Have a dreamy weekend: Happy Birthday, Michelle!

This Sunday, August 1st is my sister Lisa Michelle's birthday!

The year was 1982. She was born the perfect cherubic child, all rosy cheeks + black curls (see photo above; she's the teeny tinier one). I'll admit, I was jealous when she first rolled into town, stealing all the attention with those big, brown Precious Moments eyes. But she quickly won me over as I realized I finally had a real playmate, and could lose my bossy imaginary friend.

Michelle, I am SO lucky to have you as my sister! You are my best friend + I love you. Happy Birthday! xoxo!

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Easy, Breezy...

I ♥ blogging for you all (especially for you, Three Llamas + sonobruta). And I wanted to thank you for stopping by these past two months since I've started blogging -- it's been incredibly fun sharing my randomness with you! But beginning next week, postings will become light. Whhhaaa... Other projects I am currently working on (which I hope to share with you in the near future) are beginning to demand more + more of my time so I need to scale back for a minute. Alex has sweetly offered to co-post with me, but something tells me you're not interested in reading about hot sauces, soccer + muay thai. (But thanks, babe, for offering!) But I will still occasionally post from time to time, so please feel free to continue to stop by.

Or if you'd like, you may subscribe to my RSS feed (the lovely Subscribe button to your right) so that you may receive updates when I update. Again, thank you for reading! xo!

(Photo by m o d e)

Happy Hour: Watermelon Mojitos

I ♥ mojitos. Something about the mint makes them feel light + always refreshing. The photo above is from a watermelon mojito I had at the Eden Roc, Miami Beach, which was incredible. I couldn't track down their recipe so here is the Food & Wine recipe which sounds just as delicious. Prefer the original? This one sounds tasty too. And don't forget the muddler! Enjoy! xo

Ingredients

20 mint leaves, chopped
2 tablespoons superfine sugar
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
Crushed ice
3/4 cup light rum
6 ounces seedless watermelon, pureed

Directions

1. In the bottom of a large shaker, muddle the mint, sugar and 1/4 cup of the lime juice. Fill the shaker with ice. Add the rum, watermelon and the remaining 1/4 cup of lime juice; shake well. Strain into old-fashioned glasses over ice

PS - And for some incredible Cuban recipes, to go with your mojitos, check out Taste of Cuba, which includes one of my favorite dishes -- ropa vieja!

Pesqueira Boutique

I have a few finds from the adorable Buenos Aires-based shop named Pesqueira, and every time I wear something from them it gets tons of love. So I just had to share the shop with you! They have the most adorable dresses (and accessories -- check out that cute laptop bag!) + online shopping. What more can a gal ask for? xo | Shop: Pesqueira

The Modern House

How cool are these homes featured on the UK-based real estate website, The Modern House? Started by two architecture journalists, the website features modern homes to buy + rent (short + long term), which stand out for their beauty, style + uniqueness. See more at Cool Hunting.

Chair Love

Loving this orange chair. ♥ (via From the Right Bank)

Top 10 Favorite Wedding Films

The Graduate (1967)

Monsoon Wedding (2001)

Father of the Bride (1991)

And since we're on the topic of weddings today, I thought I'd share a list of my Top Ten Favorite Wedding Films in case you're in the mood for some tears, laughter + pretty dresses...

10. The Wedding Singer - Because even though I'm not really an Adam Sandler fan (what's with all the yelling?), this movie is pretty funny. And has a cool Billy Idol cameo.
9. Four Weddings and a Funeral - Hugh Grant's smile. Need I say more?
8. My Best Friend's Wedding - Hollywood rom-com at it's best.
7. The Office Episode: "Niagara" (aka Jim & Pam Get Married) - Yes, it's totally sappy (and not a film), but sometimes you just gotta let go + dance. And how cute are Jim & Pam?
6. Muriel's Wedding - It's as good as Dancing Queen.
5. Monsoon Wedding - Beautiful story, luscious cinematography + directed by the amazing Mira Nair.
4. My Big Fat Greek Wedding - Because it's hilarious. "What do you mean he don't eat no meat? Oh, that's okay. I make lamb."
3. Sex and the City: The Movie - For when you wanna watch a wedding on steroids :)
2. Father of the Bride (with Steve Martin, although I hear the 1950's original is good too) - My family + I have watched this film a million times (probably my Dad's fave flick. Too cute.) It's a classic.
1. The Graduate - Because Simon & Garfunkel never sounded so cool.

MAC Pro Longwear Lustre Lipcolor

(From left to right: Mama Cifuentes, me, my sisters Lisa Michelle + Karina)

Last night I was looking at our wedding album again (dreamy sigh), and I remembered I wanted to post on the lipstick that saved my wedding... MAC's Pro Longwear Lip Color. This lipstick is amazing. I think I reapplied only once the entire day of my wedding, and it never got dry like a lot of long lasting lipsticks. The color that my sisters and I are wearing (above) is Lasting Lust (I had to go to two stores to hunt down because it sells out quickly), but it comes in a variety of colors. If your big day is coming up (Kati, that means you wink, wink) or any special occasion, I highly recommend this lipstick. But be prepared to share. By the end of my wedding day, even my grandmother wanted in on this lipstick wonder. ;) xo Smile: MAC Pro Longwear Lip Color

(Wedding photo by Heather Funk)

Bayhead Beach Escape...

Good morning, everyone! I'm in slow motion this a.m. after a great, lazy weekend spent in Bayhead, NJ. The Jersey Shore is extremely relaxing. Who knew? Unfortunately, there were no Snooki sightings, but Alex + I did get some much needed R+R. Here are some photos of our weekend trip if you'd like to see. Happy Monday!

We left the city Friday night, in two cars with trunks chock full of Costco groceries....

