Bienvenidos a Miami

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="20" size_format="px"]Palm trees, ocean breeze, salty air, sun kissed hair… indulge in sheer pleasure on South Beach![/typography]

I just came back from spending a week in Miami. It was refreshing to spend the holidays in a place where the average highs are in the mid 80’s and there is the constant excitement of sun, culture & fun! From Cuban food to mojitos to the “less is more” beach fashion statements, the energy in South Beach is definitely addicting.

The scene certainly lives up to the Miami stereotype. You'll see surfers catching the waves in theturquoise ocean, models sauntering along golden sands and rollerbladers gliding down Ocean Drive. You can’t miss the hipsters in the sidewalk cafés, designer boutiques, lounge bars and dusk-til-dawn clubs.

My BF and I spent one glorious day soaking in the sun, strolling on the beach, riding bikes along popular Ocean Drive and indulging in some killer piña coladas. It was unbelievable to think that we were there in the middle of winter. Amazing!

I can’t wait to go back but, in the meantime, here are a few of my favorite snapshots. Ole!

{Brazilian Caftan Dress, Victoria Secret Bikini, Gypsystyle Beach Bag}

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]Enjoy the beautiful day! x[/typography]

Adventures in Yosemite

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[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]Yosemite Valley is always a sunrise, a glitter of green and golden wonder in a vast edifice of stone and space...
 -Ansel Adams[/typography]

Last week my mom and I took a quick trip to Yosemite for the Ahwahnee Vintners' Holiday Tasting. It was quite an honor to be invited back considering that most of these legendary vintners have been coming for the past 20 years {can you blame them?!}. This place is a nature junkie’s heaven, with its vast array of hiking, waterfalls, biking, lakes, wildlife, breathtaking views and insanely gorgeous scenery.

The wine sessions took up the majority of our time {no complaint here!} but we did have a chance to escape into the forest and explore the park by foot. Despite the freezing chilly weather, it was instantly therapeautic, breathing in the clean and pure smells of pine and fresh rain. We were even lucky enough to see a bear in the middle of our trail, but in the midst of yanking out my camera my mom fled the scene in a yelling panic attack, poor thing {insert laughing here}. Love you mom!

I could go on for hours about this place but I will leave it up to you to see the beauty of Yosemite… Ole!

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{Partially frozen Bridalveil Falls}

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{View from Yosemite Valley}

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{Half Dome at sunset}

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{Entrance to the Ahwahnee Hotel}

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{My traveling gnome, a bottle of Ceja Sauvignon Blanc!}

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{Tuolumne River}

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{Frozen Mirror Lake}

Time Lapse Tour of Yosemite  via Henry Jun Wah Lee

p.s. Take a peek at this killer timelapse video showcasing the beauty, the wonder and the amazement that resides in Yosemite. If this doesn’t make you want to bust out your camping gear and delve into nature, then I don’t know what will…

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="24" size_format="px"]Besos! x[/typography]

In A New York Minute

This past weekend the BF and I flew out to NYC for a friend’s wedding. New York is beyond incredible. There’s always somewhere to go and something to do. Every time I go I’m mesmerized by the nonstop energy, vibe, food culture and fashion scene. This time we took the city by storm, walking and taking the subway everywhere. We expected the weather to be much colder, but it was ideal with highs in the 60’s. Score!

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]I’m in a New York State of mind… [/typography]

Most of our time was spent walking around my favorite neighborhoods including the fashionable Soho and West Village area, followed by breezy strolls around the trendy Meatpacking district. A must stop is the famous Chelsea Market, where you’re captivated by the amazingly wicked bakeries, shops and local food stands. I swear, the majority of time we ate and drank and ate some more {a girl's gotta eat!}. People watching came in a close second and that was almost as much fun.

Here are a few of my favorite snapshots of the weekend… Ole!

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="24" size_format="px"]I hope everyone has a wickedly delicious and happy thanksgiving!!![/typography]

London City Pass

If you’re a history buff, London is definitely the place for you! We had limited time to play tourist during our visit, so we chose a few historical sites & landmarks that we could see in one day. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Hampton Court Palace: Take a quick 30-minute train ride to Hampton Court Palace, the infamous home that housed flamboyant King Henry VIII and his six wives. He extended this grand palace after acquiring it in the 1520's, and its many royal occupants have enriched it with stunning furnishings, tapestries and paintings. Set in 60 acres of formal gardens, this palace is well worth a visit {especially if you like the dramatic and steamy history of King Henry VIII and his six wives}.

2. Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace: Home of the Queen and the centerpiece of Britain's constitutional monarchy. In addition to its over-the-top lavish interiors and royal history, it’s also a popular stop for the Changing of the Guards Ceremony. This memorable ceremony takes about 45 minutes and includes a band playing popular classical music. A must see during your trip!

3. Hyde Park: This is one of several royal parks in London and covers more than 360 acres. The park plays host to many large events, including celebrations and concerts. It is also a popular place for jogging, swimming, rowing, picnicking and even horseback riding. If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city it’s a peaceful escape to clear your mind and enjoy the lush gardens.

Don’t fret if you can’t do it all, there is always next time. I hope you enjoy your adventure as much as I did! Ole!

What a man is the King! How many wives will he have? 

- Jane Rattsey - Interrogated for gossiping at court {1541}

Check out more pictures below!

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Postcards From London

It's happened again… I’ve fallen in love with another city - London.  Considering my deep affection for travel, this was actually my first time in this inspiring city. As I write this, I’m sitting in my hotel room, drinking a cup of steaming hot black tea, staring out of the huge window into the Westminster district toward Big Ben and the Thames River. Yes, I’m feeling very fortunate at this moment and can’t help but feel immersed in this incredible and vibrant city.

This past week has been packed with a whirlwind of events mixing both business and pleasure.  It is a place that has it all - history and the modern vibe where culture, fashion, food and people come to life.

Here is a sneak peek of what I’ve been up to this past week…

London calling, yeah, I was there, too…

An' you know what they said? Well, some of it was true!

London calling at the top of the dial…

After all this, won't you give me a smile? -The Clash

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="24" size_format="px"]Have a fabulous week![/typography]