THINGS I LOVE | february 2011

February 1, 2012

I LOVE it when something that is so incredibly good for you tastes equally as delish! Lucky Layla Farms creamy drinkable yogurts are handcrafted by in-house yogurt artisans (really) and feature real fresh fruit. Available at Whole Foods.

This pen completes me. I love knowing it’s in my purse, it makes me smile. Crayon pen at Kuhl-Linscomb.

In December I took classes at Sur la Table, both completely different. One was a Juicing + Smoothie class with The Rawfully Organic queen, Kristina Carillo-Bucarem. The other, a Mastering Macaroons class with Courtney Goff. Both were equally amazing. I still have yet to make a macaroon, but I will. Visit www.surlatable.com for classes.

My love for my Hunter boots is pretty deep but my trusty old pair have been looking shabby with white residue. Apparently this phenomenon is called “blooming” and is a result of the small amounts of wax included in the 100% natural rubber boots. The white residue is natural and normal, but it comes right off with Hunter Boot Buffer, restoring them to their original splendor. Which also keeps me from buying another pair I certainly don’t need.

I am by no means a Brit, nor do I pretend to know a thing about fish n’ chips, but I do know
I LOVE Laurenzo’s version. Perfectly fried on the outside, deliciously moist on the inside. Serve it up with a Santo hand-crafted beer by Texas’ oldest craft brewery with art by Day of the Dead local artist Carlos Hernandez and my day is pretty much made. Laurenzo’s Prime Rib, 4412 Washington Ave. St. Arnold’s Santo beer available at Central Market.

Rather than roses this year, give this
rose-scented candle
by Diptyque.
It’ll last longer. www.diptyque.com

By Carla Valencia de Martinez
Photography by Gabriella Nissen

Filed Under: Things I love

THINGS I LOVE | january 2011

December 31, 2011


De Petra’s jewels continue to make me swoon! Plus they repurpose leather scraps as well as use recycled metals. I love how much this local brand has grown – They are now available at Anthropologie! But if you want more exclusive pieces, make an appointment. De Petra art and jewelry, 713.296.9696. www.depetra.com

LOVE Goodbyn Bynto boxes! They come in a variety of colors and sizes and are perfect to pack your lunch and go. No more bags. It takes a bit of getting used to, especially if you like your Ziplocs like I do. Goodbyn.com

How cute are these pup lovepup collars? It’ll be hard to pick one…thank goodness I have
2 dogs! 25% of all proceeds donated to no-kill shelters. Available at Kuhl-Linscomb and www.lovepupdesigns.com

I love knowing we made this. Our super rich compost dirt took a year to break down, but now it’s making my herbs and veggies thrive.

I am obsessed (or should I say Pascual is?) with WubbaNub Infant Pacifiers. They are super cute and easy for him to hold. Pop the whole thing in a small mesh bag into the washer and wash to reuse. We have a bunch! Available at Longoria Collection and Kuhl-Linscomb.

By Carla Valencia de Martinez
Photography by Gabriella Nissen

Filed Under: Things I love

THINGS I LOVE | december 2011

November 30, 2011


Check out the pop-up shop called Gift in West Ave this month! With a focus on well-designed, luxury goods tailored around the five senses this shop is sure to send you into sensory overload! Expect designs from Thierry Lasry sunglasses, Alexa Rodulfo Candles, Pamela Love jewelry, Carmina Campus clutches, SUPER sunglasses, Seletti home products and Kyotofu-NYC Japanese desserts.

Gift. Curated Shopping by PEEL | 2800 Kirby Dr. 713.874.0025 | www.giftbypeel.com.
11am – 6:30pm Monday-Wednesday
11am – 9pm Thursday – Saturday
12pm – 5pm Sunday


I know I am not the only one who has been anxiously waiting for Phoenicia Market to open their YUMMY shop downtown, and now it’s here! Creamy bricks of feta, bags of hazelnuts, fresh baked Pita, labne – oh my!


