photo by brian rolchetti

Adorable and quite the trendsetter herself, Samii is not only a fashion designer. She grew up as a model who also spent her time acting in small parts on the big screen. Clearly comfortable with the industry, Samii has found her niche and a way to make her mark. She finds inspiration in music, the outdoors, and street fashion. “I am a big fan of Native American culture and I am trying to study it more,” she adds. “It is important to me that all my designs have a meaning behind them.”

This past summer, Samii spent several days at the Vans Warped Tour promoting her “wears” and enticing girls of all ages to see themselves in her unique hair fashions. With an extremely positive outcome, Samii has never been busier. Her experience at Warped Tour has opened promising opportunities; she expects to hit the road yet again this summer for about three months and hopes to network with reputable connections on tour who may help take her line to the next level.

As motived at they come, Samii tries to push herself everyday. “I want to make stuff that people love,” she says. “My collection is based around dreams, living your dreams, and being able to believe in yourself.”

Get the 4-1-1 on this successful, young fashion entrepreneur and purchase her designs at bysamiiryan.com.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Especially with the recent snow we’ve received. This is absolutely, hands down, my most favorite time of the year. I was already listening to Christmas music before Thanksgiving even arrived. The outdoor lights are up and glowing, the tree is fully decorated, and holiday-scented candles burn as I prepared for all that is the beauty of the season. I am in full-on Christmas mode!

I’ve made a list. And checked it twice. You bet I know who has been naughty or nice. Most of my shopping is complete (and yes, I happily report I supported several local businesses this year per my pledge) and I’ve even gotten much of my wrapping complete. I feel calm, cool, and collected. No frantic, last-minute shopping for me this year.

Every Christmas Eve, my dad, sister, and I always head up to the mall to buy a 6-pack of Cinnabons with an extra frosting cup. That’s our Christmas Day breakfast. I assume the tradition will continue yet again this year.

Tradition has always struck me as a funny word, because we used to have several of them and over time they just sort of faded away. It was always tradition to chop down our tree, but live trees were quickly replaced with a fake one that’s stored downstairs after each use. One tradition that has stood the test of time, though, is our gift-exchanging and family gatherings that take place during the 25th.

Whatever traditions you and your family may share, I hope you enjoy your holiday season. Are you ready yet? What is your favorite holiday pastime?

I can’t believe it, but the holidays are rapidly approaching and you know what that means. Holiday shopping madness! Every year, it seems like Christmastime sneaks up on me earlier and earlier. As I prepare for the gift-giving season, I have decided that I will try to complete the majority of my shopping at our wonderful selection of local retailers.

It has become customary that my dad, sister, and I bear the selfish Black Friday crowds at the Lehigh Valley Mall for a few deals and steals, but this year I want to focus my energy into seeking out unique gifts while helping our local economy at the same time. I already know where I’d like to begin, but first need to create my list.

So tell me, what’s on your holiday Wish List? Where do you shop for gifts? Happy hunting!

You’ll never guess what I did Monday night. I was a guest bartender (along with a few other local “celebs”) at Starters Riverport for the Alzheimer’s Association Bartender’s Challenge Lehigh Valley/Berks Memory Walk Kick Off event, and of course, I want to tell you how it went!

Let me first start off by saying I’ve never once mixed a drink behind a bar. In another life, I was a cocktail waitress during my last semester of college. That only lasted a good three months and all I did was take orders, serve, and clean up. Easy, right? Oh, and my days of tapping beers at Willy Joes in high school totally do not count.

Anyway, I was nervous. I didn’t know what to expect. Fortunately, the “real” bartenders were helpful and accommodating. I didn’t mix drinks, but I poured several frosty glasses of beer and a few rounds of shots, and I rimmed cups with salt for lots of margaritas.

The first half hour was a little rough because I didn’t quite know what to do with myself. Finally, as I got a few orders under my belt, I started feeling more confident and loosened up as I chatted with people sitting at the bar. By the end of my two-hour shift, I was pretty into it and totally bummed my time was up. And, I met former Eagles wide receivers Mike Quick and Harold Carmichael not to mention peeped a few other players (although I couldn’t tell you who they were!).

With Sara (center), Kellie, Harold and Mike (behind).

Basically, a portion of the night’s tips benefit the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk. The Alzheimer’s Association offers education, programs, and special services to those affected by the disease. The organization’s goal is to have 30,000 teams in place for the fall 2009 Memory Walk (the nation’s largest event to raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer care, support, and research). To learn more, contact our local branch in Hellertown at 610.838.2552.

Overall, it was a fun night! I think I’d definitely do it again, too. I’m not sure bartending is my calling, but for a good cause, who could possibly pass up the opportunity?

Rarely do I enter a store in the Lehigh Valley that exudes such a vibe that makes me feel as though I’m in SoHo or Brooklyn. That is, until, I walked into Loose Threads Boutique on 4^th Street in Bethlehem. If you’ve become a regular reader, my love for the Bethlehem area is rather obvious. That said, those who know me would tell you New York City is my favorite place to visit and hang out. It is, after all, only an hour- and-a-half away and our bus service to and from is unbelievably convenient.

Officially opening May 1, Loose Threads is the answer to those seeking a calming shopping retreat. Subtle wall colors and Indie tunes playing in the background create a warm and welcoming feeling. It even offers a nod to the environment and our community with recycled furniture, painted tree branches for hanging jewelry, and local artwork adorning each wall.

You can simply just see the quality in the perfectly pressed garments from lines like Feed Dog and Alternative Apparel unavailable anywhere else in the area. The jean wall, covering nearly half of the left-hand side of the shop as you enter, contains designer denim like Adriano Goldschmied. Freestanding clothing racks are neatly filled with wardrobe classics with a twist like pencil skirts and striped blazers and funky pieces suitable for the stylishly in tune. Guys, this one’s for you, too, with a limited selection of hip tees and tops. 

The young Easton boutique owners, Laura and Helene, have traveled and returned and are here to stay noting their excitement for opening up shop in Bethlehem’s flourishing South Side. I personally wish them the best of luck. It’s about time a clothing shop like this came around!