hola! design

The Cube

2012-01-30T09:10:00.000-08:00

Hey, I want to have lunch here! The Cube is a temporary restaurant overlooking Piazza del Duomo in Milan. This concept, created by Electrolux, aims to offer a "lunch to remember" experience to 18 guests sharing a communal table, enjoying Michelin rated cuisine, all while taking in the amazing views of Milan's rooftops.

The Cube will be in its Milan location till April 2012 and then it'll relocate to Stockholm (!!!), London, Switzerland and Russia.

Start saving up, enjoying this unique gastronomic experience isn't cheap. Tickets go for €200 - €275.

Via: Cool Hunting.

Spotlight: Owen Davey

2012-01-26T21:18:00.000-08:00

Amazing illustration work by Bristol based artist: Owen Davey. Talented guy! Or should I say lad?

Via: design envy.

Bits of Happiness

2012-01-25T18:49:00.000-08:00

These are a few things that have made me smile this week:

Rachel opened a new online shop: Mignon Kitchen Co. It carries a wonderful selection of curated goods for prepping, baking, serving, and sharing food. Right now, I'm craving this fondue au chocolat, but it's sold out!

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I adore this quote, hand written by the talented Lila Symons:

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The Kooks (one of my favorite bands) are playing in New York next March, I was lucky to grab some tickets and I'm so excited!

The Kook's most famous single "Naive". I love this live version.

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These cards made me chuckle! Perfect for Valentine's day. By Red Letter Paper Co.

Enjoy the rest of the week! It'll be Friday before you know it!

2012-01-19T19:32:00.000-08:00

“No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow.”

- Lin Yutang

I daydream about traveling all over the world; lately I've obsessing over going to India, the Caribbean, San Francisco or London. Where would you like to travel?

Image credits, from top to bottom: Florence by artichekt, Postdam, Germany by caroni, Eiffel Tower by anelle, la Fontana di Trevi in Rome by moroz-z-zova, Venice by kylewis.

2012-01-19T11:30:00.001-08:00

Beautiful food photography by Meeta K. Wolff.

2012-01-16T11:01:00.000-08:00

Yummy! I'm loving the idea of having a Breakfast Banana Split. I'm always hunting for easy and nutritious breakfast options, and this one has become an instant favorite!

Recipe & Image: The Kitchn

2012-01-12T10:38:00.000-08:00

Paper Fortress: 2009 - 2011 Reflection from Paper Fortress on Vimeo.

This video by Paper Fortress made me smile. Via Do Lectures.

2012-01-11T10:09:00.001-08:00

Yummy photography by Steve Wojcik.

Maurizio Cattelan

2012-01-09T20:05:00.000-08:00

In what was the most perfect day (60F degrees in January!), I finally had the chance to see Maurizio Cattelan's exhibition at the Guggenheim in NYC. It was mind-blowing, surreal and spectacular.

Make sure to catch it! It runs till January 22.

2012-01-09T10:59:00.001-08:00

Excellent advice, if you ask me.

Via: That kind of woman.

Rachel Castle

2012-01-04T19:29:00.000-08:00

Always a fan of bright colors and geometric shapes, and desperately in need to cheer up my empty walls, I wishlisted these fantastic prints by Rachel Castle as soon as I saw them.

Via: Maiya

Cream of Potatoes

2011-12-22T21:06:00.000-08:00

I've been working non-stop and totally craving some comfort food; this Cream of Potatoes with White Truffle Oil, Bacon(yum!) and Croutons looks absolutely delicious; the white truffle oil makes it extra special, don't you think?

Images and Recipe: Cooking Melangery.

Via: Foodie Booty

Warriors

2011-12-14T18:43:00.000-08:00

I'm super happy to discover the work of Rob Bailey, a freelance illustrator, artist and designer living in Manchester. His whole portfolio is amazing, but the "Warriors" series are my favorite. Look at those shapes and colors!

Hero

2011-12-07T19:09:00.000-08:00

Wow. My mind is blown. I love stippling and pointillism, but Miguel Endara has taken this technique to a whole different level. His drawing "Hero" is perfection.

