Neon Pleated Yellow Dress, bought on Melrose Ave, no tag $30. 

Army workshirt/jacket, Vintage Fiorucci, My Mother’s Closet.

B Necklace, Handmade on Broadway, Soho, Nyc

Hello Sunshine Flats, ModCloth, Modcloth.com $40.

All Photography By John Turck 

I was glued to the Tv last night like so many other viewers, waiting to see, not only who would win the Delish Ice Cream Challenge with Duane Reade & Walgreens, but ultimately who would take the crown and become the Next “All Star Celeb Apprentice“. Both flavors; Penn Gilette’s Chocolate/Vanilla Magic Swirtle, and Trace Adkin’s Macadamia Maple Mashup were head to head in flavor, and fans, as it seemed, so it all would come down to one final episode.We watched all season as the random gathering of celebrities bickered, laughed, and sparked creativity within themselves, all vying for that title and a chance to win serious money for their respective charities. And though challenge after challenge illustrated the strengths of Marilu Henner, Lil Jon, and Lisa Rinna, in the end, it could be only two. Penn Gilette and Trace Adkins, who both exude a cool cat demeanor; Penn with his charming effervescence, and Trace, in his quiet smile.

But much like a wedding or a graduation, a buildup, or season full of challenges, and Donald ‘Trumpisms’, all culminated in one final ending, and in a flash, it was over. Trace Adkins prevailed as the new Celebrity Apprentice, with the promotional event for his  Macadamia Mash-up ice cream taking the… ahem… cake. Playing for the Red Cross, and exuding an almost subdued, yet  celebratory victory, he closes the scene on another tv season. But, although this season of Celebrity Apprentice is over, one challenge, unlike dozens of others that came before it, and will likely come after it, continues on for the viewer, and consumer.

The contestants final challenge of creating a new Ice Cream flavor with Delish Ice Cream, sold at Walgreens & Duane Reade, allowed viewers  to put themselves in the action, not only as tasters, but as voters, and consumers. And although this final task was based upon the best sales, and not Donald’s personal favorite, letting people take a virtual spin at making those kinds of decisions can make people feel important, and powerful.

This was evident when I attended the Taste Test and Meet & Greet 3 days before the finale, on Thursday, May 16th, at the massive Union Square Duane Reade. Although the winner was still a mystery to us all, what was clearly not a mystery was the allure of both of the contestants. A crowd of fans, and super fans lined up to meet the guys, get autographs, and of course, taste their ice cream flavors.

Although Trace was chosen as the latest Celebrity Apprentice, Penn’s brilliantly conceived “Magic Swirtle” actually prevailed as the best selling ice cream. Personally, after testing out both (maybe a few more times then necessary), I found it hard to even make a decision, as they both tasted great, and packed a pretty delicious punch.

Ultimately, although there could only be one All Star Celebrity Apprentice Winner, both flavors of Delish Ice Cream are victorious in providing a delicious taste, and stellar dessert. And since it’s so hard to choose, Duane Reade is making it easy for you, by offering both options for only $5. For a limited time, buy 2 Delish flavors for the price of one, and taste both contestant’s final offerings. Sounds to me like one very soft sell…. soft served, of course. 

For more on this event, and some terrific pictures check out my Google Plus Story 

The Delicious Offerings of Delish Ice Cream; Macadamia Maple Mashup & Vanilla Chocolate Magic Swirtle

Check out These, and Other Great Offerings from Delish Here

Trace and his Macadamia MashUp Mavens

Penn and HIS Chocolate Magic Swirtle Scoopers

The Super Fans included someone going to AC for Trace’s show later that week, and A giant sized Trump Doll for signing!

