Tuesday

Food: Sparkling Ice Beverage!


Every time I go to the store to get a drink of something I spend about 3 minutes deciding what to get. I want something refreshing and healthy but not boring. So I just tried this Sparkling Ice Water and fell in love with it! Its got Zero Calories, with Essential Vitamins and Antioxidants!! I got the Kiwi Strawberry flavor and its pretty delicious. They offer 8 different flavors, and are a great source of Vitamin B & Vitamin D. Eighty percent of Americans lack Vitamin D, which benefits our bone health. Vitamin B is good for healthy skin and hair, they also enhance our immune and nervous system functions. Sparkling Ice also contains Green Tea Extract which is known to have powerful levels of Antioxidants, and we all know how good Antioxidants are for us. So next time you are thirsty for something refreshing and healthy try Sparkling Ice, it wont disappoint! Check out their website here-

Monday

Food: Top 5 NYC Romantic Restaurants for Valentines Day

Two more weeks until Valentine's Day!! And what better way to celebrate than to have a romantic dinner, great tasty food, a glass of wine and the perfect romantic ambiance. I love dining out and trying out new restaurants and living in New York City where the restaurant selection is overwhelming you cant help but try new things. You can find any kind of cuisine here in New York, and if you are brave and open minded you can come across some "exotic" foods to eat. My favorite foods are Mexican & Thai, I could live on those two, however I LOVE to eat so I prefer to keep my options open and try different things! So why not try one of my top 5 romantic restaurants on Valentine's Day. Hurry and make reservations if you can, time is running out!!
5. Grimaldi's Pizzeria- One of the most famous pizzeria's in NYC, if not The Most Famous, is where me and my hubby had our first date. They don't take reservations and there is usually a line, but the location of Grimaldis will blow you away. Its located in Dumbo a neighborhood in Brooklyn and is right under the Brooklyn Bridge overlooking New York City. After dinner go for a romantic stroll around Dumbo, very fitting for Valentine's Day.
4. La Esquina- This Mexican Spot is located in Soho and is very exclusive, you might run into a celebrity! Reservations go fast, they also have a To Go stand open 24 hours, their rotisserie tacos are to die for! For a romantic dinner you want to sit downstairs, the hostess will take you thru the kitchen and when you get to your table you will feel romance in the air. Dark lighting and a huge list of tequilas is all you need for an unforgettable Valentine's Day!
3. Cuba- The name says is all and you can never go wrong with Latin food and a good mojito. This Cuban restaurant is located in the West Village, a very romantic neighborhood. The food here is always delicious, try the churrasco you will thank me later! Cuba is beautifully decorated with an intimate feel, they play live music on the weekends and will also have live music on Valentine's Day. If Salsa isn't your thing request to sit in The Hemingway room, its downstairs and its cozy and beautiful!
2. Raoul's- This French Bistro is located in Soho, with garden sitting you might feel like you are in France for one nite, why not Valentine's nite. I recommend the oysters, if you didn't know they are an aphrodisiac food which means you will end up having an extremely romantic night, if you know what I mean! Paris is the city of love, try this French Bistro for a bit of romance in your life!

1. Serendipity 3- Do I have to explain myself? This is where me and the hubby will be celebrating Valentine's Day this year! Reservations where made in December, so I suggest if this is where you want to go get on the phone ASAP! With a name like Serendipity and frozen hot chocolate on the menu it goes without saying this is the perfect place for ROMANCE!!

-Stay tuned for those who didn't live in NYC I will be posting my top 5 things to do on Valentine's Day in ANY city!!

Fashion: For Girls with CURVES II!!

Here is the rest of the looks that go with the Must Haves for girls with curves!! Keep coming back for new looks and ideas on what to wear!!