Music by Bonobo - Noctuary
Created and Produced by Miguel Endara
miguelendara.com

Via: Dan Rodney

James T. Edmondson

2011-12-02T08:45:00.000-08:00

James T. Edmondson, I like your style.

Roger Xavier

2011-11-29T18:37:00.000-08:00

I wish I could draw like this. Roger Xavier creates these amazing line drawings that evoke old world etchings, engraving and woodcuts, but with a 21st century edge. Talented guy!

2011-11-29T16:26:00.000-08:00

Even though I'm afraid of snakes, I find these portraits by Mark Laita stunning.

Via Photojojo

My Favorite Beef Stew

2011-11-23T08:15:00.000-08:00

Fall is, hands down, my favorite season. There's a crisp breeze that invigorates the spirits and if it's sunny out, that makes the perfect day. I try to enjoy those days as much as I can.

I made this stew the other day, and it was hearty and filling. I don't think there's anything better than a warm bowl of soup on a chilly day. I'll be making this stew again.

Do you have a favorite stew or soup?

The Neighborhood Studio

2011-11-17T20:06:00.000-08:00

All of my favorites songs, set in stunning type, ready for me to buy? YES!

From the Neighborhood Studio.

2011-11-15T19:34:00.000-08:00

So inspiring.

Source: Typeeverything.

Via: Swiss Miss.

2011-11-13T20:48:00.000-08:00

Last Friday was a colorful one! I had the pleasure of attending Creative Mornings (organized by Tina Roth Eisenberg aka SwissMiss), with Jessi Arrington (one of my favorite designers) as the speaker. She gave an amazing talk about creativity that lift my spirits, and inspired me to be more optimistic and creative.

Jessi, whose favorite color is rainbow, had asked us to wear one color so we could form a rainbow parade (remember the last one?) I wore red head to toe. With Tina leading the way, we walked trough DUMBO with a marching band. A few members of the team Girl Walk/All day were there to film the parade, which made the whole thing even more special.

Tina & the Marching Band.

You gotta have music!

Color everywhere!

Kevin and Freddie, the chimp.

Jessi!

It was so much fun! Jessi's talk should be uploaded soon to Creative Mornings' Vimeo channel, so stay tuned so you can watch it. It was unforgettable, funny and very moving.

P.S. In case you missed Jessi's TED talk: here it is.

Images: Monica Aguiñaga

2011-11-10T19:26:00.000-08:00

What a stunning apartment. I love the full length mirror!

Via Miss Design, Weranda, and Nicety.

English Muffin

2011-11-07T09:55:00.000-08:00

"At the end of the day, pretty colors make people drool."

-Nathan Rice

I'm big fan of maps and color. Don't know how my love for maps started, but it's probably influenced by my passion of traveling and discovering the world. These maps by English Muffin are beautiful in their simplicity and vibrant in their rainbow colors.

More beautiful maps:

//Old, old maps.

//These are Things' maps are my favorite.
//Maps envelopes.

Light Calligraphy

2011-11-03T20:41:00.000-07:00

Light Calligraphy: a very interesting project by artist Kaalam. Aren't these images captivating?

Via: Photojojo & Designboom

2011-11-01T18:23:00.000-07:00

What an inspiring quote, with an beautiful print to go with it. Buy it here.

Via: Super Swoon.

Avocado Fingers

2011-10-30T18:14:00.000-07:00

Prosciutto is one of my favorite things in the world, I love it in any form: with pasta, with melon or by itself. Now, if you put together prosciutto, creamy goat cheese and avocado, you got a winner combo. How genius is this easy recipe?

2011-10-25T18:39:00.000-07:00

Can I please move into this beautiful apartment? I'm absolutely in love with the kitchen, with Smeg appliances, blackboard wall, and black and white floors. I can definitively see myself living here.

Via: ~

Ornamelle

2011-10-21T10:33:00.000-07:00

I just discovered the work of Ornamelle, and I'm equally smitten with her calligraphy work and the beautiful pictures she takes.

Via: Super Swoon.

2011-10-18T17:36:00.000-07:00

I recently discovered the work of photographer Andrew B. Myers. I love his use of soft colors and unexpected subjects.

The Phraseology Project

2011-10-16T18:53:00.000-07:00

Oh man, I want all these prints by the awesome Phraseoloy Project.

