I Used the HigherDOSE Red Light Face Mask for 3 Months, Here’s What Happened...

 

Safety Measures

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

I'm a suburbs girl, I've spent most of my youth living outside of Philadelphia. The part of town in which you need to drive to the nearest plaza or mall to fetch your goods and have a yard big enough for a pool or two! It was what I was used to and accustomed to. So much naivety stems from this sort of lifestyle, I love my parents and family for shielding me but upon entering adulthood and moving into my own nest, in the city, I noticed a stark difference. Imagine living in a world where we didn't have to look behind us when we walked down the street or put a club on the steering wheel of your car. Not to make the adult world sound dire and scary but there are people out there that want to cause harm and we have to protect ourselves and find ways to prevent them from happening. Not living with the family meant adjusting to these new differences and coping with reality, from boxing lessons to traveling with friends but I always felt like I needed something else too. I've recently been using the solution for my woes with Wearsafe.

A 1920s Rendezvous

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

I'll admit, I didn't actually watch The Great Gatsby movie from 2013 until just a few months ago. As a tween in high school, The Great Gatsby was a required reading at my school. In that time I fell in love with the story, the story about a culture, a time period, fashion, music and of course unrequited love. The Novel made me imagine what I would see in that era, The kinds of cars that would driven, the kinds of dresses and shoes one would see, the way the fabrics would feel like, it was just a beautiful story to conjure up in my head! When I saw the movie, with Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan, I felt like my imaginations were greatly satisfied! Everything about the way the fashion was depicted including the music and culture surpassed my original imaginations. I was like a kid in a candy store! When I found out that Philadelphia would be having it's very own "Gatsby" inspired party, I was highly intrigued! 

The Wonder Palace

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Have you thought about where you"ll be when the clock strikes midnight, on December 31st? Every year, many of us put off thinking about New Years Eve festivities until the last second because you think, "It shouldn't be quite that difficult to decide on something, right?!" I've fallen into that sequence many times, tickets are sold out, venues are filled to capacity, friends change their minds or some other type of event. This year, I've decided ahead of time, you can find me at The Wonder Palace! 

#Primania

Shopping in America has never been so easy. With over a million different retailers to choose from, one is never short on options! From high end to low brow, timeless to trendy, bright to bold, every one will fit the bill for the right retailer thats tailor made for them. Occasionally, shopping can feel quite daunting and dare I say boring! What if I don't want to wear what everyone else is purchasing, am I to give in because of my big, yet seemingly small options?! Fresh, new and still complying to my wardrobe's "dress code" is all i'm after, that's where European fast fashion retailer, Primark steps in! 

Fashion Hack Show Recap

A few weeks ago I met a group of very tech savvy people. Among them was Leslie Birch, an entrepreneur in the wearable tech field. It's really inspiring to me, to see women move into the world of technology. For years, technology, engineering and hackathons have been dominated by men and many companies have been touting for women to join and not actually letting them get on board with the program. Leslie Birch is a self proclaimed feminist, she's breaking down the walls and barriers to show the world that anyone can do it! I was recently invited to a fashion show in Philadelphia, in which wearable tech pieces were the focus and I even got a chance to model a piece! 

Fashion Hack

A few weeks ago, I met an amazing fashion designer in Philly that creates wearable tech fashion designs, Leslie Birch. Leslie's inspirations sparked from a technical festival she attended years ago in New York, Wired NextFest. From that point on, she knew she found her true calling. What's inspiring and refreshing about Leslie, is that she's pushing to see more women in the tech world. With the tech and programming industry becoming increasingly popular, it only makes sense for more women to dominate it, right?

Stardust Uniform

I recently attended an event for the third year celebration of Stardust Magazine. As some of you might remember, I used to intern for Stardust in the early days of Burgundy Whispers as a fashion coordinator and stylist. In those days, you could always find me running around and trying to keep things organized. I may have been frantic but the end results were always wonderful, when the latest issues were revealed to the public. Such gratification, and now that the magazine is in it's third year, I couldn't be happier, even if i'm not a part of the process! 

