Easter Bunny Cupcakes

YAY! I have been SO excited all day to bake these gorgeous cupcakes and I'm finally doing it!! Just as I was mixing the batter, thunder boomed and it started pouring rain. I was glad to have something indoors to keep me occupied. :) Well, I got this recipe off of Yummly and I'll include a link to the recipe in the credits below. ↓

    I skipped some of the extra ingredients, I didn't want to test my luck with anything homemade so I stuck with the simple stuff. I was mostly excited to do the decorating so I decided to make the mini size so that they would cook faster.

...and in they went to the oven! It took about 15 minutes to lightly brown at the edges. 

    Then ON TO DECORATING!! It was fairly simple, you just had to cut the marshmallows and dip them in sparkles to make the ears. By the end, I must have made about 3 dozen and I am very proud of myself. 

    

    So... What do you think? Fab or Fail? Let me know down in the comments below if you like what you see, or if you have tried this recipe. I would love to hear your Easter cupcake experiences!

Mine vs...

The Original

Happy Baking!

Credits

Bunny cupcake photo courtesy of Yummly

Original recipe: Easy Bunny Cupcakes

gif created through GIF Maker

April Favorites!! // Style and Sun

    Happy Saturday! Today I am so excited to bring you another seasonal post that I have been piecing together for a while now. I am on a four day weekend and I am so happy that I finally have the time to finish a lot of half-done posts. 

    It's Easter weekend! and I love spring so this is a perfect opportunity to squeeze in some Easter cuteness. I saw these cupcakes first when I received one of my weekly emails from Yummy and I just couldn't resist! The charming little ears are a perfect tribute to this rabbit-run holiday. Although baking isn't really one of my fortés, I am determined to at least give these adorable little guys a chance. I am going to give it a try right now! 

     What would a spring favorites collection be without some nail polish? I love polish anytime of the year, but the colors that come out during these months... Mmmmm..

1. Givenchy nail polish 

2. Chanel nail polish 

3. Christian Dior nail polish

4. Dolce Gabbana bright nail polish

5. Yves Saint Laurent nail polish 

6. Tom Ford nail polish

7. Opi nail polish 

8. Chanel nail polish 

9. Dolce Gabbana bright nail polish

10. Butter London nail polish 

11. Burberry nail polish 

12. Givenchy nail polish 

    Since it is officially spring in Florida, I have been searching for ANY way to stay cool. I found that lace was a perfect cheat to wear "less" clothes, since it has all of those little holes in it, it's like there is some kind of ventilation.haha

1. Saloni embroidered lace top 

2. Lace crop tank

3. Black tee

4. Pink lace tank

5. Vero Moda black boatneck shirt

    I absolutely loooove pastel pink shoes, and I know most of these are a bit too outrageous for my style, but they were so pretty that I couldn't help myself.

1.River Island leather pumps

2. Monsoon wedding pumps 

3.Jessica Simpson stilettos shoes 

4.Charlotte russe booties 

5.Christian Louboutin red sole shoes

6.Call it SPRING shoes  

7.Gianvito Rossi lace-up heel sandals 

8.Peep-toe pumps

9.Gianvito Rossi heels & pumps 

    Whenever I think of these lipsticks I get so excited. I am saving up to get number five on this list. The other colors are so beautiful that I can hardly resist, but due to some financial setbacks :), I have to chose.

1. Chanel lipstick in Cocou

2.Chanel lipstick in Rêverie Parisienne 

3.Chanel lipstick in La Facinante

4.Chanel lipstick in La Favorite 

5.Chanel shiny lipstick in Interlude

     There are so many things that deserve to make this list, it's so hard to decide! Do you agree with my April picks? Is there anything huge that I missed? Let me know in the comments below. I would love to hear your ideas! 

Credits

cupcake picture courtesy of Yummly

collages created through Polyvore

Last Month Didn't Count...

