Ikea, not for the Faint of Heart

Hey you all!
I bet you thought I forgot about you, but I haven't! Don't you worry... I think about you all the time! The truth is...I've been in Betty Ford (the bar that is) for those of you who haven't been there, it's in the raval, across the street from the Manchester. I kind of like the place, it's a very hipster crowd (young and too cool for school in some cases). The drinks are enormous and at times seem a bit overwhelming, especially if you're itching to change venues, but a great bargain at 5 euros each! I also checked out a few other places I haven't frequented in the past such as: The Republic on Sant Joan, where I almost kicked ass in a trivia quiz (key word ALMOST) and this place called the Flamingo that is very often frequented by Swedish Folks.
I also spent a very large amount of time ultimamente in the wonder that is Ikea. Who doesn't have a love hate relationship with that place? You tell me! The staff are pretty unhelpful, except those at the end of the long line in the info station and hello you have to carry and then assemble your own stuff. Anyway I've had to spend the last 2 days in yoga classes and massage parlors!
This week is a quiet one...I'm actually working on a project, which I'll let you know about as soon as possible. I also am preparing for the arrival of some very great, fun friends from the U.S. who are arriving next week.
Tomorrow I'll let you know the lineup for the weekend!
Hope you didn't miss me too much (though I secretly hope you did)!!

Dos Besos,
VIParina

You Are Out

What a funny, funny weekend!
I spent the majority of the days lounging about on the beach. I've attached some ok photos of Badalona beach to give you an idea of what I'm talking about all the time.
On Saturday night I ended up at Sidecar (pronounced Siday Car by the locals), I went there a few times when I first arrived to Barcelona, but gave it up for a time because of the complete lack of airflow...that hasn't changed, but either has the music, which is sooooo fun to dance to (you know Brit favorites).
After Sidecar we all ended up at an after hours club, which I couldn't give you the location of if I tried; but it's somewhere near Plaza Tripi.
Today was pretty mellow...more beach and some delicious tapas at Cal Pep in the Borne.
Tonight I'm staying home to watch PROJECT RUNWAY!!!
I had no idea the current season had started (thank the lord for youtube!!!)

Hope you all have a great night!

Dos Besos,
VIParina

The Lovely City of Badalona

La Playita (with clouds)

Mullets & Mojawks

Hi there!
So the Gracia Festival was kind of disappointing this year. It seemed to me that fewer streets were decorated, and those that were weren't up to par with last year's display. It was still fun though! I especially enjoyed checking out the fashion that goes on up there. I have to say, I think I saw more mullets and mojawks than I have in my entire life. I really wonder where the fashion sense comes from in Gracia...if someone knows, then please fill me in.
Here are some photos of the best streets:




Tonight I'm hitting the town...no real plans, just going to enjoy the summer ambiance.
Hope you are all having a fantastic weekend!!

Dos Besos,
VIParina

Mission Wild Weekend

Ok so let's here a collective YAAA for the long weekend!
My friends are in town from England, we have the Gracia Festival and countless parties to choose from!!
Tonight I'm meeting up with my friend Nico + a bunch of others for tapas at the Cerveceria Catalana...then we're off for drinks in the Borne...probably at El Copetin or some place along the passeig y luego straight to Opium to get this party started off right! I foresee a lazy day on the beach (weather permiting) then fiesta fiesta in Gracia!
If you all hadn't noticed, I've decided to add pictures to the blog...so needless to say (or perhaps necessary) photos to follow!

Dos Besos,
VIParina

Comfort Food and Old Movies

So I thought last night was going to be relatively quiet and I guess it kind of was. I met up at CaraBella with a new friend who just moved to town from London. We ended up drinking a Jarra of sangria between the two of us and ended up more than a little tipsy. It was a blast. I don't think I've laughed that much in ages!
Needless to say I didn't feel so hot today and welcomed the cloudy weather with open arms. I spent much of the day watching OLD episodes of Felicity and then finished by watching Risky Business (Tom Cruise used to be soooo cute) What has happened to that man...damn scientology.
So tonight I got take out from a little Argentinian place around the corner and now I'm heading to the camita. I think this may be the earliest night in a while! And by A LOT!!
I have to rest up for the long weekend. I have tons of friends coming into town and it's the Gracia Festival! I can't wait to see what designs the streets have come up with this year, as last year was a little disappointing.

Que Suenes con los angelitos!

Dos Besos,
VIParina

Barcelona town is Burning down

Hot hotty HHHOT!
How are you getting along in this god awful heat? I for one am melting...Thank the Lord for swimming pools and the beautiful (sometimes jellyfish infested) waters of the Med. I have turned into a mermaid. Not a day has gone by that I haven't passed at least half of semi- submerged.

