A Tropical Modern Home

In honor of our new blog layout, which was inspired by our idea of Miami Chic, today's post is dedicated to one of our favorite design styles, Tropical Modern. Rizzoli has a great coffee table book dedicated to this aesthetic and we can pretty much see ourselves living in every home. The home featured above however, is our all time fave. Known as the Paraty House and designed by the Brazilian architect, Marcio Kogan, there's something about the combination of palm trees, sunlight, minimal interiors, and water that makes our hearts skip a beat every time we see it. Dream-worthy, indeed.

How about you? Do you prefer more rustic and mountain inspired design or do you also love this beachy look? We want it all, not gonna lie.

Photos via The Cool Hunter. 

The Life of a Bicycle (in NYC)

This is the sort of thing you wonder about, but rarely get to see in action. What would happen to a bicycle if you left it parked in one location for a long time? How long would it take for something to happen? Would anything happen? It's New York, of course something will happen.

Last year, this experiment was tested by Red Peak Group, and above are their results. Pretty interesting, I say!

Thankfully, I have never had my bike, or bike parts for that matter, stolen. But that could be because I rarely ride it. How about you?

Movie to Netflix: Match Point (2005)

So today I've been nodding off from staying up late with Alex, watching Match Point. Have you seen it? It's one of my favorite Woody Allen films. It's about a tennis instructor (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) who social climbs his way into England's high society, only to risk losing it all when he falls for a femme fatal (Scarlett Johansson) who happens to be engaged to his future brother-in-law. So good. I highly recommend adding it to your Netflix queue!

As hibernating season approaches I'm looking to watch more good films. Have you seen anything good lately you recommend? xo

Photoboother

We just discovered this awesome site, Photoboother, where you can transform any of your photos into a Photobooth style photo. It's awesome! Here's our take, in birth order. :)

My Signature Salad

Guys, I'm ready to share the most addicting thing in my life: my signature salad. Somehow, perhaps on accident, I made this salad one day, and since, have toyed with adding different ingredients to make it better. I probably eat this salad at least three times a week, seriously. It's incredibly easy to make and is so zesty and tasty, it's a perfect (and healthy) side dish for any meal.

Recipe:
5 oz. mixed greens or spring mix
1 lemon
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Salt to taste
Golden roasted flax seed (available at Trader Joes)
Almond slivers or crushed peanuts
Freshly shaved parmesan cheese

Juice 1 lemon over mixed greens. Add balsamic vinegar and salt to taste. Add flax seed and almond slivers (or peanuts). Mix well. Add shaved parmesan. You're done!

And if you want to take it up a notch, you can sauté crimini mushrooms in olive oil + garlic and add.

Hope you're enjoying the day off!

(photo by Karina)

Have a dreamy (3 day) weekend!

Alas, another week has flown by! My last weekend plans were killed when a dreaded cold kept me to the confines of my home (and couch). So I'm definitely looking forward to an activity-filled 3 day weekend with a cozy dinner and game night at Claudia's + Alex's house tomorrow night and a Golden Globes party on Sunday. And, I finally have my new Canon ready to go, which I'll be crash testing this weekend (a wrap up is coming your way. :) Also! New York is finally seeing snow! Well, flurries, but hey - snow is snow.

Any exciting plans for you guys?

And some links to get you thru this Friday...

A Hot Toddy recipe to get rid of the common cold.

I can relate to this illustration.

I just bought a wide-brimmed hat. This Bill Cunningham video confirmed my decision!

Breakfast is my fave meal of the day. Check out this list of savory + sweet recipe list!

Need some work station inspiration for your home? Rue Mag has it.

Sister love: jewelry designers Phoebe + Annette Stephens.

Can't wait to see the new Wes Anderson movie, Moonrise Kingdom!

Have a dreamy weekend. ♥

(photo via TukaMostafa)

Dreamy Dame: Eva Zeisel

This morning, I was planning to blog about Apartment Therapy's new website design. But as I started playing around over there, you know what happened? I went down the rabbit hole that all you bloggers are familiar with, and I stumbled upon a post about a new modern vintage store, Ampersand Vintage. From there, I went to their own blog and eventually found this post about this amazing artist, Eva Zeisel. Have you heard of her? She was a big deal! And totally Dreamy Dame material: creative, talented, beautiful, and incredibly strong. I wish I had learned about her earlier.

