Hog Island Oyster Co.

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]The world is your oyster...[/typography]

  This past Saturday, we escaped to the shores of Tomales Bay - a picturesque fishing town with lots of places to eat fresh or barbecued oysters. Perhaps nothing so perfectly captures the sweet, salty essence of the sea as an oyster on the half shell.

I’ve had my fair share of delicious Hog Island Oysters in Napa, but I wanted to go straight to the source.  With a bottle of Ceja Sauvignon Blanc, a sourdough baguette and Cowgirl Creamery goat cheese in tow, we feasted on over 5 dozen Sweetwater and Kumamoto oysters. We topped off the oysters with a fresh tomatillo salsa, lemon juice, spicy mignonette, Tapatio sauce & Parmesan cheese - simply mouthwatering! {click here  for the full recipe}.

The weather was idyllic with warm, breezy winds and I could have sat there, eating and relaxing, forever. It's days like this that remind me why I love living in Northern California. I think there are few experiences that compare to indulging in oysters and watching the sunset on Tomales Bay. Le sigh…

p.s. You get the option to schuck your own oysters or enjoy the oyster bar. Come prepared with a shucking knife, gloves, toppings and your favorite bottle of bubbles or Sauvignon Blanc. Ole!

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]Bon Appétit![/typography]

Fall Food Aphrodisiacs

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]Get inspired this Fall with seasonal food aphrodisiacs. Here are my top choices to awaken your senses and get you in the mood for this holiday season...[/typography]

Pumpkin Pie ...

Who doesn’t love pumpkin pie? I hate to think that this is such a seasonal dessert. Recent studies suggest that the aroma and taste of this Thanksgiving staple was found to increase penile blood flow by 40 percent and was also found to increase sexual desire in women. This Fall favorite seems to conjure up happy memories and a feeling of comfort and safety, making it a #winning combination.

{Baked} Sweet Potato Fries …

These are pretty much an addiction for me. Not only do I love the sweet & savory sensation it brings to the palette but they are also a healthier alternative to your basic, overly salted fries. Now that we’re heading into the holiday season, this is a super appropriate snack or side dish that is packed with seasonal flavors in every bite. Oh yes, and totally drool worthy...

Figs {oh, glorious figs!} …

Alternating from fresh figs to fig jam {with toast} has been a recent favorite breakfast item of mine.  Pair it with a steaming cup of jasmine blossom tea and you will instantly feel rejuvenated and comforted, giving you that energy boost for the rest of the day.

Mexican Hot Chocolate …

Wow, I don’t think I have enough words to describe what this decadent hot beverage does to me. You get the rich and bold flavors from the dark Mexican Chocolate with just a hint of spice to trigger your senses. Dip a bolillo {Mexican bread} in the hot chocolate and this will soon be a favorite combo. Since cocoa is the prime ingredient behind this lusty behavior, the darker the chocolate, the better… 

Cinnamon {Rolls} …

I simply adore all things cinnamon. Cinnamon is so sexy and sensual and I love the aroma, the taste and the feeling you get when you’re surrounded by this enticing and alluring spice. Your senses will be instantly awakened and heightened, causing an instant boost of confidence. All eyes will be on you...

{Pictures 1-5 via Pinterest}

Cabernet Sauvignon {for all you winos} ...

As the weather gets colder I seem to gravitate toward this bigger, fuller bodied wine paired with a variety of decadent chocolate desserts. Classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons are quite sexy and velvety, providing dark and luscious characteristics that tantalize the tongue and your senses. 

So there you have it ladies AND gentlemen. Get in the mood and explore these glorious Fall food aphrodisiacs. You never know, you might just have some fun… Ole!

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]Happy Friday amigos! x[/typography]

Dear Fall, I Love You

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]Napa Valley fall favorite: Stanly Lane Pumpkin Patch! [/typography]

I love fall! It gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling just thinking about the crisp air, the cozy sweater dresses, spiced pumpkin pie & endless fall color patterns.

