Favorite Summer Destination: Paris, I Love You

How amazing can a summer vacation be? Pretty friggin’ spectacular, especially if the destination is Paris. It’s true what every one says about easy it is to love Paris and after spending some time there, the city can make us feel like it loves us too.

In Paris, we can spend hours getting lost in the Louvre, one of the largest museums in the world and home to some of the most famous works of art. An experience that will guarantee moments that will take one’s breath away.

A short walk, or in our case a short pedicab ride, away from the Louvre is the Pont des Arts or Passerelle des Arts bridge, a pedestrian bridge that crosses the Seine River. Couples come to this “Love Bridge” to memorialize their undying love by writing their names or initials on “love locks” (padlocks, which can be purchased on the bridge), attaching the lock to the railing or grate on the side of the bridge, and throwing the keys into the Seine. This romantic gesture is meant to represent committed love that can only be broken by unlocking the lock; impossible, as the keys are at the bottom of the river. Looks like it’s Sarah & Danny Forever!

Before the Louvre, many of Paris’ historical paintings, like the Mona Lisa, covered the walls of the Palace of Versaille; however, I should say “unlike the Mona Lisa,” because I learned that this masterpiece was actually on an easel, not on the wall. We’ll notice that most of the paintings at the Louvre have no frames, and we’d have to go to the Palace of Versaille to see the frames that now house replicas of the real things. About a 40 minute drive from Paris, the Palace of Versaille is a must see destination. Renting a golf cart can save a ton of time when touring the gardens and property, especially if you’re like me and want to see it all. During busy seasons with heavy tourist traffic, or not, a private guided tour is also recommended. This guided tour gives tourists access to areas that aren’t permitted with the normal entrance fee, such as the library, music room, theater, etc. Plus, a knowledgable guide accompanies the tour’s guest(s), who can explain the history of the Palace (and it’s former residents) as well as answer any questions we can think of. Once I discovered what it was like in the general areas when walking to the exit to see the Hall of Mirrors (while still amazing, super crowded and unbearable at times), I realized what a life-savor being on private tour was.

The Moulin Rouge was always a place I wanted to go, so I bought two tickets to it’s resident cabaret show and revue, Le Féerie. VIP tickets will avoid having to wait in the long entrance line and guarantees great designated seats, champagne, macrons, a program, and souvenirs. While the show is no “Cirque Du Soleil,” walking into Le Bal Du Moulin Rouge, so popular for it’s French can-can, makes it’s guests feel like we’re participating in it’s unique history and tradition.

There are so many sights and monuments in Paris, like the Arc de Triomphe, which was a short walk from our hotel on the always lively Champs-Élysées. The history of the city is so rich and the architecture and design of it’s buildings and monuments are so beautiful and impressive.

One of the sights that I got to see was the Notre Dame Cathedral. As I kid, this was a place I thought I could only dream about visiting. It was a humbling experience to finally see and realize that dreams are not too far from reality.

During my vacation, where I indulged in some of the most incredible meals I’ve ever had, I realized that I absolutely loved Paris. Paris told me that it loved me too when I had the best crepe ever at Les Ecuries.

The eiffel tower has got to be the most prominent symbol and icon of Paris and France. I was able to savor every sight and moment after ascending to the second level by walking the stairs. It was unreal!

Going to the eiffel tower once in a lifetime is magical in and of itself, but going twice in one day is more than a girl who craves nearly everything could even ask for (the second time around, we took the elevator). We started the last day of our trip in Paris visiting the eiffel tower and ended the day there. Seeing the tower illuminated at night is stunning, but seeing the light show (where the tower twinkles) was amazing and incredibly romantic. In between these two visits (specifically at dinner), there was an engagement! In Paris, I savored some of the best times of my life, and came home with a fiancé (which may have contributed to this being my favorite Summer destination). Je t’aime Paris!

