Champagne Showers

In order to properly ring in the new year it must be done right. Call me old fashioned, but I do not want your "gimmicky" cocktails or your "wicked" good beer. No, just give me the bubbly!!! Not a Mimosa, not a Bellini not a Champagne Cobbler - or Regent's Punch - or Magna Carta - or Kir Royale - or Morning Glory - or any of those other hybrids... I like the pure stuff, the distinguished and noble bubbly.

I truly love a beautiful  flute filled to the brim with golden bubbles to really lifts my spirits. I know, it's a little bourgeoisie, but come on it's undeniably, refreshingly elegant, classic and refined to see. I don't care, I'll drink it from a plastic party cup or a baby's sippy cup. I have no shame when it comes to the bubbly. And I'd rather pick up a bottle under $20 than a bottle of DP. Read on to learn about my favorite three.

Here's my top three:

 

1. Sofia Coppola's Blanc de Blanc Sparkling Wine from Francis Coppola's Winery

Do not let the pink cellophane packaging fool you. This is my go to, because it's light and refreshing and not heady at all. Like a bouquet of fresh flowers! Plus it's uber reasonably priced at around $15 a pop! It also comes in little cans with sippy straws which indulges the child in me (Capri Sun anyone?) and I've never met anyone who does not enjoy this selection! Didn't Marie Antoinette stash a bottle of Blanc de Blanc in her boudoir? 

2. Freixenet Cava Cordon Negro Brut

I'm a true Spaniard at heart and Spaniards like to drink Cava. T= my next selection of favorite bubbly is the always fabulous Freixenet. If I were going to describe it with one word, I think it would have to be "rich"! Magically it only costs around $12. It comes in a beautiful vintage looking bottle, very serious, very dark, very dry, very Great Gatsby. I would drink this out of a champagne coupe for all the homeys.

3. Villa Sandi Prosecco

Ever since my trip to Italy I've been a crazy fanatic for Prosecco. Whenever it's available on store shelves I reach for the Villa Sandi brand, because it is just right and only about $15 a bottle. It's never failed me!

This NYE I'll be sipping my favorite top three bubblys, but what about you? What's your favorite libation on NYE??

Happy New Year! Chin-Chin!!!

xo, Ciao Bella

Bonus Tip: Spanish tradition says to eat twelve grapes at the stroke of midnight to bring you good luck and prosperity throughout the new year!

Best Halloween Costume of 2011... From the House of CHANEL, Karl Lagerfeld

And the Best Costume Award of Halloween 2011 goes to the Fabulous Diamond Doctor, Dr. Dre!

Others have tried, but really I think Dre nailed it!

Can you tell who the real Uncle Karl is?



Or is it him?????





Is it him????











Happy Halloween!!!

xo, Ciao Bella

Back to Bass Sting

Sting's Back to Bass Tour
Tower Theater, Philadelphia, PA
October 27, 2011

I have tote been obsessed with Sting since I was a kid. So when it was announced to me that he would be performing at the historic Tower Theater in Philadelphia, I knew it was meant to be. I had to go see him. Sting's Back to Bass Tour is the anniversary tour marking his 25 years as a solo artist. I was pleased to hear him also perform songs from The Police such as Demolition Man, Driven to Tears, Every Breath You Take, and a few others. It was a nostalgic moment for me really, because I grew up with the music of The Police en mi casa. It is in the soundtrack of my life. So much so, that I was overwhelmed and suddenly flooded with the memories of my youth, my family and my brother.

xo, Ciao Bella

Desert Face Paint

As I journeyed across the eastern Utah desert, it was the most fantastic sunsets over the red rocks and vast sun kissed landscapes that inspired my face color palette for Fall '11