1. Levis Curve ID@ http://us.levi.com/shop/index.jsp?categoryId=4370093&cp=3146849.3146880&ab=leftnav:leviscurveid:curveidquiz:4370093

2. Aldo Hilser Flat@ http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/women/shoes/flats/88311603-hilser/95

3. Anthropologie Lace-Back Blouse@ http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=23707847&catId=CLOTHES-BLOUSES&pushId=CLOTHES-BLOUSES&popId=CLOTHES&navCount=126&color=060&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&isSubcategory=true&subCategoryId=CLOTHES-BLOUSES&templateType=subCategory

4. Urban Outfitters Prismatic Post Earring@ http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=23502420&color=070&itemdescription=true&navAction=jump&search=true&isProduct=true&parentid=W_ACC_JEWELRY

5. Old Navy Leopard Print Scarves@ http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=72830&vid=1&pid=859243&scid=859243002

6. Urban Outfitters Deena & Oxxy Studded Clutch@ http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=23722846&color=001&itemdescription=true&navAction=jump&search=true&isProduct=true&parentid=W_ACC_BAGS

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Eloquii Belted Sheath Dress@ http://www.eloquii.com/Belted-Sheath-Dress/23305024,default,pd.html?start=19&cgid=eloquii_shop-the-collection_dresses

2. Aldo Hilser Flat- Above

3. Urban Outfittters Prismatic Post Earring- Above

4. Old Navy Leopard Print Scarve- Above

5. Forever 21 Vibrant Tote@ http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=acc_handbags&ProductID=1005757673&VariantID=

6. Fossil Decker Plated Watch@ http://www.fossil.com/en_US/shop/women/watches/boyfriend_watches/decker_chronograph_gold_dial_watch-es2683p.html?parent_category_rn=30009&departmentCategoryId=30000&N=0&Ns=p_wsc1%7C0%7C%7Cp_weight%7C0&pn=c&cm_vc=232501&rec=35&imagePath=ES2683

Saturday

Fashion: For Girls With CURVES!

So I've been getting requests asking about tips for curvy girls, my first tip is don't hide your curves, they're sexy and its who you are, plus there is so many fashionable clothes to accentuate your curves. Ive put together some pieces that are a must to have in your closet, and then I created 4 different looks with these pieces to give you an idea of what looks go well with what.

Mariely's Must Haves:

1. Sexy black dress that accentuates YOUR curves.

2. Nude heels. (Nude makes you look longer and leaner)

3. Great pair of jeans. I love Levi jeans and I came across Levis Curve Id, a line that lets you custom fit your jeans to your curves! Whats better than that? Here is the link:
http://us.levi.com/shop/index.jsp?categoryId=4370093&camp=DRSearch&affcode=117620&cp=3146849&searchdef=2544244&k_clickid=4ce04153-63a3-78e8-9a0e-000059fd80fa&002=2544244&006=14818563818&007=Search&008=&009=b&012=curvy%20jeans%20women&021=198336018

4. Sexy skirt. (One that sits right on your knees, nothing longer or shorter, a pencil skirt or circle skirt would fit best)

5. 3/4 sleeve blouse. (pick a color that goes well with almost anything so you can mix and match with other pieces)

6. Blazer. (On a curvy body a blazer that sits on your waist will flatter you most)

7. Black flats. (A must have for every girl)

1.Eloquii Belted Sheath Dress@
http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/women/shoes/high-heels/88333722-troiano/36

3. Levi Curve ID Jeans- Link on top

4.Eloquii Pleated Knee Skirt@
Mix & Match

1. Eloquii Belted Sheath Dress- Above

2. Aldo Chango Necklace@ http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/accessories/womens/necklaces/84001747-chango/20

3. Urban Outfitters Pistatic Post Earrings@ http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=23502420&color=070&itemdescription=true&navAction=jump&search=true&isProduct=true&parentid=W_ACC_JEWELRY

4. Forever 21 Tribal Panel Bracelet@ http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=acc_bracelet&ProductID=1070221523&VariantID=

5. Forever 21 Suede Clutch@ http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=acc_handbags&ProductID=1086806052&VariantID=

6. Aldo Troiano Nude Pumps- Above

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Forever 21 Linen Blend Blazer- Above

2. Urban Outfitters Beaded Nugget Hoop Earring@ http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=24328197&color=028&itemdescription=true&navAction=jump&search=true&isProduct=true&parentid=W_ACC_JEWELRY

3. Eloquii Pleated Knee Skirt- Above

4. Aldo Troiano Nude Pump- Above

5. Target Mossimo Co. Cami@ http://www.target.com/p/Mossimo-Supply-Co-Juniors-Cami-w-Shelf-Bra-Assorted-Colors/-/A-13717318

6. Forever 21 Suede Clutch- Above

7. Aldo Chango Neckalce- Above

I will be posting the rest of the outfits tomorrow, so come back!

