ladulcivida

Island bound

2012-02-15T05:56:00.000-08:00

For the next few days, I'll be thawing out here in Turks & Caicos, See you when I get back! xodc.

photo via here.

Be Mine

2012-02-14T05:18:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day! I've got a hot date tonight with my old man at our favorite neighborhood restaurant, and I can't wait!

Hope you have a great V Day. xodc.

Frozen in Time...

2012-02-12T10:44:00.000-08:00

I'm back from an amazing (an cold) trip to the French Alps and Switzerland. Here are some photos I took, though to be honest, it was too cold to take many photos.

Hiver in Megeve, France.

The view from our chalet.

Brrr.

I just want peace.

Verbier, in all it's glory.

Croute Fromage at Chez Dany (with a fried egg for good measure).

The view from Chez Dany.

Irish coffee in Switzerland.

Sadly, it's just as cold in NYC, so I'll be hibernating for the next few days. Stay warm!!

Lip Service

2012-01-31T04:55:00.000-08:00

Although this winter has been particularly mild, I've still been feeling a bit stuck in the winter doldrums. So when I stumbled upon Jouer Cosmetic's lovely lip sheers named after island paradises like St.Tropez and Positano, I was like, Calgon take me away.

My package from Jouer arrived this week, and I'm pleased to say it rocks. Their packaging is pretty and feminine and all orders come with your choice of two samples. Best of all, the lip sheer I order (Capri) made my lips feel like they were on vacation. All that and SPF 15...damn Gina!

To send your lips on a getaway, check out Jouer.

scenes from the weekend...NYC

2012-01-30T05:32:00.000-08:00

My weekend centered squarely around food. Things started with a lovely dinner at Red Cat for Restaurant Week on Friday night.

Saturday afternoon, we kicked off a marathon erranding session with craft beers and steamed pork buns at Ma Peche.

Then, after surviving the 7th circle of hell (aka Bloomingdales's on a Saturday afternoon during the 1 day only home sale...), we made our way to Grand Central Oyster Bar for some mollusks and a much needed martini.

Saturday night, we wandered to Gramercy Tavern, a neighborhood favorite for a low key meal in the tavern room. I started with some more oysters (don't judge) and promptly put away my camera to enjoy the rest of the meal.

Hope your weekend was just as delicious!

swizz miss

2012-01-23T20:12:00.000-08:00

Hard to believe, but in a little over a week, I'll be back here. Crazy to think it's already been a year since I was there!! Bring on the chocolate, cheese and snow!

p.s. if you're interested, read about my trip to Megeve, France and my first ever trip to Switzerland.

food porn

2012-01-23T05:41:00.000-08:00

Even chef's take crappy food pictures with their phones! These photos are from Mario Batali's phone. And, how yummy does that fried chicken look?? To see Eric Ripert and Tom Colicchio's photos, check out vanity fair.

p.s. these pics have me sooo ready for summer!!

Instagram Me!

2012-01-19T05:28:00.000-08:00

Are you on Instagram? I am, and I'm obsessed. Follow me there - I'm @ladulcivida!

down with downton

2012-01-18T05:33:00.000-08:00

Obsessed.

Scenes from the weekend...Deer Valley, UT

2012-01-17T19:15:00.000-08:00

I spent the long weekend skiing in Deer Valley, Utah. We munched on bowls of famous Deer Valley turkey chili and played Backgammon by the fire. Hope you had a great holiday weekend!

Thanks Ruth...

2012-01-10T18:09:00.001-08:00

I like Ruth Reichl. I like food. In a cosmic twist of fate (not really), Ruth Reichl has started a new weekly series on Gilt Taste called "How to Make a Better..." offering tips and tricks to take things to another level in the kitchen.

And, not like I (or my hips...) need this information, but Reichl's first post offers 6 tips on how to make a better grilled cheese. I especially like her tip on using grated cheese, as opposed to sliced.

So, just like that my new year's resolutions are completely derailed! Thanks, Ruth!

In the Closet...

2012-01-09T05:07:00.000-08:00

Please do us both a favor and go check out "My Closet in Sketches". Not only is it a laugh, but the illustrations are amazing. Check it.

