Fun in Philly - a quick 24 hour trip with must stops

Can you do Philly in only 24 hours? I say YES! I went to Philly for the first time this week and saw so much! From the moment I rolled up and was at a stop light I couldn’t help but notice even the wall art and graffiti was next level.

First stop was to checkin to the hotel that is a photographer’s dream location. I stayed at Kimpton Hotel Monaco (linked) and it was outstanding! The decor from the second you enter the building is so unique and on point. Look up when you first walk into the lobby and you will see a crystal ship that is the light for the foyer. Below are some images from the hotel.

My favorite parts were the teapot lamps in the elevator area, the AM/PM closets in the lobby area where you check in, the wallpaper inside the room and even in the bathroom! My room had a huge tub with a view out of the window of where the LIBERTY BELL is!

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Next stop to get some dinner with a quick walk to Buddakan (linked). It was truly like stepping into Las Vegas or Miami! The decor so chic and the service was spectacular. I needed a dinner that was gluten-free, soy-free and tree nut-free so I was so grateful that the waiter was accommodating! They made me a special dish that had rice, veggies and chicken with a coconut curry sauce that was to die for! Dessert was a GF Creme Brulee that was outstanding (and I am a tough judge being an owner of a dessert bakery).

Rocky steps were a must! One of my all-time favorite movies so I had to re-enact the famous scene! There were others doing the same thing. After that a picnic in the parking lot that is painted right in front of the steps.

Had to stop at a psychic in town as well as to buy some fireworks at Intergalactic Fireworks where the owner was super friendly and helpful! Both added to the total out of towner experience I would say. The psychic was really good and goes by the name of Karmen. I was blown away that she had a heart shaped birthmark on her face, a true sign that I was mean to be there. Heart shapes have been my yellow brick road since 2014.

Later that day a stop on the drive home was Junkyard Barbie (linked), where I photographed some abandoned vehicles! A fabulously marketed junkyard in Morrisville, PA.

The trip was a mix of pure class and pure trailer but a fantastic trip all around! I can’t wait to go back soon!

XOXO,
Lorraine

Spider Man and Black Cat cosplay photoshoot

Here is what happened on Saturday morning with weather about 40 degrees, no pre-planned photo angles…just a talented group who loves to create!

Rodney LaPage photographed myself as Black Cat and an anonymous Spider-Man (he wants to keep it a secret identity) in Troy, NY. Rodney used his amazing lighting skills to get these comic book like images.

We only shot for about an hour and got so many amazing photos. I was in 6” high heeled boots and a gorgeous white wig. Eyesight for both Spiderman and I was really poor with our masks so we carefully tiptoed onto “set”. My costume was mostly from Amazon. The pants are the SPANX black leather pants.

I am in love with the photos captured from that day! I posted some BTS videos on my TikTok channel as well as on my Instagram page @pinupmakeover.

XOXO,
Lorraine

Weight Loss and Hormones (Ladies)

If you are no longer 29 but still want to look and feel like you are 29…..I hear ya!

When the bloodwork comes back saying that you are in PERIMENOPAUSE or that your hormones are out of balance or that your cortisol is high or your estrogen is off……but you don’t want to accept that….well here are some tips that worked for me below. In a short time I was able to hit a snooze button on my OB/GYN’s forecast of perimenopause with these following as I call them HACKS so you too can look in the mirror and see that 29 year old you staring back!

Recent before got hormones under control - I was inflamed and bloated looking.
After - did the tricks in this blog post and with some weight training and feeling and looking less bloated

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READ THIS:

First go get the book, WOMEN FOOD HORMONES by Sara Gottfried. It had so much insight and at the end fantastic recipes! I made the Pumpkin KETO Custard and it is like eating a pumpkin pie with zero guilt!

Podcasts

linked below to specific ones I listened to for help:
Dr. Mark Hyman and Sara Gottfried

Skinny Confidential (it was about her losing pregnancy weight but a lot of the holistic approaches work for anyone wanting to lose weight)

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Supplements:
I added these three to my daily ritual-

• L-Carnitine

• Magnesium

• DHEA with Pregnenolone

I was already taking daily:

• Probiotic

• Quericitin with Bromeline

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Add these to your arsenal too:

• 16 Hour Fast then do fasted cardio of 20 minutes in morning before eating breakfast

• I like the app ZERO to track fasts and to be held accountable to not eat before the 16 hours is up.

• Track calories in and out with MYFITNESSPAL app

• Use MCT OIL with Collagen in my morning coffee to not break fast and keep me feeling satiated.

• Acupuncture - I go to a legit Eastern Medicine acupuncturist who looks at my tongue before my treatment to see what my body needs. She also prescribed some Chinese herbs to help kick my metabolism into high gear. I am linking my “girl” Dr Yarong Wang who is outstanding!

• Drink Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV with the Mother) - I drink 2 TBSP ACV with cayenne pepper and lemon juice with hot water

• Puerh Tea

• Goli with Ashwaganda (Blue gummies) help with sleep

• Sauna

• Super hot Epsom Salt bath

• Weight lifting

• Guided meditation

• Wim Hoff breathing

• No ALCOHOL (to reset hormones and also is empty calories and disrupts sleep)

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It is my hope that if this helps even just one woman from feeling like she was losing her mind (and 29 forever life), then this writing when I should be watching Hallmark on the couch is worth it!

PS - I am not a doctor and these are only tips that worked for me. My advice - be the advocate for your health and your body. Do the research. See what works for YOU!

XOXO,
Lorraine