This is 25 | It's My Golden Birthday!

It's my golden birthday! I'm 25! Wow, weird to say. Now I am a quarter of a century old! It's kind of crazy.

It feels like just yesterday I was running around my backyard as a kid, and now I'm still running around but in a completely different way. I am busy working, managing and keeping up with The Gilded Bellini, writing, on-air hosting and a whole lot more. It has been a long journey to get to where I am now and I know there is a long road still ahead. 

Looking back on the last few years, a lot has happened that I realize needed to happen to bring me where I am today. I left my childhood in New Jersey behind when I went to college and worked in New York City which was a dream of mine since I was little. Then, I relocated to LA to continue a more creatively-focused career that's allowed me to become more than just my job title. It's given me the chance to explore what I am good at, what I like and what I am passionate about.

I think it's the evolution of my twenties.

While it has certainly gotten overwhelming at times, I think it is a blessing that I've lived in 3 different states my whole life - I've put myself into unknown territory first when I was 18 and moved to the city, and then at 23 when I moved to the West Coast. It takes a lot of strength and bravery to break out of your comfort zone that is always there waiting for you to come back.

That's exactly what I've done over the span of the last 7 years, and it's allowed me to continue to thrive on independence. I've learned the only way to grow is to often times let go and take on the world... often without knowing who or what lies ahead. 

If you told me even 15 years ago if I would have lived in NYC and created a life for myself there, I would have never believed you. If you told me 8 years ago if I'd leave the city and eventually live in a new one (LA, nonetheless) in such a short matter of time, I probably would've thought you were lying even more. But what I've learned is that you need to hop on board for every good opportunity that comes your way, no matter how intimidating. And if there's no opportunity waiting, make one for yourself. 

Another is to stay focused and concentrate on the good things. I am a firm believer that every obstacle (regardless of whether it's work related, relationship related, etc.)  that comes your way is meant for you to learn how to handle it and push through. Not one good opportunity has come my way without me working extraordinarily hard towards it. 

Some highlights of the last few years: 

- Hosting for Nickelodeon

- Being featured on The Huffington Post 

- Graduating from college

- Working good jobs in both NYC and LA

- Being recognized as a host, expert, influencer & media outlet all together

- On-air modeling for Good Day NY, PIX 11, CBS/WLNY

- Being cast in a skit for Cosmopolitan

- Getting my writing published

- Being able to closely work with brands I love and believe in 

- Being cast in a commercial

and more! 

I am forever grateful for my true friends and supportive family members that have stuck beside me over the last several years, despite where we're located on the map. We all have our ups and downs and I am thankful that I have you in my life. I love you all!

Wait can I say it again?? 25!!! 24 was a great year and I am hoping 25 will be a million times better! Time to do as The Gilded Bellini would... throw some gilded confetti and pop the bubbly!

The Gilded Bellini Turns One! | Reflecting on One Year

March 11th, 2016 was the day The Gilded Bellini first launched and it's so hard to believe that it has already been a year! It's The Gilded Bellini's first birthday! 

It's amazing all that's happened in such a short amount of time. When I first launched, I had a picture in my head of how I wanted everything to unfold, but of course life happens and things just happen the way they're supposed to. It really did start out as a hobby, and I was proud that I had finally executed my long-term desire to start a blog. On brunch, no less! I have always been a huge brunch-er, and this needed to be my niche. It just brings people together, and what's not to love about brunch? 

It's kind of crazy to think that I've put out original content EVERY single week since March 11th 2016. Sometimes it was once, sometimes three times and others it was five. I don't think I realized how much of a huge responsibility a blog is when I first started. It's literally your baby. You start from the bottom, learn as you go and keep building and growing from each step and mistake you make along the way. It's certainly not easy. It's stressful. There is ALWAYS more work to be done. To have a blog, you need to be fully in it. You need to want to go above and beyond and have that quality in you. Luckily, it never feels like homework to me. It feels like I am building a brand based on what I am passionate about. 

Since launching The Gilded Bellini, it has opened up so much light and positivity in my life. It's therapeutic that I have such a cool creative outlet that I can share with the world, but still know that it is both a responsibility and a business at the same time. I sit back sometimes and think: wow, I'm my own creative director. I am my own boss. This is my vision and the only person who could make it come to life is me... and I have.

