• Ramblings - Scrapbooks

    Happy Dad’s Day

    06/19/2016 - By 

    One of my dad’s favorite stories about me goes back to when I was just 2 years old. When my dad was finishing up his residency in New Jersey, he would come home from the hospital to our little basement apartment, completely exhausted. First thing he always did was take off his work shoes, slip on his black leather slippers and sprawl on the couch for a minute. I must’ve been a pretty attentive 2-year-old—with impressive upper-body strength, may I add—because soon after learning how to walk, I picked up on his little routine. When I heard him coming through the…

  • Scrapbooks

    Soludos: Soles of Summer

    06/17/2016 - By 

    It all started with one hot summer in New York. Nick Brown, the globetrotting entrepreneur, was in search of the authentic rope-soled shoes he used to sport during his summers along the Spanish coast. After struggling to find an affordable pair in the city, he took matters into his own hands— and in 2010, Soludos was born. Espadrilles are currently having a moment in the fashion world, but it’s brands like Soludos that have taken these cute little jute-wrapped shoes and hit the ground running. Soludos gets creative with vivid colors, eclectic styles, and globally sourced textiles. They have introduced…

  • Ramblings

    We are Orlando.

    06/13/2016 - By 

    As I sit here in my home—nestled in the neighborhood I’ve called home for 20 years— I am overcome by waves of shock, confusion, sadness and anger. In just 48 hours, two senseless acts of violence struck my hometown of Orlando, Florida. Within four miles of my old high school, in the heart of the city that has helped mold me, many innocent lives were tragically and unjustly lost. On Saturday afternoon, I learned about the death of singer Christina Grimmie—The Voice Season 6 contestant—who was gunned down while signing autographs after her Friday night concert in Orlando. A deranged…

  • bayonne france
    Scrapbooks

    Postcards from Basque Country

    06/09/2016 - By 

    When you think of the Basque Country, prominent Spanish cities such as Bilbao, San Sebastián, and Pamplona most likely come to mind. But what many don’t realize is that the Basque community extends beyond Spanish borders. Straddling the Spanish/French boundary lies an untrodden area that is proudly known as the Basque Country—made up of 7 provinces, with 3 of them nestled in the southwest of France. While the Basque provinces may not all share the same nationality, they do share a singular identity and strong sense of pride. The Basques are courteous and agreeable and have a trustworthy bearing. Their…

  • spain road trip
    Scrapbooks

    My One Week Northern Spain Road Trip Itinerary

    05/18/2016 - By 

    This past March my family and I set off on a weeklong road trip through northern Spain. While most trips are all about the destination, this one was all about the stops along the way. This was a rather last minute trip—booked 5 weeks in advance. I have an aunt and cousin that live in Valencia, Spain. I met them for the first time 5 years ago and had only seen them a few brief times during their visits to the States. Luckily, they were able to get the week off as well, so we made a little family retreat…

  • flower arranging
    Scrapbooks

    How To Spruce Up Your Grocery Store Flowers

    05/07/2016 - By 

    There are two types of women in the world— those who like flowers and those who lie. Because, who doesn’t like flowers? They are like mama nature’s artwork. A few stems bunched together can just brighten up a space. They carry so much energy and make my heart flutter. I’ve been known to buy myself flowers—no shame in my game. If I could, I’d have my house dressed in fresh flowers 24/7… and then I’d probably die from an overdose of floral fragrances, but whatever, at least I’d die happy. Anyhow, what I’m trying to say is, a fresh bouquet with a…

  • the daph exchange blog
    Ramblings

    Blog Meets World

    05/04/2016 - By 

    Aaand she’s alive! I’m pleased to introduce you to my new baby… THEDAPHEXCHANGE.COM What started out as a little dabble in web design turned into so much more. I built this blog as a means to connect, share, learn and grow. This blog is also a way of recommitting to my long lost love for writing. Here is where we’ll pass each other notes on style, adventure, culture and life in general. There’s already 10 posts waiting for you! So get yourself settled in, browse around and be sure to leave comments wherever you see fit. Your feedback would be amazing! Also, make…