Our First Trip to Legoland

Special thanks to LegoLand Orlando for sponsoring us tickets to enjoy the park. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

As many times I have been to visit Orlando, Florida, we had never made time to visit Legoland Florida. My son has always had a love for Lego and had collected many of their very detailed sets over the years, so when we surprised him with a trip to the land full of tiny bricks, of course he was very excited!

We usually go on our Florida vacation during the first week in November because for some New Jersey residents it is during the NJ teacher's convention, voting season, and Veteran's Day so the school district started to give the students the whole week off. Meanwhile in Florida and in other states most of the kids in are school so the wait times and crowds aren't as crazy as in the summer or other peak times. This gave us the opportunity to walk around and take our time in the different sections of the park. 

One thing that surprised me about Legoland Orlando was the amount and variety of rides they had for every age group and trill seeker. My son isn't into rollercoasters so we kept things more on the mellow side. Some of his favorite rides were the Boating School and the Ford Driving School both found in the Lego City section of the park where kids run the world. They can even become a part of the rescue squad, put out fires and get their driver's license. 

Another area Darius enjoyed was the Land of Adventure, made with the explorer in mind. The Lost Kingdom Adventure is a fun, interactive game the whole family could enjoy and compete for a high score in a battle for treasure. As parents, we were able to catch a break in a shady, cool spot while Darius ran around in Pharaoh's Revenge a maze with foam balls whizzing and flying through the air. We also had fun searching for animals on the Safari Trek! Watch our 360 video here! 

Another must see at Legoland Orlando is Miniland, USA! Over 32 million Lego bricks make up this amazing area depicting well known tourist attractions and big cities from around the USA and even a galaxy, far, far away with their Star Wars installation. We took turns guessing which cities were which and seeing what every Lego minifigure was up to. Some much detail went into creating every scene you could literally spend hours in there. 

If you're wondering where you could grab a bite to eat while in the park. Try Pepper & Roni's Pizza Stop because who doesn't like pizza. (Plus they have a veggie option as well.) You won't be able to miss the singing Pizza Man MiniFigure standing outside. 

We really enjoyed our visit to Legoland, Orlando. It was like a breath of fresh air and something new and exciting to experience. To see more on our visit to Legoland Orlando, check out my InstaStory Highlight here! 

Cyber Monday Sale Round-Up!

If you're not shopped out from this weekend, here are some last minute deals you can score today for Cyber Monday! Save while you can and stock up before it's over! 

Abercrombie– All jeans 50% off. Valid 11/15-1/2.

And Other Stories – 20% off site wide. Valid through 11/26.

Ann Taylor–  50% off everything with code CYBER2018. Valid 11/25- 11/28.

Banana Republic– 50% off everything. Valid 11/25-11/26.

Baublebar– Cyber Monday! 35% off everything. Plus, new $10+ door busters! Valid 11/26.

Bloomingdales –
– Take 25% off site wide + 10% off cosmetics during the Cyber Sale. Valid 11/25-11/27.
– Buy more, save more event. Take $25 off $150+, $75 off $350+ or $150 off $500+. Valid 11/28-11/29.

Blue & Cream– New styles up to 90% off with code CYBER. Valid 11/26-11/28.

Boden – 30% offsite wide. Valid through 11/26.

Coach– 30% off select styles with code THANKS18. Valid 11/15-11/27.

COS– 20% selected products. Valid through 11/26.

Crate and Barrel–  20% Off Full-Price Items. Valid through 11/26.

Credo Beauty – 10% Off When You Spend $500 – $749 On Sale Styles; 15% Off When You Spend $750 – $999 On Sale Styles; 20% Off When You Spend $1000+ On Sale Styles. Valid 11/26.

DVF – 15% off $300+, 20% off $500+, 25% off $700+ with code DOUBLETAP. Valid 11/25-11/26.

Equipment – Take 30% off styles with code THANKS. Valid through 11/26.

Express – 50% off everything. Valid 11/25-11/26.

Fame and Partners– 25% off site wide. Valid through 11/26.

Far Fetch – Take 20% off sale items with code x20BF. Valid 11/22-11/26.

Frame Denim– Take 25% off site wide with code CYBER25. Valid 11/26.
– Take an extra 25% off sale styles with code EXTRA25. Valid 11/27.

FRWRD – Designer Sale! Valid 11/26-11/27.

HBX– Take 30% off regular priced items with code BF18. Valid 11/20-11/26.

