Zen on Two Wheels

  [typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride... - John F. Kennedy[/typography]

Since moving to downtown Napa, I’ve been obsessed with the idea of owning a pretty cruiser with a basket and bell attached {to stylishly cruise around town}. My wish was granted a few months ago when my boyfriend surprised me with the most thoughtful gift – my very own mint green & cream cruiser! I swear, it was love at first sight.

There is something so liberating and freeing when you’re holding those handlebars and the wind is gently blowing through your hair. I love everything about biking and find it to be completely and totally relaxing. Living in downtown Napa makes cruising so accessible, especially with all of the great restaurants, tasting rooms and boutiques at your beck and call.

One of my favorite afternoon rides has been to the Oxbow Market, where I find myself gravitating toward Three Twins ice cream for a tasty treat {the Cardamom Spice & Earl Grey flavors are amazing!}. Ole!

{Urban Outfitters Jumper, Gap Braided Belt & Zara Wedge Sandals}

P.s. Sunset rides are the best. Ole!

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]Have a fabulous weekend loves![/typography]

NG: The Next Generation In Wine Harvest Party

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[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]Sip, savor and socialize with the next generation in wine… [/typography]

This past Sunday began the scorcher of the week in the Napa Valley {it’s September and why does it feel like summer is just starting?!} and also kicked off the inaugural NG: Next Generation in Wine Harvest Party.

It was a festive occasion, with highs in the 90’s and clear, blue skies. We got ready for an afternoon of drinking, schmoozing and educating consumers on our brands. It was a successful event set in a rustic vineyard location {at Peju Province Winery}, where guests enjoyed small bites, delicious wines and were serenaded by an acoustic guitar.

The Mission of NG: to unify the next generation of Napa Valley's family wineries and vineyards through collaborative marketing, education and fun. Our members are entrepreneurial forces in our family businesses and personal lives, inspiring success for the next generation in wine. Ole! 

Click here to check out all of the participating NG member wineries!

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{Let's get this party started!}

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{Tasty bites from the Peju Winery kitchen}

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{Schmoozing with guests in the vineyards}

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{Hair & makeup c/o the beautiful stylist, Gianna Grassi - Gracias!}

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{Networking baby!}

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{NG President, Lisa Broman (from Broman Cellars) and I laughing at the camera}

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 {NG por vida! Ole!}

P.s. Fifty percent of all net proceeds benefited the Young Survival Coalition. Great cause, so get in the know! Visit  www.youngsurvival.org

Happy Hump Day!

Hot Fall Trend: Burnt Orange

{Photo courtesy of the beautiful Lianne Milton, Jacket by Forever 21} 

In my opinion, this color is the hottest shade for 2011. I seem to gravitate toward all things burnt orange. It's a warm, glowing hue which adds a surprising pop of color.

Burnt orange is the perfect transition from summer’s redundant bold color obsession, gradually shifting the color wheel like the slow change of fall leaves. The addition of this vibrant color seems to attract eyes, keeping conversation interesting and the palette playful…

Do yourself a favor and include a dash of color in your life, I promise you the effect will feel positive {and will surely give you a confidence boost!}.  All eyes will be on you. Ole!

{One of the most remarkable sunsets I saw in Rio de Janiero, Brazil}

{My new eco-friendly bedroom mat from Mad Mats}

{Persimmon season is just around the corner! Mmm, I love persimmon bread!}

{Coaster from one of my favorite restaurants in NY - The Spotted Pig}

{My Indian inspired Duvet cover & shams from West Elm}

{Ceramic candle holder that I got in Mexico}

{My vibrant cashmere scarf that screams of Fall}

Blue Suede Stilettos

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="20" size_format="px"]Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening... -Coco Chanel[/typography]

{Banana Republic Top, H&M Skirt, Zara Stilettos & Vintage Leather Bag}

Oh Coco, how you understand me so well! I can’t imagine a better quote to describe my feelings about fashion. This past week has proven that even when sudden & sad events occur in life, you can still remain positive and upbeat by the way you carry yourself, the way you act and the way you dress.

I decided to brighten up my day by wearing this vibrant, airy & cheerful number, just in time for the end of the summer season. I wore a variation of this outfit almost everyday this week – a flowy top and flouncy skirt – and felt infinitely cooler and more relaxed.

p.s. life can be very fragile so don’t forget to give your loved ones a squeeze and remind them how much you love them. 

E. & J. Gallo Chardonnay Tour

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A few weeks ago I was invited to participate in a Gallo Chardonnay tour, visiting their premium Chardonnay producing wineries. Considering my deep affection for this versatile varietal {shown here}, I jumped at the opportunity to further explore & investigate the number one selling wine in the country.

The tour kicked off in the morning at the gorgeous MacMurray Ranch in Healdsburg. Then, after a short stop at the Laguna Vineyard, we trekked over to the Silverado Trail to finish the day at the panoramic William Hill Estate.

Gallo’s Chardonnay philosophy: To produce a diverse line of Chardonnay that covers the full spectrum of styles and types. Most importantly, making different styles of Chardonnay for every Chardonnay lover - buttery-oaky to stainless steel fermented.

Well amigos, it’s true. If you don’t like Chardonnay, you haven’t found the right one for you. So what are you waiting for? The standouts of the day were the William Hill ’09 Chardonnay and ’09 Bench Blend - crisp, refreshing with great acidity. I can see myself pairing these wines with a spicy Thai curry and be in complete and utter heaven. Perfection at best!

Check out my photo diary to see the highlights of my day. Ole!

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{MacMurray Ranch}

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{The aroma wheel. Don't you love the variety of characteristics?!}

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 {Delicious lunch at MacMurray Ranch. All of the fruit & veggies came from their organic garden}

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{Kate MacMurray giving us a pictorial retrospective of the rich history of MacMurray Ranch}

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{The historic Prune Barn}

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{View from the top of MacMurray Ranch. You can see the Russian River from here!}

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{Laguna Vineyards}

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{I see you!}

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{Panoramic view of William Hill Estate}

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{Relaxing with a glass of '09 William Hill Chardonnay}

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{Massive barrel room at William Hill}

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{Fact: You will be surrounded by mountains of wine barrels and the smell of wine will intoxicate all your senses}

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{Sunset at William Hill. Absolutely breathtaking views}

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{The perfect ending to the day. Now pick a bottle and enjoy!}