1. Eyes/Sky at dusk - Lavera Mascara 2 in Blue:



Lavera Mascara 2 Blue, Target $18.99



To this day I can still remember my third grade substitute teacher, Mrs. Rich. I always thought she was so elegant and classy always done up and dressed in sophistication. She always smelled pretty and she always wore a different color mascara. At the time, I was eight and this was perplexing to me. I didn't understand mascara and that it could possibly come in multiple colors was way avant garde, but I was mesmerized by her eyelashes during class. Particularly when she wore her blue mascara...  Fast forward twenty-five years later and I don't see myself wearing brilliant blue mascara anytime soon. However, I do L-O-V-E Lavera Volume Mascara #2 (blue). It is a midnight blue, but the ultra violet hues it radiates brightens my dark brown eyes and that is truly, truly, truly outrageous!  The brand, Lavera is from Germany and the mascara is infused with nourishing extracts of Organic Jojoba & Wild Rose Oils, so it brushes on nice and smooth not at all clumpy or flaky. It's very light and pure so that it washes off with just a little bit of cleanser.

  

Nars Blush Orgasm and Illuminator, Neiman Marcus $27-$29





2. Cheeks/Sunset glow - Nars Orgasm Blush & Illuminator:

This is the most gorgeous product you can put on your face. Complements all skin tones, by enhancing your radiance. This adds a boost to your beautiful bust!

Lightly layer the blush on your cheekbone and dab the illuminator to your most prominent features such as brow, bridge of nose, anywhere you naturally tan from the sun and it gives you an instant dewy look. So orgasmic!

3. Lips/Utah Red Rocks - Yves Saint Laurent, Rouge Pur Couture, Pure Color Lipstick SPF 15, #13 Le Orange:



YSL, Rouge Pur Couture, Pure Color Lipstick #13 Le Orange
Neiman Marcus, $30 



There's a fabulous reason why beauty editors everywhere love YSL Rouge Pur Couture. Actually, a few. It comes in gorgeous colors, it glides on smoothly and evenly, and it stays on without smearing or feathering. Does everything a lipstick should do. I first spotted this orangey red on Kourtney Kardashian's lips and I tried to track it down for weeks, like a mad stalker. When I finally discovered it, I went directly to Neiman Marcus where I purchased the very last tube in stock. This baby keeps flying off the shelves. WOW!



Go see the desert...

xo, Ciao Bella

Top 3 Places I Want to Eat at Right Now

I love food. Not Only do I love food, but I love creating, weaving and spinning this whole atmosphere around food. I'm not sure at what point I became the cliche, but I've become one neurotic, ravenous, insatiable, food snob..."Foodie"... and I'm hungry all of the time. To satiate this disproportionately obscene appetite, I surf the net, for places to eat. I'm basically just stalking different restaurants, but also learning more about the people behind the food. I love knowing where my food comes from. 

So without further ado. Here's my Top 3 Places I Want to Eat at Right Now!


#1. Pure Food and Wine



Pure Food and Wine - One Lucky Duck

http://www.purefoodandwine.com/

Located at 54 Irving Place, New York, NY 10003

Co-founded by Sarma Melngailis, also co-executive chef, and then executive chef.

This place is a divine raw food and vegan restaurant, prepared entirely by plant based ingredients with care to preserve the vitamins, minerals and enzymes. The ingredients are described by Forbes magazine as being, "turned into exquisite and exotically delicious offerings". Even the wine is mindfully selected serving simply sustainably, organic and biodynamic wines as well as seasonal sake cocktails. This place actually has sake on tap! The water served and used to cook with is specially purified through the Tensui water filtration system. Eat Raw Live Long!

#2 Talula's Garden

Talula's Garden

http://www.talulasgarden.com/

Located at 210 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Owned by Aimee Olexy with Stephen Starr as collaborator

I'm so stoked about eating at this place that my mouth salivates just looking at their website! I really love eating a meal that's so fresh that it seems that the cook just hand picked the ingredients straight from the garden out back, just moments prior to my arrival. That's why this place is so special, because they do just that... only it's not literally their back yard, but more like local farms and distributors (ie.Three Springs Orchard, Culton Organics, Lancaster Farm Fresh, A. Buzby, Willow Hill, Linden Dale, Birchrun Hills Farm,I guess I'm a farm girl at heart, because I love me some farm fresh cooking! I also love me some cheese and they have an f-i-n-e selection of cheeses from all over. Also serving organic, biodynamic, vegan, and earth conscious wine. Don't you love it? The chef uses only seasonal ingredients, so if you're like me and you like to peruse the menu before you go, please keep mind that it changes periodically.

