From decorative tiles to legitimately old school typefaces, the classic restaurant and store fronts in Spain are pretty awesome.
The only reason I don't have more photos is because I knew that I couldn't stop every five feet - we'd never get anywhere!
No...it wasn't stuck or stranded. This little kitty was right at home in a Madrid convent watching over everyone who passed below. How perfect is that little window for him/her?
After my first visit to Madrid last month, I'm excited to report that I reeaaalllyyy enjoyed the city this time around. It's amazing what cooler temperatures and good health can do - hallelujah!
We hit the town more, my taste buds were in better shape, and the streets were alive despite the Madrileño August exodus for a month of vacation. Best of all, we were there to celebrate the wedding of Joe's college friend, Ivan. It was a little mini-reunion for the guys so of course an Atletico Madrid futbol game was in order.
I don't follow the sport on my own but I do love to watch it. I'm Colombian so I grew up watching games with my dad or listening to them in the background via live radio broadcasts. Daddy - you would have loved being at the game! Constant chanting, bright lights, and too many "I can't believe he missed the net!" moments. It was a really fun local thing to do but it was strange to be sitting in a section called "Vomitorios" - like as in vomit pits. No one really knew the reason for the name and I didn't really have the stomach to push the subject.
The rest of our time in Madrid was spent mainly eating and drinking. It's easy to do both of those things very well when in the company of "Old" Madrid's unofficial mayor, Juanma (he's the man looking up at the camera in the group photo above). He was Ivan's waterpolo coach as a kid and they have remained the best of friends. Walking around the older neighborhoods of Madrid with Juanma is like being with a celebrity. He knows everyone and everyone knows (and loves) him too. We seriously couldn't walk 20 feet without someone shouting his name and then stopping to say hi for a minute or two. My favorite part about hanging out with Juanma - aside from his huge heart - is that he knows of all the hidden (to us) gems in the La Latina and Lavapies neighborhoods. You probably won't find these spots in tourist guides because in other words, they are legit. My favorite was Casa Mateos in La Latina where we had a family style dinner after the game. It is itty-bitty but packs a ton of genuine character. And, they prepared the best fried morcilla I have ever had in my life (sorry, Colombian version!).
So yes....I really enjoyed Madrid this time :)
Dear Sun,After this weekend's wedding in Madrid, Joe and I will become your ultimate worshipers during our holiday in Sicily. I honestly can't recall a time when I've been so excited to lay out and soak up your warm rays. I've really taken you for granted, Sunshine. Even during our beloved trips to Palm Springs I never fully realized how amazing you feel. I guess LA's warm climate can be blinding but it's become clear (well...gloomy) now that I live in London. I've missed you and promise to never take your bright and cheerful energy for granted again.
See you soon.
Love, Me
It's official, we're on our first full holiday in Europe (woo hoo!). I'm signing off until Monday, August 8 but you can bet that I'll be back with tons of photos to share. Until then, join me on twitter @anamu to see what we're up to...pending wi-fi, of course.
Have a wonderful weekend and week to come!
The weekend is here and with the autumn-like weather we've been having in London, I'm dreaming of sunny morning walks with my niece, Juliana. I love watching her stomp around with her wild bed-head hair...it definitely suits her crazy little personality.
I hope that you get to spend the weekend with the ones you love, enjoy every moment!
Here are this week's three rad links: • Give glass an antique look with this DIY via Because I'm Addicted. In case you missed my own DIY from this week, click here. • Skip the chain stores and shop well wherever you are in the world (or at least in major cities) with Hipshops via Anthology Magazine. • An artisanal ice cream making class with the yummy LA creamery, Carmela, via Oh Joy!. If you're in the area, please go for me, and for you. Your taste buds will thank you.
When you can't put colorful art on your walls to brighten up your home, colorful carpets can do the trick. We picked up the first one at Camden Market, second one in Little Arabia, and the third at Fair Share in Soho (made by Asha Handicrafts). They aren't the most amazing quality but when you're only going to use them for two years, they do the trick. Besides, we're saving up for when we go to Turkey - their carpets make my heart sing.
