thefatgirloffashion.com đ Plus Size Fashion + Beauty & Lifestyle
Lifestyle blog on fashion, food & travel in Chicago
This post shares things to know about Melissa Holdbrook-Akposoe / MelissasWardrobe’s LE LUXE. Keep reading for the non-gatekeeper’s guide to #MMMDI and her smell better than clean perfume-infused laundry products.
Continue reading “LE LUXE by Melissa Holdbrook-Akposoe aka MelissasWardrobe”
This blog post is about visiting McDonald’s New Chicago headquarters with Black McDonald’s Operators Association of Chicago and Northwest Indiana (BMOA). Â The Mcdonald’s Chicago Office With BMOA does include a food sampling which is a bonus! Â I’m also slipping the tea. Â Thank me later, lol.
Are you looking for me to give you the behind the scene look at McDonald’s new home office in Chicago? Â Do you know about BMOA? Â Do you know what they do in the community? Keep reading to see what McDonald’s is doing beyond serving hot fries!
The Black McDonaldâs Operators Association of Chicago and Northwest Indiana is committed to help the areaâs African American communities by providing educational resources, promoting tolerance and acceptance, and empowering the people they serve. These meaningful efforts engage Chicagolandâs neighborhoods and embody the true spirit of family and community.
There is currently over 60 BMOAÂ located in Chicago and Northwest Indiana. Â They spoke about how BMOA touches the communities they service. Â I was especially touched when I learned about the annual turkey drive called Food for the Body & Spiritâ Thanksgiving program. Â Of course BMOA are apart of the Bud Billiken Day Parade and I’ve personally seen BMOA support CPS students.
Find out more about BMOA here.
Moving to a new location can be hard but McDonald’s made it look so easy. Â Originally in Oak brook the corporate office moved to the old Oprah Harpo studios site.
The exterior of the building has a warehouse look to keep inline with the neighborhood.  However the the interior is very modern.  There is a lot to see while you’re there.  You  can easily learn a ton of McDonald’s history.
I currently have the full tour in my Instastories. Â You can see it here. Â While you’re there be sure to like a few on my photo, lol.
I learned some behind the veil info about McDonald’s. Â THEY ARE WORKING ON A NEW BREAKFAST SANDWICH AND IT’S BOMB!!!! Â Tell everybody you know I said it’s a banger. Â Sadly, the french toast breakfast sandwich is only be served in Minnesota for testing. Â It’s so good I can’t see why it’s wouldn’t be hitting the Chicagoland area soon. Â Thank me later, lol
McDonald’s is also working on improving their computer network as a way to improve the customer experience. Â I learned that changes at McDonald’s don’t happen over night. Â For example the idea on the self service kiosk was an almost 15 year roll out.
Management told us what happen to the beloved orange soda and I had to say was ok sis, lol. Â Overall I had a good time and thankful that the BMOA tapped me for their first influencer visit. Â In case your wondering McDonald’s employee don’t get free food, yipes!
I attended this event as a guest of BMOA in honor on national breakfast month, however; All opinions are my own.  Dress gifted by Eloquii while in NYC for theCurvycon.
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Are you hungry because from reading this post?  Are you planning on ordering from McDonald’s but don’t want to leave the house?  Use my code for UberEats (get $5 off your first order on #UberEats with my code: eats-latoyaw21).  Thank me later, lol.
If you like this content be sure to share it on your social media platforms! Â Tell a friend to tell a friend.
You can sign up for this blogâs newsletter here and follow on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and snapchat and now YOUTUBE!
