they canrsquot outrun you Be kind and encouraging toward oth-er people and especially yourself

happy jessICArsquosfitnessjourney

Jess- 2011

Jess- 2014

HAIR SPRAY

BEACH BABE HAIR SPRAY14 C WATER

1 TBSP SEA SALT

1 TBSP HAIR GEL

2 DROPS ARGAN OIL OR CONDITIONER

POUR INGREDIENTS INTO TRAVEL SIZE SPRAY BOTTLE + SHAKE WELL

HAIR SPRAY

SPRAY ONTODAMP HAIR +

SCRUNCH FOR BEST BEACHY

WAVE RESULTS

The

GUIDELPF MAG CONTRIBUTORS SHARE A LOCALrsquos GUIDE TO THEIR CITIES

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO -

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO

Irsquom Katey a style blogger with Chronicles of Frivolity living as a Dallasite No we donrsquot ride horses to the mall and everything really is

bigger from our Margaritas to our eyelashes

1 Eat Dallas has more restaurants per capita than anywhere in America seriously We eat so well

2 Shop Dallas ALSO has more Shopping centers per capita than anywhere in America Itrsquos absurd

3 Marg Everywhere you look you are 10 feet from a patio with chips salsa and the best margarita yoursquove ever had 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Hattiersquos Hattiersquos is southern food with LA-white deacutecor You can enjoy Bacon-Wrapped Fried Oys-ters and Macaroni and Cheese Crusted Filet while sipping a Sweet Tea Martini

2 Stampede 66 Stampede 66 wins best margari-ta every year (The Modern Star Canyon) and The Butterscotch Pudding is worth gaining 20 pounds for

3 Saint Ann Saint Ann has one of the most beau-tiful patios in Dallas and I could probably have The Skinny Basil Lemonade and Salmon every meal of my life

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

KATEY MCFARLANof Chronicles of Frivolity

KATEYMCFARLAN

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Milk amp Honey Boutique Milk amp Honey Bou-tique might be the most affordable and unique boutique in Dallas PS go to the back room everything is on sale and there are a million size options

2 Movida Boutique Movida Boutique has the most beautiful bright pieces a neon pink or chartreuse blazer Under $40 Yes marsquoam

3 Northpark Mall Northpark Mall isnrsquot exactly affordable in every way but if you go to Dallas and donrsquot stop by it is a sin From Gucci to Nei-mans itrsquos like a museum of designers more so than a typical mall

3 TOP DALLAS AIRBNB PICKS

1 Trendy Uptown Loft A gorgeous two story loft near all of the

cities best bars amp restaurantsDallas $160 per night

2 Private Guest House w Exposed BeamsWe canrsquot get over how gorgeous this private

guest house is Dallas $150 per night

3 Contemporary CabinThis cabin is located right next to an art museum

amp always has live music at nightDallas $90 per night

I was fortunate enough to spend the majority of my college career living in the bustling city of Raleigh North Carolina Raleigh is one of those towns that flies under the radar Itrsquos a beautiful historical area with a taste of southern charm Raleigh is a relatively in-

expensive destination with lots to see and do you just need to find the right spots

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Take an afternoon or evening stroll around Lake Johnson It is the perfect place to go for a jog take a walk with your dog or hop in one of the paddle boats and explore the peaceful sights

2 Check out the local Farmerrsquos Market based right near the NC State University campus each vendor sets up their own stand of fresh produce crafts homemade goods- itrsquos open on weekends

3 Head over to the Amphitheater at Walnut Creek Lots of summer concerts are on the list tickets are super affordable in the lawn section with a great view of the stage

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Flying Biscuit- Known for their southern made delicious buttery baked biscuits paired with just about any breakfast entree it is the happening spot for a weekend brunch

2 Cameron Bar amp Grill - An upscale looking restaurant with affordable prices for a fabulous meal they have great appetizers and unique dinner dishes to pair with any delicious choice of wine

3 Boylan Bridge Brewpub - The best place to hit up to catch a sunset the local pub sits right on the bridge that overlooks the Raleigh skyline sit outside on the terrace amp enjoy one of their many craft beers (amp cheese dip) made right there

JACQUELINE YANCHOCIK

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Fabrsquorik Fabrsquorik is a hostpot with lots of affordable clothes like bright colored maxi dresses tanks and any handbag you could pos-sibly need

2 The Impeccable Pig Looking for the perfect day dress The Impeccable Pig is the place to go the store features lots of cute floral prints in dresses tops and shorts this is your summer destination shop

3 Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique is a one stop shop for all your accessory needs from simple earrings to some diamond pieces the customerrsquos of Charlottersquos are on the cutting edge of fashion

3 TOP RALEIGH AIRBNB PICKS

1 Hotel NicaraguaSsaid to be a stop from Jack Kerouacrsquos

noteworthy book ldquoOn the Roadrdquo nestled right outside downtown Raleigh this is definitely a

historic gemRaleigh $70 per night

2 Cookiersquos Garden SuiteA 1899 bungalow located in the Oakwood

Historic District enjoy a private entrance with all the amenities yoursquoll need right by downtown

Raleigh $75 per night

3 Sallyrsquos Downtown Historic SuiteThis historic home sits in a gorgeous neighbor-hood with leafy oaks close to coffee shops and

nearby bars Raleigh $85 per night

Irsquove been living in Los Angeles for over 3 years Los Angeles is a very spread out megacity with each area diverse in restaurants activities fashion architecture and even weather I grew up on

the beach so it was only fitting that I move to the west side of LA closest to the Pacific Venice is a colorful eccentric one-of-a kind district in Los Angeles right on the Pacific Ocean

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Venice has near-perfect weather year round so biking is a common activity here Marvin Braude Bike Trail (known as The Strand) is a bike path along the Pacific shoreline starting from Malibu down through Venice all the way Redondo Beach

2 Abbot Kinney is the artsy hipster sister of Bev-erly Hillsrsquo Rodeo Drive First Friday brings the best local art fashion music and food trucks to locals and visitors alike

3 Yoga and Venice go hand in hand There are multiple studios in the Venice area with incredible instructors and a class nearly every hour

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Tasting Kitchen A very special dining experience Trendy upscale atmosphere but with a rustic twist Communal seating under the trees a creative and fresh menu that changes daily and an overall obscure charm that suits Venice to a T

2 Chop Daddyrsquos Nestled between some of the cityrsquos most well-reviewed restaurants is some of the best BBQ in Los Angeles The tastiest fried pickles Irsquove ever had

3 Kippyrsquos Non-dairy raw organic coconut cream based ice cream My favorite is the orangesicle

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Firefly - the perfect collection of house-wares gifts and clothing reflecting the effort-less and beachy Venice lifestyle

2 Principessa - their website says it best ldquooutfitting the modern flower child in a so-phisticated style that is comfortable sexy and timelessrdquo

3 Aviator Nation Quintessential Southern California style that has become an obsession for many Aviator Nation has one-of-a kind t-shirt tanks sweats and more that have that worn-in feel so soft and comfortable 3 TOP VENICE AIRBNB PICKS

1 Artistrsquos CottageAn art filled cottage in proximity to one of the

worldrsquos best beaches$140 per night

2 Stylish Venice BungalowWalk to beach shops and dining from this ro-mantic and stylish holiday bungalow in a lush

garden setting$149 per night

3 Venice Garden RetreatA guesthouse filled with treasures from the

ownersrsquo travels abroad $125 per night

BROOKE KENNEDYBROOKEEJ

My name is Becca and I fell in love with Atlanta two years ago Although I moved to Atlanta for graduate school and thought it would be temporary I have fallen for a city that could be my forever home Having to choose my favorites are going to be

hard in a city that has so much to do

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Irsquove quickly made a tradition out of going to Music Midtown Music Festival in September at Piedmont Park I had the time of my life dancing the night away with best friends listening to great bands amp the Atlanta skyline in the background

2 Brunch is the only thing that gets me out of bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings Try the 100 item Bloody bar at Front Page News or all you can eat breakfast at Grsquos near piedmont If you get up early enough try West Egg in Westside Provisions

3 For a mere ten bucks you get six samples and a beautiful pint at the Sweetwater Brewery Tour But be warned the pours are heavy

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Noche This tiny tapas bar is full of flavors in tinybites Their chef special never seems to disap-point and therersquos always a drink special (Sangria Sundays are a personal favorite)

2 Park Tavern This restaurant with its own brew-ery offers some of the best views of Atlanta They have a late night sushi special and when it rains they pour dollar beers In the winter they have a full skating rink with adult only hours (so you donrsquot trip over that kid)

3YEAH Burger My favorite burger place in the world they offer a made to order burger that quenches even the pickiest of eaters appetites

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 The Lucky Exchange This second hand store is a treasure trove of pieces some extravagant sequin dresses some office appropriate attire My best find Brand new in the box Prada Loafers for under 30$

2 The Merchant at Howell Mill Grab a cup of coffee at Octane and then cross the street to Merchant A wide array of gifts and acces-sories offer the opportunity to pick up some-thing for your friends and yourself

3 Lizard Thicket Shop this trendy boutiquefor gameday dresses in your favorite team colors or the latest shipment of Bourbon and Bowetie bracelets

3 TOP ATLANTA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Secluded TreehouseHow could a girl not want to spend the night in an adult sized treehouse nestled right in popular

neighborhood Buckhead $275 per night

2 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentMidtown is close to everything you could want to be- food culture Piedmont Park museums amp an active nightlife there is something for everyone

This is a gorgeous room in a mini-mansion $73 per night

3 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentThis apartment is in the perfect location for some-one visiting town for food drinks and shopping

$69 per night

BECCA LUCIOof Becca Marie LucioBECCAMARIELUCIO

I moved to Chicago a little over a year ago and Irsquove completely fallen in love with the city As a Midwesterner all my life Chicago offers the charms of living in the Midwest while offering

amazing big city life There are summer street festivals every weekend the best brunch spots in the area shopping galore amp hidden gems in every gorgeous neighborhood

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Taste test cupcakes around Lincoln Park (I love Sweet Mandy Brsquos and Swirlz)

2 Spend the afternoon blogging at local coffee shops like Floriole amp Heritage

3 Explore local shops in new neighborhoods ndash there are so many incredible places to explore

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Range Hidden gem in Lincoln park that boasts seasonal recipes all made fromlocal ingredients Best of all itrsquos only a few blocks from my apartment Needless to say they know me by name

2 Little Goat Diner ndash I love Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzardrsquos mid-priced diner best of all her Chicago restaurants Offering home-style recipes with a fancy twist Irsquom a big fan of everything Irsquove tried Irsquod recommend the pork belly pancake amp tira-misu shake if you stop in

3 Xoco Rick Bayless has been one of my favorite chefsfor years His lower priced concept Xoco is the perfect spot to meet friends for lunch in River North Plus Margaritas (enough said right)

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 19: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

letrsquos party Often in the middle of the day I find myself drifting off and dreaming of beautiful parties From weddings to holidays I canrsquot help but think of what to do to take it to the next level

However when it comes to birthdays my mind shifts the opposite direction While throwing an over the top birthday bash may work for some I much prefer the beauty of a simpler get together like when I was a kid I donrsquot need 100 people at a fancy restaurant or an elaborate theme brought to life All I really need is a cake like mom used to make snacks for all to enjoy and a little lemonade to sip on

That was the inspiration behind this gathering I wanted to create an event to inspire the simpler things and take you back to the good olrsquo days where all you needed was bal-loons streamers confetti goody bags matching plates and napkins and of course a little Pin the Tail on the Donkey for fun

So as you glance at the images I hope they spark a little nostalgia and inspire a trip down memory lane for your next birthday celebration

We loved this grown up take on the goody bag Creating the perfect favor bag is a mix

between old favorites and new likes Include candies from when you were a kid a fun straw and everything your guests need to

make spiked peach lemonade at home

Ingredients4 Cups Lemonade4 Oz Gin2 Oz Peach Schnapps6 Basil Leaves plus more for garnish

Directions1 Combine all ingredients in large pitcher Let sit for 2-4 hours before serving2 Serve over ice and garnish with basil leaves serving

Spiked Peach Lemonade with Basil

SEE MORE FROM SARAH ATEventsUncorkedcom

EVENTSUNCORKED

Herbed Parmesan Popcorn

INGREDIENTS2 Bags Salted Natural Popcorn2 Tablespoons Butter2 Tablespoons Olive Oil1 Tablespoon Italian Herb Mixturesfrac12 Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Directions1 Pop popcorn according to box directions Pour into large mixing bowl2 In a small sauce pan melt butter olive oil and Italian herb mixture 3 Pour mixture and parmesan cheese over popcorn quickly stir-ring to combine

HOMEMADE INDIVUDUAL PIZZAS

Ingredientsfrac34 Cup Lukewarm Water1 Teaspoon Dry Active Yeast2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour1 frac12 Teaspoons Salt

Directions1 In a medium mixing bowl dissolve dry active yeast in luke-warm water 2 Add in whole wheat flour and salt to the bowl and mix un-til yoursquove formed a shaggy dough3 Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead until all combined and smooth about 5 minutes If dough begins to stick to surface or hands add additional flour4 Return to bowl and let rise about 15 hours or until doubled in size Use or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days5 Split dough in half Form each half into a ball Roll out with a rolling pin 6 Top with desired toppings and bake at 500 degrees for 5 minutes Rotate pizzas and bake for an additional 3-5 min-utes or until cheese is melted and bubbly

Vanilla Buttercream IcingIngredients2 Sticks Unsalted Butter room temperature4 Cups Powdered Sugarfrac14 Cup Heavy Cream2 frac12 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract

Directions1 Beat softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes until creamy

2 Add powdered sugar heavy cream and vanilla extract beating until thick and smooth approximately 3 minutes

3 Apply to cool cake between layers and on top Top with additional sprinkles if desired

Ingredients3 13 Cups All Purpose Flour1 Teaspoon Baking Powderfrac12 Teaspoon Baking Soda1 Teaspoon Salt2 Sticks Unsalted Butter melted1 frac12 Cups Granulated Sugarfrac12 Cup Dark Brown Sugar2 Large Eggsfrac12 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt1 frac12 Cups Milk2 Tablespoons Vanilla Extract1 13 Cup Rainbow Sprinkles (Not Non-Pareils)

Directions1 Preheat Oven to 350 degrees Spray (2) 9rdquo Round Cake Pans with non-stick spray

2 In a medium bowl mix flour baking powder baking soda and salt Set aside

3 In a large mixing bowl whisk together melted butter granulated sugar and dark brown sugar Be sure to get out any lumps

4 Whisk into sugar mixture egg milk yogurt and vanilla extract until combined

5 Slowly mix in dry ingredients until no lumps remain

6 Add sprinkles and stir till just combined being carful as to not over stir Sprinkles will begin to melt if over combined

7 Bake for 20 minutes Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 13-17 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean

8 Let cool on a wire rack completely before icing

homemade

Lake SUMMER

AT THE

Photography by Matt Engelhart

lpf style tip

canoe ridescampfiresBASEBALL CAPS

best friends

LAKE LIFE

FIREFLIES

SUMMER

SHOP THE LOOK lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $18Lizzibeth $34

Olivia Taylor $10

Lizzibeth $15

Mango $25

Sperry $85

J Crew $20

Choies $63

Lizzibeth $13

Lizzibeth $13

lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $36

Splendid $86

Tretorn $93Romwe $18

Fore

ver 2

1 $

5

Lizzibeth $20

Forever 21 $9

Lizzibeth $14

Olivia Taylor $10

Irsquom going to be completely honest with you all I dread telling people that I used to be over-weight The excess weight I carried around was a representation of some of the most unhappiest years of my life and they are hard to look back on

Growing up I was always super skinny I ate whatever I wanted when I wanted I even had trouble gaining weight at various points in my life I was downright scrawny In high school it was just me and my size zero jeans all the way through graduation Once I got to college I no-ticed a little bit of weight gain but nothing like the freshman 15 everyone was always talking about I figured I was finally filling out my womanly body

Somewhere between my junior year of col-lege and graduation in May of 2011 things changed At my peak I wore a size 14 in womenrsquos pants And not the sexy-built-to-be-curvy size 14 that Christina Mendez is rocking I Wish To say I had let myself go would be an understate-ment

When I finally acknowledged my weight and stepped on the scale I almost had a heart attack Thatrsquos probably not an exaggeration considering the lack of exercise paired with all of the fatty foods I was consuming regularly It read 178 I panicked The last time I stepped on a scale I was at the doctorrsquos office several years prior and the

number read 110 (a number far too small for my 5rsquo7rsquorsquo frame but thatrsquos another story) WHAT HAPPENED My mind was a blur trying to process those three not-so-little numbers

Luckily this happened after my workout oth-erwise Irsquom quite positive the shock would have sent me running (okay walking) out the front doors I can honestly say it was one of the most overwhelming experiences Irsquove ever had Up until that point I had let everything roll off my shoulder I ignored it all the Facebook messag-es from an ex-boyfriend calling me a fat btch the degrading hoop and holler from boys when they drove past me on the street and worst of

all I ignored the fact that my ldquofriendsrdquo were saying these terrible things about me behind my back and I was just standing by letting it happen I was fed up I made a commitment to get on track for myself

I started documenting I prefer this word to counting which is how my blog name came about (26 and Not Counting calories years flying by how many items are in my online shopping cart compared to the dollars in my bank accountyou get the gist) I started tracking calories and workouts in the myfitnesspal app committed to 5-6 workouts a week (including weight lifting which I had never done in my life) and limited my booze fests with friends (which had been going on far too often) to one night a week

Healthy is happyCOntributor Jessicarsquos Journey to a happier + Healthier self

ldquoNot only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of

negativity that coNsumed my liferdquo

It wasnrsquot as if I had never worked out before that simply wasnrsquot the case I grew up active and en-joyed spin class in my early col-lege years but I had fallen off the bandwagon

So I was working out right But what about food I hate the word diet Diet is typically defined as something you ldquogo onrdquo before a big trip and it usually means that whatever crazy thing you are doing to try and shed pounds (the grapefruit diet) will eventual-ly have an ending point I didnrsquot start drinking any crazy weight loss drink or ban everything fried but I did start watching what I ate I paid attention to my body and when it was full and aimed to eat more home cooked meals op-posed to eating out all the time

The first time someone noticed I had a lost a few pounds (8 to be exact) I nearly fell off my bar stool Yes I was at the bar cele-brating a friendrsquos birthday (I had found a happy balance and kept my social life hallelujah) The words were simple ldquoJess you are looking goodrdquo I canrsquot tell you how thankful I am to that person that they recognized the work I had been putting in

Maintaining my body will be a daily practice for the rest of my life I had to marry that thought from the get-go Til death do us part Just this past year I set out to lose another 10 pounds and

slowly but surely I reached my goal I wasnrsquot happy in my body so I fixed it and in doing so I fixed a lot of other areas in my life Irsquom proud to say that I currently weigh 131lbs Irsquove wrestled some unhealthy habits into portion controlled treats found that Irsquom a much happier person when I workout and Irsquove grown into the person I am meant to be Not only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of negativity that consumed my life

Irsquom still not where I want to be and thatrsquos okay That simply means that itrsquos time to set anoth-er goal and push myself harder than ever My hope is that if you arenrsquot happy with where yoursquore at in life whether it be your weight your job your relationship that you will love yourself enough to change the situation and create a life that makes you happy to your core

One last thing you should also know that there is such a thing as a skinny fat person Someone may appear to be skinny but that doesnrsquot necessarily mean they are healthy Being fit doesnrsquot mean fitting into a size 2 (or even 4 6 or 8) for all women (Serena Williams and Whitney Thompson are per-fect examples) Just because some-one appears to be ldquofatrdquo doesnrsquot mean they canrsquot outrun you Be kind and encouraging toward oth-er people and especially yourself

happy jessICArsquosfitnessjourney

Jess- 2011

Jess- 2014

HAIR SPRAY

BEACH BABE HAIR SPRAY14 C WATER

1 TBSP SEA SALT

1 TBSP HAIR GEL

2 DROPS ARGAN OIL OR CONDITIONER

POUR INGREDIENTS INTO TRAVEL SIZE SPRAY BOTTLE + SHAKE WELL

HAIR SPRAY

SPRAY ONTODAMP HAIR +

SCRUNCH FOR BEST BEACHY

WAVE RESULTS

The

GUIDELPF MAG CONTRIBUTORS SHARE A LOCALrsquos GUIDE TO THEIR CITIES

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO -

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO

Irsquom Katey a style blogger with Chronicles of Frivolity living as a Dallasite No we donrsquot ride horses to the mall and everything really is

bigger from our Margaritas to our eyelashes

1 Eat Dallas has more restaurants per capita than anywhere in America seriously We eat so well

2 Shop Dallas ALSO has more Shopping centers per capita than anywhere in America Itrsquos absurd

3 Marg Everywhere you look you are 10 feet from a patio with chips salsa and the best margarita yoursquove ever had 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Hattiersquos Hattiersquos is southern food with LA-white deacutecor You can enjoy Bacon-Wrapped Fried Oys-ters and Macaroni and Cheese Crusted Filet while sipping a Sweet Tea Martini

2 Stampede 66 Stampede 66 wins best margari-ta every year (The Modern Star Canyon) and The Butterscotch Pudding is worth gaining 20 pounds for

3 Saint Ann Saint Ann has one of the most beau-tiful patios in Dallas and I could probably have The Skinny Basil Lemonade and Salmon every meal of my life

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

KATEY MCFARLANof Chronicles of Frivolity

KATEYMCFARLAN

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Milk amp Honey Boutique Milk amp Honey Bou-tique might be the most affordable and unique boutique in Dallas PS go to the back room everything is on sale and there are a million size options

2 Movida Boutique Movida Boutique has the most beautiful bright pieces a neon pink or chartreuse blazer Under $40 Yes marsquoam

3 Northpark Mall Northpark Mall isnrsquot exactly affordable in every way but if you go to Dallas and donrsquot stop by it is a sin From Gucci to Nei-mans itrsquos like a museum of designers more so than a typical mall

3 TOP DALLAS AIRBNB PICKS

1 Trendy Uptown Loft A gorgeous two story loft near all of the

cities best bars amp restaurantsDallas $160 per night

2 Private Guest House w Exposed BeamsWe canrsquot get over how gorgeous this private

guest house is Dallas $150 per night

3 Contemporary CabinThis cabin is located right next to an art museum

amp always has live music at nightDallas $90 per night

I was fortunate enough to spend the majority of my college career living in the bustling city of Raleigh North Carolina Raleigh is one of those towns that flies under the radar Itrsquos a beautiful historical area with a taste of southern charm Raleigh is a relatively in-

expensive destination with lots to see and do you just need to find the right spots

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Take an afternoon or evening stroll around Lake Johnson It is the perfect place to go for a jog take a walk with your dog or hop in one of the paddle boats and explore the peaceful sights

2 Check out the local Farmerrsquos Market based right near the NC State University campus each vendor sets up their own stand of fresh produce crafts homemade goods- itrsquos open on weekends

3 Head over to the Amphitheater at Walnut Creek Lots of summer concerts are on the list tickets are super affordable in the lawn section with a great view of the stage

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Flying Biscuit- Known for their southern made delicious buttery baked biscuits paired with just about any breakfast entree it is the happening spot for a weekend brunch

2 Cameron Bar amp Grill - An upscale looking restaurant with affordable prices for a fabulous meal they have great appetizers and unique dinner dishes to pair with any delicious choice of wine

3 Boylan Bridge Brewpub - The best place to hit up to catch a sunset the local pub sits right on the bridge that overlooks the Raleigh skyline sit outside on the terrace amp enjoy one of their many craft beers (amp cheese dip) made right there

JACQUELINE YANCHOCIK

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Fabrsquorik Fabrsquorik is a hostpot with lots of affordable clothes like bright colored maxi dresses tanks and any handbag you could pos-sibly need

2 The Impeccable Pig Looking for the perfect day dress The Impeccable Pig is the place to go the store features lots of cute floral prints in dresses tops and shorts this is your summer destination shop

3 Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique is a one stop shop for all your accessory needs from simple earrings to some diamond pieces the customerrsquos of Charlottersquos are on the cutting edge of fashion

3 TOP RALEIGH AIRBNB PICKS

1 Hotel NicaraguaSsaid to be a stop from Jack Kerouacrsquos

noteworthy book ldquoOn the Roadrdquo nestled right outside downtown Raleigh this is definitely a

historic gemRaleigh $70 per night

2 Cookiersquos Garden SuiteA 1899 bungalow located in the Oakwood

Historic District enjoy a private entrance with all the amenities yoursquoll need right by downtown

Raleigh $75 per night

3 Sallyrsquos Downtown Historic SuiteThis historic home sits in a gorgeous neighbor-hood with leafy oaks close to coffee shops and

nearby bars Raleigh $85 per night

Irsquove been living in Los Angeles for over 3 years Los Angeles is a very spread out megacity with each area diverse in restaurants activities fashion architecture and even weather I grew up on

the beach so it was only fitting that I move to the west side of LA closest to the Pacific Venice is a colorful eccentric one-of-a kind district in Los Angeles right on the Pacific Ocean

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Venice has near-perfect weather year round so biking is a common activity here Marvin Braude Bike Trail (known as The Strand) is a bike path along the Pacific shoreline starting from Malibu down through Venice all the way Redondo Beach

2 Abbot Kinney is the artsy hipster sister of Bev-erly Hillsrsquo Rodeo Drive First Friday brings the best local art fashion music and food trucks to locals and visitors alike

3 Yoga and Venice go hand in hand There are multiple studios in the Venice area with incredible instructors and a class nearly every hour

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Tasting Kitchen A very special dining experience Trendy upscale atmosphere but with a rustic twist Communal seating under the trees a creative and fresh menu that changes daily and an overall obscure charm that suits Venice to a T

2 Chop Daddyrsquos Nestled between some of the cityrsquos most well-reviewed restaurants is some of the best BBQ in Los Angeles The tastiest fried pickles Irsquove ever had

3 Kippyrsquos Non-dairy raw organic coconut cream based ice cream My favorite is the orangesicle

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Firefly - the perfect collection of house-wares gifts and clothing reflecting the effort-less and beachy Venice lifestyle

2 Principessa - their website says it best ldquooutfitting the modern flower child in a so-phisticated style that is comfortable sexy and timelessrdquo

3 Aviator Nation Quintessential Southern California style that has become an obsession for many Aviator Nation has one-of-a kind t-shirt tanks sweats and more that have that worn-in feel so soft and comfortable 3 TOP VENICE AIRBNB PICKS

1 Artistrsquos CottageAn art filled cottage in proximity to one of the

worldrsquos best beaches$140 per night

2 Stylish Venice BungalowWalk to beach shops and dining from this ro-mantic and stylish holiday bungalow in a lush

garden setting$149 per night

3 Venice Garden RetreatA guesthouse filled with treasures from the

ownersrsquo travels abroad $125 per night

BROOKE KENNEDYBROOKEEJ

My name is Becca and I fell in love with Atlanta two years ago Although I moved to Atlanta for graduate school and thought it would be temporary I have fallen for a city that could be my forever home Having to choose my favorites are going to be

hard in a city that has so much to do

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Irsquove quickly made a tradition out of going to Music Midtown Music Festival in September at Piedmont Park I had the time of my life dancing the night away with best friends listening to great bands amp the Atlanta skyline in the background

2 Brunch is the only thing that gets me out of bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings Try the 100 item Bloody bar at Front Page News or all you can eat breakfast at Grsquos near piedmont If you get up early enough try West Egg in Westside Provisions

3 For a mere ten bucks you get six samples and a beautiful pint at the Sweetwater Brewery Tour But be warned the pours are heavy

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Noche This tiny tapas bar is full of flavors in tinybites Their chef special never seems to disap-point and therersquos always a drink special (Sangria Sundays are a personal favorite)

2 Park Tavern This restaurant with its own brew-ery offers some of the best views of Atlanta They have a late night sushi special and when it rains they pour dollar beers In the winter they have a full skating rink with adult only hours (so you donrsquot trip over that kid)

3YEAH Burger My favorite burger place in the world they offer a made to order burger that quenches even the pickiest of eaters appetites

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 The Lucky Exchange This second hand store is a treasure trove of pieces some extravagant sequin dresses some office appropriate attire My best find Brand new in the box Prada Loafers for under 30$

2 The Merchant at Howell Mill Grab a cup of coffee at Octane and then cross the street to Merchant A wide array of gifts and acces-sories offer the opportunity to pick up some-thing for your friends and yourself

3 Lizard Thicket Shop this trendy boutiquefor gameday dresses in your favorite team colors or the latest shipment of Bourbon and Bowetie bracelets

3 TOP ATLANTA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Secluded TreehouseHow could a girl not want to spend the night in an adult sized treehouse nestled right in popular

neighborhood Buckhead $275 per night

2 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentMidtown is close to everything you could want to be- food culture Piedmont Park museums amp an active nightlife there is something for everyone

This is a gorgeous room in a mini-mansion $73 per night

3 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentThis apartment is in the perfect location for some-one visiting town for food drinks and shopping

$69 per night

BECCA LUCIOof Becca Marie LucioBECCAMARIELUCIO

I moved to Chicago a little over a year ago and Irsquove completely fallen in love with the city As a Midwesterner all my life Chicago offers the charms of living in the Midwest while offering

amazing big city life There are summer street festivals every weekend the best brunch spots in the area shopping galore amp hidden gems in every gorgeous neighborhood

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Taste test cupcakes around Lincoln Park (I love Sweet Mandy Brsquos and Swirlz)

2 Spend the afternoon blogging at local coffee shops like Floriole amp Heritage

3 Explore local shops in new neighborhoods ndash there are so many incredible places to explore

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Range Hidden gem in Lincoln park that boasts seasonal recipes all made fromlocal ingredients Best of all itrsquos only a few blocks from my apartment Needless to say they know me by name

2 Little Goat Diner ndash I love Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzardrsquos mid-priced diner best of all her Chicago restaurants Offering home-style recipes with a fancy twist Irsquom a big fan of everything Irsquove tried Irsquod recommend the pork belly pancake amp tira-misu shake if you stop in

3 Xoco Rick Bayless has been one of my favorite chefsfor years His lower priced concept Xoco is the perfect spot to meet friends for lunch in River North Plus Margaritas (enough said right)

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 20: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

We loved this grown up take on the goody bag Creating the perfect favor bag is a mix

between old favorites and new likes Include candies from when you were a kid a fun straw and everything your guests need to

make spiked peach lemonade at home

Ingredients4 Cups Lemonade4 Oz Gin2 Oz Peach Schnapps6 Basil Leaves plus more for garnish

Directions1 Combine all ingredients in large pitcher Let sit for 2-4 hours before serving2 Serve over ice and garnish with basil leaves serving

Spiked Peach Lemonade with Basil

SEE MORE FROM SARAH ATEventsUncorkedcom

EVENTSUNCORKED

Herbed Parmesan Popcorn

INGREDIENTS2 Bags Salted Natural Popcorn2 Tablespoons Butter2 Tablespoons Olive Oil1 Tablespoon Italian Herb Mixturesfrac12 Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Directions1 Pop popcorn according to box directions Pour into large mixing bowl2 In a small sauce pan melt butter olive oil and Italian herb mixture 3 Pour mixture and parmesan cheese over popcorn quickly stir-ring to combine

HOMEMADE INDIVUDUAL PIZZAS

Ingredientsfrac34 Cup Lukewarm Water1 Teaspoon Dry Active Yeast2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour1 frac12 Teaspoons Salt

Directions1 In a medium mixing bowl dissolve dry active yeast in luke-warm water 2 Add in whole wheat flour and salt to the bowl and mix un-til yoursquove formed a shaggy dough3 Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead until all combined and smooth about 5 minutes If dough begins to stick to surface or hands add additional flour4 Return to bowl and let rise about 15 hours or until doubled in size Use or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days5 Split dough in half Form each half into a ball Roll out with a rolling pin 6 Top with desired toppings and bake at 500 degrees for 5 minutes Rotate pizzas and bake for an additional 3-5 min-utes or until cheese is melted and bubbly

Vanilla Buttercream IcingIngredients2 Sticks Unsalted Butter room temperature4 Cups Powdered Sugarfrac14 Cup Heavy Cream2 frac12 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract

Directions1 Beat softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes until creamy

2 Add powdered sugar heavy cream and vanilla extract beating until thick and smooth approximately 3 minutes

3 Apply to cool cake between layers and on top Top with additional sprinkles if desired

Ingredients3 13 Cups All Purpose Flour1 Teaspoon Baking Powderfrac12 Teaspoon Baking Soda1 Teaspoon Salt2 Sticks Unsalted Butter melted1 frac12 Cups Granulated Sugarfrac12 Cup Dark Brown Sugar2 Large Eggsfrac12 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt1 frac12 Cups Milk2 Tablespoons Vanilla Extract1 13 Cup Rainbow Sprinkles (Not Non-Pareils)

Directions1 Preheat Oven to 350 degrees Spray (2) 9rdquo Round Cake Pans with non-stick spray

2 In a medium bowl mix flour baking powder baking soda and salt Set aside

3 In a large mixing bowl whisk together melted butter granulated sugar and dark brown sugar Be sure to get out any lumps

4 Whisk into sugar mixture egg milk yogurt and vanilla extract until combined

5 Slowly mix in dry ingredients until no lumps remain

6 Add sprinkles and stir till just combined being carful as to not over stir Sprinkles will begin to melt if over combined

7 Bake for 20 minutes Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 13-17 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean

8 Let cool on a wire rack completely before icing

homemade

Lake SUMMER

AT THE

Photography by Matt Engelhart

lpf style tip

canoe ridescampfiresBASEBALL CAPS

best friends

LAKE LIFE

FIREFLIES

SUMMER

SHOP THE LOOK lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $18Lizzibeth $34

Olivia Taylor $10

Lizzibeth $15

Mango $25

Sperry $85

J Crew $20

Choies $63

Lizzibeth $13

Lizzibeth $13

lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $36

Splendid $86

Tretorn $93Romwe $18

Fore

ver 2

1 $

5

Lizzibeth $20

Forever 21 $9

Lizzibeth $14

Olivia Taylor $10

Irsquom going to be completely honest with you all I dread telling people that I used to be over-weight The excess weight I carried around was a representation of some of the most unhappiest years of my life and they are hard to look back on

Growing up I was always super skinny I ate whatever I wanted when I wanted I even had trouble gaining weight at various points in my life I was downright scrawny In high school it was just me and my size zero jeans all the way through graduation Once I got to college I no-ticed a little bit of weight gain but nothing like the freshman 15 everyone was always talking about I figured I was finally filling out my womanly body

Somewhere between my junior year of col-lege and graduation in May of 2011 things changed At my peak I wore a size 14 in womenrsquos pants And not the sexy-built-to-be-curvy size 14 that Christina Mendez is rocking I Wish To say I had let myself go would be an understate-ment

When I finally acknowledged my weight and stepped on the scale I almost had a heart attack Thatrsquos probably not an exaggeration considering the lack of exercise paired with all of the fatty foods I was consuming regularly It read 178 I panicked The last time I stepped on a scale I was at the doctorrsquos office several years prior and the

number read 110 (a number far too small for my 5rsquo7rsquorsquo frame but thatrsquos another story) WHAT HAPPENED My mind was a blur trying to process those three not-so-little numbers

Luckily this happened after my workout oth-erwise Irsquom quite positive the shock would have sent me running (okay walking) out the front doors I can honestly say it was one of the most overwhelming experiences Irsquove ever had Up until that point I had let everything roll off my shoulder I ignored it all the Facebook messag-es from an ex-boyfriend calling me a fat btch the degrading hoop and holler from boys when they drove past me on the street and worst of

all I ignored the fact that my ldquofriendsrdquo were saying these terrible things about me behind my back and I was just standing by letting it happen I was fed up I made a commitment to get on track for myself

I started documenting I prefer this word to counting which is how my blog name came about (26 and Not Counting calories years flying by how many items are in my online shopping cart compared to the dollars in my bank accountyou get the gist) I started tracking calories and workouts in the myfitnesspal app committed to 5-6 workouts a week (including weight lifting which I had never done in my life) and limited my booze fests with friends (which had been going on far too often) to one night a week

Healthy is happyCOntributor Jessicarsquos Journey to a happier + Healthier self

ldquoNot only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of

negativity that coNsumed my liferdquo

It wasnrsquot as if I had never worked out before that simply wasnrsquot the case I grew up active and en-joyed spin class in my early col-lege years but I had fallen off the bandwagon

So I was working out right But what about food I hate the word diet Diet is typically defined as something you ldquogo onrdquo before a big trip and it usually means that whatever crazy thing you are doing to try and shed pounds (the grapefruit diet) will eventual-ly have an ending point I didnrsquot start drinking any crazy weight loss drink or ban everything fried but I did start watching what I ate I paid attention to my body and when it was full and aimed to eat more home cooked meals op-posed to eating out all the time

The first time someone noticed I had a lost a few pounds (8 to be exact) I nearly fell off my bar stool Yes I was at the bar cele-brating a friendrsquos birthday (I had found a happy balance and kept my social life hallelujah) The words were simple ldquoJess you are looking goodrdquo I canrsquot tell you how thankful I am to that person that they recognized the work I had been putting in

Maintaining my body will be a daily practice for the rest of my life I had to marry that thought from the get-go Til death do us part Just this past year I set out to lose another 10 pounds and

slowly but surely I reached my goal I wasnrsquot happy in my body so I fixed it and in doing so I fixed a lot of other areas in my life Irsquom proud to say that I currently weigh 131lbs Irsquove wrestled some unhealthy habits into portion controlled treats found that Irsquom a much happier person when I workout and Irsquove grown into the person I am meant to be Not only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of negativity that consumed my life

Irsquom still not where I want to be and thatrsquos okay That simply means that itrsquos time to set anoth-er goal and push myself harder than ever My hope is that if you arenrsquot happy with where yoursquore at in life whether it be your weight your job your relationship that you will love yourself enough to change the situation and create a life that makes you happy to your core

One last thing you should also know that there is such a thing as a skinny fat person Someone may appear to be skinny but that doesnrsquot necessarily mean they are healthy Being fit doesnrsquot mean fitting into a size 2 (or even 4 6 or 8) for all women (Serena Williams and Whitney Thompson are per-fect examples) Just because some-one appears to be ldquofatrdquo doesnrsquot mean they canrsquot outrun you Be kind and encouraging toward oth-er people and especially yourself

happy jessICArsquosfitnessjourney

Jess- 2011

Jess- 2014

HAIR SPRAY

BEACH BABE HAIR SPRAY14 C WATER

1 TBSP SEA SALT

1 TBSP HAIR GEL

2 DROPS ARGAN OIL OR CONDITIONER

POUR INGREDIENTS INTO TRAVEL SIZE SPRAY BOTTLE + SHAKE WELL

HAIR SPRAY

SPRAY ONTODAMP HAIR +

SCRUNCH FOR BEST BEACHY

WAVE RESULTS

The

GUIDELPF MAG CONTRIBUTORS SHARE A LOCALrsquos GUIDE TO THEIR CITIES

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO -

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO

Irsquom Katey a style blogger with Chronicles of Frivolity living as a Dallasite No we donrsquot ride horses to the mall and everything really is

bigger from our Margaritas to our eyelashes

1 Eat Dallas has more restaurants per capita than anywhere in America seriously We eat so well

2 Shop Dallas ALSO has more Shopping centers per capita than anywhere in America Itrsquos absurd

3 Marg Everywhere you look you are 10 feet from a patio with chips salsa and the best margarita yoursquove ever had 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Hattiersquos Hattiersquos is southern food with LA-white deacutecor You can enjoy Bacon-Wrapped Fried Oys-ters and Macaroni and Cheese Crusted Filet while sipping a Sweet Tea Martini

2 Stampede 66 Stampede 66 wins best margari-ta every year (The Modern Star Canyon) and The Butterscotch Pudding is worth gaining 20 pounds for

3 Saint Ann Saint Ann has one of the most beau-tiful patios in Dallas and I could probably have The Skinny Basil Lemonade and Salmon every meal of my life

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

KATEY MCFARLANof Chronicles of Frivolity

KATEYMCFARLAN

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Milk amp Honey Boutique Milk amp Honey Bou-tique might be the most affordable and unique boutique in Dallas PS go to the back room everything is on sale and there are a million size options

2 Movida Boutique Movida Boutique has the most beautiful bright pieces a neon pink or chartreuse blazer Under $40 Yes marsquoam

3 Northpark Mall Northpark Mall isnrsquot exactly affordable in every way but if you go to Dallas and donrsquot stop by it is a sin From Gucci to Nei-mans itrsquos like a museum of designers more so than a typical mall

3 TOP DALLAS AIRBNB PICKS

1 Trendy Uptown Loft A gorgeous two story loft near all of the

cities best bars amp restaurantsDallas $160 per night

2 Private Guest House w Exposed BeamsWe canrsquot get over how gorgeous this private

guest house is Dallas $150 per night

3 Contemporary CabinThis cabin is located right next to an art museum

amp always has live music at nightDallas $90 per night

I was fortunate enough to spend the majority of my college career living in the bustling city of Raleigh North Carolina Raleigh is one of those towns that flies under the radar Itrsquos a beautiful historical area with a taste of southern charm Raleigh is a relatively in-

expensive destination with lots to see and do you just need to find the right spots

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Take an afternoon or evening stroll around Lake Johnson It is the perfect place to go for a jog take a walk with your dog or hop in one of the paddle boats and explore the peaceful sights

2 Check out the local Farmerrsquos Market based right near the NC State University campus each vendor sets up their own stand of fresh produce crafts homemade goods- itrsquos open on weekends

3 Head over to the Amphitheater at Walnut Creek Lots of summer concerts are on the list tickets are super affordable in the lawn section with a great view of the stage

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Flying Biscuit- Known for their southern made delicious buttery baked biscuits paired with just about any breakfast entree it is the happening spot for a weekend brunch

2 Cameron Bar amp Grill - An upscale looking restaurant with affordable prices for a fabulous meal they have great appetizers and unique dinner dishes to pair with any delicious choice of wine

3 Boylan Bridge Brewpub - The best place to hit up to catch a sunset the local pub sits right on the bridge that overlooks the Raleigh skyline sit outside on the terrace amp enjoy one of their many craft beers (amp cheese dip) made right there

JACQUELINE YANCHOCIK

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Fabrsquorik Fabrsquorik is a hostpot with lots of affordable clothes like bright colored maxi dresses tanks and any handbag you could pos-sibly need

2 The Impeccable Pig Looking for the perfect day dress The Impeccable Pig is the place to go the store features lots of cute floral prints in dresses tops and shorts this is your summer destination shop

3 Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique is a one stop shop for all your accessory needs from simple earrings to some diamond pieces the customerrsquos of Charlottersquos are on the cutting edge of fashion

3 TOP RALEIGH AIRBNB PICKS

1 Hotel NicaraguaSsaid to be a stop from Jack Kerouacrsquos

noteworthy book ldquoOn the Roadrdquo nestled right outside downtown Raleigh this is definitely a

historic gemRaleigh $70 per night

2 Cookiersquos Garden SuiteA 1899 bungalow located in the Oakwood

Historic District enjoy a private entrance with all the amenities yoursquoll need right by downtown

Raleigh $75 per night

3 Sallyrsquos Downtown Historic SuiteThis historic home sits in a gorgeous neighbor-hood with leafy oaks close to coffee shops and

nearby bars Raleigh $85 per night

Irsquove been living in Los Angeles for over 3 years Los Angeles is a very spread out megacity with each area diverse in restaurants activities fashion architecture and even weather I grew up on

the beach so it was only fitting that I move to the west side of LA closest to the Pacific Venice is a colorful eccentric one-of-a kind district in Los Angeles right on the Pacific Ocean

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Venice has near-perfect weather year round so biking is a common activity here Marvin Braude Bike Trail (known as The Strand) is a bike path along the Pacific shoreline starting from Malibu down through Venice all the way Redondo Beach

2 Abbot Kinney is the artsy hipster sister of Bev-erly Hillsrsquo Rodeo Drive First Friday brings the best local art fashion music and food trucks to locals and visitors alike

3 Yoga and Venice go hand in hand There are multiple studios in the Venice area with incredible instructors and a class nearly every hour

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Tasting Kitchen A very special dining experience Trendy upscale atmosphere but with a rustic twist Communal seating under the trees a creative and fresh menu that changes daily and an overall obscure charm that suits Venice to a T

2 Chop Daddyrsquos Nestled between some of the cityrsquos most well-reviewed restaurants is some of the best BBQ in Los Angeles The tastiest fried pickles Irsquove ever had

3 Kippyrsquos Non-dairy raw organic coconut cream based ice cream My favorite is the orangesicle

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Firefly - the perfect collection of house-wares gifts and clothing reflecting the effort-less and beachy Venice lifestyle

2 Principessa - their website says it best ldquooutfitting the modern flower child in a so-phisticated style that is comfortable sexy and timelessrdquo

3 Aviator Nation Quintessential Southern California style that has become an obsession for many Aviator Nation has one-of-a kind t-shirt tanks sweats and more that have that worn-in feel so soft and comfortable 3 TOP VENICE AIRBNB PICKS