The National

2011-10-11T18:54:00.000-07:00

What an amazing poster. by DKNG Studios.

Via ~

Gemma Redux Fall 2011

2011-10-07T06:23:00.000-07:00

Gemma Redux's latest collection is full of chic and edgy pieces. I'm specially fond of the asymmetrical necklaces.My birthday is next month, maybe I'll treat myself!

2011-10-03T19:06:00.000-07:00

Why is that everything sounds better in french? Last week, I made this fabulous Tarte au chocolat et aux framboises; or Chocolate tart with rasperries; it was surprisingly easy to prepare and quite tasty. It's even better with whipped cream and extra rasberries. I followed this recipe, it literally took minutes to be ready and mere seconds to disappear.

Recipe: Mets de la creme.

Images: Monica Aguiñaga

Café Henri

2011-09-28T19:04:00.000-07:00

Last Tuesday, my sister, my baby niece and I had breakfast at Café Henri, a tiny French café in the West Village. I discovered this place while wandering around the Village (my favorite neighborhood in the city), and I'm so happy I found it! I had the most amazing crêpes, with cheese, ham and eggs, and a gigantic cup of cafe au lait. I feel somewhat disappointed that I was so full by the end of the meal, that I didn't try the sweet crêpes. I guess I have to go back! Want to come?

Images: Monica Aguiñaga

Kinfolk Mag

2011-09-23T20:35:00.000-07:00

vol. 1 from tiger in a jar on Vimeo.

I just found this beautiful magazine Kinfolk: a Guide for Small Gatherings. From their manifesto:

"We recognize that there is something about a table shared by friends, not just a wedding or once-a-year holiday extravaganza, that anchors our relationships and energizes us."

Amanda Jane Jones, the primary designer of the magazine, did a fantastic job creating the layouts and setting the type. It's just stunning. Go read it now.

The future is analogue

2011-09-22T12:46:00.000-07:00

Ever since I got my first digital camera, I abandoned my beautiful film camera and it's been siting on a shelf collecting dust. And while point and shoot cameras are compact, easy to carry and use, it's very easy to store all our images in computer and forget about them. I had a frighting thought the other day: what if my laptop got stolen or lost? Most of my pictures from trips and special occasion would be lost. So, I decided to print out my pictures and put them in photo albums (remember them?) and also, I've promised myself to start using my analogue camera more often. I haven't used it in over 6 years, and I wonder if I remember how to load film, is it like riding a bicycle?

When was the last time you used a film camera?

P.S.This made me laugh.

Image: Miki

2011-09-19T17:53:00.000-07:00

Recette filmée - Fondants Chocolat from ))) datafone on Vimeo.

Lately, it seems to be an explosion of amazing food videos. This one captures the process of Fondant Chocolat; I could watch this all day long.

Via This & That.

2011-09-18T19:19:00.000-07:00

I love everything about this outfit. From Free People.

Favor Jewelry by Monika Reed

2011-09-13T17:40:00.000-07:00

I tend to gravitate towards simple and delicate jewelry, and Favor Jewelry by Monika Reed has been a favorite for quite some time with its beautiful and feminine designs. The Fall/Winter 2011 Lookbook is stunning, don't you think?

Sprinkles

2011-09-13T08:58:00.000-07:00

Beautiful print "Sprinkles" by Amy Borrell. It would make a nice gift for someone who enjoys skiing.

Buy it here and help a charity!

Katie Kirk

2011-09-09T04:17:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite illustrators, Katie Kirk, recently created a crest and a pattern for the Institute of Awesome, and I'm loving the wild color palette. Katie Kirk never disappoints, does she?

I Love Doodle

2011-09-06T09:04:00.000-07:00

I've seen these illustrations all over the Internet but didn't know all belong to I Love Doodle. Lim Heng Swee, the artist behind I Love Doodle, mixes cuteness, inspirational messages and humor and I love it!

"Thru illustrations and designs, i hope i’ll be able to doodle a smile on people’s face."

Lim Heng Swee

Buy prints here: I Love Doodle.

Water Sculpture

2011-09-02T09:48:00.000-07:00

I want to see this in person: a "Mermaid" sculpture at Alster lake in Hamburg, Germany.

