Do any of you have those weeks where you just feel straight up "blah" and more lazy than usual? (Notice how I added “than usual” because let’s face it, laziness is inevitable when you’re in college) Well, that was me this week and sugar just so happened to be the cure. I’m talking sweets all day, everyday--definitely not my smartest decision, but hey, it happens. 💁 Some days you just feel too "blah" to care and need to indulge yourself a bit. Better to eat the ice cream now than in 20 years when gravity is working against you, right?

My mantra this week was totally inspired by the movie "Remember Me" and Emilie de Ravin’s character, Ally, who always ate her dessert first. She’d say, “I just don't see the point in waiting. I mean, what if I die while eating my entree?” Preach it sister 👏 Side Note: if you haven’t seen this movie yet, I highly recommend!

Lucky for me, I’ve got my favorite sweet shops on speed dial...okay, maybe I’m not that cool, but how awesome would that be?? Doorstep cupcake delivery service? Sign me up! But enough with my sugar-powered business ventures, queue bakeshop review in 3…2…1…

Home to some of the best pastries, cakes, and Italian desserts, Carlo’s Bakery will forever be a fave of mine. Most of you might recognize the name from the hit TLC show, "Cake Boss"where master baker, “Buddy” Valastro, and his exuberant family tackle the family business. Carlo’s Bakery has received national recognition for its incredible treats and so it’s no surprise this place was my “go-to” spot in all my sugary madness.

My lovely mother decided to join me on my trip to Orlando's Carlo’s Bakery as she is always so supportive of my latest food crazes. One thing you should know about my mom and I is that we have zero self-control and so you can imagine what it’s like when the two of us go shopping together. Let’s just say, my dad and our wallets are never happy with us. Fortunately, my dad is easily won over with cannoli’s so it’s just the wallets we’d need to deal with…later.

Foodie Pro Tip: never go shopping for food on an empty stomach, trust me! It never ends well...I'm talking major "eyes bigger than your stomach" kind of deal 😂

As expected for any food spot in the Florida Mall, there was a decent line but the bakery was not nearly as packed as it was opening month--and yes, I was there opening month so you know I was legit about this place coming to Orlando. After about 15-20 minutes of waiting/contemplation, my mom and I decided on a few special treats.

Right off the bat, we knew we had to get a dozen cream puffs. Stuffed with Carlo’s signature vanilla custard and sprinkled with powdered sugar, this little pillow of decadence is nothing short of big flavor. And don’t even think you can get by with just eating one…consider this your warning.

Next we had to try the Traditional Lobster Tail, which was a delicious explosion of textures. Its extra crunchy and flaky shell surrounds the most incredible filling of vanilla lobster tail cream and Bailey’s liquor. These guys were definitely the stars of the show.

I’ve been in such a strawberry mood lately and so the traditional Strawberry Shortcake Tower was calling my name. Vanilla cakes smothered in whipped cream and fresh strawberries, talk about YUMMO. Can’t go wrong with this dessert, plus it came in a cute little portable container #winning.

And finally, we had to grab a few cannoli’s too, as they are my dad’s favorite. Carlo’s kills it with this classic pastry--crispy shells stuffed with a ricotta cheese & chocolate chip filling. No joke, my dad could eat an entire tub of that cannoli cream like it’s nobody’s business, so consider that a major stamp of approval!

15 pounds later...you could definitely say I'm coming down from my sugar high (SO worth it). Obviously, I’m a regular of Carlo’s Bakery so I for sure plan on returning…but maybe after I hit the gym a few times first. 🙈

Foodie Fast Facts:

Service: Counter Service

Type of Food: Bakery

Price Range: depends on the item…but worth every penny!

Menu: http://order.carlosbakery.com/menu/carlos-bakery-orlando

Location: Florida Mall

Overall Foodie Girl Rating: 🍰🍰🍰🍰out of 5

Remember, life is short...eat dessert first. 😉

xoxo foodie girl