All Photography by John Turck

2. May Designs.com. I found this amazing website through a link on Pinterest, only further solidifying the fact that no matter how many bookmarks, feeds, and accounts you have, there is always something out there that you don’t know you must have. I’ve already expressed in the past my love for all things monogramming, and custom-made. May Designs is the best of both. The website offers an amazing custom process, where you get to design your book, notecard, or notebook of choice starting from inception. It begins by picking your design, with everything from chevron, to stripes, dots, to pineapples, writing out your monogram, or phrases depending on what you want, what function it will serve, and how it will look inside. Small, extra fees apply for making it a food, budget, or more specialized journal. I had a lot of fun designing my first May Book, and can’t wait for it to arrive so I can show it off. Until then….  Books start at $17

3. Layering my Necklaces. Lately, I’ve been fighting the negativity I sometimes have towards wearing multiple necklaces. This has been an age old problem, ever since I had more then a few special items I wanted to honor by daily use, only by getting teary eyed and frustrated later on when I would have to untangle, pull at, and beg them to come apart. But these are new times, and I’ve decided to try again. The key to this art form? Lengthy Measures. Wear one long, dangly one with a shorter one, or larger baubles with a daintier piece. My recent pairing, straight from my own BeeCharmer jewelry line. Sterling Silver Puffy Heart Pendant on long chain, Sterling Silver 4 Leaf Clover pendant, $70 on BeeCharmer Boutique 

4. The New Delish ice-cream at Duane Reade courtesy of the Celebrity Apprentice tv showdown between Penn Gilette and Trace Adkins. I had the opportunity to meet both and taste their ice cream this week and am currently coveting a bowl of both of the delicious flavors.But more on this later…They’re currently on sale 2 for $5, so go pick some up, and then watch the finale this Sunday on Nbc.

5. My new Joe Boxer Polka dot retro style one piece from Kmart. I got it on sale for a whopping $20, it fits perfect, and I can’t wait for the first beach day of the season!  At first, I didn’t know I how I felt about the whole 1 piece comeback craze, but somewhere in between all the hoopla, I became a believer. And I’m spreading my beliefs and here to say, it’s okay. Give it a try. I also got a cute pair of hot pink boy short bottoms on sale for only $12, perfect for mixing and matching. Buy them right here.

As someone who has a passion for many philanthropic events, I know just how important it can be to get your cause in the spotlight, where as many people as possible can be made aware, and hopefully participate in that which inspires you.

Clearly that same sentiment was on the forethought when Sandra Lee and company were planning the Worlds Largest Bake Sale to help combat and fight childhood hunger. And what better place to get noticed and make a scene then in a place where hundreds of thousands of people can walk through on any given day. The large scale event, which took place in the Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Station on May 1, hosted numerous bakeries and restaurants throughout New York City, who featured their best baked goods and desserts for $5. Some of these included Murrays Cheese, Billys Bakery, Jean George, Fat Witch, Insomnia Cookies, and many more; the proceeds of these sales going to the No Kid Hungry Campaign and Food Bank Nyc.

Driven By Sandra Lee, who has successfully turned her love of semi homemade meals into a multi million dollar lifestyle brand, and co-hosted by Ty Pennington of Extreme Home Makeover fame, the event drew everyone from celebrities, to business men and women walking through, to moms and kids, people wanting a glimpse of Sandra herself, and people who were just plain hungry for a treat.

Sponsored by Kmart Shop your Way, and Sears, the idea behind this large scale bake sale was simple. Treat yourself to a speciality dessert that you might not normally get to try, while in the process, symbolically putting food in a child’s hands. Although childhood hunger is a worldwide problem, with an estimated 1 in 5 children suffering, it’s not always on the forefront.But the No Kid Hungry Campaign along with Sandra Lee, and the success of the Worlds Largest Bake Sale hopes to change that, and bring more awareness to the issue.

When I arrived at Grand Central, Ty Pennington was doing just that, even standing on the street with a megaphone trying to attract more people as young girls excitedly and charmingly stood on the side with signs and posters promoting the event inside. I explored everything, stopping to admire every treat, cupcake, and bread, and was amazed to see Sandra Lee doing the same thing. Clearly passionate about food, and this cause, I was amazed to watch her in action as she stopped at every booth, spoke to every proprietor, posed for pictures, and shook hands with her fans. And most notably, she complimented a young blogger and journalist on her updo..(okay, it was me!)

