Showing posts with label Samantha Jo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Samantha Jo. Show all posts

Kiss My Cake


























On my last night home before moving into my dorm, I decided to go on a mini adventure to Huntington Village on Long Island with my good friend Flo. We headed over to one of my favorite little treat shoppes, Kiss My Cake, and was reminded of all the reasons why I'm so in love with macarons. 

Kiss My Cake is this cute little Parisian style cafe that serves tea & coffee, cupcakes, gelato, and of course French Macarons. I think it's the perfect alternative to the Starbucks down the road as it offers a more affordable and experience friendly environment. I think Flo and I sat there a total of one hour and downed three macarons each and a lovely cup of Vanilla Dulce tea. Kiss My Cake is just one of the many hidden treasures of Huntington Village that makes me absolutely love the Island. Not only are the treats amazing but, it's got this European café vibe to it that almost transports you to the continent itself. Don't get me wrong there is no forgetting that you are in NY thanks to the hustle and bustle of traffic outside and the loud unfiltered voices of the customers but, for a moment you can really appreciate another culture thanks to the amazing French decor and delicacies in the shoppe. 


I had my very first macaron at Kiss My Cake last year, and my last before heading off to school was just as delicious. So fluffy and airy, sweet but not too sweet, and filled with the most perfect blended buttercream filling; my mouth is watering at the thought. The Vanilla Dulce tea was just as good and a perfect pairing with macarons as it offers a subtly sweet flavor. 


I'm going to miss my favorite little treat shoppe over the semester. Lucky for me it's only a short 45 minute drive away, it's just about finding the time to go as I'm taking 21 credits this semester plus work and radio but we shall see. If you make your way over to Kiss My Cake any time soon I recommend 100% the pistachio macaron as it is my favorite!

What is your favorite dessert and does anyone else have this sick obsession with macarons as I do? 

-- Samantha Jo xo

Liars, Politics, and Stalkers: What They All Have In Common In 2015

A New Year can only mean one thing; new TV Shows. Whether your fave is coming back on-air this season or you're in the mood for something new, there is a how for everyone in the New Year. Of course I have my favorites and it's not much-- I hardly find time to watch TV these days-- but I am looking forward to my old loves coming back and some new ones to get into. Here's what I will be watching in 2015!

Pretty Little Liars

Ah yes, the classic ABCFamily hit for every teenage girl out there. I've loved it for years and now heading into my 20's, I'm still not ashamed to be absolutely in love with the show. The season premier is this Tuesday with new twists and turns in the plot (as per usual) and we get closer to finding out who the infamous 'A' is. One thing is for sure I have my snuggie and DVR ready just to be sure I don't miss one second of it.

Eye Candy

MTV seems to be looking to create a new audience this season with their new mystery staring Victoria Justice, 'Eye Candy'. They show is based on an extremely smart, geeky/techy teen who's online- dating- roommate, gains her an unwanted stalker. Of course this is all I know about the show so far but after it's premier on the 12th this month, I'm sure to be hooked. I've always been into these mystery dramas and such with gorgeous leading ladies, even if it's a flop, something tells me I'll be into it and continue to watch.

The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore

I'm always a fan of a good political satire late night show. I'm usually never up late enough to watch any but, I may make an exception to watch the show replacing 'The Colbert Report' on Comedy Central. 'The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore' (originally titled 'The Minority Report with Larry Wilmore') will take on the latest in pop culture and recent issues in the media in the most light hearted of ways. It was created by Jon Stewart, who put his Senior Black Correspondent, Larry Wilmore, in the spotlight bringing the black community into late night. Wilmore is known for creating the 'Bernie Mac Show', his stand up comedy, as well as his appearance in Steve Carell's 'Dinner For Schmucks'. The show is set to premier this January.

Fashion Police

With the passing of one of my idols Joan Rivers this year, there was tons of speculation on whether the show would make a return without it's leading comedic broad. The show lost it's greatest officer, but has gained a new leading lady to help make it's return on January 12. Kathy Griffin will be replacing Joan Rivers this season and I'm still not sure how to feel. The E! Network I'm sure thought very long and hard about the decision, so I'm trusting them to make the show live up to Joan's expectations. I will be watching with an open mind but nothing will compare to my love. Though if there were anyone that could compare to Rivers, I have to say it would be Griffin. She has the same dirty minded humor that we all loved in Joan. I'm sure it will be a success.

Teen Wolf

Though it doesn't come back on air until the summer, I couldn't be more than excited-- I just had to talk about it. 'Teen Wolf' has been another favorite of mine for years and I'm disappointed I have to wait another 6 months for the season premier. It's going to be another 2-part season as show creator, Jeff Davis, has done in the past with season 4. We even have some secrets spilled already that I'm excited to see unfold. Holland Roden, who plays Lydia on the show, stated to Hollywood Life that a main character will not return in season 5. I'm curious to see who it might be 'cause as of now I'm clueless (I think it's going to be Argent though). I'm mostly just looking forward to seeing less Stiles and Malia and more Stydia! Guess I'll just have to wait for the season 5 premier this summer!

This is my TV lineup for the first half of 2015. I'm super excited to see some old faves and maybe add some new ones to my DVR. What will you all be watching this season? 

-- Samantha Jo xo

The Song To Get You Running


This year, I've kicked off with a killer work out regime which involves tons of running and other forms of cardio. Towards the end of my workouts, I tend to get lazy and lose that rhythm I had when I started. I need something to keep me going strong and what better motivation than a sick song to run to. 

