Desperately seeking caffeine

Craving a Grande pumpkin spice latte?  Or a Vente caramel macchiato?

Head for one of the 2 Starbucks outposts  in the center of the Mall at Milennia. You'll find one upstairs by the food court and one downstairs by the front entrance across from the Cheesecake Factory restaurant.

Don't forget, you can get hot and iced tea at Starbucks too.  Homemade chocolate milk is a great choice for children, too, in a sturdy plastic cup with a straw.

If you want a bagel or a pastry with your coffee, head for local fave Panera Bread at the back  of the food court by the doors.

Coffee news:
There is a NEW latte stop inside Bloomingdales, by the makeup counters, where the Dylan's candy store used to be.  They also serve  gelato and other snacks.

News Flash! Capital Grille at Mall of Milennia!

Fine dining in a bright new dining room!  

Capital Grille fans rejoice. A new version of this favorite has opened in the spot where McCormick and Schick was located.  For newbies, that's on the Conway Road side of the mall between Blue Martini and Neiman Marcus. There's valet parking for the restaurants or you can park in front. If that lot is full or the valets have marked off all the good spots, park in front of Neiman Marcus; it's just a short walk over.

The new Capital Grille is brighter and less clubby inside than it's I-Drive cousin, but they share a menu. Crab bisque, steaks, seafood...martinis.

If you like a FULL BAR with real bartenders to go with your mall-based dinner, you'll love Capital Grille. In fact, you can start with a great martini and eat dinner at the bar... That's a less fussy, but equally satisfying way to end a great shopping outing!

Capital Grille is fun for a date, too. Walk around the mall first and window shop at the designer boutiques or browse the home stores including Pottery Barn and Crate and Barrel (above Pottery Barn, next to Bloomingdales) and Williams Sonoma.

Darden (yes, it's owned by the same group as Olive Garden and Red Lobster, but don't let that stop you) service is reliable if not inspired. You will rarely have a service disaster in a Darden restaurant and if you do, be sure and ask for a free dessert or to have your bad drink replaced. Darden stands behind every dish and every meal, they're awesome that way.

Attention beef lovers:  Capital Grille wins awards for great hamburgers. And they are GOOD. 

For more info, go to  Capital Grille at Mall of MIlennia

Fastest Way to GLOW BRONZE. And it Lasts!

TAN LIKE A FLORIDA BEACH GIRL

Victoria's Secret  
Instant Bronzing Tanning Spray

Victoria's Secret Instant Bronzing Self Tanning Spray
Price: $15.00  ***cheap thrill***

Great for a natural- looking glow or a day at the beach

New self-tanner technology makes the at-home spray tan a reality.  Bronzes and tans in one easy (yes, really!) step. And no orange hues here, you get a gorgeous real tan brown.

Wrap your legs in a natural coat of TAN for summer's shorter skirts and shorts.
Finally, you can wrap your body from head to toe in sexy, airbrushed perfection without the risks of a real tan or the salon price. Beach Sexy Instant Bronzing Tinted Body Spray with natural aloe leaves skin kissed with golden color for a flawless look.

STYLIST TIPS #1
Bronze tint helps blur the look of imperfections, like uneven skin tone or texture. Add a second coat to areas that you want to slim, like sides of thighs or hips.

STYLIST TIP #2
Continuous spray makes for easy, streak-free application. Put a dark towel under your feet to keep spray off of the floor.

To use the spray for your face, just spray into hands and apply like a foundation. Don't apply to eyelids.  Use a damp cloth to remove from eyebrow area and nose (which tends to tan too dark for some reason).

STYLIST TIP #3
For most natural results:

• Wipe off heels, sides of toes and feet and knees with damp washcloth after applying. 
• For arms, don't spray where sun wouldn't hit (insides of elbows and underside of triceps)
• WASH Hands completely with soap, not just the palms. Take special care to use soap between your fingers! DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP.

 
Where can i get this?

In-store:  
Victoria's Secret

• Mall of Milennia
• Florida Mall 
• Fashion Square Mall
• Altamonte Springs Mall
• Seminole Town Center (Sanford)

Online:
Victoria's Secret Instant Bronzing and Self Tanning Spray

You'll remember this shopping day in Orlando!

Score a Michael Kors Handbag at Mall of Milennia.

Michael Kors is a uniquely American designer.  He zoomed to fame on Project Runway with former model Heidi Klum. His handbags and watches are iconic examples of American style.

For the whole Michael Kors experience, there's a Michael Kors store, upstairs at Mall of Milennia between Bloomingdales and Neiman Marcus. They have the latest styles in handbags and watches, but not a lot of inventory... it's that upscale, open space thing...  