Finding Your Size

I love online shopping, no need to wait in lines, no need to argue with other enthusiasts over the last pair, and best of all, you don't need to dress up because you're in the comforts of your own home! If you're like me, then you hate having to do returns. I make sure to avoid that by keeping a measuring tape within reach and reading the fine print of the fit details to know what to look for. I used to wonder if there was an easier way to go about that method, that's where True Fit comes in! 

#PhillyFoodie

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Living in Philadelphia has it's perks, from no tax shopping to so many cultural outings to experience. From a long list of fantastic places to go and see, it truly is a great city to experience a lot of different things. Of course, Philadelphia is also known for its veritable choices of food. As a huge connoisseur of food, I take every opportunity to enjoy the options and tell my friends about it too. Philly has a zillion cuisines from Mediterranean to Ethiopian or Thai, there truly is no limit in this city. The only challenging feat is where to find all of these restaurants! Thanks to a wonderful new app called Zomato, it's not too difficult! 

Brow Game

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

It seems that lately, the eyebrows are having a moment. Personally, I'm a huge fan of thick eyebrows, they frame the face better than thin brows and tend to give off a youthful appearance. On rushed mornings, if there's anything I can't leave without doing, it's definitely the eyebrows! I feel like an extraterrestrial with weird brows (see image). I recently discovered that a salon that specializes in the art of the brow would be coming to Philadelphia, The Brow Bar at Deneen Marcel Lashes! 

ClassPass Philly

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

I love fitness, there's no doubt that infusing fitness into your everyday life can have a positive outcome on your health. Everything under the sun from yoga to kickboxing can be the boost you need, the only thing with that is finding a studio that fits your needs and budget! As a member of a gym, I'm well suited with weights and machines but not too many fitness classes to choose from. That's where ClassPass comes in! 

#F21xMe

In Philadelphia, the morning was chilly, the skies were a mundane grey and birds had yet to chirp.  All of that changed as soon as the tarp was removed, and the sticker that covered the bold helvetica text was lifted and revealed... Forever 21! Forever 21 opened it's first free standing store in Philadelphia, on 1708 Chestnut Street and the city was changed "forever!"

Shake and Sip

Ever wonder if you could find a drink that was also good for you? Something that has organic ingredients and nourishment for your body? I recently had the opportunity to try a class at a Lithe Method studio. On this particular day, Art In The Age teamed up with the studio to introduce members on how to make healthy decisions without forfeiting any fun. 

Metropolitan City Winter

Winters can be harsh, especially in the North Eastern cities of the USA. Some days can feel mild and humid with a slight chill then the next day the temperatures can drop 20 degrees with a 30 mph wind! Weather around here has become quite unpredictable, sure you can imagine what it will be like according to the current season, but lately that tip isn't really imperative. Here, in Philadelphia, you live and die by your outerwear. I have flirted with frostbite many times, and I can tell you it's not fun. Nor is sweating in your cashmere finest, during your 10am conference call! I have learned throughout my many Philadelphian winters, the key to defeating old man Winter is dressing in layers. Cold weather chic is possible. 

Brand Building

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

One of the things I am intent upon doing more of this year is building my brand. As a creative and entrepreneur, one of the things that's most important to me is to put my work and expertise out there and recognized. In 2014, I was able to participate in four art exhibits that featured my work, and I've also began taking courses to get certified in personal training. It was a pretty big year for me with a lot of changes and new opportunities. Which is why I want to keep that momentum by finessing my brand into a business with O Public Relations Boutique's Weekend Brand Build.

Gift Giving

The art of gifting can come extremely easy to some and quite difficult to others. The key to winning this holiday season, besides not procrastinating is to set up a game plan! For me this year's holiday season was all about being comfortable because with the hectic holiday season i've had, all I want to do is fall into a pile of cushy pillows, comforters and blankets! Even more exciting, I was selected to share my thoughts on air with Fox morning news, alongside my blogging babes Jessie Holeva and Ian Michael Crumm!

