twenty-two!

This Thursday, I turned a whopping 22 years old. (I know, still quite young, but my goodness how time flies!) I celebrated with friends at Bianca for dinner and then drinks at Temple Bar (currently my favorite bar in NYC), both wonderful places which are only one block away from each other! It was the grandest night, and I felt like the luckiest girl in the world, surrounded by people I love.

Because I'm a schmoopy sentimental, I gave each of my ten friends at dinner a personal little toast -- they all mean so much to me. (So much that I spilled wine on myself in my effort to show them that!)

shop helen hearts!

So I realized that I don't wear half the stuff in my closet -- is this true of most people? Thus, the creation of Shop Helen Hearts, my online shop! Check it out! More items up soon....

http://shophelenhearts.blogspot.com/

2 beautiful blogs

Remember my blog crushes post from last year? Well I have much more to share -- I can't help it, there are just so many awesome blogs out there in the blogsophere. I've been keeping this blog for four years now, and every year I get more inspired! Here are two new blog crushes -- you can see my blogroll for the rest!

The Coveteur never ceases to amaze me. Showcasing gorgeous photos that capture the lives of tastemakers from around the world, it makes me covet and feel like a voyeur. I coveteur, and it's awesome. (PS: If you like this site, check out The Selby as well!)

I also love That Kind of Woman, the super popular (and deservedly so) tumblr. Its blogstress Kat compiles the simply beautiful and beautifully simple things in life, all into a lovely, easy to follow lifestyle blog. I find myself checking TKoW every day, and I think Kat is adorable.

That's it for now, but I'll be sure to feature more favorites. Now go read their blogs! xoxo

(photos via The Coveteur and TKoW)

have a delicious weekend!

Two yummy experiences from my week: drinking wine at the Brooklyn Winery (try their Barbera - it's such a great red wine, very rustic and spicy), and dinner and cocktails at Mercer Kitchen, the restaurant inside the super-chic Mercer Hotel. Since Paris, I've been enjoying eating and drinking at the most leisurely pace possible, chatting with friends for hours. It is as relaxing as it sounds! Hope you and your tastebuds have a lovely weekend :)

(photos via bkwinery and louisa edwards)

win $100 from shopbop & say hello to Alice & Olivia and more!

FRIENDS! I am so excited to announce a fabulous new giveaway! The lovely people over at Shopbop are generously offering a $100 gift card to one lucky Helen Hearts reader. Here's how to enter & win: simply leave a comment below & follow Helen Hearts (just click on the left). What would you do with $100? I've got my eyes on Phillip Lim sunglasses and Alice & Olivia shorts (actually since it's Springtime, all women's shorts are looking so fresh).

A winner will be randomly chosen and announced on Monday, May 2nd. (International friends may enter as well!) I'm already jealous of one of you ;)

PS: Don't forget to check out all the wonderful things on sale at Shopbop! Also, take a peek at past HH giveaways here and here, if you're curious.

Update: Congratulations to Rachel Mennies, our lucky winner!

book love: an object of beauty

I'm almost finished reading Steve Martin's An Object of Beauty, and it's one of my favorites from this year! Steve Martin's writing is not just good, it's freakin' New York Times bestseller fantastic. (On that note, I had no idea Martin was such a Renaissance man. To be a actor-comedian-writer is one thing, but to be successful at all of them is another! I need to read Shop Girl next.).

Learning more about the Manhattan's art world is also super fascinating. I especially love the photos of classic art that perfectly accompany the story. Such a feast for the eyes and mind.

PS: Other books I love here and here :)

3 style sights

This leopard coat...

This envelope bag...

And this gorgeous bike

Went running with best friend/occasional gym partner Danny on Manhattan's west side highway last night (talk about gorgeous!)-- and all I wanted to do was jump on a bike... le sigh.

(Photos via That Kind of Woman & Pinterest)

I'm not a player...

Holy smokes, I need this t-shirt!! (Thanks Krystal)

a million french memories

After 8 days, we are back in NYC from Paris! And I feel so grateful. First, a huge thank you to Danone for hosting us for 3 nights. (And a big pat on the back to my team for staying an extra 4 nights.) Second, a hearty merci to Paris for being so sunny (in the 60-70s all week) and our fellow Danone Trust international friends who were awesome. Truly, every day was a complete joy. Lastly, thanks to "my boys" Justin, Carlos, Paul, and Dennis for being such great teammates, travel companions, and friends. As for Paris -- I will be back!!! Je t'aime, xoxo

PS: Check out us Danone students performing a flash mob at the Louvre! (You'll find me spinning in blue.)

when in paris...

... Eat like a Parisian! I've got to say again,  the French really do cheese the best (mmm, fromage)! I love that French food in Paris is not too expensive, unlike authentic French food in New York :) Other things that I never eat but have thoroughly enjoyed on this trip: foie gras, escargot, macarons, veal. Any other recommendations, dear friends? I'm here in Paris until Sunday - feeling so incredibly lucky!

PS: I agree with this!

(photo via cup of jo)