Amor confundido

Isn't all love confusing? Don't we sometimes wonder why we feel that unstoppable urge or pull towards someone. Between us, I'm pretty sure that when I'm throwing a (mild) tantrum my husband is wondering how he ended up with a fiery diva like myself, instead of a calm and collected lass who is more like him.

Interested in reading a love story that will fill you with warmth and all make you wonder about the emotion all together? Try Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez (Important note: SKIP the movie and read the book). This story of unrequited love excites me to my core.

Musical accompaniment to this post:



I'll share a story about sneaking into a Gipsy Kings concert in a future post...

"I wished I had died before I ever loved anyone but her."

--Hemingway

The Paris Wife is a new novel by Paula McLain based on Hemingway's marriage to his first wife, Hadley Richardson.  If you are Hemingway obsessed like I am, you know that Heminway's first marriage is largely depicted in his novel - A Moveable Feast (a must read).

Although Richardson's marriage to Hemingway ended in divorce (Hemingway would go on to marry 3 more times), she had often said...

when she hooked her star to Heminway's that she exploded into life. How romantic. 

Click here to read more about Paula McLain's journey in writing The Paris Wife (click here for an excerpt) and stay tuned for a book review from moi. 

For all you Paris loving swooners - here is a book that will produce some truly romantic images. 

Another Bad Creation - Iesha

Ahhh schoolyard love, so young, yet so cool. I'm so making this my ringtone.



New lyrics:

Vic-tor-e-a, you are the girl I never had
and I want to get to know you betta
Vict-tor-e-a you know I want you so bad
And there's nothing anyone can do
To keep me away from you

Do you think I'll be able to get E to sing this to me later?

Hey! I think I love you!

Happy Valentine's day, Puppets! Love it or hate it, you can't avoid it. Especially not in NYC. Someone puked red all over the city and by noon there will be flower vendors on each street corner. Step in to Grand Central Station and I'm sure you will find heart decorations galore. The only real thing I like about V-day are the heart decorations!

In the spirit of Valentine's day - here is a compilation of mushy things bound to make you smile.

To my delight, I took the lid off my morning latte and found this adorable surprise. Thanks Aiesha!

Stunning little details from the engagement party I went to on Saturday. Congrats C&N!

An adorable surprise from my one-and-only-someone.

Beautiful Neruda Stanza

Sad but so beautiful.

so I wait for you like a lonely house
till you will see me again and live in me
till then my windows ache

*sigh*

y asi te espero como casa sola
y volveras a verme y habitarme
de outro modo me duelen las ventanas

Spontaneity

What does it mean to you? How do you act spontaneous?

Are you attracted to spontaneity or does the thought of doing something unplanned make you break out in hives?

To some, spontaneity means hitting up a different bodega for their morning coffee. If you are like me, much to my husband's dismay, spontaneity means traveling to a foreign country without a schedule and seeing what happens.

Here are some spontaneous acts/things that I love:

1. Photo booths!

2. Spontaneous dance parties! They are very common in my family, very! In fact, it was my husbands first time spending the holidays with my kin and he experienced the dance party of a lifetime. I, of course, was at the center of the action. Love love love it.

3. Spontaneous affection! As Stevie Wonder put it, "I just called to say, I love you. I just called to say how much I care. I just called to say I love you and I mean it from the bottom of my heart."

4. Spontaneous laughter! I've been known to laugh at my desk for no apparent reason. Something funny pops into my head and I can't control myself. It annoys the people around me.

5. Spontaneous adventures - My dear friend M is known for these, she always has a good idea for something crazy to do in the New York area and it usually involves martinis.

6.  Spontaneous acts of kindness!  Marcus Aurelius said, "Execute every act of life as thought it were thy last." This quote has many different meanings, so apply it as you like. For me, it is a good reminder that time is not infinite and to act with kindness whenever you can. If you need ideas, check out the 35 Little Acts of Kindness by Oprah. Later I will write the 35 Little Acts of Kindness that can be done by New Yorkers. Stay tuned for that!

7. Spontaneous purchases - enough said.

8. Spontaneous opportunities for learning? If you live in a city, like New York, you have plenty of opportunities for unexpected learning. On any given day you can walk in, right off the street, to a book reading, a lecture, a wine-tasting, anything. It's brilliant. Whenever you are in a big city you should stay alert and look for opportunities for learning. You never know what fun activity is lurking around the corner, like this or this.

9. Spontaneous cocktail parties! Invite over a few friends, turn up the music, and shake up some cocktails.

10. Spontaneous new friendships. This one is truly my favorite.  Have you ever sat down at a dinner party and instantly knew that you would be great friends with the person next to you? After a few "me too(s)" it is pretty much confirmed that you will be lifelong buds.

I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season, I know I am. I spent last weekend with my family and my husband. It was a wonderful snow covered weekend with lots of love.

