Go ahead…try one, I know you’ll love it.  It’s a sleek and sexy drink with a kick.

Here are the goods so you can order one at the bar the next time you’re out, or serve them at your next cocktail party.

The Gypsy

1. Coat the rim of a champagne flute with sugar

2. Add 1/2 shot of chilled berry vodka – My preferred is Ciroc Vodka Red Berry

3. Fill the glass with your champagne or cava of choice – My preferred is Brut Nature Grand Reserve Cava – Josep M. Ferret Guasch 

The end result, a cocktail thats sweet but strong, just like yours truly.

Cheers!

It’s been a busy past few months for this Gypsy, but one of the things that’s always kept me going at this steady pace are my playlists that I create from the special songs that bring back memories from my travels and the people I meet along the way.  Although I’ll always be a bit of shopper and a fashionista, encountering great music finds from every corner of the world, or just that global pop hit that you hear EVERYWHERE is a fantastic and long lasting way to remember the journey, while not adding any weight to my baggage!

The summer has always been about those “Party All Night Long Anthems”, so in honor of my many nights spent partying and dancing this season, from Miami to Antalya, Barcelona, to Ibiza, Madrid to Lisbon, and of course not forgetting Riviera Maya, Boston, New York and DC, well, let’s just say, that my shoes may be a little more worn, but the beat continues in my heart.

In an effort to reminisce of this season’s fun, here’s the Top 10 list of my Summer Anthems that I’ll now be listening to year round, whether in airports, spinning classes or just playing as background music with friends in my home, all the while, stifling that huge grin that each song brings to my face.

10. Day by Day – T-ara – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ubg4wW6JXVk

9.  Get Lucky – Daft Punk (feat. Pharrel Williams) – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zX9BBgBmJ9U

8.  The Other Side – Jason Derulo – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byp94CCWKSI

7.  La La La – Naughty Boy (feat. Sam Smith) – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3O1_3zBUKM8

6.  No Eyes – Claptone (feat. Jaw) – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTafmJNBZr0

5.  Turn Around – Conor Mayard (feat. NE-YO) – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwP6U0LRzQM

4.  Boneless – Steve Aoki, Chris Lake & Tujamo – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gl2p4G3CUrI

3. Blurred Lines – Robin Thicke (feat. TI and Pharrel Williams) – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyDUC1LUXSU

2. Can’t Hold Us – Macklemore & Ryan Lewis (feat. Ray Dalton) – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zNSgSzhBfM

1.  Wake Me Up – Avicii – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcrbM1l_BoI

And of course I’m not giving up on summer 2013 fun quite yet.   Although the official end of the season has passed on the calendar, the weather is still beautiful here in Spain for at least a couple more weeks, so I’ll be going out with a bang, hitting up the closing parties at the Wet Deck at the W Barcelona, Sunday, Sept. 29^th, then for one final weekend of open air, electronic music bliss, hitting up Ibiza for the Ushuaia closing party all afternoon, into night, Saturday, Oct. 5^th, followed by the Sunday Oct. 6th chill out beach party aka…best hang over cure in the world The Blue Marlin in Cala Jondal.

Yup!!!  There will be no church on these Sundays for this sinner…well, not like I ever go anyways!

With the temperatures cooling off and the first day of autumn only days away, I’ve made my shopping rounds at La Roca Village, carefully selecting those must have pieces to join me on my journey over the next few months.

A few stand out themes that I’m loving for the fall are the pairing of neutral shades with metallic, perfect for versatile day to night dressing that I aim for, making the most of my travel wardrobe, and warming things up with my hue of the season, burnt orange.  I’ve even encountered the perfect Samsonite Cosmolite luggage set in this fantastic dark tangerine shade that will be sure to pop amongst the other baggage on the airport carousels, and double as the perfect accessory as I’m racing towards my gate.

Liking these looks as much as me?  Here’s where you can get the goods all available at La Roca Village:

Top Collage: 

Green and Black Handbag – Hugo Boss – RRR €319 / Outlet Price €223

Sequin Cocktail Dress – Roberto Verino – RRR €990 / Outlet Price €495

Orange Luggage – Samsonite

Vanity Case: RRR €260 / Outlet Price €130

Suitcase: RRR €390 / Outlet Price €273

Fuchsia Dress – Sandro – RRR €185 / Outlet Price €111

Cream Blouse – Hoss Intropia – RRR €155 / Outlet Price €77.50

Platinum Woven Short – Hoss Intropia – RRR €135 / Outlet Price €54

Caramel Ankle Booty – Lotusse – RRR €239 / Outlet Price €130

Middle Collage:

