Sweater - Indah // Jeans - White Fox Boutique // Heels - Stuart Weitzman // Purse - Salar Milano
Photos by Elliot Bernhagen
Chic & Cozy
Born To Cook - Barcelona
Something you may not know about me is that I'm a food channel fanatic and I frequently take cooking classes when I get the chance. One dish that I have specifically been wanting to learn how to make is Paella, the traditional Spanish rice staple.... and now living in Spain, I decided it was a necessity to learn.
My two girlfriends (who also love to cook) recently came to visit me from LA so I thought, what better time to learn and immerse ourselves into Spanish culture than to learn to cook some authentic Catalan dishes. So when passing by this adorable cooking school, Born to Cook, in my neighborhood, we decided to drop in and sign up! They told me this cooking course would be very hands on.. and that was an understatement. First of all, we visited local markets in the area to collect all the fresh ingredients and taste and sample foods we would be using. So you are not only learning how to make these dishes, but also about the local culinary culture and the significance of the ingredients they use. Also, since Paella takes quite a while to cook, they supplied us with plenty of Olive oil and wine tastings. I was in heaven!
All in all, we had a wonderful time! If you find yourself in Barcelona, this place is a MUST! And it's a for all ages! Thank you again for having us Born to Cook!
Weekends in Santa Monica
It's so nice to be back home in LA with friends and family.. I've been feeling a little homesick lately with all the traveling so this weekend I decided to take a break from it all and just enjoy the weekend before leaving again.. sometimes it's good to be in your comfort zone..
Top - Maiyo Swimwear // Belt - Blowthebelt // Jeans - White Fox Boutique // Bag - Louis Vuitton // Bracelets - Coordinates // Shoes - Converse // Shorts - White Fox Boutique // Bikini - FOXswim
Laguna with L*Space
Little Slice Of Heaven - Hotel Torralbenc
This weekend, my girlfriend Jackie and I decided to get out of Barcelona and take a spur of the moment trip somewhere.. (Which btw, is much easier said than done once you realize the thousands of options you have here in Europe) But narrowing down the options became much easier once we realized we were looking for a weekend of doing nothing but hiding out in the sun, eating phenomenal food, drinking good wine and well, just being pampered.. So after doing a bit more research we stumbled across Hotel Torralbenc on the island of Menorca and decided to look no further. Best. Decision. Of. Our. Lives... I have never experienced a place so serene and tranquil in my life. The hotel is set on top of a hill, surrounded by acres of farmland and vineyards. You feel like your a million miles away from anything or anyone.. but in actuallity there's 120 white sand beaches in any which way you look. The property reminded me so much of being back in Napa Valley (which is one of my favorite places on earth). Except now I'm on an Island.. Out in the Mediterrainean Sea.. Laying poolside.. Overlooking the sprawling vineyards that roll for miles down to the sea, with a buttler bell by my side. Need I say anymore? I'll let the images take it from here.
Menorca Photo Diary
There's a handful of places that hold a special place in my heart and Menorca is one of them.. the smallest of the Baleric islands and by far the most quiet of them, I find myself going back time and time again.. The islands are known to be major tourist destinations in the summer but for some reason Menorca is far less crowded than the rest.. and I hope it stays that way. It's a place to escape and feel isolated out in the Mediterranean.. where you drive for an hour and only see cows or horses.. no people in sight.. and an island full of diverse terrain and hidden beaches you have to hike too. To me, this place is as close as you get to heaven.
All Pink Everything
Jacket - The Kooples // Shirt - J.O.A. // Shorts - AG Jeans // Sunglasses - Ray-Ban // Bracelets - The Lace Project & Coordinates Collection
Welcome Home - Andaz Papagayo
After a short 35 minute drive form Liberia airport, through the dry tropical forest of the Guanacaste region, Jessica and I have finally arrived to the beautifully lush peninsula of Papagayo, Costa Rica where the Andaz resort is quietly nestled.
One of the first things I realized upon arrival, was that we were in for some serious R&R and nature time. The resort is quite secluded and located upon the hill side of the Bay of Culebra. It boasts an open layout with natural interiors, inviting the outside in so you feel a definite presence of nature everywhere you go here. Another unique quality about the resort is that they offer a little something for everyone. Between three incredible restaurants, two beaches that offer completely different settings, three infinity pools (one for adults only) the Andaz is a place for people of all ages and all walks of life. All you are asked to do is relax and freely be yourself.
