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Nikki Nett

More Adventures of Nikki Nett

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…and I’m back!

So, the adventures haven’t been so adventurous lately- I know, I know. Life happens and we all get a little busy, which ties right in with this adventure. Maybe that’s over stating it…we’ll call this one a series of mini adventures. Between work, school, networking, volunteering, kids activities, or whatever it is that keeps you busy, you still have to find a little time here & there to connect with your peeps. Whether it’s your oldest friend on the planet, work buddies, or a favorite family member, find some time- these are the connections that feed your soul. Here are a few thoughts on the hows & wheres to make it happen!

Alfredo Wrap from Flavors Eatery

If you’re south of town, stop in to Flavors Eatery right across from Centerville High School. They have a huge and eclectic menu with a little bit of everything. On a recent visit, I tried the alfredo wrap (yummo!) it came with a side of chips drizzled in their famous garlicky dressing (to die for!). I think I may have developed a slight addiction to their coconut-pineapple smoothie while I was there. Make sure you take a sec to check out the funky art that surrounds you while you’re grabbing a quick bite with your girlfriends!

Downtown? Make a quick little journey over to Butter Cafe on Brown St. Please leave your diet at the door so you can enjoy their ever changing array of  cupcakes and other sweet treats. This is a great option for those of you going the organic route. So many delicious choices on the menu, but I zeroed in on the chai french toast.   Excellent choice, I must say!  A little birdie told me their grilled pb&j is the way to go, perhaps I need to venture back down there to try it?

Do you prefer to catch up while shopping? If you haven’t yet, you HAVE TO stop in at Charming Charlie at the Greene. It’s pretty much the Disneyworld of accessories. Everything is grouped by color and the best part about it is the afford-ability!  This is a great place for gifts as well as funky/trendy pieces that don’t qualify as investment jewelry. I really prefer to highlight locally owned places and stay away from the chain stores, but Charming Charlie just needed to be mentioned. I’m in love, I really am.

Would you rather sip while you chat? Yes, please.  Head out to Cork & Vine right off of Miller Lane. They boast an extensive wine list (adding new wines weekly!) as well as 30 different martinis and a selection of  craft and domestic beers. Pull up a seat near the fireplace and discuss McDreamy’s hair last Thursday or how much you loved the Britney episode of Glee. Oh wait, that’s what I like to do, I’m sure you have your own topics of conversation.

Now, I don’t know about you, but during the fall, my favorite way to connect with friends is over FOOTBALL!!!!! I love it. I reaaaalllyy love it. Over the past few weeks, we have established my love for heels and lipgloss, let’s just say football completes the trifecta. Frickin Chicken Chunks, cheddar balls and Miller Lite is the standard meal of choice while complaining about my Fantasy Football team or saying loudly (over and over, as a self-calming measure) that the Browns can turn their luck around any minute. Many a Fricker’s have been graced with my presence (and that of my crazy friends) while we revel in the atmosphere of too much testosterone, hot sauce and the sensory overload of a million (give or take a few) tv’s.

This week, I am most looking forward to getting together with friends at Masquerage! This annual party of parties raises money for AIDS Resource Center Ohio and is hands down, one of the best events the Miami Valley has to offer. I have been obsessing about my costume for weeks and can NOT wait to see what everyone else is wearing! Do YOU have any Heavenly Pleasures or Sinful Delights you’d like to share with the world? Masquerage is the place to do it! I hope to see some of you there!

There you have it, some fun stuff to do while getting together with your peeps. I’d like to add that any food or drink mentioned in this article is fat-free, carb-free, calorie-free and has anti-aging benefits.  This is a fact that I will firmly stand by (until challenged, at which point I will crumble like a stale cookie with the realization that maybe blatantly lying to myself doesn’t really work). As always, if you know of any place that merits checking out on my adventures, comment below or find me on Twitter- Nikkisayswhat. Until next time, lovlies…

The Adventures of Nikki Nett

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Meet my friend Nikki Nett. She’s sassy, she’s single and she’s a shopaholic. She can hold her own whether we’re drinking cosmos or tequila, and she can do it all in 4 inch heels!  She’s always up on the latest gossip, the hottest night spot and  the newest boutique in town.   And now she’s telling you about it, too!

There are a couple philosophies that I live by.
1.) There is no situation in life where lipgloss is inappropriate.
2.) Rockin’ shoes really CAN make your life better (just ask Cinderella).

This week, we are going to delve into the wonderful world of shoes. Not just any old ordinary shoes, no ma’am (or sir)! We are going to talk about the sexy stilettos. The kind that you put on and instantly become more glamorous, more confident, maybe even a little naughty. The kind that make you look like you have legs for miles, that give your booty that extra lift, and that make you walk a bit taller (literally AND figuratively). These shoes are my weakness. Some people dream of vacations, winning the lottery, an amazing house- I dream of Carrie Bradshaw’s closet. Although I don’t live in Manhattan with my Mr. Big, I’m working on the shoe collection, slowly but surely.

I have found a little slice of heaven here in the Miami Valley, a glimpse into the closet of my heart, if you will. Integritas in the Dayton Mall! Perhaps you have seen or heard the commercials with their slogan “Life’s too short for boring shoes!“, well those words are what owners Manish & Stacy Agarwal believe wholeheartedly and they want to make sure YOUR life is never boring! (Ok, they can’t go to the grocery store for you, or help you find a date for Saturday night, I’m pretty sure they don’t want to do your laundry for you, but they can at least provide you with the extra 4 inches in a hot color to make all of the above seem more bearable)

Recently, I had the chance to speak with Manish about Integitas. He just returned from a buying trip and I have to say, I know I’m excited about what’s in store for this season!

What made you decide to open a shoe store here in the Dayton area?
We opened the store in 2004 because we saw the need for good, fashionable shoes in the Dayton market.

What’s your favorite aspect of owning a shoe store here?
Being able to bring a little of the big city looks here to this smaller town. (THANK YOU!!)

What is the best fashion advice you’ve ever been given?
LIFE’S TOO SHORT FOR BORING SHOES!! (I concur, I really, reeeaaallly do!)

Integritas is located right next to Victoria’s Secret in the Dayton Mall. In addition to carrying so many of the current styles by Guess, Jessica Simpson, BCBgeneration and Coach for women, they also carry men’s styles. Admittedly, the men’s section only got a glance from me seeing as how I was mesmerized by a silvery, sparkly, fabulous shoe from Guess. Oh, then there was the sexy suede one to the right of it with the same style in fuchsia as well. Oops…getting sidetracked, ok, back to the men. Cole Haan, Robert Wayne, Mezlan, Steve Madden for Men are just a few of the brands you will find at Integritas. Soon they will also begin carrying a denim line as well as some fashion forward shirts for men.

Integritas is not ‘just’ a shoe store. You can top off your look with a pair of designer shades from D&G, Versace, Burberry, and Prada (ok, I don’t mind if I do!) or grab one of this season’s ‘IT’ bags. I couldn’t decide which one I couldn’t live without, Looks like another trip is in order (I’ll make up any excuse). There are shoes there that need a good home, MY home. The leopard print peep toe with the red bow needs to be worn with my favorite LBD. The red suede ones with the spikes should make friends with my skinny jeans & black t-shirt. Thigh high boots?? MUST HAVE.

The next time you have the perfect outfit on, look down, need a little extra ‘oomph’ in your step? Swing by Integritas, you’ll be glad you did. And tell them Nikki sent you!

Stay tuned for Nikki Nett’s next adventure into the world of shopping, make up, partying and fabulosity! We never know where she’s headed, but we always know there will be a story about where she ends up!