The third installment of the NYC Vibes Moment with x The Love List
ELENA:)
I feel like it’s been a while since my last interview. Off to NYC next week and I can’t wait to see Alex DiMaggio from What’s Bakin’ NYC. I ordered special cupcakes and I can’t wait to hand deliver them to three companies next Friday! I’ll post pictures of the final product next week. But In the meantime, here is 5 minute/5 questions with the talented and sweet baker, Alex DiMaggio:
1) How long have you lived in New York?
I’m a native New Yorker born & raised, which I like to say kind of makes me a unicorn in this global city!
2) When did you start baking?
When I was 12, my mom and I took a cake decorating class at a local chocolate shop just to do something fun together. From there, it became a hobby and creative outlet of mine that friends always encouraged me to pursue. In 2012, I got the opportunity to live in Brazil, where I was so inspired by the amazing sense of happiness, optimism and wonder that the Brazilian people inherently posses. It was one of my favorite things about the experience, and something I vowed to take with me. So when I returned to NY with Brazilian optimism fresh in my heart, I decided to take a leap! I’ve been so lucky to have lots of support from amazing family, friends and of course Instagram followers!
3) What is your favourite cupcake/cake flavour and why?
My favorite flavor would definitely have to be my “Viva Brazil” variety. It, of course, is inspired by my time there and is just irresistible. Besides that, I don’t think there’s anything “vanilla” about French Vanilla!
4) What is your advice for new bakers thinking about starting their own business?
Don’t be afraid to start small! Sure, it can get overwhelming at times, but when you get to share in the happy celebrations and milestones of others, it’s all worth it!
5) What are the top three characteristics on your Love List (characteristics or qualities you are looking for in a potential mate or your current mate)?
You know, it’s funny how your priorities change as you get older! Being a single woman in NYC these days can be brutal, but what’s really important to me now is a great sense of humor, good manners and honesty! And if he’s got an English accent, he gets bonus points!
Don’t forget to ‘Like’ Alex on Facebook and follow her on Twitter & Instagram @whatsbakinnyc
ELENA:)
When you read this – you may wonder if in fact I am currently using my fabulous Flytographer photos for an online dating profile – I am not 🙂 But that doesn’t mean it isn’t a great idea.
I think it’s funny that I talk about Paris in the article – but these pictures are from New York. Details…
This is from the Life & Style report in the Metro UK for September 4, 2014
How a hot shot can help snap up a date
Author Elena Murzello talks to Ashley Pearson about boosting her profile with a pro-shot portfolio
Everyone knows you have to look good in an online dating profile. Using a professional snapper and hiring a witty writer to pen your blurb is becoming the norm but no longer content with standing against a white background, singles are hiring photographers to capture them in glam settings in order to attract a lover.
While holiday snaps are nothing new- as Kate Taylor, relationship expert for match.com says “People in summery, exotic photographs are seen as more attractive, sociable and healthier than the same people in wintery shots” – the chances of you capturing the perfect holiday selfie are slim. But hire a pro and you get all the extra pizzazz (and airbrushing) of a professional and capture the adventurous globetrotter vibe as well.
Think stylish shots of sporty looking accountants skiing down mountains, glam PR girls climbing out yellow cabs in teetering heels, curvy divorcees lying on immaculate white sandy beaches and good looking hipsters hiking Kilimanjaro.
No wonder companies like Flytographer are in demand. It’s a service providing professional – quality holiday photos worldwide thanks to a network os skilled snappers, many of who shoot for likes of Vogue and Vanity Fair.
Elena Murzello, dating expert and author of The Love List: A Guide to Getting who you want, is a client. “Having a profile photo that stands out is vital,” she says. “First impressions are key and it’s the difference between a swipe or a second look.”
“Travelling solo to Paris, I booked Flytographer to capture me on the Pont des Arts bridge and at the Louvre. There’s only so much detail and personality a random selfie can portray. I loved the results – my online interest increased exponentially.”
Flytographer founder Nicole Smith is surprised by this new market but couldn’t be happier. “I set up the company so that people on holiday would go home with great photographic memories,” she says. “If clients are using them as a way to find true love after they get home, it’s a bonus.”
ELENA:)
A few months ago I got connected with Feminine Weapon in NYC. They were kind enough to check out my book, The Love List. Here is the awesome review!
Thanks so much ladies!
ELENA:)
Buyer beware! These are no ordinary pretzel snacks!
Fatty Sundays are scrumptious, delicious chocolate dipped pretzels created by two lovely sisters from Brooklyn (Ali and Lauren).
Great name aside – Fatty Sundays are flavourful, fun and are the perfect marriage between salty and sweet treats.
PS: There are so many great flavours to choose from but my vote is for the smooth mint!
Here is a 15% discount code (FS15XEM) for your next order (good until Oct 1, 2014). Yay!
Don’t forget to add them on twitter and instagram: @fattysundays and of course, ‘Like’ them on Facebook.
ELENA:)