I've been able to combine my love for writing and video to create just more than a brand, but an experience for my viewers and readers that unites us.

I love being able to connect with so many people that I would have never been able to connect with if it weren't for this platform. I've found really great friends just by being immersed in this world and it's refreshing that the community is so uplifting. Regardless of whatever industry you're in, there will always be competition especially if you're looking for it. But I've found the way you and your blog will succeed is if you embrace the differences around you and collaborate.

Highlights

Brands and companies recognize you when you genuinely put the work in, develop your brand and aesthetic and know the quality in you and your work. Lots has happened in the past year that looking back, I am extremely grateful for some opportunities that have come my way. Some of my favorite highlights of the first year of The Gilded Bellini have been:

- Being featured on The Huffington Post as an Inspirational Influencer

- Attending the Vanity Fair Social Club Emmy's Edition Party & Influencer/Young Hollywood Panel

- Having the opportunity to work with fashion brands, beauty brands, lifestyle brands, wine & spirits, and authors of award-winning books

- Being able to connect with the talented people behind LA's best restaurants

- Covering Serafina Sunset's grand opening party & media tasting event

- Being cast for a brunch sketch for Cosmopolitan.com

- Creating solid friendships with other people that I crossed passed with through the world of blogging

- Attending & covering La Nuit en Rosé festival

- Getting to know the Los Angeles hospitality & nightlife scene on a much deeper level

- Attending & covering the 2017 GRAMMYs Gifting Lounge

A Big Thank You...

The Gilded Bellini's success would have never come this far without the support of my close friends, family and new friends I have made along the way. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has read any of my posts, watched my videos, engaged with any content I have put out into the world..  If we've met this past year in person, exchanged a few words on social media, or even just said an "Oh, I think I know you!" to one another in passing, I am grateful to have connected with you. I started this blog to be able to have a platform to bring people together that goes beyond just brunch. But hey, brunch is a great way to start! And the fact that it has been the foundation for so many new relationships, collaborations and growth within blogging community/entertainment industry/hospitality realm has been such a blessing. Brunch is part of our culture, and I am so happy to be able to honor this fun lifestyle in a way most of us can relate to... at least I try my best to! My goal of all The Gilded Bellini content is for you to have a true experience and an escape, whether it's through writing, video or imagery.  I am so grateful for all of your support since day one. I hope that you continue to join me on this gilded journey... and I look forward to another incredible year with you! Cheers! 

Photography by Marisa Trujillo

59th Annual GRAMMY AWARDS - GRAMMY Gift Lounge

Hellloooo #GrammysWeekend! Who is else is excited for the GRAMMY AWARDS?! This has always been one of my top favorite awards shows because I have always been so big into the music scene (despite my lack of any musical talent!). Between the performances, the incredible talent, and all the awesome awards (my favorite ones being about the music videos), it is hard not to look forward to this fun show each year.

Yesterday I was humbled to be invited to the Official Backstage Gift Lounge for the 59th Annual GRAMMY Awards presented by MTG! Held in Downtown LA at the Staples Center, it was filled with lots of celebs and A-List approved goodies! Each station of food, products and drinks were so fabulous and got me even more excited for the show. 

The goodies I loved most at the gifting suite? Let's just say there was quite a few gilded themed items that had my name all over them... 

Check them out and head to the bottom for the reveal of 2 my favorite celebs who attended!

Gold Leaf Gourmet

Photo by Lilly Lawrence/WireImage

Photo by Lilly Lawrence/WireImage

Blue Nun 24k Gold Sparkling Wine

Photo by Araya Diaz/WireImage

Grossé Jewelry

Photo by Araya Diaz/WireImage

Oxygenetix

Photo by Araya Diaz/WireImage

Brendon Urie from Panic at The Disco

Photo by Lilly Lawrence/WireImage

Photo by Phillip Faraone/WireImage

Amber Rose

Photo by Phillip Faraone/WireImage

Photo by Lilly Lawrence/WireImage

Train Like a VS Angel | The Lagree Fitness Method 25 Minute Supra Class

In the spirit of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show each year, it seems like everyone gets re-motivated to tone up and get in shape. Ever wonder how the Victoria's Secret Angels really get their strong, sculpted bods? They work every single part of their body in an intense physical fitness work out called the Lagree Fitness Method, created by fitness legendary and celebrity trainer, Sebastien Lagree.

