Fruitful Fashion on Trend | What I'm Wearing

It all started with this lemon dress I found at a local boutique. Right away I was smitten. Yellow always makes me happy and the fact that this ladylike silhouette was covered in a retro lemon print made me grin from ear to ear. As a travel and lifestyle blogger I believe fashion should be as much about the way you feel as it is about style. For that reason I'm so incredibly happy that fruit is trending this summer season. 

It's time for summer picnics and days at the beach. What better way to show your summer spirt than in a brightly colored playful number like these? 

My girls like to get in on the outfit post action. When I spotted this watermelon swim suit for baby London at Target I knew we had an ensemble. A quick peek in Sienna's closet reminded me of this little kiwi dress from last year's Target line. Though it's not available now, I found an adorable replacement covered in strawberries that is just as sweet (listed below)!

What are your favorite summer fashion trends? I love hearing from you in the comments below.

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com  

Special thanks to Tara Clemons for helping with the photos


Shop the Look
Toddler Girls' Watermelon Print Halter One-Piece Swimsuit Beach Pink - Circo • Circo • $10.99
Penelope Tree by Miss Behave Girls' Say What? Hearts Pattern Skater Dress - Black • $12.48
Brigitte Bailey Lucy Lemon Printed Dress • Brigitte Bailey • $89
Quay Eclipse Sunglasses • $55
Sensi Studio Watermelon Tote • Club Monaco • $330
Girls' Watermelon Zip Closure Crossbody Bag Green - Circo • Circo • $9.99
Tiffany & Co. Heart Pendant Necklace • Tiffany & Co. • $125
Picnic Time 'Gondola' Wicker Picnic Basket - Grey • Picnic Time • $167
Sur La Table Lemon Basil Soy Candle • Sur La Table • $12.59
Sur La Table Lemon Napkins, Set of 4 • Sur La Table • $17.49

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Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media.

Top Food Trends for 2016 | What the Experts Say

If you follow me you will know by now that I'm pretty passionate about the subject matter of food. Maybe it's because I have personal ties with the farming industry, maybe it's because I am a self confessed former "healthy kid"(or chubby if we are just being honest). Whatever the reasons, this girl loves food. I'm always fascinated to observe the ebb and flow of certain trends within the food industry. As I've become more acquainted with the regions top Chefs, Restauranteurs, and Influencers in the industry I learn more about what goes into these changes and how to be more informed about how it ends up on the plate and where it's inspiration originated from. Recently I sought out some of the regions most valued opinions on what's  trending this year and now I'm bringing them to you. Here's what the experts have to say about what to expect in 2016.

1. Eat Your Veggies
- Veggie Focused Menus
"As American consumers continue to develop deeper connections to their food and its sources, Sbraga anticipates more vegetable-focused menus will rise in prominence. “Our experience has shown that guests are willing to try new vegetables, especially if they’re prepared with the same level of care with which farmers grow and harvest the crops. Heritage crops are particularly popular; look for locally-focused restaurants to tout heirloom varieties of peas, turnips, and tomatoes.”
~ Chef Kevin Sbraga (Sbraga & Co)

Turnips
by
Sbraga & Company

- Food Costs on the Rise
According to Restauranteur John Nagy of Eleven South, the cost of food rose 15% in the last year. To achieve more value on the plate the spotlight is turning more towards unique and sustainable vegetable crops.

The Tuscan Sandwich from Eleven South Bistro & Bar

Urban Gardens "More and more local "urban" farms are cropping up (pun intended!) and serving their local area with specialty items (such as Congaree + Penn on the west side of Jacksonville and GYO Greens in Ponte Vedra), both of whom are examples of urban farm partners to Moxie and featured throughout our menus."
~ Chef Tom Gray and Sarah Marie Johnston ( Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails) 

Photo by Agnes Lopez

2. Strong Restaurant Identity = Destination Dining
Signature Dishes
“Despite the desire for variety, it’s important to assure both new and loyal guests that they can expect some degree of consistency from one visit to the next. These dishes usually go beyond seasonal appeal, and touch on something that’s core to the restaurant’s identity. Take, for instance, our Hog & Hominy at Sbraga & Company. It’s our answer to the popularity of shrimp and grits in Northeast Florida."
~ Chef Kevin Sbraga (Sbraga & Co)

