In no particular order…..
1.learning new things
2.how much my dad loves the GEICO gecko.
3.spray tans – an instant mood- booster
4.yoga
5.Playing peekaboo with my cat
6.gymnastics
7.wearing a gown
8.the prettiest dog I’ve ever seen
9.coconut la croix
10.the perfect manicure/pedicure shades
11.sliders – especially the tiny burgers at Pippin Hill (the view doesn’t hurt either)
12.musicals
13.listening to books on audible
14.Gilmore Girls
15.leopard print shoes (…and coats, and dresses and blouses and everything)
15.fancy skincare products
16.fancy candles
17.anything fancy
18.teaching at VCU
19.my bow shoes
20.shopping
21.emojis
22.social media
23.funny tweets
24.interspecies animal friendships
25.libraries
Read MoreI ordered “Always Stunning Convertible Dress” from Lulus for my little brother’s wedding last month and it turned out to be absolutely perfect. I was initially skeptical about shopping at Lulus because it’s so cheap ($58), but you couldn’t tell at all by the fabric and the way it fit.
There are a bunch of different ways to wear the dress, and I opted for crossing it over in the front and wearing it as a halter. My aunt helped me tie a bow in the back so the fabric wouldn’t drag. If there was one con about the dress, it’s that the back can come untied easily. I had to fix it once or twice throughout the night.
The dress was SO comfortable and I washed it in the washing machine (cold water) and nothing terrible happened to it. Super low maintenance and it looks so nice. This would be a perfect dress for traveling because the fabric doesn’t get wrinkled.
Here’s me with my little brother Davey.
And my boyfriend Jay.
And here it is from the back:
Here are some of the other ways the website suggests wearing it. I almost wore it how it’s pictured on the left.
Bonus: Here’s our brother-sister dance.😭
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“We propose that you don’t wait for diversity to smack you in the face. It’s everywhere. Seek it out, check your ego, get out of your comfort zone, and get to know people who are different from you.” – Tiffany Jana
Tiffany Jana is a diversity and inclusion expert, an author, speaker and the founder and CEO of TMI Consulting. Her husband/business parter Matthew Freeman wrote Overcoming Bias, a thoughtful and empathetic guide to understanding bias and it’s impact on us and others.
The book is filled with activities and stories to help you take small steps toward broadening your perspective.
Here’s one example:
How often do you stop and take stock of how diverse and inclusive your life is? Is cultural expansion part of the conversations you typically have with friends, family, and colleagues? Even if it is, try the next activity. It tends to be an eye-opener.”
Diversity Inventory
For your top five friends (folks you trust the most), list each person’s race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, occupation, and personality type (extrovert, introvert, etc.). How are they similar to you? How are they different from you? What else did you notice?
I encourage you all to pick up your copy and begin learning more about how others see and experience the world around you.
Order the paperback here: http://bit.ly/OvercomingBiasBook
OR listen on audible. http://bit.ly/OvercomingBiasListen (your first book on Audible is free)
Katlyn, the newest member of the Tiramisu For Breakfast team and I got to check out the fall Max Mara collection at Saks as part of a benefit event put on by Style Weekly for SPARC Richmond and the VCU ICA. Here’s what Katlyn had to say about the event:
I was so honored to be invited to the When Art Meets Fashion 2016 event hosted by Style Weekly! On October 6th, I stepped into the Saks Fifth Avenue in Stony Point and was instantly mesmerized by the clothes, food and people.
I had the opportunity to sit in on a fine arts auction. All proceeds from the auction went to two amazing art organizations, the Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU and SPARC. The Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU is currently undergoing construction and will be a venue for a broad variety art forms. SPARC is a performing arts school here in Richmond that offers classes for children and young adults.
Works from Matt Lively, Tom Condon and more were featured in the silent auction.
I was EXTREMELY tempted to bid on this beautiful flower arrangement.
The auction was followed by a MaxMara fashion show. (The Olivia Pope-approved brand!) I’m SO ready for sweater weather!
After, we were able to shop the runway. I had to remind myself that I shouldn’t buy all the sweaters from the collection.
Saks gave a percentage of the proceeds from purchases to ICA at VCU.
I also checked out some of the items from the line on the website. I’m highly obsessed with this Piera Silk Jersey Back Blouse.