New Year with Linda & Harriet

2012-01-06T06:55:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite ways to kick off the New Year is with a new calendar. This year, I ordered a beautiful letterpressed calendar from Linda & Harriet. You can order one here!

a year in NYC...

2012-01-05T06:13:00.000-08:00

A Year in New York from Andrew Clancy on Vimeo.

This video makes me so happy and proud to live in New York City. Plus, I'm really digging this song. Enjoy!

2011 - Year in Review

2011-12-27T19:18:00.000-08:00

Wow. Hard to believe it's over, but 2011 was a great year, here’s a recap of what went down:

January
Kicked off the New Year (while recovering from food poisoning – ugh!!) in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. (You can't tell from this photo, but for a time, I was completely miserable during this trip...)

February
Took an annual ski trip to Europe and visited Megeve, France, Verbier and Zermatt in Switzerland. Ate my fill of cheese and chocolate. Hung with some seriously cool pups.

March
Enjoyed time with friends and family at home in New York. (karaoke-ed like there was no tomorrow.)

April
Celebrated our 6 year anniversary (and my birthday!!) in Barcelona. An amazing trip filled with cava, futbol and as much jamon as we could get our hands on.

May
Traveled with the British Virgin Islands to celebrate a friends wedding, and ending up staying awhile for some R&R. Never wanted to leave Little Dix Bay.

June
Spent a lovely and restful weekend in Vermont.

July
Traveled to Carmel, California for another wedding (love it when friends get married in beautiful places!!) and road tripped to Pismo Beach along the Pacific Coast Highway.

August
Enjoyed the last bits of summer with weekends in Sag Harbor, Saratoga and at home in NYC.

September
Toasted at my best friend’s country garden wedding in Virginia.

October
Danced the night away at an elegant wedding for a dear friend in New York City.

November
Celebrated a birthday in San Francisco, noshed on BBQ oysters in Northern Cali and rested in Half Moon Bay.

December
Celebrated Christmas early in NYC with friends and then later in Charlotte with loved ones.

So, that was my 2011 in a nutshell. Hope you had an amazing year, too! Here's looking forward to an amazing 2012!

Holiday Recap...

2011-12-27T09:45:00.000-08:00

Here's what Christmas looked like at our house. Hope you had a lovely holiday!! I'm off to celebrate the New Year in Vail, Colorado. See you all in 2012!

xo

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T06:15:00.000-08:00

This year, I'm enjoying a decidedly unplugged Christmas. So, I'll see you Tuesday! Happy Holidays!!

Happy Holidays!!

2011-12-23T09:52:00.001-08:00

Holiday 2011 from Dulci Cuprill on Vimeo.

12 Days of Sugar

2011-12-19T18:10:00.000-08:00

Admittedly, I’m the worst at baking (strict rules about numbers and measurements really throw me off...), but I’m really great at eating baked goods. Which is why Tasting Table’s “12 Days of Cookies” series caught my eye (and my sweet tooth). If you're looking for a new recipe to try out this Holiday season, look no further. Ain't no party like a cookie party.

Seasons Greetings

2011-12-19T17:46:00.000-08:00

Apologies for the light posting, but I've been busy enjoying the holidays and putzing around the house. Here's what things have been looking like in my neck of the woods...

Hope you're enjoying the Holidays too!

cookie party

2011-12-09T19:06:00.000-08:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...how's by you?

you are what you eat

2011-12-05T05:14:00.000-08:00

Here's what I've been up to in the kitchen...

quick change artists

2011-12-02T06:58:00.000-08:00

I love these images from The Sartorialist of women in Paris changing from ballet flats to fancy high heels. That's the real deal!

home spade home

2011-11-30T05:20:00.000-08:00

I've posted about Kate + Andy Spade's fabulous New York apartment before, but I couldn't resist posting these pics from Matchbook Magazine.

(the glass doorknobs are my favorite!)

You can see more here, though admittedly there aren't many I left out :)

Sketchy Runner...

2011-11-20T18:40:00.000-08:00

I have to say, I admire all those who ran the New York Marathon, since it's something I don't think I could ever do, but I especially admire illustrator Christoph Niemann who sketched while running the 26.2 miles. Here are some of my favorites...