'Gold Dust' by DJ Fresh mixes that perfect blend of drum and bass that really makes you feel excited to keep going in your workout. I love me a good beat with fun, light hearted lyrics. I find that by listening to it when I start to get lazy, I put an extra pep in my step naturally, just because this song is on. My adrenaline works back up just so I can run to the pace of the song and by the end of my workout, I feel amazing that I completed it on a high note. 

The drum and bass jam is on the top of my list of new songs to jam to this year, even though it has been out for a while (like 5 years). It's never too late to start loving a good song. I just love me a good motivating song to work out to and just dance to with the girls ('cause that's what every girl does right? Dance with the girls while not at a club?).

What songs are you all listening to during your workouts? I need a new playlist this year so leave me some suggestions!

--Samantha Jo xo

Top 10 Trends Of 2014 | Samantha Jo


The year is winding down now and it's time we do some reflecting. Everyday from now until New Years, I will be posting the Top 10's of the year in entertainment, beauty and music, as well as my life. Today I'm kicking it off with the Top 10 Trends Of 2014 which can include anything from trending topics to fashion to our everyday slang. Let's get into it!

2014 was quite the year for trends. From hashtags to the fashion world 2014 did not disappoint. Let's have a look back at some of our favorite trends.

10. The Boho Girl

It seems as though every store across the world has been inspired by the Bohemian girls of the late 60's and 70's. From bell bottoms to ponchos and bell sleeves and lace, stores like Gypsy Warrior, Free People, and Forever 21 have been reinventing the Boho girl in all their pieces for everyone to enjoy. One things for sure, I have been enjoying the trend and couldn't be more pleased that this look is in style. I always felt inspired by the music of that time to dress as I do and now that it's so available, I feel like I can add a little more to my style. I hope this trend sticks well into 2015.

9. The Booty

I don't think I've seen or heard more songs about booty than in 2014. Nicki Minaj, Iggy Azalea, JLo and the rising Meghan Trainor have all had songs about well, asses. Let's face it we've all been inspired to work a little extra at the gym on our own assets and sometimes even to songs like 'Anaconda', 'Booty', and of course 'All About That Bass'. That way in 2015 we can just bring more booty back. 

8. The Ice Bucket Challenge

Just about everyone and I mean EVERYONE seems to have participated in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. In fact, if you weren't doing it, you were about to get nominated for it any second. Of course, if you didn't complete the challenge of dumping a bucket of ice water on your head for ALS, you were still encouraged to donate money to the cause. The challenge was a success raising over $21 million for research on ALS and incredible awareness amongst social media outlets. Congrats!

7. Frozen

If I hear 'Let It Go' one more time I might actually hit someone. The movie 'Frozen' was by far the highest grossing movie this year and something tells me 2015 won't stop it from getting any bigger. From the dolls and soundtrack to the movie with an inspiring message, it's no wonder 'Frozen' was so huge. I won't lie all of Christmas day I was singing 'Love Is An Open Door' thanks to the beautiful Alex and Sierra performance on the Disney Christmas Parade Special. Every morning since I've been praying for snow sining 'Do You Want To Build A Snowman' so I guess you could say I'm a fan also. 2014 was just the beginning for this little franchise.

6. Turnt Up

Don't even act like you never said the term. Maybe not in public but to yourself or even mocking the term. I'm still concerned for our generation after this one. Turnt up has become part of our language and I'm pretty sure it has caused some to forget the actual spelling of the word turned. Whether you Turnt Up in 2014 or not, chances are you're keeping this term in your word bank for a while.

5. Kimye

Whether you love 'em or hate 'em the Kardashians are our pop culture. They're going to be relevant in every moment and now even more since one of the biggest weddings of the year of Kim and rapper Kanye West. I guess you could say they're a match made in heaven as seen in the 'Bound 2' video. They seem extremely in love. The marriage has proven to last longer than Kim's last marriage and I honestly wish them all the best. Oh, cute baby btw!

4. The Top Knot

I myself have still not tried out this cute hair trend, but people from the likes of YouTubers to Kylie Jenner have rocked it this year. The top knot requires you to wear your hair some up some down with the part up, left in a small bun on the top of your head. It comes in many variations some leaving the bun out in a pony tail at the top of the head. No matter how you rock it, it's so 90's and I'm obsessed. Thanks for bringing this one back.

3. Choker Necklaces

My inner 6 year-old was bursting at the seams when this trend came back. I couldn't be more excited to whip out my old tattoo choker necklaces from grade school. I loved it then and I love it now and I sort of refuse to take my choker off. Whoever brought this back, created a monster. You will never take me away from my choker ever again. (Sorry for the dramatics)

2. Taylor Swift

With the release of her new album '1989', Taylor Swift might be bigger than ever. She made the official switch from Country to Pop with this album and I don't think anyone was complaining minus the Swift haters. I used to never be much of a fan myself but, I had always secretly loved a few songs. With '1989', I'm not hiding my love anymore. Hits like 'Blank Space' and 'Style' will be playing at my funeral-- I love them! The album went platinum in its first week of sales; she's done that two more times! Congrats Tay!

1. Bae

I'm still questioning making this number 1 on my countdown. I think I'm making the right decision. I used 'bae' for everything. The term, meaning Before Anything Else, has been used to describe boyfriends, celebs, and even pizza over the year. If bae doesn't make it into the Oxford Dictionary this year, the world may be more corrupt than I thought. Let's just hope they put a pizza pie next to the definition. 

It's a bit lengthy, but this year was huge for all of these trends. These are all memories we will think about for the years to come. Don't worry most of these won't go out of style in 2015 so you don't have to get rid of them once the year is up. What are some of the trends you remember from 2014?
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