November In Napa

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[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]With the vivid fall colors Napa is never more alive than in autumn![/typography]

I love being in the Napa Valley during the fall. The vineyard collage of gold, red and orange provides the most incredible kaleidoscope of color. The birch, elm and liquid amber trees add lacy accents to the edges of town and vineyards {where these shots were taken in Yountville}.

The month of November is filled with a whirlwind of fun events to welcome the holiday season {in addition to your standard wine tastings}. Some of my favorite events include: The Napa Valley Film Festival, Holiday in Carneros, Flavor! Napa Valley and the Festival of Lights. For travelers planning their wine country getaway, make your reservations early, as this is a very popular time of the year. Ole!

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{Kenneth Cole Boots, Urban Outfitters Dress & H&M Sweater}

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]p.s. Let this fall be a time to harvest and gather the things that bring you comfort and joy![/typography]

London City Pass

If you’re a history buff, London is definitely the place for you! We had limited time to play tourist during our visit, so we chose a few historical sites & landmarks that we could see in one day. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Hampton Court Palace: Take a quick 30-minute train ride to Hampton Court Palace, the infamous home that housed flamboyant King Henry VIII and his six wives. He extended this grand palace after acquiring it in the 1520's, and its many royal occupants have enriched it with stunning furnishings, tapestries and paintings. Set in 60 acres of formal gardens, this palace is well worth a visit {especially if you like the dramatic and steamy history of King Henry VIII and his six wives}.

2. Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace: Home of the Queen and the centerpiece of Britain's constitutional monarchy. In addition to its over-the-top lavish interiors and royal history, it’s also a popular stop for the Changing of the Guards Ceremony. This memorable ceremony takes about 45 minutes and includes a band playing popular classical music. A must see during your trip!

3. Hyde Park: This is one of several royal parks in London and covers more than 360 acres. The park plays host to many large events, including celebrations and concerts. It is also a popular place for jogging, swimming, rowing, picnicking and even horseback riding. If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city it’s a peaceful escape to clear your mind and enjoy the lush gardens.

Don’t fret if you can’t do it all, there is always next time. I hope you enjoy your adventure as much as I did! Ole!

What a man is the King! How many wives will he have? 

- Jane Rattsey - Interrogated for gossiping at court {1541}

Check out more pictures below!

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Postcards From London

It's happened again… I’ve fallen in love with another city - London.  Considering my deep affection for travel, this was actually my first time in this inspiring city. As I write this, I’m sitting in my hotel room, drinking a cup of steaming hot black tea, staring out of the huge window into the Westminster district toward Big Ben and the Thames River. Yes, I’m feeling very fortunate at this moment and can’t help but feel immersed in this incredible and vibrant city.

This past week has been packed with a whirlwind of events mixing both business and pleasure.  It is a place that has it all - history and the modern vibe where culture, fashion, food and people come to life.

Here is a sneak peek of what I’ve been up to this past week…

London calling, yeah, I was there, too…

An' you know what they said? Well, some of it was true!

London calling at the top of the dial…

After all this, won't you give me a smile? -The Clash

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="24" size_format="px"]Have a fabulous week![/typography]

Trick or Treat

 [typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]Eat, drink and be scary...[/typography]

This past weekend was packed with nonstop parties filled with feasting, dancing and attempting to be really scary {or glamorous}. I went for the more glamorous look and put together my best effort to be a Grecian Goddess. Down time was spent carving pumpkins, spending time with the family and indulging in way too much spiced pumpkin ice cream.

Tonight I’m excited to pass out candy, watch scary movies and start packing for my trip to London. I’m London bound tomorrow and I can’t wait! I’ll be mixing business with pleasure and I'm looking forward to exploring this magnificent city. Stay tuned for more details and lots of pictures… Ole!

{Spiced pumpkin ice cream with ginger cookies. Heaven!}

{Fall leaves welcoming the season}

{We had the dance party fever!}

P.s. what were/are you for Halloween this year?

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="24" size_format="px"]Happy Halloween![/typography]

di Rosa Preserve: Art, Nature and Fashion

 

 [typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]Mixing art, nature and fashion…[/typography]

If you’ve ever driven through the Carneros region of the Napa Valley you may have spotted a flock of sheep grazing on a low hillside, beckoning you to come closer. These are no ordinary sheep, but are flat sculptures that welcome you to the Di Rosa Preserve.

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]A unique, whimsical and unforgettable place… [/typography]

As soon as you step into the courtyard you’re surrounded by dozens of sculptures, peacocks, and a 217 acre preserve filled with art & nature. This walking art gallery became my backdrop for a fashion photo shoot {Score! I was like a kid in a candy store}.

The setting is quite magical, almost as if you walked into the Alice in Wonderland movie. It's filled with grassy meadows, lush vineyards, gently rolling hills and a placid lake, which is home to over 2,000 works of art.

{Cynthia Rowley Coat, H&M Dress, Frye Boots, Ecote Suede Bag & Vintage Belt}

Fall fashion: With the chillier days and nights, it’s fun to spruce up and combine fall colors {orange, brown and blue tones.} Color blocking is fashion forward & an effortless way to add a bit of pop to your outfit. I chose this royal blue mini dress, my long patterned coat and boots to create a comfy yet stylish outfit fit for an afternoon of walking and exploring the di Rosa preserve.

You can feel the energy and spirit of two extraordinary individuals, Rene and Veronica di Rosa, who have made this preserve come to life with their imagination, passion, and unending love affair with art and nature. This place is simply amazing. Click here for more details on visiting. Ole!

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="24" size_format="px"]I hope everyone has a Spook-Tacular weekend![/typography]

p.s. check out more pictures below!

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