Going to Jackson

This is where I'll be for the next few days - celebrating the New Year, skiing and enjoying the Wild Wild West. Hope everyone has a safe and happy New Year! Cheers!!

purple rain

Tonight, I will be in the presence of this musical genius while he rocks on a guitar shaped stage in Madison Square Garden. And all shall be right with the world.

let it snow

Just a little sneak peek of what's going down in NYC. Hope everyone had a great holiday!!

via nytimes.

charlie brown-iest

Merry Christmas to all!! A little video from my favorite Christmas movie, featuring some of my favorite music. Hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday!!

Tripnotes: Madrid, Spain

As promised, I bring you part 1 of my 2-part Thanksgiving Spanish adventure: MADRID!

After taking the red eye from NYC, we landed with empty bellies and so it was off to some of Madrid’s can’t-miss snack spots ( after all…this is Thanksgiving, people!).

La Mallorquina is renowned for traditional Spanish pastries and strongggg coffee. It’s no-nonsense with counter service only on the first floor. For a more relaxed experience, head upstairs for table service where you can linger.

Museo Del Jamon is a literally just that – a museum of ham. Try their 1 euro value menu, where you can score a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, a caña ( a small glass of beer) and pan tumaca - a traditional, open-faced sandwich of Serrano ham, olive oil and tomato seeds on toasted baguette.

After a few quick snacks, we strolled around until it was “officially” time for lunch. Lunches are eaten late in Madrid (as is dinner – usually around 10pm).

I booked us a table at a traditional Spanish “Taberna” with a “menu del dia” – essentially a set menu, usually 3 courses, including wine and coffee.

After a big and tasty lunch, we walked it off and headed to the Palacio Real. The Palacio was gorgeous and a perfect place to snap pics since it was a clear, cool day.

Madrid is full of winding, cobbled and narrow streets. For something a little different, I recommend checking out the area of Chueca – a trendy, gay neighborhood with tons of quirky shops and cafes.

Later, we hit some museums and then it was off to Mercado San Miguel – a newly renovated indoor market with tons of different vendors.

Locals love it for mid-day snacking and drinks.

These were truly tasty tapas.

Late night, we hit a small neighborhood bar for tasty mojitos with fresh mint and bar snacks.

After a few gratis shots from the bartender, we stumbled back to our hotel for some much needed sleep.

Next stop, Barcelona!!

something to wine about

The Dieline has a round-up of the years best wine labels. These are some of my favorite (love the swimmer!). Check out the rest here.

What to Pack : Christmas on the Slopes

Nothing says Christmas like a hearty apres-ski party and a big fireplace. Here are my must-have essentials if you're hitting the slope this holiday.

1. A black cashmere turtleneck does double-duty on and off the slopes.

2. Cozy thermals - perfect for layering.

3. A quirky cap, so you'll be easy to spot on the chair lift.

4. Protect yourself with heavy duty hand cream and lip balm - bonus: tingly menthol!

5. A pair of shearling lined, take no prisoners snow boots. Dying for these!

6. Retro cool shades for sunny ski days.

7. This bag was designed to withstand the elements.

8. A fur vest - classic snow bunny chic.

the power of kiehl-ing.

During the cold and dry winter months, I keep a bottle of Kiehl's Creme de Corps on my bedside table. I love the old-school, no frills packaging Kiehl's has employed (since 1851!!! damn!) but I kinda like the limited-edition Jeff Koons version. The small bottle would make a cool stocking stuffer for your favorite arty pal. Found here.

gift Guide : Brother/Boyfriend

Ok ok, Christmas is around the corner and the pressure is ON! If you're like me, I'm always stumped when it comes to gifts for my brother and my boyfriend. So to help out, I put a little list together for the guys in your life.

1. Lomography Oktomat Camera - totally foolproof and flashy red, so he'll never misplace it.

2. A cookbook for the guy who can't boil water.

3. Organic face wash in manly packaging!

4. A classic pair of can't-go-wrong sneaks.

5. Pocket-sized notebooks.

6. A hilarious pillow for his fratty apartment.

7. Small batch craft Whiskey. For sipping, not shots!

8. A cute Barbour scarf.

9. Cool headphones for study breaks.

scenes from the weekend...

