• Pantone 2013 Color of the Year: Emerald

    Green Ikat Dinnerware $10-$14 – C.Wonder Halston Heritage Pleated Gown $495 – Neiman Marcus Dolce & Gabbana Nail Lacquer $20 – Saks Fifth Avenue Cashmere Hoodie $218 – J.Crew Urbanears Headphones $60 – Urban Outfitters Clarisonic Mia2 Emerald $149 – Bergdorf Goodman Here are my favorites emerald inspiration: Image source here Image source here Image source here Image source here

  • Cartola: a delicious dessert from Brazil

    Growing up in Brazil, Cartola (top hat in Portuguese) was one of my favorite desserts.  I can never find the delicious queijo manteiga ( butter cheese) in the U.S., but the closest substitution, queso de freir,  can be found in the hispanic food section of many US supermarkets. You could also use Monterrey Jack or any non-melting cheese. Serving 4: 4 bananas 4 thick slices of queso de freir 2 teaspoons of butter Mix sugar and cinnamon in a cup for the topping Caramelize the bananas and cheese.  Use about two teaspoons of butter for the bananas; the cheese has enough oils that no butter is required.  It should take about 3-4…

  • Winter in Napa – Part 2

    Napa Valley Wineries You could spend weeks exploring all the wineries of Napa; each one has its own appeal and niche. There are wines that specialize in every variety of grape and cater to every type of visitor, big groups and intimate gatherings, experts and amateurs, people who want full hands on tours or simply open a bottle on a patio and enjoy the view.  Here’s a few that we visited and absolutely loved. The first stop we made was at the Napa Valley Welcome Center.  This was the best first stop we could have made; one of their advisors, Jeanne, listened to what kind of wine and atmosphere we wanted…

  • Winter in Napa Valley – Part.1

    Last month we took a trip to Napa Valley for the first time. I had prepared a list of amazing places to eat and visit so long that would be impossible to do it all in a 3 day trip, but we got quite a few things checked off, and added a whole lot more. Now we are even more convinced we have to come back and spend more time in Napa. Even in mid-December it’s amazing how green and beautiful Napa is, so anytime really is the right time for a trip to Napa. On the first day, we decided to explore the Valley area as much as we…