1 Artistrsquos CottageAn art filled cottage in proximity to one of the

worldrsquos best beaches$140 per night

2 Stylish Venice BungalowWalk to beach shops and dining from this ro-mantic and stylish holiday bungalow in a lush

garden setting$149 per night

3 Venice Garden RetreatA guesthouse filled with treasures from the

ownersrsquo travels abroad $125 per night

BROOKE KENNEDYBROOKEEJ

My name is Becca and I fell in love with Atlanta two years ago Although I moved to Atlanta for graduate school and thought it would be temporary I have fallen for a city that could be my forever home Having to choose my favorites are going to be

hard in a city that has so much to do

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Irsquove quickly made a tradition out of going to Music Midtown Music Festival in September at Piedmont Park I had the time of my life dancing the night away with best friends listening to great bands amp the Atlanta skyline in the background

2 Brunch is the only thing that gets me out of bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings Try the 100 item Bloody bar at Front Page News or all you can eat breakfast at Grsquos near piedmont If you get up early enough try West Egg in Westside Provisions

3 For a mere ten bucks you get six samples and a beautiful pint at the Sweetwater Brewery Tour But be warned the pours are heavy

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Noche This tiny tapas bar is full of flavors in tinybites Their chef special never seems to disap-point and therersquos always a drink special (Sangria Sundays are a personal favorite)

2 Park Tavern This restaurant with its own brew-ery offers some of the best views of Atlanta They have a late night sushi special and when it rains they pour dollar beers In the winter they have a full skating rink with adult only hours (so you donrsquot trip over that kid)

3YEAH Burger My favorite burger place in the world they offer a made to order burger that quenches even the pickiest of eaters appetites

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 The Lucky Exchange This second hand store is a treasure trove of pieces some extravagant sequin dresses some office appropriate attire My best find Brand new in the box Prada Loafers for under 30$

2 The Merchant at Howell Mill Grab a cup of coffee at Octane and then cross the street to Merchant A wide array of gifts and acces-sories offer the opportunity to pick up some-thing for your friends and yourself

3 Lizard Thicket Shop this trendy boutiquefor gameday dresses in your favorite team colors or the latest shipment of Bourbon and Bowetie bracelets

3 TOP ATLANTA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Secluded TreehouseHow could a girl not want to spend the night in an adult sized treehouse nestled right in popular

neighborhood Buckhead $275 per night

2 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentMidtown is close to everything you could want to be- food culture Piedmont Park museums amp an active nightlife there is something for everyone

This is a gorgeous room in a mini-mansion $73 per night

3 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentThis apartment is in the perfect location for some-one visiting town for food drinks and shopping

$69 per night

BECCA LUCIOof Becca Marie LucioBECCAMARIELUCIO

I moved to Chicago a little over a year ago and Irsquove completely fallen in love with the city As a Midwesterner all my life Chicago offers the charms of living in the Midwest while offering

amazing big city life There are summer street festivals every weekend the best brunch spots in the area shopping galore amp hidden gems in every gorgeous neighborhood

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Taste test cupcakes around Lincoln Park (I love Sweet Mandy Brsquos and Swirlz)

2 Spend the afternoon blogging at local coffee shops like Floriole amp Heritage

3 Explore local shops in new neighborhoods ndash there are so many incredible places to explore

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Range Hidden gem in Lincoln park that boasts seasonal recipes all made fromlocal ingredients Best of all itrsquos only a few blocks from my apartment Needless to say they know me by name

2 Little Goat Diner ndash I love Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzardrsquos mid-priced diner best of all her Chicago restaurants Offering home-style recipes with a fancy twist Irsquom a big fan of everything Irsquove tried Irsquod recommend the pork belly pancake amp tira-misu shake if you stop in

3 Xoco Rick Bayless has been one of my favorite chefsfor years His lower priced concept Xoco is the perfect spot to meet friends for lunch in River North Plus Margaritas (enough said right)

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 21: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

Ingredients4 Cups Lemonade4 Oz Gin2 Oz Peach Schnapps6 Basil Leaves plus more for garnish

Directions1 Combine all ingredients in large pitcher Let sit for 2-4 hours before serving2 Serve over ice and garnish with basil leaves serving

Spiked Peach Lemonade with Basil

SEE MORE FROM SARAH ATEventsUncorkedcom

EVENTSUNCORKED

Herbed Parmesan Popcorn

INGREDIENTS2 Bags Salted Natural Popcorn2 Tablespoons Butter2 Tablespoons Olive Oil1 Tablespoon Italian Herb Mixturesfrac12 Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Directions1 Pop popcorn according to box directions Pour into large mixing bowl2 In a small sauce pan melt butter olive oil and Italian herb mixture 3 Pour mixture and parmesan cheese over popcorn quickly stir-ring to combine

HOMEMADE INDIVUDUAL PIZZAS

Ingredientsfrac34 Cup Lukewarm Water1 Teaspoon Dry Active Yeast2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour1 frac12 Teaspoons Salt

Directions1 In a medium mixing bowl dissolve dry active yeast in luke-warm water 2 Add in whole wheat flour and salt to the bowl and mix un-til yoursquove formed a shaggy dough3 Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead until all combined and smooth about 5 minutes If dough begins to stick to surface or hands add additional flour4 Return to bowl and let rise about 15 hours or until doubled in size Use or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days5 Split dough in half Form each half into a ball Roll out with a rolling pin 6 Top with desired toppings and bake at 500 degrees for 5 minutes Rotate pizzas and bake for an additional 3-5 min-utes or until cheese is melted and bubbly

Vanilla Buttercream IcingIngredients2 Sticks Unsalted Butter room temperature4 Cups Powdered Sugarfrac14 Cup Heavy Cream2 frac12 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract

Directions1 Beat softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes until creamy

2 Add powdered sugar heavy cream and vanilla extract beating until thick and smooth approximately 3 minutes

3 Apply to cool cake between layers and on top Top with additional sprinkles if desired

Ingredients3 13 Cups All Purpose Flour1 Teaspoon Baking Powderfrac12 Teaspoon Baking Soda1 Teaspoon Salt2 Sticks Unsalted Butter melted1 frac12 Cups Granulated Sugarfrac12 Cup Dark Brown Sugar2 Large Eggsfrac12 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt1 frac12 Cups Milk2 Tablespoons Vanilla Extract1 13 Cup Rainbow Sprinkles (Not Non-Pareils)

Directions1 Preheat Oven to 350 degrees Spray (2) 9rdquo Round Cake Pans with non-stick spray

2 In a medium bowl mix flour baking powder baking soda and salt Set aside

3 In a large mixing bowl whisk together melted butter granulated sugar and dark brown sugar Be sure to get out any lumps

4 Whisk into sugar mixture egg milk yogurt and vanilla extract until combined

5 Slowly mix in dry ingredients until no lumps remain

6 Add sprinkles and stir till just combined being carful as to not over stir Sprinkles will begin to melt if over combined

7 Bake for 20 minutes Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 13-17 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean

8 Let cool on a wire rack completely before icing

homemade

Lake SUMMER

AT THE

Photography by Matt Engelhart

lpf style tip

canoe ridescampfiresBASEBALL CAPS

best friends

LAKE LIFE

FIREFLIES

SUMMER

SHOP THE LOOK lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $18Lizzibeth $34

Olivia Taylor $10

Lizzibeth $15

Mango $25

Sperry $85

J Crew $20

Choies $63

Lizzibeth $13

Lizzibeth $13

lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $36

Splendid $86

Tretorn $93Romwe $18

Fore

ver 2

1 $

5

Lizzibeth $20

Forever 21 $9

Lizzibeth $14

Olivia Taylor $10

Irsquom going to be completely honest with you all I dread telling people that I used to be over-weight The excess weight I carried around was a representation of some of the most unhappiest years of my life and they are hard to look back on

Growing up I was always super skinny I ate whatever I wanted when I wanted I even had trouble gaining weight at various points in my life I was downright scrawny In high school it was just me and my size zero jeans all the way through graduation Once I got to college I no-ticed a little bit of weight gain but nothing like the freshman 15 everyone was always talking about I figured I was finally filling out my womanly body

Somewhere between my junior year of col-lege and graduation in May of 2011 things changed At my peak I wore a size 14 in womenrsquos pants And not the sexy-built-to-be-curvy size 14 that Christina Mendez is rocking I Wish To say I had let myself go would be an understate-ment

When I finally acknowledged my weight and stepped on the scale I almost had a heart attack Thatrsquos probably not an exaggeration considering the lack of exercise paired with all of the fatty foods I was consuming regularly It read 178 I panicked The last time I stepped on a scale I was at the doctorrsquos office several years prior and the

number read 110 (a number far too small for my 5rsquo7rsquorsquo frame but thatrsquos another story) WHAT HAPPENED My mind was a blur trying to process those three not-so-little numbers

Luckily this happened after my workout oth-erwise Irsquom quite positive the shock would have sent me running (okay walking) out the front doors I can honestly say it was one of the most overwhelming experiences Irsquove ever had Up until that point I had let everything roll off my shoulder I ignored it all the Facebook messag-es from an ex-boyfriend calling me a fat btch the degrading hoop and holler from boys when they drove past me on the street and worst of

all I ignored the fact that my ldquofriendsrdquo were saying these terrible things about me behind my back and I was just standing by letting it happen I was fed up I made a commitment to get on track for myself

I started documenting I prefer this word to counting which is how my blog name came about (26 and Not Counting calories years flying by how many items are in my online shopping cart compared to the dollars in my bank accountyou get the gist) I started tracking calories and workouts in the myfitnesspal app committed to 5-6 workouts a week (including weight lifting which I had never done in my life) and limited my booze fests with friends (which had been going on far too often) to one night a week

Healthy is happyCOntributor Jessicarsquos Journey to a happier + Healthier self

ldquoNot only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of

negativity that coNsumed my liferdquo

It wasnrsquot as if I had never worked out before that simply wasnrsquot the case I grew up active and en-joyed spin class in my early col-lege years but I had fallen off the bandwagon

So I was working out right But what about food I hate the word diet Diet is typically defined as something you ldquogo onrdquo before a big trip and it usually means that whatever crazy thing you are doing to try and shed pounds (the grapefruit diet) will eventual-ly have an ending point I didnrsquot start drinking any crazy weight loss drink or ban everything fried but I did start watching what I ate I paid attention to my body and when it was full and aimed to eat more home cooked meals op-posed to eating out all the time

The first time someone noticed I had a lost a few pounds (8 to be exact) I nearly fell off my bar stool Yes I was at the bar cele-brating a friendrsquos birthday (I had found a happy balance and kept my social life hallelujah) The words were simple ldquoJess you are looking goodrdquo I canrsquot tell you how thankful I am to that person that they recognized the work I had been putting in

Maintaining my body will be a daily practice for the rest of my life I had to marry that thought from the get-go Til death do us part Just this past year I set out to lose another 10 pounds and

slowly but surely I reached my goal I wasnrsquot happy in my body so I fixed it and in doing so I fixed a lot of other areas in my life Irsquom proud to say that I currently weigh 131lbs Irsquove wrestled some unhealthy habits into portion controlled treats found that Irsquom a much happier person when I workout and Irsquove grown into the person I am meant to be Not only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of negativity that consumed my life

Irsquom still not where I want to be and thatrsquos okay That simply means that itrsquos time to set anoth-er goal and push myself harder than ever My hope is that if you arenrsquot happy with where yoursquore at in life whether it be your weight your job your relationship that you will love yourself enough to change the situation and create a life that makes you happy to your core

One last thing you should also know that there is such a thing as a skinny fat person Someone may appear to be skinny but that doesnrsquot necessarily mean they are healthy Being fit doesnrsquot mean fitting into a size 2 (or even 4 6 or 8) for all women (Serena Williams and Whitney Thompson are per-fect examples) Just because some-one appears to be ldquofatrdquo doesnrsquot mean they canrsquot outrun you Be kind and encouraging toward oth-er people and especially yourself

happy jessICArsquosfitnessjourney

Jess- 2011

Jess- 2014

HAIR SPRAY

BEACH BABE HAIR SPRAY14 C WATER

1 TBSP SEA SALT

1 TBSP HAIR GEL

2 DROPS ARGAN OIL OR CONDITIONER

POUR INGREDIENTS INTO TRAVEL SIZE SPRAY BOTTLE + SHAKE WELL

HAIR SPRAY

SPRAY ONTODAMP HAIR +

SCRUNCH FOR BEST BEACHY

WAVE RESULTS

The

GUIDELPF MAG CONTRIBUTORS SHARE A LOCALrsquos GUIDE TO THEIR CITIES

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO -

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO

Irsquom Katey a style blogger with Chronicles of Frivolity living as a Dallasite No we donrsquot ride horses to the mall and everything really is

bigger from our Margaritas to our eyelashes

1 Eat Dallas has more restaurants per capita than anywhere in America seriously We eat so well

2 Shop Dallas ALSO has more Shopping centers per capita than anywhere in America Itrsquos absurd

3 Marg Everywhere you look you are 10 feet from a patio with chips salsa and the best margarita yoursquove ever had 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Hattiersquos Hattiersquos is southern food with LA-white deacutecor You can enjoy Bacon-Wrapped Fried Oys-ters and Macaroni and Cheese Crusted Filet while sipping a Sweet Tea Martini

2 Stampede 66 Stampede 66 wins best margari-ta every year (The Modern Star Canyon) and The Butterscotch Pudding is worth gaining 20 pounds for

3 Saint Ann Saint Ann has one of the most beau-tiful patios in Dallas and I could probably have The Skinny Basil Lemonade and Salmon every meal of my life

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

KATEY MCFARLANof Chronicles of Frivolity

KATEYMCFARLAN

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Milk amp Honey Boutique Milk amp Honey Bou-tique might be the most affordable and unique boutique in Dallas PS go to the back room everything is on sale and there are a million size options

2 Movida Boutique Movida Boutique has the most beautiful bright pieces a neon pink or chartreuse blazer Under $40 Yes marsquoam

3 Northpark Mall Northpark Mall isnrsquot exactly affordable in every way but if you go to Dallas and donrsquot stop by it is a sin From Gucci to Nei-mans itrsquos like a museum of designers more so than a typical mall

3 TOP DALLAS AIRBNB PICKS

1 Trendy Uptown Loft A gorgeous two story loft near all of the

cities best bars amp restaurantsDallas $160 per night

2 Private Guest House w Exposed BeamsWe canrsquot get over how gorgeous this private

guest house is Dallas $150 per night

3 Contemporary CabinThis cabin is located right next to an art museum

amp always has live music at nightDallas $90 per night

I was fortunate enough to spend the majority of my college career living in the bustling city of Raleigh North Carolina Raleigh is one of those towns that flies under the radar Itrsquos a beautiful historical area with a taste of southern charm Raleigh is a relatively in-

expensive destination with lots to see and do you just need to find the right spots

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Take an afternoon or evening stroll around Lake Johnson It is the perfect place to go for a jog take a walk with your dog or hop in one of the paddle boats and explore the peaceful sights

2 Check out the local Farmerrsquos Market based right near the NC State University campus each vendor sets up their own stand of fresh produce crafts homemade goods- itrsquos open on weekends

3 Head over to the Amphitheater at Walnut Creek Lots of summer concerts are on the list tickets are super affordable in the lawn section with a great view of the stage

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Flying Biscuit- Known for their southern made delicious buttery baked biscuits paired with just about any breakfast entree it is the happening spot for a weekend brunch

2 Cameron Bar amp Grill - An upscale looking restaurant with affordable prices for a fabulous meal they have great appetizers and unique dinner dishes to pair with any delicious choice of wine

3 Boylan Bridge Brewpub - The best place to hit up to catch a sunset the local pub sits right on the bridge that overlooks the Raleigh skyline sit outside on the terrace amp enjoy one of their many craft beers (amp cheese dip) made right there

JACQUELINE YANCHOCIK

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Fabrsquorik Fabrsquorik is a hostpot with lots of affordable clothes like bright colored maxi dresses tanks and any handbag you could pos-sibly need

2 The Impeccable Pig Looking for the perfect day dress The Impeccable Pig is the place to go the store features lots of cute floral prints in dresses tops and shorts this is your summer destination shop

3 Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique is a one stop shop for all your accessory needs from simple earrings to some diamond pieces the customerrsquos of Charlottersquos are on the cutting edge of fashion

3 TOP RALEIGH AIRBNB PICKS

1 Hotel NicaraguaSsaid to be a stop from Jack Kerouacrsquos

noteworthy book ldquoOn the Roadrdquo nestled right outside downtown Raleigh this is definitely a

historic gemRaleigh $70 per night

2 Cookiersquos Garden SuiteA 1899 bungalow located in the Oakwood

Historic District enjoy a private entrance with all the amenities yoursquoll need right by downtown

Raleigh $75 per night

3 Sallyrsquos Downtown Historic SuiteThis historic home sits in a gorgeous neighbor-hood with leafy oaks close to coffee shops and

nearby bars Raleigh $85 per night

Irsquove been living in Los Angeles for over 3 years Los Angeles is a very spread out megacity with each area diverse in restaurants activities fashion architecture and even weather I grew up on

the beach so it was only fitting that I move to the west side of LA closest to the Pacific Venice is a colorful eccentric one-of-a kind district in Los Angeles right on the Pacific Ocean

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Venice has near-perfect weather year round so biking is a common activity here Marvin Braude Bike Trail (known as The Strand) is a bike path along the Pacific shoreline starting from Malibu down through Venice all the way Redondo Beach

2 Abbot Kinney is the artsy hipster sister of Bev-erly Hillsrsquo Rodeo Drive First Friday brings the best local art fashion music and food trucks to locals and visitors alike

3 Yoga and Venice go hand in hand There are multiple studios in the Venice area with incredible instructors and a class nearly every hour

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Tasting Kitchen A very special dining experience Trendy upscale atmosphere but with a rustic twist Communal seating under the trees a creative and fresh menu that changes daily and an overall obscure charm that suits Venice to a T

2 Chop Daddyrsquos Nestled between some of the cityrsquos most well-reviewed restaurants is some of the best BBQ in Los Angeles The tastiest fried pickles Irsquove ever had

3 Kippyrsquos Non-dairy raw organic coconut cream based ice cream My favorite is the orangesicle

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Firefly - the perfect collection of house-wares gifts and clothing reflecting the effort-less and beachy Venice lifestyle

2 Principessa - their website says it best ldquooutfitting the modern flower child in a so-phisticated style that is comfortable sexy and timelessrdquo

3 Aviator Nation Quintessential Southern California style that has become an obsession for many Aviator Nation has one-of-a kind t-shirt tanks sweats and more that have that worn-in feel so soft and comfortable 3 TOP VENICE AIRBNB PICKS

1 Artistrsquos CottageAn art filled cottage in proximity to one of the

worldrsquos best beaches$140 per night

2 Stylish Venice BungalowWalk to beach shops and dining from this ro-mantic and stylish holiday bungalow in a lush

garden setting$149 per night

3 Venice Garden RetreatA guesthouse filled with treasures from the

ownersrsquo travels abroad $125 per night

BROOKE KENNEDYBROOKEEJ

My name is Becca and I fell in love with Atlanta two years ago Although I moved to Atlanta for graduate school and thought it would be temporary I have fallen for a city that could be my forever home Having to choose my favorites are going to be

hard in a city that has so much to do

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Irsquove quickly made a tradition out of going to Music Midtown Music Festival in September at Piedmont Park I had the time of my life dancing the night away with best friends listening to great bands amp the Atlanta skyline in the background

2 Brunch is the only thing that gets me out of bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings Try the 100 item Bloody bar at Front Page News or all you can eat breakfast at Grsquos near piedmont If you get up early enough try West Egg in Westside Provisions

3 For a mere ten bucks you get six samples and a beautiful pint at the Sweetwater Brewery Tour But be warned the pours are heavy

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Noche This tiny tapas bar is full of flavors in tinybites Their chef special never seems to disap-point and therersquos always a drink special (Sangria Sundays are a personal favorite)

2 Park Tavern This restaurant with its own brew-ery offers some of the best views of Atlanta They have a late night sushi special and when it rains they pour dollar beers In the winter they have a full skating rink with adult only hours (so you donrsquot trip over that kid)

3YEAH Burger My favorite burger place in the world they offer a made to order burger that quenches even the pickiest of eaters appetites

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 The Lucky Exchange This second hand store is a treasure trove of pieces some extravagant sequin dresses some office appropriate attire My best find Brand new in the box Prada Loafers for under 30$

2 The Merchant at Howell Mill Grab a cup of coffee at Octane and then cross the street to Merchant A wide array of gifts and acces-sories offer the opportunity to pick up some-thing for your friends and yourself

3 Lizard Thicket Shop this trendy boutiquefor gameday dresses in your favorite team colors or the latest shipment of Bourbon and Bowetie bracelets

3 TOP ATLANTA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Secluded TreehouseHow could a girl not want to spend the night in an adult sized treehouse nestled right in popular

neighborhood Buckhead $275 per night

2 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentMidtown is close to everything you could want to be- food culture Piedmont Park museums amp an active nightlife there is something for everyone

This is a gorgeous room in a mini-mansion $73 per night

3 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentThis apartment is in the perfect location for some-one visiting town for food drinks and shopping

$69 per night

BECCA LUCIOof Becca Marie LucioBECCAMARIELUCIO

I moved to Chicago a little over a year ago and Irsquove completely fallen in love with the city As a Midwesterner all my life Chicago offers the charms of living in the Midwest while offering

amazing big city life There are summer street festivals every weekend the best brunch spots in the area shopping galore amp hidden gems in every gorgeous neighborhood

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Taste test cupcakes around Lincoln Park (I love Sweet Mandy Brsquos and Swirlz)

2 Spend the afternoon blogging at local coffee shops like Floriole amp Heritage

3 Explore local shops in new neighborhoods ndash there are so many incredible places to explore

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Range Hidden gem in Lincoln park that boasts seasonal recipes all made fromlocal ingredients Best of all itrsquos only a few blocks from my apartment Needless to say they know me by name

2 Little Goat Diner ndash I love Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzardrsquos mid-priced diner best of all her Chicago restaurants Offering home-style recipes with a fancy twist Irsquom a big fan of everything Irsquove tried Irsquod recommend the pork belly pancake amp tira-misu shake if you stop in

3 Xoco Rick Bayless has been one of my favorite chefsfor years His lower priced concept Xoco is the perfect spot to meet friends for lunch in River North Plus Margaritas (enough said right)

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 22: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

SEE MORE FROM SARAH ATEventsUncorkedcom

EVENTSUNCORKED

Herbed Parmesan Popcorn

INGREDIENTS2 Bags Salted Natural Popcorn2 Tablespoons Butter2 Tablespoons Olive Oil1 Tablespoon Italian Herb Mixturesfrac12 Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Directions1 Pop popcorn according to box directions Pour into large mixing bowl2 In a small sauce pan melt butter olive oil and Italian herb mixture 3 Pour mixture and parmesan cheese over popcorn quickly stir-ring to combine

HOMEMADE INDIVUDUAL PIZZAS

Ingredientsfrac34 Cup Lukewarm Water1 Teaspoon Dry Active Yeast2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour1 frac12 Teaspoons Salt

Directions1 In a medium mixing bowl dissolve dry active yeast in luke-warm water 2 Add in whole wheat flour and salt to the bowl and mix un-til yoursquove formed a shaggy dough3 Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead until all combined and smooth about 5 minutes If dough begins to stick to surface or hands add additional flour4 Return to bowl and let rise about 15 hours or until doubled in size Use or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days5 Split dough in half Form each half into a ball Roll out with a rolling pin 6 Top with desired toppings and bake at 500 degrees for 5 minutes Rotate pizzas and bake for an additional 3-5 min-utes or until cheese is melted and bubbly

Vanilla Buttercream IcingIngredients2 Sticks Unsalted Butter room temperature4 Cups Powdered Sugarfrac14 Cup Heavy Cream2 frac12 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract

Directions1 Beat softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes until creamy

2 Add powdered sugar heavy cream and vanilla extract beating until thick and smooth approximately 3 minutes

3 Apply to cool cake between layers and on top Top with additional sprinkles if desired

Ingredients3 13 Cups All Purpose Flour1 Teaspoon Baking Powderfrac12 Teaspoon Baking Soda1 Teaspoon Salt2 Sticks Unsalted Butter melted1 frac12 Cups Granulated Sugarfrac12 Cup Dark Brown Sugar2 Large Eggsfrac12 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt1 frac12 Cups Milk2 Tablespoons Vanilla Extract1 13 Cup Rainbow Sprinkles (Not Non-Pareils)

Directions1 Preheat Oven to 350 degrees Spray (2) 9rdquo Round Cake Pans with non-stick spray

2 In a medium bowl mix flour baking powder baking soda and salt Set aside

3 In a large mixing bowl whisk together melted butter granulated sugar and dark brown sugar Be sure to get out any lumps

4 Whisk into sugar mixture egg milk yogurt and vanilla extract until combined

5 Slowly mix in dry ingredients until no lumps remain

6 Add sprinkles and stir till just combined being carful as to not over stir Sprinkles will begin to melt if over combined

7 Bake for 20 minutes Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 13-17 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean

8 Let cool on a wire rack completely before icing

homemade

Lake SUMMER

AT THE

Photography by Matt Engelhart

lpf style tip

canoe ridescampfiresBASEBALL CAPS

best friends

LAKE LIFE

FIREFLIES

SUMMER

SHOP THE LOOK lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $18Lizzibeth $34

Olivia Taylor $10

Lizzibeth $15

Mango $25

Sperry $85

J Crew $20

Choies $63

Lizzibeth $13

Lizzibeth $13

lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $36

Splendid $86

Tretorn $93Romwe $18

Fore

ver 2

1 $

5

Lizzibeth $20

Forever 21 $9

Lizzibeth $14

Olivia Taylor $10

Irsquom going to be completely honest with you all I dread telling people that I used to be over-weight The excess weight I carried around was a representation of some of the most unhappiest years of my life and they are hard to look back on

Growing up I was always super skinny I ate whatever I wanted when I wanted I even had trouble gaining weight at various points in my life I was downright scrawny In high school it was just me and my size zero jeans all the way through graduation Once I got to college I no-ticed a little bit of weight gain but nothing like the freshman 15 everyone was always talking about I figured I was finally filling out my womanly body

Somewhere between my junior year of col-lege and graduation in May of 2011 things changed At my peak I wore a size 14 in womenrsquos pants And not the sexy-built-to-be-curvy size 14 that Christina Mendez is rocking I Wish To say I had let myself go would be an understate-ment

When I finally acknowledged my weight and stepped on the scale I almost had a heart attack Thatrsquos probably not an exaggeration considering the lack of exercise paired with all of the fatty foods I was consuming regularly It read 178 I panicked The last time I stepped on a scale I was at the doctorrsquos office several years prior and the

number read 110 (a number far too small for my 5rsquo7rsquorsquo frame but thatrsquos another story) WHAT HAPPENED My mind was a blur trying to process those three not-so-little numbers

Luckily this happened after my workout oth-erwise Irsquom quite positive the shock would have sent me running (okay walking) out the front doors I can honestly say it was one of the most overwhelming experiences Irsquove ever had Up until that point I had let everything roll off my shoulder I ignored it all the Facebook messag-es from an ex-boyfriend calling me a fat btch the degrading hoop and holler from boys when they drove past me on the street and worst of

all I ignored the fact that my ldquofriendsrdquo were saying these terrible things about me behind my back and I was just standing by letting it happen I was fed up I made a commitment to get on track for myself

I started documenting I prefer this word to counting which is how my blog name came about (26 and Not Counting calories years flying by how many items are in my online shopping cart compared to the dollars in my bank accountyou get the gist) I started tracking calories and workouts in the myfitnesspal app committed to 5-6 workouts a week (including weight lifting which I had never done in my life) and limited my booze fests with friends (which had been going on far too often) to one night a week

Healthy is happyCOntributor Jessicarsquos Journey to a happier + Healthier self

ldquoNot only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of

negativity that coNsumed my liferdquo

It wasnrsquot as if I had never worked out before that simply wasnrsquot the case I grew up active and en-joyed spin class in my early col-lege years but I had fallen off the bandwagon

So I was working out right But what about food I hate the word diet Diet is typically defined as something you ldquogo onrdquo before a big trip and it usually means that whatever crazy thing you are doing to try and shed pounds (the grapefruit diet) will eventual-ly have an ending point I didnrsquot start drinking any crazy weight loss drink or ban everything fried but I did start watching what I ate I paid attention to my body and when it was full and aimed to eat more home cooked meals op-posed to eating out all the time

The first time someone noticed I had a lost a few pounds (8 to be exact) I nearly fell off my bar stool Yes I was at the bar cele-brating a friendrsquos birthday (I had found a happy balance and kept my social life hallelujah) The words were simple ldquoJess you are looking goodrdquo I canrsquot tell you how thankful I am to that person that they recognized the work I had been putting in

Maintaining my body will be a daily practice for the rest of my life I had to marry that thought from the get-go Til death do us part Just this past year I set out to lose another 10 pounds and

slowly but surely I reached my goal I wasnrsquot happy in my body so I fixed it and in doing so I fixed a lot of other areas in my life Irsquom proud to say that I currently weigh 131lbs Irsquove wrestled some unhealthy habits into portion controlled treats found that Irsquom a much happier person when I workout and Irsquove grown into the person I am meant to be Not only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of negativity that consumed my life

Irsquom still not where I want to be and thatrsquos okay That simply means that itrsquos time to set anoth-er goal and push myself harder than ever My hope is that if you arenrsquot happy with where yoursquore at in life whether it be your weight your job your relationship that you will love yourself enough to change the situation and create a life that makes you happy to your core

One last thing you should also know that there is such a thing as a skinny fat person Someone may appear to be skinny but that doesnrsquot necessarily mean they are healthy Being fit doesnrsquot mean fitting into a size 2 (or even 4 6 or 8) for all women (Serena Williams and Whitney Thompson are per-fect examples) Just because some-one appears to be ldquofatrdquo doesnrsquot mean they canrsquot outrun you Be kind and encouraging toward oth-er people and especially yourself

happy jessICArsquosfitnessjourney

Jess- 2011

Jess- 2014

HAIR SPRAY

BEACH BABE HAIR SPRAY14 C WATER

1 TBSP SEA SALT

1 TBSP HAIR GEL

2 DROPS ARGAN OIL OR CONDITIONER

POUR INGREDIENTS INTO TRAVEL SIZE SPRAY BOTTLE + SHAKE WELL

HAIR SPRAY

SPRAY ONTODAMP HAIR +

SCRUNCH FOR BEST BEACHY

WAVE RESULTS

The

GUIDELPF MAG CONTRIBUTORS SHARE A LOCALrsquos GUIDE TO THEIR CITIES

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO -

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO

Irsquom Katey a style blogger with Chronicles of Frivolity living as a Dallasite No we donrsquot ride horses to the mall and everything really is

bigger from our Margaritas to our eyelashes

1 Eat Dallas has more restaurants per capita than anywhere in America seriously We eat so well

2 Shop Dallas ALSO has more Shopping centers per capita than anywhere in America Itrsquos absurd

3 Marg Everywhere you look you are 10 feet from a patio with chips salsa and the best margarita yoursquove ever had 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Hattiersquos Hattiersquos is southern food with LA-white deacutecor You can enjoy Bacon-Wrapped Fried Oys-ters and Macaroni and Cheese Crusted Filet while sipping a Sweet Tea Martini

2 Stampede 66 Stampede 66 wins best margari-ta every year (The Modern Star Canyon) and The Butterscotch Pudding is worth gaining 20 pounds for

3 Saint Ann Saint Ann has one of the most beau-tiful patios in Dallas and I could probably have The Skinny Basil Lemonade and Salmon every meal of my life

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

KATEY MCFARLANof Chronicles of Frivolity

KATEYMCFARLAN

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Milk amp Honey Boutique Milk amp Honey Bou-tique might be the most affordable and unique boutique in Dallas PS go to the back room everything is on sale and there are a million size options

2 Movida Boutique Movida Boutique has the most beautiful bright pieces a neon pink or chartreuse blazer Under $40 Yes marsquoam

3 Northpark Mall Northpark Mall isnrsquot exactly affordable in every way but if you go to Dallas and donrsquot stop by it is a sin From Gucci to Nei-mans itrsquos like a museum of designers more so than a typical mall

3 TOP DALLAS AIRBNB PICKS

1 Trendy Uptown Loft A gorgeous two story loft near all of the

cities best bars amp restaurantsDallas $160 per night

2 Private Guest House w Exposed BeamsWe canrsquot get over how gorgeous this private

guest house is Dallas $150 per night

3 Contemporary CabinThis cabin is located right next to an art museum

amp always has live music at nightDallas $90 per night

I was fortunate enough to spend the majority of my college career living in the bustling city of Raleigh North Carolina Raleigh is one of those towns that flies under the radar Itrsquos a beautiful historical area with a taste of southern charm Raleigh is a relatively in-

expensive destination with lots to see and do you just need to find the right spots

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Take an afternoon or evening stroll around Lake Johnson It is the perfect place to go for a jog take a walk with your dog or hop in one of the paddle boats and explore the peaceful sights

2 Check out the local Farmerrsquos Market based right near the NC State University campus each vendor sets up their own stand of fresh produce crafts homemade goods- itrsquos open on weekends

3 Head over to the Amphitheater at Walnut Creek Lots of summer concerts are on the list tickets are super affordable in the lawn section with a great view of the stage

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Flying Biscuit- Known for their southern made delicious buttery baked biscuits paired with just about any breakfast entree it is the happening spot for a weekend brunch

2 Cameron Bar amp Grill - An upscale looking restaurant with affordable prices for a fabulous meal they have great appetizers and unique dinner dishes to pair with any delicious choice of wine

3 Boylan Bridge Brewpub - The best place to hit up to catch a sunset the local pub sits right on the bridge that overlooks the Raleigh skyline sit outside on the terrace amp enjoy one of their many craft beers (amp cheese dip) made right there

JACQUELINE YANCHOCIK

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Fabrsquorik Fabrsquorik is a hostpot with lots of affordable clothes like bright colored maxi dresses tanks and any handbag you could pos-sibly need

2 The Impeccable Pig Looking for the perfect day dress The Impeccable Pig is the place to go the store features lots of cute floral prints in dresses tops and shorts this is your summer destination shop

3 Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique is a one stop shop for all your accessory needs from simple earrings to some diamond pieces the customerrsquos of Charlottersquos are on the cutting edge of fashion

3 TOP RALEIGH AIRBNB PICKS

1 Hotel NicaraguaSsaid to be a stop from Jack Kerouacrsquos

noteworthy book ldquoOn the Roadrdquo nestled right outside downtown Raleigh this is definitely a

historic gemRaleigh $70 per night

2 Cookiersquos Garden SuiteA 1899 bungalow located in the Oakwood

Historic District enjoy a private entrance with all the amenities yoursquoll need right by downtown

Raleigh $75 per night

3 Sallyrsquos Downtown Historic SuiteThis historic home sits in a gorgeous neighbor-hood with leafy oaks close to coffee shops and

nearby bars Raleigh $85 per night

Irsquove been living in Los Angeles for over 3 years Los Angeles is a very spread out megacity with each area diverse in restaurants activities fashion architecture and even weather I grew up on

the beach so it was only fitting that I move to the west side of LA closest to the Pacific Venice is a colorful eccentric one-of-a kind district in Los Angeles right on the Pacific Ocean

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Venice has near-perfect weather year round so biking is a common activity here Marvin Braude Bike Trail (known as The Strand) is a bike path along the Pacific shoreline starting from Malibu down through Venice all the way Redondo Beach

2 Abbot Kinney is the artsy hipster sister of Bev-erly Hillsrsquo Rodeo Drive First Friday brings the best local art fashion music and food trucks to locals and visitors alike

3 Yoga and Venice go hand in hand There are multiple studios in the Venice area with incredible instructors and a class nearly every hour

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Tasting Kitchen A very special dining experience Trendy upscale atmosphere but with a rustic twist Communal seating under the trees a creative and fresh menu that changes daily and an overall obscure charm that suits Venice to a T

2 Chop Daddyrsquos Nestled between some of the cityrsquos most well-reviewed restaurants is some of the best BBQ in Los Angeles The tastiest fried pickles Irsquove ever had

3 Kippyrsquos Non-dairy raw organic coconut cream based ice cream My favorite is the orangesicle

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Firefly - the perfect collection of house-wares gifts and clothing reflecting the effort-less and beachy Venice lifestyle

2 Principessa - their website says it best ldquooutfitting the modern flower child in a so-phisticated style that is comfortable sexy and timelessrdquo

3 Aviator Nation Quintessential Southern California style that has become an obsession for many Aviator Nation has one-of-a kind t-shirt tanks sweats and more that have that worn-in feel so soft and comfortable 3 TOP VENICE AIRBNB PICKS

1 Artistrsquos CottageAn art filled cottage in proximity to one of the

worldrsquos best beaches$140 per night

2 Stylish Venice BungalowWalk to beach shops and dining from this ro-mantic and stylish holiday bungalow in a lush

garden setting$149 per night

3 Venice Garden RetreatA guesthouse filled with treasures from the

ownersrsquo travels abroad $125 per night

BROOKE KENNEDYBROOKEEJ

My name is Becca and I fell in love with Atlanta two years ago Although I moved to Atlanta for graduate school and thought it would be temporary I have fallen for a city that could be my forever home Having to choose my favorites are going to be

hard in a city that has so much to do

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Irsquove quickly made a tradition out of going to Music Midtown Music Festival in September at Piedmont Park I had the time of my life dancing the night away with best friends listening to great bands amp the Atlanta skyline in the background

2 Brunch is the only thing that gets me out of bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings Try the 100 item Bloody bar at Front Page News or all you can eat breakfast at Grsquos near piedmont If you get up early enough try West Egg in Westside Provisions

3 For a mere ten bucks you get six samples and a beautiful pint at the Sweetwater Brewery Tour But be warned the pours are heavy

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Noche This tiny tapas bar is full of flavors in tinybites Their chef special never seems to disap-point and therersquos always a drink special (Sangria Sundays are a personal favorite)

2 Park Tavern This restaurant with its own brew-ery offers some of the best views of Atlanta They have a late night sushi special and when it rains they pour dollar beers In the winter they have a full skating rink with adult only hours (so you donrsquot trip over that kid)

3YEAH Burger My favorite burger place in the world they offer a made to order burger that quenches even the pickiest of eaters appetites

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 The Lucky Exchange This second hand store is a treasure trove of pieces some extravagant sequin dresses some office appropriate attire My best find Brand new in the box Prada Loafers for under 30$

2 The Merchant at Howell Mill Grab a cup of coffee at Octane and then cross the street to Merchant A wide array of gifts and acces-sories offer the opportunity to pick up some-thing for your friends and yourself

3 Lizard Thicket Shop this trendy boutiquefor gameday dresses in your favorite team colors or the latest shipment of Bourbon and Bowetie bracelets

3 TOP ATLANTA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Secluded TreehouseHow could a girl not want to spend the night in an adult sized treehouse nestled right in popular

neighborhood Buckhead $275 per night

2 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentMidtown is close to everything you could want to be- food culture Piedmont Park museums amp an active nightlife there is something for everyone

This is a gorgeous room in a mini-mansion $73 per night

3 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentThis apartment is in the perfect location for some-one visiting town for food drinks and shopping

$69 per night

BECCA LUCIOof Becca Marie LucioBECCAMARIELUCIO

I moved to Chicago a little over a year ago and Irsquove completely fallen in love with the city As a Midwesterner all my life Chicago offers the charms of living in the Midwest while offering

amazing big city life There are summer street festivals every weekend the best brunch spots in the area shopping galore amp hidden gems in every gorgeous neighborhood

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Taste test cupcakes around Lincoln Park (I love Sweet Mandy Brsquos and Swirlz)

2 Spend the afternoon blogging at local coffee shops like Floriole amp Heritage

3 Explore local shops in new neighborhoods ndash there are so many incredible places to explore

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Range Hidden gem in Lincoln park that boasts seasonal recipes all made fromlocal ingredients Best of all itrsquos only a few blocks from my apartment Needless to say they know me by name

2 Little Goat Diner ndash I love Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzardrsquos mid-priced diner best of all her Chicago restaurants Offering home-style recipes with a fancy twist Irsquom a big fan of everything Irsquove tried Irsquod recommend the pork belly pancake amp tira-misu shake if you stop in

3 Xoco Rick Bayless has been one of my favorite chefsfor years His lower priced concept Xoco is the perfect spot to meet friends for lunch in River North Plus Margaritas (enough said right)

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 23: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

Herbed Parmesan Popcorn

INGREDIENTS2 Bags Salted Natural Popcorn2 Tablespoons Butter2 Tablespoons Olive Oil1 Tablespoon Italian Herb Mixturesfrac12 Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Directions1 Pop popcorn according to box directions Pour into large mixing bowl2 In a small sauce pan melt butter olive oil and Italian herb mixture 3 Pour mixture and parmesan cheese over popcorn quickly stir-ring to combine

HOMEMADE INDIVUDUAL PIZZAS

Ingredientsfrac34 Cup Lukewarm Water1 Teaspoon Dry Active Yeast2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour1 frac12 Teaspoons Salt

Directions1 In a medium mixing bowl dissolve dry active yeast in luke-warm water 2 Add in whole wheat flour and salt to the bowl and mix un-til yoursquove formed a shaggy dough3 Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead until all combined and smooth about 5 minutes If dough begins to stick to surface or hands add additional flour4 Return to bowl and let rise about 15 hours or until doubled in size Use or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days5 Split dough in half Form each half into a ball Roll out with a rolling pin 6 Top with desired toppings and bake at 500 degrees for 5 minutes Rotate pizzas and bake for an additional 3-5 min-utes or until cheese is melted and bubbly

Vanilla Buttercream IcingIngredients2 Sticks Unsalted Butter room temperature4 Cups Powdered Sugarfrac14 Cup Heavy Cream2 frac12 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract

Directions1 Beat softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes until creamy

2 Add powdered sugar heavy cream and vanilla extract beating until thick and smooth approximately 3 minutes

3 Apply to cool cake between layers and on top Top with additional sprinkles if desired

Ingredients3 13 Cups All Purpose Flour1 Teaspoon Baking Powderfrac12 Teaspoon Baking Soda1 Teaspoon Salt2 Sticks Unsalted Butter melted1 frac12 Cups Granulated Sugarfrac12 Cup Dark Brown Sugar2 Large Eggsfrac12 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt1 frac12 Cups Milk2 Tablespoons Vanilla Extract1 13 Cup Rainbow Sprinkles (Not Non-Pareils)

Directions1 Preheat Oven to 350 degrees Spray (2) 9rdquo Round Cake Pans with non-stick spray

2 In a medium bowl mix flour baking powder baking soda and salt Set aside

3 In a large mixing bowl whisk together melted butter granulated sugar and dark brown sugar Be sure to get out any lumps

4 Whisk into sugar mixture egg milk yogurt and vanilla extract until combined

5 Slowly mix in dry ingredients until no lumps remain

6 Add sprinkles and stir till just combined being carful as to not over stir Sprinkles will begin to melt if over combined

7 Bake for 20 minutes Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 13-17 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean

8 Let cool on a wire rack completely before icing

homemade

Lake SUMMER

AT THE

Photography by Matt Engelhart

lpf style tip

canoe ridescampfiresBASEBALL CAPS

best friends

LAKE LIFE

FIREFLIES

SUMMER

SHOP THE LOOK lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $18Lizzibeth $34

Olivia Taylor $10

Lizzibeth $15

Mango $25

Sperry $85

J Crew $20

Choies $63

Lizzibeth $13

Lizzibeth $13

lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $36

Splendid $86

Tretorn $93Romwe $18

Fore

ver 2

1 $

5

Lizzibeth $20

Forever 21 $9

Lizzibeth $14

Olivia Taylor $10

Irsquom going to be completely honest with you all I dread telling people that I used to be over-weight The excess weight I carried around was a representation of some of the most unhappiest years of my life and they are hard to look back on

Growing up I was always super skinny I ate whatever I wanted when I wanted I even had trouble gaining weight at various points in my life I was downright scrawny In high school it was just me and my size zero jeans all the way through graduation Once I got to college I no-ticed a little bit of weight gain but nothing like the freshman 15 everyone was always talking about I figured I was finally filling out my womanly body

Somewhere between my junior year of col-lege and graduation in May of 2011 things changed At my peak I wore a size 14 in womenrsquos pants And not the sexy-built-to-be-curvy size 14 that Christina Mendez is rocking I Wish To say I had let myself go would be an understate-ment

When I finally acknowledged my weight and stepped on the scale I almost had a heart attack Thatrsquos probably not an exaggeration considering the lack of exercise paired with all of the fatty foods I was consuming regularly It read 178 I panicked The last time I stepped on a scale I was at the doctorrsquos office several years prior and the

number read 110 (a number far too small for my 5rsquo7rsquorsquo frame but thatrsquos another story) WHAT HAPPENED My mind was a blur trying to process those three not-so-little numbers

Luckily this happened after my workout oth-erwise Irsquom quite positive the shock would have sent me running (okay walking) out the front doors I can honestly say it was one of the most overwhelming experiences Irsquove ever had Up until that point I had let everything roll off my shoulder I ignored it all the Facebook messag-es from an ex-boyfriend calling me a fat btch the degrading hoop and holler from boys when they drove past me on the street and worst of

all I ignored the fact that my ldquofriendsrdquo were saying these terrible things about me behind my back and I was just standing by letting it happen I was fed up I made a commitment to get on track for myself

