Hip Hotel: Bo Bo Hotel, Buenos Aires

My friend, Morgan, is taking off to Argentina for a month and I made her a list of some of my favorite spots. But making the list made me miss it so much! Especially the Bo Bo Hotel, in Buenos Aires, where Alex and I stayed for our honeymoon in December.

The Bobo Hotel, which stands for Bourgeois Bohemian, is a boutique hotel where every room has a theme (i.e. Argentina, Minimal, Art Deco.) We stayed in the Argentina room a few nights and in the Art Deco room towards the end. Here's me, on our beautiful balcony...

And here's Alex feasting at their restaurant downstairs... Check out the size of that steak!

And the staff was extremely warm, friendly + personal, going out of their way to find us fun things to do in the city. If you're heading south, I highly recommend staying here. I promise you, you will never want to leave. ;)

Visit: Bo Bo Hotel

Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny...

How about splashing around in these?... xo (Clockwise from top left: Target $14.00, American Apparel $20.00, 3.1 Phillip Lim $250.00, J.Crew $90.00)

Recipe: Alton Brown's Sardine-Avocado Sandwich

Lunch :) Healthy + Delicious... Recipe: Serious Eats

Film: Loves of a Blonde (1965)

During my senior year of college, I had the opportunity to study abroad in the Czech Republic for five weeks. It was a pretty magical experience. Walking over the Charles Bridge every morning to get to classes at FAMU, drinking Pivo with new friends, and, most importantly, studying Czech New Wave cinema, where I was introduced to one of my favorite filmmakers, Milos Forman. I love all of his films, which include Amadeus (1984) and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975.)

But my favorite is his 1965 film Loves of a Blonde. It's about a working-class young woman (Andula) who is seduced by a sweet-talking traveling musician at a dance. Completely love-struck, Andula decides to journey to Prague to track him down, and what unfolds is an unexpected comedy of young love. Starring mostly non-professional actors, and nominated for an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, you will easily fall in ♥ with this film. xo Watch: Loves of a Blonde

Sweet Spot: Compartes Chocolatier

I recently ordered a box of these chocolates as a gift for a friend. Aren't they beautiful? True, little works of art you almost don't want to eat. Almost. xo Enjoy: Compartes Chocolatier

Neon Love

It was only a matter of time before I posted about neon... because I ♥ ♥ ♥ Neon. (That's right, 3 hearts.) Maybe because I grew up in the 90's when puff paint was still popular, and Rainbow Brite ruled the world (dreamy sigh), but something about those electric colors still entrance me.

How cute are these colored pencils above? Makes me want to pass notes to friends when the teacher's not looking. And the Opening Ceremony Neon KEDS are pretty awesome too.

Get your neon on at: Design* Sponge, Neon Under $100

Have a dreamy weekend: Homemade Frozen Pops

The heat is turning up here in NYC. What better way to stay cool than with these yummy Martha Stewart homemade frozen pops? Honeydew-Basil, Pineapple-Cinnamon + Mango-Parsley...Refreshing. xo Recipe: Frozen Fruity Pops

I'll be doing the last of our packing in Brooklyn, for our official (and hopefully final!) move back to Manhattan, this weekend. But I will definitely try to take an ice cream break. Who needs an excuse for a sweet? :)

Have a great weekend everyone + stay cool! xo

(Photo via Whole Living)

P.S. Grown-up pops.

Blissful Beach Houses

Some blissful beach houses for your morning viewing pleasure. See more at Elle Decor... xo

Happy Hour Thursday: Malbec + Empanadas

In honor of Argentina kicking butt lately in the World Cup (Go, Messi!), I think today's Happy Hour calls for a glass of Malbec + savory empanadas. Don't you agree? I found the most amazing recipe at Cristina, from Buenos Aires to Paris. (Her photos are stunning.) I can't wait to try it! xo

(Photo via Cristina, from Buenos Aires to Paris)

Lust List: Cute Summer Dresses

Aren't these dresses adorable? Fun, flirty + light. Perfect for summertime BBQs + rooftop parties under the stars... xo (From top left: Topshop $70; Forever 21. $19.90; Thakoon $829.00; Corey Lynn Calter $150.00)

Hip Restaurant: IDEYA, Soho

I see new restaurants all the time, that I want to try, but somehow I always end up going back to the same spots. And for me, one of those regulars is IDEYA in Soho. I've been going there for years. Tried + true. Delicious Latin food (for when I'm craving platanos maduros) + warm, casual vibe. And the most amazing mouth-watering jalapeño-infused margaritas ever. Eat: Ideya

Candle Love: L'Occitane Relaxing Scented Candle

This is my all-time favorite candle. I love candles but sometimes they can be too overpowering. This candle, by L'Occitane, is just right... Serene, relaxing. Enjoy xo

Dance Love

With the official arrival of bikini-season yesterday, I've been needing a little workout motivation. Especially since I love to indulge in margaritas + other summery treats. This Shakira video definitely does the trick. To get in She Wolf-shape, Shakira trained with celebrity trainer, Tracy Anderson, and it paid off. Check out her abs! (Putting the cookie down.) And the album is great for working out too. Unleash your inner She Wolf: Shakira

Good Morning, Sunshine...