He even finished the last bit off with an oil painting. Check out all the sketches here.

Scenes from the weekend...San Francisco

2011-11-15T18:51:00.000-08:00

Just a peek at my trip to San Francisco - I've got lots more to share so stay tuned!

Roost Rules

2011-11-11T05:56:00.000-08:00

The images on Roost are just too much. I think you'll be seeing me post a lot of these beauties from now on. Check them out for yourself here.

city by the bay

2011-11-10T07:49:00.000-08:00

I'm off to San Francisco for a long weekend. See you soon! xodc.

img via flickr.

city smells

2011-11-09T06:12:00.000-08:00

I really love this new line of city inspired parfums by Le Labo. The packaging is so simple and minimal, but the scents sound amazing (think pepper and roses). At $220 a pop, they ain't cheap, but this would be great way to "treat yo-self, 2011!!!".

lighter than air

2011-11-08T18:08:00.000-08:00

I loved this image of macaroons in the New York Times. You can read the full article here - prepare to drool!

Halloween!!

2011-10-31T17:07:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!

xodulci

Fire Engine Red

2011-10-28T04:13:00.000-07:00

Loved this pic of model Crystal Renn. Happy Friday!! via refinery 29.

scenes from the weekend...

2011-10-25T15:18:00.000-07:00

A little late, but here are some snaps from a good friend's wedding this past weekend in New York City. It was breathtaking.

scarf it down

2011-10-20T05:48:00.000-07:00

I'm putting Kate Spade's "sidewalks of New York" scarf on my wish list. done and done.

teenage dream

2011-10-19T17:22:00.000-07:00

Last week I happily stumbled upon Rookie, an online submission-based zine for teenage girls.

As a product of the YM Magazine generation, Rookie brought me back to my younger days. Rookie is full of fun, snarky content, including this hilarious article expertly titled "Don't Be a Babysitter".

Either way, let you inner pimply 14-year old run wild and check out Rookie. It's da bomb.

very murray thursday

2011-10-13T05:52:00.000-07:00

happy thursday.

big apple

2011-10-11T19:51:00.000-07:00

a little late, but I wanted to post it anyway. r.i.p. steve.

cookie dreams

2011-10-06T05:15:00.000-07:00

drool. via bliss.

dear sophie

2011-10-05T05:52:00.000-07:00

Ok, I'm definitely kinda embarrassed to admit this, but I cried over this.

super snack

2011-10-03T04:20:00.000-07:00

Sometimes there is nothing better than a homemade sandwich. This little beauty made the perfect weekend snack. I started with a fresh baguette from Eataly and topped it with proscuitto, fontina, sauteed mushrooms, arugula and good olive oil. That and a little glass of rose...a snack worth bragging about.

where I've been...

2011-10-01T12:51:00.000-07:00

downing cortados at Maialino in NYC.

snacking on subs and root beer at Littlejohn's in Virginia.

dancing the night away at my best friend's wedding.

hosting a fun and fancy dinner party at my apartment.

But now I'm back. xo.

Goodbye Summer

2011-09-22T05:32:00.000-07:00

Here's a look at the last few moments of my summer...

'Twas a good one. Til next year!!

Maison Dore

2011-09-21T04:58:00.000-07:00

I really like this photo of Garance Dore's apartment (and her lovely sunglasses collection). Happy Wednesday!!

image found here.

Berkley's Finest

2011-09-19T19:54:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to enjoy a fantastic meal at Chez Panisse when I visited Berkley, CA a few years ago. So I was thrilled to find these photos of the 40th Anniversary Celebration.

Cheers to you Alice!! Congrats on 40 fab years! via the selby.

such a lot of world to see...

2011-09-13T05:56:00.000-07:00

An old favorite, revisited here, for old times sake. Have a very Holly tuesday. xod.

name in the papes

2011-09-12T19:46:00.000-07:00

Hey! I got my name in the papes - check it out! Via Page Six Magazine.

9/11/11

2011-09-11T08:50:00.001-07:00

unforgettable.