I started documenting I prefer this word to counting which is how my blog name came about (26 and Not Counting calories years flying by how many items are in my online shopping cart compared to the dollars in my bank accountyou get the gist) I started tracking calories and workouts in the myfitnesspal app committed to 5-6 workouts a week (including weight lifting which I had never done in my life) and limited my booze fests with friends (which had been going on far too often) to one night a week

Healthy is happyCOntributor Jessicarsquos Journey to a happier + Healthier self

ldquoNot only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of

negativity that coNsumed my liferdquo

It wasnrsquot as if I had never worked out before that simply wasnrsquot the case I grew up active and en-joyed spin class in my early col-lege years but I had fallen off the bandwagon

So I was working out right But what about food I hate the word diet Diet is typically defined as something you ldquogo onrdquo before a big trip and it usually means that whatever crazy thing you are doing to try and shed pounds (the grapefruit diet) will eventual-ly have an ending point I didnrsquot start drinking any crazy weight loss drink or ban everything fried but I did start watching what I ate I paid attention to my body and when it was full and aimed to eat more home cooked meals op-posed to eating out all the time

The first time someone noticed I had a lost a few pounds (8 to be exact) I nearly fell off my bar stool Yes I was at the bar cele-brating a friendrsquos birthday (I had found a happy balance and kept my social life hallelujah) The words were simple ldquoJess you are looking goodrdquo I canrsquot tell you how thankful I am to that person that they recognized the work I had been putting in

Maintaining my body will be a daily practice for the rest of my life I had to marry that thought from the get-go Til death do us part Just this past year I set out to lose another 10 pounds and

slowly but surely I reached my goal I wasnrsquot happy in my body so I fixed it and in doing so I fixed a lot of other areas in my life Irsquom proud to say that I currently weigh 131lbs Irsquove wrestled some unhealthy habits into portion controlled treats found that Irsquom a much happier person when I workout and Irsquove grown into the person I am meant to be Not only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of negativity that consumed my life

Irsquom still not where I want to be and thatrsquos okay That simply means that itrsquos time to set anoth-er goal and push myself harder than ever My hope is that if you arenrsquot happy with where yoursquore at in life whether it be your weight your job your relationship that you will love yourself enough to change the situation and create a life that makes you happy to your core

One last thing you should also know that there is such a thing as a skinny fat person Someone may appear to be skinny but that doesnrsquot necessarily mean they are healthy Being fit doesnrsquot mean fitting into a size 2 (or even 4 6 or 8) for all women (Serena Williams and Whitney Thompson are per-fect examples) Just because some-one appears to be ldquofatrdquo doesnrsquot mean they canrsquot outrun you Be kind and encouraging toward oth-er people and especially yourself

happy jessICArsquosfitnessjourney

Jess- 2011

Jess- 2014

HAIR SPRAY

BEACH BABE HAIR SPRAY14 C WATER

1 TBSP SEA SALT

1 TBSP HAIR GEL

2 DROPS ARGAN OIL OR CONDITIONER

POUR INGREDIENTS INTO TRAVEL SIZE SPRAY BOTTLE + SHAKE WELL

HAIR SPRAY

SPRAY ONTODAMP HAIR +

SCRUNCH FOR BEST BEACHY

WAVE RESULTS

The

GUIDELPF MAG CONTRIBUTORS SHARE A LOCALrsquos GUIDE TO THEIR CITIES

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO -

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO

Irsquom Katey a style blogger with Chronicles of Frivolity living as a Dallasite No we donrsquot ride horses to the mall and everything really is

bigger from our Margaritas to our eyelashes

1 Eat Dallas has more restaurants per capita than anywhere in America seriously We eat so well

2 Shop Dallas ALSO has more Shopping centers per capita than anywhere in America Itrsquos absurd

3 Marg Everywhere you look you are 10 feet from a patio with chips salsa and the best margarita yoursquove ever had 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Hattiersquos Hattiersquos is southern food with LA-white deacutecor You can enjoy Bacon-Wrapped Fried Oys-ters and Macaroni and Cheese Crusted Filet while sipping a Sweet Tea Martini

2 Stampede 66 Stampede 66 wins best margari-ta every year (The Modern Star Canyon) and The Butterscotch Pudding is worth gaining 20 pounds for

3 Saint Ann Saint Ann has one of the most beau-tiful patios in Dallas and I could probably have The Skinny Basil Lemonade and Salmon every meal of my life

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

KATEY MCFARLANof Chronicles of Frivolity

KATEYMCFARLAN

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Milk amp Honey Boutique Milk amp Honey Bou-tique might be the most affordable and unique boutique in Dallas PS go to the back room everything is on sale and there are a million size options

2 Movida Boutique Movida Boutique has the most beautiful bright pieces a neon pink or chartreuse blazer Under $40 Yes marsquoam

3 Northpark Mall Northpark Mall isnrsquot exactly affordable in every way but if you go to Dallas and donrsquot stop by it is a sin From Gucci to Nei-mans itrsquos like a museum of designers more so than a typical mall

3 TOP DALLAS AIRBNB PICKS

1 Trendy Uptown Loft A gorgeous two story loft near all of the

cities best bars amp restaurantsDallas $160 per night

2 Private Guest House w Exposed BeamsWe canrsquot get over how gorgeous this private

guest house is Dallas $150 per night

3 Contemporary CabinThis cabin is located right next to an art museum

amp always has live music at nightDallas $90 per night

I was fortunate enough to spend the majority of my college career living in the bustling city of Raleigh North Carolina Raleigh is one of those towns that flies under the radar Itrsquos a beautiful historical area with a taste of southern charm Raleigh is a relatively in-

expensive destination with lots to see and do you just need to find the right spots

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Take an afternoon or evening stroll around Lake Johnson It is the perfect place to go for a jog take a walk with your dog or hop in one of the paddle boats and explore the peaceful sights

2 Check out the local Farmerrsquos Market based right near the NC State University campus each vendor sets up their own stand of fresh produce crafts homemade goods- itrsquos open on weekends

3 Head over to the Amphitheater at Walnut Creek Lots of summer concerts are on the list tickets are super affordable in the lawn section with a great view of the stage

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Flying Biscuit- Known for their southern made delicious buttery baked biscuits paired with just about any breakfast entree it is the happening spot for a weekend brunch

2 Cameron Bar amp Grill - An upscale looking restaurant with affordable prices for a fabulous meal they have great appetizers and unique dinner dishes to pair with any delicious choice of wine

3 Boylan Bridge Brewpub - The best place to hit up to catch a sunset the local pub sits right on the bridge that overlooks the Raleigh skyline sit outside on the terrace amp enjoy one of their many craft beers (amp cheese dip) made right there

JACQUELINE YANCHOCIK

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Fabrsquorik Fabrsquorik is a hostpot with lots of affordable clothes like bright colored maxi dresses tanks and any handbag you could pos-sibly need

2 The Impeccable Pig Looking for the perfect day dress The Impeccable Pig is the place to go the store features lots of cute floral prints in dresses tops and shorts this is your summer destination shop

3 Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique is a one stop shop for all your accessory needs from simple earrings to some diamond pieces the customerrsquos of Charlottersquos are on the cutting edge of fashion

3 TOP RALEIGH AIRBNB PICKS

1 Hotel NicaraguaSsaid to be a stop from Jack Kerouacrsquos

noteworthy book ldquoOn the Roadrdquo nestled right outside downtown Raleigh this is definitely a

historic gemRaleigh $70 per night

2 Cookiersquos Garden SuiteA 1899 bungalow located in the Oakwood

Historic District enjoy a private entrance with all the amenities yoursquoll need right by downtown

Raleigh $75 per night

3 Sallyrsquos Downtown Historic SuiteThis historic home sits in a gorgeous neighbor-hood with leafy oaks close to coffee shops and

nearby bars Raleigh $85 per night

Irsquove been living in Los Angeles for over 3 years Los Angeles is a very spread out megacity with each area diverse in restaurants activities fashion architecture and even weather I grew up on

the beach so it was only fitting that I move to the west side of LA closest to the Pacific Venice is a colorful eccentric one-of-a kind district in Los Angeles right on the Pacific Ocean

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Venice has near-perfect weather year round so biking is a common activity here Marvin Braude Bike Trail (known as The Strand) is a bike path along the Pacific shoreline starting from Malibu down through Venice all the way Redondo Beach

2 Abbot Kinney is the artsy hipster sister of Bev-erly Hillsrsquo Rodeo Drive First Friday brings the best local art fashion music and food trucks to locals and visitors alike

3 Yoga and Venice go hand in hand There are multiple studios in the Venice area with incredible instructors and a class nearly every hour

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Tasting Kitchen A very special dining experience Trendy upscale atmosphere but with a rustic twist Communal seating under the trees a creative and fresh menu that changes daily and an overall obscure charm that suits Venice to a T

2 Chop Daddyrsquos Nestled between some of the cityrsquos most well-reviewed restaurants is some of the best BBQ in Los Angeles The tastiest fried pickles Irsquove ever had

3 Kippyrsquos Non-dairy raw organic coconut cream based ice cream My favorite is the orangesicle

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Firefly - the perfect collection of house-wares gifts and clothing reflecting the effort-less and beachy Venice lifestyle

2 Principessa - their website says it best ldquooutfitting the modern flower child in a so-phisticated style that is comfortable sexy and timelessrdquo

3 Aviator Nation Quintessential Southern California style that has become an obsession for many Aviator Nation has one-of-a kind t-shirt tanks sweats and more that have that worn-in feel so soft and comfortable 3 TOP VENICE AIRBNB PICKS

1 Artistrsquos CottageAn art filled cottage in proximity to one of the

worldrsquos best beaches$140 per night

2 Stylish Venice BungalowWalk to beach shops and dining from this ro-mantic and stylish holiday bungalow in a lush

garden setting$149 per night

3 Venice Garden RetreatA guesthouse filled with treasures from the

ownersrsquo travels abroad $125 per night

BROOKE KENNEDYBROOKEEJ

My name is Becca and I fell in love with Atlanta two years ago Although I moved to Atlanta for graduate school and thought it would be temporary I have fallen for a city that could be my forever home Having to choose my favorites are going to be

hard in a city that has so much to do

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Irsquove quickly made a tradition out of going to Music Midtown Music Festival in September at Piedmont Park I had the time of my life dancing the night away with best friends listening to great bands amp the Atlanta skyline in the background

2 Brunch is the only thing that gets me out of bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings Try the 100 item Bloody bar at Front Page News or all you can eat breakfast at Grsquos near piedmont If you get up early enough try West Egg in Westside Provisions

3 For a mere ten bucks you get six samples and a beautiful pint at the Sweetwater Brewery Tour But be warned the pours are heavy

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Noche This tiny tapas bar is full of flavors in tinybites Their chef special never seems to disap-point and therersquos always a drink special (Sangria Sundays are a personal favorite)

2 Park Tavern This restaurant with its own brew-ery offers some of the best views of Atlanta They have a late night sushi special and when it rains they pour dollar beers In the winter they have a full skating rink with adult only hours (so you donrsquot trip over that kid)

3YEAH Burger My favorite burger place in the world they offer a made to order burger that quenches even the pickiest of eaters appetites

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 The Lucky Exchange This second hand store is a treasure trove of pieces some extravagant sequin dresses some office appropriate attire My best find Brand new in the box Prada Loafers for under 30$

2 The Merchant at Howell Mill Grab a cup of coffee at Octane and then cross the street to Merchant A wide array of gifts and acces-sories offer the opportunity to pick up some-thing for your friends and yourself

3 Lizard Thicket Shop this trendy boutiquefor gameday dresses in your favorite team colors or the latest shipment of Bourbon and Bowetie bracelets

3 TOP ATLANTA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Secluded TreehouseHow could a girl not want to spend the night in an adult sized treehouse nestled right in popular

neighborhood Buckhead $275 per night

2 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentMidtown is close to everything you could want to be- food culture Piedmont Park museums amp an active nightlife there is something for everyone

This is a gorgeous room in a mini-mansion $73 per night

3 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentThis apartment is in the perfect location for some-one visiting town for food drinks and shopping

$69 per night

BECCA LUCIOof Becca Marie LucioBECCAMARIELUCIO

I moved to Chicago a little over a year ago and Irsquove completely fallen in love with the city As a Midwesterner all my life Chicago offers the charms of living in the Midwest while offering

amazing big city life There are summer street festivals every weekend the best brunch spots in the area shopping galore amp hidden gems in every gorgeous neighborhood

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Taste test cupcakes around Lincoln Park (I love Sweet Mandy Brsquos and Swirlz)

2 Spend the afternoon blogging at local coffee shops like Floriole amp Heritage

3 Explore local shops in new neighborhoods ndash there are so many incredible places to explore

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Range Hidden gem in Lincoln park that boasts seasonal recipes all made fromlocal ingredients Best of all itrsquos only a few blocks from my apartment Needless to say they know me by name

2 Little Goat Diner ndash I love Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzardrsquos mid-priced diner best of all her Chicago restaurants Offering home-style recipes with a fancy twist Irsquom a big fan of everything Irsquove tried Irsquod recommend the pork belly pancake amp tira-misu shake if you stop in

3 Xoco Rick Bayless has been one of my favorite chefsfor years His lower priced concept Xoco is the perfect spot to meet friends for lunch in River North Plus Margaritas (enough said right)

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 24: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

HOMEMADE INDIVUDUAL PIZZAS

Ingredientsfrac34 Cup Lukewarm Water1 Teaspoon Dry Active Yeast2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour1 frac12 Teaspoons Salt

Directions1 In a medium mixing bowl dissolve dry active yeast in luke-warm water 2 Add in whole wheat flour and salt to the bowl and mix un-til yoursquove formed a shaggy dough3 Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead until all combined and smooth about 5 minutes If dough begins to stick to surface or hands add additional flour4 Return to bowl and let rise about 15 hours or until doubled in size Use or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days5 Split dough in half Form each half into a ball Roll out with a rolling pin 6 Top with desired toppings and bake at 500 degrees for 5 minutes Rotate pizzas and bake for an additional 3-5 min-utes or until cheese is melted and bubbly

Vanilla Buttercream IcingIngredients2 Sticks Unsalted Butter room temperature4 Cups Powdered Sugarfrac14 Cup Heavy Cream2 frac12 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract

Directions1 Beat softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes until creamy

2 Add powdered sugar heavy cream and vanilla extract beating until thick and smooth approximately 3 minutes

3 Apply to cool cake between layers and on top Top with additional sprinkles if desired

Ingredients3 13 Cups All Purpose Flour1 Teaspoon Baking Powderfrac12 Teaspoon Baking Soda1 Teaspoon Salt2 Sticks Unsalted Butter melted1 frac12 Cups Granulated Sugarfrac12 Cup Dark Brown Sugar2 Large Eggsfrac12 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt1 frac12 Cups Milk2 Tablespoons Vanilla Extract1 13 Cup Rainbow Sprinkles (Not Non-Pareils)

Directions1 Preheat Oven to 350 degrees Spray (2) 9rdquo Round Cake Pans with non-stick spray

2 In a medium bowl mix flour baking powder baking soda and salt Set aside

3 In a large mixing bowl whisk together melted butter granulated sugar and dark brown sugar Be sure to get out any lumps

4 Whisk into sugar mixture egg milk yogurt and vanilla extract until combined

5 Slowly mix in dry ingredients until no lumps remain

6 Add sprinkles and stir till just combined being carful as to not over stir Sprinkles will begin to melt if over combined

7 Bake for 20 minutes Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 13-17 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean

8 Let cool on a wire rack completely before icing

homemade

Lake SUMMER

AT THE

Photography by Matt Engelhart

lpf style tip

canoe ridescampfiresBASEBALL CAPS

best friends

LAKE LIFE

FIREFLIES

SUMMER

SHOP THE LOOK lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $18Lizzibeth $34

Olivia Taylor $10

Lizzibeth $15

Mango $25

Sperry $85

J Crew $20

Choies $63

Lizzibeth $13

Lizzibeth $13

lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $36

Splendid $86

Tretorn $93Romwe $18

Fore

ver 2

1 $

5

Lizzibeth $20

Forever 21 $9

Lizzibeth $14

Olivia Taylor $10

Irsquom going to be completely honest with you all I dread telling people that I used to be over-weight The excess weight I carried around was a representation of some of the most unhappiest years of my life and they are hard to look back on

Growing up I was always super skinny I ate whatever I wanted when I wanted I even had trouble gaining weight at various points in my life I was downright scrawny In high school it was just me and my size zero jeans all the way through graduation Once I got to college I no-ticed a little bit of weight gain but nothing like the freshman 15 everyone was always talking about I figured I was finally filling out my womanly body

Somewhere between my junior year of col-lege and graduation in May of 2011 things changed At my peak I wore a size 14 in womenrsquos pants And not the sexy-built-to-be-curvy size 14 that Christina Mendez is rocking I Wish To say I had let myself go would be an understate-ment

When I finally acknowledged my weight and stepped on the scale I almost had a heart attack Thatrsquos probably not an exaggeration considering the lack of exercise paired with all of the fatty foods I was consuming regularly It read 178 I panicked The last time I stepped on a scale I was at the doctorrsquos office several years prior and the

number read 110 (a number far too small for my 5rsquo7rsquorsquo frame but thatrsquos another story) WHAT HAPPENED My mind was a blur trying to process those three not-so-little numbers

Luckily this happened after my workout oth-erwise Irsquom quite positive the shock would have sent me running (okay walking) out the front doors I can honestly say it was one of the most overwhelming experiences Irsquove ever had Up until that point I had let everything roll off my shoulder I ignored it all the Facebook messag-es from an ex-boyfriend calling me a fat btch the degrading hoop and holler from boys when they drove past me on the street and worst of

all I ignored the fact that my ldquofriendsrdquo were saying these terrible things about me behind my back and I was just standing by letting it happen I was fed up I made a commitment to get on track for myself

I started documenting I prefer this word to counting which is how my blog name came about (26 and Not Counting calories years flying by how many items are in my online shopping cart compared to the dollars in my bank accountyou get the gist) I started tracking calories and workouts in the myfitnesspal app committed to 5-6 workouts a week (including weight lifting which I had never done in my life) and limited my booze fests with friends (which had been going on far too often) to one night a week

Healthy is happyCOntributor Jessicarsquos Journey to a happier + Healthier self

ldquoNot only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of

negativity that coNsumed my liferdquo

It wasnrsquot as if I had never worked out before that simply wasnrsquot the case I grew up active and en-joyed spin class in my early col-lege years but I had fallen off the bandwagon

So I was working out right But what about food I hate the word diet Diet is typically defined as something you ldquogo onrdquo before a big trip and it usually means that whatever crazy thing you are doing to try and shed pounds (the grapefruit diet) will eventual-ly have an ending point I didnrsquot start drinking any crazy weight loss drink or ban everything fried but I did start watching what I ate I paid attention to my body and when it was full and aimed to eat more home cooked meals op-posed to eating out all the time

The first time someone noticed I had a lost a few pounds (8 to be exact) I nearly fell off my bar stool Yes I was at the bar cele-brating a friendrsquos birthday (I had found a happy balance and kept my social life hallelujah) The words were simple ldquoJess you are looking goodrdquo I canrsquot tell you how thankful I am to that person that they recognized the work I had been putting in

Maintaining my body will be a daily practice for the rest of my life I had to marry that thought from the get-go Til death do us part Just this past year I set out to lose another 10 pounds and

slowly but surely I reached my goal I wasnrsquot happy in my body so I fixed it and in doing so I fixed a lot of other areas in my life Irsquom proud to say that I currently weigh 131lbs Irsquove wrestled some unhealthy habits into portion controlled treats found that Irsquom a much happier person when I workout and Irsquove grown into the person I am meant to be Not only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of negativity that consumed my life

Irsquom still not where I want to be and thatrsquos okay That simply means that itrsquos time to set anoth-er goal and push myself harder than ever My hope is that if you arenrsquot happy with where yoursquore at in life whether it be your weight your job your relationship that you will love yourself enough to change the situation and create a life that makes you happy to your core

One last thing you should also know that there is such a thing as a skinny fat person Someone may appear to be skinny but that doesnrsquot necessarily mean they are healthy Being fit doesnrsquot mean fitting into a size 2 (or even 4 6 or 8) for all women (Serena Williams and Whitney Thompson are per-fect examples) Just because some-one appears to be ldquofatrdquo doesnrsquot mean they canrsquot outrun you Be kind and encouraging toward oth-er people and especially yourself

happy jessICArsquosfitnessjourney

Jess- 2011

Jess- 2014

HAIR SPRAY

BEACH BABE HAIR SPRAY14 C WATER

1 TBSP SEA SALT

1 TBSP HAIR GEL

2 DROPS ARGAN OIL OR CONDITIONER

POUR INGREDIENTS INTO TRAVEL SIZE SPRAY BOTTLE + SHAKE WELL

HAIR SPRAY

SPRAY ONTODAMP HAIR +

SCRUNCH FOR BEST BEACHY

WAVE RESULTS

The

GUIDELPF MAG CONTRIBUTORS SHARE A LOCALrsquos GUIDE TO THEIR CITIES

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO -

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO

Irsquom Katey a style blogger with Chronicles of Frivolity living as a Dallasite No we donrsquot ride horses to the mall and everything really is

bigger from our Margaritas to our eyelashes

1 Eat Dallas has more restaurants per capita than anywhere in America seriously We eat so well

2 Shop Dallas ALSO has more Shopping centers per capita than anywhere in America Itrsquos absurd

3 Marg Everywhere you look you are 10 feet from a patio with chips salsa and the best margarita yoursquove ever had 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Hattiersquos Hattiersquos is southern food with LA-white deacutecor You can enjoy Bacon-Wrapped Fried Oys-ters and Macaroni and Cheese Crusted Filet while sipping a Sweet Tea Martini

2 Stampede 66 Stampede 66 wins best margari-ta every year (The Modern Star Canyon) and The Butterscotch Pudding is worth gaining 20 pounds for

3 Saint Ann Saint Ann has one of the most beau-tiful patios in Dallas and I could probably have The Skinny Basil Lemonade and Salmon every meal of my life

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

KATEY MCFARLANof Chronicles of Frivolity

KATEYMCFARLAN

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Milk amp Honey Boutique Milk amp Honey Bou-tique might be the most affordable and unique boutique in Dallas PS go to the back room everything is on sale and there are a million size options

2 Movida Boutique Movida Boutique has the most beautiful bright pieces a neon pink or chartreuse blazer Under $40 Yes marsquoam

3 Northpark Mall Northpark Mall isnrsquot exactly affordable in every way but if you go to Dallas and donrsquot stop by it is a sin From Gucci to Nei-mans itrsquos like a museum of designers more so than a typical mall

3 TOP DALLAS AIRBNB PICKS

1 Trendy Uptown Loft A gorgeous two story loft near all of the

cities best bars amp restaurantsDallas $160 per night

2 Private Guest House w Exposed BeamsWe canrsquot get over how gorgeous this private

guest house is Dallas $150 per night

3 Contemporary CabinThis cabin is located right next to an art museum

amp always has live music at nightDallas $90 per night

I was fortunate enough to spend the majority of my college career living in the bustling city of Raleigh North Carolina Raleigh is one of those towns that flies under the radar Itrsquos a beautiful historical area with a taste of southern charm Raleigh is a relatively in-

expensive destination with lots to see and do you just need to find the right spots

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Take an afternoon or evening stroll around Lake Johnson It is the perfect place to go for a jog take a walk with your dog or hop in one of the paddle boats and explore the peaceful sights

2 Check out the local Farmerrsquos Market based right near the NC State University campus each vendor sets up their own stand of fresh produce crafts homemade goods- itrsquos open on weekends

3 Head over to the Amphitheater at Walnut Creek Lots of summer concerts are on the list tickets are super affordable in the lawn section with a great view of the stage

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Flying Biscuit- Known for their southern made delicious buttery baked biscuits paired with just about any breakfast entree it is the happening spot for a weekend brunch

2 Cameron Bar amp Grill - An upscale looking restaurant with affordable prices for a fabulous meal they have great appetizers and unique dinner dishes to pair with any delicious choice of wine

3 Boylan Bridge Brewpub - The best place to hit up to catch a sunset the local pub sits right on the bridge that overlooks the Raleigh skyline sit outside on the terrace amp enjoy one of their many craft beers (amp cheese dip) made right there

JACQUELINE YANCHOCIK

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Fabrsquorik Fabrsquorik is a hostpot with lots of affordable clothes like bright colored maxi dresses tanks and any handbag you could pos-sibly need

2 The Impeccable Pig Looking for the perfect day dress The Impeccable Pig is the place to go the store features lots of cute floral prints in dresses tops and shorts this is your summer destination shop

3 Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique is a one stop shop for all your accessory needs from simple earrings to some diamond pieces the customerrsquos of Charlottersquos are on the cutting edge of fashion

3 TOP RALEIGH AIRBNB PICKS

1 Hotel NicaraguaSsaid to be a stop from Jack Kerouacrsquos

noteworthy book ldquoOn the Roadrdquo nestled right outside downtown Raleigh this is definitely a

historic gemRaleigh $70 per night

2 Cookiersquos Garden SuiteA 1899 bungalow located in the Oakwood

Historic District enjoy a private entrance with all the amenities yoursquoll need right by downtown

Raleigh $75 per night

3 Sallyrsquos Downtown Historic SuiteThis historic home sits in a gorgeous neighbor-hood with leafy oaks close to coffee shops and

nearby bars Raleigh $85 per night

Irsquove been living in Los Angeles for over 3 years Los Angeles is a very spread out megacity with each area diverse in restaurants activities fashion architecture and even weather I grew up on

the beach so it was only fitting that I move to the west side of LA closest to the Pacific Venice is a colorful eccentric one-of-a kind district in Los Angeles right on the Pacific Ocean

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Venice has near-perfect weather year round so biking is a common activity here Marvin Braude Bike Trail (known as The Strand) is a bike path along the Pacific shoreline starting from Malibu down through Venice all the way Redondo Beach

2 Abbot Kinney is the artsy hipster sister of Bev-erly Hillsrsquo Rodeo Drive First Friday brings the best local art fashion music and food trucks to locals and visitors alike

3 Yoga and Venice go hand in hand There are multiple studios in the Venice area with incredible instructors and a class nearly every hour

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Tasting Kitchen A very special dining experience Trendy upscale atmosphere but with a rustic twist Communal seating under the trees a creative and fresh menu that changes daily and an overall obscure charm that suits Venice to a T

2 Chop Daddyrsquos Nestled between some of the cityrsquos most well-reviewed restaurants is some of the best BBQ in Los Angeles The tastiest fried pickles Irsquove ever had

3 Kippyrsquos Non-dairy raw organic coconut cream based ice cream My favorite is the orangesicle

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Firefly - the perfect collection of house-wares gifts and clothing reflecting the effort-less and beachy Venice lifestyle

2 Principessa - their website says it best ldquooutfitting the modern flower child in a so-phisticated style that is comfortable sexy and timelessrdquo

3 Aviator Nation Quintessential Southern California style that has become an obsession for many Aviator Nation has one-of-a kind t-shirt tanks sweats and more that have that worn-in feel so soft and comfortable 3 TOP VENICE AIRBNB PICKS

1 Artistrsquos CottageAn art filled cottage in proximity to one of the

worldrsquos best beaches$140 per night

2 Stylish Venice BungalowWalk to beach shops and dining from this ro-mantic and stylish holiday bungalow in a lush

garden setting$149 per night

3 Venice Garden RetreatA guesthouse filled with treasures from the

ownersrsquo travels abroad $125 per night

BROOKE KENNEDYBROOKEEJ

My name is Becca and I fell in love with Atlanta two years ago Although I moved to Atlanta for graduate school and thought it would be temporary I have fallen for a city that could be my forever home Having to choose my favorites are going to be

hard in a city that has so much to do

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Irsquove quickly made a tradition out of going to Music Midtown Music Festival in September at Piedmont Park I had the time of my life dancing the night away with best friends listening to great bands amp the Atlanta skyline in the background

2 Brunch is the only thing that gets me out of bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings Try the 100 item Bloody bar at Front Page News or all you can eat breakfast at Grsquos near piedmont If you get up early enough try West Egg in Westside Provisions

3 For a mere ten bucks you get six samples and a beautiful pint at the Sweetwater Brewery Tour But be warned the pours are heavy

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Noche This tiny tapas bar is full of flavors in tinybites Their chef special never seems to disap-point and therersquos always a drink special (Sangria Sundays are a personal favorite)

2 Park Tavern This restaurant with its own brew-ery offers some of the best views of Atlanta They have a late night sushi special and when it rains they pour dollar beers In the winter they have a full skating rink with adult only hours (so you donrsquot trip over that kid)

3YEAH Burger My favorite burger place in the world they offer a made to order burger that quenches even the pickiest of eaters appetites

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 The Lucky Exchange This second hand store is a treasure trove of pieces some extravagant sequin dresses some office appropriate attire My best find Brand new in the box Prada Loafers for under 30$

2 The Merchant at Howell Mill Grab a cup of coffee at Octane and then cross the street to Merchant A wide array of gifts and acces-sories offer the opportunity to pick up some-thing for your friends and yourself

3 Lizard Thicket Shop this trendy boutiquefor gameday dresses in your favorite team colors or the latest shipment of Bourbon and Bowetie bracelets

3 TOP ATLANTA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Secluded TreehouseHow could a girl not want to spend the night in an adult sized treehouse nestled right in popular

neighborhood Buckhead $275 per night

2 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentMidtown is close to everything you could want to be- food culture Piedmont Park museums amp an active nightlife there is something for everyone

This is a gorgeous room in a mini-mansion $73 per night

3 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentThis apartment is in the perfect location for some-one visiting town for food drinks and shopping

$69 per night

BECCA LUCIOof Becca Marie LucioBECCAMARIELUCIO

I moved to Chicago a little over a year ago and Irsquove completely fallen in love with the city As a Midwesterner all my life Chicago offers the charms of living in the Midwest while offering

amazing big city life There are summer street festivals every weekend the best brunch spots in the area shopping galore amp hidden gems in every gorgeous neighborhood

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Taste test cupcakes around Lincoln Park (I love Sweet Mandy Brsquos and Swirlz)

2 Spend the afternoon blogging at local coffee shops like Floriole amp Heritage

3 Explore local shops in new neighborhoods ndash there are so many incredible places to explore

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Range Hidden gem in Lincoln park that boasts seasonal recipes all made fromlocal ingredients Best of all itrsquos only a few blocks from my apartment Needless to say they know me by name

2 Little Goat Diner ndash I love Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzardrsquos mid-priced diner best of all her Chicago restaurants Offering home-style recipes with a fancy twist Irsquom a big fan of everything Irsquove tried Irsquod recommend the pork belly pancake amp tira-misu shake if you stop in

3 Xoco Rick Bayless has been one of my favorite chefsfor years His lower priced concept Xoco is the perfect spot to meet friends for lunch in River North Plus Margaritas (enough said right)

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 25: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

Vanilla Buttercream IcingIngredients2 Sticks Unsalted Butter room temperature4 Cups Powdered Sugarfrac14 Cup Heavy Cream2 frac12 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract

Directions1 Beat softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes until creamy

2 Add powdered sugar heavy cream and vanilla extract beating until thick and smooth approximately 3 minutes

3 Apply to cool cake between layers and on top Top with additional sprinkles if desired

Ingredients3 13 Cups All Purpose Flour1 Teaspoon Baking Powderfrac12 Teaspoon Baking Soda1 Teaspoon Salt2 Sticks Unsalted Butter melted1 frac12 Cups Granulated Sugarfrac12 Cup Dark Brown Sugar2 Large Eggsfrac12 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt1 frac12 Cups Milk2 Tablespoons Vanilla Extract1 13 Cup Rainbow Sprinkles (Not Non-Pareils)

Directions1 Preheat Oven to 350 degrees Spray (2) 9rdquo Round Cake Pans with non-stick spray

2 In a medium bowl mix flour baking powder baking soda and salt Set aside

3 In a large mixing bowl whisk together melted butter granulated sugar and dark brown sugar Be sure to get out any lumps

4 Whisk into sugar mixture egg milk yogurt and vanilla extract until combined

5 Slowly mix in dry ingredients until no lumps remain

6 Add sprinkles and stir till just combined being carful as to not over stir Sprinkles will begin to melt if over combined

7 Bake for 20 minutes Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 13-17 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean

8 Let cool on a wire rack completely before icing

homemade

Lake SUMMER

AT THE

Photography by Matt Engelhart

lpf style tip

canoe ridescampfiresBASEBALL CAPS

best friends

LAKE LIFE

FIREFLIES

SUMMER

SHOP THE LOOK lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $18Lizzibeth $34

Olivia Taylor $10

Lizzibeth $15

Mango $25

Sperry $85

J Crew $20

Choies $63

Lizzibeth $13

Lizzibeth $13

lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $36

Splendid $86

Tretorn $93Romwe $18

Fore

ver 2

1 $

5

Lizzibeth $20

Forever 21 $9

Lizzibeth $14

Olivia Taylor $10

Irsquom going to be completely honest with you all I dread telling people that I used to be over-weight The excess weight I carried around was a representation of some of the most unhappiest years of my life and they are hard to look back on

Growing up I was always super skinny I ate whatever I wanted when I wanted I even had trouble gaining weight at various points in my life I was downright scrawny In high school it was just me and my size zero jeans all the way through graduation Once I got to college I no-ticed a little bit of weight gain but nothing like the freshman 15 everyone was always talking about I figured I was finally filling out my womanly body

Somewhere between my junior year of col-lege and graduation in May of 2011 things changed At my peak I wore a size 14 in womenrsquos pants And not the sexy-built-to-be-curvy size 14 that Christina Mendez is rocking I Wish To say I had let myself go would be an understate-ment

When I finally acknowledged my weight and stepped on the scale I almost had a heart attack Thatrsquos probably not an exaggeration considering the lack of exercise paired with all of the fatty foods I was consuming regularly It read 178 I panicked The last time I stepped on a scale I was at the doctorrsquos office several years prior and the

number read 110 (a number far too small for my 5rsquo7rsquorsquo frame but thatrsquos another story) WHAT HAPPENED My mind was a blur trying to process those three not-so-little numbers

Luckily this happened after my workout oth-erwise Irsquom quite positive the shock would have sent me running (okay walking) out the front doors I can honestly say it was one of the most overwhelming experiences Irsquove ever had Up until that point I had let everything roll off my shoulder I ignored it all the Facebook messag-es from an ex-boyfriend calling me a fat btch the degrading hoop and holler from boys when they drove past me on the street and worst of

all I ignored the fact that my ldquofriendsrdquo were saying these terrible things about me behind my back and I was just standing by letting it happen I was fed up I made a commitment to get on track for myself

I started documenting I prefer this word to counting which is how my blog name came about (26 and Not Counting calories years flying by how many items are in my online shopping cart compared to the dollars in my bank accountyou get the gist) I started tracking calories and workouts in the myfitnesspal app committed to 5-6 workouts a week (including weight lifting which I had never done in my life) and limited my booze fests with friends (which had been going on far too often) to one night a week

Healthy is happyCOntributor Jessicarsquos Journey to a happier + Healthier self

ldquoNot only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of

negativity that coNsumed my liferdquo

It wasnrsquot as if I had never worked out before that simply wasnrsquot the case I grew up active and en-joyed spin class in my early col-lege years but I had fallen off the bandwagon

So I was working out right But what about food I hate the word diet Diet is typically defined as something you ldquogo onrdquo before a big trip and it usually means that whatever crazy thing you are doing to try and shed pounds (the grapefruit diet) will eventual-ly have an ending point I didnrsquot start drinking any crazy weight loss drink or ban everything fried but I did start watching what I ate I paid attention to my body and when it was full and aimed to eat more home cooked meals op-posed to eating out all the time

The first time someone noticed I had a lost a few pounds (8 to be exact) I nearly fell off my bar stool Yes I was at the bar cele-brating a friendrsquos birthday (I had found a happy balance and kept my social life hallelujah) The words were simple ldquoJess you are looking goodrdquo I canrsquot tell you how thankful I am to that person that they recognized the work I had been putting in

Maintaining my body will be a daily practice for the rest of my life I had to marry that thought from the get-go Til death do us part Just this past year I set out to lose another 10 pounds and

slowly but surely I reached my goal I wasnrsquot happy in my body so I fixed it and in doing so I fixed a lot of other areas in my life Irsquom proud to say that I currently weigh 131lbs Irsquove wrestled some unhealthy habits into portion controlled treats found that Irsquom a much happier person when I workout and Irsquove grown into the person I am meant to be Not only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of negativity that consumed my life

Irsquom still not where I want to be and thatrsquos okay That simply means that itrsquos time to set anoth-er goal and push myself harder than ever My hope is that if you arenrsquot happy with where yoursquore at in life whether it be your weight your job your relationship that you will love yourself enough to change the situation and create a life that makes you happy to your core

One last thing you should also know that there is such a thing as a skinny fat person Someone may appear to be skinny but that doesnrsquot necessarily mean they are healthy Being fit doesnrsquot mean fitting into a size 2 (or even 4 6 or 8) for all women (Serena Williams and Whitney Thompson are per-fect examples) Just because some-one appears to be ldquofatrdquo doesnrsquot mean they canrsquot outrun you Be kind and encouraging toward oth-er people and especially yourself

happy jessICArsquosfitnessjourney

Jess- 2011

Jess- 2014

HAIR SPRAY

BEACH BABE HAIR SPRAY14 C WATER

1 TBSP SEA SALT

1 TBSP HAIR GEL

2 DROPS ARGAN OIL OR CONDITIONER

POUR INGREDIENTS INTO TRAVEL SIZE SPRAY BOTTLE + SHAKE WELL

HAIR SPRAY

SPRAY ONTODAMP HAIR +

SCRUNCH FOR BEST BEACHY

WAVE RESULTS

The

GUIDELPF MAG CONTRIBUTORS SHARE A LOCALrsquos GUIDE TO THEIR CITIES

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO -

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO

Irsquom Katey a style blogger with Chronicles of Frivolity living as a Dallasite No we donrsquot ride horses to the mall and everything really is

bigger from our Margaritas to our eyelashes

1 Eat Dallas has more restaurants per capita than anywhere in America seriously We eat so well

2 Shop Dallas ALSO has more Shopping centers per capita than anywhere in America Itrsquos absurd

3 Marg Everywhere you look you are 10 feet from a patio with chips salsa and the best margarita yoursquove ever had 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Hattiersquos Hattiersquos is southern food with LA-white deacutecor You can enjoy Bacon-Wrapped Fried Oys-ters and Macaroni and Cheese Crusted Filet while sipping a Sweet Tea Martini

2 Stampede 66 Stampede 66 wins best margari-ta every year (The Modern Star Canyon) and The Butterscotch Pudding is worth gaining 20 pounds for

3 Saint Ann Saint Ann has one of the most beau-tiful patios in Dallas and I could probably have The Skinny Basil Lemonade and Salmon every meal of my life

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

KATEY MCFARLANof Chronicles of Frivolity

KATEYMCFARLAN

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Milk amp Honey Boutique Milk amp Honey Bou-tique might be the most affordable and unique boutique in Dallas PS go to the back room everything is on sale and there are a million size options

2 Movida Boutique Movida Boutique has the most beautiful bright pieces a neon pink or chartreuse blazer Under $40 Yes marsquoam

3 Northpark Mall Northpark Mall isnrsquot exactly affordable in every way but if you go to Dallas and donrsquot stop by it is a sin From Gucci to Nei-mans itrsquos like a museum of designers more so than a typical mall

3 TOP DALLAS AIRBNB PICKS

1 Trendy Uptown Loft A gorgeous two story loft near all of the

cities best bars amp restaurantsDallas $160 per night

2 Private Guest House w Exposed BeamsWe canrsquot get over how gorgeous this private

guest house is Dallas $150 per night

3 Contemporary CabinThis cabin is located right next to an art museum

amp always has live music at nightDallas $90 per night

I was fortunate enough to spend the majority of my college career living in the bustling city of Raleigh North Carolina Raleigh is one of those towns that flies under the radar Itrsquos a beautiful historical area with a taste of southern charm Raleigh is a relatively in-

expensive destination with lots to see and do you just need to find the right spots

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Take an afternoon or evening stroll around Lake Johnson It is the perfect place to go for a jog take a walk with your dog or hop in one of the paddle boats and explore the peaceful sights

2 Check out the local Farmerrsquos Market based right near the NC State University campus each vendor sets up their own stand of fresh produce crafts homemade goods- itrsquos open on weekends

3 Head over to the Amphitheater at Walnut Creek Lots of summer concerts are on the list tickets are super affordable in the lawn section with a great view of the stage

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Flying Biscuit- Known for their southern made delicious buttery baked biscuits paired with just about any breakfast entree it is the happening spot for a weekend brunch

2 Cameron Bar amp Grill - An upscale looking restaurant with affordable prices for a fabulous meal they have great appetizers and unique dinner dishes to pair with any delicious choice of wine

3 Boylan Bridge Brewpub - The best place to hit up to catch a sunset the local pub sits right on the bridge that overlooks the Raleigh skyline sit outside on the terrace amp enjoy one of their many craft beers (amp cheese dip) made right there

JACQUELINE YANCHOCIK

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Fabrsquorik Fabrsquorik is a hostpot with lots of affordable clothes like bright colored maxi dresses tanks and any handbag you could pos-sibly need

2 The Impeccable Pig Looking for the perfect day dress The Impeccable Pig is the place to go the store features lots of cute floral prints in dresses tops and shorts this is your summer destination shop

3 Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique is a one stop shop for all your accessory needs from simple earrings to some diamond pieces the customerrsquos of Charlottersquos are on the cutting edge of fashion

3 TOP RALEIGH AIRBNB PICKS

1 Hotel NicaraguaSsaid to be a stop from Jack Kerouacrsquos

noteworthy book ldquoOn the Roadrdquo nestled right outside downtown Raleigh this is definitely a

historic gemRaleigh $70 per night

2 Cookiersquos Garden SuiteA 1899 bungalow located in the Oakwood

Historic District enjoy a private entrance with all the amenities yoursquoll need right by downtown

Raleigh $75 per night

3 Sallyrsquos Downtown Historic SuiteThis historic home sits in a gorgeous neighbor-hood with leafy oaks close to coffee shops and

nearby bars Raleigh $85 per night

Irsquove been living in Los Angeles for over 3 years Los Angeles is a very spread out megacity with each area diverse in restaurants activities fashion architecture and even weather I grew up on

the beach so it was only fitting that I move to the west side of LA closest to the Pacific Venice is a colorful eccentric one-of-a kind district in Los Angeles right on the Pacific Ocean

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Venice has near-perfect weather year round so biking is a common activity here Marvin Braude Bike Trail (known as The Strand) is a bike path along the Pacific shoreline starting from Malibu down through Venice all the way Redondo Beach

2 Abbot Kinney is the artsy hipster sister of Bev-erly Hillsrsquo Rodeo Drive First Friday brings the best local art fashion music and food trucks to locals and visitors alike

3 Yoga and Venice go hand in hand There are multiple studios in the Venice area with incredible instructors and a class nearly every hour

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Tasting Kitchen A very special dining experience Trendy upscale atmosphere but with a rustic twist Communal seating under the trees a creative and fresh menu that changes daily and an overall obscure charm that suits Venice to a T

2 Chop Daddyrsquos Nestled between some of the cityrsquos most well-reviewed restaurants is some of the best BBQ in Los Angeles The tastiest fried pickles Irsquove ever had

3 Kippyrsquos Non-dairy raw organic coconut cream based ice cream My favorite is the orangesicle

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Firefly - the perfect collection of house-wares gifts and clothing reflecting the effort-less and beachy Venice lifestyle

2 Principessa - their website says it best ldquooutfitting the modern flower child in a so-phisticated style that is comfortable sexy and timelessrdquo

3 Aviator Nation Quintessential Southern California style that has become an obsession for many Aviator Nation has one-of-a kind t-shirt tanks sweats and more that have that worn-in feel so soft and comfortable 3 TOP VENICE AIRBNB PICKS

1 Artistrsquos CottageAn art filled cottage in proximity to one of the

worldrsquos best beaches$140 per night

2 Stylish Venice BungalowWalk to beach shops and dining from this ro-mantic and stylish holiday bungalow in a lush

garden setting$149 per night

3 Venice Garden RetreatA guesthouse filled with treasures from the

ownersrsquo travels abroad $125 per night

BROOKE KENNEDYBROOKEEJ

My name is Becca and I fell in love with Atlanta two years ago Although I moved to Atlanta for graduate school and thought it would be temporary I have fallen for a city that could be my forever home Having to choose my favorites are going to be

hard in a city that has so much to do

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Irsquove quickly made a tradition out of going to Music Midtown Music Festival in September at Piedmont Park I had the time of my life dancing the night away with best friends listening to great bands amp the Atlanta skyline in the background

2 Brunch is the only thing that gets me out of bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings Try the 100 item Bloody bar at Front Page News or all you can eat breakfast at Grsquos near piedmont If you get up early enough try West Egg in Westside Provisions

3 For a mere ten bucks you get six samples and a beautiful pint at the Sweetwater Brewery Tour But be warned the pours are heavy