Pete’s Produce, HG Haskell, and The Challenge Program).

#3 Cafe Gratitude

Cafe Gratitude
http://www.cafegratitude.com/
Located at various locations in CA

I guess I'll have to fly all the way to California to enjoy the 100% organic vegan menu at Cafe Gratitude. They actually have their very own farm in Vacaville, CA (Be Love Farm). Don't you just love it? They practice a sacred business of self sustainability, gratitude and love. I think it has such a beautiful philosophy behind it, why not eat it? And just like that... California, here I come.

This is straight from the menu:

Café Gratitude is our expression of a world of plenty. Our food and people are a celebration of our aliveness. We select the finest organic ingredients to honor the earth and ourselves, as we are one and the same. We support local farmers, sustainable agriculture, and environmentally friendly products. Our food is prepared with love. We invite you to step inside and enjoy being someone who chooses: loving your life, adoring yourself, accepting the world, being generous and grateful every day, and experiencing being provided for. Have fun and enjoy being nourished.

Welcome to Café Gratitude!

"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food." – Hippocrates

xo, Ciao Bella

September Book Club Selection: "Let's Take the Long Way Home"...

 ... And bring some tissue with you...

I felt my heart stirring as soon as I picked up this book off the library shelf. The thought about good friendships. The good friends that have brought grace, joy and laughter to your life. The friends that you can't bare to live without, because their entire being infuses your spirit. They add color and sprite to your days and it helps you to get by in life.

That's the kind of reading I did and did not expect from this book. Truth be told, I didn't know what to expect. I knew the story was about two friends who loved to walk their dogs together, both have a history of alcohol abuse, they forge a symbiotic bond and one dies of cancer. And the thought of THAT made the image of each one of my lady friends roll through my mind like a black and white classic photo in a slide show.


xo, Ciao Bella

I'm fine. Shaken, not stirred...

Today I experienced my first earthquake! And I knew instantly what it was, because I could feel it in my brain. Like a seasickness. My heart was pumping so fast that the excess blood rushed to my brain and my entire body flushed with fervid adrenaline. This happened as I lounged on the sofa, previewing my mega September issue of Vogue. The bell curve tremors from a 5.9 quake made my body thump and sway on the sofa like an ocean wave... the pictures on the wall and the lamps shook and the building bumped, creaked, shifted and swayed... I just sat there with the Vogue in my hands like a life preserver and when the subtle convulsions ended I continued skimming the Vogue as if nothing that big had just happened.


xo, Ciao Bella

I Roam Around Looking for Good Wine, as the Goats Do



Goats do Roam Red 2010

 I hate to be the heavy... but... it's Autumn. I can tell -  the fragrant scent in the air, the slight fraction of a second shortening of the day, decrease in propensity for nudity, my irritability coupled by my insomnia - it's palpable. I'm ok with that, because I love Autumn. For me, it stimulates growth and renewal. Perhaps it's because my birthday is in September or maybe what I feel is pure nostalgia for the start of something new, like a new school year. Whatever it is, I'm aware of this hyper sensitivity, so it leads to a sense of disquietude. And with this awareness comes wisdom. What am I talking about? I hope this leads somewhere... moving along...