Required Reading - Fall 2011

2011-09-07T06:03:00.000-07:00

One of my greatest pleasures in life, is reading a great book right before bed. Preferably, the sheets will be white and cripsy and there will be rain outside. The window will be open and there will be a lavender scented candle flickering nearby (but not near any curtains, of course).

I keep a big stack next to my bed, and when one is done, it's on to the next. Here's what's on my required list this Fall.

1. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
2. Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann
3. The Botany of Desire by Michael Pollan
4. Blood, Butter and Bones by Gabrielle Hamilton
5. I Was Told There'd Be Cake by Sloane Crosley

What's on your required reading list?

Ladurée takes Manhattan

2011-09-06T17:14:00.000-07:00

The ever sweet Nicolette Mason, has some even sweeter photographs of the newly opened Ladurée, located a short subway ride uptown. These photos are making me drool. I can't wait to head uptown for a box of these French beauties (the raspberry and pistachio are my favorites...). The best part is the boxes they come in are totally reusable. I use mine to store jewelry and make-up.

Make sure you head uptown to visit this delicious destination, and make sure you visit Nicolette's blog for even more tasty photos.

mrs. moss

2011-09-06T06:34:00.000-07:00

As if Kate Moss wasn't already perfect, she goes ahead and has possibly the most perfect wedding in all the land.

The furs, the red sequin cape, the perfectly tousled beach blonde hair. You go, Kate! via refinery 29.

Fried Green Tomatoes

2011-09-05T07:11:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite late summer treats are green tomatoes. This past week, I made fried green tomato and egg sandwiches for breakfast. What a life! If you want to try some, this is an easy recipe.

summer gifs

2011-09-02T06:51:00.000-07:00

Lucky for me, the only thing Irene ruined was my plans to visit Nantucket for the weekend. So, since Labor Day is now upon us, I figured I'd take a look back at my summer, through gifs.

Hope everyone has a safe and fun Labor Day weekend!

Highline Eats

2011-08-24T04:59:00.000-07:00

I loved Mario Batali's Highline dining tips on Barney's New York blog, The Window.

This little map reads like a best of Chelsea dining guide. You really can't go wrong with any one of them.

My personal favorite is The Red Cat, one of my favorite restaurants in the city, with the most AMAZING appetizer - Tempura Fried Greenbeans. Unreal!!

We walked the Highline last weekend and loved it. Next time, I'll have to make a pit stop at The Red Cat to get some greens.

Lonny-Likes

2011-08-23T04:56:00.000-07:00

Here are some of my favorites from the most recent issue of Lonny. Find some of your own here.

Tripnotes: Northern California

2011-08-22T05:12:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month we were lucky enough to escape the heat in NYC and headed to Carmel, CA for a wedding. The chilly Northern California nights were a welcome relief from the sticky New York temps.

The wedding was lovely and was held at Stonepine Estates, a beautiful equestrian farm with stables and a gorgeous view.

There was dinner, drinks and dancing, followed by a late night dance party set up in the greenhouse, complete with DJ and mini sausage pizzas of course. My kind of scene.

After the wedding festivities were over, it was time to hit the road.

We had planned to drive along the coast, staying with friends in the retro cool town of Pismo Beach, and spend a few days exploring Central Coast wine country.

The drive itself was breathtaking with sweeping views all along the way. The ride was curvy to the say the least, which made stopping off at random points even more enjoyable.

We hit up Post Ranch Inn for a drink on a friend’s recommendation and were not disappointed.

The view was stunning – we even saw a family of whales spouting in the distance!!

I hated to leave the view, but we piled back into the car and were off again.

The setting sun and a beach full of seals made for another appealing pit stop. Whoa. It was like National Geographic, up close and personal.

Each seal was angling for the best spot, and not one was afraid to argue for it.

We reached the town of San Luis Obispo just in time for dinner. No photos to share, since I was starving, but I’d suggest trying the Big Sky Café if you find yourself in the area. Yummy!

The next morning, we were ready to hit the vineyards.

A must visit on our list was Talley Vineyards – a tried and true producer of our favorite Pinot Noir. It’s a heavy favorite in the Fall and Winter months at our house. We’re such big fans, we became members of their wine club – our first one! Woot woot! I’m looking forward to getting shipments from them throughout the year!