Craving Sprinkles

Who doesn’t love a good cupcake every once in a while? Whenever I crave cupcakes, I go to Sprinkles in Beverly Hills, which has the best cupcakes I’ve ever had. They are moist, flavorful, and bring such happiness like no other cupcake bakery in the entire world. I’ve heard about this place from my good friend Jax, the biggest cupcake fan known to man, so I knew Sprinkles had to be good. Since my first bite, I was hooked and ever since then, Sprinkles has become my absolute favorite cupcakery (cupcake bakery). My bf and I ordered two dozen cupcakes (to share with friends, and Jax of course), including Red Velvet, Black and White, Strawberry Shortcake, Vanilla, Milk Chocolate, Banana Chocolate, and my new favorite flavor, Banana. Sprinkles is to die for!

We got a rather pleasant surprise when we went to Sprinkles and saw that they have a new ice cream parlor right next door. Sprinkles ice cream is handcrafted using organic California dairy and carefully selected ingredients that are slow churned to incorporate less air resulting in a densely creamy and intensely flavorful ice cream experience. I had the 2 scoops of the vanilla and salted caramel in a red velvet sugar cone, and my bf had the cookie ice cream sundae with a chocolate chip cookie, Captain Crunch ice cream, with hot fudge and whip cream. On the driving home from our little Sprinkles dessert haul, while eating my ice cream cone, I felt like a sweets bandit in the night. I thought desserts should never taste this darn good. Well, every one should have a guilty pleasure. At least every once in a while.

Craving Botero

What is my favorite restaurant in Las Vegas? Botero at the Encore is uh-freakin’-mazing! If I (hypothetically) had to choose only one place to eat dinner all weekend, I’d choose Botero. Last night for dinner, Dreams, Ray, Face, Marshall, my bf and I had a pretty foodgasmic experience. The meal started off with a shrimp tasting sampler, compliments of the chef, and a breadbasket came out with seasoned butter. I had the baby beet salad with warm goat cheese and the table shared a dozen market oysters on the half shell as well as some of the most cravetastic side dishes, the truffle macaroni & cheese, baby artichokes, Botoero fries, and French green beans. Coincidentally, we had the same sever, Daniel, that my bf and I had several times when dining at Botero and he remembered what I usually order, an entree size portion of the steamed Alaskan Crab legs, which are already cracked, cut, and ready for easy (and clean) consumption. Daniel also knocked the oysters off of the bill as well as the most delicious desserts that he picked out for the table: the Lemon Napoleon (lemon pound cake, blueberry ginger compote, lemon curd ice cream), the Milk Chocolate Bon Bon Lollipops (vanilla bean ice cream and hazelnut praline), the S’mores Brioche Doughnuts (toasted marshmallows, chocolate ganache, with dipping sauces), and the lemon and berry sorbets with “Congratulations” spelled out in chocolate fudge because we mentioned that we were in town visiting our friends, Dreams and Ray, and celebrating their pregnancy. I have never had one thing I didn’t like at Botero, and always crave and enjoy having dinner there whenever we’re in town. It would be very difficult for Botero not to be a favorite after a meal like the one I had.

My Favorite Person, My Mommy

Who is my favorite person in life? My dearest Mommy, who I love with my all my heart. Every one’s story starts with our mothers, and my story started with a compassionate and loving mother, who always put her children’s well-being before her own. With unconditional love and lifetime of sacrifices, she was able to instill values and a belief system that has allowed me see the best in people and always keep in mind the importance of family. She also been such a supportive force, allowing me to believe that I can achieve anything and to believe that the sky is the limit. I owe so much to my Mommy, and can’t express how appreciative I am to have her as my mother. She is my best friend, the best person I know, and she means the absolute world to me. To an incredible person and some one I owe everything to, I wish my Mommy the happiest Mother’s Day.