What I look forward to the most this time of year is reintroducing a major staple of my diet that usually lays dormant during the hot summer months. Autumn awakens my insatiable appetite for a full bodied red wine. Sulfates and all! That's why after five straight days of August rain, instead of sulking I've decided to begin celebrating the impending new season. In honor of Autumn, I'm featuring my selection of the best red wine for Autumn that I feel best commemorates this transition. Readers, feast your eyes on this tasty libation! [raise curtains here]

Goats do Roam Red 2010 (http://goatsdoroam.com/) is top shelf material in my book. Goats do Roam is based in the Paarl Region of the Western Cape wine lands in South Africa. The winemakers were inspired by the Saneen goats, which is how they came up with the great name! The art design was actually inspired by an ancient Mesopotamian artifact symbolizing the "importance of balance and composition". And they have proved to have accomplished that with this wine's blends of  Syrah 72%, Cinsaut 13%, Mourvèdre 7%, Carignan 4%, Grenache 3%. It is a smooth wine. I like how dark, aromatic and luscious it is. And I'm such a lush over it! Also pairs well with a warm Vegetable Tofu Soup, using seasonal veggies from the Grower's Market, of course!

I propose a toast to the goats!

xo, Ciao Bella

What to Bring to a Hawaiian Themed Pig Roast

Dear Ciao Bella,

I'm attending a pig roast with a Hawaiian theme. What can I bring to the party and more importantly what should I wear?

Thanks,
Nancy

Aloha Nancy,

I don't know much about pig roasts, but for some reason I'm envisioning the "Lord of the Flies" with a twist of "Blue Lagoon". How chill!

The first thing I would bring would be a gift for the host and/or hostess. I'm thinking some orchids for the hostess and some Hawaiian coffee espresso beans for the host.

You might like to check and see if it's a potluck style party since they're roasting the pig. Perhaps you can bring a side like Tropical Fruit Kabobs with Rum Sauce or a refreshing snack or a dessert, like Watermelon chunks marinated in Malibu Coconut Rum or Spiked Coconut Pineapple Popsicles (can you tell, I love coconut... And rum). Obvi, for adults only B-)

As for what to wear... I know people like to go crazy with the Hawaiian theme, wearing fruit patterned shirts and lays, but this time try going a little more subdued. Wife beater, jeans and flip-flops with just a flower pin tucked in your hair. You'll feel comfortable, relaxed and ready to walk on hot coals!

Let's party!

Xo, Ciao Bella

Birds of a Feather

Even dogs can rock the feather trend.

My obsession of the day: Feather Hair Extensions! I just got back to the office from my morning coffee run and as I walked past my hair salon (Hart's Hair Design) I glanced at the display in the window. I stopped dead in my tracks. And like a limp fish, I took the bait. I was instantly reeled in by the colorful array of feathers!!! So there I stood, mouth suction cupped to the glass... I DIE! They're so dreamy ethereal and they come in such superfly colors, like canary yellow, teal and hot pink. Bonus: They're running a special for fifteen bucks a pop. Buy two feathers get the third one FREE! I know, I know it's so stupid, but I got this overwhelming sensation that I NEEDED one, that I just HAD to have one... or two... or three.... But.... I'm in my 30's. Is getting a feather hair extension age appropriate for me? Or should I just say, "Who cares if I'm a pre-tween at heart?" And just fill my whole entire head with feathers! That would feel awesome. I mean really who cares what age, gender or species you are. When you have confidence you can rock anything you wear.

Steven Tyler (age 63) is totally rockin' his
feather hair extensions!

What are your thoughts on feather hair extensions? Would you get one?

xo, Ciao Bella

August Book Club Selection: HeLa-va Great Summer Read

     HeLa is the name used in the scientific community for the famous cells of Henrietta Lacks. These cells are considered by many prominent specialists in the field to be a miracle of science, because they were the first, ever, human cells to not only be able to live and survive in a culture dish, but to continue to thrive and multiply. And never die!
     These immortal cells were named after the donor's first two letters of the first and last name. It is noteworthy to mention that Henrietta Lacks was a black woman diagnosed with cervical cancer when her cells were taken  and that it was during our nation's pre-civil rights era. Obscured by the media and our nation's history with race discrimination, this is an amazing story that has only recently been brought to the country's consciousness with this best selling work of non-fiction.
     The author, Rebecca Skloot has devoted her life to learning everything about the woman who donated her immortal cells to science. She brings to light a haunting controversy - Did Henrietta Lacks actually donate her cells to science for research and advancement in cancer and medicine? Or were her cells taken without her knowledge or consent? It opens up a whole new can of worms about morals and ethics in the field of medicine and science. More importanly, she brings acknowledgement to Henrietta Lacks. It is an intriguing read and I am fascinated by the woman that lived then and forever.

