Two Thousand Twelve

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2011 has come and gone – unbelievable, right?! I’m currently in Lake Tahoe, snuggled up next to the fireplace, drinking vino {thanks Tracy & Matt!} and can’t help but reflect on how incredibly lucky I have felt in 2011. Le sigh.

It was a big year for me in many ways, considering… I took a leap of faith and launched my own blog/website, which gave me the perfect excuse to explore my passions and travel the world {I can’t believe it took me so many years to do it}. I moved in with my boyfriend. I was named Woman of the Year. I was named one of the Most Valuable Lifestyle Bloggers by CBS. And now I’m embarking on a few new projects that I can’t wait to share! Despite the little bumps in the road, life isgood grand!

So, as we enter 2012, I invite all of you to jump on the bandwagon, discover new things and live your passions. I am wishing you great success and hope you find what it is that you love to do, and then make the jump and just do it! You’d be surprised what a little believing in yourself can help you accomplish.

Here are a few of my favorite snapshots of 2011! Ole!

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[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="24" size_format="px"]P.s. There is so much to be excited about so let's start this year off with a bang! x[/typography]

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]

Red Hunter Boots

Preparing for the great California winter has become a full time obsession of mine {although perhaps unwarranted as it’s been in the high 60’s this past week}. Global warming aside, I’m still going full speed ahead in search of exciting new ways to sport winter outwear. A girl has to be ready for any fashion weather condition.

This week I’ve moved on to protective footgear with these stunning red Hunter Boots that I bought in London. As a true British style icon, these original wellies are classy, attractive, and functional all at the same time. I’m in love with the tights + dress + boots combo and find this ensemble to be not only comfortable but fun and edgy with its festive pop of red.

Whether it’s raining, snowing or simply freezing, I’ll be ready for any weather condition. Bring it on!

{Hunter Boots, Max Studio Dress, J Crew Hat & Mittens, Miyamo Belt}

Hunter remains the preferred welly brand for those who like to work hard and play hard.  There's a great range of boots to suit Hunter wearers from all over the world - from the Royal Family to festival-goers to working farmers. Ole!

P.s. This year I’m spending Christmas in Miami with my BF’s familia. Stay tuned for some fun pictures next week!

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season![/typography]

Mexican Hot Chocolate

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]Baby, it's cold outside...[/typography]

This post is dedicated to my abuelita, Mama Juana, for her passion, love and the delicious treats she makes for us.

My abuelita's introduction to this decadent beverage began in a little pueblo in Michoacán, Mexico where she used it as an easy, affordable and delicious way to feed her six kids {and counting} for breakfast. To this day, she will peek her head in our offices and eagerly ask me, “mija, quieres chocolate con pan?” and I will always answer her, “por supuesto Mama Juana.” Gosh, I’m feeling very fortunate at this very moment…

So what’s so special about Mexican hot chocolate? Well, you get the rich and bold flavors from the dark Mexican chocolate with just a hint of spice and cinnamon to trigger your senses. Go ahead, I dare you to try… Ole!

{Past and present abuelita. Isn't she stunning?!}

{Frothing the hot chocolate with a wooden molinillo}

{Ole! Le finished product}

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="20" size_format="px"]Mexican Hot Chocolate[/typography]

Directions:

Combine 2 ½ cups milk (about 5 ounces), one cinnamon stick and coarsely chopped Mexican chocolate, such as Ibarra or Abuelita, in a pot. Turn on the stove to a medium-high level. Put a wooden molinillo in the pot and begin whipping the chocolate by rolling the handle quickly back and forth between your palms {a whisk or an electric beater will work just as well}.

The movement is a little like rubbing your palms against each other to warm them in cold weather — only here the molinillo’s wooden handle is between them. After a few minutes of vigorous beating, dip a spoon into the mixture to make sure the chocolate has dissolved (they’ll always be a few bits of chocolate on the bottom) and the mixture is foamy.

p.s. Pair with a toasted bolillo {Mexican roll} to dip the bread in the chocolate and you’ll be in heaven!

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]Happy Friday mis amores! xo[/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]