A Stroll Along The Napa Riverfront

Visit downtown Napa for a spontaneous day full of shopping, wine tasting, dining & romance!

The weather in Napa has been unseasonably warm with highs in the mid- 70’s. Our entire neighborhood seems to have shifted overnight into Spring with smells of jasmine and orange blossoms lingering in the air. Yesterday afternoon was the perfect time for a healthy walk in downtown Napa’s Riverfront neighborhood. Accented with ebony railings and antique-inspired lampposts, this paved path meanders along the west bank of the Napa River. It’s a charming place to enjoy a casual stroll where you are surrounded by rural beauty, elegant boutiques, art galleries, and endless restaurants and tasting rooms at your beck and call. I love that I can call this area my backyard!

The outfit: Sometimes dresses that look a bit awkward on the hanger turn out to be the most fun to wear. This festive and totally on-trend Diane Von Furstenberg tribal wrap dress is just what you need to mix things up. But then again, anything that pairs bright citrusy colors with a tribal print typically gets my vote. 

DREAMLAND Premiere

Experience the true California lifestyle!

Two weeks ago my mom and I attended the “Dreamland” movie screening in Sacramento {we attended the world premiere in London last November}. The film features essential elements of California’s lifestyle – cuisine, wine, music, entertainment and film. I’m particularly excited to share this post because my family and I had the unique opportunity to be selected as part of the cast and to represent a wine focused family living in the Napa Valley!

The plot - “DREAMLAND” tells the story of one day in California. Filmed simultaneously from dawn until dusk on November 19, 2010, it follows a remarkable ensemble of Californians who are pushing the bounds of the possible. On this one-day event, a dozen documentary film crews scattered across the Golden State – all working together to tell the story of one day in time by individually capturing unique stories of people and places.

The cast includes entrepreneurs, daredevils, entertainers, scientists, politicians, chefs and technologists who are all in California for the same reason: to make their dreams a reality. Each embodies an adventurous and innovative spirit that symbolizes California.

The film provides detailed snapshots of what makes California so desirable to travelers from around the world – I feel so lucky that I can call this place my home! The film was sponsored by Visit California and will air on PBS this fall and will also be shown on international T.V. channels. 

Almond Infused Flan

Someone has a sweet tooth over here and it happens to be me…

Interestingly enough, I grew up in a household where sugar was seldom consumed and NEVER around. My mom is and always has been a health nut. The sweetest thing she ever brought around the kitchen was Honey Nut Cheerios and for birthdays she would make a homemade carrot cake and a flan. Yup, I was one of those kids at school who was trying to trade my apple slices for a couple of Oreos or a Jello chocolate pudding {just writing this makes me smile}.

But let’s get back to why I love making this style of flan. I have to give my mom all of the credit because she has taught me how to make one damn good flan. There are a thousand variations of making this classic dessert but the addition of almonds gives it a creamy and smooth texture. If there is one thing I detest it's eggy flan and this recipe is the complete opposite of that. Finish it off by drizzling a blueberry {or raspberry} salsa to give it that sweet and tart flavor and I promise you people will hound you for this rich and decadent dessert. 

Almond Infused Flan Serves 10 Cook Time: 1 hour   Level: Easy

Ingredients 3 eggs 1 (12 oz) can of evaporated milk 2 (10 oz) cans of sweetened condensed milk 1/4 cup slivered blanched almonds 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract 3/4 cup sugar 2 tbsp water

Directions

Heat a medium size pan and slowly melt ¾ cup of sugar. Do not allow caramelized sugar to turn brown or burn – it should be golden in color. Be very careful with this step as the caramelized sugar is incredibly hot!

Moisten a 10-inch square baking dish by sprinkling in a few drops of water and then pour in caramelized sugar to coat its bottom. Set baking dish aside to allow sugar to cool and harden. Feel free to put baking dish in the fridge.

In a blender mix eggs, evaporated milk, condensed milk, almonds and vanilla extract at high speed for 2 minutes. Transfer mixture to a glass bowl and gently stir with fork until all bubbles disappear. Preheat oven to 375° F.

Pour egg mixture over the caramel coated baking dish and place it inside another, larger baking dish (12 x 14 inches). Add one cup (or as needed) of water to larger dish (this technique is known as "Baño Maria") and place mid-rack of preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the surface of the flan is golden and firm. Allow flan to cool for 10 minutes.

To serve, cut around the edges with sharp knife and gently shuffle baking dish side to side until flan is loosened. Invert a serving platter or tray on top of flan dish and hold sides together and turn flan upside gently yet swiftly - the caramel will be liquefied and delicious. Cut flan into squares and get ready to serve!

Optional – Blueberry Salsa 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries 2 tbsp lime juice 4 tbsp water 4 tbsp sugar

*Raspberries are a great alternative

Add blueberries, lime juice, sugar and water in a food processor or blender and mix for 3 minutes. Add more sugar or water as needed. Lastly, drizzle salsa over each flan square and enjoy!

Ole! Giveaway

Today I’m thrilled to share my first giveaway from the bodacious Amoretto Boutique! They have generously offered to give away this stunning necklace that I’m modeling in these pictures. Isn’t it lovely, colorful and perfect to wear with jeans and a t-shirt or a jeweled neckline top? I decided to pair it with a color-blocking theme of turquoise and fuchsia and find that the addition of the necklace compliments the outfit perfectly. This multi-layered necklace is a must have for Spring or if you need to add a little sparkle to a dull outfit! If you’re an accessory junkie {like me} check out the other fabulous items they have in their boutique.

To enter, all you have to do is “like” Amoretto Boutique’s Facebook fan page here and scroll down to leave a reply {either on the blog comments section or on the Facebook comments section} telling us why you think this necklace is for you {or your girlfriend}. Pretty simple, right?  The winner will be drawn at random and will be announced Wednesday, March 7th. Buena Suerte!

{Max Studio Dress/ J Crew Cardigan/ Poetic Licence Pumps/ Ecote Suede Fringe Bag/ Eco-Citizen Watch/ Spring Street Design Group Necklace /Tom Ford Lipstick}

Update! 3/7/12 - Congratulations Wendy Jacobus! You are now the sweet owner of this stunning necklace!

A Moment of Reflection

Life can be terribly unpredictable and so incredibly harsh sometimes. Putting aside my usual upbeat fashion, food or travel posts, I needed a moment of reflection...

This past week has proved to be one of the most difficult times for my family and close friends. My best friend received the most tragic and heartbreaking news that her mom, her aunt and her cousin were killed in a horrible car accident caused by a drunk driver {Vanessa, I love you and am here for you, forever and always}. Let this serve as a reminder to everyone to please, please, please not drink and drive. The consequences are literally deadly, and will always lead to loss, sadness and families and friends left without their loved ones.

Within the same week, my family received very sad and upsetting news that my dearest uncle is dying from cancer. He was diagnosed with stage four cancer less than 6 weeks ago and his body has already begun the shutdown process {te quiero mucho tio Ramon}. We are holding his hand, playing his favorite mariachi music and supporting him through his final days.

My heart and soul breaks for them as I write this. The loss of a parent or any family member is tragic and heart wrenching. I realize that in life we cannot avoid pain, but we can help make it seem less painful by providing sincere support and endless love. Life is so fragile and with all the hustle and bustle of today's world we need to cherish those we hold dearly. Remember to hold your family and friends tight today and forever. They are all we have in this world and that is really all that is important…