Artist: Oliver Moss.

Via Nina Garcia & Skinned Teen

Nina Hunter

2011-08-31T18:30:00.000-07:00

Thrilled to have found the work of graphic designer and artist Nina Hunter. Just beautiful.

Upon the fold

2011-08-29T09:19:00.000-07:00

Beautiful paper objects by Upon a Fold, my new favorite paper shop.

The Great Blandini

2011-08-24T18:38:00.000-07:00

I love the identity concept created for Steve Bland, a very skilled Photoshop re-toucher. His branding include "playing cards" business cards, featuring different Photoshop tricks on each one and magic wand poster proofing tubes.

Design by Mike Rigby.

Via: Lovely Stationery.

Star Charts

2011-08-22T05:08:00.000-07:00

How beautiful are these Star Charts? Which hemisphere would you pick? Northern or Southern? Maybe both?

By Brainstorm.

Via: Mint.

Mark Allen Miller

2011-08-18T14:11:00.000-07:00

Really happy to have found the work of Mark Allen Miller. Beautiful use of color.

Via Share some candy

These are a few of my favorite things...

2011-08-15T19:56:00.000-07:00

Lately, I've found the most amazing stuff on Pinterest, here are a few of my favorite things:

It's my longtime dream to own a Leica camera (the M9, specifically). While I save my pennies, I'd love to hang this print in my home office, for inspiration :)

I love mysteries, and Agatha Christie is one of my favorite authors; these reprints are from Harper Collins Publishers and the book covers were designed by Michael P. Correy, who did a truly fantastic job.

This quote really spoke to me, and I like to read it often since it's a great reminder and keeps me motivated.

A brownie popsicle? Yes, please.

See more inspirational images on my Pinterest boards, if you'd like.

I saw the prettiest flowers today

2011-08-10T19:30:00.000-07:00

Lately, flowers are my favorite subjects to photograph; the colors are mesmerizing.....

Images: Monica Aguinaga

Telegramme Studio

2011-08-07T19:06:00.000-07:00

Oh my! Telegramme Studio has the most amazing prints. My favorite? The Why be serious print. Good advice, don't you think?

Sebastian Lester

2011-08-02T20:11:00.000-07:00

Extraordinary calligraphy by Sebastian Lester. I wish my grocery shopping lists looked like his! (second image)

Via: Design work life

Bokeh

2011-07-31T18:55:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite Flickr streams; Roger Lim never ceases to amaze me. His technique is simply perfect.

More flowers

2011-07-29T10:04:00.000-07:00

Beautiful colors and lighting. By Yeeship.

Code Rings

2011-07-28T07:44:00.000-07:00

Beautifully crafted Code Rings by Lulu Frost. Perfect for stacking and create your own "codes" like a birthdate, anniversary date, a lucky number or postal code.

Via: Honestly WTF

Funny Dogs

2011-07-26T17:13:00.000-07:00

These dog portraits made me smile. The second dog looks so silly! Can't stop laughing :)

Images: Carli Davidson.

Via: Photojojo.

Homemade Marshmallows

2011-07-22T09:58:00.000-07:00

I love to try new recipes, especially if it is something I already love like marshmallows.

This recipe looks very straight-forward, not too many ingredients and I only need to buy a food thermometer to star making marshmallows!

It would make a cute gift, right? (If I don't eat them all)

Images: Sparkling Ink.

A thousand flowers

2011-07-19T11:45:00.000-07:00

Every market in New York City is an explosion of color; thousands of flowers fill the streets with vibrant hues and soft textures. I love spending time outdoors during the summer and see all the trees in bloom and flowers everywhere.

Images: Monica Aguinaga

Never before seen photos of the Beatles

2011-07-18T04:04:00.000-07:00

Photographer Mike Mitchell took these photos of the Beatles in 1964, when he was only 18 years old. Then, he put the pictures in a box in the basement and forgot all about them for 47 years. Aren't they amazing?

Found via Buzzfeed.

Harry Potter & Ice Cream

2011-07-15T06:59:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited about Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2! And I'm equally excited about these Harry Potter watercolor prints, made by of my favorite designers, Caroline Hadilakso. The idea behind these posters is to promote the magical world as travel destinations to non-magical people (muggles, I suppose :) You can buy the prints here.