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Noche This tiny tapas bar is full of flavors in tinybites Their chef special never seems to disap-point and therersquos always a drink special (Sangria Sundays are a personal favorite)

2 Park Tavern This restaurant with its own brew-ery offers some of the best views of Atlanta They have a late night sushi special and when it rains they pour dollar beers In the winter they have a full skating rink with adult only hours (so you donrsquot trip over that kid)

3YEAH Burger My favorite burger place in the world they offer a made to order burger that quenches even the pickiest of eaters appetites

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 The Lucky Exchange This second hand store is a treasure trove of pieces some extravagant sequin dresses some office appropriate attire My best find Brand new in the box Prada Loafers for under 30$

2 The Merchant at Howell Mill Grab a cup of coffee at Octane and then cross the street to Merchant A wide array of gifts and acces-sories offer the opportunity to pick up some-thing for your friends and yourself

3 Lizard Thicket Shop this trendy boutiquefor gameday dresses in your favorite team colors or the latest shipment of Bourbon and Bowetie bracelets

3 TOP ATLANTA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Secluded TreehouseHow could a girl not want to spend the night in an adult sized treehouse nestled right in popular

neighborhood Buckhead $275 per night

2 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentMidtown is close to everything you could want to be- food culture Piedmont Park museums amp an active nightlife there is something for everyone

This is a gorgeous room in a mini-mansion $73 per night

3 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentThis apartment is in the perfect location for some-one visiting town for food drinks and shopping

$69 per night

BECCA LUCIOof Becca Marie LucioBECCAMARIELUCIO

I moved to Chicago a little over a year ago and Irsquove completely fallen in love with the city As a Midwesterner all my life Chicago offers the charms of living in the Midwest while offering

amazing big city life There are summer street festivals every weekend the best brunch spots in the area shopping galore amp hidden gems in every gorgeous neighborhood

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Taste test cupcakes around Lincoln Park (I love Sweet Mandy Brsquos and Swirlz)

2 Spend the afternoon blogging at local coffee shops like Floriole amp Heritage

3 Explore local shops in new neighborhoods ndash there are so many incredible places to explore

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Range Hidden gem in Lincoln park that boasts seasonal recipes all made fromlocal ingredients Best of all itrsquos only a few blocks from my apartment Needless to say they know me by name

2 Little Goat Diner ndash I love Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzardrsquos mid-priced diner best of all her Chicago restaurants Offering home-style recipes with a fancy twist Irsquom a big fan of everything Irsquove tried Irsquod recommend the pork belly pancake amp tira-misu shake if you stop in

3 Xoco Rick Bayless has been one of my favorite chefsfor years His lower priced concept Xoco is the perfect spot to meet friends for lunch in River North Plus Margaritas (enough said right)

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 26: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

Ingredients3 13 Cups All Purpose Flour1 Teaspoon Baking Powderfrac12 Teaspoon Baking Soda1 Teaspoon Salt2 Sticks Unsalted Butter melted1 frac12 Cups Granulated Sugarfrac12 Cup Dark Brown Sugar2 Large Eggsfrac12 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt1 frac12 Cups Milk2 Tablespoons Vanilla Extract1 13 Cup Rainbow Sprinkles (Not Non-Pareils)

Directions1 Preheat Oven to 350 degrees Spray (2) 9rdquo Round Cake Pans with non-stick spray

2 In a medium bowl mix flour baking powder baking soda and salt Set aside

3 In a large mixing bowl whisk together melted butter granulated sugar and dark brown sugar Be sure to get out any lumps

4 Whisk into sugar mixture egg milk yogurt and vanilla extract until combined

5 Slowly mix in dry ingredients until no lumps remain

6 Add sprinkles and stir till just combined being carful as to not over stir Sprinkles will begin to melt if over combined

7 Bake for 20 minutes Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 13-17 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean

8 Let cool on a wire rack completely before icing

homemade

Lake SUMMER

AT THE

Photography by Matt Engelhart

lpf style tip

canoe ridescampfiresBASEBALL CAPS

best friends

LAKE LIFE

FIREFLIES

SUMMER

SHOP THE LOOK lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $18Lizzibeth $34

Olivia Taylor $10

Lizzibeth $15

Mango $25

Sperry $85

J Crew $20

Choies $63

Lizzibeth $13

Lizzibeth $13

lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $36

Splendid $86

Tretorn $93Romwe $18

Fore

ver 2

1 $

5

Lizzibeth $20

Forever 21 $9

Lizzibeth $14

Olivia Taylor $10

Irsquom going to be completely honest with you all I dread telling people that I used to be over-weight The excess weight I carried around was a representation of some of the most unhappiest years of my life and they are hard to look back on

Growing up I was always super skinny I ate whatever I wanted when I wanted I even had trouble gaining weight at various points in my life I was downright scrawny In high school it was just me and my size zero jeans all the way through graduation Once I got to college I no-ticed a little bit of weight gain but nothing like the freshman 15 everyone was always talking about I figured I was finally filling out my womanly body

Somewhere between my junior year of col-lege and graduation in May of 2011 things changed At my peak I wore a size 14 in womenrsquos pants And not the sexy-built-to-be-curvy size 14 that Christina Mendez is rocking I Wish To say I had let myself go would be an understate-ment

When I finally acknowledged my weight and stepped on the scale I almost had a heart attack Thatrsquos probably not an exaggeration considering the lack of exercise paired with all of the fatty foods I was consuming regularly It read 178 I panicked The last time I stepped on a scale I was at the doctorrsquos office several years prior and the

number read 110 (a number far too small for my 5rsquo7rsquorsquo frame but thatrsquos another story) WHAT HAPPENED My mind was a blur trying to process those three not-so-little numbers

Luckily this happened after my workout oth-erwise Irsquom quite positive the shock would have sent me running (okay walking) out the front doors I can honestly say it was one of the most overwhelming experiences Irsquove ever had Up until that point I had let everything roll off my shoulder I ignored it all the Facebook messag-es from an ex-boyfriend calling me a fat btch the degrading hoop and holler from boys when they drove past me on the street and worst of

all I ignored the fact that my ldquofriendsrdquo were saying these terrible things about me behind my back and I was just standing by letting it happen I was fed up I made a commitment to get on track for myself

I started documenting I prefer this word to counting which is how my blog name came about (26 and Not Counting calories years flying by how many items are in my online shopping cart compared to the dollars in my bank accountyou get the gist) I started tracking calories and workouts in the myfitnesspal app committed to 5-6 workouts a week (including weight lifting which I had never done in my life) and limited my booze fests with friends (which had been going on far too often) to one night a week

Healthy is happyCOntributor Jessicarsquos Journey to a happier + Healthier self

ldquoNot only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of

negativity that coNsumed my liferdquo

It wasnrsquot as if I had never worked out before that simply wasnrsquot the case I grew up active and en-joyed spin class in my early col-lege years but I had fallen off the bandwagon

So I was working out right But what about food I hate the word diet Diet is typically defined as something you ldquogo onrdquo before a big trip and it usually means that whatever crazy thing you are doing to try and shed pounds (the grapefruit diet) will eventual-ly have an ending point I didnrsquot start drinking any crazy weight loss drink or ban everything fried but I did start watching what I ate I paid attention to my body and when it was full and aimed to eat more home cooked meals op-posed to eating out all the time

The first time someone noticed I had a lost a few pounds (8 to be exact) I nearly fell off my bar stool Yes I was at the bar cele-brating a friendrsquos birthday (I had found a happy balance and kept my social life hallelujah) The words were simple ldquoJess you are looking goodrdquo I canrsquot tell you how thankful I am to that person that they recognized the work I had been putting in

Maintaining my body will be a daily practice for the rest of my life I had to marry that thought from the get-go Til death do us part Just this past year I set out to lose another 10 pounds and

slowly but surely I reached my goal I wasnrsquot happy in my body so I fixed it and in doing so I fixed a lot of other areas in my life Irsquom proud to say that I currently weigh 131lbs Irsquove wrestled some unhealthy habits into portion controlled treats found that Irsquom a much happier person when I workout and Irsquove grown into the person I am meant to be Not only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of negativity that consumed my life

Irsquom still not where I want to be and thatrsquos okay That simply means that itrsquos time to set anoth-er goal and push myself harder than ever My hope is that if you arenrsquot happy with where yoursquore at in life whether it be your weight your job your relationship that you will love yourself enough to change the situation and create a life that makes you happy to your core

One last thing you should also know that there is such a thing as a skinny fat person Someone may appear to be skinny but that doesnrsquot necessarily mean they are healthy Being fit doesnrsquot mean fitting into a size 2 (or even 4 6 or 8) for all women (Serena Williams and Whitney Thompson are per-fect examples) Just because some-one appears to be ldquofatrdquo doesnrsquot mean they canrsquot outrun you Be kind and encouraging toward oth-er people and especially yourself

happy jessICArsquosfitnessjourney

Jess- 2011

Jess- 2014

HAIR SPRAY

BEACH BABE HAIR SPRAY14 C WATER

1 TBSP SEA SALT

1 TBSP HAIR GEL

2 DROPS ARGAN OIL OR CONDITIONER

POUR INGREDIENTS INTO TRAVEL SIZE SPRAY BOTTLE + SHAKE WELL

HAIR SPRAY

SPRAY ONTODAMP HAIR +

SCRUNCH FOR BEST BEACHY

WAVE RESULTS

The

GUIDELPF MAG CONTRIBUTORS SHARE A LOCALrsquos GUIDE TO THEIR CITIES

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO -

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO

Irsquom Katey a style blogger with Chronicles of Frivolity living as a Dallasite No we donrsquot ride horses to the mall and everything really is

bigger from our Margaritas to our eyelashes

1 Eat Dallas has more restaurants per capita than anywhere in America seriously We eat so well

2 Shop Dallas ALSO has more Shopping centers per capita than anywhere in America Itrsquos absurd

3 Marg Everywhere you look you are 10 feet from a patio with chips salsa and the best margarita yoursquove ever had 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Hattiersquos Hattiersquos is southern food with LA-white deacutecor You can enjoy Bacon-Wrapped Fried Oys-ters and Macaroni and Cheese Crusted Filet while sipping a Sweet Tea Martini

2 Stampede 66 Stampede 66 wins best margari-ta every year (The Modern Star Canyon) and The Butterscotch Pudding is worth gaining 20 pounds for

3 Saint Ann Saint Ann has one of the most beau-tiful patios in Dallas and I could probably have The Skinny Basil Lemonade and Salmon every meal of my life

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

KATEY MCFARLANof Chronicles of Frivolity

KATEYMCFARLAN

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Milk amp Honey Boutique Milk amp Honey Bou-tique might be the most affordable and unique boutique in Dallas PS go to the back room everything is on sale and there are a million size options

2 Movida Boutique Movida Boutique has the most beautiful bright pieces a neon pink or chartreuse blazer Under $40 Yes marsquoam

3 Northpark Mall Northpark Mall isnrsquot exactly affordable in every way but if you go to Dallas and donrsquot stop by it is a sin From Gucci to Nei-mans itrsquos like a museum of designers more so than a typical mall

3 TOP DALLAS AIRBNB PICKS

1 Trendy Uptown Loft A gorgeous two story loft near all of the

cities best bars amp restaurantsDallas $160 per night

2 Private Guest House w Exposed BeamsWe canrsquot get over how gorgeous this private

guest house is Dallas $150 per night

3 Contemporary CabinThis cabin is located right next to an art museum

amp always has live music at nightDallas $90 per night

I was fortunate enough to spend the majority of my college career living in the bustling city of Raleigh North Carolina Raleigh is one of those towns that flies under the radar Itrsquos a beautiful historical area with a taste of southern charm Raleigh is a relatively in-

expensive destination with lots to see and do you just need to find the right spots

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Take an afternoon or evening stroll around Lake Johnson It is the perfect place to go for a jog take a walk with your dog or hop in one of the paddle boats and explore the peaceful sights

2 Check out the local Farmerrsquos Market based right near the NC State University campus each vendor sets up their own stand of fresh produce crafts homemade goods- itrsquos open on weekends

3 Head over to the Amphitheater at Walnut Creek Lots of summer concerts are on the list tickets are super affordable in the lawn section with a great view of the stage

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Flying Biscuit- Known for their southern made delicious buttery baked biscuits paired with just about any breakfast entree it is the happening spot for a weekend brunch

2 Cameron Bar amp Grill - An upscale looking restaurant with affordable prices for a fabulous meal they have great appetizers and unique dinner dishes to pair with any delicious choice of wine

3 Boylan Bridge Brewpub - The best place to hit up to catch a sunset the local pub sits right on the bridge that overlooks the Raleigh skyline sit outside on the terrace amp enjoy one of their many craft beers (amp cheese dip) made right there

JACQUELINE YANCHOCIK

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Fabrsquorik Fabrsquorik is a hostpot with lots of affordable clothes like bright colored maxi dresses tanks and any handbag you could pos-sibly need

2 The Impeccable Pig Looking for the perfect day dress The Impeccable Pig is the place to go the store features lots of cute floral prints in dresses tops and shorts this is your summer destination shop

3 Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique is a one stop shop for all your accessory needs from simple earrings to some diamond pieces the customerrsquos of Charlottersquos are on the cutting edge of fashion

3 TOP RALEIGH AIRBNB PICKS

1 Hotel NicaraguaSsaid to be a stop from Jack Kerouacrsquos

noteworthy book ldquoOn the Roadrdquo nestled right outside downtown Raleigh this is definitely a

historic gemRaleigh $70 per night

2 Cookiersquos Garden SuiteA 1899 bungalow located in the Oakwood

Historic District enjoy a private entrance with all the amenities yoursquoll need right by downtown

Raleigh $75 per night

3 Sallyrsquos Downtown Historic SuiteThis historic home sits in a gorgeous neighbor-hood with leafy oaks close to coffee shops and

nearby bars Raleigh $85 per night

Irsquove been living in Los Angeles for over 3 years Los Angeles is a very spread out megacity with each area diverse in restaurants activities fashion architecture and even weather I grew up on

the beach so it was only fitting that I move to the west side of LA closest to the Pacific Venice is a colorful eccentric one-of-a kind district in Los Angeles right on the Pacific Ocean

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Venice has near-perfect weather year round so biking is a common activity here Marvin Braude Bike Trail (known as The Strand) is a bike path along the Pacific shoreline starting from Malibu down through Venice all the way Redondo Beach

2 Abbot Kinney is the artsy hipster sister of Bev-erly Hillsrsquo Rodeo Drive First Friday brings the best local art fashion music and food trucks to locals and visitors alike

3 Yoga and Venice go hand in hand There are multiple studios in the Venice area with incredible instructors and a class nearly every hour

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Tasting Kitchen A very special dining experience Trendy upscale atmosphere but with a rustic twist Communal seating under the trees a creative and fresh menu that changes daily and an overall obscure charm that suits Venice to a T

2 Chop Daddyrsquos Nestled between some of the cityrsquos most well-reviewed restaurants is some of the best BBQ in Los Angeles The tastiest fried pickles Irsquove ever had

3 Kippyrsquos Non-dairy raw organic coconut cream based ice cream My favorite is the orangesicle

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Firefly - the perfect collection of house-wares gifts and clothing reflecting the effort-less and beachy Venice lifestyle

2 Principessa - their website says it best ldquooutfitting the modern flower child in a so-phisticated style that is comfortable sexy and timelessrdquo

3 Aviator Nation Quintessential Southern California style that has become an obsession for many Aviator Nation has one-of-a kind t-shirt tanks sweats and more that have that worn-in feel so soft and comfortable 3 TOP VENICE AIRBNB PICKS

1 Artistrsquos CottageAn art filled cottage in proximity to one of the

worldrsquos best beaches$140 per night

2 Stylish Venice BungalowWalk to beach shops and dining from this ro-mantic and stylish holiday bungalow in a lush

garden setting$149 per night

3 Venice Garden RetreatA guesthouse filled with treasures from the

ownersrsquo travels abroad $125 per night

BROOKE KENNEDYBROOKEEJ

My name is Becca and I fell in love with Atlanta two years ago Although I moved to Atlanta for graduate school and thought it would be temporary I have fallen for a city that could be my forever home Having to choose my favorites are going to be

hard in a city that has so much to do

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Irsquove quickly made a tradition out of going to Music Midtown Music Festival in September at Piedmont Park I had the time of my life dancing the night away with best friends listening to great bands amp the Atlanta skyline in the background

2 Brunch is the only thing that gets me out of bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings Try the 100 item Bloody bar at Front Page News or all you can eat breakfast at Grsquos near piedmont If you get up early enough try West Egg in Westside Provisions

3 For a mere ten bucks you get six samples and a beautiful pint at the Sweetwater Brewery Tour But be warned the pours are heavy

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Noche This tiny tapas bar is full of flavors in tinybites Their chef special never seems to disap-point and therersquos always a drink special (Sangria Sundays are a personal favorite)

2 Park Tavern This restaurant with its own brew-ery offers some of the best views of Atlanta They have a late night sushi special and when it rains they pour dollar beers In the winter they have a full skating rink with adult only hours (so you donrsquot trip over that kid)

3YEAH Burger My favorite burger place in the world they offer a made to order burger that quenches even the pickiest of eaters appetites

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 The Lucky Exchange This second hand store is a treasure trove of pieces some extravagant sequin dresses some office appropriate attire My best find Brand new in the box Prada Loafers for under 30$

2 The Merchant at Howell Mill Grab a cup of coffee at Octane and then cross the street to Merchant A wide array of gifts and acces-sories offer the opportunity to pick up some-thing for your friends and yourself

3 Lizard Thicket Shop this trendy boutiquefor gameday dresses in your favorite team colors or the latest shipment of Bourbon and Bowetie bracelets

3 TOP ATLANTA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Secluded TreehouseHow could a girl not want to spend the night in an adult sized treehouse nestled right in popular

neighborhood Buckhead $275 per night

2 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentMidtown is close to everything you could want to be- food culture Piedmont Park museums amp an active nightlife there is something for everyone

This is a gorgeous room in a mini-mansion $73 per night

3 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentThis apartment is in the perfect location for some-one visiting town for food drinks and shopping

$69 per night

BECCA LUCIOof Becca Marie LucioBECCAMARIELUCIO

I moved to Chicago a little over a year ago and Irsquove completely fallen in love with the city As a Midwesterner all my life Chicago offers the charms of living in the Midwest while offering

amazing big city life There are summer street festivals every weekend the best brunch spots in the area shopping galore amp hidden gems in every gorgeous neighborhood

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Taste test cupcakes around Lincoln Park (I love Sweet Mandy Brsquos and Swirlz)

2 Spend the afternoon blogging at local coffee shops like Floriole amp Heritage

3 Explore local shops in new neighborhoods ndash there are so many incredible places to explore

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Range Hidden gem in Lincoln park that boasts seasonal recipes all made fromlocal ingredients Best of all itrsquos only a few blocks from my apartment Needless to say they know me by name

2 Little Goat Diner ndash I love Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzardrsquos mid-priced diner best of all her Chicago restaurants Offering home-style recipes with a fancy twist Irsquom a big fan of everything Irsquove tried Irsquod recommend the pork belly pancake amp tira-misu shake if you stop in

3 Xoco Rick Bayless has been one of my favorite chefsfor years His lower priced concept Xoco is the perfect spot to meet friends for lunch in River North Plus Margaritas (enough said right)

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 27: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

Lake SUMMER

AT THE

Photography by Matt Engelhart

lpf style tip

canoe ridescampfiresBASEBALL CAPS

best friends

LAKE LIFE

FIREFLIES

SUMMER

SHOP THE LOOK lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $18Lizzibeth $34

Olivia Taylor $10

Lizzibeth $15

Mango $25

Sperry $85

J Crew $20

Choies $63

Lizzibeth $13

Lizzibeth $13

lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $36

Splendid $86

Tretorn $93Romwe $18

Fore

ver 2

1 $

5

Lizzibeth $20

Forever 21 $9

Lizzibeth $14

Olivia Taylor $10

Irsquom going to be completely honest with you all I dread telling people that I used to be over-weight The excess weight I carried around was a representation of some of the most unhappiest years of my life and they are hard to look back on

Growing up I was always super skinny I ate whatever I wanted when I wanted I even had trouble gaining weight at various points in my life I was downright scrawny In high school it was just me and my size zero jeans all the way through graduation Once I got to college I no-ticed a little bit of weight gain but nothing like the freshman 15 everyone was always talking about I figured I was finally filling out my womanly body

Somewhere between my junior year of col-lege and graduation in May of 2011 things changed At my peak I wore a size 14 in womenrsquos pants And not the sexy-built-to-be-curvy size 14 that Christina Mendez is rocking I Wish To say I had let myself go would be an understate-ment

When I finally acknowledged my weight and stepped on the scale I almost had a heart attack Thatrsquos probably not an exaggeration considering the lack of exercise paired with all of the fatty foods I was consuming regularly It read 178 I panicked The last time I stepped on a scale I was at the doctorrsquos office several years prior and the

number read 110 (a number far too small for my 5rsquo7rsquorsquo frame but thatrsquos another story) WHAT HAPPENED My mind was a blur trying to process those three not-so-little numbers

Luckily this happened after my workout oth-erwise Irsquom quite positive the shock would have sent me running (okay walking) out the front doors I can honestly say it was one of the most overwhelming experiences Irsquove ever had Up until that point I had let everything roll off my shoulder I ignored it all the Facebook messag-es from an ex-boyfriend calling me a fat btch the degrading hoop and holler from boys when they drove past me on the street and worst of

all I ignored the fact that my ldquofriendsrdquo were saying these terrible things about me behind my back and I was just standing by letting it happen I was fed up I made a commitment to get on track for myself

I started documenting I prefer this word to counting which is how my blog name came about (26 and Not Counting calories years flying by how many items are in my online shopping cart compared to the dollars in my bank accountyou get the gist) I started tracking calories and workouts in the myfitnesspal app committed to 5-6 workouts a week (including weight lifting which I had never done in my life) and limited my booze fests with friends (which had been going on far too often) to one night a week

Healthy is happyCOntributor Jessicarsquos Journey to a happier + Healthier self

ldquoNot only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of

negativity that coNsumed my liferdquo

It wasnrsquot as if I had never worked out before that simply wasnrsquot the case I grew up active and en-joyed spin class in my early col-lege years but I had fallen off the bandwagon

So I was working out right But what about food I hate the word diet Diet is typically defined as something you ldquogo onrdquo before a big trip and it usually means that whatever crazy thing you are doing to try and shed pounds (the grapefruit diet) will eventual-ly have an ending point I didnrsquot start drinking any crazy weight loss drink or ban everything fried but I did start watching what I ate I paid attention to my body and when it was full and aimed to eat more home cooked meals op-posed to eating out all the time

The first time someone noticed I had a lost a few pounds (8 to be exact) I nearly fell off my bar stool Yes I was at the bar cele-brating a friendrsquos birthday (I had found a happy balance and kept my social life hallelujah) The words were simple ldquoJess you are looking goodrdquo I canrsquot tell you how thankful I am to that person that they recognized the work I had been putting in

Maintaining my body will be a daily practice for the rest of my life I had to marry that thought from the get-go Til death do us part Just this past year I set out to lose another 10 pounds and

slowly but surely I reached my goal I wasnrsquot happy in my body so I fixed it and in doing so I fixed a lot of other areas in my life Irsquom proud to say that I currently weigh 131lbs Irsquove wrestled some unhealthy habits into portion controlled treats found that Irsquom a much happier person when I workout and Irsquove grown into the person I am meant to be Not only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of negativity that consumed my life

Irsquom still not where I want to be and thatrsquos okay That simply means that itrsquos time to set anoth-er goal and push myself harder than ever My hope is that if you arenrsquot happy with where yoursquore at in life whether it be your weight your job your relationship that you will love yourself enough to change the situation and create a life that makes you happy to your core

One last thing you should also know that there is such a thing as a skinny fat person Someone may appear to be skinny but that doesnrsquot necessarily mean they are healthy Being fit doesnrsquot mean fitting into a size 2 (or even 4 6 or 8) for all women (Serena Williams and Whitney Thompson are per-fect examples) Just because some-one appears to be ldquofatrdquo doesnrsquot mean they canrsquot outrun you Be kind and encouraging toward oth-er people and especially yourself

happy jessICArsquosfitnessjourney

Jess- 2011

Jess- 2014

HAIR SPRAY

BEACH BABE HAIR SPRAY14 C WATER

1 TBSP SEA SALT

1 TBSP HAIR GEL

2 DROPS ARGAN OIL OR CONDITIONER

POUR INGREDIENTS INTO TRAVEL SIZE SPRAY BOTTLE + SHAKE WELL

HAIR SPRAY

SPRAY ONTODAMP HAIR +

SCRUNCH FOR BEST BEACHY

WAVE RESULTS

The

GUIDELPF MAG CONTRIBUTORS SHARE A LOCALrsquos GUIDE TO THEIR CITIES

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO -

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO

Irsquom Katey a style blogger with Chronicles of Frivolity living as a Dallasite No we donrsquot ride horses to the mall and everything really is

bigger from our Margaritas to our eyelashes

1 Eat Dallas has more restaurants per capita than anywhere in America seriously We eat so well

2 Shop Dallas ALSO has more Shopping centers per capita than anywhere in America Itrsquos absurd

3 Marg Everywhere you look you are 10 feet from a patio with chips salsa and the best margarita yoursquove ever had 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Hattiersquos Hattiersquos is southern food with LA-white deacutecor You can enjoy Bacon-Wrapped Fried Oys-ters and Macaroni and Cheese Crusted Filet while sipping a Sweet Tea Martini

2 Stampede 66 Stampede 66 wins best margari-ta every year (The Modern Star Canyon) and The Butterscotch Pudding is worth gaining 20 pounds for

3 Saint Ann Saint Ann has one of the most beau-tiful patios in Dallas and I could probably have The Skinny Basil Lemonade and Salmon every meal of my life

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

KATEY MCFARLANof Chronicles of Frivolity

KATEYMCFARLAN

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Milk amp Honey Boutique Milk amp Honey Bou-tique might be the most affordable and unique boutique in Dallas PS go to the back room everything is on sale and there are a million size options

2 Movida Boutique Movida Boutique has the most beautiful bright pieces a neon pink or chartreuse blazer Under $40 Yes marsquoam

3 Northpark Mall Northpark Mall isnrsquot exactly affordable in every way but if you go to Dallas and donrsquot stop by it is a sin From Gucci to Nei-mans itrsquos like a museum of designers more so than a typical mall

3 TOP DALLAS AIRBNB PICKS

1 Trendy Uptown Loft A gorgeous two story loft near all of the

cities best bars amp restaurantsDallas $160 per night

2 Private Guest House w Exposed BeamsWe canrsquot get over how gorgeous this private

guest house is Dallas $150 per night

3 Contemporary CabinThis cabin is located right next to an art museum

amp always has live music at nightDallas $90 per night

I was fortunate enough to spend the majority of my college career living in the bustling city of Raleigh North Carolina Raleigh is one of those towns that flies under the radar Itrsquos a beautiful historical area with a taste of southern charm Raleigh is a relatively in-

expensive destination with lots to see and do you just need to find the right spots

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Take an afternoon or evening stroll around Lake Johnson It is the perfect place to go for a jog take a walk with your dog or hop in one of the paddle boats and explore the peaceful sights

2 Check out the local Farmerrsquos Market based right near the NC State University campus each vendor sets up their own stand of fresh produce crafts homemade goods- itrsquos open on weekends

3 Head over to the Amphitheater at Walnut Creek Lots of summer concerts are on the list tickets are super affordable in the lawn section with a great view of the stage

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Flying Biscuit- Known for their southern made delicious buttery baked biscuits paired with just about any breakfast entree it is the happening spot for a weekend brunch

2 Cameron Bar amp Grill - An upscale looking restaurant with affordable prices for a fabulous meal they have great appetizers and unique dinner dishes to pair with any delicious choice of wine

3 Boylan Bridge Brewpub - The best place to hit up to catch a sunset the local pub sits right on the bridge that overlooks the Raleigh skyline sit outside on the terrace amp enjoy one of their many craft beers (amp cheese dip) made right there

JACQUELINE YANCHOCIK

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Fabrsquorik Fabrsquorik is a hostpot with lots of affordable clothes like bright colored maxi dresses tanks and any handbag you could pos-sibly need

2 The Impeccable Pig Looking for the perfect day dress The Impeccable Pig is the place to go the store features lots of cute floral prints in dresses tops and shorts this is your summer destination shop

3 Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique is a one stop shop for all your accessory needs from simple earrings to some diamond pieces the customerrsquos of Charlottersquos are on the cutting edge of fashion

3 TOP RALEIGH AIRBNB PICKS

1 Hotel NicaraguaSsaid to be a stop from Jack Kerouacrsquos

noteworthy book ldquoOn the Roadrdquo nestled right outside downtown Raleigh this is definitely a

historic gemRaleigh $70 per night

2 Cookiersquos Garden SuiteA 1899 bungalow located in the Oakwood

Historic District enjoy a private entrance with all the amenities yoursquoll need right by downtown

Raleigh $75 per night

3 Sallyrsquos Downtown Historic SuiteThis historic home sits in a gorgeous neighbor-hood with leafy oaks close to coffee shops and

nearby bars Raleigh $85 per night

Irsquove been living in Los Angeles for over 3 years Los Angeles is a very spread out megacity with each area diverse in restaurants activities fashion architecture and even weather I grew up on

the beach so it was only fitting that I move to the west side of LA closest to the Pacific Venice is a colorful eccentric one-of-a kind district in Los Angeles right on the Pacific Ocean

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Venice has near-perfect weather year round so biking is a common activity here Marvin Braude Bike Trail (known as The Strand) is a bike path along the Pacific shoreline starting from Malibu down through Venice all the way Redondo Beach

2 Abbot Kinney is the artsy hipster sister of Bev-erly Hillsrsquo Rodeo Drive First Friday brings the best local art fashion music and food trucks to locals and visitors alike

3 Yoga and Venice go hand in hand There are multiple studios in the Venice area with incredible instructors and a class nearly every hour

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Tasting Kitchen A very special dining experience Trendy upscale atmosphere but with a rustic twist Communal seating under the trees a creative and fresh menu that changes daily and an overall obscure charm that suits Venice to a T

2 Chop Daddyrsquos Nestled between some of the cityrsquos most well-reviewed restaurants is some of the best BBQ in Los Angeles The tastiest fried pickles Irsquove ever had

3 Kippyrsquos Non-dairy raw organic coconut cream based ice cream My favorite is the orangesicle

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Firefly - the perfect collection of house-wares gifts and clothing reflecting the effort-less and beachy Venice lifestyle

2 Principessa - their website says it best ldquooutfitting the modern flower child in a so-phisticated style that is comfortable sexy and timelessrdquo

3 Aviator Nation Quintessential Southern California style that has become an obsession for many Aviator Nation has one-of-a kind t-shirt tanks sweats and more that have that worn-in feel so soft and comfortable 3 TOP VENICE AIRBNB PICKS

1 Artistrsquos CottageAn art filled cottage in proximity to one of the

worldrsquos best beaches$140 per night

2 Stylish Venice BungalowWalk to beach shops and dining from this ro-mantic and stylish holiday bungalow in a lush

garden setting$149 per night

3 Venice Garden RetreatA guesthouse filled with treasures from the

ownersrsquo travels abroad $125 per night

BROOKE KENNEDYBROOKEEJ

My name is Becca and I fell in love with Atlanta two years ago Although I moved to Atlanta for graduate school and thought it would be temporary I have fallen for a city that could be my forever home Having to choose my favorites are going to be

hard in a city that has so much to do

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Irsquove quickly made a tradition out of going to Music Midtown Music Festival in September at Piedmont Park I had the time of my life dancing the night away with best friends listening to great bands amp the Atlanta skyline in the background

2 Brunch is the only thing that gets me out of bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings Try the 100 item Bloody bar at Front Page News or all you can eat breakfast at Grsquos near piedmont If you get up early enough try West Egg in Westside Provisions

3 For a mere ten bucks you get six samples and a beautiful pint at the Sweetwater Brewery Tour But be warned the pours are heavy

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Noche This tiny tapas bar is full of flavors in tinybites Their chef special never seems to disap-point and therersquos always a drink special (Sangria Sundays are a personal favorite)

2 Park Tavern This restaurant with its own brew-ery offers some of the best views of Atlanta They have a late night sushi special and when it rains they pour dollar beers In the winter they have a full skating rink with adult only hours (so you donrsquot trip over that kid)

3YEAH Burger My favorite burger place in the world they offer a made to order burger that quenches even the pickiest of eaters appetites

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 The Lucky Exchange This second hand store is a treasure trove of pieces some extravagant sequin dresses some office appropriate attire My best find Brand new in the box Prada Loafers for under 30$

2 The Merchant at Howell Mill Grab a cup of coffee at Octane and then cross the street to Merchant A wide array of gifts and acces-sories offer the opportunity to pick up some-thing for your friends and yourself

3 Lizard Thicket Shop this trendy boutiquefor gameday dresses in your favorite team colors or the latest shipment of Bourbon and Bowetie bracelets

3 TOP ATLANTA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Secluded TreehouseHow could a girl not want to spend the night in an adult sized treehouse nestled right in popular

neighborhood Buckhead $275 per night

2 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentMidtown is close to everything you could want to be- food culture Piedmont Park museums amp an active nightlife there is something for everyone

This is a gorgeous room in a mini-mansion $73 per night

3 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentThis apartment is in the perfect location for some-one visiting town for food drinks and shopping

$69 per night

BECCA LUCIOof Becca Marie LucioBECCAMARIELUCIO

I moved to Chicago a little over a year ago and Irsquove completely fallen in love with the city As a Midwesterner all my life Chicago offers the charms of living in the Midwest while offering

amazing big city life There are summer street festivals every weekend the best brunch spots in the area shopping galore amp hidden gems in every gorgeous neighborhood

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Taste test cupcakes around Lincoln Park (I love Sweet Mandy Brsquos and Swirlz)

2 Spend the afternoon blogging at local coffee shops like Floriole amp Heritage

3 Explore local shops in new neighborhoods ndash there are so many incredible places to explore

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Range Hidden gem in Lincoln park that boasts seasonal recipes all made fromlocal ingredients Best of all itrsquos only a few blocks from my apartment Needless to say they know me by name

2 Little Goat Diner ndash I love Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzardrsquos mid-priced diner best of all her Chicago restaurants Offering home-style recipes with a fancy twist Irsquom a big fan of everything Irsquove tried Irsquod recommend the pork belly pancake amp tira-misu shake if you stop in

3 Xoco Rick Bayless has been one of my favorite chefsfor years His lower priced concept Xoco is the perfect spot to meet friends for lunch in River North Plus Margaritas (enough said right)

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 28: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

lpf style tip

canoe ridescampfiresBASEBALL CAPS

best friends

LAKE LIFE

FIREFLIES

SUMMER

SHOP THE LOOK lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $18Lizzibeth $34

Olivia Taylor $10

Lizzibeth $15

Mango $25

Sperry $85

J Crew $20

Choies $63

Lizzibeth $13

Lizzibeth $13

lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $36

Splendid $86

Tretorn $93Romwe $18

Fore

ver 2

1 $

5

Lizzibeth $20

Forever 21 $9

Lizzibeth $14

Olivia Taylor $10

Irsquom going to be completely honest with you all I dread telling people that I used to be over-weight The excess weight I carried around was a representation of some of the most unhappiest years of my life and they are hard to look back on

Growing up I was always super skinny I ate whatever I wanted when I wanted I even had trouble gaining weight at various points in my life I was downright scrawny In high school it was just me and my size zero jeans all the way through graduation Once I got to college I no-ticed a little bit of weight gain but nothing like the freshman 15 everyone was always talking about I figured I was finally filling out my womanly body

Somewhere between my junior year of col-lege and graduation in May of 2011 things changed At my peak I wore a size 14 in womenrsquos pants And not the sexy-built-to-be-curvy size 14 that Christina Mendez is rocking I Wish To say I had let myself go would be an understate-ment

When I finally acknowledged my weight and stepped on the scale I almost had a heart attack Thatrsquos probably not an exaggeration considering the lack of exercise paired with all of the fatty foods I was consuming regularly It read 178 I panicked The last time I stepped on a scale I was at the doctorrsquos office several years prior and the

number read 110 (a number far too small for my 5rsquo7rsquorsquo frame but thatrsquos another story) WHAT HAPPENED My mind was a blur trying to process those three not-so-little numbers

Luckily this happened after my workout oth-erwise Irsquom quite positive the shock would have sent me running (okay walking) out the front doors I can honestly say it was one of the most overwhelming experiences Irsquove ever had Up until that point I had let everything roll off my shoulder I ignored it all the Facebook messag-es from an ex-boyfriend calling me a fat btch the degrading hoop and holler from boys when they drove past me on the street and worst of

all I ignored the fact that my ldquofriendsrdquo were saying these terrible things about me behind my back and I was just standing by letting it happen I was fed up I made a commitment to get on track for myself

I started documenting I prefer this word to counting which is how my blog name came about (26 and Not Counting calories years flying by how many items are in my online shopping cart compared to the dollars in my bank accountyou get the gist) I started tracking calories and workouts in the myfitnesspal app committed to 5-6 workouts a week (including weight lifting which I had never done in my life) and limited my booze fests with friends (which had been going on far too often) to one night a week

Healthy is happyCOntributor Jessicarsquos Journey to a happier + Healthier self

ldquoNot only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of

negativity that coNsumed my liferdquo

It wasnrsquot as if I had never worked out before that simply wasnrsquot the case I grew up active and en-joyed spin class in my early col-lege years but I had fallen off the bandwagon

So I was working out right But what about food I hate the word diet Diet is typically defined as something you ldquogo onrdquo before a big trip and it usually means that whatever crazy thing you are doing to try and shed pounds (the grapefruit diet) will eventual-ly have an ending point I didnrsquot start drinking any crazy weight loss drink or ban everything fried but I did start watching what I ate I paid attention to my body and when it was full and aimed to eat more home cooked meals op-posed to eating out all the time

The first time someone noticed I had a lost a few pounds (8 to be exact) I nearly fell off my bar stool Yes I was at the bar cele-brating a friendrsquos birthday (I had found a happy balance and kept my social life hallelujah) The words were simple ldquoJess you are looking goodrdquo I canrsquot tell you how thankful I am to that person that they recognized the work I had been putting in

Maintaining my body will be a daily practice for the rest of my life I had to marry that thought from the get-go Til death do us part Just this past year I set out to lose another 10 pounds and

slowly but surely I reached my goal I wasnrsquot happy in my body so I fixed it and in doing so I fixed a lot of other areas in my life Irsquom proud to say that I currently weigh 131lbs Irsquove wrestled some unhealthy habits into portion controlled treats found that Irsquom a much happier person when I workout and Irsquove grown into the person I am meant to be Not only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of negativity that consumed my life

Irsquom still not where I want to be and thatrsquos okay That simply means that itrsquos time to set anoth-er goal and push myself harder than ever My hope is that if you arenrsquot happy with where yoursquore at in life whether it be your weight your job your relationship that you will love yourself enough to change the situation and create a life that makes you happy to your core

One last thing you should also know that there is such a thing as a skinny fat person Someone may appear to be skinny but that doesnrsquot necessarily mean they are healthy Being fit doesnrsquot mean fitting into a size 2 (or even 4 6 or 8) for all women (Serena Williams and Whitney Thompson are per-fect examples) Just because some-one appears to be ldquofatrdquo doesnrsquot mean they canrsquot outrun you Be kind and encouraging toward oth-er people and especially yourself

happy jessICArsquosfitnessjourney

Jess- 2011

Jess- 2014

HAIR SPRAY

BEACH BABE HAIR SPRAY14 C WATER

1 TBSP SEA SALT

1 TBSP HAIR GEL

2 DROPS ARGAN OIL OR CONDITIONER

POUR INGREDIENTS INTO TRAVEL SIZE SPRAY BOTTLE + SHAKE WELL

HAIR SPRAY

SPRAY ONTODAMP HAIR +

SCRUNCH FOR BEST BEACHY

WAVE RESULTS

The

GUIDELPF MAG CONTRIBUTORS SHARE A LOCALrsquos GUIDE TO THEIR CITIES

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO -

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO

Irsquom Katey a style blogger with Chronicles of Frivolity living as a Dallasite No we donrsquot ride horses to the mall and everything really is

bigger from our Margaritas to our eyelashes

1 Eat Dallas has more restaurants per capita than anywhere in America seriously We eat so well

2 Shop Dallas ALSO has more Shopping centers per capita than anywhere in America Itrsquos absurd

3 Marg Everywhere you look you are 10 feet from a patio with chips salsa and the best margarita yoursquove ever had 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Hattiersquos Hattiersquos is southern food with LA-white deacutecor You can enjoy Bacon-Wrapped Fried Oys-ters and Macaroni and Cheese Crusted Filet while sipping a Sweet Tea Martini

2 Stampede 66 Stampede 66 wins best margari-ta every year (The Modern Star Canyon) and The Butterscotch Pudding is worth gaining 20 pounds for

3 Saint Ann Saint Ann has one of the most beau-tiful patios in Dallas and I could probably have The Skinny Basil Lemonade and Salmon every meal of my life

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

KATEY MCFARLANof Chronicles of Frivolity

KATEYMCFARLAN

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Milk amp Honey Boutique Milk amp Honey Bou-tique might be the most affordable and unique boutique in Dallas PS go to the back room everything is on sale and there are a million size options

2 Movida Boutique Movida Boutique has the most beautiful bright pieces a neon pink or chartreuse blazer Under $40 Yes marsquoam

3 Northpark Mall Northpark Mall isnrsquot exactly affordable in every way but if you go to Dallas and donrsquot stop by it is a sin From Gucci to Nei-mans itrsquos like a museum of designers more so than a typical mall

3 TOP DALLAS AIRBNB PICKS

1 Trendy Uptown Loft A gorgeous two story loft near all of the

cities best bars amp restaurantsDallas $160 per night

2 Private Guest House w Exposed BeamsWe canrsquot get over how gorgeous this private

guest house is Dallas $150 per night

3 Contemporary CabinThis cabin is located right next to an art museum

amp always has live music at nightDallas $90 per night

I was fortunate enough to spend the majority of my college career living in the bustling city of Raleigh North Carolina Raleigh is one of those towns that flies under the radar Itrsquos a beautiful historical area with a taste of southern charm Raleigh is a relatively in-

expensive destination with lots to see and do you just need to find the right spots

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Take an afternoon or evening stroll around Lake Johnson It is the perfect place to go for a jog take a walk with your dog or hop in one of the paddle boats and explore the peaceful sights

2 Check out the local Farmerrsquos Market based right near the NC State University campus each vendor sets up their own stand of fresh produce crafts homemade goods- itrsquos open on weekends

3 Head over to the Amphitheater at Walnut Creek Lots of summer concerts are on the list tickets are super affordable in the lawn section with a great view of the stage

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Flying Biscuit- Known for their southern made delicious buttery baked biscuits paired with just about any breakfast entree it is the happening spot for a weekend brunch

2 Cameron Bar amp Grill - An upscale looking restaurant with affordable prices for a fabulous meal they have great appetizers and unique dinner dishes to pair with any delicious choice of wine

3 Boylan Bridge Brewpub - The best place to hit up to catch a sunset the local pub sits right on the bridge that overlooks the Raleigh skyline sit outside on the terrace amp enjoy one of their many craft beers (amp cheese dip) made right there

JACQUELINE YANCHOCIK

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Fabrsquorik Fabrsquorik is a hostpot with lots of affordable clothes like bright colored maxi dresses tanks and any handbag you could pos-sibly need

2 The Impeccable Pig Looking for the perfect day dress The Impeccable Pig is the place to go the store features lots of cute floral prints in dresses tops and shorts this is your summer destination shop

3 Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique is a one stop shop for all your accessory needs from simple earrings to some diamond pieces the customerrsquos of Charlottersquos are on the cutting edge of fashion

3 TOP RALEIGH AIRBNB PICKS

1 Hotel NicaraguaSsaid to be a stop from Jack Kerouacrsquos

noteworthy book ldquoOn the Roadrdquo nestled right outside downtown Raleigh this is definitely a

historic gemRaleigh $70 per night

2 Cookiersquos Garden SuiteA 1899 bungalow located in the Oakwood

Historic District enjoy a private entrance with all the amenities yoursquoll need right by downtown

Raleigh $75 per night

3 Sallyrsquos Downtown Historic SuiteThis historic home sits in a gorgeous neighbor-hood with leafy oaks close to coffee shops and

nearby bars Raleigh $85 per night

Irsquove been living in Los Angeles for over 3 years Los Angeles is a very spread out megacity with each area diverse in restaurants activities fashion architecture and even weather I grew up on

the beach so it was only fitting that I move to the west side of LA closest to the Pacific Venice is a colorful eccentric one-of-a kind district in Los Angeles right on the Pacific Ocean

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Venice has near-perfect weather year round so biking is a common activity here Marvin Braude Bike Trail (known as The Strand) is a bike path along the Pacific shoreline starting from Malibu down through Venice all the way Redondo Beach

2 Abbot Kinney is the artsy hipster sister of Bev-erly Hillsrsquo Rodeo Drive First Friday brings the best local art fashion music and food trucks to locals and visitors alike