Favorite Breakfast Spot: Pie ‘N Burger

Shouldn’t we all have a breakfast spot, that makes a meal taste and feel home-cooked, even though we’re not at home? Pie ‘N Burger in Pasadena does just that for many locals and visitors alike. The prices are reasonable, the service is friendly, and the atmosphere is really relaxed and welcoming. Pie ‘N Burger has been around since the 60’s and when you walk in, it feels like not much has changed since then. The vintage cash register also looks like it’s been there since it’s opening, which means all of the calculations are done manually and the restaurant only accepts cash. While others rave about their famous pies and burgers, I LOVE going there for breakfast for my absolute favorite thing on the menu, the thin pancakes. They remind me of the ones my mom made for me growing up, and they are soooooo delicious, I can barely handle it. I usually start off with wheat toast and butter and a cup of fruit with cottage cheese. I like to save the bananas to eat with my short stack pancakes, spread with butter and drizzled with syrup. It can get a little busy during the weekend mornings, since there are a lot of regulars (for good reason). I doesn’t seem like any one minds the wait. For me, the pancakes end up tasting that much sweeter.

Favorite Spring Things: I ♥ Spring TAG

What are your favorite Spring things? I was tagged by the lovely and beautiful Vera from http://avecveritas.wordpress.com/ and was excited to be tagged since I ♥ Spring and this post will allow me to share my faves…

Favorite spring nail polish?
I love bringing out bright polish colors for Spring and nails with fun fruit designs like apples, strawberries, and watermelons. I don’t have a favorite spring polish per se, but I am currently wearing American Apparel NEON Nail Lacquer in Neon Red, with American Apparel Nail Lacquer in Office, and MAC Nail Lacquer in Creme Nocturnelle (Black). I love how the colors stand out look good against tanned skin, not to mention, they work well in Spring’s warm weather.

What is your must-have lip color thing spring?
Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupté Shine Lipstick – Fuchsia in Excess No. 5 is a must! I love how it’s really hydrating and we can apply slightly less for a muted look or add more color for intensity and shine. I usually like matte and neutral lips, but for Spring, I’m able to have a little more fun with lip colors that pop and are super glossy, enabling me to still have a finished look without having to wear much else in terms of make-up.

Show us your favorite Spring dress!
It was tough picking a favorite Spring dress; I had another dress in mind for this post, but I decided that my initial thought couldn’t be a Spring favorite since I haven’t worn it recently. So, I picked Mara Hoffman’s Fitted Mid-calf Multicolored Dress. It’s really soft and comfortable, can be easily dress down with a chambray shirt or top, and paired with heels, flats, or sandals. I love the colors and so far as worked out great for Spring.

Favorite flower?
Orchids all the way! The kitchen is one of the first places I enter after waking up and I always like to have some right by the sink, in front of a window looking out to the backyard.

Favorite spring scarf/accessory?
My Favorite Spring Scarf is a Floral one by Zara. The colors just make me happy. My favorite accessory is a beaded necklace inspired by Isabel Marant’s Pop color necklace. When I saw it, I knew I had to have it but like most IM pieces that I fall in love with and attempt to find, it was completely sold out. While browsing Etsy, I discovered this store: http://www.etsy.com/shop/rokcandyofnyc and as I was looking at their items, it was noted that they make custome pieces. I sent them a picture of the IM inspiration and asked if they would be able to make one similar for me, and they did. I absolutely love what I received, it was a lot less expensive than the IM necklace at the time, and the Etsy store also gives 5% of every purchase to http://www.womenforwomen.org Helping Women Survivors of War Rebuild Their Lives.

What spring trend(s) are your most excited about this year? (make-up, fashion or both!)
I’m excited about the “Haute Grunge” make-up and hair trends. In fashion, you’d think I’d be excited about bright or pastel Spring colors, but I’m actually more excited about the bold stripes and black-and-white combination trends, which have led me to buy: Nastygal’s Next in Line Blouse, Zara’s Faux Leather Combination Dress, Zara’s Combination Striped Blouse, Zara’s Striped Cropped Trousers with zips on ankles, Nastygal’s Trimmed Tux Pant, and Free People’s Skinny Ankle Jeans with Vegan Leather Tuxedo Trim.

Favorite spring candle?
Acquiesse “Shoreline” scented candle. The fragrance is a mix between ocean air, coastal flowers and wood, all things that remind me of Spring. The candle comes in a beautiful, ultra-thick, and unique smoke-brown glass in modern packaging that I keep to store other things. Acquiesse uses a soy wax blend and is made with organic soybean oil and lead-free wicks. There are also several different scents that I really like from Acquiesse.