Chef Kevin Sbraga

Demand for more regional inspired fare
"Cocktails both modern and classic. Craft cocktail flavors representative of the region. Regional twists on classics. Craft soda’s are going to be huge for the consumer."
~ Chef Scotty Schwartz (29 South)

"Southern-inspired cooking and recipes are very big. Our Chicken + Waffles is consistently one of our most-ordered entrees, as is our Pimento Cheese Toast, Crispy Chicken Livers, and Brunswick Stew, from our current menu. "

~ Chef Tom Gray and Sarah Marie Johnston ( Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails) 

Photo by Miguel Emmanuelli

3. Healthy = Happy

Increase Demand for More Health Conscience Dishes 
"Generally speaking the trend that we have seen the most is a move towards health consciousness. People want to know where their food comes from, eating locally produced and sustainably grown produce, clean flavors and gluten free options. "
~ Chef Sam and Kiley Efron ( Taverna) 

Beet Salad with Endive, Arugula, Beets, Orange Segments, and Marcona Almonds.
The Arugula comes from a local farmer named Freddie Bacon.

"As the owner of the "this chick" brand, our philosophy is to honor our guest's choices and food belief systems."
"We just need to serve whole(some) foods to our friends, family and clientele. Free of pesticides, GMO;s from truly clean soil."
~ Chef Rosaria Cammarata Anderson (This Chick Can Cook)

Consumers Continue Interest in Food Sourcing 
 "Our guests (and the general public) continue to be interested in the sourcing of ingredients they purchase themselves to cook at home, and what is served at restaurants.  All of our major farm partners and artisan producers are listed on our menus and on our website: http://moxiefl.com/about/full-circle-approach.  Sourcing locally and from artisan producers is a huge part of our "full-circle approach"."
~ Chef Tom Gray and Sarah Marie Johnston ( Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails) 


Micro Seasonal Menu Changes“It’s not just about what’s fresh this season anymore. Now, chefs have to ask themselves and their farm partners, what’s fresh this week? How can we showcase these specialty crops, which may only be available for a short window, in a way that will engage and excite our guests?” 
~ Chef Kevin Sbraga (Sbraga & Co) 

4. Different is Good 

" Ingredients that are slightly unusual vs. traditionally mainstream are becoming more in demand: unusual animal proteins (such as pigs ears, chicken livers, flank steak, etc. as seen on our menus at various times), and inventive vegan/vegetarian menu options (such as our Grilled BBQ Tempeh entree)."
~ Chef Tom Gray and Sarah Marie Johnston ( Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails) 

Crispy Chicken Livers, Hot Sauce & Blue Cheese
Photo by
Miguel Emmanuelli

Middle Eastern Food On Trend 
"After the Ottolenghi boost in middle eastern food popularity I thought it was a flash in the pan. Now more and more we are seeing Israeli and Arabic cuisine popping regularly up on the food scene. "
~ Chef Scotty Schwartz (29 South)

Falafel
by
Sbraga & Company

5. Back to Basics
Kicking it Old School
"Look for iconic dishes to return with a twist. As for cocktails, Manhattans and Old Fashions rule the day. Bourbon leads the way, outpacing Vodka this year."
~ John Nagy (Eleven South Bistro & Bar)

An Old Fashioned from Elevage at the Epicurean Hotel in Tampa

A Return to Product Driven Food Retail 

"Remember the days when people went to a butcher for meat. A Baker for bread. A farmstead for produce. I predict these days are making a return. We have seen in the past decade a return to the farmstead but the old time butcher shop is making a comeback. The last time I was in Park City I visited a “Artisanal Butcher’s Shop”. Meats were cut to order as well as sausages and other charcuterie made onsite. If you wanted something special he would cut it or order it in for you. Too often we go to the supermarket and buy off the shelf instead of having something cut specifically for the use we intend. By having a relationship with the butcher the public can access all of those yummy things chefs have at their disposal."
~ Chef Scotty Schwartz (29 South)

What's your opinion? Weigh in on your top foodie trends in 2016 in the comments below!