3 Yoga and Venice go hand in hand There are multiple studios in the Venice area with incredible instructors and a class nearly every hour

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Tasting Kitchen A very special dining experience Trendy upscale atmosphere but with a rustic twist Communal seating under the trees a creative and fresh menu that changes daily and an overall obscure charm that suits Venice to a T

2 Chop Daddyrsquos Nestled between some of the cityrsquos most well-reviewed restaurants is some of the best BBQ in Los Angeles The tastiest fried pickles Irsquove ever had

3 Kippyrsquos Non-dairy raw organic coconut cream based ice cream My favorite is the orangesicle

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Firefly - the perfect collection of house-wares gifts and clothing reflecting the effort-less and beachy Venice lifestyle

2 Principessa - their website says it best ldquooutfitting the modern flower child in a so-phisticated style that is comfortable sexy and timelessrdquo

3 Aviator Nation Quintessential Southern California style that has become an obsession for many Aviator Nation has one-of-a kind t-shirt tanks sweats and more that have that worn-in feel so soft and comfortable 3 TOP VENICE AIRBNB PICKS

1 Artistrsquos CottageAn art filled cottage in proximity to one of the

worldrsquos best beaches$140 per night

2 Stylish Venice BungalowWalk to beach shops and dining from this ro-mantic and stylish holiday bungalow in a lush

garden setting$149 per night

3 Venice Garden RetreatA guesthouse filled with treasures from the

ownersrsquo travels abroad $125 per night

BROOKE KENNEDYBROOKEEJ

My name is Becca and I fell in love with Atlanta two years ago Although I moved to Atlanta for graduate school and thought it would be temporary I have fallen for a city that could be my forever home Having to choose my favorites are going to be

hard in a city that has so much to do

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Irsquove quickly made a tradition out of going to Music Midtown Music Festival in September at Piedmont Park I had the time of my life dancing the night away with best friends listening to great bands amp the Atlanta skyline in the background

2 Brunch is the only thing that gets me out of bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings Try the 100 item Bloody bar at Front Page News or all you can eat breakfast at Grsquos near piedmont If you get up early enough try West Egg in Westside Provisions

3 For a mere ten bucks you get six samples and a beautiful pint at the Sweetwater Brewery Tour But be warned the pours are heavy

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Noche This tiny tapas bar is full of flavors in tinybites Their chef special never seems to disap-point and therersquos always a drink special (Sangria Sundays are a personal favorite)

2 Park Tavern This restaurant with its own brew-ery offers some of the best views of Atlanta They have a late night sushi special and when it rains they pour dollar beers In the winter they have a full skating rink with adult only hours (so you donrsquot trip over that kid)

3YEAH Burger My favorite burger place in the world they offer a made to order burger that quenches even the pickiest of eaters appetites

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 The Lucky Exchange This second hand store is a treasure trove of pieces some extravagant sequin dresses some office appropriate attire My best find Brand new in the box Prada Loafers for under 30$

2 The Merchant at Howell Mill Grab a cup of coffee at Octane and then cross the street to Merchant A wide array of gifts and acces-sories offer the opportunity to pick up some-thing for your friends and yourself

3 Lizard Thicket Shop this trendy boutiquefor gameday dresses in your favorite team colors or the latest shipment of Bourbon and Bowetie bracelets

3 TOP ATLANTA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Secluded TreehouseHow could a girl not want to spend the night in an adult sized treehouse nestled right in popular

neighborhood Buckhead $275 per night

2 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentMidtown is close to everything you could want to be- food culture Piedmont Park museums amp an active nightlife there is something for everyone

This is a gorgeous room in a mini-mansion $73 per night

3 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentThis apartment is in the perfect location for some-one visiting town for food drinks and shopping

$69 per night

BECCA LUCIOof Becca Marie LucioBECCAMARIELUCIO

I moved to Chicago a little over a year ago and Irsquove completely fallen in love with the city As a Midwesterner all my life Chicago offers the charms of living in the Midwest while offering

amazing big city life There are summer street festivals every weekend the best brunch spots in the area shopping galore amp hidden gems in every gorgeous neighborhood

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Taste test cupcakes around Lincoln Park (I love Sweet Mandy Brsquos and Swirlz)

2 Spend the afternoon blogging at local coffee shops like Floriole amp Heritage

3 Explore local shops in new neighborhoods ndash there are so many incredible places to explore

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Range Hidden gem in Lincoln park that boasts seasonal recipes all made fromlocal ingredients Best of all itrsquos only a few blocks from my apartment Needless to say they know me by name

2 Little Goat Diner ndash I love Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzardrsquos mid-priced diner best of all her Chicago restaurants Offering home-style recipes with a fancy twist Irsquom a big fan of everything Irsquove tried Irsquod recommend the pork belly pancake amp tira-misu shake if you stop in

3 Xoco Rick Bayless has been one of my favorite chefsfor years His lower priced concept Xoco is the perfect spot to meet friends for lunch in River North Plus Margaritas (enough said right)

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 29: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

canoe ridescampfiresBASEBALL CAPS

best friends

LAKE LIFE

FIREFLIES

SUMMER

SHOP THE LOOK lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $18Lizzibeth $34

Olivia Taylor $10

Lizzibeth $15

Mango $25

Sperry $85

J Crew $20

Choies $63

Lizzibeth $13

Lizzibeth $13

lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $36

Splendid $86

Tretorn $93Romwe $18

Fore

ver 2

1 $

5

Lizzibeth $20

Forever 21 $9

Lizzibeth $14

Olivia Taylor $10

Irsquom going to be completely honest with you all I dread telling people that I used to be over-weight The excess weight I carried around was a representation of some of the most unhappiest years of my life and they are hard to look back on

Growing up I was always super skinny I ate whatever I wanted when I wanted I even had trouble gaining weight at various points in my life I was downright scrawny In high school it was just me and my size zero jeans all the way through graduation Once I got to college I no-ticed a little bit of weight gain but nothing like the freshman 15 everyone was always talking about I figured I was finally filling out my womanly body

Somewhere between my junior year of col-lege and graduation in May of 2011 things changed At my peak I wore a size 14 in womenrsquos pants And not the sexy-built-to-be-curvy size 14 that Christina Mendez is rocking I Wish To say I had let myself go would be an understate-ment

When I finally acknowledged my weight and stepped on the scale I almost had a heart attack Thatrsquos probably not an exaggeration considering the lack of exercise paired with all of the fatty foods I was consuming regularly It read 178 I panicked The last time I stepped on a scale I was at the doctorrsquos office several years prior and the

number read 110 (a number far too small for my 5rsquo7rsquorsquo frame but thatrsquos another story) WHAT HAPPENED My mind was a blur trying to process those three not-so-little numbers

Luckily this happened after my workout oth-erwise Irsquom quite positive the shock would have sent me running (okay walking) out the front doors I can honestly say it was one of the most overwhelming experiences Irsquove ever had Up until that point I had let everything roll off my shoulder I ignored it all the Facebook messag-es from an ex-boyfriend calling me a fat btch the degrading hoop and holler from boys when they drove past me on the street and worst of

all I ignored the fact that my ldquofriendsrdquo were saying these terrible things about me behind my back and I was just standing by letting it happen I was fed up I made a commitment to get on track for myself

I started documenting I prefer this word to counting which is how my blog name came about (26 and Not Counting calories years flying by how many items are in my online shopping cart compared to the dollars in my bank accountyou get the gist) I started tracking calories and workouts in the myfitnesspal app committed to 5-6 workouts a week (including weight lifting which I had never done in my life) and limited my booze fests with friends (which had been going on far too often) to one night a week

Healthy is happyCOntributor Jessicarsquos Journey to a happier + Healthier self

ldquoNot only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of

negativity that coNsumed my liferdquo

It wasnrsquot as if I had never worked out before that simply wasnrsquot the case I grew up active and en-joyed spin class in my early col-lege years but I had fallen off the bandwagon

So I was working out right But what about food I hate the word diet Diet is typically defined as something you ldquogo onrdquo before a big trip and it usually means that whatever crazy thing you are doing to try and shed pounds (the grapefruit diet) will eventual-ly have an ending point I didnrsquot start drinking any crazy weight loss drink or ban everything fried but I did start watching what I ate I paid attention to my body and when it was full and aimed to eat more home cooked meals op-posed to eating out all the time

The first time someone noticed I had a lost a few pounds (8 to be exact) I nearly fell off my bar stool Yes I was at the bar cele-brating a friendrsquos birthday (I had found a happy balance and kept my social life hallelujah) The words were simple ldquoJess you are looking goodrdquo I canrsquot tell you how thankful I am to that person that they recognized the work I had been putting in

Maintaining my body will be a daily practice for the rest of my life I had to marry that thought from the get-go Til death do us part Just this past year I set out to lose another 10 pounds and

slowly but surely I reached my goal I wasnrsquot happy in my body so I fixed it and in doing so I fixed a lot of other areas in my life Irsquom proud to say that I currently weigh 131lbs Irsquove wrestled some unhealthy habits into portion controlled treats found that Irsquom a much happier person when I workout and Irsquove grown into the person I am meant to be Not only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of negativity that consumed my life

Irsquom still not where I want to be and thatrsquos okay That simply means that itrsquos time to set anoth-er goal and push myself harder than ever My hope is that if you arenrsquot happy with where yoursquore at in life whether it be your weight your job your relationship that you will love yourself enough to change the situation and create a life that makes you happy to your core

One last thing you should also know that there is such a thing as a skinny fat person Someone may appear to be skinny but that doesnrsquot necessarily mean they are healthy Being fit doesnrsquot mean fitting into a size 2 (or even 4 6 or 8) for all women (Serena Williams and Whitney Thompson are per-fect examples) Just because some-one appears to be ldquofatrdquo doesnrsquot mean they canrsquot outrun you Be kind and encouraging toward oth-er people and especially yourself

happy jessICArsquosfitnessjourney

Jess- 2011

Jess- 2014

HAIR SPRAY

BEACH BABE HAIR SPRAY14 C WATER

1 TBSP SEA SALT

1 TBSP HAIR GEL

2 DROPS ARGAN OIL OR CONDITIONER

POUR INGREDIENTS INTO TRAVEL SIZE SPRAY BOTTLE + SHAKE WELL

HAIR SPRAY

SPRAY ONTODAMP HAIR +

SCRUNCH FOR BEST BEACHY

WAVE RESULTS

The

GUIDELPF MAG CONTRIBUTORS SHARE A LOCALrsquos GUIDE TO THEIR CITIES

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO -

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO

Irsquom Katey a style blogger with Chronicles of Frivolity living as a Dallasite No we donrsquot ride horses to the mall and everything really is

bigger from our Margaritas to our eyelashes

1 Eat Dallas has more restaurants per capita than anywhere in America seriously We eat so well

2 Shop Dallas ALSO has more Shopping centers per capita than anywhere in America Itrsquos absurd

3 Marg Everywhere you look you are 10 feet from a patio with chips salsa and the best margarita yoursquove ever had 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Hattiersquos Hattiersquos is southern food with LA-white deacutecor You can enjoy Bacon-Wrapped Fried Oys-ters and Macaroni and Cheese Crusted Filet while sipping a Sweet Tea Martini

2 Stampede 66 Stampede 66 wins best margari-ta every year (The Modern Star Canyon) and The Butterscotch Pudding is worth gaining 20 pounds for

3 Saint Ann Saint Ann has one of the most beau-tiful patios in Dallas and I could probably have The Skinny Basil Lemonade and Salmon every meal of my life

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

KATEY MCFARLANof Chronicles of Frivolity

KATEYMCFARLAN

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Milk amp Honey Boutique Milk amp Honey Bou-tique might be the most affordable and unique boutique in Dallas PS go to the back room everything is on sale and there are a million size options

2 Movida Boutique Movida Boutique has the most beautiful bright pieces a neon pink or chartreuse blazer Under $40 Yes marsquoam

3 Northpark Mall Northpark Mall isnrsquot exactly affordable in every way but if you go to Dallas and donrsquot stop by it is a sin From Gucci to Nei-mans itrsquos like a museum of designers more so than a typical mall

3 TOP DALLAS AIRBNB PICKS

1 Trendy Uptown Loft A gorgeous two story loft near all of the

cities best bars amp restaurantsDallas $160 per night

2 Private Guest House w Exposed BeamsWe canrsquot get over how gorgeous this private

guest house is Dallas $150 per night

3 Contemporary CabinThis cabin is located right next to an art museum

amp always has live music at nightDallas $90 per night

I was fortunate enough to spend the majority of my college career living in the bustling city of Raleigh North Carolina Raleigh is one of those towns that flies under the radar Itrsquos a beautiful historical area with a taste of southern charm Raleigh is a relatively in-

expensive destination with lots to see and do you just need to find the right spots

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Take an afternoon or evening stroll around Lake Johnson It is the perfect place to go for a jog take a walk with your dog or hop in one of the paddle boats and explore the peaceful sights

2 Check out the local Farmerrsquos Market based right near the NC State University campus each vendor sets up their own stand of fresh produce crafts homemade goods- itrsquos open on weekends

3 Head over to the Amphitheater at Walnut Creek Lots of summer concerts are on the list tickets are super affordable in the lawn section with a great view of the stage

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Flying Biscuit- Known for their southern made delicious buttery baked biscuits paired with just about any breakfast entree it is the happening spot for a weekend brunch

2 Cameron Bar amp Grill - An upscale looking restaurant with affordable prices for a fabulous meal they have great appetizers and unique dinner dishes to pair with any delicious choice of wine

3 Boylan Bridge Brewpub - The best place to hit up to catch a sunset the local pub sits right on the bridge that overlooks the Raleigh skyline sit outside on the terrace amp enjoy one of their many craft beers (amp cheese dip) made right there

JACQUELINE YANCHOCIK

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Fabrsquorik Fabrsquorik is a hostpot with lots of affordable clothes like bright colored maxi dresses tanks and any handbag you could pos-sibly need

2 The Impeccable Pig Looking for the perfect day dress The Impeccable Pig is the place to go the store features lots of cute floral prints in dresses tops and shorts this is your summer destination shop

3 Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique is a one stop shop for all your accessory needs from simple earrings to some diamond pieces the customerrsquos of Charlottersquos are on the cutting edge of fashion

3 TOP RALEIGH AIRBNB PICKS

1 Hotel NicaraguaSsaid to be a stop from Jack Kerouacrsquos

noteworthy book ldquoOn the Roadrdquo nestled right outside downtown Raleigh this is definitely a

historic gemRaleigh $70 per night

2 Cookiersquos Garden SuiteA 1899 bungalow located in the Oakwood

Historic District enjoy a private entrance with all the amenities yoursquoll need right by downtown

Raleigh $75 per night

3 Sallyrsquos Downtown Historic SuiteThis historic home sits in a gorgeous neighbor-hood with leafy oaks close to coffee shops and

nearby bars Raleigh $85 per night

Irsquove been living in Los Angeles for over 3 years Los Angeles is a very spread out megacity with each area diverse in restaurants activities fashion architecture and even weather I grew up on

the beach so it was only fitting that I move to the west side of LA closest to the Pacific Venice is a colorful eccentric one-of-a kind district in Los Angeles right on the Pacific Ocean

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Venice has near-perfect weather year round so biking is a common activity here Marvin Braude Bike Trail (known as The Strand) is a bike path along the Pacific shoreline starting from Malibu down through Venice all the way Redondo Beach

2 Abbot Kinney is the artsy hipster sister of Bev-erly Hillsrsquo Rodeo Drive First Friday brings the best local art fashion music and food trucks to locals and visitors alike

3 Yoga and Venice go hand in hand There are multiple studios in the Venice area with incredible instructors and a class nearly every hour

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Tasting Kitchen A very special dining experience Trendy upscale atmosphere but with a rustic twist Communal seating under the trees a creative and fresh menu that changes daily and an overall obscure charm that suits Venice to a T

2 Chop Daddyrsquos Nestled between some of the cityrsquos most well-reviewed restaurants is some of the best BBQ in Los Angeles The tastiest fried pickles Irsquove ever had

3 Kippyrsquos Non-dairy raw organic coconut cream based ice cream My favorite is the orangesicle

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Firefly - the perfect collection of house-wares gifts and clothing reflecting the effort-less and beachy Venice lifestyle

2 Principessa - their website says it best ldquooutfitting the modern flower child in a so-phisticated style that is comfortable sexy and timelessrdquo

3 Aviator Nation Quintessential Southern California style that has become an obsession for many Aviator Nation has one-of-a kind t-shirt tanks sweats and more that have that worn-in feel so soft and comfortable 3 TOP VENICE AIRBNB PICKS

1 Artistrsquos CottageAn art filled cottage in proximity to one of the

worldrsquos best beaches$140 per night

2 Stylish Venice BungalowWalk to beach shops and dining from this ro-mantic and stylish holiday bungalow in a lush

garden setting$149 per night

3 Venice Garden RetreatA guesthouse filled with treasures from the

ownersrsquo travels abroad $125 per night

BROOKE KENNEDYBROOKEEJ

My name is Becca and I fell in love with Atlanta two years ago Although I moved to Atlanta for graduate school and thought it would be temporary I have fallen for a city that could be my forever home Having to choose my favorites are going to be

hard in a city that has so much to do

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Irsquove quickly made a tradition out of going to Music Midtown Music Festival in September at Piedmont Park I had the time of my life dancing the night away with best friends listening to great bands amp the Atlanta skyline in the background

2 Brunch is the only thing that gets me out of bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings Try the 100 item Bloody bar at Front Page News or all you can eat breakfast at Grsquos near piedmont If you get up early enough try West Egg in Westside Provisions

3 For a mere ten bucks you get six samples and a beautiful pint at the Sweetwater Brewery Tour But be warned the pours are heavy

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Noche This tiny tapas bar is full of flavors in tinybites Their chef special never seems to disap-point and therersquos always a drink special (Sangria Sundays are a personal favorite)

2 Park Tavern This restaurant with its own brew-ery offers some of the best views of Atlanta They have a late night sushi special and when it rains they pour dollar beers In the winter they have a full skating rink with adult only hours (so you donrsquot trip over that kid)

3YEAH Burger My favorite burger place in the world they offer a made to order burger that quenches even the pickiest of eaters appetites

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 The Lucky Exchange This second hand store is a treasure trove of pieces some extravagant sequin dresses some office appropriate attire My best find Brand new in the box Prada Loafers for under 30$

2 The Merchant at Howell Mill Grab a cup of coffee at Octane and then cross the street to Merchant A wide array of gifts and acces-sories offer the opportunity to pick up some-thing for your friends and yourself

3 Lizard Thicket Shop this trendy boutiquefor gameday dresses in your favorite team colors or the latest shipment of Bourbon and Bowetie bracelets

3 TOP ATLANTA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Secluded TreehouseHow could a girl not want to spend the night in an adult sized treehouse nestled right in popular

neighborhood Buckhead $275 per night

2 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentMidtown is close to everything you could want to be- food culture Piedmont Park museums amp an active nightlife there is something for everyone

This is a gorgeous room in a mini-mansion $73 per night

3 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentThis apartment is in the perfect location for some-one visiting town for food drinks and shopping

$69 per night

BECCA LUCIOof Becca Marie LucioBECCAMARIELUCIO

I moved to Chicago a little over a year ago and Irsquove completely fallen in love with the city As a Midwesterner all my life Chicago offers the charms of living in the Midwest while offering

amazing big city life There are summer street festivals every weekend the best brunch spots in the area shopping galore amp hidden gems in every gorgeous neighborhood

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Taste test cupcakes around Lincoln Park (I love Sweet Mandy Brsquos and Swirlz)

2 Spend the afternoon blogging at local coffee shops like Floriole amp Heritage

3 Explore local shops in new neighborhoods ndash there are so many incredible places to explore

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Range Hidden gem in Lincoln park that boasts seasonal recipes all made fromlocal ingredients Best of all itrsquos only a few blocks from my apartment Needless to say they know me by name

2 Little Goat Diner ndash I love Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzardrsquos mid-priced diner best of all her Chicago restaurants Offering home-style recipes with a fancy twist Irsquom a big fan of everything Irsquove tried Irsquod recommend the pork belly pancake amp tira-misu shake if you stop in

3 Xoco Rick Bayless has been one of my favorite chefsfor years His lower priced concept Xoco is the perfect spot to meet friends for lunch in River North Plus Margaritas (enough said right)

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 30: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

SHOP THE LOOK lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $18Lizzibeth $34

Olivia Taylor $10

Lizzibeth $15

Mango $25

Sperry $85

J Crew $20

Choies $63

Lizzibeth $13

Lizzibeth $13

lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $36

Splendid $86

Tretorn $93Romwe $18

Fore

ver 2

1 $

5

Lizzibeth $20

Forever 21 $9

Lizzibeth $14

Olivia Taylor $10

Irsquom going to be completely honest with you all I dread telling people that I used to be over-weight The excess weight I carried around was a representation of some of the most unhappiest years of my life and they are hard to look back on

Growing up I was always super skinny I ate whatever I wanted when I wanted I even had trouble gaining weight at various points in my life I was downright scrawny In high school it was just me and my size zero jeans all the way through graduation Once I got to college I no-ticed a little bit of weight gain but nothing like the freshman 15 everyone was always talking about I figured I was finally filling out my womanly body

Somewhere between my junior year of col-lege and graduation in May of 2011 things changed At my peak I wore a size 14 in womenrsquos pants And not the sexy-built-to-be-curvy size 14 that Christina Mendez is rocking I Wish To say I had let myself go would be an understate-ment

When I finally acknowledged my weight and stepped on the scale I almost had a heart attack Thatrsquos probably not an exaggeration considering the lack of exercise paired with all of the fatty foods I was consuming regularly It read 178 I panicked The last time I stepped on a scale I was at the doctorrsquos office several years prior and the

number read 110 (a number far too small for my 5rsquo7rsquorsquo frame but thatrsquos another story) WHAT HAPPENED My mind was a blur trying to process those three not-so-little numbers

Luckily this happened after my workout oth-erwise Irsquom quite positive the shock would have sent me running (okay walking) out the front doors I can honestly say it was one of the most overwhelming experiences Irsquove ever had Up until that point I had let everything roll off my shoulder I ignored it all the Facebook messag-es from an ex-boyfriend calling me a fat btch the degrading hoop and holler from boys when they drove past me on the street and worst of

all I ignored the fact that my ldquofriendsrdquo were saying these terrible things about me behind my back and I was just standing by letting it happen I was fed up I made a commitment to get on track for myself

I started documenting I prefer this word to counting which is how my blog name came about (26 and Not Counting calories years flying by how many items are in my online shopping cart compared to the dollars in my bank accountyou get the gist) I started tracking calories and workouts in the myfitnesspal app committed to 5-6 workouts a week (including weight lifting which I had never done in my life) and limited my booze fests with friends (which had been going on far too often) to one night a week

Healthy is happyCOntributor Jessicarsquos Journey to a happier + Healthier self

ldquoNot only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of

negativity that coNsumed my liferdquo

It wasnrsquot as if I had never worked out before that simply wasnrsquot the case I grew up active and en-joyed spin class in my early col-lege years but I had fallen off the bandwagon

So I was working out right But what about food I hate the word diet Diet is typically defined as something you ldquogo onrdquo before a big trip and it usually means that whatever crazy thing you are doing to try and shed pounds (the grapefruit diet) will eventual-ly have an ending point I didnrsquot start drinking any crazy weight loss drink or ban everything fried but I did start watching what I ate I paid attention to my body and when it was full and aimed to eat more home cooked meals op-posed to eating out all the time

The first time someone noticed I had a lost a few pounds (8 to be exact) I nearly fell off my bar stool Yes I was at the bar cele-brating a friendrsquos birthday (I had found a happy balance and kept my social life hallelujah) The words were simple ldquoJess you are looking goodrdquo I canrsquot tell you how thankful I am to that person that they recognized the work I had been putting in

Maintaining my body will be a daily practice for the rest of my life I had to marry that thought from the get-go Til death do us part Just this past year I set out to lose another 10 pounds and

slowly but surely I reached my goal I wasnrsquot happy in my body so I fixed it and in doing so I fixed a lot of other areas in my life Irsquom proud to say that I currently weigh 131lbs Irsquove wrestled some unhealthy habits into portion controlled treats found that Irsquom a much happier person when I workout and Irsquove grown into the person I am meant to be Not only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of negativity that consumed my life

Irsquom still not where I want to be and thatrsquos okay That simply means that itrsquos time to set anoth-er goal and push myself harder than ever My hope is that if you arenrsquot happy with where yoursquore at in life whether it be your weight your job your relationship that you will love yourself enough to change the situation and create a life that makes you happy to your core

One last thing you should also know that there is such a thing as a skinny fat person Someone may appear to be skinny but that doesnrsquot necessarily mean they are healthy Being fit doesnrsquot mean fitting into a size 2 (or even 4 6 or 8) for all women (Serena Williams and Whitney Thompson are per-fect examples) Just because some-one appears to be ldquofatrdquo doesnrsquot mean they canrsquot outrun you Be kind and encouraging toward oth-er people and especially yourself

happy jessICArsquosfitnessjourney

Jess- 2011

Jess- 2014

HAIR SPRAY

BEACH BABE HAIR SPRAY14 C WATER

1 TBSP SEA SALT

1 TBSP HAIR GEL

2 DROPS ARGAN OIL OR CONDITIONER

POUR INGREDIENTS INTO TRAVEL SIZE SPRAY BOTTLE + SHAKE WELL

HAIR SPRAY

SPRAY ONTODAMP HAIR +

SCRUNCH FOR BEST BEACHY

WAVE RESULTS

The

GUIDELPF MAG CONTRIBUTORS SHARE A LOCALrsquos GUIDE TO THEIR CITIES

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO -

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO

Irsquom Katey a style blogger with Chronicles of Frivolity living as a Dallasite No we donrsquot ride horses to the mall and everything really is

bigger from our Margaritas to our eyelashes

1 Eat Dallas has more restaurants per capita than anywhere in America seriously We eat so well

2 Shop Dallas ALSO has more Shopping centers per capita than anywhere in America Itrsquos absurd

3 Marg Everywhere you look you are 10 feet from a patio with chips salsa and the best margarita yoursquove ever had 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Hattiersquos Hattiersquos is southern food with LA-white deacutecor You can enjoy Bacon-Wrapped Fried Oys-ters and Macaroni and Cheese Crusted Filet while sipping a Sweet Tea Martini

2 Stampede 66 Stampede 66 wins best margari-ta every year (The Modern Star Canyon) and The Butterscotch Pudding is worth gaining 20 pounds for

3 Saint Ann Saint Ann has one of the most beau-tiful patios in Dallas and I could probably have The Skinny Basil Lemonade and Salmon every meal of my life

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

KATEY MCFARLANof Chronicles of Frivolity

KATEYMCFARLAN

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Milk amp Honey Boutique Milk amp Honey Bou-tique might be the most affordable and unique boutique in Dallas PS go to the back room everything is on sale and there are a million size options

2 Movida Boutique Movida Boutique has the most beautiful bright pieces a neon pink or chartreuse blazer Under $40 Yes marsquoam

3 Northpark Mall Northpark Mall isnrsquot exactly affordable in every way but if you go to Dallas and donrsquot stop by it is a sin From Gucci to Nei-mans itrsquos like a museum of designers more so than a typical mall

3 TOP DALLAS AIRBNB PICKS

1 Trendy Uptown Loft A gorgeous two story loft near all of the

cities best bars amp restaurantsDallas $160 per night

2 Private Guest House w Exposed BeamsWe canrsquot get over how gorgeous this private

guest house is Dallas $150 per night

3 Contemporary CabinThis cabin is located right next to an art museum

amp always has live music at nightDallas $90 per night

I was fortunate enough to spend the majority of my college career living in the bustling city of Raleigh North Carolina Raleigh is one of those towns that flies under the radar Itrsquos a beautiful historical area with a taste of southern charm Raleigh is a relatively in-

expensive destination with lots to see and do you just need to find the right spots

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Take an afternoon or evening stroll around Lake Johnson It is the perfect place to go for a jog take a walk with your dog or hop in one of the paddle boats and explore the peaceful sights

2 Check out the local Farmerrsquos Market based right near the NC State University campus each vendor sets up their own stand of fresh produce crafts homemade goods- itrsquos open on weekends

3 Head over to the Amphitheater at Walnut Creek Lots of summer concerts are on the list tickets are super affordable in the lawn section with a great view of the stage

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Flying Biscuit- Known for their southern made delicious buttery baked biscuits paired with just about any breakfast entree it is the happening spot for a weekend brunch

2 Cameron Bar amp Grill - An upscale looking restaurant with affordable prices for a fabulous meal they have great appetizers and unique dinner dishes to pair with any delicious choice of wine

3 Boylan Bridge Brewpub - The best place to hit up to catch a sunset the local pub sits right on the bridge that overlooks the Raleigh skyline sit outside on the terrace amp enjoy one of their many craft beers (amp cheese dip) made right there

JACQUELINE YANCHOCIK

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Fabrsquorik Fabrsquorik is a hostpot with lots of affordable clothes like bright colored maxi dresses tanks and any handbag you could pos-sibly need

2 The Impeccable Pig Looking for the perfect day dress The Impeccable Pig is the place to go the store features lots of cute floral prints in dresses tops and shorts this is your summer destination shop

3 Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique is a one stop shop for all your accessory needs from simple earrings to some diamond pieces the customerrsquos of Charlottersquos are on the cutting edge of fashion

3 TOP RALEIGH AIRBNB PICKS

1 Hotel NicaraguaSsaid to be a stop from Jack Kerouacrsquos

noteworthy book ldquoOn the Roadrdquo nestled right outside downtown Raleigh this is definitely a

historic gemRaleigh $70 per night

2 Cookiersquos Garden SuiteA 1899 bungalow located in the Oakwood

Historic District enjoy a private entrance with all the amenities yoursquoll need right by downtown

Raleigh $75 per night

3 Sallyrsquos Downtown Historic SuiteThis historic home sits in a gorgeous neighbor-hood with leafy oaks close to coffee shops and

nearby bars Raleigh $85 per night

Irsquove been living in Los Angeles for over 3 years Los Angeles is a very spread out megacity with each area diverse in restaurants activities fashion architecture and even weather I grew up on

the beach so it was only fitting that I move to the west side of LA closest to the Pacific Venice is a colorful eccentric one-of-a kind district in Los Angeles right on the Pacific Ocean

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Venice has near-perfect weather year round so biking is a common activity here Marvin Braude Bike Trail (known as The Strand) is a bike path along the Pacific shoreline starting from Malibu down through Venice all the way Redondo Beach

2 Abbot Kinney is the artsy hipster sister of Bev-erly Hillsrsquo Rodeo Drive First Friday brings the best local art fashion music and food trucks to locals and visitors alike

3 Yoga and Venice go hand in hand There are multiple studios in the Venice area with incredible instructors and a class nearly every hour

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Tasting Kitchen A very special dining experience Trendy upscale atmosphere but with a rustic twist Communal seating under the trees a creative and fresh menu that changes daily and an overall obscure charm that suits Venice to a T

2 Chop Daddyrsquos Nestled between some of the cityrsquos most well-reviewed restaurants is some of the best BBQ in Los Angeles The tastiest fried pickles Irsquove ever had

3 Kippyrsquos Non-dairy raw organic coconut cream based ice cream My favorite is the orangesicle

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Firefly - the perfect collection of house-wares gifts and clothing reflecting the effort-less and beachy Venice lifestyle

2 Principessa - their website says it best ldquooutfitting the modern flower child in a so-phisticated style that is comfortable sexy and timelessrdquo

3 Aviator Nation Quintessential Southern California style that has become an obsession for many Aviator Nation has one-of-a kind t-shirt tanks sweats and more that have that worn-in feel so soft and comfortable 3 TOP VENICE AIRBNB PICKS

1 Artistrsquos CottageAn art filled cottage in proximity to one of the

worldrsquos best beaches$140 per night

2 Stylish Venice BungalowWalk to beach shops and dining from this ro-mantic and stylish holiday bungalow in a lush

garden setting$149 per night

3 Venice Garden RetreatA guesthouse filled with treasures from the

ownersrsquo travels abroad $125 per night

BROOKE KENNEDYBROOKEEJ

My name is Becca and I fell in love with Atlanta two years ago Although I moved to Atlanta for graduate school and thought it would be temporary I have fallen for a city that could be my forever home Having to choose my favorites are going to be

hard in a city that has so much to do

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Irsquove quickly made a tradition out of going to Music Midtown Music Festival in September at Piedmont Park I had the time of my life dancing the night away with best friends listening to great bands amp the Atlanta skyline in the background

2 Brunch is the only thing that gets me out of bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings Try the 100 item Bloody bar at Front Page News or all you can eat breakfast at Grsquos near piedmont If you get up early enough try West Egg in Westside Provisions

3 For a mere ten bucks you get six samples and a beautiful pint at the Sweetwater Brewery Tour But be warned the pours are heavy

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Noche This tiny tapas bar is full of flavors in tinybites Their chef special never seems to disap-point and therersquos always a drink special (Sangria Sundays are a personal favorite)

2 Park Tavern This restaurant with its own brew-ery offers some of the best views of Atlanta They have a late night sushi special and when it rains they pour dollar beers In the winter they have a full skating rink with adult only hours (so you donrsquot trip over that kid)

3YEAH Burger My favorite burger place in the world they offer a made to order burger that quenches even the pickiest of eaters appetites

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 The Lucky Exchange This second hand store is a treasure trove of pieces some extravagant sequin dresses some office appropriate attire My best find Brand new in the box Prada Loafers for under 30$

2 The Merchant at Howell Mill Grab a cup of coffee at Octane and then cross the street to Merchant A wide array of gifts and acces-sories offer the opportunity to pick up some-thing for your friends and yourself

3 Lizard Thicket Shop this trendy boutiquefor gameday dresses in your favorite team colors or the latest shipment of Bourbon and Bowetie bracelets

3 TOP ATLANTA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Secluded TreehouseHow could a girl not want to spend the night in an adult sized treehouse nestled right in popular

neighborhood Buckhead $275 per night

2 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentMidtown is close to everything you could want to be- food culture Piedmont Park museums amp an active nightlife there is something for everyone

This is a gorgeous room in a mini-mansion $73 per night

3 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentThis apartment is in the perfect location for some-one visiting town for food drinks and shopping

$69 per night

BECCA LUCIOof Becca Marie LucioBECCAMARIELUCIO

I moved to Chicago a little over a year ago and Irsquove completely fallen in love with the city As a Midwesterner all my life Chicago offers the charms of living in the Midwest while offering

amazing big city life There are summer street festivals every weekend the best brunch spots in the area shopping galore amp hidden gems in every gorgeous neighborhood

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Taste test cupcakes around Lincoln Park (I love Sweet Mandy Brsquos and Swirlz)

2 Spend the afternoon blogging at local coffee shops like Floriole amp Heritage

3 Explore local shops in new neighborhoods ndash there are so many incredible places to explore

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Range Hidden gem in Lincoln park that boasts seasonal recipes all made fromlocal ingredients Best of all itrsquos only a few blocks from my apartment Needless to say they know me by name

2 Little Goat Diner ndash I love Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzardrsquos mid-priced diner best of all her Chicago restaurants Offering home-style recipes with a fancy twist Irsquom a big fan of everything Irsquove tried Irsquod recommend the pork belly pancake amp tira-misu shake if you stop in

3 Xoco Rick Bayless has been one of my favorite chefsfor years His lower priced concept Xoco is the perfect spot to meet friends for lunch in River North Plus Margaritas (enough said right)

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 31: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

lovely at the lake

Lizzibeth $36

Splendid $86

Tretorn $93Romwe $18

Fore

ver 2

1 $

5

Lizzibeth $20

Forever 21 $9

Lizzibeth $14

Olivia Taylor $10

Irsquom going to be completely honest with you all I dread telling people that I used to be over-weight The excess weight I carried around was a representation of some of the most unhappiest years of my life and they are hard to look back on

Growing up I was always super skinny I ate whatever I wanted when I wanted I even had trouble gaining weight at various points in my life I was downright scrawny In high school it was just me and my size zero jeans all the way through graduation Once I got to college I no-ticed a little bit of weight gain but nothing like the freshman 15 everyone was always talking about I figured I was finally filling out my womanly body

Somewhere between my junior year of col-lege and graduation in May of 2011 things changed At my peak I wore a size 14 in womenrsquos pants And not the sexy-built-to-be-curvy size 14 that Christina Mendez is rocking I Wish To say I had let myself go would be an understate-ment

When I finally acknowledged my weight and stepped on the scale I almost had a heart attack Thatrsquos probably not an exaggeration considering the lack of exercise paired with all of the fatty foods I was consuming regularly It read 178 I panicked The last time I stepped on a scale I was at the doctorrsquos office several years prior and the

number read 110 (a number far too small for my 5rsquo7rsquorsquo frame but thatrsquos another story) WHAT HAPPENED My mind was a blur trying to process those three not-so-little numbers

Luckily this happened after my workout oth-erwise Irsquom quite positive the shock would have sent me running (okay walking) out the front doors I can honestly say it was one of the most overwhelming experiences Irsquove ever had Up until that point I had let everything roll off my shoulder I ignored it all the Facebook messag-es from an ex-boyfriend calling me a fat btch the degrading hoop and holler from boys when they drove past me on the street and worst of

all I ignored the fact that my ldquofriendsrdquo were saying these terrible things about me behind my back and I was just standing by letting it happen I was fed up I made a commitment to get on track for myself

I started documenting I prefer this word to counting which is how my blog name came about (26 and Not Counting calories years flying by how many items are in my online shopping cart compared to the dollars in my bank accountyou get the gist) I started tracking calories and workouts in the myfitnesspal app committed to 5-6 workouts a week (including weight lifting which I had never done in my life) and limited my booze fests with friends (which had been going on far too often) to one night a week

Healthy is happyCOntributor Jessicarsquos Journey to a happier + Healthier self

ldquoNot only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of

negativity that coNsumed my liferdquo

It wasnrsquot as if I had never worked out before that simply wasnrsquot the case I grew up active and en-joyed spin class in my early col-lege years but I had fallen off the bandwagon

So I was working out right But what about food I hate the word diet Diet is typically defined as something you ldquogo onrdquo before a big trip and it usually means that whatever crazy thing you are doing to try and shed pounds (the grapefruit diet) will eventual-ly have an ending point I didnrsquot start drinking any crazy weight loss drink or ban everything fried but I did start watching what I ate I paid attention to my body and when it was full and aimed to eat more home cooked meals op-posed to eating out all the time

The first time someone noticed I had a lost a few pounds (8 to be exact) I nearly fell off my bar stool Yes I was at the bar cele-brating a friendrsquos birthday (I had found a happy balance and kept my social life hallelujah) The words were simple ldquoJess you are looking goodrdquo I canrsquot tell you how thankful I am to that person that they recognized the work I had been putting in

Maintaining my body will be a daily practice for the rest of my life I had to marry that thought from the get-go Til death do us part Just this past year I set out to lose another 10 pounds and

slowly but surely I reached my goal I wasnrsquot happy in my body so I fixed it and in doing so I fixed a lot of other areas in my life Irsquom proud to say that I currently weigh 131lbs Irsquove wrestled some unhealthy habits into portion controlled treats found that Irsquom a much happier person when I workout and Irsquove grown into the person I am meant to be Not only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of negativity that consumed my life

Irsquom still not where I want to be and thatrsquos okay That simply means that itrsquos time to set anoth-er goal and push myself harder than ever My hope is that if you arenrsquot happy with where yoursquore at in life whether it be your weight your job your relationship that you will love yourself enough to change the situation and create a life that makes you happy to your core

One last thing you should also know that there is such a thing as a skinny fat person Someone may appear to be skinny but that doesnrsquot necessarily mean they are healthy Being fit doesnrsquot mean fitting into a size 2 (or even 4 6 or 8) for all women (Serena Williams and Whitney Thompson are per-fect examples) Just because some-one appears to be ldquofatrdquo doesnrsquot mean they canrsquot outrun you Be kind and encouraging toward oth-er people and especially yourself

happy jessICArsquosfitnessjourney

Jess- 2011

Jess- 2014

HAIR SPRAY

BEACH BABE HAIR SPRAY14 C WATER

1 TBSP SEA SALT

1 TBSP HAIR GEL

2 DROPS ARGAN OIL OR CONDITIONER

POUR INGREDIENTS INTO TRAVEL SIZE SPRAY BOTTLE + SHAKE WELL

HAIR SPRAY

SPRAY ONTODAMP HAIR +

SCRUNCH FOR BEST BEACHY

WAVE RESULTS

The

GUIDELPF MAG CONTRIBUTORS SHARE A LOCALrsquos GUIDE TO THEIR CITIES

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO -

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO

Irsquom Katey a style blogger with Chronicles of Frivolity living as a Dallasite No we donrsquot ride horses to the mall and everything really is

bigger from our Margaritas to our eyelashes

1 Eat Dallas has more restaurants per capita than anywhere in America seriously We eat so well

2 Shop Dallas ALSO has more Shopping centers per capita than anywhere in America Itrsquos absurd

3 Marg Everywhere you look you are 10 feet from a patio with chips salsa and the best margarita yoursquove ever had 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Hattiersquos Hattiersquos is southern food with LA-white deacutecor You can enjoy Bacon-Wrapped Fried Oys-ters and Macaroni and Cheese Crusted Filet while sipping a Sweet Tea Martini

2 Stampede 66 Stampede 66 wins best margari-ta every year (The Modern Star Canyon) and The Butterscotch Pudding is worth gaining 20 pounds for

3 Saint Ann Saint Ann has one of the most beau-tiful patios in Dallas and I could probably have The Skinny Basil Lemonade and Salmon every meal of my life

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

KATEY MCFARLANof Chronicles of Frivolity

KATEYMCFARLAN

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Milk amp Honey Boutique Milk amp Honey Bou-tique might be the most affordable and unique boutique in Dallas PS go to the back room everything is on sale and there are a million size options

2 Movida Boutique Movida Boutique has the most beautiful bright pieces a neon pink or chartreuse blazer Under $40 Yes marsquoam

3 Northpark Mall Northpark Mall isnrsquot exactly affordable in every way but if you go to Dallas and donrsquot stop by it is a sin From Gucci to Nei-mans itrsquos like a museum of designers more so than a typical mall

3 TOP DALLAS AIRBNB PICKS

1 Trendy Uptown Loft A gorgeous two story loft near all of the

cities best bars amp restaurantsDallas $160 per night

2 Private Guest House w Exposed BeamsWe canrsquot get over how gorgeous this private

guest house is Dallas $150 per night

3 Contemporary CabinThis cabin is located right next to an art museum

amp always has live music at nightDallas $90 per night

I was fortunate enough to spend the majority of my college career living in the bustling city of Raleigh North Carolina Raleigh is one of those towns that flies under the radar Itrsquos a beautiful historical area with a taste of southern charm Raleigh is a relatively in-

expensive destination with lots to see and do you just need to find the right spots

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Take an afternoon or evening stroll around Lake Johnson It is the perfect place to go for a jog take a walk with your dog or hop in one of the paddle boats and explore the peaceful sights

2 Check out the local Farmerrsquos Market based right near the NC State University campus each vendor sets up their own stand of fresh produce crafts homemade goods- itrsquos open on weekends

3 Head over to the Amphitheater at Walnut Creek Lots of summer concerts are on the list tickets are super affordable in the lawn section with a great view of the stage

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Flying Biscuit- Known for their southern made delicious buttery baked biscuits paired with just about any breakfast entree it is the happening spot for a weekend brunch

2 Cameron Bar amp Grill - An upscale looking restaurant with affordable prices for a fabulous meal they have great appetizers and unique dinner dishes to pair with any delicious choice of wine

3 Boylan Bridge Brewpub - The best place to hit up to catch a sunset the local pub sits right on the bridge that overlooks the Raleigh skyline sit outside on the terrace amp enjoy one of their many craft beers (amp cheese dip) made right there

JACQUELINE YANCHOCIK

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Fabrsquorik Fabrsquorik is a hostpot with lots of affordable clothes like bright colored maxi dresses tanks and any handbag you could pos-sibly need

2 The Impeccable Pig Looking for the perfect day dress The Impeccable Pig is the place to go the store features lots of cute floral prints in dresses tops and shorts this is your summer destination shop

3 Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique is a one stop shop for all your accessory needs from simple earrings to some diamond pieces the customerrsquos of Charlottersquos are on the cutting edge of fashion

3 TOP RALEIGH AIRBNB PICKS

1 Hotel NicaraguaSsaid to be a stop from Jack Kerouacrsquos

noteworthy book ldquoOn the Roadrdquo nestled right outside downtown Raleigh this is definitely a

historic gemRaleigh $70 per night

2 Cookiersquos Garden SuiteA 1899 bungalow located in the Oakwood

Historic District enjoy a private entrance with all the amenities yoursquoll need right by downtown

Raleigh $75 per night

3 Sallyrsquos Downtown Historic SuiteThis historic home sits in a gorgeous neighbor-hood with leafy oaks close to coffee shops and

nearby bars Raleigh $85 per night

Irsquove been living in Los Angeles for over 3 years Los Angeles is a very spread out megacity with each area diverse in restaurants activities fashion architecture and even weather I grew up on

the beach so it was only fitting that I move to the west side of LA closest to the Pacific Venice is a colorful eccentric one-of-a kind district in Los Angeles right on the Pacific Ocean