I can't wait to move into a new flat that we can really make our own for the next year and a half. I've been calling and emailing letting/renting agents all morning and it made me realize that I haven't really posted updated photos of our current place (see move-in photos here).
Not much has changed as we are still living like college students with scarce furnishings (remember when we couldn't get the sofa we bought into our unit?). But, with a little help from IKEA, colorful rugs, and vintage accessories, we've made this crash pad feel more like home despite its inherent negatives.
Recognize the vintage finds from here, here, and here? And the five minute wall decor DIY?
I hope you enjoy this animated gif of Brighton Pier's "Crazy Mouse" ride. It's my first attempt at an animated file so I'm certainly ending the week feeling a bit accomplished. This is the tutorial I used for those of you who might be interested in creating your own with Photoshop.
Have a good one!
This week's three rad links...
• This thrift shopping post by The Glitter Guide featuring Rock Paper Vintage made me wanna get out there and shop, shop, shop. Good tips on how to do it well, too.
•Recycled always wins my heart. Never fancied pencils so much until these came along via Creature Comforts.
• In search of easy-to-make meals, here's a great video by Because I'm Addicted for an avocado, shrimp, and endive salad. If only all recipes were this entertaining.
If you know me personally then you probably know that I've never been one to get excited about cooking or baking. In fact, I've always been the first person to offer to bring drinks or utensils to potlucks...just don't ask me to make anything!
These days, however, I've been turning a new leaf and becoming much more interested in getting creative in the kitchen. If I'm being honest, it has a lot to do with the fact that I'm no longer coming home from work at night exhausted and dying of hunger. Cooking was never fun or relaxing for me, instead it usually felt time consuming and intimidating.
But now that I have more time and energy I've started tearing out recipe pages from magazines, looking to Foodily for on-hand ingredients ideas, and even making things I've pinned on Pinterest like these BLT bites. Now, I know that BLT sandwiches are nothing extraordinary but what is special is that I made these for Sunday's Blognic event. The old me would have gone to Whole Foods, bought a pasta salad, and called it a day!
I guess what I'm learning is that if I can be creative in other aspects of my life, why should I be so intimidated by getting my hands dirty in the kitchen? It's just food, after all. And I like food.
If you have any favorite recipe websites or cooking/baking blogs (easy ones, I'm still a beginner) please share them in the comments section below. Would love your tips!
The great thing about spending time with little kids is that you can be your silliest self without looking like a total freak. I had so much fun kicking my shoes off and playing with my nieces all over the place. From the yard, the couch, the bed, the beach, you name it. Best of all was when they climbed all over me with their tiny bare feet while watching Sesame Street (total secret to cuddling!).
So cheers to Friday, kicking off your shoes, and being silly . Have a great weekend!
Here are this week's three rad links: • My friend, Cuit, makes his own bowtie here. Totally want his vintage sewing machine! • Amazing tutorial on how to make a glitter texture on Photoshop by Pugly Pixel. Must. Try. • What possessions would you take with you if your house was burning? Love seeing what people pick and post on The Burning House.
...Stay cool.
Weekend, we <3 you post will be up tomorrow. Needless to say, I'm having way too much fun hanging with my two nieces :)
Hope you all had fabulous weekends!
What's more summer-like than cooling off on a beautiful balcony after the sun sets? I loved how balconies are sprinkled all over buildings in Madrid. They add so much character to otherwise simple facades.
With summer on my mind and the Fourth of July on Monday, I'm really looking forward to spending some quality time by the pool and the beach this weekend (it'll be my nieces' first time on the sand!).
I hope you have a great weekend spending time with those you love and/or doing what you love!
Here are this week's thee rad links:
• Pretty and fun DIY fabric stickers by Creature Comforts. This blog always makes me want to get crafty! • Beach tunics to die for by Emerson Made. • Hurray, Warby Parker launches a sunglasses collection! I love my pair of retro-styled spectacles from them and can't wait for the Rx sunnies to launch next month.