(Photo by a WNY photo booth)

25 things every woman should know

1. How to plan a trip and enjoy it -  alone.
2. That your dream job is...? You need to know! So that you can avoid the DID trenches.
3. Your exit line (i.e. last words) for every situation. Every woman needs a proper exit.
4. How to embrace your own vanities. Pride in your own abilities and achievements is nothing to hide.
5. That it's important to enjoy life and not worry about being perfect. Tick tick goes the clock.
6. That love like that of Vera and Vladimir Nabokov exists. She was his muse, editor, and devoted wife.
7. Whether or not you enjoy children.
8. What book you would hide and covet in a Fahrenheit 451 situation.
9. That life holds only one guarantee: NOW.
10. How to make one good cake.
11. How to age gracefully. And not to forget to thank your Mom for the good genes. Thanks Mom!
12. Your fashion muse. Mine is Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. Althought I'm not sure that Carolyn would wear this. 
13. This line from Breakfast at Tiffany's: "You could always tell what kind of person a mans thinks you are by the earrings he gives you."
14. That you should not indulge in jealousy.
15. What colors most flatter your skin tone. If you are anything like my sister, you can wear many splendid colors.
16. How to balance a checkbook, contribute to a 401K, and save for a rainy day.
17. That your self worth is not based on who likes you. Rather, it's based on whether or not you like yourself.
18. How to connect with your inner self, while remembering which side is most flattering for photos.
19. How to drive a manual- transmission vehicle. Why? For that driving trip through the alps.Trust me, if your man is anything like my city bloke, he won't know how!
20. The name of at least one fallback author for uninspired bouts at the bookstore or international departures terminal. Try Milan Kundera or Haruki Murakami.
21. To please your lover.
22. What you would do with a jackpot. Everyone needs a contingency plan. I've already won the jackpot.
23. How to enjoy the opera.
24. About Yale University's open lecture series on youtube. There is an entire lot on modern-American Novels. Amazing! And perfect for a confused Diva like me - who often needs a daytime distraction.
25. How to say yes! Yes to life, love, and flattering pants.

So tell me - what is your exit line? Who is your fashion muse? Your

Let the countdown(s) begin

I'm elated today! I'm so happy I can't get down. As Elvis Presley would put it, "I'm all shook up!"

In just 7 hours I pick up my buttercup (he would die if he heard me call him that!!) from the airport. I'm very excited to see him. Our plan is to stay in tonight and relax over some pizza and perhaps watch some Glee reruns. 

That folks is countdown number one. I'm also in countdown mode because I've been invited to a sale, for an amazing organization that will remain nameless. The sale can only be described as epic - the organization is a household name (at least in my world). To keep the anonymity of the organization I won't give you the exact date, but what I can say is that it's soon and you should be entirely jealous.

As a self-proclaimed sale guru or deal diva. I assure you that my finds at this sale will impress you fashionistas. I promise to document my finds here. For now, bask with me in the glory of feeling like an insider. 

Love the present

How smart is banana republic's new ad campaign? The ad, that I first saw in vogue, said, "Love the Present" and has a woman dressed in après-ski clothes surrounded by snow and mountains. No gift box, no holiday decorations, and no cheesy smile. Perfection.

I love the double entendre here too. It's brilliant and a romantic's dream. BR is telling us to love today by being in the now, and to love the glorious BR merino wool sweater we receive as a Christmas gift (i.e. love your presents).

Of course, I find this entirely thought provoking, it got me thinking, what about "the present" do I love?

Sticking with the double entendre, here is a list of things I love about "the present":

1. The paper! I love receiving a beautifully wrapped gift. It makes the present experience that much more lovely. I especially love brown paper.

2. I love that the holidays are here so I get to see all the people I love.

3. I love surprises. Surprise gifts! Surprise visitors!

4.  I love that at present, this gorgeous man is painting a new piece to go in my apartment.

 Learn more about his work here and check out his blog.

For many fêtes

As a recently married diva, I've been thinking a lot about preparing for marriage. What must one do after becoming betrothed? Is it important to exhaust the interests that might not fit nicely in your marriage?

The answer, for the most part, is an unequivocal no! Marriage may be about compromise (I should know I've been married for 27 days!), but it's not about compromising yourself.

There are some exceptions...

Here are a few important questions that you should ask yourself before getting hitched:

1. Have I exhausted my party self? If you, dear friends, are more interested in trysts in St. Barts with strangers than nights in like this - I suggest you run! Run far away from any marriage prospects. It's for your own good.

2. Have I exhausted my wanderlust self? If not, does my partner harbor the same feelings? If you yearn for cultural excursions abroad and your partner thinks a visit to the Upper East Side is traveling - I suggest you stop, drop, and roll to the nearest airport. When you get there buy a one-way ticket to anywhere but marriageville and have a safe trip.

3. Have I exhausted my need for speedy gratification with members of the opposite sex (who are not my partner) self? Yup I said it! I'm a modern woman and feel perfectly comfortable noting that people like to flirt, court, and rendezvous with the opposite sex. It's in our nature pumpkins.

4. Have I exhausted my take the job in Timbuktu self? If you dream of 2-year stints healing the world in someplace other than home - you have to discuss this upfront. Perhaps you will learn that your mate has the same dreams. Now you can you fulfill your dreams and save the gorillas together!  1...2...3...awwwwww how romantic?

