Spring in the desert of Arizona.

El desierto y mas!

It is the desert, but one of the lushes deserts around, specially now! 

You can see all the flowers coming out. Aren't they gorgeous?

Los caminitos son interminables y te llevan a ver las vistas mas bellas

de Phoenix. Y la caida del sol es impresionante, el atardecer es lo mejor del dia.

VIVA ARGENTINA!

COZY LITTLE RESTAURANT.

The food in this restaurant was delicious- in the middle of town in Baños. Not only was it the perfect cozy little spot, but the Chef from Argentina had the most succulent Argentinian selection of grilled meats.

And look at how cute the place was, it could have been one of those spots you find on the beach with only hammocks and lit by candles. And the crowd was very international-that's the charm of Baños full of travelers from all over.

SMALL CAFE ACROSS THE BRIDGE.

On the way to the jungle of Ecuador you can stop millions of times to check out the amazing views, cascades & wild life reserves. We went down for a small hike to the Cascada del Pailon del Diablo, and found this cute little Cafe across the bridge. Cute ha! what ever, it took me a while to get the nerve to go across. I just focused on looking straight ahead and not looking down. I don't like heights. But I did it.

View from the moon!

Luna Runtun!

It's absolute paradise in our own little Ecuador.

Baños, where you can find spring fed baths and a lush rainforest via the jungle. 

We went with my cousins in July to enjoy a couple days away from the city and stayed at Luna Runtun. A small hotel/spa at the top of the mountain with these breath-taking views.

www.lunaruntun.com

NEW YORK INSPIRED-BY CLARABELLA!

This blog wanted to be posted a long time ago. I have to admit i was finally inspired by Erin, the owner of Clarabella a boutique in Nueva York.

I've never met her, but as you read her stories and her passions, you feel as if you have known her all your life. She has a style of writing that captures your attention immediately, so I must say she really has inspired me to start just telling little stories. Not only is her blog fun, but she has the cutest boutique with some very unique designs and awesome designers.

www.clarabellanyc.com/blog

Next stop New York-definitely visit Clarabella.

Jewelry floating in the Amazon!

My dearest childhood friend Birgit and her family have just made their dream come true. 

They launched their own luxury travel boat in Peru. After all the hard work and preparations the most fabulous project is now the real deal! It's one of those adventures you see posted on Wallpaper magazine-great design and upscale taste in every detail.

Check it out for the true amazon experience-but in style!

www.aquaexpeditions.com

And the best part-it has a boutique. So now you can find Laura Cardenas designs floating along the Amazon.

BLANCO Y MAS BLANCO!

White shells and nothing more than white shells. Just little pieces of nature that you miss unless you really stop and take a look. 

These little pieces of shell I found off the coast of a little secret beach I have been visiting these past few years. They are broken pieces of shell that are the shiniest white since they have been brushing against the sand for who knows how long. 

Their texture is so smooth and soft. I have even given them their own categories; the smooth line shells, the ribbed shells, the melted ice cream shells and the vanilla looking shells. I had the vision of them as rings and bracelets, but was still surprised at how amazing they came out with silver. So, they are little pieces of nature that you can carry along with you forever!!

Inspired by nature!

I stumbled across these amazing  stones back in 2004-(ring on left).  They had washed up on the beach of Atacames off the coast of Ecuador. They are all different and have little specs of green and aqua tones.

I've kept these stones in a big container for years, until I finally decided to design them into jewelry. The natural texture and color of the stones is stunning against the shiny silver, they are one of my favorite designs. Check them out-aren't they cool!

I then decided to create some alternate designs using rose quartz, turquoise and agates. Aren't they gorgeous, my nephew Alejandro actually call them my Mickey Mouse rings. :)