Fashion: SuperBowl!

February 5= Superbowl Sunday!! I love me some football and I cant wait to watch Superbowl XLVI, The New York Giants vs. The New England Patriots will sure put on a great game. But what to wear to a sports event and still look fashionable? Well I have put together a great look to help you look chic and classy yet down to earth and sportsy while cheering for your favorite team! Go Giants!!

1. NY Giants womens top@ http://www.football-fanshop.com/Giants-Womens-Apparel-_652588507_PG.html

2. Levis 524 Skinny Jeans@ http://us.levi.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3619278&&cp=3146849.3146884.3146903

3. Aldo Matkowsky boot @ http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/women/boots/wedge-boots/86081031-matkowsky/36

4. NY Giants womens hat@ http://www.football-fanshop.com/Giants-Womens-Apparel-_652588507_PG.html

5. J. Crew Tillary Tote@ http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/handbags/tote/PRDOVR~63158/63158.jsp

Recipe: Ziti with Short Ribs and Sofrito Sauce

I love watching the Food Network and Cooking channel, the other day I was watching Everyday Italian with Giada De Laurentiis and saw this recipe:
It looked so delicious I had to make it. I didn't have all the ingredients so I improvised a little with what I had. The result is unbelievably delicious!! Here is the recipe to my own Ziti with Short Ribs and Sofrito Sauce! Enjoy!
Ingredients
1 pound short ribs
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt & pepper
1 ounce panchetta
1/4 cup of flour
1 onion chopped
1 green pepper chopped
3 cloves of garlic
1 (14 ounce) can of whole peeled tomatoes
1/4 cup of worcestershire sauce
2 cups of water
1 bay leave
1 box of ziti
grated romano cheese
Directions
Place the olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Cook the pancetta until golden and crisp, about 4 minutes. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper, and cover with the flour. Remove the pancetta from the pan and set aside. Add the short ribs to the pan and brown on all sides, about 7 minutes total. Meanwhile, combine the onion, pepper, and garlic in a food processor and blend until finely minced. Then add the whole peeled tomatoes. Once the short ribs are browned, add the sofrito from the food processor to the pot. Add the pancetta to the pot and stir. Add the worcestershire sauce, bay leave, water and season with salt. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Remove the lid and simmer for another hour and a half, stirring occasionally. Remove the meat and bones from the pot. Discard the bones. Shred the meat and return it to the pot. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until done, drain the pasta and add it to the pot combining it with the meat and sauce. Serve on a plate and add the romano cheese. Done!

Friday

Fashion: Chanel Spring 2012 Wannabe

Spring is around the corner and white is the color for the season by looking at the runways of last fashion week. I fell in love with this Chanel look from their Spring 2012 Ready-to-Wear collection, its not white but its just beautiful!! The colors are just perfect for spring and I cant wait until the weather starts to warm up, so I put together a wannabe outfit inspired by the Chanel look. Hope you like it and gets you thinking about Spring fashion, just my style!

1. Anthroplogie Eunice CashmereCardigan@ http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=23895436&catId=CLOTHES-SWEATERS&pushId=CLOTHES-SWEATERS&popId=CLOTHES&navCount=266&color=030&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&templateType=D

2. Target Mossimo Supply Co. Top@ http://www.target.com/c/women-clothing-tops/-/N-5xtbq#navigation=true&viewType=large&sortBy=bestselling&minPrice=from&maxPrice=to&isleaf=true&navigationPath=5xtbq&parentCategoryId=9975766&facetedValue=/-/N-5xtbqZ5xku0&RatingFacet=0

3. Piperline Cynthia Vincent Sage Flats@ http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=36915&vid=1&pid=514669&scid=514669002

4. Forever 21 Denim Dolphin Shorts@ http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?Br=F21&Category=BTMs&ProductID=2070220340&VariantID=&utm_source=CSE&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=GoogleBase&CAWELAID=1013418818

5. DSW Poppie Jones Noho Clutch@ http://www.dsw.com/accessories/poppie+jones+noho+clutch?prodId=232965&productRef=SEARCH

Wednesday

Fashion: Valentine's Day

I don't really like to wear pink, however Valentine's Day is right around the corner and that's one day I will make the exception to wear pink! I love Valentine's Day so I've put together a pink outfit to give you an idea of what to wear for your hot Valentine, if you don't have a hot date then wear it out and find yourself a man!!
1. Ruche Joffrey Pink One Shoulder Dress@
2.Express Skinny Resin Bangles@
3. Tori Burch Patent Robinson Clutch@
4. Aldo Epperley Fushia Leather Pump@
5. Aldo Bagan Crystal Earrings@

Tuesday

Oscar Nominations...