Favorite body spray/perfume for spring?
Chanel Chance Eau Tendre Eau de Toilette is my most recent fragrance purchase for Spring. I tend to gravitate towards lighter, more delicate scents and since I was happy with the previous facets of Chance that I own, I figured the third generation of this fragrance family would be another great addition to my collection. I love how fresh, airy, and sweet it smells, without being overpowering. There are subtle floral and fruity traces and is perfect for Spring and Summer.

What is spring like where your live?
Pasadena California has beautiful weather all year-round. Because of its position both higher and further inland than Los Angeles, Pasadena experiences slightly warmer weather in the spring and summer seasons. Spring is consistently warm and temperatures increase gradually as it gets closer to the hot summers. Rainfall is uncommon and erratic; those rare rainy days will be followed by hot, dry ones. I snapped a pic on a typical Spring day driving around my neighborhood, and as we can see, Pasadena is blessed with usual blue skies and suburban streets, lined with trees that are green and blossoming in the Spring.

Are you a spring cleaner?
Yes! I am a constant closet purger. I am a big proponent for gifting, donating and selling unwanted things. I am a little compulsive about things having a home.

Any plans for spring break or an upcoming vacation?
I will be experiencing the chilly and crisp weather in a ski-town with snow-capped mountains, then experiencing the dry and hot weather under the sun in the dessert during the second week of a three-day music fest, then experiencing the humid climate in the Islands in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. I am looking forward to going to South Lake Tahoe California for a friend’s Wedding, and Indio California for the Coachella Valley Music Festival. I am also looking forwarded to traveling to Philippines with my mom, where I will also be visiting the beautiful island of Boracay with girlfriends. While these places aren’t new to me, the experiences will be and have a feeling there will be a lot of Spring time savors.

I tag:

http://joannaloves.com/
http://stylesalvation.wordpress.com/
http://freeurcloset.wordpress.com/
http://soathome.blogspot.com/
http://tuesdayswithrachel.com/

Craving For, Raving About, and Savoring My Favorite Restaurant Giorgio Baldi

If there was one last meal you could have before leaving this world, what would it be? It’s a silly hypothetical question that we would never likely have to answer. Still, last night when my boyfriend took me to Giorgio Baldi, my favorite restaurant in the whole world, to celebrate Valentine’s Day, I posed this question and responded with my answer. I told him if I knew I were to die tomorrow, I could probably be ok going after having what I ordered for dinner. Not a very romantic statement to make, but I sincerely meant it because I ate like I wasn’t going to see the next day. Off of the Pacific Coast Highway on 114 W. Channel Rd in Santa Monica, this little Italian restaurant that seats about 60 people at capacity has people packed to the max to be served food that is simply out of this world good. We each ordered the Mista salad: Butter lettuce, radicchio, carrots, and tomatoes in a red wine vinaigrette and we shared the Clams, Langostines, and Agnolotti: homemade ravioli filled with sweet white corn in a white truffle sauce. I dream about this ravioli, it’s the best, I love it so much that I get butterflies in my stomach in nervous and anxious anticipation of having it. I had one order as an appetizer, one order with my main course, the Dover Sole with spinach and potatoes, and another order before my dessert. I call them “crack ravioli;” I have become a fiend for them. For dessert, we had the Butterscotch pudding, which I die for.