Within this blog post, Iâll be sharing my experience with using Uber Eats on McDonald’s McDelivery day. Â On July 19th, McDonald’s McDelivery, 90’s style swags was the word. Â
âWork smarter not harder.â _Owner at my first job aka a McDonald’sÂ
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McDelivery Day is McDonaldâs way of celebrating the fun and food McDelivery brings to the table.  McDelivery is how McDonald’s get their menu into your handles.  The McDonald’s menu can be delivered using the standalone app UberEats (get $5 off your first order on #Uber Eats with my code: eats-latoyaw21).  On McDelivery McDonald’s offers fun swag.  This year the theme was 90âs nostalgia.  With a minimum order of $5 could snag you a McClassic Tee, Big Mac PopSocket, Fries or Big Mac socks and menu items throwback pins.
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Using McDelivery was very simple!  All you need is the UberEats (get $5 off your first order on #Uber Eats with my code: eats-latoyaw21) app.  Enter in your delivery address and then place your order.  Anything on the McDonald’s menu can be delivered.  You can even put in special request.  If you like extra pickles then have at it!  With McDonald’s having over 37,000 locations in 120 markets around the world orders came fast so your food is sure to be hot.Â
I received the McDonald’s gear compliments of the Black McDonald’s Operators Association of Chicago and Northwest Indiana (BMOA), however; All opinions are my own. Â
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If you missed out on the official “McDelivery” day don’t worry.  The swag may be gone however, you can use the UberEats (get $5 off your first order on #Uber Eats with my code: eats-latoyaw21) app anytime 7 days a week and get your Big Mac on. Â
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Feel free to tweet me at @fatgirl_fashion or message me on Facebook here.  Â
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LIVE WELL IN CHICAGO|Â 3 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE TASTE OF CHICAGO HERE
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This blog post is about Taste of Chicago! Â Iâll be sharing three tips about visiting the Taste of Chicago. Â The Taste of Chicago is a great event full of family fun and a foodie’s heaven.
âIt was a peaceful protest. Delete your account.â _Mayor Rahm Emanuel
(Rahm Emanuel response to governor after activists shut down Dan Ryan Expressway while calling on elected officials to address gun violence)
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Taste of Chicago runs from Wednesday, July 11 and ends on Sunday, July 15.  Yes,  you only have 5 short days to taste from the 70 food vendors.  The hours vary.  Wednesday-Friday: 11am-9pm, Saturday & Sunday: 10am-9pm.
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Bring cash! Â Yes, you can use a debit or credit card to purchase Taste of Chicago food tickets. Â However, many of the booths that sells the food tickets are cash only.
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Taste of Chicago has food trucks the year! Â Yes, you read that correct. Â You can find the food booths on wheels can be found parked at Jackson & Columbus in Grant Park.
For more information on the Taste of Chicago here!
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A true Chicagoan only know the Sears Tower, so what you talking about Willis?
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Feel free to tweet me at @fatgirl_fashion or message me on Facebook here.  Â
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S H O P Â T H I SÂ L O O K
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READ MY PLUS SIZE & PETITE UNIVERSAL STANDARD GENEVA DRESS REVIEW HERE
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âI donât cook for my ego. I cook to make people happy.â _Lee Wolen
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Chicago Restaurant Week 2018 returns on January 26 and continues through February 8 with two weeks of dining deals.  The Chicago food scene is as diverse as the people of Chicago.  The restaurants participating span the Chicagoland area.  Different Chicago neighborhoods including downtown and suburbs.  The dining choices include Italian, French, Spanish, Chinese just to name a few.  This is your time to go to your favorite spot or just new places like I am.  The restaurants should provide you with their special Restaurant Week Menu.  If the servers fails to give you one, simply request the special menu.  The annual culinary celebration features special prix fixe menus starting at $22 for brunch or lunch, and $33 and/or $44 for dinner (excluding beverages, tax, and gratuity).
Since Chicago beats to itâs own drum Chicagoâs Restaurant Week is not going to be just 7 days but being held over 14 days.  Chicago Restaurant Week will be kicked off on January 25th with the First Bites Bash being held at Aon Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier.  The First Bites Bash will be hosted by Lee Wolen executive chef and partner of Boka restaurant in Lincoln Park with a portion of the proceeds will benefit Greater Chicago Food Depository. with a portion of the proceeds will benefit Greater Chicago Food Depository.  Organized by the city of Chicagoâs official tourism organization Choose Chicago; Chicago Restaurant Week will be inviting visitors and locals to dine January 26th and continues through February 8th.