What's the Lagree Fitness Training Method you ask? It's the only method that effectively combines strength, endurance, cardio, balance, core and flexibility in one session. It's gained popularity amongst VS models Martha Hunt and Alessandria Ambrosio, as well as other celebs like Sofia Vergara, Calvin Harris and Kim Kardashian.

VS Model Alessandra Ambrosio on the Megaformer

VS Model Martha Hunt on the Megaformer

Sofia Vergara on the Megaformer 

Lagree's latest equipment, the Supraformer is an insane upgrade of his previous Proformer and Megaformer creations. The intriguing machine could be compared to Total Gym equipment. However, it's not to be confused with a pilates reformer, because it's got far more complex and effective capabilities. While training, it actually adjusts so you can train at different angles, enabling you to target every inch of your body all at once.

Unlike his other equipment, the work out on the Supraformer is only 25 minutes! Too good to be true? Nope! Lagree created the machine and its intensity capabilities in order to create a full-body work out in a shorter amount of time, in contrast to traditional reformer classes that are usually between 45-55 minutes long.

Lagree believes that the body needs to exercise at a certain intensity for total muscle stimulation in order for it to make significant and noticeable changes. While the work out is intense on the muscles, it is low-impact, and is safe on the joints and tissues, unlike other strength training methods.

The Supraformer combines effective resistance, effective range of motion, effective angle, effective tempo (very slow movements), and effective duration (each movement being 60 seconds long) to create the ultimate fat shedding and body chiseling training. If that doesn't sound like a VS model's body, then I don't know what does! 

I got the chance to take Lagree's Supraformer class and test my own strength! I'll admit, while I do work out 3-5 times per week, it did not really prepare me for how intense the class was! I am used to isometric, slow movement work outs from pilates and barre but I had never completed a work out that required so much concentration, balance, endurance and flexibility all at once! Within only 5 minutes, my body was immediately warm with my heart pumping. My mind was completely concentrated on making sure those movements were controlled. You feel a burn like you've never felt before! With each work out, the focus of the movements are to lengthen and strengthen those muscles with constant tension and constantly using all muscle groups. 

So far, I've done 2 sessions and I could already see and feel a difference, especially in my arms and legs. I truly have never done a work out quite like the one done on the Supraformer - I really believe in it and am absolutely amazed at how effective it is in such a short period of time. After the first session about 2 weeks ago, I was pretty sore for nearly 4 days. Now that I've completed my second session just a few days ago, I'm still a bit sore but definitely less than I was. It's awesome to see results so quickly and how your body adjusts to the work out in a short amount of time - but it doesn't come easily. You need to give your all in class for your body to adapt to the changes!

It probably helped that afterwards a few other girls who took the class and I got the "Angel Treatment" at the Sofitel Hotel - we drank champagne, received massages and even got our hair done with VS bombshell inspired waves! It was nice to feel like an Angel!

Pre & Post-Work Out Skincare

Before the sweat: Jouviance Micelle Solution

Before I headed to  my Supra class, I made sure to take off my make up (I am WAY more prone to breakouts if I leave my make up on while I work out) by using Jouviance's Micelle Solution. It's soap-free, is a no rinsing required 4-in-1 cleanser that refreshes, tones, removes makeup (even waterproof makeup - score!) and it hydrates the face and eye area.  I just applied with a cotton pad and wiped down my face, neck and chest area to instantly cleanse my skin. It works fabulously on sensitive skin like mine. It micro-emulsifies and traps dirt so there's no need to use water. It's such a simple, non-messy and easy process that leaves my face feeling super clean, smooth and ready to sweat!