I could wake up to this every morning. xo Shop Etsy: Maestri Paintings

Apt Renovation: BOFFI Design

Loving these BOFFI bathrooms via ChicTip. I think I will add these to my remodeling inspiration folder. Modern, simple and sleek.

Lust List: Gold Hoop Earrings

It also helps that she's beautiful, but ever since I saw interior designer Cortney Novogratz looking cool, rocking gold hoop earrings on her BRAVO show, 9 By Design, I knew it was time to add gold hoops back to my lust list. With my birthday approaching (31!), I think I may treat myself to these classic gold hoops by Kyle Anne Metals. The designer makes all of her jewelery by hand so each piece is slightly unique. So lovely. Shop Etsy: Kyle Anne Metals

Have a dreamy weekend: Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day, to all the great Dad's out there! The photo above was taken during my wedding weekend in Miami (I think my Dad's hat gives it away -- Awesome.) And those two beautiful ladies are my sisters, Lisa Michelle (middle), and Karina (right), of hip + fabulous ::PLATFORM::. My sisters + I have an AMAZING, SUPER Dad.

Having been the only man in a house with four women (and a little Maltese named "Tiger" - um, yeah) must have been no easy feat for my Dad, at times, yet he always managed to stay cool + go (mostly) with the flow. And with my sisters and I, he always knew when to dole out advice (which he's still great at), and when to hold back, and let us learn to swim on our own. Dad, we are so lucky to have you! Thank you for being real + our Superman! xoxo!

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Recipe: Pao de Queijo

To go with your caipirinha feast, I offer you the recipe for the Brazilian appetizer, Pao de Queijo. It's deliciously hot and cheesy and I promise you, you can't eat just one. ;) Recipe at Laylita ;) xo

Date Night Outfit

This jumper is so cute I had to repost! I would wear it in a ♥ beat. Karen Zambos via i am a greedy girl. xo

Hip Hotel: W Hotel South Beach

It's that time of the week where I start daydreaming about the beach. :) And nothing does the trick like dreaming of the W Hotel on South Beach. Alex and I went to dinner at Solea, one of their restaurants, on our last Miami jaunt, and it was pure heaven. The cuisine is from Spain, which consists of amazing tapas, but their dessert alone would bring me there again. We had the Chocolate Sabotage (I think you can guess what it entails!)... If you're planning a visit to MIA, I would definitely try to add it to the itinerary. xo Visit: W Hotel South Beach

Braid Love

I ♥ braids. Especially crown braids or "Heidi braids". But I can never quite master them. Sometimes they come out really good and other times I just can't get it right. So I did a little searching and found this great tutorial. So easy. I think I know how I'm wearing my hair this weekend. ;) xo

(Photo via Nikki Shell)

Film: Sofia Coppola's Somewhere

The trailer has just been released for Sofia Coppola's latest dreamy masterpiece. Slated for Dec 2010. Can't wait!...Watch above or here xo

Film: Don't You Forget About Me - John Hughes Documentary

I recently watched this documentary on the late John Hughes, and I highly recommend adding it to your Netflix queue. It's about four young filmmakers who set out to find out why John Hughes stopped making films after 1991, at the height of his career. It's bittersweet to watch. You'll remember why you love his films so much, but realize that no filmmaker will ever be able to capture adolescence as perfectly as he did... Watch: Don't You Forget About Me

Trend: TOMS shoes

My KEDS are starting to wear thin so it's time for a new pair of everyday shoes. I'm highly considering joining the TOMS trend. Basic, cute + affordable. $44.00 xo

Our 6 month wedding anniversary...

Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a lovely World Cup-watching weekend! My weekend kicked off with the unexpected delivery of this beautiful bouquet of orchids from Alex, on Friday, celebrating our 6-month wedding anniversary! He's such a romantic... I'm one lucky gal! (I love you, babe!) Then Saturday we ended up doing an all-day after-World Cup-bar crawl, with friends, in Cobble Hill. (It's so cute out there! I ♥ Bird Shop + Dear Fieldbinder). We ended up at the Waterfront Ale House where you can help yourself to free popcorn from their popcorn machine. Pretty cool. :) And last night my sister, Lisa, and her friend, Steph, made Emeril's Cajun Jambalaya for their True Blood Season 3 kick-off gathering. Spicy goodness! Delicious, ladies! xo