With that said, I'm not really sure if it's everything I just listed above or their famous freshly caught and prepared to order ceviche (served inside coconut bowls)... or soaking in the infinity pools while watching the Howler monkeys play... oh or the rainforest shower with an open door that brought the ocean and jungle right into my room... I mean the list just goes on.. but I think it's safe to say I found a place that fulfilled my list of a dream vacation. And now I can see why people choose to come back to this resort time and time again. It's a place where vacation and home meet. Which in my case, could be a dangerous combination, given the fact that I'm currently debating if I should just pack up shop back home and call it a life here. I guess this is that "Pura Vida" life that I've been hearing all about. And I wouldn't have it any other way!
Costa Brava
It's so nice to be back home in Barcelona... I can't tell you how much I missed this place after being away for 7 months! My two weeks back have been full of castings and shooting so this past weekend I had a free day and decided to escape up the coast to one of my favorite beach towns in Costa Brava. As much as I love going to the beach in Barcelona, it's not the most relaxing as the sand is a bit dirty and it tends to be packed full of people the months of June and July. So instead I like to make the one hour drive up the coast to Platja d'Aro, where the beaches are a little less packed, and there's so much more to see and do. There are hiking paths all along the coastline that will take you to a variety of hidden coves/beaches, old ruins that still line the water and little beach bars to chill out at and grab sangria or cervezas.. It's no wonder why artists such as Picasso, Klein and Dalà would frequently escape to Costa Brava to find inspiration for their work.. This place is truly magic.
Bracelets by The Lace Project
Staycation - The Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel
This past weekend, my girlfriend Shelby and I headed to The Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel for a little "staycation time". Sometimes you just need a little break from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles but don't always have enough time to hop on a plane for a quick getaway. So we found this little oasis nestled close to home in Beverly Hills. We we're treated to a weekend of amazing food, morning fitness classes, relaxing massages, an incredible behind the scenes tour of Rodeo Drive and (my favorite part) a rooftop movie underneath the stars...
If you're looking to hit the reset button for a few days then this is your new go-to.. Also if you're visiting from out of town, the Luxe Hotel is the one and only hotel located on the infamous Rodeo Drive. You couldn't ask for a better location in the heart of Beverly Hills.
BIG tank you to The Luxe Rodeo Drive for having us! I'll surely be visiting again soon!
Brazil Photo Diary
Hi loves, I'm sorry for my absence on the website lately.. I've been busy the past few months working on a project with my sister but now I'm back home in Barcelona and will get back into the swing of things.... ;) Anyways, I wanted to share some photos of my trip to Brazil with you guys.. as most of you know, Brazil has been on the top of my travel list for years and this year for my birthday, I decided I was finally going to make the trek.. even though I only had a week to do so..
The only thing on my agenda this trip was to relax, explore and just enjoy time with friends.. I think it's nice to detach every once in a while from work and social media and just fully enjoy being in a place... Honestly, I can't remember the last time I was able to do so... but I'm just thankful that out of all places, I was able to do so here.
My time was spent between Maresias and Guaruja (where my family lives).. Both places are so beautiful but in entirely different ways... but Maresias is the epitome of heaven on earth. A quiet little beach town, nestled between lush green mountains.. white sand beaches and is somehow rain or shine... you can't help but admire God's work here.. and wonder if maybe He spent just a little extra time on this place... I know I have a few favorite destinations but Maresias has topped them all. My entire experience there holds a special place in my heart that definitely cannot be replaced. I think I'll let the photos speak for themselves... I can't wait to go back and explore more of this beautiful country soon! XO
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Today's Look
Jacket - Topshop // Sweater - Alexander Wang // Boots - Stuart Weitzman // Sunglasses - Ray-Ban // Bag - Celine
My Jewelry Collection: Daniella x Stilnest
Hey guys! I'm so excited to share with you all my new jewelry collection!
I designed this line with Stilnest to be simplistic, unique and meaningful while featuring certain facets of my personality which best represent who I am.
The Contrast collection is a reflection of my love for the mountains and the ocean and always trying to find the perfect balance between winter and summer!
I hope you all love the pieces as much as I do!