Elaine Turner’s minaudiere is just the right amount of shine to any festive look, plus you can cross it over your body for a night that turns into dancing or into a clutch for a dressier occasion.


Another design favorite, Restoration Hardware, opened The Gallery at Highland Village simultaneously with the brand’s second Baby & Child Gallery in the nation last month. Their innovative approach of handcrafted furnishings capturing effortless European luxury and exceptional quality is incomparable.


Something about a collection called Copernicus enchants me. I love H. Stern’s constellation inspired baubles and would certainly be happy to find these in my stocking. Available at Zadok Jewelers.

photo by Gabriella Nissen


I don’t think I’ve been as excited about a restaurant opening as I am about Uchi’s impending launch at the end of this month. As a self-proclaimed Uptown Sushi loyalist, I have to preface this by saying that Uchi is unlike anything we already have in Houston. Rather than just one more sushi spot, it’s an amazing addition to what’s here. I recently went to Austin for a tasting with Chef Tyson Cole and although I knew of his fame, it wasn’t till the drive back home that I read his book and am forever a Cole Convert. His story, passion and phenomenal food will turn you all into Uchi-addicts. Opening at the old Felix’s on Westheimer.


THE FIND is one of those special things that you see in other cities like Miami or LA that makes you wish Houston had something like that. Basically, it’s an eclectic outdoor market that never fails to impress me with one-of-a-kind finds as well as fresh new designers. I never walk out empty-handed. Don’t miss the carefully selected (by founder and fashionista herself Chelsea Dryer) group of talented, emerging designers selling their jewelry, handbagS, shoes and ready-to-wear collections in the backyard at Hughes Hangar Saturday, December 3! For more information, go to the blog: thefindhouston.blogspot.com

Filed Under: Things I love

THINGS I LOVE | november 2011

October 28, 2011

I know you’re all probably over the Missoni craze at Target, but I just LOVE my bike!

Pink Gel Coat is the perfect polish for everyday wear. The formula coats like a gel and protects and strengthens my nails through the week. Available at Sephora.

I got my flat iron a little too close to my forehead on a Monday and I had a wedding to go to four days later. Thanks to La Mer’s The Concentrate – which is recommended to post-surgery patients because it helps skin heal itself – the burn was gone just in time. Now available in a travel-friendly 30ml size at Neiman Marcus.

Giovanni’s Shave Cream creates the perfect shave, ladies. The cream takes a couple seconds to activate on your skin, but as soon as it does, a little tingle lets you know you are minutes away from super smooth, bump free, happy legs! Available at Whole Foods.

I don’t know about you, but when my eyes look bright and cheery everything else sort of falls into place. My current combo of Caudalíe’s Premier Cru anti-aging eye-cream and Kate Somerville’s Kateceuticals Multi-Active Repair Cream makes me look like I’m sleeping through the night…which I’m not thanks to my adorable 4-month-old. Available at Sephora.

I’m obsessed with Diptyque candles. Nothing screams “holiday season” like the scents of the season wafting through my house. Perdigone is gloriously warm and spicy with nutmeg, cinnamon leaves, clove and candied plum. DELISH! Available at Kuhl-Linscomb.

By Carla Valencia de Martinez

Filed Under: Things I love

THINGS I LOVE | october 2011

October 3, 2011

Love me my Bubba Keg! it keeps my juices cold. The ice stays whole for hours. It’s perfect for poolside adult beverages. Available at Walmart or www.shopbubba.com.