These two weeks will prove to be a foodieâs paradise.  Iâve already made my reservations.  Iâm excited to review 6 new restaurants.  Iâve chosen restaurants Iâve never visited and I encourage you to also.  The 11th annual Chicago Restaurant Week will have many restaurants that are 4 or 5 stars participating.  Iâve included a link to the full list here.  Please look over the many locations and their special menus before making your reservations during Chicago Restaurant Week.
With over 370Â restaurants taking part (including 115 new participants for 2018!), you can get a taste of Chicagoâs restaurant scene: Italian, French, Spanish, Chinese and more! Between the neighborhood favorites and downtown hotspots, you can feast on delicious multi-course menus all across the city and suburbs.
Are you making a reservation for Chicago Restaurant Week?
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Reservations are not required but are highly recommended. There is no guarantee that walk-in guests will be accommodated, so please call ahead or book your reservation online at eatitupchicago.com.
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C H I C A G O  L O V ETo learn about other eventâs happening in and around Chicago go to ChooseChicago.com.  For example, did you know Chicago Theatre Week is taking place February 8th to 18th  with tickets ranging from $15 to $30 for over 100 shows.  Tickets are available starting January 9th.  You can learn more about Chicago Theatre Week here.
For travel information, visit http://www.transitchicago.com or save with my codes for Uber latoyaw21 or Lyft LATOYA308013.  If you drive can save $5 on your parking space with my SpotHero link.Â
If you like this content be sure to share it on your social media platforms! Â Tell a friend to tell a friend.
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You can sign up for this blogâs newsletter here and follow on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and snapchat and now YOUTUBE!  Feel free to reach out for restaurant and kitchen gadget reviews here.
âTake a picture it’ll last longerâ _ Unknown
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There are miles of colorful books, desks and lamps sit under a ceiling sent from the heavens in the NYPLâs ornate reading room. Â It’s so Instagramable inside and out. Â Be sure to walk up its steps and take a pic next to the pair of lions. Â The lions are a big draw.
Stone street is one of oldest streets in all of New York.  The setting is perfect for pictures.  The cool colors of the building are a great backdrop.  The Financial District has great statues to pose next to.
Known as the pink place.  Pietro Nolita is the go-to cafe for the girly girl.  Pink barstools, pink tables, pink lightsâŠthis place is super cute and I hear their food is also delicious.  Itâs a very small so try to book your spot early.   174 Elizabeth Street, 10012
Times Square is part of New York Cityâs DNA. Â There will be tons of tourists but all the lights are great for pictures. Â Right across from the McDonald’s is the Hello Kitty store (No pictures inside of there). Â There is also a wax museums in Time Square. Â
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Nothing bets free!!!  It’s an hour round trip and fulls up quick.  It’s one of the best ways to see the New York City skyline is from the water. The Staten Island Ferry runs until 11pm. The ferry to Ellis and Liberty Islands (small fee) is also beautiful though it tends to be much more crowded. 4 Whitehall Street, 10004
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The prime location for this oddly shaped and highly recognizable building â right across the street from Madison Square Park â makes the Flatiron Building an excellent stop for any city explorer.
Get someone with you to hop up onto a chair in the little plaza across the street for a shot sans people or traffic. Â Avoid taking your photo early in the morning unless you want the shadows of other buildings cast across the Flatironâs facade. 175 Fifth Avenue, 10010
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The Oculus resembles a âbird released from a childâs hands. Â It’s a shopping mall/transit hub in the World Trade Center complex. Â It’s a true architectural wonders. Â Head to the upper level of the mall to capture the futuristic rib-like skylight that makes up the ceiling.