After the sweat: FRÉ Resilience Set

Following my sweat sessions, I continued my post-work out by cleansing my face with my new favorite skincare line called FRÉ, the first skincare range for women who work out! 123FRÉ is a comprehensive 3-step anti-aging treatment that creates healthy, glowing and resilient skin. This brand is also a model favorite -  model Coral Simanovich and Yoga Master Talia Sutra are big fans.

The Resilience Set is powered by Argania Active Complex:

Step 1: “Protect Me” is an ultra-light SPF30 moisturizer formulated for the skin that sweats. It is water resistant and won’t sting eyes when you swear (ophthalmologist tested)

Step 2: “Purify Me” is a hydrating facial cleanser that soothes, de-stresses, hydrates and rebalances skin pH, post-workout.

Step 3: “Revive Me” is a specialized anti-aging serum that regenerates collagen and skin elasticity. 

The Supra Aftermath

Needless to say, I'm hooked. Because the work out is so efficient and effective, it makes me want to take the classes as often as possible. As they say, strong is the new sexy. But did it ever really go out of style? With The Lagree Fitness Method, strength will radiate throughout your entire mind, body and soul. Now, everyone can #TrainLikeAnAngel with the Supraformer!

Serafina Sunset Grand Opening | NYC's Italian Hotspot Comes to LA

I am ecstatic because one of my favorite restaurants in NYC is FINALLY in LA - Serafina!

Serafina's new home on the Sunset Strip, (in the old Maia spot) is already gaining a ton of recognition not only for its hard to miss signature yellow and blue branding, but for its incredible, authentic Italian cuisine. As a gal who is part Italian and from the East Coast, I am ALWAYS keeping an eye out for great Italian restaurants - Serafina has never disappointed me!

Not to mention, word on the street is that Serafina Sunset is the new celeb hotspot. Lots of familiar faces have been dining at the restaurant ever since it opened, and a few of them made appearances at the Grand Opening Party a few weeks ago.

Photo by: Serafina Sunset

I was so excited when I got to experience Serafina Sunset first hand at its Media Luncheon and Grand Opening Party.

At the media luncheon, Serafina offered an incredible tasting menu, featuring many of its signature dishes. What I loved most about the dining experience was that the owners, Stephen Belafonte, Vittorio Assaf, and Fabio Granato made every effort to make sure all of us were satisfied with our food, and came to chat with each of us about the dishes' ingredients, how they were prepared and how we were enjoying everything.

One of the things I really admire about Serafina is that whether it's a party or a small group gathering, you're always treated like family here.

Photo by: Serafina Sunset

Here's a little run down of everything we ate. Try not to drool:

LA PIZZA ITALIANA

Pizza Tartufo

Pizza Bianca w/ Arugula

CARPACCIOS

Bresaola

Carpaccio di Filetto e Tartufo 

Prosciutto & Burrata

PASTAS

Gnocchi

Farfalle Limoncello

Ravioli Burro e Salvia 

DOLCI

Tiramisu

Panna Cotta

Crostatina w/ Red Berries

Two nights later was the restaurant's Grand Opening Party. What. A. Turn out! I brought my friend Candice along for the fun. 

The place was packed - complimentary rosé and champagne was served around the restaurant for the guests who met, mingled and enjoyed the night. I loved how we really got to experience what its like to be at Serafina at night - the restaurant's airy indoor-outdoor space still proved to be intimate and inviting. Looking in from outside on the street, Serafina was the place passer-byers wished they could be at too. 

Photo by: Serafina Sunset

One of my favorite parts of the Serafina Grand Opening Party? The celebs! Mel B, of The Spice Girls/X Factor/America's Got Talent is actually another co-owner of the restaurant so it was awesome to see her there!

Photo by: Serafina Sunset

Other celebs including Jonathan Cheban and Christina Milian hung out at the restaurant as well. It was so cool to see Jonathan's SnapChat story later that night and see how much he enjoyed all the food he ordered - although the space was packed with people, it still remained very intimate, so I was able to see what Jonathan munched on before it made it to social media!

Photo by: Serafina Sunset

Photo by: Serafina Sunset

I had such a great time at the Serafina Sunset Grand Opening and I can't wait for all the delicious meals there that lie ahead. I have an odd feeling that I'm going to be a regular! ;)