About the party Friday night... Broadbar is a very cool space I must say and I hear the food isn't half bad, but the DJ on Friday night was atrocious! I don't know why everyone in this city has this fascination with house music...I for one love, love, love me some funky beats! Oh well, I got my dance on after Broadbar at Otto Zutz and I have to tell you that I have a new found amor for that place, at least the up up stairs bit, where they have air conditioning...the rest has good music, but is swarming with sweaty, groping horndogs (hahaha I don't think I've used that word, well...ever!). In any event, I'll be hitting up O.Z. a bit more often as the fall comes on.

This week will be kind of quiet...the main goal is to try and keep cool and maybe watch some of the Olympics...I'm such a sucker for gymnastics and diving!

Hope you're all enjoying your holidays or whatnot!!

Dos Besos,

VIParina

Margarita for me, Margarita for you

Hello hello hellllllooooo!
I hope you all had as fantabulous a weekend as I did! What'd you do?
So as I told you on Friday, my plan was Terrrazza and it was incredible. It felt like all of Barcelona was there! At least all of the beautiful, amazing crazies that make this city what it is!!
Then Saturday I slept like a little angel almost the entire day...not too long though. I caught the last rays of the day in Badalona of all places. Did you know Badalona may be one of the ugliest places on the planet architecture wise, but they have some gorgeous beaches and mucho less people than in the city. So if you don't want to venture too far in train...I suggest Badalona. They may not have all of the amenities you're used to...like chairs and umbrellas, but if you have a nice, strong man to carry these along... all is good.
So Saturday night I ended up at Opium Mar (can't resist the terrace by the Med). Then Sunday I had to let Marishka in on the AMAZING tradition that is Paella by the Playita on a lazy Sunday. We ate at Escriba, which is above Bogatell beach, I believe, and they know how to do a paella right...mmmm mmm mmm.
The feading frenzy carried right on into Monday with Margarita Monday. I had the Chalupas, which were...well...de- lic-ious! Stop by La Trajinera if you want to try them...and I must say the strong air conditioning is very very welcome!!
Well mis amores...try and keep cool!!
Talk to you tomorrow!
Dos Besos,
VIParina

Holy Summer Vacation

With Summer Vaca in full swing I'm finding it more and more difficult to be my usual disciplined, hard working self in respect to the blog...hahaha...Marishka and I have been out and about this week. I've made it my personal mission to show her every side of this amazing city. We've seen about every tourist site and gone to every club that's worth frequenting and that's just in the past two days! We actually hit up the Travel Bound bike tour, which is something that I never thought I would do. It was a lot of fun though and pretty damn informative. Unfortunately though, the bike tour messed up my tan...I now have lines!!! (GASP) We also saw Parc Guell, my personal top tourist spot in Barcelona and had a lovely picnic with 2 bottles of cava. Yesterday was mostly beach and shopping day. We found a lot of really cute stuff in the shops on Avinyon...check them out if you get a chance.
So tonight....it's Terrrazza!!! I can't wait to show her. First though, we're going to get some drinks at DosTrece in the Raval, cause tonight they have some great DJs in.
Tomorrow...sleep sleep sleep and then beach beach beach!

Dos Besos,
VIParina

Smarter than the Average Bear

What a faboo day!
I woke up early for once and met my friend Marishka who flew in from NYC. She gave me all the latest goss about our ridiculous friends on the cab ride home. I knew she was exhausted, but insisted she go to this amazing yoga class with me (she's a yogi too). Then we had a fabulous lunch at La Academia in Plaza Sant Just before heading to the playita to catch the less harmful l rays of the day...and can you believe it...we came home and fell asleep until now!
No rest (or dinner for that matter) for that weary chicatita...I'm draggin her ass to Shoko! She's heard about it enough and now she's gonna have to experience what all the hype is about! I think we may try and sleep in tomorrow...but I just can't wait to show her the town. After all my friends, I may be the queen of the nightlife, but I also know how to enjoy this amazing city by day...
Come what may!

Dos Besos,
VIParina

August Heat Here We Come!

