SPENDING CHALLENGE

I have been a little M.I.A lately, and for good reason. I put myself to the challenge for the month of September. I felt as though my spending was getting a little out of control. I love to shop and enjoy the city. Enjoying the city can be inexpensive but if you are not careful, it can be detrimental to your budget...so before it got to this point, I decided to challenge myself. No spending on clothing or accessories for the entire month of September. At first, I thought it would be severely difficult....but I have to say, the snow ball effect works both ways. I actually feel really good. Not only have I saved money, but I have found new ways to utilize the clothes and accessories I already have. I actually am more content with what I have than I was when I was shopping all the time. Though September is almost over, I feel like I want to continue this non-spending spree. How long it will last I am not sure....but it is good to know I have self-control! I challenge you to try and not buy any new clothes or accessories for one month!

WHO DOESN'T SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM?

Just a hop, skip and a jump over the Brooklyn Bridge and your well on your way to some of the best ice cream in the 5 burrows. Set on a pier overlooking the east river and Manhattan, the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory is where it's at. Though the flavor choices are slim the ice cream delivers.

NEWS CAFE

I feel as though this picture represents what I enjoy most about ocean drive. Nice cafes where you can eat outside, people watch, and enjoy the weather. News cafe had one of the best atmospheres on the stripe. It has a seating area that is nestled between trees and lit only by candles. If you haven't caught on by now, a nice atmosphere for me encompasses candle light in some shape or form. This is goodbye for Miami for now, welcoming back NYC with open arms!

SOUTH BEACH

Sometimes we get distracted....don't forget to visit paradise.

VESPA JOY

Everyone knows I love a nice vespa. Vespa on South Beach.

DASH

I have always been curious of what Dash (The Kardashian sister's boutique in MIA) would be like. I knew it would be popping and would get a lot of attention. I always knew it would have a cool vibe. I never however had any expectations of the style kept within. Let's just say I was very pleasantly surprised. Those girls know their clothes! There was not a piece of clothing in the store that I did not like or want. I highly encourage checking it out if you find yourself on south beach in the near future.

MIAMI SPICE: SCARPETTA

Generally I have found with NYC restaurant week that it's not quite worth it. The portions are always a little too small and the food is a little under par of what normally would be served. NOT the case with Miami Spice, the equivalent to NYC restaurant week. We ventured to Scarpetta. which is located at the Fountainbleau on South Beach which is a site in itself. I have never been more impressed with a restaurant's aesthetics. Marble counter tops/table tops, candle lit, grey and cream color scale, and very classy. The food was phenomenal, one of the best meals I have enjoyed to date. We went with a group of eight and I must say the restaurant is great for a group and just as wonderful for a romantic night with a loved one. All around it was such a wonderful experience. I would pay normal price to go to this restaurant any day. There is a NYC location as well, which I plan to venture to in the very near future.

I'M IN MIAMI BH!