Intermix – Take 30% off everything. Valid 11/26-11/27.

JCPenney – Take an extra 30% off when you spend $100+, or an extra 25% off when you spend under $100. Valid 11/25-11/28.

Kohl’s – Take an extra 20% off site wide with code TAKE20. Valid 11/24-11/28.
– Take $10 off $50 site wide with code JACKPOT. Valid 11/26.

Neiman Marcus Last Call 
– Cyber Monday! Receive an extra 10% on top of 40-80% off .  Offer valid 11/25-11/26.
– Designer Sale! 40% off fall apparel, sport shop and dress collections. Valid 11/19-12/2.

L.L. Bean– 20% Off Apparel and Outerwear . Valid 11/21 – 11/27
– 25% off Bean Boots. Valid 11/23 Only
– 25% off slippers. Valid 11/26 – 11/27

Luisaviaroma– Extra 20% off sale items with code BF20. Valid 11/20-11/27.

Macy’s  – 20% Off Cyber Monday with code CYBER. Valid 11/25-11/26.

Madewell– 25% or 30% Off Purchase with code SHOPALLDAY. Valid 11/26.

Marmot– 60% off all sale items + 30% off site wide + $24.99 Select Fleeces 11/26.– 25% off site wide + 50% off sale items 11/27 – 12/3

M’oda Operandi – Receive up to 50% off. Valid beginning 11/19. End date TBA.

My Theresa– SALE STARTS TODAY! Up to 50% off sale at MyTheresa.com! Valid starting 11/26.

Mr. Porter – Take 30% off select styles. Valid 11/21-11/26.

Net-a-Porter –  Additional 15% off our favorite sale items with code CYBER15. Valid 11/26 only.

Nordstrom – Receive up to 60% off. Valid 11/22-11/26.

Nordstrom Rack– Black Friday Clearance! Receive an extra 30% off. Valid 11/21-11/26.

Opening Ceremony – Receive an additional 20% off sale with code OCBLACK20. Valid through 11/26.

PacsunTake 30% off site wide. Valid 11/27.

Saks– Get $50 OFF* for every $200 you spend. Up to $500 in Savings. Use Code MONDAY18. Online Only. Valid 11/26.
– 10% OFF* Sitewide. Use code CYBERTUE. Valid 11/27. Online Only.

Rag & Bone– Save 25% off site wide with code TAKE25. Valid through 11/26.

Revolve – Take an extra 20% off sale items. Valid 11/25-11/27.

Sole Society–  Cyber Monday: 30% off site wide. Valid 11/26-11/27.

SSENSE – Select styles up to 50% off. Valid beginning 11/19. End date TBA.

Stuart Weitzman – 40-50% off select styles. Valid beginning 11/22. End date TBA.

Urban Outfitters – Cyber Monday receive tiered offers. In final hours take 25% off site wide. Valid 11/26.

Yoox – Extra 25% off site wide. Valid 11/25-11/26.

Long Time, No Time

Hello Loves! It's hard to believe November is almost over! It seemed to go by in a whirl. If you follow me on social media, especially Instagram, you know that at the beginning of November we went on a family vacation to Orlando, FL! In the Sunshine State, we got to experience some new spots like LegoLand and visit some favorite places in Walt Disney World. I'll be sharing more on that within the following week. Once we got back from vacation, work life has been crazy. If you don't know, I also work retail full-time as an Assistant Manager and once I came back from a relaxing vacation is was time to prep for the Black Friday Madness! Not to mention the fact that I was moved to another store to help out during the busiest week in retail. I'm also working on my online boutique ShopFashionofPhilly.com adding new products and hosting a Black Out Sale for the Black Friday Cyber Monday Weekend with select style up to 25% off. Needless to say I'm pushing through and I'm ready to get you caught up on what's been going on. 2019 will be here very soon, 35 days to be exact, so let's make everyday count!

Black Bride Magazine & TresseNoire Beauty - Natural Tresses & Dresses Bridal Soiree in NYC

Join Black Bride Magazine and TresseNoire for The Natural Tresses and Dresses Bridal Soiree in SOHO NYC October 27, 2018 from 2 to 5 pm!  Over 200 guests will gather to discover natural hair & beauty styles that are unique to special occasions and weddings. These looks often require more extensive preparation or technique, along with the right styling products and tools to look picture perfect all day, in any weather or environment. This soiree is to show brides how to get the most out of these looks and introduce them to the people that can make it happen! 