    Time and time again, I wake up and say that "today is going to be different." I tell myself to put my mistakes and grudges behind me, but day after day, I fail to do so. Within the last month, I have mentally gone through so much that I have reached a yet another point of acceptance. I go through moments of euphoria and inspiration, which urge me to get up and move through my life. Recently, I have had trouble reaching those moments. My busy schedule and personal hardships have taken a toll on the way I treat myself and others. For instance, I have let myself forget about the things that help me meditate. Blogging is one of my favorite things to do, it relaxes me, and gets me excited about whatever I happen to be writing about. It is a way for me to vent, and this month hasn't given me more than a day to brainstorm and be creative. My absence from Urbanéss is unacceptable in my mind, it has been one thing so far that has held me grounded and sure of myself and without it, I feel incomplete. Over the past few days, I have just been running circles in my head, contemplating all of this and wondering how to end this feeling. However, I realize that my problem is that I overthink things. One of the most useful philosophies that I apply to this situation is to just "let it be" and that "it is what it is." I can't change my schedule, I can't change the way people act around me. The only thing I can change is myself, and I can embrace this emotional difficulty as a challenge to get through. I know for a fact that I am not the only person who has gone through something like this. I remind myself when I'm feeling down, to not let this become an excuse to not try my hardest. No matter what it is, the intention to do the right thing gives me the drive I need to make it through the day. Someone once told me that you have to hold yourself accountable, but never be so hard on yourself that you aren't at peace in your mind. It hasn't been all bad though, this month has also been full of interesting challenges and fun experiences. I am putting rough days behind me because today is a new day.
    I am normally not secure talking to people about things like this, but sometimes I think it's important  to step outside of your comfort zone. Especially when it means releasing burdening thoughts. I hope that  everyone who has ever felt like this has been able to get through it. If so, let me know down in the comments below!!  Looking forward to a  fun filled long weekend, and expect some happy posts!! (Don't be suprised if you find some bunnies cupcake recipes  included)

Thanks for stopping by!

24 Hours in New York City // Style Watch No. 1

 
    New York City has been a haven for the most stylish and fashionably apt people in the country, not to mention the world. It is a well known bustling center for commerce and shopping. People from all over flock to NYC for different experiences, from climbing to the top of the Statue of Liberty to eating a Cronut for the first time. This town has been featured in books, movies and songs. The title, "Capital of the World", is well deserved, because it seems like people just cannot get enough of it.  I'm biting into the the Big Apple to see what exactly makes it so delightful and what part of it would have me enchanted the most.

Sharp Taylor

©instyle

    Even though my time in the city has never been long enough, I have witnessed incredible looks. I enjoy  reading articles about different fashion icons that roam the streets. :) For example, although I'm not a rampant Taylor Swift fan (a new resident of New York City), I must admit that her street style goes unmatched. This errand run outfit is one of my favorites. I love how she has put together an ensemble that perfectly represents the classic English fox hunting gear. Just beautiful. ♥︎

Darling Olivia

©aplacetogetlost

    Today, I wanted to pay homage to one of my favorite American socialites, Olivia Palermo. Her street style is impeccable and she is admired by many fashion enthusiasts around the world. Though I probably couldn't pull off some of her riskier ensembles, most of her outfits are a great stepping off point to a guaranteed-to-be-successful day out on the town. These collages down below are inspired by two of her many noteworthy get-ups.

Cronuts: What they are and why everyone is dying to have one......(and psst! where you can get one)

©gohomeandaway

A cutting-edge pastry is in town, one that has taken the United States by storm. Cronuts are all the rage and their newfound fame has meant a huge boom in business for French innovator and baker, Chef Dominique Ansel. A Cronut™ is a unique cross between a croissant and a donut that has left all other wannabe pastries in the dust. The Cronut™ brand and product  is a registered trademark of Dominique Ansel Bakery (©dominiqueansel.com). Deemed the "Willy Wonka of NYC", Chef Ansel has won several prestigious awards in the culinary world, including 3 Michelin stars.