This past Sunday I thought it would be fun to celebrate the beginning of fall by stopping by the Stanly Lane Pumpkin Patch {which I drive by almost everyday on my way to work}. I’ve been going to this pumpkin patch since I was a little girl and it brought back such euphoric feelings and special memories.

This quaint little pumpkin patch is a Napa Valley Fall favorite. Everything about it, from the endless amounts of pumpkins, to the scarecrows and to the country windmill gives you that romantic small town feeling. Despite the ultra romantic draw it’s extremely kid friendly, especially with the giant haystack pyramid, rustic tractors and adorable little baby pigs. I promise you, it will put a smile on your face and will make you feel like a kid again… {at least it did for me!}.

Whether you live in Napa or the Bay area, it's well worth the drive. The countryside charm is truly what makes this place special. Happy Fall, friends!

{Max Studio Dress, J.Crew Hat, Steve Madden Boots}

Thinking of chillier days to come, I can’t wait to jump in leaf piles and curl up with Mexican hot chocolate on cool evenings to watch a movie or read a book next to the fireplace.

P.s. Is anyone else completely obsessed with this season? Please share what Fall is to you so I can sit at my computer screen and drool all over my keyboard. Ole!

Keeping It Classy With The Cambridge Satchel

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]It's not a man purse, it's called a satchel. Indiana Jones wears one...[/typography]

The Cambridge Satchel. Doesn’t it have a nice ring to it? I came across this stunning leather number a few months ago when one of our Ceja Vineyards wine club members strolled into the tasting room sporting a beautiful red Cambridge Satchel. Like most bold colored statement pieces, it caught my eye and I was immediately smitten.

Not only is it classy and sophisticated, but it also attracts both women AND men. It comes in a variety of styles, tons of different colors and can be personalized with your embossed signature.

I love how edgy it looks and how it adds that splash of color to dull corporate outfits. On weekends pair it with jeans, a white V-neck tee, cowboy boots and go!

A little note to all satchel lovers - they are made in the UK so yes, it costs a little more dinero but it so worth the extra splurge. This is one of my top picks for the season and will remain a timeless classic piece. Ole!

{Theory dress, BCBG sandals, & Cambridge Satchel Co. yellow satchel}

Fun Facts: It didn't take long for these handmade satchels—once hailed as the UK's best-kept secret—to become the "It" bag for fashion insiders. The mother-daughter owned Cambridge Satchel Company originally made their traditional British school satchels in just two colors but recently started creating these super cool highlighter-hued versions.

P.s. For those looking for a stunning new laptop carrier, the Batchel is very, very alluring. Ole!

Here's to wishing you all a very fabulous weekend! besos

Every Woman Should Have…

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill and a black lace bra…[/typography]

Wednesday Musings: Some things to ponder, some things to inspire and some things to reflect on…

The other day my mom forwarded me this beautiful poem by Maya Angelou, and I thought I must share.

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ... 


• enough money within her control to move out 
and rent a place of her own, 
even if she never wants to or needs to...
• something perfect to wear if the employer, 
or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...






A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE … 


• a youth she's content to leave behind....
• 
a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to 
retelling it in her old age....
• a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...
• 
one friend who always makes her laugh...and one who lets her cry...








 



A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....... 



• a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family...
• eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, 
and a recipe for a meal, 
that will make her guests feel honored... 





EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... 


• how to quit a job, 
break up with a lover, 
and confront a friend without; 
ruining the friendship...
• whom she can trust, whom she can't and why she shouldn't take it personally...

• whom she can trust, 
whom she can't, 
and why she shouldn't take it personally... 





EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... 


• what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...
• how to live alone...
• even if she doesn't like it... 



{Images 3-6 via Pinterest}

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

• What she can and can't accomplish in a day..
• a month..
• a year...     

P.s. And now it's your turn: what would you add to this?