For the very BEST Michael Kors handbag and watch selection (much larger than the Michael Kors store), head to the other end of the Mall to Macys. Vast Michael Kors handbag and watch departments beckon to you with fresh inventory. Brand new styles come in every week, so you if you saw it online, Macys probably has it. 

For a great investment that the girls will envy, ***splurge*** on a large tote or a dressy handbag that can double as a go to meeting bag, holding your iPad and folders.

For a ***cheap thrill*** score an iPhone holder with a strap. Perfect for sporting events or just running into the store. Available in lots of colors, this little bag can dip in and out of your larger purses, serving as a card and money holder and avoiding the "uh oh, my license is in my other bag" dilemma. NOTE;: Without a strap it's just a wallet and will not be nearly as useful! 

if you enjoy attention, then run, don't walk to buy a brightly-colored Michael Kors bag. There are always new colors; and you'll constantly be accosted by women who just love your bag!  This amazing pink goes with everything and, like wearing a great lipstick, it makes you feel pretty!

I
Finally, if there's a classic Michael Kors bag that you've always coveted, check the current version out and you'll find it''s even better!  This company is always improving their products, adding pockets or zippers for example, based on customer feedback.

You, just happier and younger-looking!

Want to look ten years younger? 

With a few quick tips and tricks, it's easy to turn back the clock!  Introducing the newest member of our blog family- Look Younger Now .  You'll find the latest info and products that work for fresher skin and prettier makeup. 

Today's news is from Bobbi Brown's new counter at Macy's at the Mall of Milennia.  This is a full boutique within a store, one of only two in Florida, located right in the middle of the first floor. Park at either first floor entrance and it is straight ahead.  

So here's the deal. Bobbi Brown is all about natural but BETTER and younger.  Have a problem area or a question?  That's where the Bobbi Brown approach is great. They don't try to give you a full makeover with lots of eye makeup you won't wear... they solve those tricky issues like darkening and filling in your brows without looking like Joan Crawford.  Or covering blueish under-eye circles that concealer just turns gray...

Ask for Linda Carreiro when you visit the counter.  A makeup artist from South Florida, she'll show you how to get the looks you want!  Reach her at Makeupdiva1@yahoo.com.

Here are some of my fave Bobbi Brown ideas from Summer 2013-

Lipstick- Pick a lipstick that is your natural lip color but slightly darker.  This makes you look pretty and polished but still natural. LOOK at pictures of models and actresses, they rarely have bright colored lips. If you've seen the Katie Holmes ads for Bobbi Brown, that's the look she wears...

Blush- Here's where the color goes for a natural youthful look, not on the lips! The secret is the brush. Bobbi's blush brush is about $50.  Even if you don't buy it, ask to see how to use a blush brush correctly. It's not how you think!

Eyebrows- We all rely on pencil because it's easy. Well, it's not much harder to draw little strokes in the direction the brow hair grows.  The difference is....well, you'll see!

Cream Eye-Shadow and Eye-Liner- If you're an advanced beginner or a pro, try cream shadows and liner. They are easy to put on and they STAY ON all day in the Florida heat and humidity. And the moister look is more youthful!  I didn't believe it either, seems counter intuitive...  now I'm collecting pretty colors of eye shadow.  

For liner, all you need are the basics. Well-line eyes are important! They take the focus off of the little wrinkles, etc....  Black or brown to start. Add your navy or royal blue for a trendy, open-eyed look that is  sexy at night without looking like a club chick.

Don't MISS the newest member of our blog family- Look Younger Now

Greens N' Grille near Mall of Milennia!

Check out Greens 'N Grille near the Mall of Milennia when you want to grab a great salad or sandwich after shopping.  It's an urban format, with the healthy menu on the wall and beer and wine available. Nirvana for picky eaters, dieters and vegetarians, you choose from a large variety of  items and sides, including yummy seasonal selections, prepared just the way you want it.

Perfect for meeting with girlfriends or a casual date. Linger inside or out without worrying that you are taking up a server's table...

The folks behind Greens 'N Grille are the same as the Ravenous Pig and Cask & Larder. THAT'S why the food quality is so good!

Fantasy Time at Mall of Milennia

Have you been a good girl lately?  Here's a quick but amazing birthday or holiday trip to Mall of Milennia that will fill your trunk with loot but cost less than a single Luis Vuitton bag.

Start at Tiffanys. Head to the back wall for a stunning pair of sunglasses. These big Rachel Zoe style shades are on billboards all over America; and they are more gorgeous in person if that's possible.

Next stop, Victoria's Secret.  Buy the newest featured bra and panties in a gorgeous but totally impractical color or print (leopard anyone?.) Feel glamorous and sexy. 