Have a dreamy weekend: World Cup Fever

This weekend kicks off the World Cup 2010. I married an Argentinian man (that's us, above, on our honeymoon in Argentina) so soccer is about to take over our lives. :) We don't need an excuse to gather with friends and celebrate so I'll be making + sharing World Cup-themed recipes over the next few weeks. Jamie Oliver's World Cup recipes look pretty good. And these Food & Wine recommendations sound good too. Thanks for tuning in on my first week of blogging! Have a great weekend! Argentina, here we go! xo

(Top photo via Wallpaper)

Recipe: Dos Caminos Guacamole

A margarita feast wouldn't be complete without some guacamole + chips. Dos Caminos has my all-time favorite recipe. It's so popular they hand out magnets with the recipe on it. I have their magnet on my fridge. Watch video or see recipe below. xo!

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro leaves

2 teaspoons finely chopped white onion

2 teaspoons minced jalapeño or Serrano chilies, seeds and membranes removed, if desired

1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt

2 large ripe avocados, preferably California Haas, peeled and seeded

2 tablespoons cored, seeded, and finely chopped plum tomatoes (1 small tomato)

2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lime juice

DIRECTIONS

In a medium size bowl, use the back of a spoon to mash 1 tablespoon of the cilantro, 1 teaspoon onion, 1 teaspoon of minced chile, and 1/2 teaspoon salt together against the bottom of the bowl.

Add the avocados and gently mash them with a fork until chunky-smooth. Fold the remaining cilantro, onion, and chile into the mixture. Stir in tomatoes and lime juice, taste to adjust the seasonings, and serve with a basket of warm corn tortilla chips.

Happy Hour Thursday: Skinny Girl Margaritas

Happy Thursday! My friend Laura introduced me to Skinny Girl Margaritas a few months ago and now I'm officially addicted. You can buy the ready-made bottles at Astor Wines or you can make them at home. I made them recently when Alex and I went to Miami for a few days (photo above). Recipe below or watch Bethenny Frankel's tutorial. Super easy and slightly guilt-free...Enjoy! xo

Ingredients

• 2 oz of Clear Premium Tequila (count 1, 2 while you pour, no need for measuring)
• Tiny splash of Orange Liquor
• Juice of 4 Fresh Lime Wedges

Preparation

• To serve on the rocks, combine all ingredients over a glass of ice and garnish with a lime wedge

Good Morning, Sunshine...

Almost the weekend. :) xo

(Photo by Faarnaz Deyhim)

Video of the Week: Lisztomania

Lisztomania

PHOENIX | MySpace Music Videos

I know this song is now an oldie, but I wanted to share because it always makes me smile. Especially on a rainy day like this. xo

Hip Hotel: 60 Thompson, New York

Alex and I recently moved back into the city so I am now in renovation mode. Task: Convert his old bachelor pad into our new urban oasis. I've been collecting images on my computer for inspiration and keep going back to these two images of 60 Thompson. I just love the natural palette. Stay tuned for before and after photos. xo

Guatemalan Love: Osborn Shoes

My sisters and I were born and raised here in the US, but our parents were born in Guatemala. I still remember the smell of charcoal in the air, and the serene sights of the rain forest, from my childhood visits. It will always feel like home. Sadly, Guatemalans have experienced recent turmoil with the eruption of Volcano Pacaya, and the arrival of tropical storm Agatha. They can use all the relief they can get. Osborn Shoes, a fair trade shoe production workshop, is doing just that by creating local jobs + supporting Guatemalan artistry. I'm loving their Black Gold Slip Ons. $80.00. Shop: Osborn Shoes

Film: Eat, Pray, Love

I ♥ Elizabeth Gilbert. I recently saw the trailer for the film adaptation of her book "Eat, Pray, Love," and I got goose bumps. The book was so inspiring and I'm hoping the film will be too. Let yourself GO on August 13th.

Essie Nail Polish: Bermuda Shorts

Loving this nail polish... xo

Romper Love

I have a mild obsession with rompers. My husband, Alex, calls them "jumpers." "Oh, oh... it's jumper time," he proclaims as I change into one immediately when I get home. I can't help it. They're super comfortable and in the summertime can be worn with flip flops, during the day, for errand-running, or worn with stilettos, in the evening, for instant sexiness. I highly recommend you get one of your own. But they're highly addictive so don't say I didn't warn you. Dreaming of the rompers above...xo
(Clockwise from top left): Forever 21 $10.90; American Apparel $38.00; Topshop $50.00; Madewell $88.00

Hip Hotel: The Surf Lodge, Montauk

I've never been to the Hamptons/Montauk area before (well, once when I was a teenager so doesn't really count), and I really want to try and make it out this summer. This hotel looks amazing. Boutique, modern + relaxed...Visit: The Surf Lodge