5. Have I exhausted my need to get my partner to wear a belt that matches his shoes self? When my Husband and I get ready to go out,  I'm the first to try and get his getup to match my own. But I still accept him just the way he is, even if he wears a tweed jacket and I wear a high-waisted leather skirt with all the frills.

Ask yourself these question before tying the knot and you run little risk that let these"selves" tug at you (and tug at you), until you become filled with resentment and feel like retreating.

Here is to my 27th day of marriage and to never exhausting my be myself self!

Any given night at my apartment

I'm the spinning stick figure in this image.

Breakfast for dinner

Happy Monday everyone! How was your weekend? Mine was amazing, I participated in a discussion on world politics with my darling Anu's Father (He is visiting from India!), had brunch at Morandi with my Australian divas, watched The Girl Who Played with Fire (Swedish version), attended the RTR one year anniversary party, and had my new favorite meal, breakfast for dinner (B4D).

Cropped out of this picture is my darling husband, he prepared the luxurious meal of blueberry pancakes, bacon, and eggs. Served in an apron with mimosas and love.

B4D is certainly not a new concept. People have been consuming pancakes at dinner time for centuries. That said, I've just recently rediscovered the joys in B4D. It's satisfying, quick, and often the perfect mix of sweet and savory. Here is a list of yummy places to consume B4D in NYC.

1. Bubby's
Open 24 hours a day (except for Mondays) this Tribeca hotspot serves breakfast all day. Oh happy day!

2. Clinton Street Baking Co.
The everyday menu is served all day everyday, 7 days a week and features...breakfast! Try the brioche french toast with caramelized bananas, roasted pecans, and maple butter. It's yummy!

3. Pastis
Pastis is a french bistro and a meatpacking staple. Keith McNally and his crew were here well before the standard, the highline, or any other meatpacking jaunt spot. Omelette aux fines herbes and croque-monsieurs can be consumed with a glass of sancere for dinner!

Have a holly jolly weekend

I hope your plans for the weekend bring you comfort and that you are surrounded by people you love.

Until next time, stay:

Hopeful, charming, energized, inspired, sassy, intrigued, glamorous...

(Photo by downtown from behind) 

Happy birthday to the love of my life, the cream in my coffee

I am many things (Diva, Friend, Wife, Fashionista, Corporate Slave), but I am a sister first. This post is dedicated to my first true love, Jacob.  Happy birthday Jake!

Jake, thank you for walking me down the aisle and for helping me remain calm before the wedding ceremony. I hope your 15th year is one to remember.

Our City Hall Wedding

Now that our wedding festivities in Guatemala are over. I thought I would share some pictures from our civil ceremony that was held here in New York City. Eric gave me the little bouquet that I'm holding in the pictures. Isn't it adorable? I think it makes the pictures.

The ceremony itself took under 2 minutes.   

We were amused by the short duration of the ceremony.

We took a serious shot to show our future grandkids. See kids, marriage isn't all fun and games.  

This picture says it all. We were excited for our upcoming wedding and for our future. After the ceremony we celebrated over pancakes. Later that day, in true diva fashion, I purchased my wedding shoes. It was a perfect day.

Merry weekend!

I hope your plans for the weekend bring you joy and that you are surrounded by love.

Until next time, stay:

Hopeful, funny, lovely, clever, warm, interested, classy, brilliant, confident...

p.s. If you signed up for National Novel Writing Month you better get to work. Now!

A new phenonmenon: Girl crushes via the blogosphere

Back in 2005, the New York Times published an article on girl crushes. A girl crush occurs when one heterosexual female adores/is infatuated with another heterosexual female. Sometimes the feelings are mutual, sometimes they are not.

I love making new girlfriends, especially the smart and sophisticated types I meet in New York. Therefore, I have had several girl crushes over the years (you know who you are)! Now thanks to cyberspace, I have been experiencing a new type of girl crush - the blogosphere girl crush.

A girl crush on a blogger is very similar to your average girl crush, but better! You can stalk and obsess over your crush without fear of exposure or rejection. In fact, bloggers want you to obsess and revisit their blogs! Talk about a win-win situation. My recent girl crushes from blogland include:

Jordan Reid at Ramshackle Glam. She's smart, feminine, and clever.

Emily at cupcakes and cashmere. She's stylish, fresh, and fun.

Heidi Swanson at 101 Cookbooks. She's daring, romantic, and innovative.

Rachel Jones at Black Eiffel. She's creative, passionate, and curious.

Ladies, thank you for all of your hard work and for letting me snoop.

We tied the knot!

I don't know where to begin.

He asked me to marry him and I said, "obviously yes!"

We planned our dream wedding in Antigua, Guatemala with help from Saguzo Eventos.

We tied the knot and celebrated in true diva fashion.

We created countless memories with help from our amazing guests. Everyone laughed, cried, and SANG karaoke!

And now I'm back in NYC with my new husband and I couldn't be happier.

P.S. Can somebody please pinch me?

(Photo by Christina Craft at FunkyTown Photography)

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!

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)