Next stop was Baileyana – a new to us winery, but an old favorite of our travel companions. We had wisely packed a picnic, and grabbed a bottle of Baileyana Sauv Blanc to keep our bocce game well-oiled.

Unfortunately, we lost the game. But I think we came out ahead for the day…not too shabby!

We finished the day with dinner at Lido – a French style bistro with outdoor dining and another beautiful view.

Oysters for me, please!!

After dinner, we headed down to the beach to look at sea life.

Starfish and anemones! So cool!

We headed back in to Pismo for a nightcap and some seriously old-fashioned bowling at Pismo Bowl.

This place is stuck in time in the best way possible.

We enjoyed some local beers and confirmed that I am the worst bowler of all time.

Oh well!

The next day we hit Sycamore Springs in nearby Avila Beach for massages. You can book a mineral water hot tub before spa appointments, which we did of course. It was a great way to unwind and the resort was really nice, secluded. Unfortunately, after my massage, I was so relaxed I completely forgot that I had taken off my gold necklace. I left it in my robe pocket and didn’t realize it until I was back at home the next day. Definitely kicking myself for that blunder!!

Despite my forgetfulness, we had a wonderful time exploring Northern California. Between the beaches and wine country, it’s definitely one of my favorite places to visit.

I’m looking forward to getting some more California love when I head to San Francisco in November!

Until then California!! xo.

souped up summer camp

2011-08-16T05:39:00.000-07:00

How cool does Ruschmeyer's look? Located in Montauk on 3 gorgeous lakeside acres, it's a souped up summer camp, complete with a teepee and open air beer garden. Guests can head next door to the Electric Eel for drinks and dancing. Can't wait to head to Ruschmeyer's next summer!!

Fish + Fish's Eddy

2011-08-15T18:17:00.000-07:00

I'm a big fan of Fish's Eddy, so I was thrilled when I walked by last week and saw these Charley Harper designs in the window. I've always loved Charley Harper's birds, and his fish are just as great!

scenes from the weekend : Sag Harbor

2011-08-08T04:24:00.000-07:00

Spent the weekend in Sag Harbor eating oysters and riding the ferry to Shelter Island.

summer beauty

2011-08-03T05:30:00.000-07:00

The summer heat in NYC is brutal, so I change my summer beauty routine for a lighter approach. It all begins with moisturizer (I like Clinque), then I lay on Physican's Formula Bronzer - I use it in place of cover-up in the summer. After that it's a few swipes of mascara and I'm good to go. I finish it off with my favorite, Rose Bud Salve on the lips and a bit of Body Shop White Musk perfume oil. I find that perfume oil fares better in the hotter months - at least on my skin.

That's my summer beauty routine. Do you have any summer beauty tricks?

little blue box

2011-08-02T19:07:00.000-07:00

Lucky me.

:)

NYC - Vintage Style

2011-07-28T05:52:00.000-07:00

These photographs make me love New York City even more than I already do. See more here.

my hand hurts

2011-07-26T06:12:00.000-07:00

I spent this weekend addressing envelopes for a friends wedding. I think I know what I'll be getting her as a wedding gift...

scenes from the weekend : Northern California

2011-07-25T05:28:00.000-07:00

I'm back!! Here's a sneak peak of my time in California...

It was an amazing trip and I can't wait to tell you all about it :)

princess feet

2011-07-12T05:18:00.000-07:00

Vainty Fair has some really lovely photos of William and Kate's whirlwind North American tour. But my favorite snaps were of Kate's feet.

house on the hill

2011-07-11T05:29:00.000-07:00

I'd like to read a book and drink white wine spritzers here. All weekend. See ya there!

NYC: Birreria at Eataly

2011-07-11T05:05:00.000-07:00

This weekend we hit the Birreria on the rooftop of Eataly for some cask ale and cheese. The sun was shining and the beer was flowing. Sadly, New York City is lacking in the outdoor dining department, so the rooftop is a novelty, especially on a beautiful Summer day.

Our favorite was the "Liquid Gold" beer, which was cold and refreshing.

