Celebrating New Year’s in Brasil is an exotic blend of tradition, superstition and zest!  Adding to that is the fact that most everyone heads towards the beaches since the country is at the peak of summer.  Ringing in 2013 on the sand is tempting enough, but what about the idea of an entirely unique, cultural experience?  Here are some of the charming “rituals” that make New Year's in Brasil all the more fascinating:

They wear white!

It not only makes sense in the midst of the summer heat, but ladies and gents, alike, will dress in white to ...

Christmas in Brasil is often celebrated on Christmas Eve.  Families will gather together around tables heavily laden with rich, delicious food.  It’s an important time to relax and enjoy the time spent with friends, family and loved ones.

The following day, meals are usually smaller and more casual.  For ViX designer Paula Hermanny, she loves to serve light and healthy dishes.  With seafood being her absolute favorite, she opts for one of her signature recipes: shrimp couscous. 

Though not a traditional holiday meal, shrimp couscous still works great for the season.  It’s simple to make and calorie concious ...

Catching a jet-setting fashion designer is no easy task, but gaining access is worthwhile—if not only to live vicariously through them. ViX designer Paula Hermanny is headed for tropical bliss in Costa Rica this Christmas.  As balmy weather and shimmering sands await her, she unzips a suitcase no bigger than a single dresser drawer and proceeds to pack.  Between business trips in San Diego and Rio de Janeiro, and visits to undeniably posh locales, Paula is more than accustomed to travel.  And with a penchant for beach destinations, she’s developed a method to packing and has mastered the ...