Halloween is one of my favorite things. I think it not only symbolizes the beginning of the holiday season, but when else is it OK to play dress-up? Pottery Barn Kids | www.potterybarnkids.com

Frasier Sterling Jewelry sent us her collection of baubles for the October shoot, and, well, we were smitten! Gobs of interchangeable options to choose from. They work best layered. Available at Katia and www.frasiersterlingjewelry.com

Boudreaux’s Rash Protector goes on clear and has kept Pascual’s bottom rash free! I love that it’s not white and pasty. It’s hard to find, but well worth stocking up when you do! www.diapers.com

We pulled these studded ASH boots for our fashion shoot and I fell in LOVE with them. I’ve been looking for motorcycle boots since last year, but just hadn’t found a pair that were rough but a little feminine … until these bad boys! Available at Neiman Marcus. www.neimanmarcus.com

Hands down, the baguettes from World Catering Café & Bakery on Silber are the best. I try to get them fresh out of the oven. They are made daily from scratch and when they are gone, that’s it for the day! 1073 Silber Rd. 77055, 713.780.4351 www.worldcateringhouston.com

By Carla Valencia de Martinez
Photography by Gabriella Nissen

Filed Under: Things I love

THINGS I LOVE | September 2011

August 29, 2011
  • Love this “decorate them yourself” speaker set. Brown cardboard is your medium so get creative. The sound is pretty good for a $12 set of speakers. We noticed they work better with the iPhone 4. www.greenleafgoods.com
  • I’ve had all sorts of fancy juicers; just ask anyone in my family who has gotten the hand-me-downs. But deep down inside I really only ever wanted a good, old-fashioned, hand-cranked, sturdy citrus juicer, which I finally found at Phoenicia Market. Best orange and grapefruit juice every day.
  • Tervis tumbler with snap-on instant mixer is perfect for a day by the pool! Mix up fresh margaritas instantly.
  • Lutron’s dimmer allows you to turn any table or floor lamp into a dimmer instantly. These have proved essential lately with a newborn!
  • This balsamic fig from Whole Foods Montrose’s self-serve station is amazing! I drizzle it over fresh tomatoes, basil and burrata – delish!

    • By Carla Valencia de Martinez | Photography by Gabriella Nissen

    Filed Under: Things I love

    THINGS I LOVE | august 2011

    August 1, 2011

     

    I recently discovered Milano + Francesca’s leather accessories and can’t get enough. These hot pink thong sandals and this ruffle clutch are my recent favorites. ($140, $300 each)

     

    The Little Miss Type A in me loves anything that promotes organization. I knew I was going to love Boon’s Stash multi-room organizer. The varying size and height circles keep my bedside in check…which I need with a newborn.

     

    I’m not sure if it’s the heat or if my workouts are exerting me more, but let’s just say my sweat wasn’t smelling so great. Thank goodness I found Neutrogena’s Body Clear body wash pink grapefruit at HEB last month. The smell is super fresh and invigorating.

     

    Camelbak’s Groove bottle rocks. I take mine everywhere and fill up at faucets, water fountains, anywhere. Clean water is never an issue with Groove’s carbon filter. Available at Target.

     

    The combination of my favorite running shoe with Thorlo’s socks makes my runs utterly comfortable. One of my girlfriends gave me a pair of Therlo’s Experia socks in green, but they come in an array of colors.
    I love these Champions sports bras from Target so much I don’t want to wear anything else! And they recently came out with the tie-dye versions.

    The combination of my favorite running shoe with Thorlo’s socks makes my runs utterly comfortable. One of my girlfriends gave me a pair of Therlo’s Experia socks in green, but they come in an array of colors.
    Love these baby bee nail clippers and butterfly scissors! BabiesRUs.

     

    I LOVE Dr. Tracey Samuels and the staff at the Woman’s Hospital of Texas! Last month I spent a few days at one of their suites where I had my baby boy and the experience was great! Dr. Samuels made labor and delivery as pleasant as is possible.

     

    By Carla Valencia de Martinez | Photography by Gabriella Nissen

     

    Filed Under: Fashion + Lifestyle, Things I love

    THINGS I LOVE | july 2011

    July 6, 2011

    What girl   doesn’t love   unicorns? I don’t think you can ever outgrow them! This unicorn key fob makes me smile every time it jingles. Available at Kuhl-Linscomb.