Ian Michael Crumm, Jessie Holeva, and me!

During this fast paced season of merriment, most people don't get time to their selves and when they do they really want to enjoy it. The gifts I picked out were from West Elm and Ugg Australia because those two brands know how to relax in style! West Elm has a beautiful collection of soft, fur throws. Best part is that no animal was harmed in the making of it since they're faux fur! I'll admit I have one and absolutely love it for quick naps on the sofa or to wrap it around myself when I feel particularly chilly. A throw is the secret ingredient to a cozy bed! The throw in the video is the Mongolian Lamb Throw. Another really great faux fur throw is the African Lynx throw by Home Decor. So cozy, you will forget where you are! 

Anchor, Quincy Harris for Fox29!

                  

I don't know about you but when I get an idea out of the blue, I have to jot it down quickly while it's still fresh on my mind. Usually its my phone's notepad that I pull out for my concepts which gets quite bothersome when you're in a texting frenzy because of the virtual keyboard. Sometimes your fingers hit the wrong button on the touch screen, actually its pretty inevitable. The wireless keyboard from West Elm is the answer to that frustration. Easy to pack, cordless and made of bamboo with a sleek design. Definitely something for the creative individual on the go! The keyboard in the video is the Wireless Bamboo Keyboard. 

Who doesn't love Ugg Australia?! This lifestyle brand has completely reinvented itself to be compatible with every one in the family. Ugg knows comfortable shoes, that's why insanely popular, world wide. This season, surprise someone with a comfortable indoor and outdoor slipper like the Grantt for men or the Bling Bailey Button for women. The Grantt has a foldable collar with plush sheepskin spilling out. The Bling Bailey Button provides you with sumptuous comfort and major fashion envy with the Swarovski crystal button. Both have a sock liner that provide the wearer with major wicking and support. Then for ultimate comfort satisfaction, throw on one of Ugg's luxe robes like the Duffield. The person who receives this will love you! 

This year, the holiday season is all about comfort for me and I want to give comfort to all of my friends and family because it shows you care about their relaxation time, and that matters. Dear readers what are you gifting this year? Check out the video here of my interview!

Vintage Meets Modern

If you love fashion as much as I do, then you probably appreciate a good fashion show or two. Fall fashion is the most sought after season especially when it comes to the French designers, Chanel, Balmain, and Dior to name a few. How about a fashion show with vintage designer pieces updated with new designer pieces? That is exactly what the Alliance Francaise organization  of Philadelphia and Chloe Johnston Boutique are bringing to Philly next month!

Fit Retreat

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

As you might already know from reading my Twitter feed, I'm addicted to fitness. Fitness has totally encompassed my lifestyle and I'm okay with it! Living a healthy lifestyle was something I've always taken seriously, it was never a fad or a trend for me. Once I set a goal, I do everything in my power to reach it and lately for me my fitness goals have been achievable, one after the other. But like many, you reach a point when you want to learn more and do more, that's when I found out about City Fit Girls Fit Retreat! 

Made In America Fest

It's almost that time of the year, the unofficial end of Summer, Labor day weekend. Time to say good bye to those fabulous warm weathered adventures and fashions but one Summer time goodness still stands true, the music festivals! Music festivals are great because they provide you with many rhythmic choices. If you're not into one artist's music then you can walk over to the next tent, for another that meets your satisfaction. My favorite fact about music festivals is that it has a way to unify people. Genres are molded together in one place to bring people from all over to celebrate bliss with sweet beats. "Like minded people gather together." It's truly a beautiful thing! This Labor Day weekend, August 30-31st, in Philadelphia, the Budweiser Made In America Festival sets up shop for it's third consecutive year to showcase the hottest and latest in music right now!