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy  West

www.amywesttravel.com 

Watch me discuss these trends on The Chat

Trend Report | Featuring Rocks Box

You know what can take a boring or well loved outfit and give it new life? The perfect statement accessory. If you are like me, that may fall more into the "want" category, not "need" category dropping back to the rear burner when it comes to shopping. Never fear! I recently learned of a service that sends its subscribers new accessories every month to liven up wardrobes around the style nation. If you love the pieces, you can purchase them, or if you like return them and receive fresh pieces for your next look! Pretty brilliant I know, and who doesn't love receiving a new box of sparkle every month? Read on to discover what bling I received from RocksBox....

Make a Statement

How does it work? Simply visit the RocksBox website here. Once you arrive you'll fill out a customized profile identifying your personal style preferences. One of my favorite features on the site is your ability to select your favorite items that you definitely love. The talented stylists at RocksBox will then analyze your profile results and your favorites and create a look just for you!

You'll receive three or four pieces with each box. Then the fun really begins as you mix and match your pieces with your personal wardrobe. Getting a million compliments? Opt in to purchase the item to keep. Not sure it's a long term piece for your closet? No problem, use the return label and return the items to receive a fresh look. It's that simple!

Great Things Come in Stylish Packages

Love the concept but afraid of commitment? Visit RocksBox today and sign up with my code amywesttravelxoxo to receive your first month subscription absolutely free!

Until then....

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com 

Great style comes in small packages

Want to be featured on Amy West Travel? Contact us today at info@amywesttravel.com .
Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media.

Prediction | Foodie Trends on the Decline

Food is not so different from fashion. Trends come and go based on a lengthy measure of circumstances. What's in season? What crop did well this year? What celebrity chef debuted their newest dish using that random ingredient? And what are the latest health trends? It's unclear at times just what makes an item leap of the menu and into patrons mouths (besides their tastiness), but what is clear, is that it is ever changing. Of course there are classics that will never go out of style like the iconic Filet, Salmon, and Pasta dishes, but some specialties will see their rise and fall within the spectrum of a year... give or take. Here are some dishes that have received a lot of fanfare recently that me thinks.... may not last much longer in the popularity contest that is dinner. So get em while they last friends before the next big thing goes viral across the dining rooms of the country.

5 Popular Foodie Trends that 
May be on their Way out

1. Mac N Cheese

It seems like everywhere you turn these days a new restaurant has a creative take on Mac N Cheese. This comfort food gone gourmet can be dressed up in a number of ways via bacon, lobster, breadcrumbs, and maybe even truffle oil. It's been a great revival, but I predict it will soon make way for a new comfort food of choice reinvented by our favorite talented chefs. Green Bean casserole anyone?

Photo by CherryLet

2. Macarons

A fashion bloggers best friend, these colorful creations are all the rage across 'Merica and beyond. Who knows maybe we will start to see make it yourself Macaron shops pop up like the ever popular Fro Yo destination... I predict the macaron doing well for a bit, and then relaxing back into it's iconic specialty department for the true believer. Yummy? I really think so. Trendy? You betcha... which is why I question it's ability to stick around as long as classics like the croissant, and creme brûlée. 

3. Kale Anything

Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of the kale trend. I love me some kale chips, green smoothies, and kale salads. Kale has been a huge health fad, joining ranks with super food favorites like acai, Noni Juice, and chia seeds. I feel the love, but I think there will be a new "Next Big Thing" coming out of the Amazon or some such region of mystery. For now we will "Love the Kale we are With". 

4. Fro Yo

Remember two years ago when you couldn't look left or right down any given street without a new Fro Yo place popping up? You might have already guessed that this trend is fading, with just a few strong brick and mortars hanging around. I love Fro Yo and hope they last a while longer. When I was in NYC I witnessed a tasty new take on yogurt in the form of yogurt bars (build your own non frozen yogurt bowl). I perceive this might be the new wave in yogurt, but only time will tell. 

5. Beets

It seems Beets are receiving a nice new push to the forefront in veggies specialties. I've seen lots of beet salads, roasted beet sides, and even beet fries. Personally I think beets are an acquired taste and can be a rather strong flavor to match well with entrees. I see this being a short 15 seconds of fame and being replaced by something a little more versatile. 

Photo by Martin Delisle

I'd love to hear any predictions of dishes you think are on the rise and fall. Leave a comment below and tell weigh in on the discussion.

Until then... 

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com 

Want to be featured on Amy West Travel? Contact us today at info@likelovewantneed.com.
Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media