Tuesday, January 31, 2012

{We're Obsessed} The Crop Pant


So I remember when I was in junior high and capris pants were trending; my mom tried SO hard to get me to wear them and I would ferociously argue back and ask “whyyyyy would I ever want to wear anything that makes my legs look shorter?” Well, 17 years later, I’ve fallen in love with crop pants. Now before I get the “I told you so” backlash from my mom let me say, crop pants are very different from capris. For one, capris generally hit below the knee usually mid shin and crop pants are generally ankle length or just a few inches above the ankle. You can pair your crop pants with your highest heels or your best ballet flats and still look fabulous. And the best part? They’re available in an array of bold colors and styles. I mean, I own them in yellow, red and turquoise. Pair with a neutral shirt tucked in with a skinny belt and you’ve got a bold yet clean look. Perfect for the workplace and happy hour! 

1//2//3//4//5

Cheers!
Cristi

Friday, January 27, 2012

T.G.I.F...SERIOUSLY


This week I had to travel for work and for starters, it made me seriously respect my consulting friends who do this week after week and it made me realize Dorothy was right—there is NO place like home. My Monday – Thursday work trip was exhausting so I am especially ready for the weekend! Tonight I’m hosting my friend Bart and his boyfriend Robbie for dinner. Bart and I lived in Spain together so I think I’m going to serve some Spanish tapas. That of course, means I have to learn how to cook tapas in the next oh….7 hours. So, ‘nuff blogging, gotta get cooking! Wish me luck! 

Photo: A variety of Spanish Tapas. Can I do it? Here's hoping!


Cheers!
Cristi

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Wine Wednesday


 My friend Kyle recently moved just down the street from me and how lucky am I that Kyle’s job happens to be distributing wine to local restaurants. Why does this benefit me? Because Kyle always has a full stash of wine that he insist I taste. Gotta love having friends in high places J Lately I’ve become obsessed with Barbera wines—made from an Italian red grape variety. They usually have aromas of deep red cherries, raspberries and blackberries. If you haven’t tried a Barbera variety, here are some I found on wine.com that are 90+ points and under $20! Check them out and enjoy!



Photo:
Photo: Elio Perrone Barbera d'Asti Tasmorcan 2010

Photo:
  


Cheers!
Cristi

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Life is Life


A good friend of mine and fellow blogger posted this song (Life is Life by Noah And The Whale) on my Facebook page today and I absolutely love it. Olivia is one of the most beautiful people I know – inside and out. She has such an amazing outlook on life and doesn’t sweat the small things. I sometimes refer to her as my life coach because she constantly reminds me to love myself, love others, love life and most importantly she reminds me to see the beauty in everything, even our own pain. So don’t worry about it and have fun! Now, take a listen to this song and remember “your life is your life, you gotta live like it’s your life.”


Cheers!
Cristi

Monday, January 23, 2012

{We’re Obsessed}: The Midi Skirt


It’s easy to spot the trends, but can you pull them off? I’ve recently become obsessed with midi skirts but let me advise you, if you’re not armed with the perfect shirt, shoe and accessories this awesome trend can easily look awesomely bad. So here are some of my favorite midi skirt looks—remember if the skirt is a statement piece, keep the shirt neutral and simply styled. Hope you too can learn to rock this trend!

Photo: c/o Refinery29.com

Photo: c/o Pinterest

Photo: c/o Refinery29.com


Cheers!
Cristi

Friday, January 20, 2012

For Etta James


It’s no secret to those close to me that I have a ridiculous love affair with music. I love it all from the sappy country songs, classic oldies, angst girl music, punk, pop, honestly---I love all of it. Probably why my heart melts for Austin which is dubbed the live music capitol of the world. Well today the music world lost one of greats. Here’s to you Etta! Hope you’re singing with the angels up there. 

Photo: Etta James

Now do yourself a favor and listen to these: 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Pu_AdU_NQg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1uunRdQ61M&feature=related&noredirect=1

Cheers!
Cristi

Good Grapes Destination: NashVEGAS

Last weekend I headed out of Dallas for a five day mini vacation to Nashville, TN and had SUCH a blast! The city reminds me a lot of my beloved Austin, TX with its incredible live music scene and laid back atmosphere. From the second I walked off the plane the sounds of Nashville engulfed me as even the airport bars had live performances of Nashville’s music up and comers. Some of my favorite parts of the weekend included spending the day on Music Row in downtown Nashville and popping into local bars to watch the live performances, a night out for dinner in The Gulch, brunch and bloody marys at Jackson’s Bar & Bistro in Hillsboro Village, eating at Jack’s BBQ (pulled pork sandwich and mac n cheese!) and walking around the beautiful Vanderbilt campus. It really was an incredible weekend and I hope to go back soon!  If you’re looking for a quick, fun and laid back getaway—definitely check out Nashville! 

Photo: Music Row in Nashville

Cheers!
Cristi

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Best. News. Ever.


Best. News. Ever.

I just heard the best news ever! One of my favorite things to do when I go visit Ana in DC is visit the local Bloomingdale’s and shop, shop, shop! Texas doesn’t have a Bloomingdales and for girls who love to shop as much as we do…it’s absolutely tragic! But our prayers to the shopping gods have been answered! The Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex will be getting not one but TWO Bloomingdale outlets. Is that not the best news ever? Read more here

Photo: c/o Pegasusnews.com

Cheers!
Cristi  

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Happy Birthday Papi!


Today is our dad’s 59th birthday and we want to take a minute to wish him a very happy birthday and thank him for EVERYTHING. There is absolutely no way we could ever thank him enough for everything he does. Your jokes, food, advice, hard work, stellar dance moves and endless love have shaped us to be the ladies we are today. Couldn't have done it without you! Thanks for everything Papi! Love you chingos!!

Papi and his girls at Christmas 2011
Papi blowing out his candles on his 59th birthday
Kisses for Papi from his three girls!

Papi and all his ladies in Cancun, July 2011.

Cheers!
Ana, Jackie & Cristi

Monday, January 9, 2012

{We're Obsessed!} Bright Gams

Happy Monday good grapes!

I get so excited this time of year.  Days are beginning to get longer and my mailbox becomes flooded with catalogs showing off new spring trends.  It's officially the countdown to spring.  This season, I am loving the bright cropped pants showing up everywhere from Gap to Bergdorf's.  Available in a rainbow of colors, this is a statement I am going to love taking part in this year.

DVF 'Dixy' pant in yellow, $298, Neiman Marcus
Toothpick Jean in Blue Grotto, $108, J. Crew
Cheers!
Ana

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Sigh. The holiday season has finally come to an end and it’s time to get back to the grind. Confession- today was my first day to wake up to an alarm in almost THREE weeks! So it’s a new year and I’m sure we’ve all set those resolutions. What are you resolving to do in 2012? My resolutions this year are vague and easy…be healthy and happier! Whatever that may entail. I rung in the New Year laughing until I cried with some of my very best friends and I hope that the rest of the year follows suit! May this year bring all of you lots of happiness and LOTS of laughter! 


Cheers!
Cristi