These videos make me want to pack my bags and live the language.
Paris?
Barcelona?
Sign me up.
Stay bitten ;)
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Concrete Jungle
As easy as it is to stay under the covers all day watching a movie, a few Saturdays ago Emily convinced me otherwise. Brooklyn Boulders? Really? One more hour in bed? No. Ok fine, I'll see you in 20.
We headed to Brooklyn only to find where all the cute outdoorsy guys have been hiding out this winter. And I thought they were just hibernating. They've got their scruff and their powder and are scaling the walls of Brooklyn Boulders.
Lucky for Em she had her student id and got a discount. My over-expired id was netflixing back in the city with the not-so cute indoorsy guys. Only kidding. We opted for a day pass to boulder as we had just missed the class to learn the ropes. It was more of a workout than we anticipated but proved to be a fun afternoon activity.
Taking on Brooklyn Boulders, one neon tape at a time.
Without a harness, I was a scaredy cat but Emily took to the wall like a monkey.
Stay bitten ;)
We headed to Brooklyn only to find where all the cute outdoorsy guys have been hiding out this winter. And I thought they were just hibernating. They've got their scruff and their powder and are scaling the walls of Brooklyn Boulders.
Lucky for Em she had her student id and got a discount. My over-expired id was netflixing back in the city with the not-so cute indoorsy guys. Only kidding. We opted for a day pass to boulder as we had just missed the class to learn the ropes. It was more of a workout than we anticipated but proved to be a fun afternoon activity.
Taking on Brooklyn Boulders, one neon tape at a time.
Without a harness, I was a scaredy cat but Emily took to the wall like a monkey.
Stay bitten ;)
Monday, February 14, 2011
Feels Like A Vacation
Stay smitten.
Stay bitten ;)
Oh and Happy Valentine's Day!
images courtesy of Kate Spade's Bmine Gallery
Runyon this Town
Do more of what makes you happy. I saw that recently somewhere. Where, I can't remember. What I do know is that it's something I'm sticking to.
The morning before our flight back to New York, we did just that. We woke up early and thanks to Nikki's sister, Gina, we got a ride to Runyon Canyon. On my last trip to LA, Nikki took us to Runyon just before sunset to catch the City of Angels light up. I wanted to experience the park in the morning and in all honesty, sweat out all the wine we drank in Santa Ynez.
It made me want to live out west. While my heart and life are in New York, I found myself envisioning mornings in California. Wake up, yogurt and granola, take the dog for a hike. I would like that to be my routine before work rather than a constant battle with the snooze button.
At the entry to Runyon Canyon Park, to our left were a group of people doing yoga on the lawn. While we didn't spot any celebrities, we caught a glimpse of Los Angeles in its' best light. I can see how this park can become a staple for locals- it's dog friendly and an easy urban escape, from sunrise to sunset.
Runyon Canyon jumps!
The iconic landmark in the distance, hello Hollywood.
Goooood morning LA!
Stay bitten ;)
The morning before our flight back to New York, we did just that. We woke up early and thanks to Nikki's sister, Gina, we got a ride to Runyon Canyon. On my last trip to LA, Nikki took us to Runyon just before sunset to catch the City of Angels light up. I wanted to experience the park in the morning and in all honesty, sweat out all the wine we drank in Santa Ynez.
It made me want to live out west. While my heart and life are in New York, I found myself envisioning mornings in California. Wake up, yogurt and granola, take the dog for a hike. I would like that to be my routine before work rather than a constant battle with the snooze button.
At the entry to Runyon Canyon Park, to our left were a group of people doing yoga on the lawn. While we didn't spot any celebrities, we caught a glimpse of Los Angeles in its' best light. I can see how this park can become a staple for locals- it's dog friendly and an easy urban escape, from sunrise to sunset.
Runyon Canyon jumps!
The iconic landmark in the distance, hello Hollywood.
Goooood morning LA!
Stay bitten ;)
California Bites
No it doesn't. But if I used foursquare, here are some of the places where I would have checked in.
The farmer's market at Melrose Place. Great for a Sunday. Even better to stock up for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday...
Orange you glad the wild child bus was parked at the farmer's market?
The Hudson. A great neighborhood sports bar.
Izakaya It's not a trip to LA without a stop at my favorite sushi restaurant. When I'm there, I feel like a local, in the know, enjoying the best sushi in West Hollywood.
