Guatemala bound!

If all goes well and the Nor'easter(!!) passes, I will be Guatemala bound tomorrow at 5:30 AM! I want to thank everyone for their support and for helping me plan my dream wedding. I can't believe it is almost here.

In no particular order, a big thank you to...

Eric, Erica, Mrs. P, Mom, Jake S., Kate K. Gladys Santizo, Olga Santizo, Kate at Pronovias, style me pretty, flight attendants on flight 611, pilot on flight 611, Pocahontas, Kate N., Beth C., Lizzie T.A., Christina C., Alex Z, Candice D., 100 layer cake

...wait a minute...

This isn't going to work. The list could go on and on like a bad Oscar acceptance speech.

Thank you everyone! You know who you are!

... Why would "B.B.Q at Best Man's" be weird? [Doorbell Ringing] Oh, my God, Greg. ...

This is a picture of Eric and I when we got engaged (I promise, more on that later).

With less than 24 hours before I leave for our wedding, I've contracted wedding fever. Please keep your distance; wedding fever is contagious. Symptoms of wedding fever include: giddiness, excitement, bouts of crying, excessive smiling, and an inordinate amount of thinking about your future husband.

It all started last night when, instead of sleeping, I lied in bed and thought about all the funny movies that had wedding themes (Meet the Parents, Father of the Bride, My Best Friend's Wedding, Bride Wars, The Wedding Singer, amongst others)and the funny one liners from them. I laughed over and over (in my head of course, because Eric was sleeping) at this scene from Meet the Parents:

...Why would "B.B.Q at Best Man's" be weird? [Ding Dong].
Oh, my God, Greg. I was sure I told you.
Kevin is Bob's best man. This is his place.
Kevin, your ex-fiance? Hey! Welcome, everybody.
I don't understand. How does he know Bob?
[Grunting]
Well, they-- they went to lacrosse camp together, and Kevin was the one who introduced Bob to Debbie.

AWKWARD!

Great delivery Ben Stiller, thanks.

Weddings are a great backdrop for funny or unusual situations. I can't wait to share some funny stories from our wedding.

First, I have to find a cure for this fever!

Book binge

I've been on a bit of a book binge lately. I read well over two thousand pages in the month of September. Perhaps all the reading was my way of procrastinating on my wedding to-do list. There are only 2 days left before I leave for our wedding extravaganza in Guatemala and I can't bring myself to finish the final items. Would you believe that I still haven't packed?!

Now that we know I have a to-do list that is as long as Mt. Kilimanjaro is high to complete before leaving Friday, one question remains: what books do I bring? I'm an indefatigable reader, so I need a few good selections.

I'm thinking of finally finishing Gandhi's Autobiography that I started a few months back. It comes highly recommended from some avid readers and could also provide me with some much needed insight on how to live a more fulfilling life.

For Eric's birthday I gave him two books on photography one is instructional (The Photographer's Eye by Michael Freeman), so I'm thinking of bringing it with as well. Antigua is a great locale for picture taking.

Any other book suggestions?

Quick side note: look at this gorgeous copy of Lady Chatterly's Lover that Anthropologie sells. There is an entire collection of these beautiful hardcovers. The collection done by penquin is fashionable and certainly travel worthy. Just picture yourself in an airport somewhere exotic, reading a book form the collection. How lovely is that?

Baby baby baby

I'm new to this whole blogging thing and therefore, quite unsure about reposting from other blogs. However, one of the themes of this blog is careers... and because I'm always impressed with women who make a statement in the "workplace" - I have to repost.

This is Licia Ronzulli, Italy's MEP, at a voting session of the European Parliament.

In this weekend's FT I read an article on Elle Machpherson and her lingerie empire (who would have thought? Elle Mac a lingerie goddess?), where she said, "Her work is an ever-changing kind of environment."Doesn't this picture depict that as well? Licia's main point here is women's rights and what-not, but as women we are constantly juggling and living/working in an ever-changing environment(with baby or with not). Our roles (as women) far surpass our day jobs (in Licia's case Italy's MEP!!) they include mother, sister, stylist, interior designer, diva, lover, caregiver, chef, educator...