    From the moment I discovered Deborah Main’s series of pillows made from vintage 1940s and 1950s souvenir state scarves I was smitten. The luxury pillow designer based out of Austin custom creates each pillow with a backing of your choice. I love the huge size plus it’s perfect for lounging on the ground. Prices start at $125 and go up to $550; available at www.deborahmaindesigns.com.

    I’ve always been a big fan of Brazil’s brazilets – the different colored pieces of fabric that are said to make three wishes come true when they fall off. So it’s not a surprise that as soon as I laid eyes on them I snapped up these Decenarios – another Brazilian custom of rosary accessories with 10 knots, bringing good luck with different meanings per color. From friendship, fortune, inner strength, balance, creativity, knowledge, passion, happiness and more. Mix them with the brazilet bangles – an updated version of the ones that fall off, but you don’t have to part with these. Available at www.liveworldly.com.
    Last month I visited the Omni Hotel’s Mokara Spa in the heart of the Galleria area for a day of pre-natal pampering. I started with a Rose Cocoon Wrap expertly applied to my cocooning body. First a light exfoliation was applied, which I rinsed off in the shower (located in the same room), leaving my skin super soft. Then a hydrating rose mask was slathered all over my body and I was wrapped up and left to marinate for about 20 minutes while my feet and scalp got a divine massage. Another jump in the shower and even softer skin. And after all that, a super-relaxing pregnancy massage plus a customized brow job at the Mokara Brow-Bar. The experience was decadent! ­­­ Mokara Spa, Omni Hotel, Four Riverway, 713.466.5272

    We’ve got quite a few Lucite pieces throughout our home, from vintage mid-century modern items to new IKEA ones. Novus Plastic Polish helps keep them looking new and can even remove deep scratches. www.novuspolish.com

    I can’t imagine what my hair would look like without regular Keratin hair treatments. Most would never guess I deal with unruly hair, thanks to these treatments. I love Andre Walker’s Total Keratin Obsession (TKO) Deep Conditioning Treatment packages. The extreme moisture hair repair treatment features intracellular proteins to help protect, restore and repair hair. Available at www.AndreWalkerHair.com.

    I am obsessed with Olive & Cocoa’s catalog. I love the layout, the simplicity of each hand created gift basket, flower arrangement or wreath, and the fact that it’s not jam-packed with options. Just the perfect, select amount to give a great gift. Pictured: Kate flower arrangement and Nest Wreath. www.oliveandcocoa.com

     

    By Carla Valencia de Martinez | Photography by Gabriella Nissen

     

     

    Filed Under: Things I love

    THINGS I LOVE | june 2011

    June 1, 2011

    I love old-fashion bars of soap. I think it’s like the substance of a book. Nothing against liquid, but like a book, there’s something tactile about a good bar of soap. Agua de Colonia by Alvarez Gomez – Madrid’s oldest and most prestigious fragrance house – is worldly and smells divine. The bright yellow wrapping holds the most exquisite soap with extracts of Lemon, Spanish Lavender, Geranium and Eucalyptus with essential oils of Rosemary, Thyme, English Lavender and Bergamot, which all mingle happily as I scrub the grime away.

    I’m a big fan of rollerball perfumes; they remind me of childhood perfumes. Tocca’s Cleopatra scent is perfect for spring and, you guessed it, comes in rollerball.

    La Prairie’s Summer 2011 Colour Collection Bouquet de Jardin created by Rachyel Wade features this super-flattering crème blush inspired by peonies. I love the consistency and color plus all the skin benefits La Prairie is known for in their skincare. Available at Neiman Marcus.