Umami Burger. Sam read about this place and to keep with tradition, we went for burgers before we boarded the plane back to New York. Instead of In-N-Out Burger we decided to switch things up and try something new and noteworthy. Michelle got the Truffle Burger, Sam got the signature Umami and affected by my surroundings, I went with the SoCal.
Stay bitten ;)
The farmer's market at Melrose Place. Great for a Sunday. Even better to stock up for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday...
Orange you glad the wild child bus was parked at the farmer's market?
The Hudson. A great neighborhood sports bar.
Izakaya It's not a trip to LA without a stop at my favorite sushi restaurant. When I'm there, I feel like a local, in the know, enjoying the best sushi in West Hollywood.
Umami Burger. Sam read about this place and to keep with tradition, we went for burgers before we boarded the plane back to New York. Instead of In-N-Out Burger we decided to switch things up and try something new and noteworthy. Michelle got the Truffle Burger, Sam got the signature Umami and affected by my surroundings, I went with the SoCal.
Stay bitten ;)
Friday, February 4, 2011
I'll Be Back
When you're in a town as picturesque as Santa Barbara, you find yourself sounding like the governor of California. As we drove along the coast, hopeful to see whales breaching, I knew that this wouldn't be my last time here.
Next time in Santa Barbara, I'd like to:
1. Try the tacos at La Super Rica. If they put Julia Child's in a frenzy, they'll do the trick for me.
2. Stay at San Ysidro Ranch. JFK and Jackie O stayed their during their honeymoon. Reason enough to add it to my list.
3. Go barefoot on the secluded Hendry's Beach for the sunset
4. Crush grapes and make wine at a winery in Santa Ynez Valley.
5. Go whale watching.
Stay bitten ;)
Next time in Santa Barbara, I'd like to:
1. Try the tacos at La Super Rica. If they put Julia Child's in a frenzy, they'll do the trick for me.
2. Stay at San Ysidro Ranch. JFK and Jackie O stayed their during their honeymoon. Reason enough to add it to my list.
3. Go barefoot on the secluded Hendry's Beach for the sunset
4. Crush grapes and make wine at a winery in Santa Ynez Valley.
5. Go whale watching.
Stay bitten ;)
Breakfast on the Beach
Before any trip, long or short, I usually read up on the destination. I normally check the New York Time's travel section online, type in the city and see what they suggest for 36 hours, because like any New Yorker, I've taken a quick break from work and am strapped on time. From the article, I came across a breakfast spot that I could wake up for.
Rent bikes and ride to beach-side cafe. So we woke up early, maybe from the wine hangover, jetlag or the California sun outside our window reminding us to take advantage of this day. After little convincing, I rounded up our group in the lobby. One small problem- there were not enough free bicycles outside our hotel. Apparently, there were birds who were up earlier than us and they caught the worm before 8am. So we walked along the promenade, reassuring Nikki that we were just 5 minutes away instead of a mile away. You don't have to drive everywhere in LA ;)
We walked amongst local vendors, roller bladers, dog walkers and joggers. It was the West Side Highway, minus the yellow taxi cabs flying by plus the beach. Paintings of sunsets, vintage belt buckles and yo-yo's were just a few of the vendors that caught my eye.
Eventually we made our way to a popular spot for cyclists and surfers, the East Beach Grill. Some wheat germ banana pancakes, eggs and bacon were just the fix we needed after our day at the wineries. The view however was better than the food. And it didn't hurt when the former Bachelor whose family owns a tire company and a winery was there with his little kid.
While the girls recapped their night out in Santa Barbara and finished up breakfast, Michelle (Michigas) and I headed down to the beach to roll up our jeans and get our feet in the sand. And yes, take some more hipstamatic photos with my iphone. They really capture California for me - laid back, easy and bohemian.
But even in sunny Santa Barbara, in the midst of a blissful weekend, sh*t happens and a seagull leaves his mark.
Laugh it off and stay bitten ;)
Rent bikes and ride to beach-side cafe. So we woke up early, maybe from the wine hangover, jetlag or the California sun outside our window reminding us to take advantage of this day. After little convincing, I rounded up our group in the lobby. One small problem- there were not enough free bicycles outside our hotel. Apparently, there were birds who were up earlier than us and they caught the worm before 8am. So we walked along the promenade, reassuring Nikki that we were just 5 minutes away instead of a mile away. You don't have to drive everywhere in LA ;)
We walked amongst local vendors, roller bladers, dog walkers and joggers. It was the West Side Highway, minus the yellow taxi cabs flying by plus the beach. Paintings of sunsets, vintage belt buckles and yo-yo's were just a few of the vendors that caught my eye.