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Venice has near-perfect weather year round so biking is a common activity here Marvin Braude Bike Trail (known as The Strand) is a bike path along the Pacific shoreline starting from Malibu down through Venice all the way Redondo Beach

2 Abbot Kinney is the artsy hipster sister of Bev-erly Hillsrsquo Rodeo Drive First Friday brings the best local art fashion music and food trucks to locals and visitors alike

3 Yoga and Venice go hand in hand There are multiple studios in the Venice area with incredible instructors and a class nearly every hour

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Tasting Kitchen A very special dining experience Trendy upscale atmosphere but with a rustic twist Communal seating under the trees a creative and fresh menu that changes daily and an overall obscure charm that suits Venice to a T

2 Chop Daddyrsquos Nestled between some of the cityrsquos most well-reviewed restaurants is some of the best BBQ in Los Angeles The tastiest fried pickles Irsquove ever had

3 Kippyrsquos Non-dairy raw organic coconut cream based ice cream My favorite is the orangesicle

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Firefly - the perfect collection of house-wares gifts and clothing reflecting the effort-less and beachy Venice lifestyle

2 Principessa - their website says it best ldquooutfitting the modern flower child in a so-phisticated style that is comfortable sexy and timelessrdquo

3 Aviator Nation Quintessential Southern California style that has become an obsession for many Aviator Nation has one-of-a kind t-shirt tanks sweats and more that have that worn-in feel so soft and comfortable 3 TOP VENICE AIRBNB PICKS

1 Artistrsquos CottageAn art filled cottage in proximity to one of the

worldrsquos best beaches$140 per night

2 Stylish Venice BungalowWalk to beach shops and dining from this ro-mantic and stylish holiday bungalow in a lush

garden setting$149 per night

3 Venice Garden RetreatA guesthouse filled with treasures from the

ownersrsquo travels abroad $125 per night

BROOKE KENNEDYBROOKEEJ

My name is Becca and I fell in love with Atlanta two years ago Although I moved to Atlanta for graduate school and thought it would be temporary I have fallen for a city that could be my forever home Having to choose my favorites are going to be

hard in a city that has so much to do

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Irsquove quickly made a tradition out of going to Music Midtown Music Festival in September at Piedmont Park I had the time of my life dancing the night away with best friends listening to great bands amp the Atlanta skyline in the background

2 Brunch is the only thing that gets me out of bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings Try the 100 item Bloody bar at Front Page News or all you can eat breakfast at Grsquos near piedmont If you get up early enough try West Egg in Westside Provisions

3 For a mere ten bucks you get six samples and a beautiful pint at the Sweetwater Brewery Tour But be warned the pours are heavy

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Noche This tiny tapas bar is full of flavors in tinybites Their chef special never seems to disap-point and therersquos always a drink special (Sangria Sundays are a personal favorite)

2 Park Tavern This restaurant with its own brew-ery offers some of the best views of Atlanta They have a late night sushi special and when it rains they pour dollar beers In the winter they have a full skating rink with adult only hours (so you donrsquot trip over that kid)

3YEAH Burger My favorite burger place in the world they offer a made to order burger that quenches even the pickiest of eaters appetites

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 The Lucky Exchange This second hand store is a treasure trove of pieces some extravagant sequin dresses some office appropriate attire My best find Brand new in the box Prada Loafers for under 30$

2 The Merchant at Howell Mill Grab a cup of coffee at Octane and then cross the street to Merchant A wide array of gifts and acces-sories offer the opportunity to pick up some-thing for your friends and yourself

3 Lizard Thicket Shop this trendy boutiquefor gameday dresses in your favorite team colors or the latest shipment of Bourbon and Bowetie bracelets

3 TOP ATLANTA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Secluded TreehouseHow could a girl not want to spend the night in an adult sized treehouse nestled right in popular

neighborhood Buckhead $275 per night

2 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentMidtown is close to everything you could want to be- food culture Piedmont Park museums amp an active nightlife there is something for everyone

This is a gorgeous room in a mini-mansion $73 per night

3 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentThis apartment is in the perfect location for some-one visiting town for food drinks and shopping

$69 per night

BECCA LUCIOof Becca Marie LucioBECCAMARIELUCIO

I moved to Chicago a little over a year ago and Irsquove completely fallen in love with the city As a Midwesterner all my life Chicago offers the charms of living in the Midwest while offering

amazing big city life There are summer street festivals every weekend the best brunch spots in the area shopping galore amp hidden gems in every gorgeous neighborhood

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Taste test cupcakes around Lincoln Park (I love Sweet Mandy Brsquos and Swirlz)

2 Spend the afternoon blogging at local coffee shops like Floriole amp Heritage

3 Explore local shops in new neighborhoods ndash there are so many incredible places to explore

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Range Hidden gem in Lincoln park that boasts seasonal recipes all made fromlocal ingredients Best of all itrsquos only a few blocks from my apartment Needless to say they know me by name

2 Little Goat Diner ndash I love Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzardrsquos mid-priced diner best of all her Chicago restaurants Offering home-style recipes with a fancy twist Irsquom a big fan of everything Irsquove tried Irsquod recommend the pork belly pancake amp tira-misu shake if you stop in

3 Xoco Rick Bayless has been one of my favorite chefsfor years His lower priced concept Xoco is the perfect spot to meet friends for lunch in River North Plus Margaritas (enough said right)

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 32: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

Irsquom going to be completely honest with you all I dread telling people that I used to be over-weight The excess weight I carried around was a representation of some of the most unhappiest years of my life and they are hard to look back on

Growing up I was always super skinny I ate whatever I wanted when I wanted I even had trouble gaining weight at various points in my life I was downright scrawny In high school it was just me and my size zero jeans all the way through graduation Once I got to college I no-ticed a little bit of weight gain but nothing like the freshman 15 everyone was always talking about I figured I was finally filling out my womanly body

Somewhere between my junior year of col-lege and graduation in May of 2011 things changed At my peak I wore a size 14 in womenrsquos pants And not the sexy-built-to-be-curvy size 14 that Christina Mendez is rocking I Wish To say I had let myself go would be an understate-ment

When I finally acknowledged my weight and stepped on the scale I almost had a heart attack Thatrsquos probably not an exaggeration considering the lack of exercise paired with all of the fatty foods I was consuming regularly It read 178 I panicked The last time I stepped on a scale I was at the doctorrsquos office several years prior and the

number read 110 (a number far too small for my 5rsquo7rsquorsquo frame but thatrsquos another story) WHAT HAPPENED My mind was a blur trying to process those three not-so-little numbers

Luckily this happened after my workout oth-erwise Irsquom quite positive the shock would have sent me running (okay walking) out the front doors I can honestly say it was one of the most overwhelming experiences Irsquove ever had Up until that point I had let everything roll off my shoulder I ignored it all the Facebook messag-es from an ex-boyfriend calling me a fat btch the degrading hoop and holler from boys when they drove past me on the street and worst of

all I ignored the fact that my ldquofriendsrdquo were saying these terrible things about me behind my back and I was just standing by letting it happen I was fed up I made a commitment to get on track for myself

I started documenting I prefer this word to counting which is how my blog name came about (26 and Not Counting calories years flying by how many items are in my online shopping cart compared to the dollars in my bank accountyou get the gist) I started tracking calories and workouts in the myfitnesspal app committed to 5-6 workouts a week (including weight lifting which I had never done in my life) and limited my booze fests with friends (which had been going on far too often) to one night a week

Healthy is happyCOntributor Jessicarsquos Journey to a happier + Healthier self

ldquoNot only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of

negativity that coNsumed my liferdquo

It wasnrsquot as if I had never worked out before that simply wasnrsquot the case I grew up active and en-joyed spin class in my early col-lege years but I had fallen off the bandwagon

So I was working out right But what about food I hate the word diet Diet is typically defined as something you ldquogo onrdquo before a big trip and it usually means that whatever crazy thing you are doing to try and shed pounds (the grapefruit diet) will eventual-ly have an ending point I didnrsquot start drinking any crazy weight loss drink or ban everything fried but I did start watching what I ate I paid attention to my body and when it was full and aimed to eat more home cooked meals op-posed to eating out all the time

The first time someone noticed I had a lost a few pounds (8 to be exact) I nearly fell off my bar stool Yes I was at the bar cele-brating a friendrsquos birthday (I had found a happy balance and kept my social life hallelujah) The words were simple ldquoJess you are looking goodrdquo I canrsquot tell you how thankful I am to that person that they recognized the work I had been putting in

Maintaining my body will be a daily practice for the rest of my life I had to marry that thought from the get-go Til death do us part Just this past year I set out to lose another 10 pounds and

slowly but surely I reached my goal I wasnrsquot happy in my body so I fixed it and in doing so I fixed a lot of other areas in my life Irsquom proud to say that I currently weigh 131lbs Irsquove wrestled some unhealthy habits into portion controlled treats found that Irsquom a much happier person when I workout and Irsquove grown into the person I am meant to be Not only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of negativity that consumed my life

Irsquom still not where I want to be and thatrsquos okay That simply means that itrsquos time to set anoth-er goal and push myself harder than ever My hope is that if you arenrsquot happy with where yoursquore at in life whether it be your weight your job your relationship that you will love yourself enough to change the situation and create a life that makes you happy to your core

One last thing you should also know that there is such a thing as a skinny fat person Someone may appear to be skinny but that doesnrsquot necessarily mean they are healthy Being fit doesnrsquot mean fitting into a size 2 (or even 4 6 or 8) for all women (Serena Williams and Whitney Thompson are per-fect examples) Just because some-one appears to be ldquofatrdquo doesnrsquot mean they canrsquot outrun you Be kind and encouraging toward oth-er people and especially yourself

happy jessICArsquosfitnessjourney

Jess- 2011

Jess- 2014

HAIR SPRAY

BEACH BABE HAIR SPRAY14 C WATER

1 TBSP SEA SALT

1 TBSP HAIR GEL

2 DROPS ARGAN OIL OR CONDITIONER

POUR INGREDIENTS INTO TRAVEL SIZE SPRAY BOTTLE + SHAKE WELL

HAIR SPRAY

SPRAY ONTODAMP HAIR +

SCRUNCH FOR BEST BEACHY

WAVE RESULTS

The

GUIDELPF MAG CONTRIBUTORS SHARE A LOCALrsquos GUIDE TO THEIR CITIES

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO -

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO

Irsquom Katey a style blogger with Chronicles of Frivolity living as a Dallasite No we donrsquot ride horses to the mall and everything really is

bigger from our Margaritas to our eyelashes

1 Eat Dallas has more restaurants per capita than anywhere in America seriously We eat so well

2 Shop Dallas ALSO has more Shopping centers per capita than anywhere in America Itrsquos absurd

3 Marg Everywhere you look you are 10 feet from a patio with chips salsa and the best margarita yoursquove ever had 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Hattiersquos Hattiersquos is southern food with LA-white deacutecor You can enjoy Bacon-Wrapped Fried Oys-ters and Macaroni and Cheese Crusted Filet while sipping a Sweet Tea Martini

2 Stampede 66 Stampede 66 wins best margari-ta every year (The Modern Star Canyon) and The Butterscotch Pudding is worth gaining 20 pounds for

3 Saint Ann Saint Ann has one of the most beau-tiful patios in Dallas and I could probably have The Skinny Basil Lemonade and Salmon every meal of my life

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

KATEY MCFARLANof Chronicles of Frivolity

KATEYMCFARLAN

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Milk amp Honey Boutique Milk amp Honey Bou-tique might be the most affordable and unique boutique in Dallas PS go to the back room everything is on sale and there are a million size options

2 Movida Boutique Movida Boutique has the most beautiful bright pieces a neon pink or chartreuse blazer Under $40 Yes marsquoam

3 Northpark Mall Northpark Mall isnrsquot exactly affordable in every way but if you go to Dallas and donrsquot stop by it is a sin From Gucci to Nei-mans itrsquos like a museum of designers more so than a typical mall

3 TOP DALLAS AIRBNB PICKS

1 Trendy Uptown Loft A gorgeous two story loft near all of the

cities best bars amp restaurantsDallas $160 per night

2 Private Guest House w Exposed BeamsWe canrsquot get over how gorgeous this private

guest house is Dallas $150 per night

3 Contemporary CabinThis cabin is located right next to an art museum

amp always has live music at nightDallas $90 per night

I was fortunate enough to spend the majority of my college career living in the bustling city of Raleigh North Carolina Raleigh is one of those towns that flies under the radar Itrsquos a beautiful historical area with a taste of southern charm Raleigh is a relatively in-

expensive destination with lots to see and do you just need to find the right spots

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Take an afternoon or evening stroll around Lake Johnson It is the perfect place to go for a jog take a walk with your dog or hop in one of the paddle boats and explore the peaceful sights

2 Check out the local Farmerrsquos Market based right near the NC State University campus each vendor sets up their own stand of fresh produce crafts homemade goods- itrsquos open on weekends

3 Head over to the Amphitheater at Walnut Creek Lots of summer concerts are on the list tickets are super affordable in the lawn section with a great view of the stage

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Flying Biscuit- Known for their southern made delicious buttery baked biscuits paired with just about any breakfast entree it is the happening spot for a weekend brunch

2 Cameron Bar amp Grill - An upscale looking restaurant with affordable prices for a fabulous meal they have great appetizers and unique dinner dishes to pair with any delicious choice of wine

3 Boylan Bridge Brewpub - The best place to hit up to catch a sunset the local pub sits right on the bridge that overlooks the Raleigh skyline sit outside on the terrace amp enjoy one of their many craft beers (amp cheese dip) made right there

JACQUELINE YANCHOCIK

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Fabrsquorik Fabrsquorik is a hostpot with lots of affordable clothes like bright colored maxi dresses tanks and any handbag you could pos-sibly need

2 The Impeccable Pig Looking for the perfect day dress The Impeccable Pig is the place to go the store features lots of cute floral prints in dresses tops and shorts this is your summer destination shop

3 Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique is a one stop shop for all your accessory needs from simple earrings to some diamond pieces the customerrsquos of Charlottersquos are on the cutting edge of fashion

3 TOP RALEIGH AIRBNB PICKS

1 Hotel NicaraguaSsaid to be a stop from Jack Kerouacrsquos

noteworthy book ldquoOn the Roadrdquo nestled right outside downtown Raleigh this is definitely a

historic gemRaleigh $70 per night

2 Cookiersquos Garden SuiteA 1899 bungalow located in the Oakwood

Historic District enjoy a private entrance with all the amenities yoursquoll need right by downtown

Raleigh $75 per night

3 Sallyrsquos Downtown Historic SuiteThis historic home sits in a gorgeous neighbor-hood with leafy oaks close to coffee shops and

nearby bars Raleigh $85 per night

Irsquove been living in Los Angeles for over 3 years Los Angeles is a very spread out megacity with each area diverse in restaurants activities fashion architecture and even weather I grew up on

the beach so it was only fitting that I move to the west side of LA closest to the Pacific Venice is a colorful eccentric one-of-a kind district in Los Angeles right on the Pacific Ocean

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Venice has near-perfect weather year round so biking is a common activity here Marvin Braude Bike Trail (known as The Strand) is a bike path along the Pacific shoreline starting from Malibu down through Venice all the way Redondo Beach

2 Abbot Kinney is the artsy hipster sister of Bev-erly Hillsrsquo Rodeo Drive First Friday brings the best local art fashion music and food trucks to locals and visitors alike

3 Yoga and Venice go hand in hand There are multiple studios in the Venice area with incredible instructors and a class nearly every hour

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Tasting Kitchen A very special dining experience Trendy upscale atmosphere but with a rustic twist Communal seating under the trees a creative and fresh menu that changes daily and an overall obscure charm that suits Venice to a T

2 Chop Daddyrsquos Nestled between some of the cityrsquos most well-reviewed restaurants is some of the best BBQ in Los Angeles The tastiest fried pickles Irsquove ever had

3 Kippyrsquos Non-dairy raw organic coconut cream based ice cream My favorite is the orangesicle

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Firefly - the perfect collection of house-wares gifts and clothing reflecting the effort-less and beachy Venice lifestyle

2 Principessa - their website says it best ldquooutfitting the modern flower child in a so-phisticated style that is comfortable sexy and timelessrdquo

3 Aviator Nation Quintessential Southern California style that has become an obsession for many Aviator Nation has one-of-a kind t-shirt tanks sweats and more that have that worn-in feel so soft and comfortable 3 TOP VENICE AIRBNB PICKS

1 Artistrsquos CottageAn art filled cottage in proximity to one of the

worldrsquos best beaches$140 per night

2 Stylish Venice BungalowWalk to beach shops and dining from this ro-mantic and stylish holiday bungalow in a lush

garden setting$149 per night

3 Venice Garden RetreatA guesthouse filled with treasures from the

ownersrsquo travels abroad $125 per night

BROOKE KENNEDYBROOKEEJ

My name is Becca and I fell in love with Atlanta two years ago Although I moved to Atlanta for graduate school and thought it would be temporary I have fallen for a city that could be my forever home Having to choose my favorites are going to be

hard in a city that has so much to do

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Irsquove quickly made a tradition out of going to Music Midtown Music Festival in September at Piedmont Park I had the time of my life dancing the night away with best friends listening to great bands amp the Atlanta skyline in the background

2 Brunch is the only thing that gets me out of bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings Try the 100 item Bloody bar at Front Page News or all you can eat breakfast at Grsquos near piedmont If you get up early enough try West Egg in Westside Provisions

3 For a mere ten bucks you get six samples and a beautiful pint at the Sweetwater Brewery Tour But be warned the pours are heavy

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Noche This tiny tapas bar is full of flavors in tinybites Their chef special never seems to disap-point and therersquos always a drink special (Sangria Sundays are a personal favorite)

2 Park Tavern This restaurant with its own brew-ery offers some of the best views of Atlanta They have a late night sushi special and when it rains they pour dollar beers In the winter they have a full skating rink with adult only hours (so you donrsquot trip over that kid)

3YEAH Burger My favorite burger place in the world they offer a made to order burger that quenches even the pickiest of eaters appetites

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 The Lucky Exchange This second hand store is a treasure trove of pieces some extravagant sequin dresses some office appropriate attire My best find Brand new in the box Prada Loafers for under 30$

2 The Merchant at Howell Mill Grab a cup of coffee at Octane and then cross the street to Merchant A wide array of gifts and acces-sories offer the opportunity to pick up some-thing for your friends and yourself

3 Lizard Thicket Shop this trendy boutiquefor gameday dresses in your favorite team colors or the latest shipment of Bourbon and Bowetie bracelets

3 TOP ATLANTA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Secluded TreehouseHow could a girl not want to spend the night in an adult sized treehouse nestled right in popular

neighborhood Buckhead $275 per night

2 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentMidtown is close to everything you could want to be- food culture Piedmont Park museums amp an active nightlife there is something for everyone

This is a gorgeous room in a mini-mansion $73 per night

3 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentThis apartment is in the perfect location for some-one visiting town for food drinks and shopping

$69 per night

BECCA LUCIOof Becca Marie LucioBECCAMARIELUCIO

I moved to Chicago a little over a year ago and Irsquove completely fallen in love with the city As a Midwesterner all my life Chicago offers the charms of living in the Midwest while offering

amazing big city life There are summer street festivals every weekend the best brunch spots in the area shopping galore amp hidden gems in every gorgeous neighborhood

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Taste test cupcakes around Lincoln Park (I love Sweet Mandy Brsquos and Swirlz)

2 Spend the afternoon blogging at local coffee shops like Floriole amp Heritage

3 Explore local shops in new neighborhoods ndash there are so many incredible places to explore

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Range Hidden gem in Lincoln park that boasts seasonal recipes all made fromlocal ingredients Best of all itrsquos only a few blocks from my apartment Needless to say they know me by name

2 Little Goat Diner ndash I love Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzardrsquos mid-priced diner best of all her Chicago restaurants Offering home-style recipes with a fancy twist Irsquom a big fan of everything Irsquove tried Irsquod recommend the pork belly pancake amp tira-misu shake if you stop in

3 Xoco Rick Bayless has been one of my favorite chefsfor years His lower priced concept Xoco is the perfect spot to meet friends for lunch in River North Plus Margaritas (enough said right)

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 33: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

It wasnrsquot as if I had never worked out before that simply wasnrsquot the case I grew up active and en-joyed spin class in my early col-lege years but I had fallen off the bandwagon

So I was working out right But what about food I hate the word diet Diet is typically defined as something you ldquogo onrdquo before a big trip and it usually means that whatever crazy thing you are doing to try and shed pounds (the grapefruit diet) will eventual-ly have an ending point I didnrsquot start drinking any crazy weight loss drink or ban everything fried but I did start watching what I ate I paid attention to my body and when it was full and aimed to eat more home cooked meals op-posed to eating out all the time

The first time someone noticed I had a lost a few pounds (8 to be exact) I nearly fell off my bar stool Yes I was at the bar cele-brating a friendrsquos birthday (I had found a happy balance and kept my social life hallelujah) The words were simple ldquoJess you are looking goodrdquo I canrsquot tell you how thankful I am to that person that they recognized the work I had been putting in

Maintaining my body will be a daily practice for the rest of my life I had to marry that thought from the get-go Til death do us part Just this past year I set out to lose another 10 pounds and

slowly but surely I reached my goal I wasnrsquot happy in my body so I fixed it and in doing so I fixed a lot of other areas in my life Irsquom proud to say that I currently weigh 131lbs Irsquove wrestled some unhealthy habits into portion controlled treats found that Irsquom a much happier person when I workout and Irsquove grown into the person I am meant to be Not only did I shed pounds but I shed a ton of negativity that consumed my life

Irsquom still not where I want to be and thatrsquos okay That simply means that itrsquos time to set anoth-er goal and push myself harder than ever My hope is that if you arenrsquot happy with where yoursquore at in life whether it be your weight your job your relationship that you will love yourself enough to change the situation and create a life that makes you happy to your core

One last thing you should also know that there is such a thing as a skinny fat person Someone may appear to be skinny but that doesnrsquot necessarily mean they are healthy Being fit doesnrsquot mean fitting into a size 2 (or even 4 6 or 8) for all women (Serena Williams and Whitney Thompson are per-fect examples) Just because some-one appears to be ldquofatrdquo doesnrsquot mean they canrsquot outrun you Be kind and encouraging toward oth-er people and especially yourself

happy jessICArsquosfitnessjourney

Jess- 2011

Jess- 2014

HAIR SPRAY

BEACH BABE HAIR SPRAY14 C WATER

1 TBSP SEA SALT

1 TBSP HAIR GEL

2 DROPS ARGAN OIL OR CONDITIONER

POUR INGREDIENTS INTO TRAVEL SIZE SPRAY BOTTLE + SHAKE WELL

HAIR SPRAY

SPRAY ONTODAMP HAIR +

SCRUNCH FOR BEST BEACHY

WAVE RESULTS

The

GUIDELPF MAG CONTRIBUTORS SHARE A LOCALrsquos GUIDE TO THEIR CITIES

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO -

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO

Irsquom Katey a style blogger with Chronicles of Frivolity living as a Dallasite No we donrsquot ride horses to the mall and everything really is

bigger from our Margaritas to our eyelashes

1 Eat Dallas has more restaurants per capita than anywhere in America seriously We eat so well

2 Shop Dallas ALSO has more Shopping centers per capita than anywhere in America Itrsquos absurd

3 Marg Everywhere you look you are 10 feet from a patio with chips salsa and the best margarita yoursquove ever had 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Hattiersquos Hattiersquos is southern food with LA-white deacutecor You can enjoy Bacon-Wrapped Fried Oys-ters and Macaroni and Cheese Crusted Filet while sipping a Sweet Tea Martini

2 Stampede 66 Stampede 66 wins best margari-ta every year (The Modern Star Canyon) and The Butterscotch Pudding is worth gaining 20 pounds for

3 Saint Ann Saint Ann has one of the most beau-tiful patios in Dallas and I could probably have The Skinny Basil Lemonade and Salmon every meal of my life

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

KATEY MCFARLANof Chronicles of Frivolity

KATEYMCFARLAN

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Milk amp Honey Boutique Milk amp Honey Bou-tique might be the most affordable and unique boutique in Dallas PS go to the back room everything is on sale and there are a million size options

2 Movida Boutique Movida Boutique has the most beautiful bright pieces a neon pink or chartreuse blazer Under $40 Yes marsquoam

3 Northpark Mall Northpark Mall isnrsquot exactly affordable in every way but if you go to Dallas and donrsquot stop by it is a sin From Gucci to Nei-mans itrsquos like a museum of designers more so than a typical mall

3 TOP DALLAS AIRBNB PICKS

1 Trendy Uptown Loft A gorgeous two story loft near all of the

cities best bars amp restaurantsDallas $160 per night

2 Private Guest House w Exposed BeamsWe canrsquot get over how gorgeous this private

guest house is Dallas $150 per night

3 Contemporary CabinThis cabin is located right next to an art museum

amp always has live music at nightDallas $90 per night

I was fortunate enough to spend the majority of my college career living in the bustling city of Raleigh North Carolina Raleigh is one of those towns that flies under the radar Itrsquos a beautiful historical area with a taste of southern charm Raleigh is a relatively in-

expensive destination with lots to see and do you just need to find the right spots

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Take an afternoon or evening stroll around Lake Johnson It is the perfect place to go for a jog take a walk with your dog or hop in one of the paddle boats and explore the peaceful sights

2 Check out the local Farmerrsquos Market based right near the NC State University campus each vendor sets up their own stand of fresh produce crafts homemade goods- itrsquos open on weekends

3 Head over to the Amphitheater at Walnut Creek Lots of summer concerts are on the list tickets are super affordable in the lawn section with a great view of the stage

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Flying Biscuit- Known for their southern made delicious buttery baked biscuits paired with just about any breakfast entree it is the happening spot for a weekend brunch

2 Cameron Bar amp Grill - An upscale looking restaurant with affordable prices for a fabulous meal they have great appetizers and unique dinner dishes to pair with any delicious choice of wine

3 Boylan Bridge Brewpub - The best place to hit up to catch a sunset the local pub sits right on the bridge that overlooks the Raleigh skyline sit outside on the terrace amp enjoy one of their many craft beers (amp cheese dip) made right there

JACQUELINE YANCHOCIK

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Fabrsquorik Fabrsquorik is a hostpot with lots of affordable clothes like bright colored maxi dresses tanks and any handbag you could pos-sibly need

2 The Impeccable Pig Looking for the perfect day dress The Impeccable Pig is the place to go the store features lots of cute floral prints in dresses tops and shorts this is your summer destination shop

3 Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique is a one stop shop for all your accessory needs from simple earrings to some diamond pieces the customerrsquos of Charlottersquos are on the cutting edge of fashion

3 TOP RALEIGH AIRBNB PICKS

1 Hotel NicaraguaSsaid to be a stop from Jack Kerouacrsquos

noteworthy book ldquoOn the Roadrdquo nestled right outside downtown Raleigh this is definitely a

historic gemRaleigh $70 per night

2 Cookiersquos Garden SuiteA 1899 bungalow located in the Oakwood

Historic District enjoy a private entrance with all the amenities yoursquoll need right by downtown

Raleigh $75 per night

3 Sallyrsquos Downtown Historic SuiteThis historic home sits in a gorgeous neighbor-hood with leafy oaks close to coffee shops and

nearby bars Raleigh $85 per night

Irsquove been living in Los Angeles for over 3 years Los Angeles is a very spread out megacity with each area diverse in restaurants activities fashion architecture and even weather I grew up on

the beach so it was only fitting that I move to the west side of LA closest to the Pacific Venice is a colorful eccentric one-of-a kind district in Los Angeles right on the Pacific Ocean

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Venice has near-perfect weather year round so biking is a common activity here Marvin Braude Bike Trail (known as The Strand) is a bike path along the Pacific shoreline starting from Malibu down through Venice all the way Redondo Beach

2 Abbot Kinney is the artsy hipster sister of Bev-erly Hillsrsquo Rodeo Drive First Friday brings the best local art fashion music and food trucks to locals and visitors alike

3 Yoga and Venice go hand in hand There are multiple studios in the Venice area with incredible instructors and a class nearly every hour

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Tasting Kitchen A very special dining experience Trendy upscale atmosphere but with a rustic twist Communal seating under the trees a creative and fresh menu that changes daily and an overall obscure charm that suits Venice to a T

2 Chop Daddyrsquos Nestled between some of the cityrsquos most well-reviewed restaurants is some of the best BBQ in Los Angeles The tastiest fried pickles Irsquove ever had

3 Kippyrsquos Non-dairy raw organic coconut cream based ice cream My favorite is the orangesicle

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Firefly - the perfect collection of house-wares gifts and clothing reflecting the effort-less and beachy Venice lifestyle

2 Principessa - their website says it best ldquooutfitting the modern flower child in a so-phisticated style that is comfortable sexy and timelessrdquo

3 Aviator Nation Quintessential Southern California style that has become an obsession for many Aviator Nation has one-of-a kind t-shirt tanks sweats and more that have that worn-in feel so soft and comfortable 3 TOP VENICE AIRBNB PICKS

1 Artistrsquos CottageAn art filled cottage in proximity to one of the

worldrsquos best beaches$140 per night

2 Stylish Venice BungalowWalk to beach shops and dining from this ro-mantic and stylish holiday bungalow in a lush

garden setting$149 per night

3 Venice Garden RetreatA guesthouse filled with treasures from the

ownersrsquo travels abroad $125 per night

BROOKE KENNEDYBROOKEEJ

My name is Becca and I fell in love with Atlanta two years ago Although I moved to Atlanta for graduate school and thought it would be temporary I have fallen for a city that could be my forever home Having to choose my favorites are going to be

hard in a city that has so much to do

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Irsquove quickly made a tradition out of going to Music Midtown Music Festival in September at Piedmont Park I had the time of my life dancing the night away with best friends listening to great bands amp the Atlanta skyline in the background

2 Brunch is the only thing that gets me out of bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings Try the 100 item Bloody bar at Front Page News or all you can eat breakfast at Grsquos near piedmont If you get up early enough try West Egg in Westside Provisions

3 For a mere ten bucks you get six samples and a beautiful pint at the Sweetwater Brewery Tour But be warned the pours are heavy

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Noche This tiny tapas bar is full of flavors in tinybites Their chef special never seems to disap-point and therersquos always a drink special (Sangria Sundays are a personal favorite)

2 Park Tavern This restaurant with its own brew-ery offers some of the best views of Atlanta They have a late night sushi special and when it rains they pour dollar beers In the winter they have a full skating rink with adult only hours (so you donrsquot trip over that kid)

3YEAH Burger My favorite burger place in the world they offer a made to order burger that quenches even the pickiest of eaters appetites

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 The Lucky Exchange This second hand store is a treasure trove of pieces some extravagant sequin dresses some office appropriate attire My best find Brand new in the box Prada Loafers for under 30$

2 The Merchant at Howell Mill Grab a cup of coffee at Octane and then cross the street to Merchant A wide array of gifts and acces-sories offer the opportunity to pick up some-thing for your friends and yourself

3 Lizard Thicket Shop this trendy boutiquefor gameday dresses in your favorite team colors or the latest shipment of Bourbon and Bowetie bracelets

3 TOP ATLANTA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Secluded TreehouseHow could a girl not want to spend the night in an adult sized treehouse nestled right in popular

neighborhood Buckhead $275 per night

2 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentMidtown is close to everything you could want to be- food culture Piedmont Park museums amp an active nightlife there is something for everyone

This is a gorgeous room in a mini-mansion $73 per night

3 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentThis apartment is in the perfect location for some-one visiting town for food drinks and shopping

$69 per night

BECCA LUCIOof Becca Marie LucioBECCAMARIELUCIO

I moved to Chicago a little over a year ago and Irsquove completely fallen in love with the city As a Midwesterner all my life Chicago offers the charms of living in the Midwest while offering

amazing big city life There are summer street festivals every weekend the best brunch spots in the area shopping galore amp hidden gems in every gorgeous neighborhood

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Taste test cupcakes around Lincoln Park (I love Sweet Mandy Brsquos and Swirlz)

2 Spend the afternoon blogging at local coffee shops like Floriole amp Heritage

3 Explore local shops in new neighborhoods ndash there are so many incredible places to explore

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Range Hidden gem in Lincoln park that boasts seasonal recipes all made fromlocal ingredients Best of all itrsquos only a few blocks from my apartment Needless to say they know me by name

2 Little Goat Diner ndash I love Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzardrsquos mid-priced diner best of all her Chicago restaurants Offering home-style recipes with a fancy twist Irsquom a big fan of everything Irsquove tried Irsquod recommend the pork belly pancake amp tira-misu shake if you stop in

3 Xoco Rick Bayless has been one of my favorite chefsfor years His lower priced concept Xoco is the perfect spot to meet friends for lunch in River North Plus Margaritas (enough said right)

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 34: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

HAIR SPRAY

BEACH BABE HAIR SPRAY14 C WATER

1 TBSP SEA SALT

1 TBSP HAIR GEL

2 DROPS ARGAN OIL OR CONDITIONER

POUR INGREDIENTS INTO TRAVEL SIZE SPRAY BOTTLE + SHAKE WELL

HAIR SPRAY

SPRAY ONTODAMP HAIR +

SCRUNCH FOR BEST BEACHY

WAVE RESULTS

The

GUIDELPF MAG CONTRIBUTORS SHARE A LOCALrsquos GUIDE TO THEIR CITIES

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO -

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO

Irsquom Katey a style blogger with Chronicles of Frivolity living as a Dallasite No we donrsquot ride horses to the mall and everything really is

bigger from our Margaritas to our eyelashes

1 Eat Dallas has more restaurants per capita than anywhere in America seriously We eat so well

2 Shop Dallas ALSO has more Shopping centers per capita than anywhere in America Itrsquos absurd

3 Marg Everywhere you look you are 10 feet from a patio with chips salsa and the best margarita yoursquove ever had 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Hattiersquos Hattiersquos is southern food with LA-white deacutecor You can enjoy Bacon-Wrapped Fried Oys-ters and Macaroni and Cheese Crusted Filet while sipping a Sweet Tea Martini

2 Stampede 66 Stampede 66 wins best margari-ta every year (The Modern Star Canyon) and The Butterscotch Pudding is worth gaining 20 pounds for

3 Saint Ann Saint Ann has one of the most beau-tiful patios in Dallas and I could probably have The Skinny Basil Lemonade and Salmon every meal of my life

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

KATEY MCFARLANof Chronicles of Frivolity

KATEYMCFARLAN

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Milk amp Honey Boutique Milk amp Honey Bou-tique might be the most affordable and unique boutique in Dallas PS go to the back room everything is on sale and there are a million size options

2 Movida Boutique Movida Boutique has the most beautiful bright pieces a neon pink or chartreuse blazer Under $40 Yes marsquoam

3 Northpark Mall Northpark Mall isnrsquot exactly affordable in every way but if you go to Dallas and donrsquot stop by it is a sin From Gucci to Nei-mans itrsquos like a museum of designers more so than a typical mall

3 TOP DALLAS AIRBNB PICKS

1 Trendy Uptown Loft A gorgeous two story loft near all of the

cities best bars amp restaurantsDallas $160 per night

2 Private Guest House w Exposed BeamsWe canrsquot get over how gorgeous this private

guest house is Dallas $150 per night

3 Contemporary CabinThis cabin is located right next to an art museum

amp always has live music at nightDallas $90 per night

I was fortunate enough to spend the majority of my college career living in the bustling city of Raleigh North Carolina Raleigh is one of those towns that flies under the radar Itrsquos a beautiful historical area with a taste of southern charm Raleigh is a relatively in-

expensive destination with lots to see and do you just need to find the right spots

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Take an afternoon or evening stroll around Lake Johnson It is the perfect place to go for a jog take a walk with your dog or hop in one of the paddle boats and explore the peaceful sights

2 Check out the local Farmerrsquos Market based right near the NC State University campus each vendor sets up their own stand of fresh produce crafts homemade goods- itrsquos open on weekends

3 Head over to the Amphitheater at Walnut Creek Lots of summer concerts are on the list tickets are super affordable in the lawn section with a great view of the stage

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Flying Biscuit- Known for their southern made delicious buttery baked biscuits paired with just about any breakfast entree it is the happening spot for a weekend brunch

2 Cameron Bar amp Grill - An upscale looking restaurant with affordable prices for a fabulous meal they have great appetizers and unique dinner dishes to pair with any delicious choice of wine

3 Boylan Bridge Brewpub - The best place to hit up to catch a sunset the local pub sits right on the bridge that overlooks the Raleigh skyline sit outside on the terrace amp enjoy one of their many craft beers (amp cheese dip) made right there

JACQUELINE YANCHOCIK

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Fabrsquorik Fabrsquorik is a hostpot with lots of affordable clothes like bright colored maxi dresses tanks and any handbag you could pos-sibly need

2 The Impeccable Pig Looking for the perfect day dress The Impeccable Pig is the place to go the store features lots of cute floral prints in dresses tops and shorts this is your summer destination shop

3 Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique is a one stop shop for all your accessory needs from simple earrings to some diamond pieces the customerrsquos of Charlottersquos are on the cutting edge of fashion

3 TOP RALEIGH AIRBNB PICKS

1 Hotel NicaraguaSsaid to be a stop from Jack Kerouacrsquos

noteworthy book ldquoOn the Roadrdquo nestled right outside downtown Raleigh this is definitely a

historic gemRaleigh $70 per night

2 Cookiersquos Garden SuiteA 1899 bungalow located in the Oakwood

Historic District enjoy a private entrance with all the amenities yoursquoll need right by downtown

Raleigh $75 per night

3 Sallyrsquos Downtown Historic SuiteThis historic home sits in a gorgeous neighbor-hood with leafy oaks close to coffee shops and

nearby bars Raleigh $85 per night

Irsquove been living in Los Angeles for over 3 years Los Angeles is a very spread out megacity with each area diverse in restaurants activities fashion architecture and even weather I grew up on

the beach so it was only fitting that I move to the west side of LA closest to the Pacific Venice is a colorful eccentric one-of-a kind district in Los Angeles right on the Pacific Ocean

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Venice has near-perfect weather year round so biking is a common activity here Marvin Braude Bike Trail (known as The Strand) is a bike path along the Pacific shoreline starting from Malibu down through Venice all the way Redondo Beach

2 Abbot Kinney is the artsy hipster sister of Bev-erly Hillsrsquo Rodeo Drive First Friday brings the best local art fashion music and food trucks to locals and visitors alike

3 Yoga and Venice go hand in hand There are multiple studios in the Venice area with incredible instructors and a class nearly every hour

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Tasting Kitchen A very special dining experience Trendy upscale atmosphere but with a rustic twist Communal seating under the trees a creative and fresh menu that changes daily and an overall obscure charm that suits Venice to a T

2 Chop Daddyrsquos Nestled between some of the cityrsquos most well-reviewed restaurants is some of the best BBQ in Los Angeles The tastiest fried pickles Irsquove ever had

3 Kippyrsquos Non-dairy raw organic coconut cream based ice cream My favorite is the orangesicle

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Firefly - the perfect collection of house-wares gifts and clothing reflecting the effort-less and beachy Venice lifestyle

2 Principessa - their website says it best ldquooutfitting the modern flower child in a so-phisticated style that is comfortable sexy and timelessrdquo

3 Aviator Nation Quintessential Southern California style that has become an obsession for many Aviator Nation has one-of-a kind t-shirt tanks sweats and more that have that worn-in feel so soft and comfortable 3 TOP VENICE AIRBNB PICKS

1 Artistrsquos CottageAn art filled cottage in proximity to one of the

worldrsquos best beaches$140 per night

2 Stylish Venice BungalowWalk to beach shops and dining from this ro-mantic and stylish holiday bungalow in a lush

garden setting$149 per night

3 Venice Garden RetreatA guesthouse filled with treasures from the

ownersrsquo travels abroad $125 per night

BROOKE KENNEDYBROOKEEJ

My name is Becca and I fell in love with Atlanta two years ago Although I moved to Atlanta for graduate school and thought it would be temporary I have fallen for a city that could be my forever home Having to choose my favorites are going to be

hard in a city that has so much to do

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Irsquove quickly made a tradition out of going to Music Midtown Music Festival in September at Piedmont Park I had the time of my life dancing the night away with best friends listening to great bands amp the Atlanta skyline in the background

2 Brunch is the only thing that gets me out of bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings Try the 100 item Bloody bar at Front Page News or all you can eat breakfast at Grsquos near piedmont If you get up early enough try West Egg in Westside Provisions

3 For a mere ten bucks you get six samples and a beautiful pint at the Sweetwater Brewery Tour But be warned the pours are heavy

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Noche This tiny tapas bar is full of flavors in tinybites Their chef special never seems to disap-point and therersquos always a drink special (Sangria Sundays are a personal favorite)

2 Park Tavern This restaurant with its own brew-ery offers some of the best views of Atlanta They have a late night sushi special and when it rains they pour dollar beers In the winter they have a full skating rink with adult only hours (so you donrsquot trip over that kid)

3YEAH Burger My favorite burger place in the world they offer a made to order burger that quenches even the pickiest of eaters appetites

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 The Lucky Exchange This second hand store is a treasure trove of pieces some extravagant sequin dresses some office appropriate attire My best find Brand new in the box Prada Loafers for under 30$

2 The Merchant at Howell Mill Grab a cup of coffee at Octane and then cross the street to Merchant A wide array of gifts and acces-sories offer the opportunity to pick up some-thing for your friends and yourself

3 Lizard Thicket Shop this trendy boutiquefor gameday dresses in your favorite team colors or the latest shipment of Bourbon and Bowetie bracelets

3 TOP ATLANTA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Secluded TreehouseHow could a girl not want to spend the night in an adult sized treehouse nestled right in popular

neighborhood Buckhead $275 per night

2 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentMidtown is close to everything you could want to be- food culture Piedmont Park museums amp an active nightlife there is something for everyone

This is a gorgeous room in a mini-mansion $73 per night

3 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentThis apartment is in the perfect location for some-one visiting town for food drinks and shopping

$69 per night

BECCA LUCIOof Becca Marie LucioBECCAMARIELUCIO

I moved to Chicago a little over a year ago and Irsquove completely fallen in love with the city As a Midwesterner all my life Chicago offers the charms of living in the Midwest while offering

amazing big city life There are summer street festivals every weekend the best brunch spots in the area shopping galore amp hidden gems in every gorgeous neighborhood

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Taste test cupcakes around Lincoln Park (I love Sweet Mandy Brsquos and Swirlz)

2 Spend the afternoon blogging at local coffee shops like Floriole amp Heritage

3 Explore local shops in new neighborhoods ndash there are so many incredible places to explore

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Range Hidden gem in Lincoln park that boasts seasonal recipes all made fromlocal ingredients Best of all itrsquos only a few blocks from my apartment Needless to say they know me by name

2 Little Goat Diner ndash I love Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzardrsquos mid-priced diner best of all her Chicago restaurants Offering home-style recipes with a fancy twist Irsquom a big fan of everything Irsquove tried Irsquod recommend the pork belly pancake amp tira-misu shake if you stop in

3 Xoco Rick Bayless has been one of my favorite chefsfor years His lower priced concept Xoco is the perfect spot to meet friends for lunch in River North Plus Margaritas (enough said right)

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 35: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

BEACH BABE HAIR SPRAY14 C WATER

1 TBSP SEA SALT

1 TBSP HAIR GEL

2 DROPS ARGAN OIL OR CONDITIONER

POUR INGREDIENTS INTO TRAVEL SIZE SPRAY BOTTLE + SHAKE WELL

HAIR SPRAY

SPRAY ONTODAMP HAIR +

SCRUNCH FOR BEST BEACHY

WAVE RESULTS

The

GUIDELPF MAG CONTRIBUTORS SHARE A LOCALrsquos GUIDE TO THEIR CITIES

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO -

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO

Irsquom Katey a style blogger with Chronicles of Frivolity living as a Dallasite No we donrsquot ride horses to the mall and everything really is

bigger from our Margaritas to our eyelashes

1 Eat Dallas has more restaurants per capita than anywhere in America seriously We eat so well

2 Shop Dallas ALSO has more Shopping centers per capita than anywhere in America Itrsquos absurd

3 Marg Everywhere you look you are 10 feet from a patio with chips salsa and the best margarita yoursquove ever had 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Hattiersquos Hattiersquos is southern food with LA-white deacutecor You can enjoy Bacon-Wrapped Fried Oys-ters and Macaroni and Cheese Crusted Filet while sipping a Sweet Tea Martini

2 Stampede 66 Stampede 66 wins best margari-ta every year (The Modern Star Canyon) and The Butterscotch Pudding is worth gaining 20 pounds for

3 Saint Ann Saint Ann has one of the most beau-tiful patios in Dallas and I could probably have The Skinny Basil Lemonade and Salmon every meal of my life

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

KATEY MCFARLANof Chronicles of Frivolity

KATEYMCFARLAN

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Milk amp Honey Boutique Milk amp Honey Bou-tique might be the most affordable and unique boutique in Dallas PS go to the back room everything is on sale and there are a million size options

2 Movida Boutique Movida Boutique has the most beautiful bright pieces a neon pink or chartreuse blazer Under $40 Yes marsquoam

