The Branding of Booze + Passion Projects

Last week my co-worker and friend, Emma, invited me to an event titled The Branding of Booze hosted at Brooklyn Winery by Vine Pair. My thought process was as follows: Branding? Booze? HECK YES! The event took place yesterday, May 6th, and though I had initial hesitations when 5pm rolled by – let's face it, after a long day of work sometimes you just want to go home – I was very glad I decided to go after all.

Full disclosure, I wasn't planning on writing about this event. However, early in the conversation an ongoing theme became apparent which I knew I had to write about: passion projects.

Cinco de Mayo a la Instagram: The Party Guide

How do you know if your party was a hit? People chatting, laughing, and having an overall good time are good indicators. But lets be real, it's really all about the number of Instagram posts it gets! This past weekend I decided to put a few party tricks to the test at my Cinco de Mayo celebration. The set up was pretty great: friends, food, drinks and sun… what more could we ask for?

Taco Hunt: Los Tacos No. 1 | Chelsea

After several different people recommended "the taco place inside Chelsea Market," I knew I had to give Los Tacos No. 1 a try. I must admit that although I have been in New York for a year now, this was the first time I visited Chelsea Market – and boy was I glad I did! For those of you who aren't familiar, Chelsea Market is a hybrid indoor shopping center meets foodie heaven slash rustic art installation. Basically, my new favorite place. 

Design Plus Tacos, eh?

What is DESIGNplusTACOS you may ask? Good question! If you've ever met me in person you'll know that I am obsessed with two things: design and tacos. Somehow I always end up talking about these topics and people really seem to enjoy it. Whether it's with friends, colleagues, or random networking acquaintances, these topics never fail to  get a good conversation going.

Having moved from San Francisco to New York last year I always get asked the same question, "How does the Mexican food here compare?" I usually complain – which has led to journey of endless tasty recommendations and acquaintances. (If any of you are reading this, hello!)

Taco Hunt: Chavela's | Crown Heights, Brooklyn

On Presidents Day my good friend Brittany and I decided we would go explore Brooklyn. After a few Google searches, we settled on visiting The Brooklyn Museum in Prospect Park. Two subway rides and a freezing walk later we finally arrived – only to discover the city-run museum was closed due to the national holiday. Well, shit. On to the next best thing: tacos, of course! Another Google search and a 15 minute walk led us to Chavela's, a traditional Mexican restaurant in Crown Heights.

Recipe: Coctel de Camaron

My mom grew up in Ensenada, Baja California so she is a huge seafood fan and even better cook. Every summer when the kitchen gets too hot to want to cook anything warm, my mom would whip up some delicious coctel de camaron: a savory shrimp cocktail – think virgin bloody mary meets pico de gallo but better. After my sister sent me a picture saying, "Look what we had for dinner," I couldn't resist but to make some of my own.

Tips for Surviving Your First East Coast Winter

It has been almost a year since I moved to New York and have experienced so many new things, including my first East Coast winter. Having been born and raised in California, winter meant a totally different thing to me. Snow, slush, and single-digit weather? Clearly I had no clue what I had signed up for. However, I've come to realize that its not all bad. With the right attire and a positive attitude winter can be a little more bearable.