Also, can we talk about how stunning this coat is? (Christmas is coming soon!)
I can’t wait to see the end results of the ICA at VCU when it finally opens their doors in fall 2017!
Thank you so much to Melanie, Dana and Lori for such a wonderful night! 🙂
I looovvveee fancy skincare products. I’m always trying new things for this blog or for my clients and brands I’m working with, which sometimes throws my skin out of whack. I have acne-prone skin, so I need to be very careful about what I use. There’s always a struggle finding a balance between products that will treat/prevent blemishes but not dry out skin. Plus, I’m always trying new things for this blog or for my clients and brands I’m working with, which sometimes throws my skin out of whack. I’ve found that sticking to these 9 products on a regular basis has been keeping my skin clear. 
1 & 2. SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense, SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 and ProActiv Pore Targeting Treatment: These are the products I use to get rid of blemishes. The way it was explained to me by Angela, my amazing facialist at Glow Med Spa, is that Salicylic Acid exfoliates/removes dead skin cells and Benzoyl Peroxide actually kills the blemish-causing bacteria. Alternating these three products has been working out really well. I’ve found that I come across products with Salicylic Acid all the time, but Benzoyl Peroxide is harder to find.
3. Proactiv Pore Targeting Treatment. I bought this after Ingrid Nelson talked about it in here. They actually have a Proactiv machine in our local mall, so I picked it up in there. You can get a better deal if you buy online. This has the Benzoyl Peroxide I mentioned earlier.
4. SkinMedia Ha5 Rejuvenating Hydrator: I was so excited to hear Dr. Suzanne Peck mention this as one of her favorite products when I interviewed her here. It has Hyaluronic Acid, that magic moisturizing ingredient we keep hearing about, and does give a really nice, soft finish. I use this In the places my face gets really dry – in between me eyebrows and at the tip of my nose.
Obagi SPF 50: This is one of the nicest sun blocks I’ve ever used. It’s not greasy and has zero smell. Plus, it mattifies. If I need to reapply through out the day I use the COOLA Makeup Setting Spray SPF30 and I use COOLA plumeria for everywhere but my face.
5. Erborian Cleansing Balm: I forgot a makeup remover when I went to Austin back in July, and was recommended this by someone at the Sephora down there. I had been using Bioderma, but I think this does an even better job of getting all the makeup off. Plus, it’s so easy. I get a little bit on my fingertips right out of the jar and “massage” if all over my dry skin to get my makeup off before I get in the shower.
6. Obagi Sun Shield Matte Broad Spectrum SPF 50: I put this on everyday before my makeup. It’s not greasy and it doesn’t have a smell.
7 & 8: Skinceuticals LHA Cleansing Gel and Toner: These are so great. I use the cleanser every morning and night, and I usually use the toner once a day. If I feel like my skin is dried out, I sub in a gentle cleanser from Obagi and skip the toner.
9: First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Intensive Peel: I LOVE this mask. I’d say it’s not for sensitive skin, because it stings, even if I only have it on for a few minutes. I apply it about once a week and it makes your skin super soft more even-toned. I always apply a moisturizing mask like this one or this one after.
What are your skincare staples?
Read MoreHere are some things I’ve had my eye on for fall:
I came across this dress on Instagram and I think it looks so chic. This would be so cute with black tights and boots.
Tessa Piped Dress | Cooper & Ella |$235
I have seen so many interesting sleeves lately.
Warehouse Bell Sleeve Mohair Sweater | ASOS | $89
Camel coat, Gal Meets Glam
Distressed black jeans inspiration
Everly Bell Sleeve Blouse | Belk | $50
Bell Sleeve Chunky Sweater | Zaful | $19.99
Read MoreI saw this J. Crew pom sweater on the Facebook page of a local consignment store, Clementine. I liked it as soon as I saw it, but wasn’t sure how I’d wear it. So, i tried out one of my favorite Pinterest tricks, and searched it to see how other people we wearing it.
Here’s what came up: I searched “pom sweater” and then narrowed to “J Crew pom sweater” and found Katie Holmes, Zoe Deschanel and Emily from the Cupcakes and Cashmere blog wearing it three different ways. I was sold.
And now it’s mine 🙂 I plan on wearing it with my J. Crew Pixie Pants and these boots.
