Dia de los Muertos

If you cannot get rid of the family skeleton, you may as well make it dance. - G.B. Shaw

Oh, hello November. October has come and gone in such a rapid sweep (Go SF Giants!), that I have officially welcomed fall and all of its autumn glory. This is unquestionably one of my favorite times of the year, which begins the holiday season with Dia de los Muertos – Day of the Dead. In my culture this is an honored holiday that celebrates and remembers the lives of passed loved ones.

It sounds a bit more morbid that it really is but this national Mexican holiday celebrates death and welcomes the departed spirits home. One of the most important symbols is the calavera, which stand for “skull” in Spanish. Raging from the calaveras de azúcar “sugar skulls” to artwork, these colorful skulls are used to adorn the altars for the dead.

Recently the popularity of calaveras has developed into a highly artistic style of make-up design, combining stunning and elaborate face-paint with various flowers and beads. Here are a few beautiful examples of Mexican skull make-up art, fashion and color that took my breath away…

Brunch Date

It’s not brunch with the girls unless one of us is in our clothes from the night before… 

This past week has been extraordinarily busy filled with work meetings, events and a gorgeous dinner party. I even managed to squeeze in some much needed gym time, which has undoubtedly helped relieve some unnecessary stress {located right above my shoulders – yelp}. To celebrate this week's triumphs, Sunday brunch is definitely in order with my favorite gals.

Brunch is unquestionably one of my favorite meals of the week. There is something so satisfying about waking up lazily {after a long night of errr… socializing}, throwing on a comfy maxi dress, slipping on some shades to cover the lack of sleep and joining your favorite people for some mimosas and some soul-satisfying food.

Here are my top 5 places to brunch it up in Napa and Sonoma. Now, go get your brunch on! 

• Boon Fly Café - Carneros
• Fremont Diner – Sonoma
• Brix Buffet Brunch – Napa
• Redd - Yountville
• El Dorado Kitchen – Sonoma

Here’s a peek of some of my favorite brunch dishes. My mouth is watering already…

Photo Diary: Ceja Vineyards 2012 Harvest

Wednesday, September 5, 2012 - 6:08am

I woke up hearing tractors drive near my window while the faint glow of the crisp morning light started to peek in my room. Harvest had started! The campesinos {vineyard workers} had actually been picking since 2am. Feeling the excitement in the air, I didn't even bother to hit the snooze button - I was up. The morning was damp, overcast and perfect for harvesting. Dressed in warm gym attire, I walked to the back of our Carneros property where they were already  busily picking Pinot Noir grapes.

I was greeted by my uncle Armando Ceja (our winemaker) who was tasting and sampling different clusters of fruit in a nearby bin. "It's perfect," he stated and then started to sort out leaves, twigs and fallen debri from a huge white bin. He was right, the fruit was juicy, plump and so sweet. I knew then that our 2012 vintage would be stellar! The crew was hard at work, moving fast, precise and skillful with the sharp knives in their hands. I couldn't help but gawk in wonder and admire their hard work with nothing but the deepest respect.

As soon as I started snapping pictures, I got in a zone and remembered my childhood during harvest. I can recall following after the crews picking up clusters left on the vines and on the ground. My family went from picking grapes to award winning vintners and it's because of the contribution of the Mexican labor force that makes it possible for Napa Valley wines to be enjoyed all over the world.

I couldn't have asked for a more inspiring morning in our vineyards. Happy Harvest y'all! Ole!

Arm Candy Giveaway!

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Hola amores. Today I have a special treat for you! I’ve been a longtime lover of all types of jewelry - particularly full on arm candy! That's why I am so excited to team up with the fabulous sisters of Amoretto Boutique. This time, you have a chance to win this multi-layered stacked wooden bangle bracelet! I love wearing these bangles with a pair of bright colored jeans, a cheerful top & wedges.

To Enter:

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Update! 8/31/12 -Congratulations Nicole Gordon Needham!!!You are now the sweet owner of this stunning bangle bracelet! Please email customerservice@amorettoboutique.com to claim your winnings!

Thanks to all who entered and stay tuned for the next giveaway. xo

Bookworms Can Be Sexy Too

As a kid, one of the worst insults is to be called a nerd. Oddly enough, nerdy chic has somehow evolved into a trend that has been embraced seen here & here. Lately I’ve been finding myself taking shelter in coffee shops, the library and anywhere else bookworms might linger to study. I’m not one of those people who can stay home and work considering the many entertainment distractions {mindless reality T.V., snacking, Twitter, Pinterest, and errr… Facebook}.

When going to class, I usually opt for what’s comfy and colorful - a crisp shirtdress, scarf and simple flats. I find that changing up my school wardrobe and keeping a polished look helps me stay focused when long school days become a bit tiresome and when black tea and caffeine just won’t do it anymore.

So, besides finance and marketing textbooks, what am I reading right now? I must admit, 50 Shades of Grey has captured my full attention {for the next few hours}. Ole!

Like my fashion choices? Get a similar look with these lovely items below!

Shop:

• KORS snakeskin flats, $129
• SPLENDID belted shirt dress, $110
• NARS (Heat-Wave) lipstick, $24
• Kate Spade reading glasses, $68
• Orange Elephant laptop bag, $58
• Adriano Goldschmied skinny jean, $160
• For fun! 50 Shades of Grey {Kindle Edition}, $9.99