New York Food Tour

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="24" size_format="px"]Live, laugh & eat![/typography]

I stumbled upon these {almost forgotten} pictures that we took during our last visit to NYC and thought I must share. Seeing these food pictures made me really hungry and I miss the variety of cuisines that NYC has to offer. I don’t know about you, but once I eat something that I absolutely love, I crave it and dream about it until I can have it again {usually happens quite often!}.  If you’re a foodie and in New York for at least 3 days, I highly recommend you go to these places to chow down. They stole my heart, I’m sure they’ll steal yours too… Ole!

1. Ippudo – This is a place is for serious ramen eaters. Considered to be Japan’s version of “Soul food” it beckons people from all over the world to try their tasty, addictive and flavorful ramen soup. I’m obsessed with this place!

2.  Magnolia Bakery – Stop by the {original} bakery located in the charming West Village neighborhood. This popular bakery is known for their delicious cupcakes, cakes and cookies & is the perfect place to pop in after shopping for a sweet treat.

3. Chelsea Market – This incredible block-long marketplace is a playground for grown ups. With its assortment of shops, retailers and great food, Chelsea Market belongs on every itinerary.

4. Jacques Torres Chocolate – Known as Mr. Hot Chocolate, Jacques Torres has become famous for this confectionery delight {Psst! Try the Wicked hot chocolate}. If you’re craving a decadent hot chocolate & a gigantic warm cookie, this is the place for you!

5. Ovest Pizzoteca – You can’t go to NYC and not enjoy a slice of pizza {it would be a sin}. Located in the Chelsea district, this pizzotecca offers killer pizza pies & more. Set in a rustic and laid back setting, this is the perfect place to enjoy lunch!

There you have it amigos - I hope this made you hungry… now time to eat! Ole!

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

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

Fashion Inspiration: The Hunger Games

Yes, it’s true.  I'm a HUGE fan of The Hunger Games trilogy. I devoured all three books {in four days} and have succeeded in getting many of my friends to read them as well. Wow. I was barely able to put these books down for a second and was utterly disappointed when I finished reading the very last page {devastating, I know}.

Despite my complete {and possibly insane obsession} with these books, I simply cannot contain my excitement waiting for the movie to come out in March!  There is betrayal, death, hunger, revenge, a juicy love triangle & adventure all included - how can you not fall in love with this story?!

I loved the detail and subtle inclusion of fashion that author, Suzanne Collins brought to the table. I can’t help but geek out and wonder what Katniss would wear! Here are some inspirational pieces that I would wear...

1. Buy the book here – Kindle Edition 2. Leather Jacket – Wilsons Leather 3. Dorado Riding Boots – Frye 4. Neon Orange Satchel – Cambridge Satchel Company 5. Signature Braid {with a romantic twist} – Pinterest 6. P-Retro Cat Sunglasses – Ray Ban 7. Bows & Suede Pouch {for fun!} – Merlin Archery 8. Fiery Nail Polish – OPI 9. Mockingjay Hair Pin – Fred Flare

If I’ve ruined the plot for you, too bad. Maybe you should get off your tush and get involved! I promise you it’s a fun, addicting & a fast read. Let the games begin! Ole!

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="24" size_format="px"]I hope you have a fabulous and adventurous weekend! x[/typography]

Twenty Seven Candles

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="24" size_format="px"]27 Lessons For 27 Years[/typography]

Yep. Today I'm 27.

Here are a few things I've learned along the way...

1.  Simple is usually better. 2.  Learn to cook a few things really well {college lifesavers}. 3. High school was fun, College was epic & adulthood is all about finding a balance. Work hard + play hard. 4. If you love someone, tell them. Don't hold back. 5. Take lots of pictures & videos. Someday you’ll be really glad you did. 6. It's OK to have wine on a weeknight...or a couple of nights for that matter. If it's a tough week, it's a tough week! You have to cope somehow... 7. When you realize that everyone comes from a dysfunctional family, life gets a little easier and you feel a little less crazy.  There is no such thing as normal. 8. Never regret staying home alone with a good book. 9. Give charitably, generously and willingly. 10. Having a job that you are proud of definitely makes a difference in your everyday attitude and how you carry yourself. 11. My immediate family + my BF are my world. 12. Take time to educate yourself after college. Strive for a Masters, a PHD. 13. Quit smoking. It’s the best gift you can give your body {and don’t you want to be smoking hot in your 50’s?!} 14. Life happens without your permission. You control how you deal with it. Wear a happy attitude! 15. Having a job makes a person value a dollar, themselves and those around them. Be hungry + stay motivated. 16. Enjoy being single and every aspect that comes with it. When the time is right, strive for a marriage {not a wedding} and don't jump into anything too quickly. 17. You are what you eat! Healthy eating choices will help you in the long run. 18. Happiness is not fame, money or power. The key to life is finding your sweet spot. 19. Toxic people + relationships are bad. There's a reason they're called toxic. So run. Very fast & very far. 20. Greed will bury even the lucky, eventually. 21. Never cheat. Not on exams, taxes, or on your boyfriend/partner. 22. Parents are sometimes wrong. Tell them humbly, as it's just as hard for them to hear as it is hard for you to tell them. 23. Friendships where you do not speak every week but can pick up right where you left off are immensely comforting & make you love that person even more. I heart my friends. 24. Laughing, crying, joy and anger… All are vital and they all make us human. 25. You don’t need to be a fashion guru to have fashion sense. The key is to be comfortable, confident & stylish! 26. Uncertainty is caused by a lack of knowledge.  Hesitation is the product of fear. Don’t hesitate, jump. 27. Motivation tends to come in short bursts. Act while it’s hot…and live your passions!

Easier said than done, right?! Some of these were easier to learn than others {and it's still a work in progress} but I'm grateful for each experience. Have a great Tuesday! Ole!

Image via Breakfast at Toast

 [typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"] Besos, [/typography]

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]Dalia[/typography]

Lake Tahoe

Only three hours away from Napa, Lake Tahoe beckons year round with stunning scenery and endless recreational opportunities. Despite the lack of snow it was still awesome to be out in the open, celebrating the New Year in Tahoe!

One of the highlights was hiking to Eagle Falls and stumbling into a frozen lake {If only we would have brought some ice skates!}. Check out the video & pictures below. Ole!

p.s. Seems like I’ve caught a bit of a bug. Ugh. Any quick remedies that will make my cold go away?

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]I hope you all have a restful and cheery weekend! x[/typography]

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]