A new addition to downtown Manhattan, this might be the most photogenic mall in America. The all white interior and towering ceiling is a must see. Â 185 Greenwich Street, 10007
You can go to the top of the Empire State Building to get a amazing shot of Manhattan in all directions. Â There are only a few places higher for a panorama view than the Top of The Rock, the Midtown observation deck with views that canât easily be beat.
You can look to the the south from the 70-story Observation Deck to see all the way down to 1 World Trade and the Statue of Liberty or to the north for the most incredible views of Central Park. Â Thereâs no bad time of day to see this view of NYC from the top of the rock. Â The last trip up at 11:15PM guarantees a small crowd. 30 Rockefeller Plaza, 10111
Skip the line at Sprinkles and grab one of their delicious cupcakes from the perfectly pink ATM where you can find most of their flavors, restocked throughout the day. Â Have your camera ready to snap a video of the ATM serving your cupcake or hold up your cupcake and use the pink backdrop for a colorful image. 780 Lexington Avenue, 10065
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If you like this look be sure to share it on your social media platforms!!! Â Tell a friend to tell a friend.
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You can sign up for this blogâs newsletter here.  Also lately Iâve been doing most of my posting on Snapchat@fatgirl_fashion. My Snapchat friends were the first to know about the location I selected for my blogâs 3rd-year-anniversary brunch.  They saw first hand my Beyonceâs Formation tour experience and an NYC trip for theCurvycon.  Snaps showed L.A. for BlogHer and ATL for TCFStyleExpo and The MakeUp Show Chicago.  So be sure to follow on Snapchat so you donât miss any of the action.  thefatgirloffashion.com can be found on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter also.
âLots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.â _ Oprah Winfrey
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By reading this blog post you represent that you are over 21 years of age if not click here for another reading option.
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We all know the saying “Give a person their roses while they’re alive.” Â Monee here’s your rose bush. Â I met my good friend Monee randomly on one of my many retail therapy days. Â We became fast friends. Â She has been a great source of support for me and my blog. I am very grateful for her. Â A group of her many friends spent the day celebrating her birthday. Â We all got together for a cook out.
Summertime Chicago was a perfect backdrop for grilling and hanging with friends. Â We all agreed to bring a dish or beverage. Â There were some many great food options I was a happy camper. Â Monee birthday party was a huge success.
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.For the celebration of my good friend’s birthday, my contribution to the fun was a bottle of Ruffino Sparkling RosĂ© to her party.  It’s known to have a fresh and fragrant with notes of strawberry and slight hints of rose petals.  I normally don’t enjoy dry wines.  So an extra dry wine is almost always a no go for me.  However, the manager told me about the great blend and insisted I would like it.  He was right.  On the palate, this wine has elegant bubbles and refreshing flavors of delicate red berries and white fruits.
More recently I’ve been studying up on different wines and spirits to expand my palate.  In researching Ruffino Sparkling RosĂ© it’s noted to be an elegant and stylish Italian sparkling wine made primarily from the Glera grape, which is used in all Prosecco wines, blended with Pinot Noir. The Glera grape gives the wine structure and body, and the Pinot Noir provides the wine with a beautiful rose hue. Because of its extra-dry style makes it easy to enjoy, and its bright fruit flavors and delicate bubbles make it perfect for enjoying a beverage before a meal or to pair with a variety of dishes such as grilled fish, roasted chicken, and mixed greens salads.
The Ruffino Sparkling Rosé was a huge hit.  The ladies asked me where they could pick up a bottle of these wine.  I picked my bottle from Food Life Chicago while I was at the Chicago Water Tower shopping.  However, the Ruffino Sparkling Rosé can be picked up at Target and other restaurant locations.  When consuming Ruffino Sparkling Rosé or any other spirits please do so responsibly.
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If you like this look be sure to share it on your social media platforms!!! Â Tell a friend to tell a friend.