The first time I had this pudding was an unforgettable and funny story, which will always have me order this dessert before we even get seated at a table. A few years ago when eating at GB for by birthday, there was a table behind us with three men who were all eating something out of this tiny glass, all just going at it with spoons in hand, they all stopped talking; I had never seen anything like it. I mentioned that I just had to have what they were having. Keep in mind, GB is tiny, so the people at the neighboring tables can hear your entire dinner conversation; it’s unavoidable, the tables are so close. The men heard what I mentioned and then offered to share theirs with me. Pulcone (my favorite server, the entire staff; however, is is very sweet) then took a spoonful from their dessert and offered it to me. I told him that I couldn’t accept a bite from their pudding and I would just order my own. To my disappointment, they were sold out. Considering the restaurant’s clientele, of course there was a good reason why three men in a restaurant were all eating out of one cup, they were having the last one. Or so I thought… Pulcone then took a spoonful out of the very last pudding in the restaurant that the men had paid for to-go and had already wrapped in a doggie bag, so I was obligated to try it. That spoonful was heaven and every time I order it, I think of that night. We offered to pay for the dessert, but it was actually for the wife of one of those men and had already been paid for. Poor woman will probably always wonder why a bite was missing from her butterscotch pudding; however, GB no longer allows any one to take the cups home or take this dessert to go (cup shortage issue).

Thank you Il Ristorante di Giorgio Baldi, you are my favorite! I crave, I rave about, I savor you forever!

A Few Of My Favorite Things

Have you Niner fans come out of the hole that you crawled into after the most disappointing loss against the Ravens? I have been moping around since the Super Bowl game ended, which my bf and I watched with a few of my dearest hometown friends that now reside in SoCal and their 49er fan doggies. I needed a major cheer-me-up, so I took to writing in my journal about the things I am thankful for. Since my birthday passed last month, there were a lot great gifts and tons of well wishes that I received (thank you so much to every one!), as well as happy times spent with my favorite people in the world. Despite me feeling emotionally depleted, I figured I should do something to get me in a better mood. So, I decided to compile a list of what have now become a few of my favorite things. If any reader happens to feel a little blue, making a list might be something helpful to do…

Charlotte Olympia flats that look like kittens
Coffee, French press kettle, and warm woolen mittens
Gift cards and packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things

Bright colored lipsticks and makeup in oodles
A recipe book so that I can make noodles
Instagram, memories, the feelings they bring
These are a few of my favorite things

My doggies pose while my camera flashes
Time with my guy who has really long lashes
Pretty Terrariums remind me of Spring
These are a few of my favorite things

When my life bites
When the tears sting
When I’m feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don’t feel so bad

My Favorite Hotel In San Francisco: The Four Seasons

What’s my home away from home? Now that I live in Pasadena, when we visit my family and friends in SF, I’ve been making myself at home at the Four Seasons on Market Street in Union Square San Francisco, where I recently spent the weekend. With beautiful views of the city by the bay, friendly service, the best room service breakfast menu, and a Joseph Cozza Salon and Sports Club L.A. (gym and spa) on the 4th floor, it’s everything I could ask for in a hotel and more. An elevator must be taken to the fifth floor lobby, and upon check-in, we are greeted with a warm welcome. We almost always take advantage of the third night free promotion, which would make two nights in a suite cost less than paying for three nights in a regular room. We’ve even been lucky enough in the past to be upgraded to a larger suite at no cost, based on availability and the kindness of the person at the reception desk. In the larger suites, Blvgari soaps, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion are available to enjoy (which can also be requested as a guest, if you’re in the know). Some people (such as my boyfriend) are not fans of the light fragrance of the Blvgari products, so L’occitane is the other brand option, if you decide against packing these toiletries. We like to be comfortable where we choose to stay because we end up making a lot of use of the amenities. On the 2nd day in SF after a good night’s rest on a comfy bed, we had breakfast ordered to the room. I had the ruby red grapefruit sections and the steel cut oatmeal with bananas, berries, soy milk and brown sugar. On the last morning of our trip, I ordered the seasonal fruit plate with banana bread and the San Francisco Bay Omelet with egg whites filled with Dungeness Crab, tomato, avocado, green onions, and I requested added mushrooms. The omelet came with an assortment of bread (English muffins) and if you are ever in a hurry, there are room service options that will have food to your room or front drive in fifteen minutes, which is unheard of at some places. One of the main reasons I love staying at the FS is the exclusive Sports Club LA, which you can only use if you are a member of the sports club or a guest or resident at the hotel. It is a spacious and beautiful gym with 3 floors filled with with state of the art equipment, machines, specialized rooms for classes, a basketball court, an Olympic size salt water pool, and giant windows with views looking out at Market Street. Right after my workout and morning swim on Saturday, I was also able to get a blow dry at the Joseph Cozza Salon, where I spent a pleasant hour chatting and getting styled by Dan. The concierge is always more than helpful, recommending places to eat and making reservations. The hotel is also very accommodating when it comes to late check out. I’ve been able to push check-out time as late as 4pm, which is really convenient for late flights or last day spa treatments. Although I am having some withdrawals from our stay at the FS, I am happy to be back home, where the heart is, and that’s with my four doggies who I missed so much.