And the Academy Award nominations are in!! I just finished watching both The Artist and Hugo and ironically the top Oscar nominated films are extremely similar. Although Hugo is inspired by the true story of turn-of-the century French pioneer filmmaker George Méliès and The Artist is simply a comedy drama, both tell the story of artists in filmmaking who are unable to adapt to the changing trends of the industry. Both movies take us back to the 1920's where George Valentin in The Artist (French film) is a silent film idol and George Méliès in Hugo is well, a French filmmaker. Dogs are also a big part of both movies, which leads me to wonder, should there be a nomination for Best Supporting Animal this year? War Horse could take this one! I really loved both movies, Martin Scorsese of course is a brilliant filmmaker, however Michael Hazanavicius who directed The Artist had my heart from the beginning. Yes its a silent movie but if you have ever enjoyed watching old,black and white movies then you will be taken back at how cleverly this film was made. It's 2011 and if I didn't know any better I would say The Artist was made in 1927, my Oscar goes to... The Artist!! I encourage you to watch it, its really a great movie!

I'm super excited for Nick Nolte's nomination for Warrior, great movie and his performance is very powerful, I give him the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. I haven't seen The Help yet, however I believe Octavia Spencer will take Best Supporting Actress. Leonardo DiCaprio was left out this year and I'm sure he is pissed!! And so am I. I'm a huge Leo fan dating back to my teens and even though I didn't see J. Edgar I believe Leo to be an amazing actor and perhaps the Academy doesn't EVER recognize his talent. Best Actor will have to go to Mr. Clooney for his role in The Descendants, tragic yet enjoyable movie. My Best Actress goes to Viola Davis, I had the pleasure of meeting her while fitting her for a broadway show and she is the most down to earth person ever! However it can go to Michelle Williams too, cant wait to see My Week With Marilyn, I know I will be as fascinated with this movie as I was when I first saw Marilyn Monroe on All About Eve, one of her first film roles. Looking forward to February 26 The Academy Awards will always be one of my favorite events in Hollywood!!! Thats just my style!

Monday

Hello Hunter Boots!

Its yet another rainy day in New York City and Im delighted that Hunter boots were under the tree this past Christmas! They're my new obsession, they're comfortable, cute and perfect for rainy days in the city.
The year was 1875 and Mr. Norris had a "rubber" vision, and so the Hunter company was started with only four employees. Years later they had made rubber boots for the British Army and the Royal Family, what more do you need to know to get yourself a pair? They're fit for a king and and a hero, plus they're super stylish. Check out they're website and read the Hunter story, with so many different colors and styles to choose from the Hunter welly is the ideal accessory on a rainy day.

Sunday

First and foremost I'd like to start by saying that I am not calling myself God, I am calling the BLOG Style God, simply because it sounds interesting to me and I hope you find it as interesting as I do.

God didn't bless me with a singing voice, instead he made me tone deaf and I cant play any instruments. He gave me some rhythm but I suck at choreography and Im no actress. He did however blessed me with a great eye for all things and killer style. So here I am bringing my taste, my style, my passions to this blog hoping it catches your eye and you come back for more!


Now on to my first topic-

YOGA!!
I just finished up with my usual Sunday Vinyasa Yoga class and Im feeling calm and relaxed. I've been practicing Vinyasa Yoga regularly (at least twice a week) for 2 years now and I only have great things to say about it. Yoga is such a powerful practice that allows you to exercise your mind, body and soul. If you havent tried it yet I suggest you go take a class, you have nothing to lose and a lot to benefit from. Here is a link to a great website that teaches you about the benefits of practicing yoga, plus practicing yoga looks good for your style!!!
http://www.healthandyoga.com/html/yoga/Benefits.html