What's on your summer reading list?


xo, Ciao Bella

Top 10 Fresh Summer Beauty Products

The marvelous thing about summer is that you tend to allow yourself to indulge a bit in the finer things in life, if you believe that these finer things will help you to survive the sweltering temperatures. Here at xo, Ciao Bella we feel that the "Top 10 Fresh Summer Beauty Products" featured in this edition will actually work most effectively when the weather is warm. And with this hot line up you'll want to ride the heat wave all summer long and still feel fresh [insert thumb up here]! Read on to see how.

1. Moroccan Oil Hair Products

I have been using Moroccan Oil for the last year and with remarkable results. My hair is made up of a complex and epic battle between fine, straight hair and thick, wavy hair. Moroccan Oil penetrates through each strand of hair to tame and control the fury, without making your hair look greasy. Over the course of the summer I have also come to love the Moroccan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner. Although you only need to use a small amount with this product... less is more philosophy applies here, I am in love with the results of this product all around. I 'm also really comforted by the natural, nutty (almost as bangin' as coconut) scent it leaves behind Not to mention how soft, shiny and smooth my hair feels and looks.

2. Mario Badescu Summer Shine Body Lotion - $22

I instantly fell in love with this concoction of creamy honeyness and fairy dust! That's not what this product is actually made of, but it is how it feels as I lather it on. Again, a small amount goes a long way. One dollop the size of a nickel should do for each limb. Please do not be intimidated by the shimmer aspect of this lotion, it is very subtle and you end up with a sunkissed glow rather than looking like a disco ball.

3. La Mer Gel Cream - $250

This is it!!! What belongs in every woman's beauty altar! I was recently introduced to La Mer Cream through my friend Gigi, who is a beauty guru in my mind! As I researched more about the product, I learned that they make a slightly lighter variation of the cream in a gel form, which works perfectly on my combination skin in this horrid humid weather. This concoction is so special you have to treat it like the gem that it is, because it is an investment, but very well worth it, because as Gigi pointed out, "Your face is the first thing people see." Duh! Now I's gots to have it! I don't purchase much make up and when I do I use it sparingly, because I like to conserve. I'm glad that I splurged on this one product. I've seen my face go through a metamorphosis with less acne, less acne scars, less outbreaks and a nice healthy glow. Who would've thought La Mer would contain such powerful healing properties.



4. Dove Ultimate Go Fresh Rebalance Antiperspirant & Deodorant Solid - $4

I'm new to this and I love it, because it doesn't have that baby powder or fruit basket smell. So fresh and so clean clean!



5. Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm $7

"Love your lips with a kiss of color," is what the Burt's Bees website reads under the product description. And indeed it is. It does feel like love, what with the sweet smell, the light sheen, transparent color, your lips just look slightly bitten (in a hot way).  I glide it on first thing in the morning and it instantly transforms my face from Walking Mummy to Cleopatra Pharaoh Queen. Gorgeous! And your kisses smell pretty too. I heart!!!

6. Gillette Venus Proskin Moisturerich - $10

I will admit, seeing JLo's gams in the ads for Gilette Venus Proskin Moisturerich were the sole reason for me purchasing this product. I don't even shave my legs!!! As I age, my leg hair just becomes lighter, softer and thinner so why bother? I probably will shave for a wedding or special occasion, but not on a regular basis. It's just too much work and too unnecessary. Besides, I'm European, I don't have to shave if I don't wanna! However, I do love to shave my arm pits, I feel so much more comfortable with a bald pit. I went through my hippie phase where I never shaved, at all, and it was cool to be like, "Hey dude look at my harry pit... I'm a natural woman, free and liberated, etc." ...But... at a certain age you start to wonder what the heck you're trying to prove. Harry pits like a harry south under is just plain hot and uncomfortable and unnecessary in the summertime. So it all must go. I do find that  I love the Proskin's "built in moisture rich bars" that makes the shaving process nice and smooth without the need for any shaving gel, which simplifies the process. And it should be simple. So Fresh!