   Many celebrities have promoted this baked treat by making their first Cronut experience a must. Apparently it is worth the wait and worth making a fuss over, it's that good! Wether or not I will take the time and money to travel to New York City to specifically get a Cronut is not probable, but it's possible. :) For more information on this new NYC trademark, click here to get a full education on how to get your hands on one.   

Brands Galore!

©3.bp

    Shopping wise, 5th Avenue is a bucket list destination for anyone who has ever wanted to shop in New York City. Need a guide? Hop over to New York Magazine's article on shopping in the city. 

  

    This about sums up what I like most about NYC and what I would do if I was given just one day. While I wouldn't need to go to every famous landmark, I must say that I am a sucker for some of the cliché hotspots. However, I would rather look for an experience that is more off the beaten path. 

    What are your favorite things about New York City? Have you had your eye on any fashionistas? Or have you ever had a first hand experience with a Cronut? I'd love to hear your New York stories. Feel free to tell me in the comments.

Blue Eyes

 Frank Sinatra paying tribute to the city that never sleeps. 

February Wish List // Valentine's Day Favorites

©hopeetlumiere.fr

    Happy Valentine's Day!! Sadly, I am not going to be able to enjoy the crisp air outside and the festivities of the weekly Farmer's Market. I have been suffering from a low grade fever and voice-stealing head cold for the past few days and I am restricted to the indoors to recover. Today I am just going to make the most of my resources, namely the kitchen. I am going to test my baking skills as I attempt some love-day inspired cupcakes and cookies. Crossing my fingers that they turn out edible. :)
   Oh well, thankfully Valentine's Day came to rescue me from my illness blahs and gave me an excuse to put together a wish list. :) These are a few things that I have had my eye on for a few months now, and that is probably the closest I'll ever be to most of them. But hey, a girl can dream right? 

      
    Let me know in the comments below if any of these items has made an appearance in your online shopping cart, or if you have anything on this list, let me know what you think! I hope everyone has a safe weekend and enjoy the time you spend with your loved ones.

xoxo,

Intro: Out & Around

    On a beautiful winter day with a crisp breeze, what's more enjoyable than a boat ride on the river? For an outing like this, you want a getup that will keep you warm and comfortable without looking too laidback and messy. I love the combination of the blue dark wash jeans
and the denim button down and to seal it off, I paired it with the almost black down jacket and sneakers. To bring a pop to the outfit, I thought the green of the backpack was the perfect shade and brought the right amount of vibrancy into an otherwise monotone color scheme. Along with the Dolce & Gabbana perfume, this look is all about function while still remaining stylish and fun.

Thanks for reading!

Happy New Year 2015!! // Evolution Of The New Year Ball Drop In Times Square

   

  Happy New Year!! I wish prosperity and happiness to you, friends of Urbanéss. I have enjoyed blogging for the first time this year, 2014. Many thanks to the people that have been following my posts, I look forward to continuing finding inspiration to share with the world through 2015 and beyond. 

©http://vishava.com

    One of my many favorite things about a New Year's celebration is watching the ball drop in New York. I have not been fortunate enough to physically be there to experience this, but I think it's just as exciting watching it on tv or on the internet. Just for fun, I have included some of the most popular New Year's Ball Drops. ↓

1st Ball Drop in 1907

©http://www.balldrop.com/

    Also, thanks to my half Colombian heritage, I have been brought up with ridiculous (but interesting) superstitions that you must follow in order to have good luck in the new year. For instance, on New Year's Eve you have to wear yellow underwear, or eating twelve grapes for each month and make a wish with each one right at midnight. One of my personal favorites is that if you want to travel, you have to run around the block with some kind of luggage. 

Countdown to 1999

©http://i.ytimg.com/

    
    Yes, I know that the color of my undergarments, lentils or any other of these cherished acts of faith isn't going to affect my fate for 2015, but it's a fun way to connect to tradition of many cultures and I'm happy to know that I'm doing the same things my family has done for as long as anyone can remember.

