Verana: Luxury in Yelapa Mexico

Happy Friday (almost Saturday)! It's been so busy here lately that it was a nice change when my browsing took me to a gorgeous Mexican escape tonight. One day, I'd like to see Verana, a luxury boutique resort in Yelapa, Mexico, with my own eyes! It's close to Puerto Vallarta and is situated in a secluded area between the jungle and the beach. So gorgeous isn't it? One day, when I win the lottery ;)Photos from the Nomad Lab and resort site.

Photo Shoot with MUAHjwn & Dominic de Sequera

Lavish (Deadbeats Remix) - Mark Rae

Hello fabulous people! It has been such a busy weekend/Monday. I can't even remember what I did anymore! Today after work, I went to Granville Island with my cousin and photographer extraordinaire, Dominic de Sequera, and my lovely Jessica W.N., make up guru turned model tonight, for a photo shoot.
I got to play assistant: adjusting hair, holding reflectors, making her laugh when my cousin wanted a serious shot... that sort of thing :P Here's a shot from tonight's shoot!
Check out Jessica's brand new website to see more of her work and click through to see more of Nik's work on Flickr.
As soon as I can, I'll share some more shots from tonight's session. Cheers everyone!

New York Treats: Sex and the City's Magnolia Bakery

Native New Yorker - Odyssey

Back home from the Big Apple and so busy! It's 11 pm and I've got a serious craving for cupcakes! But if you put a piece of cheesecake in front of me right now, that would be just as lovely! My last week in New York was crammed full of last minute site seeing. I had spent my first three weeks living and working there, experiencing the city like a native New Yorker as much as possible. But with my time running out I decided my last week I would be a power tourist!

On my very last afternoon before my flight, I went to the famous Magnolia Bakery. Sex and the City fans, you know what I'm talking about! I was reminded of the scene when Carrie and Miranda sat outside the Bleecker St. bakery, eating cupcakes discussing crushes. My aunt and I ordered desserts at the Upper West Side location (more table space there), taking pictures, chatting, drinking espressos from the cutest cups!

I ordered a pumpkin praline cheesecake and my aunt ordered a slice of chocolate cake...

Mmm... Cupcakes!

Save the Words

Hello hello! What a busy week it has been so far. Unpacking, unpacking, fixing, unpacking. I wish I could snap my fingers like Mary Poppins and watch my clothes and shoes march themselves back into my closet! More pictures and stories from New York to come (just need to do some editing first) but for now, Save the Words!It's really incredible how many words in the English language are beginning to disappear! Check out this website, explore our disappearing vocabulary and adopt a word. :) Until tomorrow fabulous people!

Polo in New York

Stompin' at the Savoy - Benny Goodman

Have you ever seen a polo match? Let me tell you, it's something to experience. If ever you have the opportunity, take advantage of it. My first weekend in New York, I had the chance to attend and assist at a charity polo tournament.
It was a whole other world: Aston Martins casually parked on the grass, women treading carefully with sky scraper heels and delicately balanced creations sitting on their heads, the polo players warming up, the grooms readying the horses, dainty small talk and auction tables with some incredible items (vacations for two to Italian vineyards, first class Asian getaways, designer items)!
Take a look at these photos from the Mashomack Polo Club's International Polo Challenge, 2011. I only wish I took more shots of the women's hats! (Click to zoom)See the little polo player to the very left? So cute! And the men wore great hats as well...
Love the "Press" hat! (Click to zoom)
Yes: red pants with what looked like ducks on them. I've never seen so many men shamelessly dressed in reds and pinks like this fellow!
Hopefully I can get some shots of my aunt's hat at least!

Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty

In New York city this summer? This exhibit at the Met is a must see.It was so hot today. So hot. I'm glad we spent a good portion of the morning running around the Met instead of on the New York streets (you could have cooked eggs on the sidewalks today, although I don't advise it!).
My aim today was to see the Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty exhibit. The line ups and crowds were completely worth it! What a strange and fascinating burst of creativity McQueen was. No cameras were allowed but here are some photos I found and of the pieces we saw...My favourite: the Oyster dress...

Wicked

Wicked - The Wizard and I

Yesterday I watched WICKED! And it was amazing! I see now why people rave about this show. Have you seen Wicked? Easily some of the most incredible sets and costumes I've ever seen on stage (along with the Lion King). And I got to sit in Row 8! Unforgettable... If you ever plan to come to New York City, I highly recommend seeing at least one show. Here are some shots I found floating around the internet...Even the Gershwin Theatre lobby has been swankified!

Go left to Shiz University...
Or right to pass Munchkinland and meander to the Emerald City...
And as you leave...Isn't that the sad truth?! Majority of photos from HERE and more of my New York adventures to come :)

Moulin Rouge: Love or Fortune

Happy Friday! Today I spent the day on a Vespa weaving through taxis and New York traffic. I loved it!
I have a video of one of the numbers from Karen Flamenco's Moulin Rouge! Watch it and be amazed at how truly creative this traditional dance can be! And trust me, it's Moulin Rouge like you've never seen before... Enjoy guapas y guapos! Óle!

Gray's Papaya

After work, I walked... a lot to get myself to Broadway and West 72nd St. to eat the famed Gray's Papaya hot dogs! And they were well worth it. Maybe I was just hungry, but I definitely enjoyed my dinner tonight! I topped it off with their famous papaya juice drink. This is what I ate: hot dogs with sauerkraut and mustard and I wish they lasted longer!
I didn't have a camera with me other than my phone and my Diana Mini (but those will have to wait till the film is developed), so here are a few of my cell phone pictures of some NYC foodie places...
Seen The Devil Wears Prada anyone?Back to food. This is easily the best frozen yogourt I've ever had! Try it at the Forty Carrots in Bloomingdale's. But maybe, if you get a large like I did, plan on eating it there, because clearly, that plastic lid will not fit!
There's definitely more to come!