This weekend really put me in the holiday mood. There was tree trimming, clementines, peppermint wrapping paper and my absolute favorite, the Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack! Hope you guys are getting in the spirit...

a banner year

The good people at Banter Banner are doing some cool stuff. I love their quirky and fun sayings in too-cool metallics. Obvi - I need "La Dolce Vita". Check them out here. Think of it as affordable art!

Gift Guide : Sister Sister/BFF

Christmas is just around the corner. If you've waited til the last minute (like me!) here are a few ideas for your sister/BFF.

1. A gorgeous lace bralette.

2. A pair of lovely mary-janes. Wear with everything!

3. A Jonathan Adler pencil case - for odds and ends.

4. Perfume - handmade in Brooklyn with scents like Corinader and Grapefruit.

5. Sea Salt Caramels - need I say more?

6. Voluspa Candles - smell great and last forever.

7. A retro but techy radio.

8. A funky Kate Spade case for her iphone.

9. Marc Jacobs spiral bound notebook. Old school classic!

NYC: burger joint

One of the things I love most about New York City is the food. And if you're on the hunt for a really good hamburger, look no further than the Burger Joint in Le Parker Meriden hotel. Don't be mislead by it's location. This place is as bare bones as it gets.

Cram into a wooden booth after ordering your burger and a pitcher of beer. Check out all the writing on the walls...and the tables...and the chairs.

This place is absolutely no nonsense - and their burger is no joke too. Check it out next time you're in NYC!

Burger Joint

119 W.56th Street

NY NY

3 french hens

I'm sending these Christmas cards this year. Love the little illustration!! via kate spade.

p.s. Kate Spade offers free shipping on all orders!!!

bunker down

Found this image while searching through my "inspiration" folder. No clue where it came from, but I'm pretty sure this was my dream sleeping situation as a child.

gift Guide : Big Daddy

I bring you another installment of this year's La Dulci Vida Gift Guide. This time, we're talking shop with Pop.

1. A classic Hudson Bay Blanket - to keep papa warm while watching football on the sofa.

2. Royal barware for the King of the Castle.

3. A pair of soft, trendy socks.

4. Sir Francis Bacon Peanut Brittle. 'Nuff said.

5. A stylish record player - to relive the golden oldies.

6. All the essentials for the perfect Bloody Mary.

7. Fancy British ink for his ballpoint pen.

shop til you drop

I love this cute illustration, and I'll definitely be checking out the Kate Spade pop-up shop at the Bryant Park market (as well as a trip to the big tree in Rockefeller Center) this week. If you're in NYC, stop by!

video diary

Morocco & Spain from Mike Matas on Vimeo.

Wow. I was blown away by this gorgeous video - designer Mike Matas traveled through Morocco and Spain with his girlfriend by train. And then he made the coolest video known to man. Watch it. It will make your iphoto look pathetic. Nice job, MM.

summer days

peeps - it is cold as a witch's nip in NYC and I thinking back on warmer days. Join me in what I hope will be a visual thaw for the soul...

puerto rico. land of my people.

Bermudz - Home of the Dark & Stormy.

Sunset Beach, Shelter Island. They weren't kidding about the name!

Thanks guys. I feel warmer.

sweets from sweeties

Today I received a sweet little package from one of my dear readers, Miss Rhea of Rhea The Greek Feaster Fame. If you have not checked out her blog, I suggest you do so immediately. And then, if you should be so lucky to find yourself in her good graces, next year, you'll get a package of Anthrax-free goodies!! (think vegan coconut truffles, and TWO kinds of chocolate bark!!) Thanks Rhea!!!! You rule!

Spade House

I love the images of Kate & Andy Spade's New York City apartment. Their working fireplace makes me green with envy. Curse you Spade's!!!!

via the selby.

Gift Guide : Yo Mama!!

Ok, so I'm sure a lot of people have already gotten a jump start on their holiday shopping. But since I'm a late bloomer, I'm bringing you some gift ideas anyway. Here are my top picks for Mama this season. Who loves you like Mom?

1. A beautiful Hugo Guiness repro print. Lovely.

2. Some studded leather gloves for instant street cred.

3. Bistro wine glasses (plastic, so she won't worry about them breaking!)

4. Herbs De Provence - perfect for a yummy roast chicken.

5. A touch of fancy - Hermes Drawer Liners.

6. Flavored simple syrup - for lemonade and fizzy cocktails.

7. A sexy leather wallet she'd never buy herself.

8. French laundry soap flakes - in fun vintage packaging. Moms and Laundry go hand in hand!