Also, this Sunday is national Ice Cream Day, one of my favorite holidays (besides April Fool's Day).

Happy weekend!

Lulu & Shay

2011-07-13T18:05:00.000-07:00

So pretty and dainty! I'm loving these delicate pieces by Lulu & Shay, especially the square stacked rings.

Perfect Summer Outifit

2011-07-12T16:13:00.000-07:00

I've seen this trend all over the internet (and on the streets): shorts with half tucked shirts, and I must say I'm smitten! I love this girl's take on this summer trend: black leather and soft pink, with mismatched bracelets.

Images: Hanneli.

Irene Suchocki

2011-07-10T18:35:00.000-07:00

One of my favorites photographers, Irene Suchocki, shot these beautiful images of New York icons. Aren't they mind blowing? See more here. You can buy prints of her fantastic work here.

Images: Irene Suchocki.

You had me at vodka

2011-07-08T10:30:00.000-07:00

Could it be any hotter? This last week the temperatures have been so high ( 80's and 90's), all I want to do is stay indoors, crank up the air and drink something refreshing. This Apple, Ginger and Cranberry Vodka Cocktail sounds good right about now. I like the idea of serving it in a mason jar. Clever!

Images and Recipe: What Katie Ate

Skies

2011-07-07T08:09:00.000-07:00

Bridgehampton

Flying Point Beach

North Sea Harbor

Palm Beach

Venetian Causeway

I'm in love with this. Photographer Eric Cahan takes pictures of colorful skies around the world. I must admit, at first, I thought these were watercolors. There's no better artist than nature, look at those amazing colors!

Images: Eric Cahan

Via: Design for Mankind

Current obssesion: Dachshunds

2011-07-05T12:52:00.000-07:00

Totally obsessed with the cuteness of dachshunds. Very charming

Images: a) dachshund butter dish, b) dachshund lamp, c) wooden dachshund, d) junior dachshund bookends.

2011-07-01T08:06:00.000-07:00

Sweet! I found this amazing letterpress print showcasing the United States arranged as a heart. This print was made by Beauchamping and they carry a wonderful selection of prints. Be sure to check out their shop.

Happy Fourth of July!

Cursive Design

2011-06-29T18:14:00.000-07:00

Now that the summer is here (in full force, I might add), I find myself wearing shorts with white T-shirts all the time. Rings and bracelets bother me during the hot, humid weather so I prefer wearing playful and colorful necklaces. These asymmetrical pieces from Cursive Design are just what I'm looking for.

2011-06-29T04:36:00.000-07:00

Absolutely in love with the photography of Rosemary. Stunning.

Via: Elephantine

2011-06-27T18:38:00.000-07:00

On my attempt to spice up my breakfast choices, I remembered this great biscuit recipe.* It's so easy to follow, only calls for a handful of ingredients and can be ready in half an hour. I like to spread butter and strawberry jam on them and along with a cup of hazelnut coffee it's my favorite breakfast lately!

* The original recipes calls for chives or parsley, but I chose not to add herbs.

Images: Monica Aguinaga

The Jazz Age Lawn Party

2011-06-26T19:19:00.000-07:00

What a day! The Jazz Age Lawn Party at Governors Island last weekend was a blast! Want to know more about it?

"This Jazz-Age Lawn party brings you back in time to the 1920s for a rollicking and delightful afternoon rendezvous of live music and dance, instruction in period dances, picnicking, and games."

It was like traveling back in time! If you live in the area and you missed it, don't worry! There's another one on August. See you there!

Images: Monica Aguinaga.

Jewelry | Gorjana

2011-06-23T20:11:00.000-07:00

A longtime favorite, Gorjana's newest collection for the summer is full of charming pieces. I specially like the mismatched Peace & Heart Studs. Aren't they adorable?

2011-06-23T07:44:00.000-07:00

I was bored with my usual choice for breakfast (eggs almost every day), so this week I decided to make homemade granola. I followed this recipe, (originally found here), and let me tell you, this is the best granola I've ever had. It's perfect as a topping for my morning yogurt with fruit or just by itself.