Then Brighton. Buy a great small bag for city travel, art shows or evening wear or a black or tortoise silver-trimmed hair bangle. Whatever catches your eye. Something for everyone and it's all pretty and reasonably priced. The customer service is great. Btw Brighton will send you a new purse if yours breaks, even years later.

Now for another highlight, an American fave and my new cheap chic obsession. Michael Kors. You must have the fabulous big gold watch featured in VOGUE and everywhere else. It comes in several sizes and styles, so you can pick the one that works best for you. Then, shoes. For about hundred dollars, you'll get a Jimmy Choo- like high. Take the stylists recommendation and be daring!

Note: Don't buy purses at MK. They are boring. You'll do better at Bloomingdales or Neiman Marcus if you like names on your purses.

If you have time, also at Neiman Marcus, get a Trish McEvoy makeover. You'll look pretty, natural and ten years younger. Plus, you'll have a pretty makeup planner that holds the whole look to take home. Makeup planners make your life easy and your man happy, especially when space is at a premium like on a cruise.

If your date or sponsor is a good cook, humor him with a stop at Williams Sonoma to savor the seasonal offerings and buy him a spatula or something.  If he's not a cook, the espresso machines at Bloomies are a cool diversion.

Top off a great trip to Mall of Milennia with a Starbucks stop or maybe some Godiva or Lindt chocolate. Now that's a sweet day.

New at Milennia- Fast Fix Jeweler

At Mall of Milennia, get your broken necklace fixed and a new battery put in your dress watch while you shop.  Buy a watch or bracelet in the mall, take it down there and get the links taken out to wear your  find right away. 

Next to Bloomingdale's on the lower level, you'll find the Fast Fix store.  The staff is courteous and the work is done quickly and expertly.

Mall of Milennia restaurant scoop

Having dinner at the Mall of Milennia on a weekend night (including Sunday)?  Beware the long waits for tables. But you can avoid this if one of your party signs up ahead of the time you want to eat.
He'll get custody of the buzzer.  The rest of you can shop.  If the stated wait is 40 minutes (as it was for a booth tonight at Cheesecake Factory), you can safely leave the restaurant for the first 30 minutes... No sense wasting good shopping time.

Don't miss Neiman Marcus After Christmas Deals!

Covet the pricey goods at Neiman Marcus?  Right now, there are lots of bargains from 50 to 70% off. Sale ends Thurs. If they don't have your size in an item, they will look for it in the other stores. (Try that at Macy's.)  There is still a good selection of gorgeous Christmas ornaments and decorations left this year, unusual for so late in January.

Also,  Williams Sonoma has a sale table in the back with great china, linens and misc. items.

Mall of Milennia tips

Here are some tips to save time and have more fun at Mall of Milennia. It's a great place to shop!  Don't miss it.
Parking
Park in front of Neiman Marcus, as close to the center entrance of the mall as you can get.  That is on the right side of the Neiman lot, when you are facing the mall.  Walk thru Neiman's when they are open. Enjoy the nice jewelry, try some perfume or get makeup samples from Chanel and YSL. If the store closes or you go to one of the restaurants in the center, your car will be right there, accessible from the center mall entrance.
In the back by the food court is another good centrally-locates spot.  Since there is no direct store access there, you can usually find a space close-up.  On the way in or out, you can grab a beverage at Panera or Starbucks.  The kids can eat their fill of free chicken and cookie samples, maybe even sample ice cream or a smoothie.  At Lindt chocolate, they will often give you a free truffle as well.
If Macy's is your sole destination, park in the BACK.  Everyone else parks in the front.

Restrooms
Food court bathrooms are the best- upstairs right in the center of the mall- huge and clean.  Big counters for grooming and a place to change the baby. Finally good mall planning!  If you are too tired to go upstairs (it happens!), go into one of the restaurants.  They always let you use the restrooms.
If you have a little one, in the back of the food court, Panera has a single bathroom with a quiet baby-changing table. Panera also has free ice water cups and nice clear cold water for the little ones.
If you are in Bloomingdales, there is a nice restroom on the first floor in the mens' department.

Coffee
When the lines at both Starbucks are ridiculous, go to Panera in the back of the food court. They have lattes and all that, but the best bet is to get a dark roast for less than 2 dollars put in some half and half so you don't miss any quality shopping time waiting around for a drink...

Makeup Counters

Overall, the makeup artists at Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales are better than at Macys.  They are actually makeup artists and they have a lot more time to spend with you...  Ask to try the limited edition fragrances, which debut at these stores before they are widely available. ALSO, Chanel has foundation samples now, so take a few home to try before you buy. Will save you lots of money!