Good evening mis amores!
How was your weekend? Mine was absolutely divine!! I spent the majority of it lounging on beautiful beaches of the Costa Brava. I kind of prefer the rocks to sand, cause it isn't so dirty and sticky.
Friday night I had a dinner party on the terrace and was complemented excessively on my cooking...if only they knew how rarely I do it. I have to say I prefer restaurants. Food just doesn't taste as good after you've slaved over a hot stove.hahaha. De vez en cuando I don't mind it too much.
Saturday we took off for the beach and we spent the night at the beautiful Parador in Aigua Blava. I highly recommend it. It has the most beautiful views and the breakfast buffet is phenomenal!
On Sunday we hit up Cadaques and ate the most delicious seafood platter at this little hole in the wall by the beach.
Bronzed and mas bonita we returned to Barcelona and had some sushi at Kibuka. mmmm it had been far too long.
Anyways today I got a mani-pedi and a massage at the pink Peony. You know after such a tough weekend I thought I deserved a bit of pampering...hahaha.
Tonight I'm going to meet my friend Valentina at Guru BCN for a couple of copas de cava. Then most likely come home early for a nice rest. The massage and the sun really tired me out. August is almost here and we all know how hot it can actually get!
Hasta Manana,
Dos Besos,
VIParina

The Bronzed and the Beautiful

Hello my darlings,
Shoko was as fabulous as ever last night. So many people to see and be seen by! I love summer in Barcelona. All the beautiful, perfectly bronzed specimens seem to flock here. There's no end to the fun.
So as you can imagine I spent most of my day on the beach soaking in the rays. I ate some delicious jamon with melon at one of the chiringitos on Icaria beach and followed the meal with a few tasty mojitos at Guru BCN in the gotico.
And now...
I have to admit...I've been addicted to this show The Tudors...I think it plays on Show Time in the states, but I've been streaming it for the past couple of days...and today, well... what can I say, time escaped me. Hey, a party girl needs to indulge in some lazy habits once in a while.
If you get a chance...watch it, it's horribly sordid and indulgent. Best of all, based in reality!

Tomorrow...Yoga in the morning, lunch at Ra, which is next to the Boqueria with, then a short rest before I Opium Mar it up!

Sweet dreams to all those off to bed...and happy partying to those who, well...who are gonna rock it out!

Dos Besos,
VIParina

A Weekend of Madness

The Verve went on! It was a fantastic show and night and weekend!! I ended up at Summer Case the whole of the weekend...the hightlights were definitely The Verve, The Kings of Leon, Blondie (of course) and Too Many DJs. This prissy girl might be coming around to the festival life...though I think this may have been an isolated experience...it makes it a lot better to be able to return to your comfy bed and take a long, long...long shower.
I spent yesterday basically recovering from the weekend...got a massage at the Six Senses Spa at the Arts and then met up with amigos for Margarita Monday.
So one day off...now back to the party! Tonight...Shoko!
If anyone wants to join, just tell them you're on VIParina's list at the door.

Have a divine night!!
Dos Besos,
VIParina

Summercase, Here comes VIParina!

Hello my darlings!
I'm late I'm late for a very important date with SummerCase! I heard yesterday that The Verve has canceled which is such a pity. I've never actually seen them live and hear they put on an amazing show. Oh well...the rest of the lineup seems pretty good. I'm really exited to see Blondie perform!
Today I took it pretty slow as I am much more of a club hopper than a festival rat...to say the least. The hoards of people, the long lines for drinks and the sweatiness are not exactly my style, but I have a friend working on getting some backstage passes so we'll see what happens.

I hope you all have an amazing night! Wherever it may take you...
Dos Besos,
VIParina

Art, Architecture and VINO

So tonight took a bit of a turn... as I told you yesterday, I was off to an art exhibition at La Galeria Ignacio de Lassaletta. It was a really wonderful affair... beautiful art, interesting people and a delicious meal that followed with the gallery directors at the Polo Club of Barcelona. I'd never been there before, but the food was quite alright.

I'm just stopping home briefly to change la ropa and then I'm heading down to Opium to get my groove on. 

Tomorrow... I think I might choose Summercase. Apparently the Verve have canceled which is....well, it just really sucks, but oh well...I guess there are others to see. 

So tomorrow concerts...then maybe the Costa Brava for the weekend...I just don't know. Way too many choices. 

I love Barcelona!

Dos Besos,

VIParina

It´s a Churrasco!

Last night was so much fun! Bittersweet really...I love Barcelona to death, but it seems mis amigos are forever joining and then leaving me. Last night I went to my Brazilian friend´s going away do. The Brazilians threw her a massive Churrasco (Brazilian Barbecue) and the food was INCREDIBLE. Brazilians really know how to live La Dulce Vita...Mojitos, Bossanova, beach and Barbecues. 

Today I actually got up quite early and made it to a yoga class at Holmes place. I´ve really been slacking on the old gym. It´s just soooo difficult in the summer. Why leave the beach?

Then it was off to lunch on the terrace of Nonell. I have some friends staying at the hotel Cathedral just across the way so after lunch we made are way up to the roof top pool for a bit of fun in da sun!

So now I´m getting ready for dinner at Sikkim...I´m actually running a bit late.

Then it´s SHOKO...maybe  there´ll be another celebrity sighting tonight! Let´s hope so....i´ll keep you informed.