Eva Zeisel was a Hungarian born ceramics artist and industrial designer who passed away last December at age 105. She worked up until she died, and was known for her award winning designs, prolific career, and fascinating life, including a 16 month period where she was imprisoned by the KGB who falsely accused her of plotting to assassinate Stalin. Can you imagine? Her life was very fascinating and inspiring indeed.

You can read more about her on her official website, on the blog where I first leaned about her, and on the Huffington Post. Hope you are as inspired by her as I am. 

Ryan Gosling loves Crazy Chicks

Happy hump day! To ease you through the rest of the week, we thought we'd share this hilar video of Ryan Gosling's new girlfriend, if you haven't already seen it. Enjoy!

(via HelloGiggles)

Pretty Prints

For our recent anniversary, I wanted to give Charlie a print out of the two places we're from: he's from California and I'm from Florida. But given my amateur design skills, I knew I couldn't do it myself. So I did some intense Etsy research and found LilyGene's shop who's prints are so perfect it's like she sensed my request coming! She designed a perfectly modern take on what I was looking for and even put a little red dot on the cities where we're from (Long Beach + Miami). The print came out perfect and now hangs above our bed, with the Florida print on my side and California on his.♥

Frame sold separately. I bought this one at Crate & Barrel and it was perfect!

Film: Newlyweds (2011)

If there's one thing my sisters and I appreciate, it's low-budget filmmaking. We are actually gearing up to shoot our own film this year and as we prep for it, we have been diligently watching every other successful independent film and mostly, researching how the filmmakers got their film financed. The truth is, most indie films take more than just blood, sweat and tears to make. There are practical costs like food for the cast and crew for example. And when you're looking at productions that require a few weeks of shooting, then those costs really add up. So we were utterly blown away when we saw the recently released, Newlyweds. Here is a story about a newly married couple and what happens to them when they realize that when you marry someone, you also inherit their family. And of course, no family is perfect, and in this story of Buzzy and Katie, they both happen to have sisters dealing with a lot of drama.

Saturday Song Obsession:

Currently obsessed and playing on non-stop repeat. Have you already heard it? The video is pretty rad. And also, Kate from For Me, For You has a very sweet cover.

Hope you're all enjoying the beautiful January weather this weekend!

Have a dreamy weekend!

It's Friday! It's my first week back from my stay-cation in New York and it went by in a flash. I can't wait to kickoff my weekend though, starting tonight with Charlie playing a show at Fontanas, a hip bar downtown. Then, tomorrow, our dear friend Kati of San Francisco My Song (and her new husband, Owen:) are having a comeback dinner party hosted by our other newlywed friends, Maria + Mona, who have a gorgeous home that feels like you're in the cabin of a boat. I'll try to snag a few photos with my new Canon 60d (so excited to start using it!)

How about you guys? Any exciting weekend plans?

And a few links from around the Web...

Jane Birkin style secrets.

Avocado pasta. Would you try it?

Renault art cars! It would be so cool to own one!

Gorgeous fashion film by Pierre Debusschere.

For those curious about Lucy Chadicks glasses feat. in my Wednesday post, they're by Cutler & Gross. Thank you, Hogger & Co.!

Q+A with my new favorite comedy duo, Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein of Portlandia.

Claire Thomas (of The Kitchy Kitchen) knows her pizza. :)

(Woody Allen photo via Pinterest)

DIY Cheese Plate

I love cheese. However, aside from goat cheese and maybe cheddar, I always have a hard part telling them apart, especially at parties. But wouldn't this be a clever way to help your guests set apart the stinky and hard from the creamy and smooth? I have a white platter at home just itching for a makeover. :)

Check out the how-to on Wit & Whistle!