Saturday morning we slept in (it's so quiet there. best sleep ever!), and by noon walked a few blocks through the charming town over to the shore...

It was a gorgeous day...

But the water was too cold for me (being a Miami girl, and all) so instead I enjoyed the ocean breeze with Alex (yes, he's wearing a women's hat below)...

After the beach we rode bikes around the white, picket-fenced neighborhood. And in the evening I made Skinny Girl Margaritas (which the guys loved. Ha!), and we feasted on corn-on-the-cob, salad, grilled vegetables + huge ribeye and porterhouse steaks. We also celebrated birthdays (Happy Birthday, Megan + Michael!)...

The fellas caught up on world news...

For breakfast we ate organic eggs and leftover cake (it's vacation!)....

And Sunday morning, while everyone was still asleep, I tiptoed downstairs to take photos of our host's beautiful home. This is the living room, too pretty to sit in...

It had lots of great details everywhere...

Like this Americana rug with stars...

And seashells....

And this cool whale diptych...♥ ♥ ♥

The Jersey Shore has officially won me over. ;) xo

Have a dreamy weekend...

Tomorrow will be 97°F here in New York! And to think just months ago we were all complaining about the long winter. Luckily, Alex + I have been invited to a friend's beach house in Bay Head, NJ. I've never been so will be a fun, little adventure. And a chance to keep cool on the beach, so even better. :) Want a quick escape from the city this summer? Cup of Jo has created a great new Hudson Valley guide definitely worth checking out, and this article, too, is great if you wanna escape the city without renting a car.

Have a great weekend, everyone! Stay cool! xo

(Photo by Javiy)

Dancing with Myself

Because it's Friday... ;) xo

Recipe: Cheesesteak Sliders + Homemade French Fries

I ♥ sliders. Something about there mini size makes the burgers seem less overwhelming. And they're great for any summertime gathering. This Rachael Ray recipe is my go-to slider recipe. Super easy + the little burgers always fly. And for the side of fries, I use the recipe below which I've adapted over time. I like to sprinkle fresh rosemary on my fries, but you can use any herb you like. Enjoy! xo

Homemade French Fries with Fresh Garlic and Rosemary

Ingredients
5 medium sized potatoes (Russets are good)
Olive Oil
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional)
1 clove of fresh garlic, finely chopped (optional)
Sea Salt + Pepper to taste

Directions

• Preheat oven to 425.
• Wash, then slice potatoes. (I like to cut very thin, almost like shoestring fries.) Be sure to leave the skins on so they come out a bit crispy.
• Put in a large bowl and cover with boiling water. Let soak for about 8-10 minutes then drain and blot with paper towels. Put dried fries back in the bowl (wipe the bowl with a paper towel first to dry it out). Drizzle a couple tablespoons of olive oil on the fries, add sea salt, pepper + fresh rosemary. Toss fries with your hands to coat with oil + spices.
• Put fries on a cookie sheet without having any overlap or touch. Bake in oven for about 15 minutes, then turn over and bake 10-15 minutes longer until golden.
• Once golden, sprinkle in fresh garlic (optional).
  

(Photo by Esther Vasquez)

Happy Hour: Pineapple + Mango Rum Cocktails

Don't these pineapple + mango cocktails look tasty? And pretty easy to make... xo

(Photo via Martha Stewart)

You're Invited

How cute are these e-invitations? Not as sweet as paper, but great if you want to send out a last-minute pool party invite and not use Facebook. :) Plan a Party: Paperless Posts

Hip Motel: Postcard Inn, St. Pete Beach, FL

Loving this surfer-style beach getaway. Can you believe it used to be a Travelodge? See more photos on their cool website: Postcard Inn

Daisy Dukes

Because summer should be about flirting... ;) xo (Clockwise from top left: American Apparel $32.00; Erin Wasson $300.00; Opening Ceremony $98.00; Tibi $200.00)

P.S. - Bitty shorts not your thing? See more styles at Refinery29.

Mad Men

AMC's Mad Men is back this Sunday with the premiere of Season 4! I love the women on this show. Even though it takes place in the 1960's, the women are feisty, intelligent + aren't afraid to speak their minds. I'll be catching up on my missed episodes this week. Watch: Mad Men

P.S. Live in New York? Dress up in your swankiest 60's attire and watch Mad Men in Times Square.

(Photo by Frank Ockenfels)

Feliz Dia Del Amigo!

Or Happy Friends Day! I know we don't really celebrate Friends Day here in the US, but maybe we should start? OK, I'll go first. I dedicate this post to Lisa Michelle, Karina, Miriam, Mariana, Charlotte, Anna, Faarnaz, Megan, Laura, Jenifour + all the beautiful lady friends in my life.... thank you for being great friends (and sisters), and for letting me lean on your shoulder from time to time. xoxoxo!

(Photo by Kirsten McKee)

Kiehl's Amino Acid Shampoo with Coconut Oil

Like the smell of coconuts? Well, if you do, you must try Kiehl's Amino Acid Shampoo + Conditioner. I've been using it for quite some time + love. It's a vacation in a bottle. (OK, it just smells really nice.) Don't want to commit right away? Pop into a Kiehl's and ask for a sample. :) Kiehl's Amino Acid Collection

PS - Target has some cool coconut oil products too.

Hamptons Pop Getaway

Cool beach house. I wouldn't mind getting away here. :) xo See more: A Modest Summer Retreat

Have a dreamy weekend...

It's the weekend! July is usually a bit sleepy here in New York City (well, except for the tourists), so it's always a pleasure to be in the city when it's not completely bustling. Alex + I plan on hunting down lobster rolls + I've been yearning for a pool dip so may resort to this guide. :)

Have a great weekend, everyone! xo

(Photo by Rob Huntley)