And if you missed the big event, no need to worry as it doesn’t stop there. Although the bake sale generated profit and massive crowds, the event will continue on, virtually. All month, until May 31st, Kmart will donate $1.00 to the Bake Sale for No Kid Hungry every time their message is shared on facebook and twitter. A $1.00 will also be donated each time a Sandra Lee recipe card is shared with friends and family. You can share the message, check out recipe cards, and read more about the cause right here.

Or you can donate your tax deductible gift directly to the virtual bake sale here.

Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central

Sandra Lee Talking to the Team at Jean Georges

Ty Pennington talking to the crowd

The Bees Knees Baking Co, which of course I had affections towards, and their adorable cake cups. 

Insomnia Cookies

Jean Georges Cake

The Guys at Sullian St Bakery and their amazing Tomato Olive Bread, which I ultimately decided on. Because it was later in the day, I got 3 pieces for $5, and they were delicious!! 

Filed under: Duane Reade VIP Blogger Tagged: bakeries nyc, dessert recipes, food bank for New York City, grand central, kmart, No Kid Hungry, nyc cupcakes, nyc desserts, sandra lee, Share Our Strength’s, ty pennington, World’s largest Bake Sale ]]> http://style-island.com/2013/05/11/half-baked-nyc-worlds-largest-bake-sale-event-combats-childhood-hunger-one-dessert-at-a-time/feed/ 0 blake15 Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Sandra Lee Talking to the Team at Jean Georges Ty Pennington talking to the crowd IMG_1115 2 The Bees Knees Baking Co Insomniac Cookies Jean George Cake The Guys at Sullian St Bakery and their amazing Tomato Olive Bread http://style-island.com/2013/05/02/jean-pool-5-ways-to-wear-your-denim-this-summer/ http://style-island.com/2013/05/02/jean-pool-5-ways-to-wear-your-denim-this-summer/#comments Thu, 02 May 2013 16:46:51 +0000 Bee15 http://style-island.com/?p=3578 Continue reading →]]> As creative types we tend to get the lucky end of the stick when it comes to office dressing. I’ve never had to wear a suit to the office, nor would I want to. And from the chicest fashion lines to creative offices, most foster a stylish, yet comfortable environment where denim is not only acceptable, but encouraged.

Denim, though beloved by most can sometimes be as fickle as this New York City spring weather. It can come in waves, from being on top of the world, to taking a backseat to mini skirts, A line dresses, or currently, printed pants and trousers.

But no matter whether it’s trending or not, denim is usually the go to for comfort, ease, and flexibility. Right now, its is expressing it’s forte through a number of genres, including ombre and tie dye, weathered, prints, and color.

Here are 5 ways to style your denim this Summer….

1. Denim on Denim. Be careful. There are canadian Tuxedos aplenty, but I actually happen to love wearing dark skinny jeans with a lighter button down oxford. The contrast works, and is slightly unexpected.

Blue oxford, vintage, thrifted. Dark skinny jeans, Grane. Shoes, Gap Kids

2. Under a short dress, or skirt. I used to rock this look in high-school, but something inside me has recently brought it back. All fashion, if it spoke to you at one time, deserves another spin in the cycle right? Sometimes you don’t want to wear something so short, or you’re sick of leggings, and then other times, you just want to slip on a good pair of jeans, even if you already have part of your outfit established. Try it out for yourself. For this look, it’s best to stick with skinny or tapered jeans.

Click on Pic to see more on this story

3. A comfy boyfriend jean is always stylish.

Shoes, Yosi Samra roll up flats. Boyfriend Jeans, L.E.I. Buy a pair at Sears Here 

4. White Out. I don’t follow archaic rules, and neither should you. That’s why I completely condone white jeans, whenever you damn well please. Joe Fresh makes a great, straight legged style for only $30! See how I styled mine below..