One of those people, just happen to be Celebrity Hairstylist Felicia Leatherwood! Leatherwood's styles have been featured on Issa Rae of HBO's hit comedy Insecure, Oscar Award nominee Ava Duvernay ("Wrinkle in Time" director), actresses Nicole Ari Parker, Teyonah Parris, Kimberly Elise, and countless entertainment executives, rising stars & beauty entrepreneurs. This event celebrates all of the priceless moments of the wedding experience - from Bridal Shower, to Bachelorette Party, to Wedding, to Honeymoon.

To help celebrate the upcoming event, I'll be hosting a ticket giveaway! Here's how to enter:

1. Follow @fashionofphilly, @blackbride1998, and @tressnoire.
2. Like this picture.
3. Tag your friends. (Each comment counts as an extra entry. )
4. Bonus: Share the post to your stories. 💍💍💍💍💍 *Giveaway not sponsored or in partnership with Instagram. Giveaway ends 10/21! Winner will be notified via Direct Message. Congrats and Best Wishes! 

27th Philadelphia Film Festival

The 27th Philadelphia Film Festival is quickly approaching! The festival will take place October 18 to October 28 and will show more than 100 films and draw the attention of industry guest, panelist, and film lovers from near and far. Regular screenings will run you $15 ($10 for PFS members) and $8 for a weekday matinee before 5 ($6 for members).

Regarding American Independents and Documentary Showcase films, the Philadelphia Film Society has a free ticketing initiative, PFS ON US, that makes their programming available to all. Through targeted outreach to area colleges and universities, nonprofit and social services organizations, community groups and more, PFS ON US gives those who may not have been able to attend the chance to get a free ticket. Tickets are distributed to the public through a reservation system online found here.

To see a list of PFF27 anticipated guest, get more ticket information and check out the schedule, visit http://filmadelphia.org/festival.

OktoberFest Philly at The 23rd Street Armory

Last Friday, I was invited to experience OktoberFest in Philadelphia at the 23rd Street Armory. This is the 3rd year for this event put on by Brauhaus Schmitz which mimics an authentic Munich Festival tent. When we first arrived the line to get in was down the street for both VIP and General Admission. Some attendees were dressed up in authentic German looks including lederhosen to get in the spirit of the event.

Inside, the 16,000 square foot building was decorated in Bavarian blue and white ceilings along with authentic festival tables and benches imported from Germany. When we first came in, we were greeted by a huge pretzel and a liter of beer from Paulaner Brauerei Müchen. I'm not really a beer drinker, but their OktoberFest brew was very smooth. (I still can't believe I drank the whole thing!)

After we found a table, one of the many waitresses came to see if we needed anything, so we ordered some food. We both wanted to try the roasted pork, sauerkraut and potato salad which was very good thanks to Valentin Bay. As the night continued music from The Hematklange Band, got the crowd excited, singing and dancing along and standing on the benches and shouting was very much encouraged!

This was our first time experiencing OktoberFest in Philly and we loved it! It was a lot of fun, very interactive, great food, great drinks, and an overall great time. This event is good for meeting up with friends after work or just getting together on the weekends. People came from all over to be at OctoberFest Philly, my husband even met someone from Germany! OktoberFest Philly only comes around once a year, so next time get your tickets quick because it will sell out! I'll do my best to remind you ahead of time! In the meantime, "Like" Bauhaus Schmitz on Facebook to not miss a thing!

BCA Product Round Up: Beauty Edition

If you've been following Fashion of Philly since the early days, you know that every October, I feature a round up highlighting products found in fashion and beauty that contribute to Breast Cancer Awareness. This year, I decided to break it down into categories and this week it's about beauty. Some of the items that really caught my eye were the GlamGlow BubbleSheet Mask where 20% of the purchase price will be donate to the Breast Cancer Research Fund. Another product that is new to the line up is the RevitaBrow Eyebrow Conditioner and the RevitaLash ADVANCED Eyelash Conditioner. Both items are used to help fight bitterness and breakage in brows and lashes and to promote growth. With each purchase, RevitaLash will donate $2 from every sale to Breast Cancer Awareness Research and Education Initiatives, up to $50,000.

Have a product you would like to highlight during Breast Cancer Awareness month? Reach out to me on Twitter @fashionofphilly and let me know. I would love to hear from you!