We splurged and got the 7 cheese plate, which came with fresh bread and honey. My favorite was the fresh ricotta.

Unfortunately the beer and apricot marinated pork shoulder didn't last long enough to make it on camera. At $19 it was priced to move.

If you find yourself in the Flatiron district, hit the Birreria. Bottoms up!

here i am...

2011-07-08T19:20:00.000-07:00

Apologies for my sparse posting. This week has been crazy busy!! Looking forward to enjoying a lazy New York weekend. Come back next week. I promise to be more interesting :)

p.s. isn't this dog hilarious? I spotted him in Charleston last weekend. his tiny hat reminded me of this...

summer pops

2011-07-01T05:07:00.000-07:00

Hoping to do a little grilling this holiday weekend with friends and this recipe for Honeydew Lime popsicles looks amazing.

Hoping everyone has a safe and happy 4th of July! I'll be celebrating in Charleston, SC. Any recommendations?

bare necessities

2011-06-28T06:29:00.000-07:00

Check out my 7 summer essentials over at the J.Crew tumblr!

summer snaps

2011-06-27T06:21:00.000-07:00

Just a quick peek at my summer so far. It's been a good one, and promises to keep getting better with trips planned to Carmel, CA., South Carolina and Nantucket on the horizon. As always, I promise to take you with me. Happy Monday!!

can I stay with you?

2011-06-22T07:34:00.000-07:00

These images make me want to explode into a million tiny pieces. The stripes?? The wood floors?? THE DOORKNOBS!?
CAN I MOVE IN?? I'LL DO THE DISHES EVERY NIGHT!!

via bliss.

sunny day

2011-06-21T06:38:00.000-07:00

I don't remember where I found this, but it's really stinkin' cute. Hope you're having a sunny day!!

scenes from the weekend : Hanover, NH

2011-06-20T05:59:00.000-07:00

It was a fun and fratty reunion weekend at Dartmouth College. Amazing weather, good friends and a freshly roasted pig - what more could you ask for?

tripnotes: Manchester, Vermont

2011-06-15T05:08:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month, I was lucky enough to spend a weekend in beautiful Manchester, Vermont. Talk about God's Green Earf...

We stayed at the Palmer House, which had a lovely stocked trout pond. The water was so cam it looked like glass!

The lilacs were in full bloom and the air smelled amazing. Here they are covered in mornin' dew.

It was so great to get out of the city and spend a little time in the country. Loved this weathervane.

The weather was warm during the day and chilly in the evening. The Palmer House has a 9 hole golf course, and we spent a bit of time on the links.

Turns out I'm pretty good. This photo was taken after a hole-in-one. Yay me! YAY MANCHESTER!!

gift Guide : For Pops

2011-06-14T05:58:00.000-07:00

Father's Day is around the corner, so here is my round-up of gifts for your Pops.

1. an archive of Neil Young's greatest tunes
2. Bulldog Gin for his g&t's
3. Some classic kicks - only $40!
4. A super soft Chambray shirt
5. Sunglasses for his sunday drives
6. Cedar Planks for grilling seafood
7. A set of Muji notebooks for all his scribbles
8. French Salted Caramel spread for his morning toast (and a little midnight snack...)

scenes from the weekend...

2011-06-13T05:32:00.000-07:00

Did some gardening in my little patch of NYC and brunched at ABC Kitchen. Hope yours was great too!

the early show is so early

2011-06-10T05:55:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I was on The Early Show and let me tell you, it's on EARRRRLY. I'm not totally awake here, but it was still a blast! And check out Amy Goodman's book "Wear This, Toss That" - it's a great read.

bun in the oven

2011-06-09T06:29:00.000-07:00

Things are starting to heat up in New York, and I think this will be my go-to to Summer style; a quick and easy bun!!

Missing Paris

2011-06-08T05:22:00.000-07:00

I went to see "Midnight in Paris" last night and it had me remember my own trip to Paris a few years ago. So I thought I'd repost some of my own photos so we can stroll down memory lane together.

We'll always have Paris!!

great kate

2011-06-06T06:24:00.000-07:00

I love this image of Kate Winslet. So simple and beautiful. Happy Monday!! xo.

the black swan

2011-06-05T18:15:00.000-07:00

Last night was movie night at our house and we watched Black Swan. Not sure what I was expecting, but...whoa.
Did you guys see it? What did you think??

