This is Your Captain Speaking...

Pan Am Explorer Bag, $89

panam.com

For all those weekend trips to Provence and spontaneous getaways to Rio de Janiero...*alarm clock*

Let's face it, most of us 99%-ers won't be jet-setting to exotic locales on a regular basis. So allow me to fantasize about globe-trotting like the glamour girls of yesteryear with the Pan Am Explorer Bag. Recently inspired by ABC's Pan Am, I'm determined to live vicariously through this bag and channel the adventure, glamour, and prestige of the 'Pan Am Girl.'

Buckle up.

Coffee Bean Opens in NYC

Coffee-lovers from SoCal rejoice!

The first LA-based 'The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf' has finally arrived in NYC. Opened this morning, and located at 1412 Broadway (at 39th st.), those who crave their unique 'Ice Blended' concotions, are now only a two-transfer train ride, and weaving-through-endless-tourists trip away! (still beats the 5 hour flight back to Los Angeles)

If only they had scheduled the debut of their store a few weeks earlier when New Yorkers were suffering from unbearable heat and stickiness. But hey, even in 20-degree weather, I'd gladly slip on my snowboots and parka for a Black Forest Ice Blended (that's cherries blended with chocolate-covered espresso beans, to you..)

Theory Friends and Family

April 28th - May 1st

Get 25% off on your entire order at Theory.

Check out their Facebook fan page for promo codes:

Theory Facebook

Cheer Up!

While on my quest to find more cute treasures to fill my new home, I came across these fun, colorful options to give any kitchen a dose of cheeriness from Fishs Eddy. Eating your breakfast cereal out of a bright canary bowl with polka dots and drinking coffee from a yellow-pinstripped mug might make those Monday mornings just a bit more tolerable.

Clockwise: Food Bank Cereal Bowl, $12.95; Food Bank Mug, $10.95; Polka Dot Glasses (4), $24.00; Set of Nut Bowls (8), $19.95

New Digs...

Part I: Splurge

I've found a new apartment and that means scouring the internet for chic, modern furniture without breaking the bank. Although it might be daunting to spend an exorbitant amount of money to furnish a small 500 sq ft, studio apartment in NYC, I believe in mixing and matching steal pieces and splurge pieces to create a space that's truly you; after all, this is your sanctuary. A few pops of color and some well-place shelving units piled with kitschy items can really make this an chic and cozy home.

Here are a few coveted 'splurge' statement pieces I've been eyeing.

Armchairs...

Left: Turquoise Ikat, Urban Outfitters, $329

Right: Madeline Chair, Urban Outfitters, $349

Bench...

Tuft Essex Bench, West Elm, $249

Lamp...

Capri Teardrop Lamp, Jonathan Adler, $275

Macaron Day in NYC

On Sunday, March 20th stop by any participating confectionerias for a free macaron!

See the full list here

Francois Payard organized the first Macaron Day in NYC which coincides with the Jour du Macaron in Paris in an effort to spread the word and deliciousness of this delicate french cookie. In addition, a portion of the day's maracon sales will be donated to City Harvest , a food rescue organization dedicated to feeding hungry New Yorkers.

Afternoon Delight...

Starbucks Tribute Days: March 10-12

To mark the last 40 years, Starbucks is treating everyone to a sweet afternoon treat for Tribute Days. Visit a Starbucks between 2 and 5 p.m. on March 10-12, they’ll treat you to a free Starbucks Petites when you order any handcrafted beverage.

From left to right: Birthday cake pop, Carrot cake mini cupcake, Lemon sweet square, Peanut butter mini cupcake, Red velvet whoopie pie, Rocky road cake pop, Salted caramel sweet square, Tiramisu cake pop

Brain Candy

Attention Ladies and Gentlemen! (OK, maybe just the ladies....)

There's nothing particularly thrilling about Tuesdays, but it was a special day when this gem arrived...

Yes, I know I'm years behind, but good things come to those who wait and I am now the proud owner of 94 glorious Sex and the City episodes and both featured films are included! It's white exterior gives this box set a clean, contemporary look, compared to the previous generation's design with its rosy pink felt. The smoky grey, felt inner covers and highly photoshopped, albeit, wonderful screenshots add to its luxe.

My only complaint is how much elbow grease it takes to get each disk out of its sleeves...

Tasty Tacos...

One more month until Spring, but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy South of the Border treats right now. Can't decide where to go on a Sunday night? Cascabel Taqueria on the Upper East Side is a great bet (it's also the only night when you won't feel like you've been packed into a sardine can...)

Guacamole for four, caddy of mini hot sauces on each table, and flaky yellowfin tuna belly piled high with hearts of palm... wash it down with a pomegranate hibiscus margarita in a mason jar... and you've got yourself a great night.

Now if only al fresco dining was open...

Image from Cascabel Taqueria

Frakin' Frickles

It might not make much sense, but nothing this tasty ever does...

Deep fried pickles with BBQ ranch dip from Southern Hospitality, NYC

Prints, Patterns, & Pastels...

It's almost time to put away our dreary winter-wear and monotone coats and salute Spring! Here are a few looks I'll be chasing down in the stores this season...

Chambray Schoolboy Blazer from J.Crew - $158

Striped Jaquard Pattern Dress from Zara - $30

Open-Knit Sweater from Zara - $40

In The Abstract Dress from Anthropologie - $228

A New Meaning for "Going Green"

March is upon us and that can only mean one thing... Shamrock Shakes! If it's still too frosty out or too slushy for you to put on your rain boots, you can make this tasty frozen concoction from the comfort of your own fuzzy slippers...

3 cups good quality vanilla ice cream

1 3/4 cups 1% milk

1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

Green food coloring if desired

From TheFamilyKitchen