fONDa noLIta

I craved fish tacos tonight. I could taste the savory cilantro, lemon, tomatoes and pepper sautéed over a succulent piece of fish. Then I was reminded of the restaurant Fonda Nolita that I ate at in NYC. I was attracted to Fonda Nolita’s white brick exterior that looks like a garage. Cement floored sleeve decked with whitewashed brick walls, palm trees, and picnic tables printed with backgammon/checker boards makes this a must eat destination in NYC. It’s an authentic Mexico-style community space  focusing on ultra-fresh eats, cold cervezas, and the kind of laid-back fun you want when surrounded by your peeps. You can play board games and watch movie screenings too!  It’s a taste of Mexico brought to NYC. So if you are in that area check it out! Oh! I was out of fish so I opted to make homemade chicken soup…for my soul- Christina XO

Fonda Nolita . 267 Elizabeth Street . NY . 10012 nr . Houston St.

 

The Selby

If you haven’t browsed through Todd Selby’s vibrant new book, “The Selby is in your place” I highly suggest you do. I first noticed it in a store window a while back (yes bright colors do stop me in my tracks as well as other things) and immediately started browsing through it. I couldn’t put this book down. Todd Selby is a photographer, blogger and fashion celebrity who takes portraits of compelling and creative people including authors, artists, designers, musicians and friends. He goes into their home environment (with their approval of course) and captures their lifestyle in an eclectic, interesting and artful way. Each profile is accompanied by watercolor portraits of his subjects and objects from their homes.  It explodes with rich color, vintage pieces, art, mini interviews and a glimpse of people’s personal spaces such as their lofts, apartments, closets, bedrooms, you name it, he captures it. Todd takes us to New York City, Los Angeles, and other amazing places around the globe. I’ve been very inspired by many of the interior designs and accents in these places and admit to being a bit obsessed with redecorating my place with a few of these unique ideas. It never hurts to spruce up your living space with a few antiques and vintage pieces, Non?  Check out www.theselby.com for further info on the amazing Todd Selby. And Todd if your reading, you can take my picture anytime. – Christina XO

TRIP TO NEW YORK PLUS $5,000.

The other morning I ran some errands on South Granville before heading to work. I dread the bank like one dreads the dentist. Thank the lord there was still some green in my account. Phew! So, I treated myself to a delicious Americano and made my way to Shoppers Drug Mart for my last shop stop. All you women out there (not to center you out guys) will appreciate and understand the inconvenience of running out of your womanly products all at once.  Not only is it annoying, it’s costly. BUT –  It’s worth it when you need that roll of toilet paper plus the latest issue of Vogue and Entertainment Weekly. For a second  I thought, Wouldn’t it be nice to win some money? This way I wouldn’t feel guilty buying so many things (not the toilet paper) but the things that I could let slide but won’t. As I resumed to the check out line something distracted me. That’s when I saw it.  A shiny pink and black scratch and win ticket with the words, “YOU COULD WIN A TRIP TO NEW YORK PLUS $5,000. TOP PRIZE $50.000. And it was a SEX AND THE CITY ticket so I couldn’t resist.  My heart was racing! Being a huge fan (Minus SATC 2. That was Gawd awful. But that’s besides the point) I had to buy a ticket. I was feeling lucky!  So an extra $3.00 later I was winning that trip to New York City! Maybe I wouldn’t come back! I was going on a shopping spree with my BFF!  $50.000 was paying off all of my debt! I’d donate some it to charity ! Buy another pair of Louboutin shoes….go on a yoga retreat….take some workshops….Cosmopolitans for everyone in the store!  I had a plan….I was going to WIN!……$9.00.

Sigh….(deep breath)

On the bright side, it’s $9.00 I didn’t have before.  And I was happy. O.k a bit bummed out but It can buy me 3 more tickets….Or some produce at the market. I’ll have to decide. Today is a brand new day and I’m $9.00 richer. -Christina