7. Oil of Olay Body Wash Plus Tone Enriching Ribbons - $5.99

My skin is generally very, very thirsty. I drink plenty of fluids, but with all the summer elements of sun, beach, ocean, heat, daily showers, my skin is stripped of all the natural protective layers that keep it properly hydrated, naturally. It is a relief that I discovered this little gem in the Spring and I've maintained my loyalty, because I love the results. My skin is soft, smooth and with the tone enriching ribbons the minerals reflect the light to reveal a radiant all over glow. I like!



8. Fresh Here Comes the Sun Palette - $45

For realz, this is the most beautiful gift you can give another. It is so fresh and so lovely! As we all know, you just can't be wearing loads of makeup in the summer, because it'll just all end up dripping and melting off your face and that's just not hot! However, with this lovely bronzer trio - colors (left to right): resolute gold, here comes the sun, intense bronze -  you can feel like you're accentuating your facial structure with the bronzing face luster and highlighting the finer areas with the blush powder to enhance your natural healthy glow. I just take my puff brush and swipe it straight across the palette, blending all three shades. ThenI apply it to the areas of my face that would naturally be sunkissed like the brow, nose, cheeks, and lightly to the chin. I also learned a fancy beauty secret, that if you apply it to the base of your face (under chin area just along the jawline) it will give the illusion that you have a stronger facial profile and more defined features.This lovely mineral bronzer is light and transparent so it won't clog your pores or get all cakey, and your face can actually breathe.

Bonus: Instant tan to the face, sans the UV.





9. Flora by Gucci - $50

With notes of Citrus Accord, Peony, Rose, Osmanthus Flower, Pink Pepper, and Sandalwood it's no wonder beauty editors everywhere have voted Flora by Gucci one of the best scents for summer. I think it's the best, because it's light and refreshing and won't react negatively to the heat. I find that unlike certain other perfumes, this particular scent adjusts to your body's temperature so you won't wreak if it mixes with your sweat. It will still smell pretty and fresh, not gross, perfume, sweaty! No, this scent is very playful, feminine and romantic! Freshtastic!!!!



10. Palladio Rice Paper Blotting Tissues - $3.95

This here, is pretty mad fresh! I found these pretty Palladio Rice Paper Blotting Tissues at Sally's for a just a few bucks. Aren't they so pretty? Check it! I love these, because they are made from rice which makes them extra gentle, plus they're two sided. The matte side is for blotting the excess grease and oil from your face and the other side has a natural powder for a pre-happy hour touch up. And it comes in three different shades, Natural, Translucent and Warm Beige. Nice!

Have a fresh summer!

xo, Ciao Bella

Moixy Bitch Wine Spritzer

This time of year with temperatures rising to hell degrees Celsius, we're all looking for some refreshing liquid form of relief. I know at least I am. I don't only mean wanting to submerge my body into an ice cold pool of water and converting into a marine mammal and start living the aquatic life (what?), but I mean more of a cool and tasty libation that will cool the body from the inside out.

I've been chugging Brita filtered water all summer long (out of my Bitch glass), which as purified as they say it is, it does not get the taste of rotten tap water out. Besides, I'm bored with drinking water all the time, beer and soda make me belch and bloat (not hot), juice is for kids and I don't find anything at all satisfying about iced tea or iced coffee (my opinion is that they should only be served hot). So I've decided to create my own little concoction, which is truly a very simple formula. Please follow this recipe exactly to experience the best results... rinse and repeat.



Moixy Bitch Wine Spritzer Ingredients



You will need these ingredients:

1 Bottle of Bitch Wine (2009 was a good year)
1 Bottle of Pellegrino Sparkling Water
1 Wine glass
*Twin Peak like red curtains and candles are optional*

Instructions:

Fill 1/3 of the wine glass with Bitch and 2/3 with Pellegrino
(or vice versa). No need to stir, let the bubbles in the Pellegrino work their magic. Sip and Enjoy!