Eventually we made our way to a popular spot for cyclists and surfers, the East Beach Grill. Some wheat germ banana pancakes, eggs and bacon were just the fix we needed after our day at the wineries. The view however was better than the food. And it didn't hurt when the former Bachelor whose family owns a tire company and a winery was there with his little kid.
While the girls recapped their night out in Santa Barbara and finished up breakfast, Michelle (Michigas) and I headed down to the beach to roll up our jeans and get our feet in the sand. And yes, take some more hipstamatic photos with my iphone. They really capture California for me - laid back, easy and bohemian.
But even in sunny Santa Barbara, in the midst of a blissful weekend, sh*t happens and a seagull leaves his mark.
Laugh it off and stay bitten ;)
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Guestblogger: Sideways in Santa Ynez
We boarded the party bus, popped some champagne and rocked out to some karaoke tunes...not a bad way to kick off a day of wine tasting in Santa Ynez Valley, just 45 minutes north of Santa Barbara.
Our first stop was at Kalyra Winery. Was it a coincidence that this was an Australian winery started by an Aussie who migrated to Cali? Perhaps. While that fact alone was enough to tickle my fancy, this winery is most recognized for its debut in the movie Sideways (where Jack meets Sandra Oh).
The views were almost as good on the inside of Kalyra as they were on the outside.
Working my Michigas charm...
Being that this was our first winery, Sam and I were attentive and intrigued by our wine master. This photo may have been taken during his bit about the Australian influence on the winery or it could have possibly been us mesmerized in his well...good looks. Either way, he knew just how to grab our attention...
My favorite wine was called the Cashmere Blend, a mixture of Cabernet, Shiraz and Merlot. This wine is a play on the winery and the owner itself, mixing grapes from Californian and Australian vineyards. I was captivated by the name and sold on the taste. I wish I had bought a case and shipped it back to NY for these cold winter nights when I only want to curl up on my couch wrapped in cashmere.
Our first stop was at Kalyra Winery. Was it a coincidence that this was an Australian winery started by an Aussie who migrated to Cali? Perhaps. While that fact alone was enough to tickle my fancy, this winery is most recognized for its debut in the movie Sideways (where Jack meets Sandra Oh).
The views were almost as good on the inside of Kalyra as they were on the outside.
Working my Michigas charm...
Being that this was our first winery, Sam and I were attentive and intrigued by our wine master. This photo may have been taken during his bit about the Australian influence on the winery or it could have possibly been us mesmerized in his well...good looks. Either way, he knew just how to grab our attention...
My favorite wine was called the Cashmere Blend, a mixture of Cabernet, Shiraz and Merlot. This wine is a play on the winery and the owner itself, mixing grapes from Californian and Australian vineyards. I was captivated by the name and sold on the taste. I wish I had bought a case and shipped it back to NY for these cold winter nights when I only want to curl up on my couch wrapped in cashmere.
Guestblogger: Michigas in Bridlewood
Bridlewood Winery was our next stop and easily the group favorite, it was a little slice of heaven... The estate was filled with Spanish styled buildings and outdoor verandas. It was as if we were in our own hacienda styled pueblo.
We enjoyed our wine tasting seated on the veranda. Sipping on our wines, gossiping, laughing and there was even a roast! The pinot noir was delicious and my personal fave. We bought a few bottles but managed to polish them off by nightfall that evening.
Even prettier than the estate was the vineyard itself. The views were breathtaking and the scenery was surreal. It was hard not to kick our heels off and get down and dirty, rolling in the grass. Well some of us did at least...
Personal photographers must have been another ongoing theme as this was our 2nd photo shoot of the day. For lunch, we had a picnic on the estate and spent a good amount of time here laughing, drinking and lounging in the 80 degree weather. A girl could get used to this lifestyle...
We enjoyed our wine tasting seated on the veranda. Sipping on our wines, gossiping, laughing and there was even a roast! The pinot noir was delicious and my personal fave. We bought a few bottles but managed to polish them off by nightfall that evening.
Even prettier than the estate was the vineyard itself. The views were breathtaking and the scenery was surreal. It was hard not to kick our heels off and get down and dirty, rolling in the grass. Well some of us did at least...
Personal photographers must have been another ongoing theme as this was our 2nd photo shoot of the day. For lunch, we had a picnic on the estate and spent a good amount of time here laughing, drinking and lounging in the 80 degree weather. A girl could get used to this lifestyle...
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