Ball Drop 2000

©http://www.timessquarenyc.org/

    I also love seeing the energy and and positivity* that the idea of a fresh start gives people, but my dad reminded me of something very important today: New Year's is really nothing other than a day on the calendar.... That "fresh start" and "new beginning" that people look forward to, can be found at anytime. It is up to us to take charge of the moment and make the day whatever we want it to be. 

Ball Drop 2014

©http://villagealliance.org/

     There are so many cultures that celebrate New Year's all around the world.... Do you have any unique traditions, food or things that you appreciate most about New Year's? Enjoy as we may, all of the festivities and hysteria, but let us not forget that it's really just Wednesday. :)

                                                  Feliz Año Nuevo, Bonne Année and Happy New Year!

*it is a word, I looked it up :D

What to expect in 2015

**Almost

    We are almost there! As the hours tick down, I have been brainstorming about things that I want to see different with the new year.

Here I am listing some of the desired changes in the world of Urbanéss:

1. There's going to be a feature inspired by the basic and widely-used "Outfit of the Day". My spin on it will include what to wear to different places and events. This is my way of hopefully connecting to most people's everyday fashion perplexities and provide some of my style advice and ideas. 
2. The next feature will be a Style Watch page. My search would be unlimited ranging from high-profile royals and socialites to the girl-next-door. To gain a spotlight on my Style Watch, the only requirement is to have sparkling sense of style that inspires me and therefore, my readers.
3. I will welcome comments on my posts. I find that feedback will be beneficial for all of us. I want to know what my readers think; your opinions would definitely help me make this a more reader-friendly and enjoyable blog to follow. I have the vision of our conversations to be respectful and hopefully enriching.

I hope everyone has a fun filled (and *safe*) New Year's Eve and Day. See you in  2015! 

Ciao for now :)

Merry Christmas To All, 2014

    Hi everyone! Hope you have fun opening gifts and spending time with your families and friends. I know I will. :) Enjoy the bright lights and if you're lucky, beautiful white snow.

Check out more #xmas2014 photos in my Photo Album^^. Thank you for stopping by and have a Happy Holiday!

2014 Christmas Special: Winter Favorites

   It's about that time of year again and I can't even begin to express how happy I am to be on vacation and at home! 
   Here I thought I would share with you a collection of the things I love most about the winter season and most of all, Christmas!

For those days that I sleep in and just want to stay warm and comfy on my couch, I do everything from paint my nails to brew a one of a kind tea or hot cocoa. :)

While trying to kill time, I find myself redoing my nails even when they were probably fine to begin with. Anyway, one of my favorite fall/winter trends this year included the deep, almost black, oxblood nail polish. It is such a sophisticated and dreamy color, and a bonus is that it goes with almost anything!
<---I found this great bottle at Urban Outfitters

Blegh, if I had to pick my least favorite thing about cold weather, it would definitely be chapped lips. But EOS has the perfect remedy for the pain that comes with dryness.... a lip balm that stops the chap before it even starts! I love the sweet mint-->
the best because it leaves such a fresh feel and best of all, it smells like Christmas! ❄︎

Warm tea in a cozy mug...This is one of the things I do like about cold weather. My favorite tea comes from Teavana because of how fresh the tea is and simply how fun it is to make it! Another bonus to drinking tea is all of the options for mugs. Some of them are so cute and I think The Freckled Fox did the best job of putting together a collection. Check it out at "from one hot drink lover to another."

The tough thing about living in a place where it's warm most of the year is that I miss out on the use of ridiculously fuzzy blankets! I have about three, and I love them so much that I practically wear them as sweaters. :) 





   


 This holiday season, I encourage you to embrace your challenges with the upcoming new year and to never forget to appreciate your family and friends. Take a minute, slow yourself down, and open your mind by living in the moment and being happy.