P.S. Another great recipe for granola. (Via This is Glamourous)

Images: Monica Aguiñaga for Hola!Design

Ty Wilkins

2011-06-21T20:03:00.000-07:00

I recently came across the work of graphic designer and illustrator Ty Wilkins. I love his use of textures, the bold color palette and the shapes. He has a shop where you can buy some of his artwork.

Images: Ty Wilkins

Moveable Type

2011-06-20T19:11:00.000-07:00

I'm excited about this project: Moveable Type: cross-country adventures in printing.

Kyle Durrie built a mobile print shop on the back of an old delivery truck and is taking it on the road to visit schools, art galleries, city parks, craft shows and anywhere else that might have a interest in learning about printing.

This project was successfully backed on Kickstarter a while ago, and you can check the tour dates on the Type-Truck website.

Bright Bazaar & These are Things Giveaway

2011-06-17T07:54:00.000-07:00

Will, from Bright Bazaar, is hosting a wonderful giveaway: you get the opportunity to win this beautiful silkscreened "American Flags" map by These Are Things. Each state is defined by delicate woven patterns with overprinted color flags for each state. This print would look lovely in a studio or living room, and would make a perfect gift.

Head over to Bright Bazaar to enter, you can leave up to 8 entries.

Thanks Will and These are Things for the opportunity.

Studio Apartment

2011-06-15T18:02:00.000-07:00

I love designer Christopher Crawford's ability to mix antique pieces with modern furniture. He calls his style: "retired grandma and grandpa from the southeast move into a luxury condo", and I think his personality really shines throughout his lovely studio. I'm really digging the bright yellow mirror against the charcoal bathroom wall.

Via: New York Time Out

Photography: Imogen Brown.

Plurabelle Calligraphy

2011-06-13T18:09:00.000-07:00

Recently, I've been practicing my script handwriting and I'm suddenly obsessed with calligraphy. The work of Plurabelle has me weak at the knees. It's so beautiful!

Images: Plurabelle.

Cloud Lamp

2011-06-12T17:22:00.000-07:00

I kinda love this Cloud Lamp, isn't it adorable?

Via Swissmiss

Soda Fountain

2011-06-10T08:58:00.000-07:00

The latest issue of Sweet Paul is out and it's delightful! My favorite spread was Sweet Paul Soda Fountain, with many great recipes like Strawberry & Lime Floats, Ice Cream Sandwiches and Donuts.

Make sure to read the whole issue, it's full of great ideas for the summer!

Food & styling by Paul Lowe

Photography by Hector Sanchez

Work Spaces

2011-06-09T10:15:00.000-07:00

Image: Hege Greenall-Scholtz.

Image: Emmas blog.

Loving these work spaces, full of light and uncluttered. I believe every work space must have a moodboard or inspiration wall.

Reimagined Poe Book Covers

2011-06-07T19:27:00.000-07:00

I'm a HUGE fan of Edgar Allan Poe and these re-imagined book covers of Poe's most know stories are simply wonderful. It's hard to pick a favorite story, but The Black Cat was the first story I ever read and I think it's fantastic.

Book covers by Richard Arthur Stewart.

American Atlas

2011-06-07T05:42:00.000-07:00

Beautiful American atlas series by Brainstorm Print & Design. I love them all, but I'm specially fond of the Northeast print.

Images: Brainstorm Print & Design

Via: Oh So Beautiful Paper.

Beet Cake

2011-06-05T17:54:00.000-07:00

beet cake from tiger in a jar on Vimeo.

I must say I'm intrigued by this Beet Cake, (beet and chocolate?) but I love to try new things and I like the fact that it doesn't require special equipment or a lot of ingredients. Simple is better.
Isn't this video beautifully shot? For the recipe go here.
By Tiger in a Jar.

Found via: Pimienta Rosa

Jellyfish Lake

2011-06-02T18:03:00.000-07:00

JELLYFISH LAKE from Sarosh Jacob on Vimeo.

"Jellyfish Lake is located on Eli Malk island in the Republic of Palau. Twelve thousand years ago these jellyfish became trapped in a natural basin on the island when the ocean receded. With no predators amongst them for thousands of years, they evolved into a new species that lost most of their stinging ability as they no longer had to protect themselves. They are pretty much harmless to humans although some people with very sensitive skin may get a minor sting from them. If you are allergic to jellyfish you should wear a wetsuit or protective clothing."*

This is so mesmerizing. I'd love to swim with jellyfishes!