    Nothing rings in summer like a bright beach towel. Love Lacoste’s rainbow towel with its famous croc. www.lacoste.com

    I want to live inside one of Vernon Caldera’s terrariums… really each one is like its own city. Which is Caldera’s inspiration for each terraium. The cities he’s visited inspire each one and is named after one. I can’t tell you more now – we’ll have a feature on the art behind these magnificent pieces in the July issue. www.vernoncaldera.com

    I have been a believer of the oxygen facial craze since my first one about five years ago. The results are immediate and skin looks plump and lush. There are so many different options and price points out there that you should be able to find one that suits you. I recently tried the Intraceuticals Infusions facial at Nordstrom and loved it. The treatment delivers specially formulated serums that work deep within the skin via pressurized oxygen to transform each layer, inside out. And I really love that I can extend the treatment’s results at home with Intraceuticals Rejuvenate Daily Serum.
    As it gets hotter, I get well…sweatier. Sorry – there’s no graceful way to say it. BUT Clean’s new Moisture-Absorbent Deodorant has me actually wanting to sweat to release the amazing warm cotton scent. It smells like clean clothes… and so do I. Available at Sephora.

     

    By Carla Valencia de Martinez | Photography by Gabriella Nissen

    Filed Under: Things I love

    THINGS I LOVE | may 2011

    April 29, 2011

    things-i-love

     

    By Carla Valencia de Martinez

     

    Photography by Gabriella Nissen

     

    I’m a little crazy when it comes to my laundry and was a little skeptical when I came across Purex Crystals. Was this cat litter-looking stuff supposed to replace my bottle of Downy and Suavitel combo? I can’t say it’ll replace it (old habits die hard) but it certainly sits side by side with them in the laundry room. A cap full of the crystals poured directly into the wash gives the liquid drawer backed up with goo a well needed rest, plus our workout clothes never smelled better or felt softer for that matter. Available at grocery stores.

     

    This Dog On-the-Go booklet is the cutest! Keep all your pet’s needs, likes, meds, etc., in this Doggy passport. The next time you leave your pooch you can rest assured all her important stats are within reach. www.peg-loves.com

     

    At the recent Texas Yoga Conference, I couldn’t resist getting an I love yoga custom tank. Cura Yoga’s (www.curayoga.com) co-owner Ria happened to be standing by and helped me pick my patches. Basically you pick your shirt, then you pick two patches (more are extra) and you pin them where you want them to go. Two weeks later you get your shirt back with patches sewn.

     

     

    I LOVE these Eat Your Veggies t-shirts! The cotton is the softest I’ve ever worn plus they are made from Siro Micro Modal, which is made from beech wood from sustainable forests, organic cotton and recycled plastic bottles –  it’s like compost without the stink! There’s a variety of veggie-inspired tees featuring broccoli, bell peppers, carrots and, my fave – mushrooms! www.RevengeIs.com

     

     

    It’s offical! lululemon is opening up their second store in the Houston Galleria on Friday, May 13th!

     

     

    Those cards need a return address on them and Paper Source in Highland Village makes these customized stamps. Another eco-friendly choice! Rather than going through the paper sticky ones, all you need here is an inkpad to stamp to your heart’s content! Paper Source in Highland Village – next door to another thing I love…Sprinkles.

     

     

    I was in Colorado a few months ago at the Cos Bar in Edwards and the gal at the counter had dark brunette hair with a few inconspicuous feathers in it and I was smitten! Lucky for me, I found Electric Feather Co. and now have a few of my own. I can’t do much with my hair other than keep it long so this is my way of making it less of the same old thing. Electric Feather Co. Join the Tribe. 281.808.1777 | electricfeatherco@gmail.com
    There’s nothing like getting actual mail sent to, you know, that thing in front of your home better known as the mail box. It makes bills so much easier to digest. I equally love sending beautiful customized cards. I recently had these fabulous cards – I like to call protection cards – made by Veritas. They just make me smile! Similar designs available at Kuhl-Linscomb. To order customized cards email Sarah Jawda, sarah@jawdaandjawda.com

     

    By Carla Valencia de Martinez | Photography by Gabriella Nissen

     

    Filed Under: Things I love
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