Not only is this a tasty summer cocktail, but you're actually drinking less wine and as a result you're spending less money, ingesting less calories, and waking up with less of a hangover. Bonus Bitches!

So what's your favorite chillin' summer cocktail? Please share your recipe.

Chin-Chin!

xo, Ciao Bella

xo, Ciao Bella would like to send thanks to Andrea (my sister, whom you will read alot about in future postings) for giving me the bottle of Bitch and I'd also like to thank my grandparents in Spain, who inspired this drink. It was actually my grandparents who'd always serve us this cocktail using "gasiosa" with our lunch.

New Hope/Lambertville - It's a Sister Thang!

I hope you like pictures, because this edition of xo, Ciao Bella will be featuring many photos (totally unprofessional photos I took from my iPhone) of several of my favorite things about the beautiful, artsy sister cities of New Hope, PA and Lambertville, NJ. The only thing that separates these soul sisters is the Delaware River.


 This niche of the land is relevant not only for the history (I believe General George Washington passed through this segment of the Delaware River), but also for the rich and fertile landscape that artists crave for creative inspiration. Located right smack in the middle of New York City and Philadelphia, you can imagine the type of eclectic mix of peeps that gather here. This area attracts Artists, Musicians, Actors, Writers, and Holistic Healers... and I'm attracted to all of it! More importantly, this is a halfway point between my family, my boyfriend and I and we frequently reunite here for some fun quality family time.


There are so many things worth mentioning about my favorite place, but I'll just list my favorite things in natural order,  but not by importance:

1) Food first... Then shopping!

We always like to go to Lilly's on the Canal. It drives my boyfriend nuts! He insists we all have OCD, because we always eat there, but I can't help it (it's always perfect). I can't argue with him on that point, because I am thoroughly obsessed with this place. A lovely gourmet restaurant on the Lambertville side, set back a little bit from the main strip (Bridge Street). You can either sit indoors which is comfortable and not snobby like most gourmet restaurants. On a clear non-humid Delaware Valley day you can opt to sit outside by the canal and truly feel like you're in a secret garden. Surrounded by streaming lights, lush vegetation and art you and your guests will dine at ease with the breeze. I don't know what their website reads, but I would describe Lilly's as American style cuisine. However, they do serve french fries Euro style... you know "pommes frites" style, which is in my opinion, the only way and totally Euro. Avec or sans the mayo special sauce, whatever rocks your boat! Their menu items range to satisfy every one's individual palettes. They don't serve a wide array of alcoholic beverages, which I think is cool. They only serve wine, by the bottle, but they're also B.Y.O.B... and there is a liquor store (shout out to Wonderful World of Wines, 8 South Union Street, Lambertville, NJ) conveniently placed around the corner. Bonus: they carry my favorite spirit, Sofia Coppola's, Blanc de Blanc sparkling wine! (This bubbly is worth it's own blog so look for it in future editions of xo, Ciao Bella. It is what I take as an anti-depressant). Anyway, lets just get to the best part, shall we? Dessert. And pictures are worth a thousand words. Check it!

Seven Layer Chocolate Cake (with a few bites missing).

The Seven Layer Chocolate Cake Momma (check out the Coconut Cake next to it)



Wow, seven layers... OK, now let's go shopping!

Lambertville and New hope are bustling with lil' businesses.  Every other store front is either an Art Gallery, Antique Shoppe, Fashion Boutique, or Massage place.