Lonny-Likes

2011-06-02T05:11:00.000-07:00

Did ya see the latest issue of Lonny? These are a few of my favorite shots. That bathroom is absolutely heavenly. see more here.

crazy daisies

2011-06-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

I really miss Pushing Daisies - old Netflix episdoes just ain't cutting it. Bring it back! (I know that won't happen, but I'm getting tired of reality TV.)

bottoms up

2011-05-31T18:20:00.000-07:00

These summer drinks have got me so excited. Can't wait to try the "Leland Palmer" - it's a mix of Limoncello and Jasmine Tea. Sign me up. Cheers!!

happy weekend

2011-05-26T18:38:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday weekend! I'm heading out towards Asheville, NC and am looking forward to a long drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway and some pulled pork. Til next week!

so fresh, so clean

2011-05-24T06:44:00.000-07:00

I've raved recently about my love of the new redesign of Bon Appetit, but this layout got me going again - simple, clean and fresh! Dying to try the recipe for salmon tartar.

taxi!

2011-05-23T18:33:00.000-07:00

I love this series of taxis from around the world. Don't the London cabs look so sleek and sophisticated? found here.

how do I get here?

2011-05-20T05:43:00.000-07:00

I just LOVE this image from Once Wed taken in the Bahamas. Calgon, take me away!! Who's coming with me??

signore fiat

2011-05-19T05:10:00.000-07:00

I love this image of international playboy and Fiat heir, Lapo Elkann. Doesn't he look so cool in his suit and matching car?

via tmag.

shades of summer

2011-05-18T05:02:00.000-07:00

I love these photos of Prada sunnies. Makes me want some summer!! Where the hell is it??

via tmagazine.

Tripnotes: Barcelona, Spain

2011-05-16T18:37:00.000-07:00

As some of you may or may not recall, I had the good fortune of spending Thanksgiving in Madrid and Barcelona. It was a very quick trip and left me hungry for my (more Serrano ham, more patatas bravas, more glasses of sparkly Cava). So it could only have been fate when on the day I returned from Barcelona in late November, an e-mail from Travelzoo appeared in my inbox advertising a fire sale to Europe. And it was a fire sale indeed. Within a few clicks of the mouse I had booked a roundtrip ticket from NYC to Barcelona for $256 in early April. Done and done.

And so we were back. Barcelona Round Two.

I’ve been blessed with many skills and talents. The one I am most proud of is the ability to sleep anywhere. And that is a skill that really comes in handy on a transatlantic flight. After a fitful night of rest at 35,000 feet, we landed in sunny Barcelona and it was ON. First things first – FOOD.

We headed to our favorite lunch spot Le Quinze Nits at the Placia Real for sangria, olives and salmon carpaccio. The sun was shining (it had not been in during my previous trip in November…) and we both agreed, we loved Barcelona even more than the first time round.

We found ourselves once again wandering through the narrow, medieval streets, this time in shorts and sandals. We decided to take a walk over to Barceloneta, an older part of town known for shipping and fishing.

Lucky for us, it’s also known for artichokes. We couldn’t resist ducking into a local’s tapas bar that a friend had recommended.

It was off the beaten path and we had no trouble getting a table and a round of cañas.

The next day we felt compelled to do some “touristy” things since we had seen virtually none of the famous Gaudi architecture Barcelona is known for on our first visit.

We walked through L’Eixample to see Casa Batlló and La Pedrera.

Stopped for a beer and a bocadillo.

And then checked out La Sagrada Familia, which has been under construction for, oh, about a 100 years.

The line was too long to go in, but the outside alone was breathtaking.

After another quick snack (nomnomnomnom!) it was off to a FC Barcelona soccer match at Camp Nou. We lucked out with some pretty amazing seats and it was such a blast. Plus, Barcelona won. Cool!

On our last day, it was time for breakfast at La Boqueria – an amazing outdoor market with everything under the sun.

We pulled up to the bar at Pinoxto for pollo catalana and coffees.