Zara Film by Todd Selby

I just stumbled upon this great film for Zara shot by Todd Selby, of The Selby, featuring an interview with gallery owner, Lucy Chadwick. In it, Lucy wears all Zara clothing and looks absolutely gorgeous. She's eclectic and sophisticated and her apartment with hairstylist boyfriend Duffy is incredible (eyeing that teapot cameo at :55). I hope they continue this fashion inspiring series!

(film via Zara.com)

Pantry Staples

I found this list in my new Alice Waters book, The Art of Simple Cooking (thank you, Liz!). Printing this cute drawing out found on Dear Friend and putting it on my fridge so I know when to re-stock. :)

(photo via Dear Friend)

New Year, New Calendar

Back to work today, folks! Yeah, we're struggling too, but look on the bright side - it's only four days until Friday. So to start your countdown in style, check out the new calendar that's totally free and downloadable on DesignBread. They have a wallpaper and a printable version, both of which are pretty awesome. Be sure to check them out every month (put in on your cal!) 

Living Locurto also offers some great calendar downloads and her designs are a bit more feminine and sweet. The foldable table tent calendar is really nice and would look very pretty perched on my desk. 

 

And finally, if you're looking for a calendar for the whole year all at once, the whole shebang, check out Sofia's pretty designs here. These are not only beautiful, but informative! 

♥ 

Happy 2012!

Hey everyone! Hope you all had an amazing + spectacular holiday break. My sisters and I enjoyed a nice Christmas Eve at our parents house where we had a pretty non-traditional evening. We had dinner around the television and watched Cliffhanger. Not  exactly the type of Christmas movie you'd expect, but it was fabulous in all it's cheesiness. And our 14 year-old cousin got a kick out of it.

New Years was just as fun. Karina and Charlie had an awesome dance party and we celebrated midnight by toasting with champagne and 12 grapes. Do you guys know this tradition? We grew up doing it every year and it's no New Years without it. You're supposed to take 12 grapes, one for every month of the year, and make a wish or resolution per grape. It's really fun sharing this tradition with friends, even Martha Stewart  posts about it. 

So now that we're in 2012, I'd love to hear about your resolutions! I don't always make them, but this year, I'm going for it. Inspired by Gretchen Rubin's, The Happiness Project, I am making 2012 my year to be happier. There's a lot more to this, so I'll be sure to blog about it as I go. But in the meantime, I think you should check out this book. It's a great read to kickstart the new year. Cheers!

Image via Pinterest. 

Happy Holidays

We're signing off til 2012. Like last year, the sisters and I will stay in town for Christmas and spend it with our parents in Queens. Then next week, Alex and I are thrilled (beyond words) to be heading to our favorite place, Miami. Here are some photos of last year's Miami Escapade. :)

What are you all up to? Any special plans for New Years? If we muster the courage, we might go to a club on South Beach. Or stay home eating good luck grapes and watching the countdown on TV.

Hope you all have a fantastic holiday! And as always, THANK YOU for all of your wonderful comments, and for allowing us to share stuff with you. See you next year! xoxo

Oh yeah! And a few fun links for your vacay...

Have you been on the recipe-website, punchfork yet? Go. There. Now.

A lovely excerpt from Miranda July's new book.

Best celeb hair of 2011.

Why doesn't my holiday wrapping ever look as gorg as this?

French onion soup? - yes, please!

Love. Stylish gals in black & white.


(Photo via Foreign Exposures)

Tres hermanitas

Because if anyone appreciates the sisterhood of 3, it's us. Theodora and Lou, the two youngest in a family of three girls, are putting together a book of sisters and currently casting 3 sisters to be featured in their book.

If we lived in Paris, we'd be there in a heartbeat. (Thanks for the info, Llorente sisters!)

Do any of you have sisters? How many? Are you all similar or really different?

Last-minute holiday gifts for the budget-conscious...

Okay, guys. If you're anything like me, a few gifts have not made it to the "checked" list. So, to help with those last minute toughies, here are a few ideas that will make your gift feel personal and thoughtful...almost like you bought it months in advance:)

For your mom...