2) Our first stop is always Greene Street Consignment Shop, located at 14 Bridge Street, Lambertville, NJ (all sales are final). I love the philosophy behind green shopping and this place is all about recycle, reuse and re wear. OK, I made that last part up, but it's a strong message! Don't get me wrong, you already know I'm OCD so you know I like my things so fresh and so clean-clean, but occasionally I do buy used.  I do like an oldie, but goodie (after I sterilize the life out of it). Sometimes you can find something new at Greene Street like these cute lil' burlap bags from Nepal my sister and I purchased. I'm not convinced they're actually from Nepal, but hey.They have a whole bunch of them in different styles and colors and each one has a unique pattern. The burlap was pretty rough and still stiff, and some of the dyes rubbed off on me, so I'm pretty sure they were unused. Great wine bottle carrier ladies!!! Fit my bottle of Bitch, 2009 just nice and snug.




Nepal Burlap Bag $24.00 (I couldn't rotate the pic so just slightly tilt your head to the left).

3) Another little secret squirrel located in L-ville, somewhat off the beaten path, is A Beautiful Life (ABL), 45 Church Street, Lambertville, NJ (www.abeautifullife.com). ABL is a must see! I heart ABL and I wanna live there. Read on to learn why.

ABL's new Honey Shampoo and Honey Conditioner
in the store window

ABL has been featured in many beauty magazines, including Nylon and Lucky. Beauty editors LOVE it! I was all hell bent on getting the Mermaid's Kiss perfume cause I wanted to smell like "fresh ocean air, island fruits, lush native flora, & the warmth of... skin in the sun". I was also so ready to stock up, in massive quantities, of "All Nighter" dry hair shampoo, cause I'm sick and tired of washing my hair and "I heart Unicorns Perfume", because I love the smell of Unicorns. I was also all stoked to get the "Pre Game Texturizing Spray". I think it is secretly the elixir of life. I mean really, listen to these ingredients: purified water, aloe vera, himalayan pink salt, dead sea salt, organic honey, argan oil, coconut fragrance, polysorbate-20, grapefruit seed oil -- I die! Bonus: it is Paraben, Propellant, Petrochemical, Alcohol free, and not tested on animals! I've got to get it (so I can have everlasting life)!! Double Bonus: I love the store owner, she's super rad and I want her to be my new BFF.

With all of this said, you can imagine how heavy my heart sank as I skipped all the way down Church Street only to find...

CLOSED!

The door shut, all the lights out and the closed sign flipped, because they close at "5ish". My luck!

In that deflated moment, I had to do a little self soothing, rock in place, stroke my brow a few times and tell myself to keep my chin up and... must... keep... on... moving... to... the next shop!!!

As I continued down the street, I saw it... like a beacon of light in the dark of night. And just like that, I discovered another little gem. Made me almost forget all about the Mermaid's Kiss.

4) Candyrot... isn't that the best name? I think it can best be described as a wonderful cabinet of curiosities. This place is so cool. I know it's a store, but there is so much freakin' art all over the place it felt even more like a gallery. A gallery where you can actually wear the artwork. I was like a little kid in a toy store. I instantly fell in love with this marvelous place and it quickly was added to my list of favorite things. Check it!

I walked in and the first thing I saw was this:



What a lovely little vignette! I love this place!



WTF!?!? Is this the cutest thing ever? Or what?

... and check this out... Unicorn Jersey Dresses... in neon colors... yes!!!

  

Candyrot Unicorn Jersey Dress $35


'Nuff said!!!


5) Over the bridge on the New Hope side, at New Hope Apparel Co. (exchanges only) I found a great "Silence and Noise" floral, racer, zipper back tank top that was so soft, flowy and perfect for August. Check out those roses - - very Flamenco! I just had to have it, but at $28.00 I thought it was too much, but discounted at $19.99 and I scooped it up like it was mine! I can't wait to wear it with jeggings, or even skinny cargos would look pretty sweet with it. Even better, tulip skirt!

Silence & Noise top $19.99 (Front)

Check out the back! I love the red zipper!!!

6) And even I myself need an occasional break from shopping to clear the head. Nature helps with that, so it's always nice to take a stroll along side the canal.

Well, that's all! I hope you've enjoyed my treasure of favorite things from New Hope/Lambertville.

Do you have a town that you love to visit? Where does your family gather? What do you guys do? What do you love about the location?

xo, Ciao Bella