supermarket cake

My best friend just got engaged and as I was looking through some wedding sites for ideas, I came across this beautiful, simple cake. Would you believe it cost only $50 at Whole Foods!?!?

via once wed.

looking ahead

I wanted to do a little year end round up since 2010 was such a great year. So much happened! I got a new job, made great new friends and traveled to Spain, Switzerland, Nantucket, Sonoma, Bermuda, Montauk, Miami, Costa Rica and San Francisco.

I hope you'll stay tuned for 2011, which promises to be another great year! I've got trips planned to Barcelona, Austria, Northern California and Virgin Gorda. So here's to a happy and healthy new year!! xod.

Repetto x OC

Pas de Deux Coda from Opening Ceremony on Vimeo.

I love this Repetto x OC video put together by the good people at Opening Ceremony. It combines so many of my true loves; ballet, New York City, toned male dancers and leopard printed ballet flats. Check it out! Via OC.

stylin' and profilin'

Despite looking like this...

Manhandling a waffle in a dark alley in Brussels.

Grace of Hello Again Vintage has bestowed upon me the Stylish Blogger Award.

Thanks Grace!! You're too kind! So as an awardee, I've got to pay it forward.

Here are the rules:

1. Thank and link back to the person who awarded you this award - CHECK! Grace rocks!

2. Share 7 things about yourself.

3. Award 10 recently discovered great bloggers.

4. Contact these bloggers and tell them about this award

7 Things about me:

1. If I could have any super power in the world, it would be the ability to instantly get hungry again. What? I like food.

2. My dream is to have my own cooking show. Again. I like food.

3. I never check bags when traveling and I can pack like a champion.

4. I know all the words to pretty much every song on soft rock radio stations. I'm a joy to drive with.

5. I have lived in New York City for almost 7 years and don't see myself leaving any time soon.

6. I am a total astrology nut.

7. I have a love affair with stationary and a stash that would make a hoarder blush.

And as for the 10 bloggers who get my nomination:

Rhea the Greek Feaster

Nicolette Mason

La Franglaise

Anna Walker

Tali Schiffer

Evie

The Cheeky Cafe

Dreaming of Palm Trees

Inglenok

Curves Ahead Makeup

Thanks again Grace!

Bryce for Kate

I love Kate Spade's Spring ad campaign featuring actress Bryce Dallas-Howard. The fun punchy colors have me longing for some warmer weather STAT - But damn Gina, Bryce looks like she hasn't seen the light of day in decades!! Vitamin D is good for you.

2011

I love these photos of New Year's celebrations around the world. Hope you all had a safe and happy NYE celebration!!

via NY Times.

farmin' life...

I just stumbled upon the blog Icelandic Butterflies and I've been spending some time looking through all these gorgeous images of farm life. Make we want to give up this crazy city life and move it on out! (but the posts about waking up at the crack of dawn to feed chickens, milk goats, churn butter brings me back to reality.)

Check out the blog here!

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!!