Old Gold Top – Sandro – RRR €95 / Outlet Price €30

Burnt Orange Suede Dress – Maje – RRR €465 / Outlet Price €111.60

Platinum Sequin Jacket – Sita Murt – RRR €392 / Outlet Price €117.60

Burnt Orange Blouse – Sandro – RRR €210 / Outlet Price €70

Grey Pant – Sita Murt – RRR €162 / Outlet Sale Price €35.00

Leopard Print High Top – Sandro – RRR €226 / Outlet Sale Price €135.00

Bottom Collage:

Gold Leather Top – Maje – RRR €280 / Outlet Price €168

Nail Polish – Rituals – metal green: RRR €10 / Outlet Price €7

Gray Puffer Jacket – Roberto Verino – RRR €195 / Outlet Price €130

Patterned Blouse – BDBA – RRR €173 / Outlet Price €84

Green Pant – BDBA – RRR €208 / Outlet Price €84

Orange Color Block Dress – Sita Murt – RRR €290 / Outlet Price €138

Feel free to share any looks that you’re loving for the fall season…travel friendly or not!

This morning I woke to the sounds of bagpipes, drums and military style marching chants that sounded so close that I nearly thought a parade was passing through my apartment.  Then as I looked out the window, one floor below, I realized that it was a historical reenactment parade for National Day of Catalonia, today, September 11^th. Ah yes, I knew there was a reason why I should have closed my windows last night when I noticed a slight increase in the street sounds downstairs in my typically lively neighborhood, The Born.

I was aware that this day fell in September at some point as typically I’m not in Barcelona during the majority of this month, as I recalled seeing the independence protests on CNN and other news channels from whatever location I happened to find myself in the world.   Yes, I must admit, I know this day will be filled with protests for Catalan independence, as the Catalans have a reputation for being a protest happy bunch, but outweighing their protesting reputation is that reputation of being a lively group who enjoy celebrating, singing and dancing and of course their amazing local foods and wines.

So today, the “Diada Nacional de Catalunya”, since my daily routine has already been quite abruptly changed with sounds of historical Catalan soldiers nearly marching into my bedroom, I’ve decided, that if I can’t beat em, join em, kind of like the Catalans who were forced to join Spain in the end of their battle for independence against the Spanish monarchs on this same day in 1714.

Off to the streets I must head, avoiding all protests of course, but heading to a few of my favorite establishments where I can gather with Catalan friends and enjoy their amazing local foods and wines and plenty of JMFG Cava of course!

First Stop:  My favorite neighborhood restaurant, Bar Angel, C/ Ocata 2bis, (next to Estacion Francia) for a lunch of the best White Beans and Cod fish in town, along with a Pickled Vegetable Salad, while sitting bar side and chatting with Santi, my friend and the charismatic owner of Bar Angel.

Second Stop:  After finishing off copius amounts of cava and delicious food at Bar Angel, a necessary stroll through the nearby Parc Ciutadela and up to the Arc de Trimof is a must.  This also happens to be where the majority of the cultural activities (live concerts, poetry readings, speeches of dignitaries) all will be happening today.

Third Stop:  El Xampanyet, c/ Montcada, 22.  The typical, family run Catalan tapas joint that has been an institution in The Born for nearly as long as it’s neighbor, the Picasso Museum.  I love hanging out around one of the wine barrel tables on the street by the entry way, as it’s prime people watching of those passing by and you have a bit more elbow room to enjoy the local canned seafood delicacies along with the house made Xampanyet, sparking wine.

Fourth Stop:  Take the scenic route and wonder around on foot through the gothic quarter, along Plaza Sant Jaume, passing the Catalan government buildings and through the alleyway that connects to the Cathedral of Barcelona then beyond to Plaza Catalunya, the city center.  More activities surrounding the day can be found here, but this could also border protest areas, so keep your eyes peeled.

Fifth Stop:  I’ll finish the day off by heading for the hills to the Gracia neighborhood and Taverna El Glop, C/ Sant Lluis, 24.  This is one of the top traditional Catalan restaurants in the city, where most dishes are prepared “a la brasa” or on an open fire grill.  Feast on a dinner starting off with Escaixada, the semi cured cod fish prepared with olive oil and diced tomatoes, and Escalivada, the roasted vegetables with traditional romescu sauce.  On this day of celebrating all things Catalan, the Butifarra, Catalan sausage is a main course must followed by a Crema Catalana for desert.

In the spirit of “If you can’t beat em, join em”, whether you’re visiting Barcelona on Catalonia National Day, or are an expat living here, head out for a day of “All Things Catalan”.  I guarantee that by joining in on the Catalan festivities that I’ve outlined, you’ll be able to partake in the best parts of their culture and avoid the messy protests, and in the end, have much greater contentment than the Catalans who had to join the Spaniards on this day in 1714.