Spain in Still Frames

Two Fridays ago, Fabian and I headed to Spain for a week of rest and relaxation. We landed in Madrid on Saturday morning and then headed two hours west to the charming medieval city of Salamanca where we spent two days before heading back to Madrid. Salamanca has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site and was once of the most important cities in Spain, often considered the “Florence of the Iberian Peninsula” as it flourished during the renaissance. Salamanca’s university was host to some of the most important names in Spanish history—Cervantes, Cortez, Unamuno, and even Christopher Columbus, who spent time in Salamanca while he was being commissioned by the Spanish Kings to set off on his travels.

Salamanca is a quaint and charming town, made vibrant by it’s young population attracted by the university and the stunning architecture. The buildings are made from a local limestone that seems to glow in the sunlight and especially at night by the light of the moon. The day that we arrived, it was rainy and gloomy out. I was quite worried because the town seemed to be dead as no one was out—the complete opposite of the happening little town I remembered from my visit three summers ago. I worried that I’d made a mistake bringing us there, but we had booked two nights at the hotel, so we stayed. By Sunday, the sun came out and so did everyone else. People were out and about, enjoying the weekend and this wonderful town. Fabian ended up loving it and really enjoyed seeing the contrast between a small, laid back Spanish town like Salamanca and a thriving metropolis like Madrid. Alas, we prefer the city life, so two days was plenty of time in Salamanca before we were ready to move on.

 

After a weekend in Salamanca, we moved on to Madrid, Spain’s bustling capitol. We both commented on how much it reminds us of New York. It is a fast-moving city with activity at every hour of the day and night. It is also reminiscent of Paris with its elegant architecture and wide boulevards. We loved the fact that we always had something to do in Madrid. From tapas and drinks at the fabulous San Miguel Market (a foodie’s heaven!), strolling along the frenetic Gran Vía, taking in the world-class Prado Museum, shopping in the tony Salamanca neighborhood, or experiencing an awe-inspiring Flamenco show at the Corral de la Morería, we enjoyed so many different activities. By the way, if you are planning a trip to Madrid anytime soon, you simply must take in a show at the Corral de la Morería. It is considered the best Flamenco tablao in the world and with good reason. It was far and a way the best Flamenco performance I’ve ever seen. The passion and emotion are completely palpable—I was moved to tears at the show. For now, I’ll leave you with these images, but I will be back later this week with a review of our Madrid hotel, the NH Palacio de Tepa, which I would highly recommend.

 

 

{Image Credit: Fabian and Paloma Contreras for La Dolce Vita}

This Week’s Quote

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Giving Thanks

It’s hard to believe that it’s already Thanksgiving and the year is nearly over. Time really flies, doesn’t it? I know that I have a lot to be thankful for this year—supportive friends, family, and readers who have seen me through a difficult transition this year, an incredible husband whom I love more than anything, my puppy son, Tate, and my health. My father in law has been battling liver cancer for the past couple of months and it has really opened up our eyes and made us realize what is truly important in life. While there are so many things that enrich our lives and fulfill us, none of it means anything at all without our health and our loved ones. I’ve realized how important it is to take care of oneself and one another and to take some time out from the hustle and bustle of our hectic lives to reflect on the little moments that give life it’s meaning.

What are you most thankful for this year? Happy Thanksgiving!

 

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Anatomy of a Home: The Powder Bath

Elle Decor

So, at this point, you've welcomed your guests into your house and wined and dined them. Chances are they're wanting to use your facilities at this juncture. The powder bath is kind of like the wild card of the home. It's a little jewel box that you can do whatever the H E double hockey sticks you want with it and people won't think you've completely lost your marbles.

Elle Decor

This PB is adorbs.com. While the powder bath is the most funnest (yeah, I said it) room in the house, it's also the itty bittiest.

Anatomy lesson #1: Maximize your real estate and mirror the living daylights out of your PB. Because really, everyone wants to watch themself as they use the loo.

Not done with this WC yet, lassies. I also adore the brass etagere snug in the corner. Too often is the powder bath void of accessories. Like that awkward glass of orange juice on the second shelf.

Anatomy lesson #2: Don't accessorize your powder with orange juice. Accessorize with monogrammed hand towels, live plants and loveliness.

Elle Decor

Remember when I said the powder bath was a wild card that you could do whatever the H you wanted? Exhibit A.

Anatomy lesson #3: Really do something you love that you don't have enough guts to do anywhere else in your home. If you end up completely despising it, you didn't put that much of an investment into the space because of its itty bittiness. So, go wild and put up that magical dancing zebra Scalamandre wallpaper or in this case, anatomy and sea creature prints.

My photo, Ashley Putman

Yes, I'm going to be that girl and post a picture from a previously discussed home. Why? Because it's beautiful, and I can, and you're going to read about it anyway. So, there. When you add lacquer and a crazy collection of art, you've basically got yourself a winner winner chicken dinner in my heart valves.

Anatomy lesson #4: Put up so much artwork in your powder bath so you can snicker and make up elaborate stories about why your guest is taking so long in the bathroom and act like a catty witch on RHOBH even though you know they're just admiring your eclectic bizness.

New Ravenna

Why, New Ravenna? WHY would you do such a thing to tile? How dare you make something to wretchedly gorgeous that everyone is going to want you? Cruelty.

Anatomy lesson #5: Invest in gorgeous tile so that your property value increases exponentially and you're able to rent out your powder bath to a worthy tenant. Just throw a hot plate and a pillow in there and you're cool. Totally up to code.

Glamour Obsession: French, Do It Better.

Bonjour, kiss kiss!  Vanessa Stern here from Vanessa & Valentine.  They say French women don't get fat, maybe it's because they like to look so stylish all the time!  As a self described Francophile, I love all things French and I especially love French style (and French House music too).  I've been dying to get back to Paris again, even if it's just for 5 short days, and I've made a promise with myself to one day live there for an entire season.  Check out some of my favorite French styles...    

A French women knows the importance of the little black dress, but she also knows how to kick it up a notch with black lace, a little black Chanel purse, tan top coat, and a messy, yet stylish up 'do.  I love how French women always seem to look so polished even when their hair is disheveled.

She knows the importance of a good trench coat topped over a basic black sweater and jeans, but she glams it up with mile high pumps and of course, a chic bun.

She loves a French crystal chandelier for every room.

Carine Roitfeld is the epitome of French chic with her dark belted trench and black sunnies.  This chick can do no wrong in my book!   

She pairs a gray trench and mile high studded boots with gold jewelry and aviators (and gotta love the messy hair!)

She understands the importance of tan and white, with brown leather year round and she stays warm with a stylish hat...

She spices things up with a flowy little red number and a bold blue clutch!

She invests in the classics...

...and she knows less is more by pairing skinnies with a perfectly tailored blazer over a simple black tee, topped off with killer stilettos, and playful braids (a classic black purse is a must).

She is known for her energy and joie de vivre...

She chooses earthy, neutral colors and casually throws her hair up in a loose chignon...

...or she will opt for something more serious, structured, and sophisticated.  The black bob hairstyle is her calling card so watch out!

She loves a sidewalk cafe and will sip an espresso or glass of red mid-day with no remorse. 

She adores black lace dresses, hair styled long and layered, and her favorite shade of red lipstick.

She takes public transportation and navigates through the city streets in heels...

She rides a little Vespa to the cafe.

She'll even wear skin tight snakeskin in the middle of the day just because she can.

 

Au Revoir...Till we meet again!

xo,

Vanessa

 

Images via Pinterest, The Sartorialist, and Stockholm Street Style