A personalized photo album of the two of you. What mother doesn't like to reminise about the days when you actually let her choose the clothes you wear. ;)
Kodak photo maker: prices + styles vary

For your dad...

Our Dad loves Woody Allen. He thinks Woody was in his prime in the 70s (which I partially agree with), which makes Woody Allen's stand up CD a perfect gift. Plus, you can play it in the background on Christmas morning while making breakfast. A couple chuckles for all.
Avail. on Amazon ($15) with expedited shipping for Friday delivery.

For your sister...

A gift basket with her fave beauty goodies she's always running out of, including: Esse nail polish, Keratin Complex shampoo + conditioner, Wolford tights (no night out on the town will get thru these!), L'Oreal eye makeup remover, M.A.C. liquid eyeliner, and a copy of Mindy Kaling's giggle-inducing book, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me.

For your brother (even though we don't have one!)...

OK, this is my outsider suggestion! But if we had a brother, I would hope he'd be an at home beer-making kit appreciator, avail at William-Sonoma (only $40!)

For your BFF...

A fake voucher for a night out on the town with all your girlfriends. Everyone gets so darn busy in this city, instead of doing the usual catch-up tea or coffee and brunch, you can get your fancy on and head out for a night of dancing and laughing...just like when you first arrived to this crazy city (the thoughtful part would be to make a fake voucher of sorts involving lots of bubble letters and glitter, just like your slumber party invites when you were a kid.)

For the man in your life...

A gift certificate for an old fashioned shave. Because what man doesn't want to feel a little fancy and manly at the same time? And a good shave usually costs no more than $30. For my fellow NY'ers: The Blind Barber

Enjoy the recommendations! 

♥

Tips to Make Your Weekdays a Lil' Easier

Image via Pinterest.

Ever have those weeks where somehow your life creeps up on you and you're not able to manage all the chaos around you? Specifically at home? My typical routine is to clean my room in one major sweep on Sunday so that I feel good about starting the week off right. But somehow, Monday comes around, I get home late and exhausted and I begin to get a little lazy. I may not always hang my clothes or put my shoes away. By Tuesday, there is a small pile of mail cluttering my night table. On Wednesday, the piles of clothes and mail grow. The various outfits I have tried on earlier in the week are strewn across my dresser, sometimes on my shelf, and there's a good chance I've misplaced some jewelry items. (I, for one, can't sleep with my earrings and I always forget to place them in a safe place! Do you do that too?!)

Needless to say, by Friday, you can imagine how much of a nightmare my room is. And that's just one tiny part of my house! Let's not even get started on communal space (although I do have two lovely roommates who are way better at cleaning up than I am. Roommate shoutout!)

So today, I am really loving this little writeup over on Apartment Therapy. They have five simple suggestions to do ten minutes before you go to bed and they are right on. I don't always have the energy to do a major clean up mid-week, so these little steps are easy and can make a big difference. Inspired by their post, here are my five suggestions that I'm going to start doing. A little bit of a New Year's resolution, if you will.

Green Gift Idea

Still have some holiday shopping to do? Here's a good gift idea for urban dwellers looking for a little green in their life. Terrariums! Tassy from Sprout Home has a fun video over on Design Sponge, which explains exactly how to make one on your own. They look beautiful and fun to do!

Have a dreamy weekend!

Happy fin de semana, everyone! I am sure you are as happy as I am that the weekend is finally here. I thought I'd start today's post off with this amazing footage of starlings. Have you seen it? Blows my mind every time. So magical!

What are your plans for the weekend? I may go to this awesome hidden treasure tomorrow, which I'm pretty excited about. And there seems to be a lot of holiday parties, which will be a good opportunity to see all my friends before they go home for the holidays next weekend. The funny thing about living in New York and having our parents here also, is that we're usually the only ones not to leave the city during this time. New York is definitely a transplant city.

Whatever your plans are, I hope you have a wonderful time. (This line feels very Mr. Rogers to me. I'm into it.)

And now some fun links for your weekend.

Podcasts for your holiday travels. 

Yummy shiitake soup recipe on my friend Piera's blog. 

Perfect makeup for weekend holiday parties. This style is pretty too. 

