My First Mukbang with LaBelleMel: Crazy Nuclear Noodle Challenge

Oh man, today's blast is a doozy because I'll be sharing my first official mukbang (...attempt) with you guys.  My blogger bestie (aka La Belle Mel) convinced me to tackle the spicy noodle nuclear fire challenge, anddddd it was intense.  Now, I can handle heat but damn, Mel takes it to a whole 'nother level.  I don't know ANYONE that can outspice me so big ups to her for schooling me in this challenge - see her tackle the first spicy noodle challenge HERE.  Oh, and make sure you guys say hi to the adorable Dexter here on instagram.

Anywho, I eat Korean bul myun on the regular on splurge days for funsies because they make me sweat and are hella delish, but the nuclear version I'm eating below = pretty ridic.  They're TWICE as spicy as the originals so I suffered, and that's putting it nicely.  I'm not even going to try and deny it - I was totally sweating during this entire video. Mel kept asking me questions throughout, and I remember thinking, "oh my god, how are you even talking right now?" I was busy trying not to die, ha!  Well, I hope you guys enjoy this, and I recently bought a new camera, a Canon EOS M10, so I'll be sharing lots more video stuffs from here on out!  Let me know if you have any requests.

The $15 Cutout Dress that Slays

Alright everyone, I don't know if you remember, but I featured this fab dress as a find of the day here a while back on SS!  I'm stoked to finally style it for you guys.  I dressed it down with my fave OTK boots and Chanel boy bag for a laid-back vibe.  Cute dresses are the best because they're ridiculously comfortable and easy to style.  If I'm ever in a rush or feel lazy, boots + dresses are my go-to!  Sub out boots for gladiator sandals for Spring & Summer.  What's your lazy day uniform?

Other fab cutout dresses that'll impress (all under $50):

 Dress:  Amiclubwear ($14.99) || Boots:  Stuart Weitzman || Bag:  Chanel (look for less)

A huge thanks to Sung Shin for taking these bamf photos!

Nomming on Italian Grub in Reisterstown, MD: Ristorante Firenze

Last Thursday, I hit up Ristorante Firenze in historic Reisterstown, MD with my bf and the lovely Heidi Klotzman (of HeidnSeek Entertainment) for lunch.  I don't know the area very well so I was excited to explore, but we actually didn't have much time to walk around because I was running late due to another meeting I had in Baltimore.  No worries though, that just means I have to go back soon!  

Anywho, I'm sure you guys know this already, but I'm all about supporting small + local businesses so I was beyond pumped to eat at this family run restaurant.  Larry and Brian Leonardi are Baltimore natives with roots in Little Italy.  Their grandparents moved to the US when they were young and settled in Baltimore!  They started off as bus boys, servers, and then cooks in their uncle's restaurant, Velleggia's before opening Ristorante Firenze.

We started our meal with drinks:  a Florence Sunset and a white sangria and then placed orders for apps.  There were tons to choose from, but we ultimately decided to go with the bruschetta ($13) and eggplant caprese tower ($13).  The former came with crab meat, and the latter featured crispy fried eggplant, fresh mozzarella and tomato drizzled with pesto vinaigrette.  The tower was on point!  I enjoyed eating every bite, and I loved that they didn't skimp on the cheese!

A close-up shot of the eggplant app!  And yes, it tastes just as good as it looks.

Next up came our salads + soups.  The pollo and pasta soup was really delicious! It came out piping hot, and the pasta was cooked perfectly - al dente, just the way it should be.  Each spoonful was packed with filling + flavor.  

 A closer look at my hearty soup!

Now onto entrees!  We ordered the signature trio and lobster ravioli and shared noms.  The trio came with 2 meatballs in marinara, fettuccini, alfredo and pesto spaghetti ($15), and the lobster ravioli ($19) was served in a old bay cream sauce.

We finished our meal off with a cappucino and the Spumoni Bomba ($7.45).  Imported from Italy, it contained chocolate, strawberry, and pistachio ice cream in a dark chocolate shell - perfect to share with a date!  

Alright guys, that's it for today! A HUGE thanks to Ristorante Firenze for hosting us.  Make sure you guys keep an eye out for my next food post.  I've been eating out a ton so there will be a new yum post out super soon.  Andddd make sure you guys follow along via instastories to stay in the know.