See my collection here: HTTPS://STILNEST.COM/DANIELLAGRACE
Coachella 2017
I came, I saw and I conquered my first Coachella... and I may or may not have set the bar too high for the next one. I was a bit stressed before leaving for the festival.. between having to shoot and work most the weekend, choosing which events I had to attend, I barely had time to plan meeting up with friends let alone what I was going to wear that weekend.. So I kind of threw everything into my car and jetted out to the desert with my fingers crossed that everything would go smoothly. It ended up being a whirlwind of a weekend and to be honest I was only able to see two shows at Coachella but I wouldn't have it any other way. I was able to see and spend time with some of my closest friends, shoot with some amazing brands that I love and admire, watch my friend perform one of the best shows I've ever seen, spend 5hrs in Las Vegas, and meet some amazing new souls out there. All in all, it was one of the best weekends of my life and I will surely be heading back next year! XOXO
Festival Time
And the countdown to Coachella begins!! With 12 days to go, like most girls, I'm already lining up my outfits and getting everything prepared for 3 amazing days in the desert! Usually I'm back in Europe this time of year but work has kept me in LA for the next few weeks so I decided I couldn't miss out on Coachella this time... So here's a little preview of what I'll be wearing out there and I've put together some of my favorite pieces just incase you needed a little inspo. Hope to see you guys out there! XO
Bodysuit - Gooseberry Intimates // Shorts - One Teaspoon // Bracelets - The Lace Project // Kimono - House Of Harlow
SHOP MY FAVORITE FESTIVAL PIECES HERE:
Winter Wonderland
I can't tell you how happy I am to be back in my winter wonderland.. As much as I've enjoyed my last 9 months of summer, I was so ready for the snow to start falling again so I could break out all my winter coats and beanies! Looks like I've come back home to Tahoe just in time and I'm not leaving anytime soon. Oh winter, how I've missed you.
Fur Vest - Ramy Brook // Shirt - Spiritual Gangster // Jeans - Black Orchid // Boots - Hunter Boots // Beanie - Free People // Sunglasses - Ray-ban
Get Similar Look Here:
Noir
A Tranquil Getaway - Hotel Minho, Portugal
This past week I found myself traveling back to beautiful Portugal. And as some of you know, Portugal is one of my favorite countries but I've never ventured into the northern region above Lisbon and the southern coastal towns. I've been hearing the North and Porto are some of Portugal's best and it was next on my list as a must see.
Well known for it's world renowned winery's and the beautiful Minho river that flows through it, I couldn't wait to see this region of the country, as I'm already such a huge fan of the Napa Valley, and this region was said to be it's European equivalent for Port wines and a longstanding family tradition as well. After making the hour drive north of Porto, we reached the Minho Valley. And nestled along the riverside was the adorable Hotel Minho. Upon arrival, I knew instantly I was in for a few days of tranquil luxury and enjoying the outdoors.
Hotel Minho has found the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. The design is minimalist yet modern and very much inspired by the surrounding Minho Valley region and all that if affords. They've done a wonderful job of bringing the different elements together to pay homage to the region and it's beauty.
The Spa was by far the highlight of my stay. I've been in great need of a good spa day after all my travels the past few weeks and Minho spa was just what the doctor ordered! I spent an entire day alternating between the luxurious massage pool, steam rooms and sauna. I also had a wonderful massage after arriving to ease the travel tension.
Also another highlight of this hotel are the bikes that they supply to their guests for a short ride down to the beautiful Minho River or anywhere else you care to venture off to. My second morning was spent biking along the lush trails to the next town of Vila Nova De Cerveira, which I highly recommended stopping by if you're interested in taking a step back in time and experiencing it's quaint charm as well as it's famous crochet artwork hanging amongst all the buildings and lining the streets. There are also a few great restaurants there as well.
In the afternoon, the guest services had arranged for me to take a tour of a nearby winery called Brejoeira Palace. And I am so, so thankful they did. It was a short 25 minute drive by car from the hotel through old village towns and sprawling vineyards.
The palace reminds me of Versailles and the history there is incredible. It's a hidden gem in the Minho region and the Verde wine was out of this world.
I want to extend a big thank you to the Hotel Minho for the wonderful hospitality shown me for my weekend full of relaxation and adventure. This trip is one for the books.