Have a good one and maybe see you later!

Dos Besos,

VIParina

The Week of Fiesta

Hey y'all! Sorry I didn't get a chance to write this weekend. I was recovering from the amazing party I had at Broadbar. It was so much fun. All my friends were there and we rocked out in the VIP all night! Afterwards we made our way over to Otto Zutz to continue the party. I really wanted to go to Terrrassa, but was vetoed by the masses. I have to say...Otto Zutz is far too hot and crowded.
Here is my itinerary for the week. I figure since I have it pretty much planned out I should let you all in on what is happenin this week.
Monday- sorry you can't join...My friend Lara from Brazil is leaving Barcelona. It's so sad when people go...but seems to be inevitable.
Tuesday- I'm eating at Sikkim, this delicious restaurant in the Borne where they give you a free chocolate fondue dessert if you make a reservation...then off to Shiny Tuesday @ Shoko.
Wednesday- Meeting friends for a relatively quiet night at Guru in the Gotico, not the Raval.
Thursday-Beach day and night at the Chiringito Vai Moana on Bogatell beach for dinner...then... OPIUM!!
Friday- I think I'll make it fashion tv @ Pacha. If you want VIP entrance just ask.
Saturday-It's been a while since I hit up the Hidden Eden party @ Elephant so...we'll see what happens there.
So there it is...man do I lead a hectic life. Being an international it girl certainly has become a full time job. Well off to the going away gig.
Dos Besos,
VIParina

The Terrace Life

Was anyone else at Shoko Tuesday night? Did you also see Lenny Kravitz? Oh my my he is just as scrumptious in person as I'd imagined! So as you can imagine, that has been the highlight of my week thus far. Yesterday was quite relaxed...well kind of...I had a marathon shopping day. I really can't tell you what store I did not enter. I will tell you, however, that I got some super cute dresses/tops at Custo Barcelona. Later in the day I ended up outside of the city in this lovely little one-traffic light town called Torrellas (sp). I have some friends who have recently moved there, so we met for dinner on their terrace.
Today was a bit more shopping...lunch at Mama's Cafe in the Raval with my friend Lara, followed by some beach time...then some cava on the terrace of another friend.
Tonight I'm taking it easy, because tomorrow is....drumroll.... Evolutionary Nights at Broadbar. I have made sure to invite all my fabulous friends and it promises to be an epic affair. If you wanna come just let me know...or you could just say you're with me at the door. "I'm with VIParina" haha you'd be amazed where it'll get you.
Anyway, I'm resting up tonight. Tomorrow will be all the preparations for the big party!
Catch ya later!
Dos Besos,
VIParina

Pan con Mantequilla

2nd day of BBB...
Has everyone seen all the ultra fashion conscious peeps walking around? I have to say there are some very interesting ensembles being worn...and when I say interesting...I mean UGLY!!
So today started off nicely...I hit up the gym before heading to the tradeshow for a bit of browsing. Then came lunch with my fabulous friend Allegra who's in town for BBB. We ate at this adorable little place in the Gotico, Cafe Babel. Then we did the unimaginable and hit up the sales. After the first day, I swore I wouldn't put myself through the chaos again...but, oh well...what can I say...there is cute stuff to be had!
Tonight I'm hitting up Mix, in the Borne, then if I have the energy to Opium Mar. I might save my energy for tomorrow night though!
Happy partying!!
Dos Besos,
VIParina

Bread, Butter and Bastante Gente

Well..Bread and Butter has begun (how's that for illiteration?) The trade show part is as hectic as always...so many people to see and be seen by. The party-part is what I live for...How to choose which party to show up at? It's the question on every VIPs mind these few days. I, for example am completely up in the air...Will I go to Shoko for the Indian Rose party? or Opium for the Colcci party...mmmm...I choose both!
Ok party people and fashion lovers...hope you can make it too. I have to go make myself pretty now...this heat is making it very difficult to maintain my flawless, shine free complexion!
Hasta Luego mis amores!!
Dos Besos,
VIParina

Rebajas Rebajas Rebajas

How can so many fabulous things happen at the same time? Bread and Butter comes to town, the weather becomes fantastic (hot, yes, but perfect for the beach!) and Rebajas (sales) begin!! Granted it's actually a horrible process of trying to snatch up the best items while being body slammed by other greedy shoppers, but it's tradition! I mean...I don't really need to wait for the sales, but when they come around I just can't resist them.
So I guess you don't have to ask me what I was up to today!
I hit the stores...then the beach and now I'm going to rest up for the mayhem that is Bread and Butter!
Don't forget to get your beauty sleep!!
Dos Besos,
VIParina