Breakfast of champions.

A stroll through the market proved an excellent way to walk off our morning treats.

Then, we headed towards the old town to attempt entry to the Picasso Museum – one of Barcelona’s most frequented attractions. We were deterred by the long line and decided instead we could experience just has much culture at a nearby tapas joint.

So it was off to El Xampanyet – a famous cava bar.

I love Picasso, but I think we made the right choice.

We decided to keep on trucking and hopped on the Metro towards Parc Guell – another one of Gaudi’s masterpieces.

Located high atop a hill, it’s got some pretty bad ass views of Barcelona.

On the walk back to the hotel I stopped to make a friend. That’s just how it goes down in Barcelona!!

That night we had dinner at our favorite restaurant – Cal Pep. It’s a sliver of a restaurant with no menu and a cult following.

Known for seafood, it made sense that we were presented with an amuse-bouche of fresh salmon. Ok!!

Things only got better from there.

My favorite are these littles guys – berberechos from the coastal town of Galicia. They were doused with smoky paprika oil and a bit of lemon – too good to be true!

We waddled home after literally closing the restaurant down (which is no easy task in Spain where dinner doesn’t even begin until 10pm) and the next morning we said our goodbyes to Barcelona and honestly, I was sad to leave. It was a such a blast…can’t wait for next time.

So, until we meet again my fair city!

help

2011-05-11T05:32:00.000-07:00

I need $$$ to support my peony habit. please send dough.

saucy balls

2011-05-10T05:37:00.000-07:00

In honor of this fella, I decided to whip up a batch of homemade meatballs last night. Really, there's nothing better than a saucy ball. I start with lean ground beef and pork - I usually add ground veal too, but there wasn't any at the market.

Fresh basil, eggs, parmesan cheese and mustard go in too.

Next, I crisp them up in the pan. Sorry for all the raw meat photos. The next one is better.

Let them finish cooking in a pot of simmering San Marzano tomato sauce, toss with fresh pasta (much better than dried) and top with basil. Those, are some saucy balls my friends.

p.s. I follow this recipe loosely when I make meatballs. The addition of lemon zest really gets my goat if you know what I mean.

scenes from the weekend...

2011-05-09T04:29:00.000-07:00

This weekend was all about Mint Juleps and Peonies (it's finally peony season!!!). Hope you all had a great weekend too!!

untitled

2011-05-06T05:49:00.000-07:00

I really love the packaging for the Maison Martin Margiela fragrance "Untitled". So clean and simple. The scent is described as "...boxwood, incense, bitter orange...as if they had been gathered after the rain." I don't know what wet incense smells like, but I'm willing to give it a shot.

Available, obviously, at the ever-chic Colette.

viva mexico

2011-05-05T05:55:00.000-07:00

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Hope you're planning on having a fantastic Margarita and some guac to celebrate! Cheers!!

Back from the BVI

2011-05-04T19:46:00.000-07:00

I'm back! Fully rested and relaxed after a lovely time in Virgin Gorda. Here are a few sneak peek pics of my trip - I'll do a more in-depth Tripnotes in the coming weeks :)

Gift Guide : Happy Mama's Day!

2011-05-02T05:45:00.000-07:00

We rarely say it enough, which is why Mother's Day is the perfect chance to tell mama just how much we care. Here are a few of my gift ideas for your M-O-M.

1. Silver hammered bowls for her nightstand. Pretty filled with bits of jewelry.
2. A summery striped straw hat for sunny days.
3. A luxurious hair oil for guaranteed good hair days.
4. A classic staple for her wardrobe.
5. A bit of honey for her morning tea.
6. These simple star earrings are perfect for every day!
7. A book of recipes and stories.
8. A sweet scent and cute packaging to boot.

where I'll be...

2011-04-29T05:01:00.000-07:00

I'm heading to Virgin Gorda for a wedding and then staying for a few days of R & R. Posting will be sparse throughout the week, but I'll be back with photos and stories :) Til then!

asos mag

2011-04-28T05:17:00.000-07:00

I love this article featured in Asos' online magazine. It feels tres french and flirty! I just placed a purchase of some goodies from their Summer sale. Check it out here!