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You can sign up for this blogâs newsletter here.  Also lately Iâve been doing most of my posting on Snapchat@fatgirl_fashion. My Snapchat friends were the first to know about the location I selected for my blogâs 3rd-year-anniversary brunch.  They saw first hand my Beyonceâs Formation tour experience and an NYC trip for theCurvycon.  Snaps showed L.A. for BlogHer and ATL for TCFStyleExpo and The MakeUp Show Chicago.  So be sure to follow on Snapchat so you donât miss any of the action.  thefatgirloffashion.com can be found on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter also.
âI needed to create my own brand, not only to produce products that met the demands of makeup artists, but also the demands of women worldwide.â _ Dany Sanz, Creator and Artistic Director of the international brand MAKE UP FOR EVER
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Since 1984, MAKE UP FOR EVERÂ has produced unique, high performance makeup. Â Focused on the professional makeup artistsâ needs, MAKE UP FOR EVER regularly launches new product to the professional community first â and regularly at The Makeup Show. Â From the HD complexion range to the color assortment and versatility of the Artist franchise, MAKE UP FOR EVER dependably delivers pro grade products to the professional community, putting the needs of professional makeup artists above all.
MAKE UP FOR EVER will use The Makeup Show’s Chicago stop happening June 18th and 19th to preview recent additions to MAKE UP FOR EVERâs Ultra HD complexion range including the Ultra HD Skin, lip boosters, the Ultra HD microfinishing loose, pressed powders and Aqua XL ranges.
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MAKE UP FOR EVER recently expanded and is showing, waterproof Aqua XL collection at The Makeup Show Chicago, including new Aqua XL Ink Liners and Aqua XL Color Paints. An award winner within weeks of its launch, Aqua XL Ink Liner is a liquid eye liner that defines and enhances eyes in a wide range of neutral and bold shades with a long-lasting formula. Aqua XL Color Paint is a blendable, highly-pigmented cream available in 20 shades and matte, lustrous, and iridescent finishes. This versatile addition to the Aqua XL family can be worn alone as shadow, as liner, or as an eye shadow base to achieve a full range of eye looks.
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In addition to new previews MAKE UP FOR EVER will be having two seminar.  The first is with Pro & Media Educator, Nick Lujan.  He will demonstrates why the Ultra HD complex-ion range is essential to bridal beauty.  The seminar âIndustry Essentials: Ultra HDâ will take place from Sunday,June 18th from 1:45-2:30PM.
Nick Lujan will returns on Monday, June 19th from 12:30-1:15pm and do a demonstration with the Aqua XL rage. Â Nick in the educational seminar, âEverlasting Beauty: Long Wearing Makeupâ will be focusing the benefits of Aqua XL and a selection of MAKE UP FOR EVERâs other offerings, demonstrating why they are essential to any long-lasting beauty look.
The Makeup Show attendees can receive a discount on the entire MAKE UP FOR EVERÂ range. Â By attending The Makeup Show professionals can receive between 30% to 50% off purchases of the Ultra HD range, the Aqua XL range, Artist Acrylip and Artist Liquid Matte lip products, Water Blend foundations, Artist Shadows and Flash Palettes.
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Are you attending The Makeup Show in Chicago June 18th and 19th?  Are you excited to see what new MAKE UP FOR EVER products are being offered?
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CLICK HEREÂ FORÂ 5 TAKEAWAYS FROM THE MAKEUP SHOW CHICAGO..
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You can sign up for this blogâs newsletter here.  Also lately Iâve be doing most of my posting on snapchat@fatgirl_fashion. My snapchat friends were the first to know about the location I selected for my blogâs 3rd year anniversary brunch.  They saw first hand my Beyonceâs Formation tour experience and a NYC trip for theCurvycon.  Snaps showed L.A. for BlogHer and ATL for TCFStyleExpo and The MakeUp Show Chicago.  So be sure to follow on snapchat so you donât miss any of the action.  thefatgirloffashion.com can be found on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter also.