*Excerpt from Sarosh Jacob's Vimeo.

Kiwi Orange Creamsicles

2011-06-01T15:55:00.000-07:00

It's been really hot here in New Jersey, so I've been craving refreshing treats to keep me cool. I found this recipe and I love the combo of kiwi and orange and custard. Kiwi is my all-time favorite fruit, so I'm excited to try it out. These creamsicles look pretty good, right? What's that? You want to make Kiwi Orange Creamsicles, too? Here's the recipe.

Images and Recipe via: Desserts for Breakfast.

Found via: Pinterest.

A Perfect Cheese Tray

2011-06-01T06:26:00.000-07:00

I love the idea of using a high stand (instead of a regular tray) to display a variety of cheeses and place them on a bed of nuts. Also, using tags to identify each cheese just adds charm to the whole setting, I must try this for my next house party!

Image: Roost.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

2011-05-29T18:33:00.000-07:00

Truly an oasis of calm and serenity, The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is the place to wander on a Saturday morning, it's so peaceful and magical!

Images: Monica Aguiñaga for hola!design.

Alphabet Ceramic Plates

2011-05-27T08:02:00.000-07:00

V is for Vegetables! Beautiful hand illustrated type on ceramic plates by Just Noey.

How cool would it be to spell words and decorate a wall? I think they're too pretty to actually eat on them.

Lucile Prache

2011-05-25T18:54:00.000-07:00

Totally smitten with the work or Paris-based illustrator Lucile Prache. She spends most of her time drawing on her kitchen table and her studio is near the Opera Garnier. What a life!

Already on my wishlist: A Macaron a Day Print (above), there's more beautiful artwork on her etsy shop.

Visit her portfolio for more eye candy!

Key West

2011-05-24T19:04:00.000-07:00

The 7-mile bridge to Key West.

Beautiful Key West.

Last Wednesday I went to one of the most beautiful places I've seen: Key West! It's only a couple of hours from Miami Beach, and since I never went there while I lived in Miami, I decided it was a *must*.

Once in Key West, I took a ride on a boat seven miles into the ocean and then I did some snorkeling. Sadly, I didn't see many fishes, but it was incredible to see the reef up close.

After swimming, I had lunch at a very relaxed and casual restaurant called "Schooner Wharf", my friend Samantha recommend it and I'm so glad she did! The food was amazing.

The relaxed atmosphere at Schooner Wharf.

Schooner Wharf's Menu.

I had the coconut shrimp and the conch fritters, and to drink, a beer, of course! (Alright, I had a few beers.)

Conch Fritters.

Coconut Shrimp.

Key West is famous for its key lime pie, so after lunch I had a slice, it was delicious!

Key West's Key Lime Pie Shoppe.

After that, I visited Ernest Hemingway's house, and I got the chance to see the famous six-toed cats, some of them descendants of Hemingway's six-toed cat, which was given to him by a ship's captain. I was fascinated by the kittens' paws, they look like they're wearing mittens!

I made a furry friend!

Six-toed cat!

It was my first time in Key West and I fell in love with it. Can't wait to go back!

Images: Monica Aguiñaga for Hola!Design.

My Favorite South Beach Eateries

2011-05-22T13:55:00.000-07:00

I'm finally back from a week in South Beach! I can't believe that only a few days ago I was swimming in the ocean and drinking mojitos under the sun. But it feels good to be back home, that's for sure.

And what did I do? Well, I spent my days swimming, sun bathing and eating. Well, I did more eating than anything else, really. I want to share my favorite South Beach eateries, so here they are:

The Chalan on the Beach: a modest, but delicious and inexpensive Peruvian restaurant. When I lived in South Beach this was my place to go for a quick and affordable bite. Every time I go I have the same: any soup of the day and a mango shake. While they're preparing your meal, they give you bread and spicy green sauce, it's to die for!

Mango Shake and bread at the Chalan.