Pinterest is obviously great for dreaming up the perfect wardrobe/home/life, but it can actually be pretty practical too. Next time you’re stuck on how to wear something, try typing a description of what you’re working with in Pinterest and see what comes up!
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Meet Pryor, she’s a PR lady here in Richmond. We met when I worked at The Martin Agency and she was my client at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. She complimented my Kate Spade bag and I knew we’d be friends. One day when we were out for manicures, I noticed Pryor brought her own polish. She mentioned she has to use certain formulas because of her sensitive eczema. She went on to talk about all the research she does and different oils and lotions she uses to treat her sensitive skin. I asked her to share a few of her favorites with us.
Look what a cutie! 
So what’s in Pryor’s Makeup bag?
Cocovit Coconut Oil: There’s a reason people swear by coconut oil – the uses are endless. I’m not fond of the smell, so I mix it with other things to make my own makeup remover. It’s gentle on my eyes, doesn’t burn and takes off the toughest mascara or eye liner in one swipe.
theBalm Down Boy Blush: theBalm’s powder blushes are paraben and talc-free. I have three different colors.
100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Healthy Skin Foundation: 100% Pure is my latest find and I’ve just started using this tinted moisturizer. It’s really light and includes SPF, which is a must. The pigments are from fruits and vegetables, rather than synthetic dyes.
L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara: Tried and true favorite since high school. Mascara is the one area where I can cheat a bit and veer away from organic.
100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Lip and Cheek Tint: My favorite thing about this cheek tint may be the smell! It’s moisturizing and the color lasts all day.
RMS Beauty Living Luminizer: The living luminizer is touted as one of RMS’ best products. It’s not sticky or glittery. I use it in place of eye shadow and as a highlighter.
Josie Maran Argan Infused Brightening Balm: Josie Maran’s products are paraben and SLS-free. If I have extra time in the morning, I’ll mix this with my tinted moisturizer for an extra glow.
Tarte Amazonian Clay Eyeliner: I use this eyeliner when I’m going to weddings or events because it’s waterproof and lasts all day, but it also requires extra time, a brush and a steady hand!
Acure Lip Lush: I recently discovered Acure as I was researching sulfate and paraben-free shampoo. The lip gloss is not sticky and adds just the right amount of color.
Tarte Skinny SmoulderEyes Amazonian Clay Eyeliner: It’s hard to find a paraben and SLS-free eyeliner that doesn’t smudge. I love the Tarte brand because none of their products irritate my skin. I have this eyeliner in a handful of colors.
And her skincare routine…
Jojoba Oil: When I’m having an eczema (or even worse, rosacea) flare-up, jojoba oil is the only thing that doesn’t further irritate my skin. I use it as a face moisturizer and a body lotion, too. It absorbs quickly, isn’t greasy and doesn’t clog pores.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream: I love First Aid Beauty and have used this face cream for years. It’s incredibly gentle and absorbs quickly.
TriDerma Facial Redness Repair: I stumbled upon this when I was desperate during a rosacea flare-up. I use it when I’m starting to get red and then layer it with jojoba oil.
Bioderma (I love this too!): The EU has stricter standards regarding chemicals in skincare and makeup products than the states, so a lot of international brands have banned parabens and impossible-to–pronounce additives for years. One example is Bioderma. This stuff looks and feels like water, so it’s incredibly gentle on my skin. It also removes makeup in two seconds.
Acure All Better Balm: I have toted this around lately in my purse because it’s small and also moisturizes my hands without being greasy.
For more, check out our video chat here.
Do any of you have eczema? What products work well for you?
Read MoreI loved the dress in this photo on the Cupcakes and Cashmere Instagram, and looked into the company tagged – Black Halo. I hadn’t heard of them before, and their dresses are fabulous. Here are a few of my favorites:
I love the roses on this one, the Lace Ally Sheath.
Flared/bell/trumpet sleeves are my favorite right now, which is why I love the Adrienne Sheath and the Mooreland Mini (below)
Social media networks are often criticized for fostering weak associations and inauthentic relationships, for keeping people from being “in the moment.” But what if social media tools can actually enhance and amplify your networking and relationship building efforts in real life? That’s what we discussed at AIGA’s Coffee Talk.
To watch a recording of the talk, click here.
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