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]

Hotel Yountville - Staycation

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[quote]Once in a blue moon it feels great to pack an overnight bag, stay at a fabulous hotel and unwind from a hectic week at work...[/quote]

I welcomed this idea with open arms and happily left the endless emails and task lists at home. This mini staycation took place at the luxurious Hotel Yountville {located a hop, skip and jump away from the city of Napa}.  As soon as we walked through the gorgeous European styled lobby, I knew that we were in for a truly memorable experience.

The vibe: In the picturesque little town of Yountville, you get a taste of ultra chic and luxurious comfort at your beck and call.

Our itinerary was simple - relax, enjoy a bottle of bubbles while sitting around the outdoor fire pits, take a leisurely stroll and grab a bite to eat at Bistro Jeanty {the tomato soup soufflé is to die for!}. The evening ended underneath the stars with a refreshing night swim in the heated pool. After this relaxing, stress free day, climbing into the four poster "Dream Bed" with its cool, luxurious Italian linens, was an ideal ending to a perfect day.

Overall, I was impressed and blown away with the attention to detail and, most importantly, with the gracious and welcoming staff.  It was the ideal mini getaway that was filled with pampering, relaxation and indulgence. It was truly perfect! Ole!

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{A lovely and delicious welcome gift}

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{Long patterned sexy maxi dress, courtesy of BLING by Brenda}

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{Heated cypress-lined pool. Amazing}

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{Take a stroll in the peaceful outdoor gardens}

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{Relax & read a book next to the outdoor fire pits}

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{Beautiful black feathered earnings, courtesy of BLING by Brenda}

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{Gorgeous European styled lobby}

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{Sit by the fire place & enjoy a glass of Ceja Vineyards "Vino de Casa" blends}

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{Cruise over to the in-house restaurant, Hopper Creek Kitchen, for breakfast. We devoured the most exquisite meal of Brioche French Toast and a Chanterelle Mushroom Omelet}

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{A truly memorable, romantic and exciting destination resort...}

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Feliz Cumpleaños Mamacita!

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[typography font="Calligraffitti" size="27" size_format="px"]Today is the birthday of my beautiful mom, Amelia Ceja![/typography]

This past Sunday we hosted a big Gemini fiesta for my mom and for all of the other June birthdays. The weather cooperated with a warm and breezy day, making it a memorable birthday celebration. We feasted on Paella, vino and a delicious Tres Leches cake {my favorite!}. It was wonderful to see so many good friends and family come out to celebrate my mom, who is such a special woman. 

She might only be 5 feet tall but she has a personality as big as a giant! She has a heart of gold and nonstop energy that fills a room with contagious excitement and warmth. I would call her a woman of movement, a woman of passion and a woman with BIG dreams. Over the past few years it’s been quite evident that she has been a mover and shaker in our family and in our family business. I’m so inspired by her everyday and am grateful to have such a wonderful mentor in my life.

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{I love this black & white portrait of my mom}

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A few years ago Luis Miguel visited our tasting room {for those of you who don’t know him, he’s like the Elvis of Mexico}. Women swoon over him and men are envious of his singing talent. In Mexico, it’s customary to be woken up in the early morning hours serenaded by family and friends to Las Mañanitas {the Mexican morning birthday song}. Mom, if I could, I would have Luis Miguel serenade you to the Las Mañanitas song! Here’s to wishing you the happiest of birthdays!!!

Te quiero muchisimo. Besos y abrazos.

Ole!

Paso Robles in a Nutshell

I hope everyone had a happy and productive weekend!

Memorial Day weekend has come and gone but I wanted to share some highlights of our adventures! Together with a group of friends we decided to take a road trip down south on a mission to explore the breathtaking landscape of Paso Robles wine country. We spent 2 ½ days there and successfully managed to visit over eight wineries and one brewery. We also spent some much needed time relaxing, eating, drinking and vegging out in a cozy cottage set in the gently rolling hills of Peachy Canyon {thanks Drew!}. Considering we had a full house {and only one bathroom to share}, our daily routine was quite simple - get up early, make a huge breakfast and then hit the road for a day of wine tasting.

Some of my favorite wineries included Tablas Creek, Halter Ranch and Chronic Cellars. Each winery had its own allure, unique ambiance and stunning portfolio of wines. Our first stop set the benchmark for the rest of the trip. Halter Ranch Winery has so much history and charm, I felt like I was stepping back in time walking through the historic barns and stunning Victorian-era farmhouse. This was my type of experience, plus their wines were all surprisingly good {especially their Côtes de Paso- Grenache based blend).

Tablas Creek Winery was a priority on our list and we had the opportunity to check out their newly remodeled tasting room. Their wines stole the show and two of my favorites were the Côtes de Tablas red and white Rhone blends. Chronic Cellars was another favorite, with its funky bright and colorful décor and easy drinking, approachable wines. I’m a sucker for anything inspired by Dia de Los Muertos images {that’s on their label) and loved that their tasting room was hip and interactive with a pool table and horseshoe field outside.

For those of you who have never visited Paso Robles, I highly recommend a visit. It's rustic, quaint and just driving through the back roads exploring the scenic beauty is worth the trip! Ole!

{Historic barn at Halter Ranch Winery}

{So many wineries to choose from!}

{Halter Ranch tasting room}

{Justin Vineyards reception area & adorable vineyard dog, Buddy}

{Keeping it classy with my favorite pair of Aviator shades from Theory}

{Fun in the sun with my BF Adam at L'Aventure Winery}

{Beer tasting at Firestone Walker Brewery}

{Breakfast of champions: eggs with chorizo, bacon & watermelon slices}

{Chronic Cellars tasting room. Pool table + wine tasting = fun!}