Snow Bunny

Who said you can’t take style to the slopes? With all of the ski and board brands following the current trends of fashion and improving technology, function, and durability, it’s easy to look stylish on the slopes while staying comfortable. In freezing cold conditions, there’s no such thing as fashion over function without being completely miserable and hating life, but I found that it is possible to combine both. The weather on day one was about 20 degrees, I was able do without a jacket. I typically prefer vests, which cut down on bulk and allow my arms more freedom and movement. I usually end up taking my gloves off to use my phone, etc. but my hands ended up suffering. So, before boarding on day two, I purchased liners for my gloves. The Northface e-tip liners that I bought are great because I can wear them while using my iphone on the slopes. This is important while taking pictures and changing music playlists without my bare hands being subjected to the chill of the wind and snow. Day two was snowing and significantly colder than the day before and I needed to wear my 686 Smarty Jacket. This jacket has tons on features that include a detachable lining system and a compartment in the sleeve for easy and safe storage of personal items (ID, money, hotel keycard, etc). I ended up destroying my 686 gloves, which melted while I was attempting to warm my hands under a heat lamp, so after day two, I purchased a pair of cool Snow Bunny graphic mittens. They are made by Celtek, have a 9/10 warmth rating and are waterproof. I am really happy with the buy. On day three, I also had to buy a dark charcoal beanie with pink ears by Spacecraft because I left my TNA beanie in the room. It turned out that it was the warmest (and in my opinion, the best) of the three days and I could have done without a beanie, my Urban Ears headphones were sufficient to keep my ears warm. It was also really sunny on day three, which allowed me to wear sunglasses instead of goggles. While waiting in line for the Gondola on day two, I had a lot of time to check out what everyone was wearing. Against the white snow, the crowd looked really stunning. All of the bright colors expresses individual styles and also makes it easier to spot friends or companions on the mountain.

Below is a list of my gear and essentials for my three days of boarding:

Day one: Handmade Strawberry Beanie (street vendor, downtown SF), Von Zipper Feenom Goggles, Turtle Fur Fleece Neck Warmer/Scarf, Crochet Cuff Henley (Free People), Burton Snowboard Socks, Wildfox Skeleton Jumper, Fur Vest (Forever 21), Burton Snowboard Pants, 686 gloves, Nike Vapen Boots, Urban Ears Headphones

Day two: 686 Smarty Jacket, Kombucha Cuff Thermal (Free People), TNA Fur-lined Zip-up Hoodie (Aritzia), ASOS Panda Beanie, Thirty Two Snowboard Socks, Northface E-tip Liner Gloves, J Crew fleece pants, Turtle Fur Fleece Neck Warmer/Scarf, Von Zipper Feenom Goggles, Burton Snowboard pants, 686 Gloves, Nike Vapen Gloves, Iphone 5 headphones

Day Three: TNA Beanie (Aritzia)/Spacecraft Beanie, Mosley Tribes Aviator Sunglasses, Meadow Fiesta Cuff Thermal (Free People), Celtek Bitten By a Womitten Gloves, Hooded Vest (Forever 21), Smartwool snowboard socks, TNA Fur-lined Zip-up Hoodie (Aritzia), Northface E-tip Liner Gloves, Turtle Fur Fleece Neck Warmer/Scarf, Burton Snowboard Pants, Nike Vapen Boots, Urban Ears headphones