Beautiful gift wrap. 

DIY embroidery is way cool. 

One of our fave things to do is check out cinematographer reels. This one is one of our faves. 

Christmas sweaters. They don't get old. (Thanks for the link, Kati!) 

Awesome new website. Obviously, it's great - guess who is behind it?! 

And in case you missed it, Karina's video for Kntrlr. 

Cheers, y'all! ♥

Shit Girls Say: Episode 1

This is one of the most spot-on hilarious videos about common things girls say. I think we can all relate in one way or another. And it has a nice cameo by Juliette Lewis. Enjoy!

Film: Rachel Getting Married (2008)

A few years ago I saw Rachel Getting Married and for some reason, I wasn't a fan. I forget what I didn't like about it, but since then, I've watched it again and I've realized I was so incredibly wrong. This movie is awesome. Read more about what I think by clicking below.

Fun Photos

I just stumbled upon these photos by Andrew B. Myers over on Design Milk and am totally digging this guy's style. Retro with a good sense of humor. I think my fave is the last one with the two fans. Very cute!

STDs and Unpaid Internships are hilarious...

When you're Lena Dunham. Check out the first teaser for her new HBO series "Girls". Can't wait!

Monday Night Dance Night

This song makes us wish it was Friday night, not Monday night. How can you not move to this sweet tune? I, for one, am so ready for the weekend!

Homemade Holiday Treat Idea

We absolutely love Claire Thomas' website, The Kitchy Kitchen, and today, she's giving us a good idea. Homemade treats for the holidays! We are so doing this.

Holiday Party Dresses

(Asos; $50.90)

(Asos; $105.44)

(Nasty Gal; $88.00)

(Zara; $79.90)

(DKNYC; $139.00)

And since the holiday party season is now in full swing, I thought I'd share five of my fave party dresses... sexy enough to get the cute new guy at the office to notice you, and demure enough to keep you from being the water cooler topic the next day. :) (Although, that red one is a bit over the top!)

P.S. 10 tips to surviving your holiday office party.

The Olsen twins want to dress you

How cool is this? The Olsen twins have a t-shirt of the month club. Fill out a quick, fun survey and receive a cool new tee every month for $29.99 each. Membership makes a unique holiday gift.

Get Styled: StyleMint

36 Years... of Marriage!

Holy cow. Our parents are celebrating their 36th wedding anniversary today. Isn't that crazy sweet?

I finished reading Mindy Kaling's book this weekend and what I loved about it (and identified with) is her love for her parents. She talks about what a role model their relationship is because they are "pals".

Our parents are definitely "pals". They love staying in and watching movies, going to Central Park on the weekends to walk around and eat ice cream, and enjoying life's simple pleasures together.

They truly are an inspiration. Congrats, Mom and Dad!

My Video x Charlie's Band...

Hey DOPT'ers! Hope everyone had a lovely weekend. :) I'm really excited to share my newest video for Charlie's band, KNTRLR, which I directed + shot.

I do love sharing our projects with you + hearing your feedback, so enjoy!

Happy Birthday, Woody!

Today's Woody Allen's birthday. He's hands down one of my all-time favorite film directors.

Did you know he almost didn't cast Diane Keaton as Annie Hall because of her height?

Check out this great clip from Woody Allen: A Documentary, by PBS American Masters, which I am going to buy as soon as it becomes available. :)

Watch When Woody Met Diane on PBS. See more from AMERICAN MASTERS.

We're renting our NYC apt for the holidays!

Planning a trip to New York City for New Years Eve? Then consider staying in our apartment! My husband, Alex, and I are renting our spacious (by NYC standards :) 1-bedroom apartment from Dec 27th - Jan 03.

Located in the heart of the meat-packing district, one of New York's trendiest neighborhoods, it's a stone's throw away from the charming West Village, the meat-packing nightlife, and Chelsea's art galleries and shopping destinations.

The apartment sleeps up to 4 adults - perfect for a couple looking for a little more space than the average NYC hotel or for a girls' weekend.

Email me on AirBNB for more info! xo