Pizza Rustica: my favorite pizzeria in the world. They serve gourmet pizzas with the freshest ingredients and homemade dough prepared daily. The prosciutto and hard boiled egg pizza is seriously outstanding. Also good here: the salads!

Prosciutto & Egg Pizza in Pizza Rustica.

Quattro Restaurant: an upscale Italian restaurant on Lincoln Road. Pasta Carbonara and Pasta alle Vongole (with clams) are beyond delicious. Also, you must try the tiramisu. Like any other restaurant on Lincoln Road, you can sit outside for people-watching, but for a real treat, sit inside. It's quiet and intimate and the mirrored bar is spectacular.

The mirrored bar in Quattro.

Rosa Mexicano: This is not your typical Mexican restaurant, it's modern and upscale, with a very chic atmosphere. A great place to go for drinks and appetizers. I had the crab empanadas and the pomegranate margarita, amazing!

Puerto Sagua: This is the best Cuban restaurant I've ever been to. I went crazy for the fried yuca, the ropa vieja (shredded flank steak on a tomato sauce) and the cortadito (espresso with steamed milk). I love this place so much that I went 2 days in a row. ( I had Spanish codfish the second day, also excellent).

Ropa Vieja, Rice & Black Beans.

Enjoying the best coffee in the world.

Joe's Stone Crab: This place is a legend and a must if you visit South Beach. They've been on the same location since 1913. I had crab cakes and it was the best meal of my entire life. For dessert I had key lime pie, which was pretty amazing, too.

Also, I spent a wonderful day in Key West, but I will tell you about it tomorrow!

Images: Monica Aguiñaga for Hola!Design, except Quattro's mirrored bar picture from Quattro.

Happy Weekend

2011-05-20T06:54:00.000-07:00

Wishing everyone a lovely weekend. Enjoy!

Park in Chamrande, France.

Image Credit: Baloulumix via SunSurfer.

Vanilla Milk & Chocolate Ice Cubes

2011-05-19T06:25:00.000-07:00

Now that the weather is finally warm, I can enjoy a cold and delicious glass of Vanilla Milk with Chocolate Ice Cubes. Here's the recipe. (in French, but you use Google Translator, if you, like me, can't speak French).

Found via Pinterest.

Typfruitography

2011-05-18T08:11:00.000-07:00

Food and typography? Great idea, if you ask me. Very clever (and probably time consuming) project by Garret Steider.

Via Ignant and Abduzeedo.

The Beatles

2011-05-17T07:50:00.000-07:00

I could watch this performance by The Beatles a million times. Watch for my favorite parts at 1:15 and 1:50. Do you have a favorite Beatle? Mine is Paul. :)

Stamp Rugs

2011-05-16T04:40:00.000-07:00

I must admit I'm still caught up with the Royal Wedding and all things British, and being a fan of anything "oversized", I find these Stamp Rugs absolutely stunning.

Found via Sarah Parmenter.

R & R

2011-05-14T20:01:00.000-07:00

I'll be taking a much needed vacation next week (I'm heading down to Florida to hang out with friends). I've scheduled a few posts to go live, if you'd like to pop by!
See you Monday 23th! I'll miss you all.

Man on Wire

2011-05-11T19:05:00.000-07:00

On August 7th 1974, a young Frenchman named Philippe Petit stepped out on a wire illegally rigged between New York's twin towers, then the world's tallest buildings. After nearly an hour dancing on the wire, he was arrested, taken for psychological evaluation, and brought to jail before he was finally released.

Following six and a half years of dreaming of the towers, Petit spent eight months in New York City planning the execution of the coup. Aided by a team of friends and accomplices, Petit was faced with numerous extraordinary challenges: he had to find a way to bypass the WTC's security; smuggle the heavy steel cable and rigging equipment into the towers; pass the wire between the two rooftops; anchor the wire and tension it to withstand the winds and the swaying of the buildings. The rigging was done by night in complete secrecy. At 7:15 AM, Philippe took his first step on the high wire 1,350 feet above the sidewalks of Manhattan...*

I'm watching this documentary tonight! Have you seen it? Looks amazing.

*Excerpt from ManonWire.com

Elsa Peretti

2011-05-10T11:49:00.000-07:00

Loving these open bottle necklaces designed by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany. They're so perfect.