3 Northpark Mall Northpark Mall isnrsquot exactly affordable in every way but if you go to Dallas and donrsquot stop by it is a sin From Gucci to Nei-mans itrsquos like a museum of designers more so than a typical mall

3 TOP DALLAS AIRBNB PICKS

1 Trendy Uptown Loft A gorgeous two story loft near all of the

cities best bars amp restaurantsDallas $160 per night

2 Private Guest House w Exposed BeamsWe canrsquot get over how gorgeous this private

guest house is Dallas $150 per night

3 Contemporary CabinThis cabin is located right next to an art museum

amp always has live music at nightDallas $90 per night

I was fortunate enough to spend the majority of my college career living in the bustling city of Raleigh North Carolina Raleigh is one of those towns that flies under the radar Itrsquos a beautiful historical area with a taste of southern charm Raleigh is a relatively in-

expensive destination with lots to see and do you just need to find the right spots

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Take an afternoon or evening stroll around Lake Johnson It is the perfect place to go for a jog take a walk with your dog or hop in one of the paddle boats and explore the peaceful sights

2 Check out the local Farmerrsquos Market based right near the NC State University campus each vendor sets up their own stand of fresh produce crafts homemade goods- itrsquos open on weekends

3 Head over to the Amphitheater at Walnut Creek Lots of summer concerts are on the list tickets are super affordable in the lawn section with a great view of the stage

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Flying Biscuit- Known for their southern made delicious buttery baked biscuits paired with just about any breakfast entree it is the happening spot for a weekend brunch

2 Cameron Bar amp Grill - An upscale looking restaurant with affordable prices for a fabulous meal they have great appetizers and unique dinner dishes to pair with any delicious choice of wine

3 Boylan Bridge Brewpub - The best place to hit up to catch a sunset the local pub sits right on the bridge that overlooks the Raleigh skyline sit outside on the terrace amp enjoy one of their many craft beers (amp cheese dip) made right there

JACQUELINE YANCHOCIK

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Fabrsquorik Fabrsquorik is a hostpot with lots of affordable clothes like bright colored maxi dresses tanks and any handbag you could pos-sibly need

2 The Impeccable Pig Looking for the perfect day dress The Impeccable Pig is the place to go the store features lots of cute floral prints in dresses tops and shorts this is your summer destination shop

3 Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique is a one stop shop for all your accessory needs from simple earrings to some diamond pieces the customerrsquos of Charlottersquos are on the cutting edge of fashion

3 TOP RALEIGH AIRBNB PICKS

1 Hotel NicaraguaSsaid to be a stop from Jack Kerouacrsquos

noteworthy book ldquoOn the Roadrdquo nestled right outside downtown Raleigh this is definitely a

historic gemRaleigh $70 per night

2 Cookiersquos Garden SuiteA 1899 bungalow located in the Oakwood

Historic District enjoy a private entrance with all the amenities yoursquoll need right by downtown

Raleigh $75 per night

3 Sallyrsquos Downtown Historic SuiteThis historic home sits in a gorgeous neighbor-hood with leafy oaks close to coffee shops and

nearby bars Raleigh $85 per night

Irsquove been living in Los Angeles for over 3 years Los Angeles is a very spread out megacity with each area diverse in restaurants activities fashion architecture and even weather I grew up on

the beach so it was only fitting that I move to the west side of LA closest to the Pacific Venice is a colorful eccentric one-of-a kind district in Los Angeles right on the Pacific Ocean

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Venice has near-perfect weather year round so biking is a common activity here Marvin Braude Bike Trail (known as The Strand) is a bike path along the Pacific shoreline starting from Malibu down through Venice all the way Redondo Beach

2 Abbot Kinney is the artsy hipster sister of Bev-erly Hillsrsquo Rodeo Drive First Friday brings the best local art fashion music and food trucks to locals and visitors alike

3 Yoga and Venice go hand in hand There are multiple studios in the Venice area with incredible instructors and a class nearly every hour

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Tasting Kitchen A very special dining experience Trendy upscale atmosphere but with a rustic twist Communal seating under the trees a creative and fresh menu that changes daily and an overall obscure charm that suits Venice to a T

2 Chop Daddyrsquos Nestled between some of the cityrsquos most well-reviewed restaurants is some of the best BBQ in Los Angeles The tastiest fried pickles Irsquove ever had

3 Kippyrsquos Non-dairy raw organic coconut cream based ice cream My favorite is the orangesicle

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Firefly - the perfect collection of house-wares gifts and clothing reflecting the effort-less and beachy Venice lifestyle

2 Principessa - their website says it best ldquooutfitting the modern flower child in a so-phisticated style that is comfortable sexy and timelessrdquo

3 Aviator Nation Quintessential Southern California style that has become an obsession for many Aviator Nation has one-of-a kind t-shirt tanks sweats and more that have that worn-in feel so soft and comfortable 3 TOP VENICE AIRBNB PICKS

1 Artistrsquos CottageAn art filled cottage in proximity to one of the

worldrsquos best beaches$140 per night

2 Stylish Venice BungalowWalk to beach shops and dining from this ro-mantic and stylish holiday bungalow in a lush

garden setting$149 per night

3 Venice Garden RetreatA guesthouse filled with treasures from the

ownersrsquo travels abroad $125 per night

BROOKE KENNEDYBROOKEEJ

My name is Becca and I fell in love with Atlanta two years ago Although I moved to Atlanta for graduate school and thought it would be temporary I have fallen for a city that could be my forever home Having to choose my favorites are going to be

hard in a city that has so much to do

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Irsquove quickly made a tradition out of going to Music Midtown Music Festival in September at Piedmont Park I had the time of my life dancing the night away with best friends listening to great bands amp the Atlanta skyline in the background

2 Brunch is the only thing that gets me out of bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings Try the 100 item Bloody bar at Front Page News or all you can eat breakfast at Grsquos near piedmont If you get up early enough try West Egg in Westside Provisions

3 For a mere ten bucks you get six samples and a beautiful pint at the Sweetwater Brewery Tour But be warned the pours are heavy

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Noche This tiny tapas bar is full of flavors in tinybites Their chef special never seems to disap-point and therersquos always a drink special (Sangria Sundays are a personal favorite)

2 Park Tavern This restaurant with its own brew-ery offers some of the best views of Atlanta They have a late night sushi special and when it rains they pour dollar beers In the winter they have a full skating rink with adult only hours (so you donrsquot trip over that kid)

3YEAH Burger My favorite burger place in the world they offer a made to order burger that quenches even the pickiest of eaters appetites

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 The Lucky Exchange This second hand store is a treasure trove of pieces some extravagant sequin dresses some office appropriate attire My best find Brand new in the box Prada Loafers for under 30$

2 The Merchant at Howell Mill Grab a cup of coffee at Octane and then cross the street to Merchant A wide array of gifts and acces-sories offer the opportunity to pick up some-thing for your friends and yourself

3 Lizard Thicket Shop this trendy boutiquefor gameday dresses in your favorite team colors or the latest shipment of Bourbon and Bowetie bracelets

3 TOP ATLANTA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Secluded TreehouseHow could a girl not want to spend the night in an adult sized treehouse nestled right in popular

neighborhood Buckhead $275 per night

2 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentMidtown is close to everything you could want to be- food culture Piedmont Park museums amp an active nightlife there is something for everyone

This is a gorgeous room in a mini-mansion $73 per night

3 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentThis apartment is in the perfect location for some-one visiting town for food drinks and shopping

$69 per night

BECCA LUCIOof Becca Marie LucioBECCAMARIELUCIO

I moved to Chicago a little over a year ago and Irsquove completely fallen in love with the city As a Midwesterner all my life Chicago offers the charms of living in the Midwest while offering

amazing big city life There are summer street festivals every weekend the best brunch spots in the area shopping galore amp hidden gems in every gorgeous neighborhood

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Taste test cupcakes around Lincoln Park (I love Sweet Mandy Brsquos and Swirlz)

2 Spend the afternoon blogging at local coffee shops like Floriole amp Heritage

3 Explore local shops in new neighborhoods ndash there are so many incredible places to explore

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Range Hidden gem in Lincoln park that boasts seasonal recipes all made fromlocal ingredients Best of all itrsquos only a few blocks from my apartment Needless to say they know me by name

2 Little Goat Diner ndash I love Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzardrsquos mid-priced diner best of all her Chicago restaurants Offering home-style recipes with a fancy twist Irsquom a big fan of everything Irsquove tried Irsquod recommend the pork belly pancake amp tira-misu shake if you stop in

3 Xoco Rick Bayless has been one of my favorite chefsfor years His lower priced concept Xoco is the perfect spot to meet friends for lunch in River North Plus Margaritas (enough said right)

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 36: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

The

GUIDELPF MAG CONTRIBUTORS SHARE A LOCALrsquos GUIDE TO THEIR CITIES

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO -

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO

Irsquom Katey a style blogger with Chronicles of Frivolity living as a Dallasite No we donrsquot ride horses to the mall and everything really is

bigger from our Margaritas to our eyelashes

1 Eat Dallas has more restaurants per capita than anywhere in America seriously We eat so well

2 Shop Dallas ALSO has more Shopping centers per capita than anywhere in America Itrsquos absurd

3 Marg Everywhere you look you are 10 feet from a patio with chips salsa and the best margarita yoursquove ever had 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Hattiersquos Hattiersquos is southern food with LA-white deacutecor You can enjoy Bacon-Wrapped Fried Oys-ters and Macaroni and Cheese Crusted Filet while sipping a Sweet Tea Martini

2 Stampede 66 Stampede 66 wins best margari-ta every year (The Modern Star Canyon) and The Butterscotch Pudding is worth gaining 20 pounds for

3 Saint Ann Saint Ann has one of the most beau-tiful patios in Dallas and I could probably have The Skinny Basil Lemonade and Salmon every meal of my life

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

KATEY MCFARLANof Chronicles of Frivolity

KATEYMCFARLAN

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Milk amp Honey Boutique Milk amp Honey Bou-tique might be the most affordable and unique boutique in Dallas PS go to the back room everything is on sale and there are a million size options

2 Movida Boutique Movida Boutique has the most beautiful bright pieces a neon pink or chartreuse blazer Under $40 Yes marsquoam

3 Northpark Mall Northpark Mall isnrsquot exactly affordable in every way but if you go to Dallas and donrsquot stop by it is a sin From Gucci to Nei-mans itrsquos like a museum of designers more so than a typical mall

3 TOP DALLAS AIRBNB PICKS

1 Trendy Uptown Loft A gorgeous two story loft near all of the

cities best bars amp restaurantsDallas $160 per night

2 Private Guest House w Exposed BeamsWe canrsquot get over how gorgeous this private

guest house is Dallas $150 per night

3 Contemporary CabinThis cabin is located right next to an art museum

amp always has live music at nightDallas $90 per night

I was fortunate enough to spend the majority of my college career living in the bustling city of Raleigh North Carolina Raleigh is one of those towns that flies under the radar Itrsquos a beautiful historical area with a taste of southern charm Raleigh is a relatively in-

expensive destination with lots to see and do you just need to find the right spots

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Take an afternoon or evening stroll around Lake Johnson It is the perfect place to go for a jog take a walk with your dog or hop in one of the paddle boats and explore the peaceful sights

2 Check out the local Farmerrsquos Market based right near the NC State University campus each vendor sets up their own stand of fresh produce crafts homemade goods- itrsquos open on weekends

3 Head over to the Amphitheater at Walnut Creek Lots of summer concerts are on the list tickets are super affordable in the lawn section with a great view of the stage

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Flying Biscuit- Known for their southern made delicious buttery baked biscuits paired with just about any breakfast entree it is the happening spot for a weekend brunch

2 Cameron Bar amp Grill - An upscale looking restaurant with affordable prices for a fabulous meal they have great appetizers and unique dinner dishes to pair with any delicious choice of wine

3 Boylan Bridge Brewpub - The best place to hit up to catch a sunset the local pub sits right on the bridge that overlooks the Raleigh skyline sit outside on the terrace amp enjoy one of their many craft beers (amp cheese dip) made right there

JACQUELINE YANCHOCIK

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Fabrsquorik Fabrsquorik is a hostpot with lots of affordable clothes like bright colored maxi dresses tanks and any handbag you could pos-sibly need

2 The Impeccable Pig Looking for the perfect day dress The Impeccable Pig is the place to go the store features lots of cute floral prints in dresses tops and shorts this is your summer destination shop

3 Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique is a one stop shop for all your accessory needs from simple earrings to some diamond pieces the customerrsquos of Charlottersquos are on the cutting edge of fashion

3 TOP RALEIGH AIRBNB PICKS

1 Hotel NicaraguaSsaid to be a stop from Jack Kerouacrsquos

noteworthy book ldquoOn the Roadrdquo nestled right outside downtown Raleigh this is definitely a

historic gemRaleigh $70 per night

2 Cookiersquos Garden SuiteA 1899 bungalow located in the Oakwood

Historic District enjoy a private entrance with all the amenities yoursquoll need right by downtown

Raleigh $75 per night

3 Sallyrsquos Downtown Historic SuiteThis historic home sits in a gorgeous neighbor-hood with leafy oaks close to coffee shops and

nearby bars Raleigh $85 per night

Irsquove been living in Los Angeles for over 3 years Los Angeles is a very spread out megacity with each area diverse in restaurants activities fashion architecture and even weather I grew up on

the beach so it was only fitting that I move to the west side of LA closest to the Pacific Venice is a colorful eccentric one-of-a kind district in Los Angeles right on the Pacific Ocean

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Venice has near-perfect weather year round so biking is a common activity here Marvin Braude Bike Trail (known as The Strand) is a bike path along the Pacific shoreline starting from Malibu down through Venice all the way Redondo Beach

2 Abbot Kinney is the artsy hipster sister of Bev-erly Hillsrsquo Rodeo Drive First Friday brings the best local art fashion music and food trucks to locals and visitors alike

3 Yoga and Venice go hand in hand There are multiple studios in the Venice area with incredible instructors and a class nearly every hour

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Tasting Kitchen A very special dining experience Trendy upscale atmosphere but with a rustic twist Communal seating under the trees a creative and fresh menu that changes daily and an overall obscure charm that suits Venice to a T

2 Chop Daddyrsquos Nestled between some of the cityrsquos most well-reviewed restaurants is some of the best BBQ in Los Angeles The tastiest fried pickles Irsquove ever had

3 Kippyrsquos Non-dairy raw organic coconut cream based ice cream My favorite is the orangesicle

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Firefly - the perfect collection of house-wares gifts and clothing reflecting the effort-less and beachy Venice lifestyle

2 Principessa - their website says it best ldquooutfitting the modern flower child in a so-phisticated style that is comfortable sexy and timelessrdquo

3 Aviator Nation Quintessential Southern California style that has become an obsession for many Aviator Nation has one-of-a kind t-shirt tanks sweats and more that have that worn-in feel so soft and comfortable 3 TOP VENICE AIRBNB PICKS

1 Artistrsquos CottageAn art filled cottage in proximity to one of the

worldrsquos best beaches$140 per night

2 Stylish Venice BungalowWalk to beach shops and dining from this ro-mantic and stylish holiday bungalow in a lush

garden setting$149 per night

3 Venice Garden RetreatA guesthouse filled with treasures from the

ownersrsquo travels abroad $125 per night

BROOKE KENNEDYBROOKEEJ

My name is Becca and I fell in love with Atlanta two years ago Although I moved to Atlanta for graduate school and thought it would be temporary I have fallen for a city that could be my forever home Having to choose my favorites are going to be

hard in a city that has so much to do

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Irsquove quickly made a tradition out of going to Music Midtown Music Festival in September at Piedmont Park I had the time of my life dancing the night away with best friends listening to great bands amp the Atlanta skyline in the background

2 Brunch is the only thing that gets me out of bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings Try the 100 item Bloody bar at Front Page News or all you can eat breakfast at Grsquos near piedmont If you get up early enough try West Egg in Westside Provisions

3 For a mere ten bucks you get six samples and a beautiful pint at the Sweetwater Brewery Tour But be warned the pours are heavy

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Noche This tiny tapas bar is full of flavors in tinybites Their chef special never seems to disap-point and therersquos always a drink special (Sangria Sundays are a personal favorite)

2 Park Tavern This restaurant with its own brew-ery offers some of the best views of Atlanta They have a late night sushi special and when it rains they pour dollar beers In the winter they have a full skating rink with adult only hours (so you donrsquot trip over that kid)

3YEAH Burger My favorite burger place in the world they offer a made to order burger that quenches even the pickiest of eaters appetites

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 The Lucky Exchange This second hand store is a treasure trove of pieces some extravagant sequin dresses some office appropriate attire My best find Brand new in the box Prada Loafers for under 30$

2 The Merchant at Howell Mill Grab a cup of coffee at Octane and then cross the street to Merchant A wide array of gifts and acces-sories offer the opportunity to pick up some-thing for your friends and yourself

3 Lizard Thicket Shop this trendy boutiquefor gameday dresses in your favorite team colors or the latest shipment of Bourbon and Bowetie bracelets

3 TOP ATLANTA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Secluded TreehouseHow could a girl not want to spend the night in an adult sized treehouse nestled right in popular

neighborhood Buckhead $275 per night

2 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentMidtown is close to everything you could want to be- food culture Piedmont Park museums amp an active nightlife there is something for everyone

This is a gorgeous room in a mini-mansion $73 per night

3 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentThis apartment is in the perfect location for some-one visiting town for food drinks and shopping

$69 per night

BECCA LUCIOof Becca Marie LucioBECCAMARIELUCIO

I moved to Chicago a little over a year ago and Irsquove completely fallen in love with the city As a Midwesterner all my life Chicago offers the charms of living in the Midwest while offering

amazing big city life There are summer street festivals every weekend the best brunch spots in the area shopping galore amp hidden gems in every gorgeous neighborhood

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Taste test cupcakes around Lincoln Park (I love Sweet Mandy Brsquos and Swirlz)

2 Spend the afternoon blogging at local coffee shops like Floriole amp Heritage

3 Explore local shops in new neighborhoods ndash there are so many incredible places to explore

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Range Hidden gem in Lincoln park that boasts seasonal recipes all made fromlocal ingredients Best of all itrsquos only a few blocks from my apartment Needless to say they know me by name

2 Little Goat Diner ndash I love Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzardrsquos mid-priced diner best of all her Chicago restaurants Offering home-style recipes with a fancy twist Irsquom a big fan of everything Irsquove tried Irsquod recommend the pork belly pancake amp tira-misu shake if you stop in

3 Xoco Rick Bayless has been one of my favorite chefsfor years His lower priced concept Xoco is the perfect spot to meet friends for lunch in River North Plus Margaritas (enough said right)

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 37: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

DALLAS - RALEIGH - VENICE - ATLANTA - Chicago - Boston - Tampa - SAN DIEGO

Irsquom Katey a style blogger with Chronicles of Frivolity living as a Dallasite No we donrsquot ride horses to the mall and everything really is

bigger from our Margaritas to our eyelashes

1 Eat Dallas has more restaurants per capita than anywhere in America seriously We eat so well

2 Shop Dallas ALSO has more Shopping centers per capita than anywhere in America Itrsquos absurd

3 Marg Everywhere you look you are 10 feet from a patio with chips salsa and the best margarita yoursquove ever had 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Hattiersquos Hattiersquos is southern food with LA-white deacutecor You can enjoy Bacon-Wrapped Fried Oys-ters and Macaroni and Cheese Crusted Filet while sipping a Sweet Tea Martini

2 Stampede 66 Stampede 66 wins best margari-ta every year (The Modern Star Canyon) and The Butterscotch Pudding is worth gaining 20 pounds for

3 Saint Ann Saint Ann has one of the most beau-tiful patios in Dallas and I could probably have The Skinny Basil Lemonade and Salmon every meal of my life

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

KATEY MCFARLANof Chronicles of Frivolity

KATEYMCFARLAN

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Milk amp Honey Boutique Milk amp Honey Bou-tique might be the most affordable and unique boutique in Dallas PS go to the back room everything is on sale and there are a million size options

2 Movida Boutique Movida Boutique has the most beautiful bright pieces a neon pink or chartreuse blazer Under $40 Yes marsquoam

3 Northpark Mall Northpark Mall isnrsquot exactly affordable in every way but if you go to Dallas and donrsquot stop by it is a sin From Gucci to Nei-mans itrsquos like a museum of designers more so than a typical mall

3 TOP DALLAS AIRBNB PICKS

1 Trendy Uptown Loft A gorgeous two story loft near all of the

cities best bars amp restaurantsDallas $160 per night

2 Private Guest House w Exposed BeamsWe canrsquot get over how gorgeous this private

guest house is Dallas $150 per night

3 Contemporary CabinThis cabin is located right next to an art museum

amp always has live music at nightDallas $90 per night

I was fortunate enough to spend the majority of my college career living in the bustling city of Raleigh North Carolina Raleigh is one of those towns that flies under the radar Itrsquos a beautiful historical area with a taste of southern charm Raleigh is a relatively in-

expensive destination with lots to see and do you just need to find the right spots

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Take an afternoon or evening stroll around Lake Johnson It is the perfect place to go for a jog take a walk with your dog or hop in one of the paddle boats and explore the peaceful sights

2 Check out the local Farmerrsquos Market based right near the NC State University campus each vendor sets up their own stand of fresh produce crafts homemade goods- itrsquos open on weekends

3 Head over to the Amphitheater at Walnut Creek Lots of summer concerts are on the list tickets are super affordable in the lawn section with a great view of the stage

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Flying Biscuit- Known for their southern made delicious buttery baked biscuits paired with just about any breakfast entree it is the happening spot for a weekend brunch

2 Cameron Bar amp Grill - An upscale looking restaurant with affordable prices for a fabulous meal they have great appetizers and unique dinner dishes to pair with any delicious choice of wine

3 Boylan Bridge Brewpub - The best place to hit up to catch a sunset the local pub sits right on the bridge that overlooks the Raleigh skyline sit outside on the terrace amp enjoy one of their many craft beers (amp cheese dip) made right there

JACQUELINE YANCHOCIK

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Fabrsquorik Fabrsquorik is a hostpot with lots of affordable clothes like bright colored maxi dresses tanks and any handbag you could pos-sibly need

2 The Impeccable Pig Looking for the perfect day dress The Impeccable Pig is the place to go the store features lots of cute floral prints in dresses tops and shorts this is your summer destination shop

3 Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique is a one stop shop for all your accessory needs from simple earrings to some diamond pieces the customerrsquos of Charlottersquos are on the cutting edge of fashion

3 TOP RALEIGH AIRBNB PICKS

1 Hotel NicaraguaSsaid to be a stop from Jack Kerouacrsquos

noteworthy book ldquoOn the Roadrdquo nestled right outside downtown Raleigh this is definitely a

historic gemRaleigh $70 per night

2 Cookiersquos Garden SuiteA 1899 bungalow located in the Oakwood

Historic District enjoy a private entrance with all the amenities yoursquoll need right by downtown

Raleigh $75 per night

3 Sallyrsquos Downtown Historic SuiteThis historic home sits in a gorgeous neighbor-hood with leafy oaks close to coffee shops and

nearby bars Raleigh $85 per night

Irsquove been living in Los Angeles for over 3 years Los Angeles is a very spread out megacity with each area diverse in restaurants activities fashion architecture and even weather I grew up on

the beach so it was only fitting that I move to the west side of LA closest to the Pacific Venice is a colorful eccentric one-of-a kind district in Los Angeles right on the Pacific Ocean

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Venice has near-perfect weather year round so biking is a common activity here Marvin Braude Bike Trail (known as The Strand) is a bike path along the Pacific shoreline starting from Malibu down through Venice all the way Redondo Beach

2 Abbot Kinney is the artsy hipster sister of Bev-erly Hillsrsquo Rodeo Drive First Friday brings the best local art fashion music and food trucks to locals and visitors alike

3 Yoga and Venice go hand in hand There are multiple studios in the Venice area with incredible instructors and a class nearly every hour

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Tasting Kitchen A very special dining experience Trendy upscale atmosphere but with a rustic twist Communal seating under the trees a creative and fresh menu that changes daily and an overall obscure charm that suits Venice to a T

2 Chop Daddyrsquos Nestled between some of the cityrsquos most well-reviewed restaurants is some of the best BBQ in Los Angeles The tastiest fried pickles Irsquove ever had

3 Kippyrsquos Non-dairy raw organic coconut cream based ice cream My favorite is the orangesicle

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Firefly - the perfect collection of house-wares gifts and clothing reflecting the effort-less and beachy Venice lifestyle

2 Principessa - their website says it best ldquooutfitting the modern flower child in a so-phisticated style that is comfortable sexy and timelessrdquo

3 Aviator Nation Quintessential Southern California style that has become an obsession for many Aviator Nation has one-of-a kind t-shirt tanks sweats and more that have that worn-in feel so soft and comfortable 3 TOP VENICE AIRBNB PICKS

1 Artistrsquos CottageAn art filled cottage in proximity to one of the

worldrsquos best beaches$140 per night

2 Stylish Venice BungalowWalk to beach shops and dining from this ro-mantic and stylish holiday bungalow in a lush

garden setting$149 per night

3 Venice Garden RetreatA guesthouse filled with treasures from the

ownersrsquo travels abroad $125 per night

BROOKE KENNEDYBROOKEEJ

My name is Becca and I fell in love with Atlanta two years ago Although I moved to Atlanta for graduate school and thought it would be temporary I have fallen for a city that could be my forever home Having to choose my favorites are going to be

hard in a city that has so much to do

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Irsquove quickly made a tradition out of going to Music Midtown Music Festival in September at Piedmont Park I had the time of my life dancing the night away with best friends listening to great bands amp the Atlanta skyline in the background

2 Brunch is the only thing that gets me out of bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings Try the 100 item Bloody bar at Front Page News or all you can eat breakfast at Grsquos near piedmont If you get up early enough try West Egg in Westside Provisions

3 For a mere ten bucks you get six samples and a beautiful pint at the Sweetwater Brewery Tour But be warned the pours are heavy

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Noche This tiny tapas bar is full of flavors in tinybites Their chef special never seems to disap-point and therersquos always a drink special (Sangria Sundays are a personal favorite)

2 Park Tavern This restaurant with its own brew-ery offers some of the best views of Atlanta They have a late night sushi special and when it rains they pour dollar beers In the winter they have a full skating rink with adult only hours (so you donrsquot trip over that kid)

3YEAH Burger My favorite burger place in the world they offer a made to order burger that quenches even the pickiest of eaters appetites

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 The Lucky Exchange This second hand store is a treasure trove of pieces some extravagant sequin dresses some office appropriate attire My best find Brand new in the box Prada Loafers for under 30$

2 The Merchant at Howell Mill Grab a cup of coffee at Octane and then cross the street to Merchant A wide array of gifts and acces-sories offer the opportunity to pick up some-thing for your friends and yourself

3 Lizard Thicket Shop this trendy boutiquefor gameday dresses in your favorite team colors or the latest shipment of Bourbon and Bowetie bracelets

3 TOP ATLANTA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Secluded TreehouseHow could a girl not want to spend the night in an adult sized treehouse nestled right in popular

neighborhood Buckhead $275 per night

2 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentMidtown is close to everything you could want to be- food culture Piedmont Park museums amp an active nightlife there is something for everyone

This is a gorgeous room in a mini-mansion $73 per night

3 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentThis apartment is in the perfect location for some-one visiting town for food drinks and shopping

$69 per night

BECCA LUCIOof Becca Marie LucioBECCAMARIELUCIO

I moved to Chicago a little over a year ago and Irsquove completely fallen in love with the city As a Midwesterner all my life Chicago offers the charms of living in the Midwest while offering

amazing big city life There are summer street festivals every weekend the best brunch spots in the area shopping galore amp hidden gems in every gorgeous neighborhood

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Taste test cupcakes around Lincoln Park (I love Sweet Mandy Brsquos and Swirlz)

2 Spend the afternoon blogging at local coffee shops like Floriole amp Heritage

3 Explore local shops in new neighborhoods ndash there are so many incredible places to explore

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Range Hidden gem in Lincoln park that boasts seasonal recipes all made fromlocal ingredients Best of all itrsquos only a few blocks from my apartment Needless to say they know me by name

2 Little Goat Diner ndash I love Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzardrsquos mid-priced diner best of all her Chicago restaurants Offering home-style recipes with a fancy twist Irsquom a big fan of everything Irsquove tried Irsquod recommend the pork belly pancake amp tira-misu shake if you stop in

3 Xoco Rick Bayless has been one of my favorite chefsfor years His lower priced concept Xoco is the perfect spot to meet friends for lunch in River North Plus Margaritas (enough said right)

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 38: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

Irsquom Katey a style blogger with Chronicles of Frivolity living as a Dallasite No we donrsquot ride horses to the mall and everything really is

bigger from our Margaritas to our eyelashes

1 Eat Dallas has more restaurants per capita than anywhere in America seriously We eat so well

2 Shop Dallas ALSO has more Shopping centers per capita than anywhere in America Itrsquos absurd

3 Marg Everywhere you look you are 10 feet from a patio with chips salsa and the best margarita yoursquove ever had 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Hattiersquos Hattiersquos is southern food with LA-white deacutecor You can enjoy Bacon-Wrapped Fried Oys-ters and Macaroni and Cheese Crusted Filet while sipping a Sweet Tea Martini

2 Stampede 66 Stampede 66 wins best margari-ta every year (The Modern Star Canyon) and The Butterscotch Pudding is worth gaining 20 pounds for

3 Saint Ann Saint Ann has one of the most beau-tiful patios in Dallas and I could probably have The Skinny Basil Lemonade and Salmon every meal of my life

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

KATEY MCFARLANof Chronicles of Frivolity

KATEYMCFARLAN

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Milk amp Honey Boutique Milk amp Honey Bou-tique might be the most affordable and unique boutique in Dallas PS go to the back room everything is on sale and there are a million size options

2 Movida Boutique Movida Boutique has the most beautiful bright pieces a neon pink or chartreuse blazer Under $40 Yes marsquoam

3 Northpark Mall Northpark Mall isnrsquot exactly affordable in every way but if you go to Dallas and donrsquot stop by it is a sin From Gucci to Nei-mans itrsquos like a museum of designers more so than a typical mall

3 TOP DALLAS AIRBNB PICKS

1 Trendy Uptown Loft A gorgeous two story loft near all of the

cities best bars amp restaurantsDallas $160 per night

2 Private Guest House w Exposed BeamsWe canrsquot get over how gorgeous this private

guest house is Dallas $150 per night

3 Contemporary CabinThis cabin is located right next to an art museum

amp always has live music at nightDallas $90 per night

I was fortunate enough to spend the majority of my college career living in the bustling city of Raleigh North Carolina Raleigh is one of those towns that flies under the radar Itrsquos a beautiful historical area with a taste of southern charm Raleigh is a relatively in-

expensive destination with lots to see and do you just need to find the right spots

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Take an afternoon or evening stroll around Lake Johnson It is the perfect place to go for a jog take a walk with your dog or hop in one of the paddle boats and explore the peaceful sights

2 Check out the local Farmerrsquos Market based right near the NC State University campus each vendor sets up their own stand of fresh produce crafts homemade goods- itrsquos open on weekends

3 Head over to the Amphitheater at Walnut Creek Lots of summer concerts are on the list tickets are super affordable in the lawn section with a great view of the stage

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Flying Biscuit- Known for their southern made delicious buttery baked biscuits paired with just about any breakfast entree it is the happening spot for a weekend brunch

2 Cameron Bar amp Grill - An upscale looking restaurant with affordable prices for a fabulous meal they have great appetizers and unique dinner dishes to pair with any delicious choice of wine

3 Boylan Bridge Brewpub - The best place to hit up to catch a sunset the local pub sits right on the bridge that overlooks the Raleigh skyline sit outside on the terrace amp enjoy one of their many craft beers (amp cheese dip) made right there

JACQUELINE YANCHOCIK

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Fabrsquorik Fabrsquorik is a hostpot with lots of affordable clothes like bright colored maxi dresses tanks and any handbag you could pos-sibly need

2 The Impeccable Pig Looking for the perfect day dress The Impeccable Pig is the place to go the store features lots of cute floral prints in dresses tops and shorts this is your summer destination shop

3 Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique is a one stop shop for all your accessory needs from simple earrings to some diamond pieces the customerrsquos of Charlottersquos are on the cutting edge of fashion

3 TOP RALEIGH AIRBNB PICKS

1 Hotel NicaraguaSsaid to be a stop from Jack Kerouacrsquos

noteworthy book ldquoOn the Roadrdquo nestled right outside downtown Raleigh this is definitely a

historic gemRaleigh $70 per night

2 Cookiersquos Garden SuiteA 1899 bungalow located in the Oakwood

Historic District enjoy a private entrance with all the amenities yoursquoll need right by downtown

Raleigh $75 per night

3 Sallyrsquos Downtown Historic SuiteThis historic home sits in a gorgeous neighbor-hood with leafy oaks close to coffee shops and

nearby bars Raleigh $85 per night

Irsquove been living in Los Angeles for over 3 years Los Angeles is a very spread out megacity with each area diverse in restaurants activities fashion architecture and even weather I grew up on

the beach so it was only fitting that I move to the west side of LA closest to the Pacific Venice is a colorful eccentric one-of-a kind district in Los Angeles right on the Pacific Ocean

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Venice has near-perfect weather year round so biking is a common activity here Marvin Braude Bike Trail (known as The Strand) is a bike path along the Pacific shoreline starting from Malibu down through Venice all the way Redondo Beach

2 Abbot Kinney is the artsy hipster sister of Bev-erly Hillsrsquo Rodeo Drive First Friday brings the best local art fashion music and food trucks to locals and visitors alike

3 Yoga and Venice go hand in hand There are multiple studios in the Venice area with incredible instructors and a class nearly every hour

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Tasting Kitchen A very special dining experience Trendy upscale atmosphere but with a rustic twist Communal seating under the trees a creative and fresh menu that changes daily and an overall obscure charm that suits Venice to a T

2 Chop Daddyrsquos Nestled between some of the cityrsquos most well-reviewed restaurants is some of the best BBQ in Los Angeles The tastiest fried pickles Irsquove ever had

3 Kippyrsquos Non-dairy raw organic coconut cream based ice cream My favorite is the orangesicle

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Firefly - the perfect collection of house-wares gifts and clothing reflecting the effort-less and beachy Venice lifestyle

2 Principessa - their website says it best ldquooutfitting the modern flower child in a so-phisticated style that is comfortable sexy and timelessrdquo

3 Aviator Nation Quintessential Southern California style that has become an obsession for many Aviator Nation has one-of-a kind t-shirt tanks sweats and more that have that worn-in feel so soft and comfortable 3 TOP VENICE AIRBNB PICKS

1 Artistrsquos CottageAn art filled cottage in proximity to one of the

worldrsquos best beaches$140 per night

2 Stylish Venice BungalowWalk to beach shops and dining from this ro-mantic and stylish holiday bungalow in a lush

garden setting$149 per night

3 Venice Garden RetreatA guesthouse filled with treasures from the

ownersrsquo travels abroad $125 per night

BROOKE KENNEDYBROOKEEJ

My name is Becca and I fell in love with Atlanta two years ago Although I moved to Atlanta for graduate school and thought it would be temporary I have fallen for a city that could be my forever home Having to choose my favorites are going to be

hard in a city that has so much to do

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Irsquove quickly made a tradition out of going to Music Midtown Music Festival in September at Piedmont Park I had the time of my life dancing the night away with best friends listening to great bands amp the Atlanta skyline in the background

2 Brunch is the only thing that gets me out of bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings Try the 100 item Bloody bar at Front Page News or all you can eat breakfast at Grsquos near piedmont If you get up early enough try West Egg in Westside Provisions

3 For a mere ten bucks you get six samples and a beautiful pint at the Sweetwater Brewery Tour But be warned the pours are heavy

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Noche This tiny tapas bar is full of flavors in tinybites Their chef special never seems to disap-point and therersquos always a drink special (Sangria Sundays are a personal favorite)

2 Park Tavern This restaurant with its own brew-ery offers some of the best views of Atlanta They have a late night sushi special and when it rains they pour dollar beers In the winter they have a full skating rink with adult only hours (so you donrsquot trip over that kid)

3YEAH Burger My favorite burger place in the world they offer a made to order burger that quenches even the pickiest of eaters appetites

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 The Lucky Exchange This second hand store is a treasure trove of pieces some extravagant sequin dresses some office appropriate attire My best find Brand new in the box Prada Loafers for under 30$

2 The Merchant at Howell Mill Grab a cup of coffee at Octane and then cross the street to Merchant A wide array of gifts and acces-sories offer the opportunity to pick up some-thing for your friends and yourself

3 Lizard Thicket Shop this trendy boutiquefor gameday dresses in your favorite team colors or the latest shipment of Bourbon and Bowetie bracelets

3 TOP ATLANTA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Secluded TreehouseHow could a girl not want to spend the night in an adult sized treehouse nestled right in popular

neighborhood Buckhead $275 per night

2 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentMidtown is close to everything you could want to be- food culture Piedmont Park museums amp an active nightlife there is something for everyone

This is a gorgeous room in a mini-mansion $73 per night

3 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentThis apartment is in the perfect location for some-one visiting town for food drinks and shopping

$69 per night

BECCA LUCIOof Becca Marie LucioBECCAMARIELUCIO

I moved to Chicago a little over a year ago and Irsquove completely fallen in love with the city As a Midwesterner all my life Chicago offers the charms of living in the Midwest while offering

amazing big city life There are summer street festivals every weekend the best brunch spots in the area shopping galore amp hidden gems in every gorgeous neighborhood

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Taste test cupcakes around Lincoln Park (I love Sweet Mandy Brsquos and Swirlz)

2 Spend the afternoon blogging at local coffee shops like Floriole amp Heritage

3 Explore local shops in new neighborhoods ndash there are so many incredible places to explore

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Range Hidden gem in Lincoln park that boasts seasonal recipes all made fromlocal ingredients Best of all itrsquos only a few blocks from my apartment Needless to say they know me by name

2 Little Goat Diner ndash I love Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzardrsquos mid-priced diner best of all her Chicago restaurants Offering home-style recipes with a fancy twist Irsquom a big fan of everything Irsquove tried Irsquod recommend the pork belly pancake amp tira-misu shake if you stop in

3 Xoco Rick Bayless has been one of my favorite chefsfor years His lower priced concept Xoco is the perfect spot to meet friends for lunch in River North Plus Margaritas (enough said right)

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 39: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

KATEY MCFARLANof Chronicles of Frivolity

KATEYMCFARLAN

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Milk amp Honey Boutique Milk amp Honey Bou-tique might be the most affordable and unique boutique in Dallas PS go to the back room everything is on sale and there are a million size options

2 Movida Boutique Movida Boutique has the most beautiful bright pieces a neon pink or chartreuse blazer Under $40 Yes marsquoam

3 Northpark Mall Northpark Mall isnrsquot exactly affordable in every way but if you go to Dallas and donrsquot stop by it is a sin From Gucci to Nei-mans itrsquos like a museum of designers more so than a typical mall

3 TOP DALLAS AIRBNB PICKS

1 Trendy Uptown Loft A gorgeous two story loft near all of the

cities best bars amp restaurantsDallas $160 per night

2 Private Guest House w Exposed BeamsWe canrsquot get over how gorgeous this private

guest house is Dallas $150 per night

3 Contemporary CabinThis cabin is located right next to an art museum

amp always has live music at nightDallas $90 per night

I was fortunate enough to spend the majority of my college career living in the bustling city of Raleigh North Carolina Raleigh is one of those towns that flies under the radar Itrsquos a beautiful historical area with a taste of southern charm Raleigh is a relatively in-

expensive destination with lots to see and do you just need to find the right spots

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Take an afternoon or evening stroll around Lake Johnson It is the perfect place to go for a jog take a walk with your dog or hop in one of the paddle boats and explore the peaceful sights

2 Check out the local Farmerrsquos Market based right near the NC State University campus each vendor sets up their own stand of fresh produce crafts homemade goods- itrsquos open on weekends

3 Head over to the Amphitheater at Walnut Creek Lots of summer concerts are on the list tickets are super affordable in the lawn section with a great view of the stage

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Flying Biscuit- Known for their southern made delicious buttery baked biscuits paired with just about any breakfast entree it is the happening spot for a weekend brunch

2 Cameron Bar amp Grill - An upscale looking restaurant with affordable prices for a fabulous meal they have great appetizers and unique dinner dishes to pair with any delicious choice of wine

3 Boylan Bridge Brewpub - The best place to hit up to catch a sunset the local pub sits right on the bridge that overlooks the Raleigh skyline sit outside on the terrace amp enjoy one of their many craft beers (amp cheese dip) made right there

JACQUELINE YANCHOCIK

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Fabrsquorik Fabrsquorik is a hostpot with lots of affordable clothes like bright colored maxi dresses tanks and any handbag you could pos-sibly need

2 The Impeccable Pig Looking for the perfect day dress The Impeccable Pig is the place to go the store features lots of cute floral prints in dresses tops and shorts this is your summer destination shop

3 Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique is a one stop shop for all your accessory needs from simple earrings to some diamond pieces the customerrsquos of Charlottersquos are on the cutting edge of fashion

3 TOP RALEIGH AIRBNB PICKS

1 Hotel NicaraguaSsaid to be a stop from Jack Kerouacrsquos

noteworthy book ldquoOn the Roadrdquo nestled right outside downtown Raleigh this is definitely a

historic gemRaleigh $70 per night

2 Cookiersquos Garden SuiteA 1899 bungalow located in the Oakwood

Historic District enjoy a private entrance with all the amenities yoursquoll need right by downtown

Raleigh $75 per night

3 Sallyrsquos Downtown Historic SuiteThis historic home sits in a gorgeous neighbor-hood with leafy oaks close to coffee shops and

nearby bars Raleigh $85 per night

Irsquove been living in Los Angeles for over 3 years Los Angeles is a very spread out megacity with each area diverse in restaurants activities fashion architecture and even weather I grew up on

the beach so it was only fitting that I move to the west side of LA closest to the Pacific Venice is a colorful eccentric one-of-a kind district in Los Angeles right on the Pacific Ocean

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Venice has near-perfect weather year round so biking is a common activity here Marvin Braude Bike Trail (known as The Strand) is a bike path along the Pacific shoreline starting from Malibu down through Venice all the way Redondo Beach

2 Abbot Kinney is the artsy hipster sister of Bev-erly Hillsrsquo Rodeo Drive First Friday brings the best local art fashion music and food trucks to locals and visitors alike

3 Yoga and Venice go hand in hand There are multiple studios in the Venice area with incredible instructors and a class nearly every hour

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Tasting Kitchen A very special dining experience Trendy upscale atmosphere but with a rustic twist Communal seating under the trees a creative and fresh menu that changes daily and an overall obscure charm that suits Venice to a T

2 Chop Daddyrsquos Nestled between some of the cityrsquos most well-reviewed restaurants is some of the best BBQ in Los Angeles The tastiest fried pickles Irsquove ever had

3 Kippyrsquos Non-dairy raw organic coconut cream based ice cream My favorite is the orangesicle

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Firefly - the perfect collection of house-wares gifts and clothing reflecting the effort-less and beachy Venice lifestyle

2 Principessa - their website says it best ldquooutfitting the modern flower child in a so-phisticated style that is comfortable sexy and timelessrdquo

3 Aviator Nation Quintessential Southern California style that has become an obsession for many Aviator Nation has one-of-a kind t-shirt tanks sweats and more that have that worn-in feel so soft and comfortable 3 TOP VENICE AIRBNB PICKS

1 Artistrsquos CottageAn art filled cottage in proximity to one of the

worldrsquos best beaches$140 per night

2 Stylish Venice BungalowWalk to beach shops and dining from this ro-mantic and stylish holiday bungalow in a lush

garden setting$149 per night

3 Venice Garden RetreatA guesthouse filled with treasures from the

ownersrsquo travels abroad $125 per night

BROOKE KENNEDYBROOKEEJ

My name is Becca and I fell in love with Atlanta two years ago Although I moved to Atlanta for graduate school and thought it would be temporary I have fallen for a city that could be my forever home Having to choose my favorites are going to be

hard in a city that has so much to do

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Irsquove quickly made a tradition out of going to Music Midtown Music Festival in September at Piedmont Park I had the time of my life dancing the night away with best friends listening to great bands amp the Atlanta skyline in the background

2 Brunch is the only thing that gets me out of bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings Try the 100 item Bloody bar at Front Page News or all you can eat breakfast at Grsquos near piedmont If you get up early enough try West Egg in Westside Provisions

3 For a mere ten bucks you get six samples and a beautiful pint at the Sweetwater Brewery Tour But be warned the pours are heavy

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Noche This tiny tapas bar is full of flavors in tinybites Their chef special never seems to disap-point and therersquos always a drink special (Sangria Sundays are a personal favorite)

2 Park Tavern This restaurant with its own brew-ery offers some of the best views of Atlanta They have a late night sushi special and when it rains they pour dollar beers In the winter they have a full skating rink with adult only hours (so you donrsquot trip over that kid)

3YEAH Burger My favorite burger place in the world they offer a made to order burger that quenches even the pickiest of eaters appetites

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 The Lucky Exchange This second hand store is a treasure trove of pieces some extravagant sequin dresses some office appropriate attire My best find Brand new in the box Prada Loafers for under 30$