Licia Ronzulli I applaud you. I'm humbled by your civil disobedience and gumption.

p.s. Isn't Licia such a beautiful name?


(Photo by Reuters/Vincent Kessler, via a cup of jo)

Monday Monday

There are only 12 days before my nuptials and 4 days before I leave for Guatemala! All the last minute planning has got me in overdrive and giving me a small case of insomnia. I've tried everything to shut my mind off and get some rest, but I'm too excited.

I took this picture while doing some last minute shopping for my honeymoon(more on that later)at Jeffrey New York. Isn't it adorable? I definitely need some inexpensive psychiatric help right about now!

What does everyone do to soothe and relax their minds? Read? Sleep? Meditate? Pray?

Manhattan Vintage Clothing Show

Walked by the Manhattan Vintage Clothing Show on my way home today. Oh happy day!

Seen: 70's fringed bag - to die for! Much like the one found here but better! My darling friend "Pocahontas" would love it.

Heard (One silly diva to another): "I don't know why anyone buys vintage everything looks so dirty!" Silly diva!

Vobsessions: Hot pink lips and Marion Cotillard

A gigantic thank you to Joanna Goddard at Cup of Jo for the inspiration. I've become obsessed with hot pink lips too. I drooled over recent spreads that included the gorgeous new trend and have even considered (ever so briefly) wearing it for my wedding. Or at least during some of the festivities.

Last week while picking up some last minute wedding items at Make Up For Ever, I purchased a hot pink lipstick and tested it out. Here is a brief instructional on how to test out a new and daring beauty trend:

1. Wear it out during the day while doing otherwise mundane errands. Are people staring? Yes? Good.
2. Wear it at home in front of your fiancé, husband, lover, roommate, doorman, whomever. Did they make a comment similar to this: "Wow that's some pink lipstick you're wearing?" Yes? Good.
3. Lightly apply while wearing an otherwise conservative outfit and heading out for dinner. Do you feel more fabulous? Are you no longer even the least bit conflicted? Good.
4. If you still aren't convinced that you can pull it off, ask yourself WWZZD?

Now I'm not suggesting you splurge on every new beauty trend, if you know me, you know that I don't spend foolishly on beauty products. I am loyal to certain brands and limit my makeup collection to what I can fit in one small pouch (I am low maintenance in this regard). I reserve my foolish spending on shoes, but in this instance I had to give in to the trend.

So what does everyone think? Do I pull it off? Or should I banish the new lipstick to bin?

You know who can definitely pull it off...Marion Cotillard! Isn't she stunning? I'm definitely obsessed with her and the black-lace dress she wore in the July issue of Vogue (Photographed by Mario Testino). Or maybe my real obsession is with French culture and fashion, I have definitely binged on books about French culture in recent years but I digress on that for now. Cotillard is a classic beauty who is only 30 something, but is certainly included on my list of timeless divas.



Isn't this photo glamorous?

Ode to my sister

This is my favorite picture of me and my sister, Erica. Doesn't it look so cool and vintagesque? This post is dedicated to her, she is my best friend, confidant, and maid of honor. This is a photo of us at my Kindergarten graduation and a good depiction of how we spend our lives together, side by side.

Here is a list of reasons why I love and can't live without her:

1. She looks great in colors like this or this.

2. She loves lavender and lavender-scented items like the diva extrodinaire Jordan Reid.

3. She is a silent killer and can beat almost anyone at trivial pursuit.

4. She doesn't need these or these to be happy.

5. She knows all of my silly movie references from films like What About Bob, Karate Kid, Back to the Future, and Adventures in Babysitting.

6. She is totally modest.

7. She can find the humor in anything.

8. Her laugh is both confusing and contagious.

9. She is a true diva.

10. She is an amazing listener and a totally selfless person.

Feliz cumpleaños, mi amor

11,315 sleeps, 226,300 laughs, and over 1 million hours of gaming later, my darling fiancé celebrates his birthday today!

I want to take this moment and thank him for making the last 6 years exciting – and for sharing his days with me. Here’s to another 50 years together.