2 The Merchant at Howell Mill Grab a cup of coffee at Octane and then cross the street to Merchant A wide array of gifts and acces-sories offer the opportunity to pick up some-thing for your friends and yourself

3 Lizard Thicket Shop this trendy boutiquefor gameday dresses in your favorite team colors or the latest shipment of Bourbon and Bowetie bracelets

3 TOP ATLANTA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Secluded TreehouseHow could a girl not want to spend the night in an adult sized treehouse nestled right in popular

neighborhood Buckhead $275 per night

2 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentMidtown is close to everything you could want to be- food culture Piedmont Park museums amp an active nightlife there is something for everyone

This is a gorgeous room in a mini-mansion $73 per night

3 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentThis apartment is in the perfect location for some-one visiting town for food drinks and shopping

$69 per night

BECCA LUCIOof Becca Marie LucioBECCAMARIELUCIO

I moved to Chicago a little over a year ago and Irsquove completely fallen in love with the city As a Midwesterner all my life Chicago offers the charms of living in the Midwest while offering

amazing big city life There are summer street festivals every weekend the best brunch spots in the area shopping galore amp hidden gems in every gorgeous neighborhood

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Taste test cupcakes around Lincoln Park (I love Sweet Mandy Brsquos and Swirlz)

2 Spend the afternoon blogging at local coffee shops like Floriole amp Heritage

3 Explore local shops in new neighborhoods ndash there are so many incredible places to explore

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Range Hidden gem in Lincoln park that boasts seasonal recipes all made fromlocal ingredients Best of all itrsquos only a few blocks from my apartment Needless to say they know me by name

2 Little Goat Diner ndash I love Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzardrsquos mid-priced diner best of all her Chicago restaurants Offering home-style recipes with a fancy twist Irsquom a big fan of everything Irsquove tried Irsquod recommend the pork belly pancake amp tira-misu shake if you stop in

3 Xoco Rick Bayless has been one of my favorite chefsfor years His lower priced concept Xoco is the perfect spot to meet friends for lunch in River North Plus Margaritas (enough said right)

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 40: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

I was fortunate enough to spend the majority of my college career living in the bustling city of Raleigh North Carolina Raleigh is one of those towns that flies under the radar Itrsquos a beautiful historical area with a taste of southern charm Raleigh is a relatively in-

expensive destination with lots to see and do you just need to find the right spots

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Take an afternoon or evening stroll around Lake Johnson It is the perfect place to go for a jog take a walk with your dog or hop in one of the paddle boats and explore the peaceful sights

2 Check out the local Farmerrsquos Market based right near the NC State University campus each vendor sets up their own stand of fresh produce crafts homemade goods- itrsquos open on weekends

3 Head over to the Amphitheater at Walnut Creek Lots of summer concerts are on the list tickets are super affordable in the lawn section with a great view of the stage

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Flying Biscuit- Known for their southern made delicious buttery baked biscuits paired with just about any breakfast entree it is the happening spot for a weekend brunch

2 Cameron Bar amp Grill - An upscale looking restaurant with affordable prices for a fabulous meal they have great appetizers and unique dinner dishes to pair with any delicious choice of wine

3 Boylan Bridge Brewpub - The best place to hit up to catch a sunset the local pub sits right on the bridge that overlooks the Raleigh skyline sit outside on the terrace amp enjoy one of their many craft beers (amp cheese dip) made right there

JACQUELINE YANCHOCIK

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Fabrsquorik Fabrsquorik is a hostpot with lots of affordable clothes like bright colored maxi dresses tanks and any handbag you could pos-sibly need

2 The Impeccable Pig Looking for the perfect day dress The Impeccable Pig is the place to go the store features lots of cute floral prints in dresses tops and shorts this is your summer destination shop

3 Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique is a one stop shop for all your accessory needs from simple earrings to some diamond pieces the customerrsquos of Charlottersquos are on the cutting edge of fashion

3 TOP RALEIGH AIRBNB PICKS

1 Hotel NicaraguaSsaid to be a stop from Jack Kerouacrsquos

noteworthy book ldquoOn the Roadrdquo nestled right outside downtown Raleigh this is definitely a

historic gemRaleigh $70 per night

2 Cookiersquos Garden SuiteA 1899 bungalow located in the Oakwood

Historic District enjoy a private entrance with all the amenities yoursquoll need right by downtown

Raleigh $75 per night

3 Sallyrsquos Downtown Historic SuiteThis historic home sits in a gorgeous neighbor-hood with leafy oaks close to coffee shops and

nearby bars Raleigh $85 per night

Irsquove been living in Los Angeles for over 3 years Los Angeles is a very spread out megacity with each area diverse in restaurants activities fashion architecture and even weather I grew up on

the beach so it was only fitting that I move to the west side of LA closest to the Pacific Venice is a colorful eccentric one-of-a kind district in Los Angeles right on the Pacific Ocean

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Venice has near-perfect weather year round so biking is a common activity here Marvin Braude Bike Trail (known as The Strand) is a bike path along the Pacific shoreline starting from Malibu down through Venice all the way Redondo Beach

2 Abbot Kinney is the artsy hipster sister of Bev-erly Hillsrsquo Rodeo Drive First Friday brings the best local art fashion music and food trucks to locals and visitors alike

3 Yoga and Venice go hand in hand There are multiple studios in the Venice area with incredible instructors and a class nearly every hour

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Tasting Kitchen A very special dining experience Trendy upscale atmosphere but with a rustic twist Communal seating under the trees a creative and fresh menu that changes daily and an overall obscure charm that suits Venice to a T

2 Chop Daddyrsquos Nestled between some of the cityrsquos most well-reviewed restaurants is some of the best BBQ in Los Angeles The tastiest fried pickles Irsquove ever had

3 Kippyrsquos Non-dairy raw organic coconut cream based ice cream My favorite is the orangesicle

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Firefly - the perfect collection of house-wares gifts and clothing reflecting the effort-less and beachy Venice lifestyle

2 Principessa - their website says it best ldquooutfitting the modern flower child in a so-phisticated style that is comfortable sexy and timelessrdquo

3 Aviator Nation Quintessential Southern California style that has become an obsession for many Aviator Nation has one-of-a kind t-shirt tanks sweats and more that have that worn-in feel so soft and comfortable 3 TOP VENICE AIRBNB PICKS

1 Artistrsquos CottageAn art filled cottage in proximity to one of the

worldrsquos best beaches$140 per night

2 Stylish Venice BungalowWalk to beach shops and dining from this ro-mantic and stylish holiday bungalow in a lush

garden setting$149 per night

3 Venice Garden RetreatA guesthouse filled with treasures from the

ownersrsquo travels abroad $125 per night

BROOKE KENNEDYBROOKEEJ

My name is Becca and I fell in love with Atlanta two years ago Although I moved to Atlanta for graduate school and thought it would be temporary I have fallen for a city that could be my forever home Having to choose my favorites are going to be

hard in a city that has so much to do

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Irsquove quickly made a tradition out of going to Music Midtown Music Festival in September at Piedmont Park I had the time of my life dancing the night away with best friends listening to great bands amp the Atlanta skyline in the background

2 Brunch is the only thing that gets me out of bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings Try the 100 item Bloody bar at Front Page News or all you can eat breakfast at Grsquos near piedmont If you get up early enough try West Egg in Westside Provisions

3 For a mere ten bucks you get six samples and a beautiful pint at the Sweetwater Brewery Tour But be warned the pours are heavy

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Noche This tiny tapas bar is full of flavors in tinybites Their chef special never seems to disap-point and therersquos always a drink special (Sangria Sundays are a personal favorite)

2 Park Tavern This restaurant with its own brew-ery offers some of the best views of Atlanta They have a late night sushi special and when it rains they pour dollar beers In the winter they have a full skating rink with adult only hours (so you donrsquot trip over that kid)

3YEAH Burger My favorite burger place in the world they offer a made to order burger that quenches even the pickiest of eaters appetites

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 The Lucky Exchange This second hand store is a treasure trove of pieces some extravagant sequin dresses some office appropriate attire My best find Brand new in the box Prada Loafers for under 30$

2 The Merchant at Howell Mill Grab a cup of coffee at Octane and then cross the street to Merchant A wide array of gifts and acces-sories offer the opportunity to pick up some-thing for your friends and yourself

3 Lizard Thicket Shop this trendy boutiquefor gameday dresses in your favorite team colors or the latest shipment of Bourbon and Bowetie bracelets

3 TOP ATLANTA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Secluded TreehouseHow could a girl not want to spend the night in an adult sized treehouse nestled right in popular

neighborhood Buckhead $275 per night

2 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentMidtown is close to everything you could want to be- food culture Piedmont Park museums amp an active nightlife there is something for everyone

This is a gorgeous room in a mini-mansion $73 per night

3 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentThis apartment is in the perfect location for some-one visiting town for food drinks and shopping

$69 per night

BECCA LUCIOof Becca Marie LucioBECCAMARIELUCIO

I moved to Chicago a little over a year ago and Irsquove completely fallen in love with the city As a Midwesterner all my life Chicago offers the charms of living in the Midwest while offering

amazing big city life There are summer street festivals every weekend the best brunch spots in the area shopping galore amp hidden gems in every gorgeous neighborhood

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Taste test cupcakes around Lincoln Park (I love Sweet Mandy Brsquos and Swirlz)

2 Spend the afternoon blogging at local coffee shops like Floriole amp Heritage

3 Explore local shops in new neighborhoods ndash there are so many incredible places to explore

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Range Hidden gem in Lincoln park that boasts seasonal recipes all made fromlocal ingredients Best of all itrsquos only a few blocks from my apartment Needless to say they know me by name

2 Little Goat Diner ndash I love Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzardrsquos mid-priced diner best of all her Chicago restaurants Offering home-style recipes with a fancy twist Irsquom a big fan of everything Irsquove tried Irsquod recommend the pork belly pancake amp tira-misu shake if you stop in

3 Xoco Rick Bayless has been one of my favorite chefsfor years His lower priced concept Xoco is the perfect spot to meet friends for lunch in River North Plus Margaritas (enough said right)

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 41: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

JACQUELINE YANCHOCIK

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Fabrsquorik Fabrsquorik is a hostpot with lots of affordable clothes like bright colored maxi dresses tanks and any handbag you could pos-sibly need

2 The Impeccable Pig Looking for the perfect day dress The Impeccable Pig is the place to go the store features lots of cute floral prints in dresses tops and shorts this is your summer destination shop

3 Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique Charlottersquos Jewelry Boutique is a one stop shop for all your accessory needs from simple earrings to some diamond pieces the customerrsquos of Charlottersquos are on the cutting edge of fashion

3 TOP RALEIGH AIRBNB PICKS

1 Hotel NicaraguaSsaid to be a stop from Jack Kerouacrsquos

noteworthy book ldquoOn the Roadrdquo nestled right outside downtown Raleigh this is definitely a

historic gemRaleigh $70 per night

2 Cookiersquos Garden SuiteA 1899 bungalow located in the Oakwood

Historic District enjoy a private entrance with all the amenities yoursquoll need right by downtown

Raleigh $75 per night

3 Sallyrsquos Downtown Historic SuiteThis historic home sits in a gorgeous neighbor-hood with leafy oaks close to coffee shops and

nearby bars Raleigh $85 per night

Irsquove been living in Los Angeles for over 3 years Los Angeles is a very spread out megacity with each area diverse in restaurants activities fashion architecture and even weather I grew up on

the beach so it was only fitting that I move to the west side of LA closest to the Pacific Venice is a colorful eccentric one-of-a kind district in Los Angeles right on the Pacific Ocean

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Venice has near-perfect weather year round so biking is a common activity here Marvin Braude Bike Trail (known as The Strand) is a bike path along the Pacific shoreline starting from Malibu down through Venice all the way Redondo Beach

2 Abbot Kinney is the artsy hipster sister of Bev-erly Hillsrsquo Rodeo Drive First Friday brings the best local art fashion music and food trucks to locals and visitors alike

3 Yoga and Venice go hand in hand There are multiple studios in the Venice area with incredible instructors and a class nearly every hour

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Tasting Kitchen A very special dining experience Trendy upscale atmosphere but with a rustic twist Communal seating under the trees a creative and fresh menu that changes daily and an overall obscure charm that suits Venice to a T

2 Chop Daddyrsquos Nestled between some of the cityrsquos most well-reviewed restaurants is some of the best BBQ in Los Angeles The tastiest fried pickles Irsquove ever had

3 Kippyrsquos Non-dairy raw organic coconut cream based ice cream My favorite is the orangesicle

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Firefly - the perfect collection of house-wares gifts and clothing reflecting the effort-less and beachy Venice lifestyle

2 Principessa - their website says it best ldquooutfitting the modern flower child in a so-phisticated style that is comfortable sexy and timelessrdquo

3 Aviator Nation Quintessential Southern California style that has become an obsession for many Aviator Nation has one-of-a kind t-shirt tanks sweats and more that have that worn-in feel so soft and comfortable 3 TOP VENICE AIRBNB PICKS

1 Artistrsquos CottageAn art filled cottage in proximity to one of the

worldrsquos best beaches$140 per night

2 Stylish Venice BungalowWalk to beach shops and dining from this ro-mantic and stylish holiday bungalow in a lush

garden setting$149 per night

3 Venice Garden RetreatA guesthouse filled with treasures from the

ownersrsquo travels abroad $125 per night

BROOKE KENNEDYBROOKEEJ

My name is Becca and I fell in love with Atlanta two years ago Although I moved to Atlanta for graduate school and thought it would be temporary I have fallen for a city that could be my forever home Having to choose my favorites are going to be

hard in a city that has so much to do

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Irsquove quickly made a tradition out of going to Music Midtown Music Festival in September at Piedmont Park I had the time of my life dancing the night away with best friends listening to great bands amp the Atlanta skyline in the background

2 Brunch is the only thing that gets me out of bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings Try the 100 item Bloody bar at Front Page News or all you can eat breakfast at Grsquos near piedmont If you get up early enough try West Egg in Westside Provisions

3 For a mere ten bucks you get six samples and a beautiful pint at the Sweetwater Brewery Tour But be warned the pours are heavy

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Noche This tiny tapas bar is full of flavors in tinybites Their chef special never seems to disap-point and therersquos always a drink special (Sangria Sundays are a personal favorite)

2 Park Tavern This restaurant with its own brew-ery offers some of the best views of Atlanta They have a late night sushi special and when it rains they pour dollar beers In the winter they have a full skating rink with adult only hours (so you donrsquot trip over that kid)

3YEAH Burger My favorite burger place in the world they offer a made to order burger that quenches even the pickiest of eaters appetites

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 The Lucky Exchange This second hand store is a treasure trove of pieces some extravagant sequin dresses some office appropriate attire My best find Brand new in the box Prada Loafers for under 30$

2 The Merchant at Howell Mill Grab a cup of coffee at Octane and then cross the street to Merchant A wide array of gifts and acces-sories offer the opportunity to pick up some-thing for your friends and yourself

3 Lizard Thicket Shop this trendy boutiquefor gameday dresses in your favorite team colors or the latest shipment of Bourbon and Bowetie bracelets

3 TOP ATLANTA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Secluded TreehouseHow could a girl not want to spend the night in an adult sized treehouse nestled right in popular

neighborhood Buckhead $275 per night

2 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentMidtown is close to everything you could want to be- food culture Piedmont Park museums amp an active nightlife there is something for everyone

This is a gorgeous room in a mini-mansion $73 per night

3 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentThis apartment is in the perfect location for some-one visiting town for food drinks and shopping

$69 per night

BECCA LUCIOof Becca Marie LucioBECCAMARIELUCIO

I moved to Chicago a little over a year ago and Irsquove completely fallen in love with the city As a Midwesterner all my life Chicago offers the charms of living in the Midwest while offering

amazing big city life There are summer street festivals every weekend the best brunch spots in the area shopping galore amp hidden gems in every gorgeous neighborhood

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Taste test cupcakes around Lincoln Park (I love Sweet Mandy Brsquos and Swirlz)

2 Spend the afternoon blogging at local coffee shops like Floriole amp Heritage

3 Explore local shops in new neighborhoods ndash there are so many incredible places to explore

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Range Hidden gem in Lincoln park that boasts seasonal recipes all made fromlocal ingredients Best of all itrsquos only a few blocks from my apartment Needless to say they know me by name

2 Little Goat Diner ndash I love Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzardrsquos mid-priced diner best of all her Chicago restaurants Offering home-style recipes with a fancy twist Irsquom a big fan of everything Irsquove tried Irsquod recommend the pork belly pancake amp tira-misu shake if you stop in

3 Xoco Rick Bayless has been one of my favorite chefsfor years His lower priced concept Xoco is the perfect spot to meet friends for lunch in River North Plus Margaritas (enough said right)

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 42: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

Irsquove been living in Los Angeles for over 3 years Los Angeles is a very spread out megacity with each area diverse in restaurants activities fashion architecture and even weather I grew up on

the beach so it was only fitting that I move to the west side of LA closest to the Pacific Venice is a colorful eccentric one-of-a kind district in Los Angeles right on the Pacific Ocean

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Venice has near-perfect weather year round so biking is a common activity here Marvin Braude Bike Trail (known as The Strand) is a bike path along the Pacific shoreline starting from Malibu down through Venice all the way Redondo Beach

2 Abbot Kinney is the artsy hipster sister of Bev-erly Hillsrsquo Rodeo Drive First Friday brings the best local art fashion music and food trucks to locals and visitors alike

3 Yoga and Venice go hand in hand There are multiple studios in the Venice area with incredible instructors and a class nearly every hour

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 The Tasting Kitchen A very special dining experience Trendy upscale atmosphere but with a rustic twist Communal seating under the trees a creative and fresh menu that changes daily and an overall obscure charm that suits Venice to a T

2 Chop Daddyrsquos Nestled between some of the cityrsquos most well-reviewed restaurants is some of the best BBQ in Los Angeles The tastiest fried pickles Irsquove ever had

3 Kippyrsquos Non-dairy raw organic coconut cream based ice cream My favorite is the orangesicle

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Firefly - the perfect collection of house-wares gifts and clothing reflecting the effort-less and beachy Venice lifestyle

2 Principessa - their website says it best ldquooutfitting the modern flower child in a so-phisticated style that is comfortable sexy and timelessrdquo

3 Aviator Nation Quintessential Southern California style that has become an obsession for many Aviator Nation has one-of-a kind t-shirt tanks sweats and more that have that worn-in feel so soft and comfortable 3 TOP VENICE AIRBNB PICKS

1 Artistrsquos CottageAn art filled cottage in proximity to one of the

worldrsquos best beaches$140 per night

2 Stylish Venice BungalowWalk to beach shops and dining from this ro-mantic and stylish holiday bungalow in a lush

garden setting$149 per night

3 Venice Garden RetreatA guesthouse filled with treasures from the

ownersrsquo travels abroad $125 per night

BROOKE KENNEDYBROOKEEJ

My name is Becca and I fell in love with Atlanta two years ago Although I moved to Atlanta for graduate school and thought it would be temporary I have fallen for a city that could be my forever home Having to choose my favorites are going to be

hard in a city that has so much to do

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Irsquove quickly made a tradition out of going to Music Midtown Music Festival in September at Piedmont Park I had the time of my life dancing the night away with best friends listening to great bands amp the Atlanta skyline in the background

2 Brunch is the only thing that gets me out of bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings Try the 100 item Bloody bar at Front Page News or all you can eat breakfast at Grsquos near piedmont If you get up early enough try West Egg in Westside Provisions

3 For a mere ten bucks you get six samples and a beautiful pint at the Sweetwater Brewery Tour But be warned the pours are heavy

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Noche This tiny tapas bar is full of flavors in tinybites Their chef special never seems to disap-point and therersquos always a drink special (Sangria Sundays are a personal favorite)

2 Park Tavern This restaurant with its own brew-ery offers some of the best views of Atlanta They have a late night sushi special and when it rains they pour dollar beers In the winter they have a full skating rink with adult only hours (so you donrsquot trip over that kid)

3YEAH Burger My favorite burger place in the world they offer a made to order burger that quenches even the pickiest of eaters appetites

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 The Lucky Exchange This second hand store is a treasure trove of pieces some extravagant sequin dresses some office appropriate attire My best find Brand new in the box Prada Loafers for under 30$

2 The Merchant at Howell Mill Grab a cup of coffee at Octane and then cross the street to Merchant A wide array of gifts and acces-sories offer the opportunity to pick up some-thing for your friends and yourself

3 Lizard Thicket Shop this trendy boutiquefor gameday dresses in your favorite team colors or the latest shipment of Bourbon and Bowetie bracelets

3 TOP ATLANTA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Secluded TreehouseHow could a girl not want to spend the night in an adult sized treehouse nestled right in popular

neighborhood Buckhead $275 per night

2 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentMidtown is close to everything you could want to be- food culture Piedmont Park museums amp an active nightlife there is something for everyone

This is a gorgeous room in a mini-mansion $73 per night

3 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentThis apartment is in the perfect location for some-one visiting town for food drinks and shopping

$69 per night

BECCA LUCIOof Becca Marie LucioBECCAMARIELUCIO

I moved to Chicago a little over a year ago and Irsquove completely fallen in love with the city As a Midwesterner all my life Chicago offers the charms of living in the Midwest while offering

amazing big city life There are summer street festivals every weekend the best brunch spots in the area shopping galore amp hidden gems in every gorgeous neighborhood

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Taste test cupcakes around Lincoln Park (I love Sweet Mandy Brsquos and Swirlz)

2 Spend the afternoon blogging at local coffee shops like Floriole amp Heritage

3 Explore local shops in new neighborhoods ndash there are so many incredible places to explore

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Range Hidden gem in Lincoln park that boasts seasonal recipes all made fromlocal ingredients Best of all itrsquos only a few blocks from my apartment Needless to say they know me by name

2 Little Goat Diner ndash I love Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzardrsquos mid-priced diner best of all her Chicago restaurants Offering home-style recipes with a fancy twist Irsquom a big fan of everything Irsquove tried Irsquod recommend the pork belly pancake amp tira-misu shake if you stop in

3 Xoco Rick Bayless has been one of my favorite chefsfor years His lower priced concept Xoco is the perfect spot to meet friends for lunch in River North Plus Margaritas (enough said right)

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 43: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Firefly - the perfect collection of house-wares gifts and clothing reflecting the effort-less and beachy Venice lifestyle

2 Principessa - their website says it best ldquooutfitting the modern flower child in a so-phisticated style that is comfortable sexy and timelessrdquo

3 Aviator Nation Quintessential Southern California style that has become an obsession for many Aviator Nation has one-of-a kind t-shirt tanks sweats and more that have that worn-in feel so soft and comfortable 3 TOP VENICE AIRBNB PICKS

1 Artistrsquos CottageAn art filled cottage in proximity to one of the

worldrsquos best beaches$140 per night

2 Stylish Venice BungalowWalk to beach shops and dining from this ro-mantic and stylish holiday bungalow in a lush

garden setting$149 per night

3 Venice Garden RetreatA guesthouse filled with treasures from the

ownersrsquo travels abroad $125 per night

BROOKE KENNEDYBROOKEEJ

My name is Becca and I fell in love with Atlanta two years ago Although I moved to Atlanta for graduate school and thought it would be temporary I have fallen for a city that could be my forever home Having to choose my favorites are going to be

hard in a city that has so much to do

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Irsquove quickly made a tradition out of going to Music Midtown Music Festival in September at Piedmont Park I had the time of my life dancing the night away with best friends listening to great bands amp the Atlanta skyline in the background

2 Brunch is the only thing that gets me out of bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings Try the 100 item Bloody bar at Front Page News or all you can eat breakfast at Grsquos near piedmont If you get up early enough try West Egg in Westside Provisions

3 For a mere ten bucks you get six samples and a beautiful pint at the Sweetwater Brewery Tour But be warned the pours are heavy

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Noche This tiny tapas bar is full of flavors in tinybites Their chef special never seems to disap-point and therersquos always a drink special (Sangria Sundays are a personal favorite)

2 Park Tavern This restaurant with its own brew-ery offers some of the best views of Atlanta They have a late night sushi special and when it rains they pour dollar beers In the winter they have a full skating rink with adult only hours (so you donrsquot trip over that kid)

3YEAH Burger My favorite burger place in the world they offer a made to order burger that quenches even the pickiest of eaters appetites

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 The Lucky Exchange This second hand store is a treasure trove of pieces some extravagant sequin dresses some office appropriate attire My best find Brand new in the box Prada Loafers for under 30$

2 The Merchant at Howell Mill Grab a cup of coffee at Octane and then cross the street to Merchant A wide array of gifts and acces-sories offer the opportunity to pick up some-thing for your friends and yourself

3 Lizard Thicket Shop this trendy boutiquefor gameday dresses in your favorite team colors or the latest shipment of Bourbon and Bowetie bracelets

3 TOP ATLANTA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Secluded TreehouseHow could a girl not want to spend the night in an adult sized treehouse nestled right in popular

neighborhood Buckhead $275 per night

2 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentMidtown is close to everything you could want to be- food culture Piedmont Park museums amp an active nightlife there is something for everyone

This is a gorgeous room in a mini-mansion $73 per night

3 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentThis apartment is in the perfect location for some-one visiting town for food drinks and shopping

$69 per night

BECCA LUCIOof Becca Marie LucioBECCAMARIELUCIO

I moved to Chicago a little over a year ago and Irsquove completely fallen in love with the city As a Midwesterner all my life Chicago offers the charms of living in the Midwest while offering

amazing big city life There are summer street festivals every weekend the best brunch spots in the area shopping galore amp hidden gems in every gorgeous neighborhood

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Taste test cupcakes around Lincoln Park (I love Sweet Mandy Brsquos and Swirlz)

2 Spend the afternoon blogging at local coffee shops like Floriole amp Heritage

3 Explore local shops in new neighborhoods ndash there are so many incredible places to explore

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Range Hidden gem in Lincoln park that boasts seasonal recipes all made fromlocal ingredients Best of all itrsquos only a few blocks from my apartment Needless to say they know me by name

2 Little Goat Diner ndash I love Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzardrsquos mid-priced diner best of all her Chicago restaurants Offering home-style recipes with a fancy twist Irsquom a big fan of everything Irsquove tried Irsquod recommend the pork belly pancake amp tira-misu shake if you stop in

3 Xoco Rick Bayless has been one of my favorite chefsfor years His lower priced concept Xoco is the perfect spot to meet friends for lunch in River North Plus Margaritas (enough said right)

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 44: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

My name is Becca and I fell in love with Atlanta two years ago Although I moved to Atlanta for graduate school and thought it would be temporary I have fallen for a city that could be my forever home Having to choose my favorites are going to be

hard in a city that has so much to do

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Irsquove quickly made a tradition out of going to Music Midtown Music Festival in September at Piedmont Park I had the time of my life dancing the night away with best friends listening to great bands amp the Atlanta skyline in the background

2 Brunch is the only thing that gets me out of bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings Try the 100 item Bloody bar at Front Page News or all you can eat breakfast at Grsquos near piedmont If you get up early enough try West Egg in Westside Provisions

3 For a mere ten bucks you get six samples and a beautiful pint at the Sweetwater Brewery Tour But be warned the pours are heavy

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Noche This tiny tapas bar is full of flavors in tinybites Their chef special never seems to disap-point and therersquos always a drink special (Sangria Sundays are a personal favorite)

2 Park Tavern This restaurant with its own brew-ery offers some of the best views of Atlanta They have a late night sushi special and when it rains they pour dollar beers In the winter they have a full skating rink with adult only hours (so you donrsquot trip over that kid)

3YEAH Burger My favorite burger place in the world they offer a made to order burger that quenches even the pickiest of eaters appetites

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 The Lucky Exchange This second hand store is a treasure trove of pieces some extravagant sequin dresses some office appropriate attire My best find Brand new in the box Prada Loafers for under 30$

2 The Merchant at Howell Mill Grab a cup of coffee at Octane and then cross the street to Merchant A wide array of gifts and acces-sories offer the opportunity to pick up some-thing for your friends and yourself

3 Lizard Thicket Shop this trendy boutiquefor gameday dresses in your favorite team colors or the latest shipment of Bourbon and Bowetie bracelets

3 TOP ATLANTA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Secluded TreehouseHow could a girl not want to spend the night in an adult sized treehouse nestled right in popular

neighborhood Buckhead $275 per night

2 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentMidtown is close to everything you could want to be- food culture Piedmont Park museums amp an active nightlife there is something for everyone

This is a gorgeous room in a mini-mansion $73 per night

3 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentThis apartment is in the perfect location for some-one visiting town for food drinks and shopping

$69 per night

BECCA LUCIOof Becca Marie LucioBECCAMARIELUCIO

I moved to Chicago a little over a year ago and Irsquove completely fallen in love with the city As a Midwesterner all my life Chicago offers the charms of living in the Midwest while offering

amazing big city life There are summer street festivals every weekend the best brunch spots in the area shopping galore amp hidden gems in every gorgeous neighborhood

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Taste test cupcakes around Lincoln Park (I love Sweet Mandy Brsquos and Swirlz)

2 Spend the afternoon blogging at local coffee shops like Floriole amp Heritage

3 Explore local shops in new neighborhoods ndash there are so many incredible places to explore

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Range Hidden gem in Lincoln park that boasts seasonal recipes all made fromlocal ingredients Best of all itrsquos only a few blocks from my apartment Needless to say they know me by name

2 Little Goat Diner ndash I love Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzardrsquos mid-priced diner best of all her Chicago restaurants Offering home-style recipes with a fancy twist Irsquom a big fan of everything Irsquove tried Irsquod recommend the pork belly pancake amp tira-misu shake if you stop in

3 Xoco Rick Bayless has been one of my favorite chefsfor years His lower priced concept Xoco is the perfect spot to meet friends for lunch in River North Plus Margaritas (enough said right)

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 45: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 The Lucky Exchange This second hand store is a treasure trove of pieces some extravagant sequin dresses some office appropriate attire My best find Brand new in the box Prada Loafers for under 30$

2 The Merchant at Howell Mill Grab a cup of coffee at Octane and then cross the street to Merchant A wide array of gifts and acces-sories offer the opportunity to pick up some-thing for your friends and yourself

3 Lizard Thicket Shop this trendy boutiquefor gameday dresses in your favorite team colors or the latest shipment of Bourbon and Bowetie bracelets

3 TOP ATLANTA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Secluded TreehouseHow could a girl not want to spend the night in an adult sized treehouse nestled right in popular

neighborhood Buckhead $275 per night

2 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentMidtown is close to everything you could want to be- food culture Piedmont Park museums amp an active nightlife there is something for everyone

This is a gorgeous room in a mini-mansion $73 per night

3 Contemporary Atlanta ApartmentThis apartment is in the perfect location for some-one visiting town for food drinks and shopping

$69 per night

BECCA LUCIOof Becca Marie LucioBECCAMARIELUCIO

I moved to Chicago a little over a year ago and Irsquove completely fallen in love with the city As a Midwesterner all my life Chicago offers the charms of living in the Midwest while offering

amazing big city life There are summer street festivals every weekend the best brunch spots in the area shopping galore amp hidden gems in every gorgeous neighborhood

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Taste test cupcakes around Lincoln Park (I love Sweet Mandy Brsquos and Swirlz)

2 Spend the afternoon blogging at local coffee shops like Floriole amp Heritage

3 Explore local shops in new neighborhoods ndash there are so many incredible places to explore

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Range Hidden gem in Lincoln park that boasts seasonal recipes all made fromlocal ingredients Best of all itrsquos only a few blocks from my apartment Needless to say they know me by name

2 Little Goat Diner ndash I love Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzardrsquos mid-priced diner best of all her Chicago restaurants Offering home-style recipes with a fancy twist Irsquom a big fan of everything Irsquove tried Irsquod recommend the pork belly pancake amp tira-misu shake if you stop in

3 Xoco Rick Bayless has been one of my favorite chefsfor years His lower priced concept Xoco is the perfect spot to meet friends for lunch in River North Plus Margaritas (enough said right)

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 46: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

I moved to Chicago a little over a year ago and Irsquove completely fallen in love with the city As a Midwesterner all my life Chicago offers the charms of living in the Midwest while offering

amazing big city life There are summer street festivals every weekend the best brunch spots in the area shopping galore amp hidden gems in every gorgeous neighborhood

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Taste test cupcakes around Lincoln Park (I love Sweet Mandy Brsquos and Swirlz)

2 Spend the afternoon blogging at local coffee shops like Floriole amp Heritage

3 Explore local shops in new neighborhoods ndash there are so many incredible places to explore

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Range Hidden gem in Lincoln park that boasts seasonal recipes all made fromlocal ingredients Best of all itrsquos only a few blocks from my apartment Needless to say they know me by name

2 Little Goat Diner ndash I love Top Chef winner Stephanie Izzardrsquos mid-priced diner best of all her Chicago restaurants Offering home-style recipes with a fancy twist Irsquom a big fan of everything Irsquove tried Irsquod recommend the pork belly pancake amp tira-misu shake if you stop in

3 Xoco Rick Bayless has been one of my favorite chefsfor years His lower priced concept Xoco is the perfect spot to meet friends for lunch in River North Plus Margaritas (enough said right)

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 47: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Green Goddess Boutique One of my favor-ite spots in Wicker Park amp Lincoln Park I love their gorgeous clothing and jewelry and I always end up buying more than I anticipated ndash oops

2 Alapash Home and Terrariums Gorgeous rustic deacutecor at a variety of price points Make sure to say ldquohirdquo to the charming owner Marco amp ask him all about his handmade terrariums

3 Elizabeth Grace As a self-proclaimed sta-tionary fanatic- I love this incredible selection of cards and gifts If yoursquore a Rifle Paper Co lover like I am this store is about to become your new fave spot

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Urban OasisThis little gem in Wicker Park is the perfect place to stay for a weekend Wicker Park has incredible restaurants fun night life and is hipster paradise

(in the best way possible)$65 per night

2 Lincoln Park StudioMy favorite neighborhood boasts amazing restau-rants coffee shops amp free activities for a weekend

away Check out this spot in Lincoln Park $56 per night

3 Cool Chicago LoftHow charming is this spot (and affordable too) I

love the funky deacutecor and the close proximityto a few of my favorite neighborhoods

$120 per night

MAYA MCDONALDof CHARMINGLY STYLED

CHARMINGLYSTYLED

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 48: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

I am an ex-student and working photographer in Boston where therersquos always something to do and always something to see

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 Ride a bike through the city Boston is incredibly bike friendly and it beats sitting in traffic

2 Hang out in Harvard Square There are tons of bars and restaurants in Harvard Square and itrsquos always fun to walk through Harvardrsquos campus and throughout beautiful Cambridge

3 Walk through the Public Garden in the fall This is my favorite time of year in Boston precisely for this reason 3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Deep Ellum Great bar creative menu (kim chi hotdogs anyone) and lovely porch to sit on Their sister restaurant directly next store Lone Star Taco Bar-home to a great margarita menu

2 Eastern Standard Kitchen amp Drinks Seriously de-licious cocktails (egg fizzes amp house infused spirits) and a really fantastic French brasserie inspired menu Perfect for a fancy date night beer amp burger before the Sox game or drink at the marble bar

3 Trident Cafe- Newbury Street Half bookstore + half late night cafediner = the perfect place Trident has house made juices a selection of smoothies and really great beer stuffed french toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich on the menu

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 49: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Store 54 Really well curated vintage col-lection The owners have a really great eye for textiles and quality products amphuge record collection Awesome books old jewelry and every once in a while they have shows in the store Kind of hidden and always changing little gem

2 Urban Renewals My favorite thrift store Huge and always priced well you can always find your favorite new mason jar here

3 Newbury Street Not a specific store but rather a really nice picturesque Boston bou-tique street thatsrsquos bursting at the seams with shops and restaurants

3 TOP CHICAGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 Harvardrsquos DollhouseRent a room in this Victorian beauty of a home by

Cambridge- with a host who calls herself a historic tour guide

$65 per night

2 Modern Chinatown CondoThis one isright downtown in Chinatown Close to so many things and super T-accessible for any-thing itrsquos not close to The modern living room has

amazing views $135 per night

3 Heart of BostonYou canrsquot beat the location of this stay right down-

town I love how stylish this living room is $159 per night

EMMA LOUISEof Berlou Photography

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 50: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

Irsquom a senior at the University of Florida Therersquos no place that compares to my home-town of Tampa Bay- I truly live where everyone vacations From the culture to the

attractions shopping to night life hipster cafes to theme parks or from beautiful beaches to sports Tampa Bay has it ALL

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 First on my list is definitely going to sports games Tampa is the heart of sportswhether itrsquos a Bucs Rays or lightning game

2 One of Tamparsquos most popular attractions Busch Gardens has thrilling rides zoos live shows restaurants shops and things to do with family or your closest friends

3 What I love the most about the bay area is being able to soak up some rays then throw some work out clothes on and do yoga or pilates on the beach and then cool off with a nice swim with a gorgeous Florida sunset

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 Columbia Restaurant Floridarsquos oldest restaurant founded in 1905 and located in Ybor City Delicious food and you can even catch some great entertain-menwith Flamenco dance performances or live jazz on certain nights of the week

2 Oxford Exchange Enjoy fresh and unique meals made with local and organic ingredients in this gor-geous and trendy new space - be sure to stop by the adjoining store to shop too

3 Hoganrsquos Beach Hoganrsquos is an indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar offering waterside dining and live outdoor entertainment A great place to watch games or dance along the beach after dinner

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 51: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Ellenton Premium Outlets Shop all of yourfavorite brands for less at this outdoor outlet mall I love all of the great deals

2 XXI in International Mall Irsquom a huge fan of Forever 21 because you can always get a lot for your money The one at Tamparsquos International Mall is giant amp has a great shoe selection

3 JCrsquos Boutique A gorgeous collection of jew-elry with every color you could possibly image for incredibly affordable prices You could easily walk out with a beautiful dress necklace and pair of pretty wedges all for under 50 bucks

3 TOP TAMPA AIRBNB PICKS

1 Treehouse BungalowThe outdoor hanging bed in this space alone is reason to rent it Three impeccably decorated

bedrooms in historic district of Tampa $115 per night

2 Trendy Hyde ParkThis space looks right out of an interior

design magazine are located right in ultra trendy Hyde Park by bars amp restaurants

$80 per night

3 Waterfront StudioCheck out nearby Clearwater Beach for a

beautiful white sand beaches and this adorable studio apartment right by the ocean

$108 per night

BONNIE MOTTBONNIEMOTT

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 52: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

Irsquom Lauren a mid-century modern obsessed writer and Southern California na-tive Let me give you a great tip about visiting San Diego The perfect ice-breaker

aroundhere is ndash ldquoSo whatrsquos your favorite local beerrdquo

3 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY

1 People watch on the beach San Diego beaches are long sandy stretchhes of shredded men and wom-en Bring your dark tinted sunglasses

2 Beer taste The craft beer scene is huge in this city with Stone Brewery leading the way followed by Alesmith and Ballast Point Ask a local foor recommendations and yoursquoll be talking all night

3 Go to the Gaslamp The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic part of downtown SanDiego and is also where yoursquoll find some of the best nightlife There are even a couple speakeasies and more than a few ghost stories

3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

1 South Beach Bar amp Grill in Ocean Beach Serves upscale versions of fish tacos a San Diego diet staple

2 Hodadrsquos A burger joint with locations in Ocean Beach and Downtown and has by far the best burgers in town with some of the best local ambi-ence

3 Wine Vault Bistro Located on India Street Wine Vault Bistro is California haute cuisine at its finest Chefs preparing fresh seasonal produce to pair with amazing wine

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 53: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

3 FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

1 Hillcrestrsquos Used Clothing Stores and Vintage shops Why go to a mall when youcan get unique slightly used duds in one of San Diegorsquos trendiest neighborhoods Try Flash-backs Recycled Fashions on 5th Ave

2 Great News Cookware amp Cooking School in Ocean Beach Find every kitchen tool imagin-able Donrsquot know a pariing knife from a petit four Sign up for a hands-on cooking class

3 Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park This art center is not only stunning itrsquos down-right artistic Take art classes see artists work-ing and buy everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics

3 TOP SAN DIEGO AIRBNB PICKS

1 North Park San Diego Private CasitaA snug guest cottage in trendy North Park (literal-ly on the north edge of Balboa Park) thatrsquos walking distance from the San Diego Zoo and a quick car-

ride from Hillcrest and the Gaslamp$119 per night

2 Amazing Cottage at the Beach in OBThis 1930s Ocean Beach bungalow is not only

about 20 steps away from sand and surf itrsquos also within easy walking distance to Hodadrsquos

$130 per night

3 Cottages by the CoveA beach cottage in beautiful La Jolla (it means

ldquoThe Jewelrdquo) where yoursquoll see more Lamborghinis on the street than anywhere else in San Diego Itrsquos

where the wealthy come to play eat and shop$170 per night

LAUREN VAN MULLEMof Copy Muse

LVANMULLEM

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 54: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LIZZI WEASLER OF

LPF Mag Tell us a little bit about Lizzibeth and what your mission is

Lizzi Lizzibeth offers affordable fashion with a twist including an online store personal shopping wedding styling and most popular private shopping parties or pop-up shops Lizzibeth caters to all ages with an array of clothing jewelry handbags and scarves All merchandiseis under $100 and is selected with affordable quality and stylish satisfaction in mind In hopes to keep your retail therapy bill low each month

LPF Mag What was the path you took to open up Lizzibeth

Lizzi I took quite a round about journey to get to where Lizzibeth is today I have always had what most wouldsay a ldquopassion for fashionrdquo but never really though about it transpiring into an actual career I began my real world experience as a Civil Engineer Math always had a soft spot in my heart so I figured why not try a career that is obsessed with numbers After hunching over a desk from 9-5 I got the itch to take a leap of faith and move to NYC to work for three different fashion companies

After making only one Excel spreadsheet the whole time and swimming in labels and subway sweat I decided to move back to the Midwest Chi-cago was my next stop where I got a job working in Finance and Risk Management at an energy com-pany I finally got my numbers game back but was still plopped in front of a computer screen for the majority of my waking hours The pressure began to stop furthering other com-panyrsquos goals and aspire to be my own boss

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but I never had a clear impression of what it would be I finally took a leap of faith and began to write business ideas down This is where the inspiration of Lizzibeth was born What I thought Lizzibeth would be from the start to what it is today is completely different but I have learned to adjust accordingly to make Lizzibeth a growing company and I have not looked back since

Milwaukee based online boutique owner Lizzi Weazler shares her love of sparkle and how she knew she wanted to start her own business

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 55: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US

LPF Mag What was the biggest surprise for you about starting your own business

Lizzi The biggest surprise is how much I love my job and how working 7 days a week doesnrsquot even ruffle a feather I cannot believe how I complained about working 40 hours a week and now having my job encompass my entire waking and dreaming hours I could not be more excited and liberated in the career I created for myself

LPF Mag Whatrsquos your favorite part of the job

Lizzi I would have to say that every moment about Lizzibeth has been my favorite It sounds silly but even the crazy obstacles and roadblocks made starting Lizzibeth that much more rewarding Lizzibeth also allows me to reconnect with old friends and meet new people every single day It has been

a blessing to be a part of otherrsquos people accessorizing moments From birthdays to weddings I always love seeing pictures or hearing comments about how Liz-zibeth made a shining appearance at some of those milestone events

LPF Mag Favorite piece in the Lizzibeth shop

Lizzi This is a tough one I would like to say Irsquom an equal opportunist when it comes to Lizzibeth jewelry piecesI try not to become too attached to any single piece because I find myself out at a bar and people will actually buy jewelry right off of me This has happened several times so I tend to slip an extra gem or two in my clutch so I donrsquot feel naked without a statement piece completing my outfit

LPF Mag We love that Lizzibeth likes to giveback how did you decide to start the Tassel Project

Lizzi We all know the phrase lsquoretail therapyrsquo right

Well the Lizzibeth Tas-sel Project came out of something called third grade lsquocrafting thera-pyrsquo I had gotten into a pretty bad car accident that left me groggy and achy for weeks Being a spastic entrepreneur I was not going to take this laying down I started to see a tassel trend emerge on every fashion outlet I stalked and knew I could make one for my-self After super gluing my fingers together at least 10 times I reached an ldquoah hardquo moment I could sell these at LizzibethI knew I wanted to start selling products that were made in the Midwest so why canrsquot I make those products Then round two of ldquoah hardquo kicked in to have a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the month selected by Lizzibeth customers as a way to get Lizzi-beth directly connected into the community

LPF Mag Any words of advice for others trying to start their own business

Lizzi First advice is picking something you love because you will literally be spending every waking anddreaming hour with your business to make it a success Remember when you would spend hours of class time fantasizing about your crush and what a perfect life you would have together Well think of your business as that lsquorelationshiprsquo

Second piece of advices is to make a plan before diving into any startup If yoursquore hoping to pursue a business in the fashion industry is definitely import-ant to have a plan and experience under your (Gucci) belt When making a plan you must first do research in the area in which you would like to work This will set a great own business with confidence and security

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LIZZIBETHWWWSHOPLIZZIBETHCOM

SHOPLIZZIBETH

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM

Page 56: La Petite Fashionista Mag Issue #7

keep in touch

WWWLAPETITEFASHIONISTACOM