(The numbers shown above are estimates by me.)
(Picture by Yoshitomo Nara)

Hope

There are only 19 days left before my nuptials and the passing of my "find a new career" deadline. But don't be discouraged dear friends, because I'm not. I have regained my sense of hope (welcome back hope). You know that unexplainable energy that lifts you up from an otherwise soggy day? That is hope. Hope is the belief that a positive outcome awaits you. Today I am confident that I'll find or create a career that makes me happy and allows me to explore all the things I love.

What I plan to do with this new found hope can be summed up with a Goethe quote:

"Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it." - Goethe.

Dream and begin - check. Thanks Goethe!

I owe my rejuvenation to the outpouring of love I've received from friends lately. One surprise celebration after another (more on that later...well...maybe) has left me feeling entirely grateful for all the amazing and supportive people I have in my life. You know who you are!

That said, I know it’s hard to take that first step and make a career switch. But I've faced tougher challenges in my life and I have hope on my side.

So tell me...what gives you hope?

p.s. This photo is of me filled with hope. Can you tell?

My Mantra: what would Zsa Zsa do?

WWZZD

This is my personal mantra. It reminds me to stay true to my inner diva regardless of what others may think. It has helped me whenever I've been in a "should I buy it?" or "should I wear it?" pinch. Usually (and unfortunately for my bank account) the answer has been an indisputable YES! Thank you Zsa.

For those of you who don't know, Zsa Zsa Gabor is a Hungarian-born actress and socialite (she is also 93 years old!). She is a highly-eccentric diva who has been known to rock some serious bling without remorse (see the photo above).

Recently Zsa Zsa has been there for me (in spirit of course)on my quest to find a new career. This has been a long journey with no finish line in sight. I've often asked myself "would Zsa Zsa stay in a job that was uninspiring and depressing?" Answer - no! Would Zsa Zsa take a new job that didn't move her? Answer - no no no! And so the journey continues and I keep looking.

Now there are many things about this diva that are not so divalicious. 8 divorces, 1 annulment (but, really, who is counting?), a 72-hour stint in jail after slapping a Los Angeles police officer in the face, and a general indifference for social norms. Zsa Zsa's moral compass is certainly in question here, but her conviction is not. And this dear friends is why I can see past her transgressions.

Next time you are faced with self doubt or are uninspired ask yourself. WWZZD? And remember, Zsa Zsa Gabor is inspiring because she lived a glamorous life where she (and only she)defined the terms. A true diva.

What terms will you impose on your life today?

My first post!

Hi my name is Victoria. This is me and my fiancé, Eric, at our engagement photo session by Alex Z (an adorable person and amazing photographer).

We get married in exactly 22 days and I couldn’t be more excited. We are traveling with almost 100 guests to Antigua, Guatemala for the big day (or maybe I should say big three days!) if you haven’t been to Antigua, I highly recommend it. As you probably guessed from the exotic locale we chose for our wedding, travel is one of my passions and one of the things I love most (although I hate flying). I also love my siblings, fashion (I am obsessed with my shoes), Latin music, books, and of course my future husband, Eric.

Eric and I have been together for over 6-years and got engaged last year at the top of Mount Kilimanjaro (more on that later). We live together in the West Village and are madly in love. In fact, it was love at first sight.

Why have I decided to call this blog “Diva in Distress”? The answer is pretty simple: I am in distress! As I quickly approach my 30’s, I’ve realized that although I have this amazing life in NYC, I still haven’t found my true calling and that change is necessary. Over the last 6-months I’ve been trying to stop ignoring this impulse and figure it all out. Which is where YOU (my dear future readers) and this blog come into play.

It is time that I get out of my comfort zone and I hope to inspire others to do the same. I don’t know if anyone out there is interested in my ramblings or ideas on how to live a better life, besides maybe my Mom…but no one is forcing you to continue reading (please come back another time, yespleasethankyou). But know this: I firmly believe in defining your dreams and living your life just the way you want to, while looking fabulous of course! I hope you will join me as I make the conscious effort to do new things, get out of my comfort zone, and learn more about myself.