Rainy Day Philosophy

Hunter Boots, Max Studio Stripped Dress, BCBGeneration Coat

Rainy days. I love how it softens the outlines of things. The world becomes delicately blurred, and for some reason I feel at peace and relaxed. With the start of the new year I’ve made it a point to take action on a few simple philosophies that I believe are beneficial to the mind, body and soul.

• Drink more water, drink less alcohol.
• Stop complaining and learn to live life with what you have.
• Exercise more, eat healthy, and go for walks. Long walks.
• Delete the negative, accentuate the positive.
• Do small things with great love.
• Invest in people who invest in you.
• Don’t wait for opportunity. Create it.
• Learn to say no without explaining yourself.
• Embrace messy hair, sweatpants and get lost in a book with no one around.
• At some point you have to let go of what you thought should happen and start living in what is happening.

This weekend I’m headed to Lake Tahoe for my birthday. I’m excited to be immersed in nature’s glorious winter wonderland with awesome company. Happy Friday amigos!

Adiós 2015, Bienvenido 2016

BCBG Dress and Necklace, Vintage Feather Wrap, Sam Edelman Heels, Michael Kors Watch

Happy New Year amigos! I’m delighted to announce I’m back and spearheading my lifestyle blog in full force. To recap, over the past year and a half I tackled a few milestones that temporarily took my full attention (a little thing called life). Some key highlights included: receiving my executive MBA at Sonoma State University in wine marketing, collaborating with NakedWines.com to produce my 3rd vintage of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay under my La Tapatia wine label, while marching into my 30’s with gusto and continuing to work with my family's winery.  Whew, what a ride!

In short, much has transpired in such a beautiful way and now I can’t wait to continue to share my adventures, findings, fashion tips, recipes and shenanigans with all of you. Thank you for joining me on this journey and here’s to an unforgettable and exciting 2016. Ole!

Throughout the holidays I always like to have a festive option that's an alternative to sequins and classic red outfits. The soft ivory tulle dress in contrast to the chocolate brown feather wrap offers a modern yet sexy way to dress up your holiday ensemble. Did I mention I have a slight dress obsession?

At Sea with Casa Ceja Wine Club

I feel pretty fortunate to call this life of mine work.I just got back from an eastern Caribbean cruise with 120 of our awesome Casa Ceja Wine Club members. The Celebrity Reflection was our home for seven days, which is undoubtedly the most luxurious and magnificent ships I’ve been on. Our agenda was relaxed but was naturally interweaved with six exclusive wine focused events (heaven for foodies and winos). Some of my favorites included, a winemaker luncheon, a cooking demo and a salsa dance cocktail fiesta, all in which were entertaining, informative and fun!

We set sail from Miami and leisurely made our way to St. Maarten and then to St. Thomas to explore the breathtaking U.S. Virgin Islands. Each stop was simply glorious with stunning panoramic views of crystal clear Caribbean water, lush vegetation and white sandy beaches - paradise in a nutshell.

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P.S. Stay tuned for the announcement of our third cruise, as this location is a mystery destination.

La Casa Azul de Frida Kahlo

Frida Kahlo - Cover of French Vogue Magazine, 1939

I used to think I was the strangest person in the world but then I thought there are so many people in the world, there must be someone just like me who feels bizarre and flawed in the same ways I do. Well, I hope that if you are out there and read this and know that, yes, it's true I'm here, and I'm just as strange as you... -Frida Kahlo 

A few weeks ago my mom and I had the opportunity to travel to Mexico City to promote Ceja Vineyards at an international wine exhibition. As a travel aficionado, I was elated to visit the birthplace of the iconic Frida Kahlo. We jumped at the chance to visit her eclectic home and spent an afternoon catching a glimpse into her life. She lived, painted and eventually died at her home suitably called, La Casa Azul or The Blue House in Coyoacan.

Ever since I can remember, I have been intrigued and inspired by her work, her controversial lifestyle and complex marriage to Diego Rivera. Frida embodied a saint, muse, lover, mistress, bisexual, victim, and survivor. She was the very model of the bohemian artist: unique, rebellious, and contradictory. A cult figure adopted by feminists, artists, fashion designers and pop culture.

Here are a few of my favorite snapshots. Take a peek inside her incredible life…

La Casa Azul courtyard

La Casa Azul. Inside her home patio

Luscious gardens inside La Casa Azul

Self portrait of Frida found in her home in 2004

Frida's art studio desk and personal portrait mirror

Frida's colorful wardrobe - discovered in her home in 2004

Self portrait, "Las Dos Fridas" - 1939

Frida's kitchen. My mom  and I were in complete awe

Wedding portrait. Frida and Diego - 1931

Her bedroom & the place where she passed away

One of my favorite paintings, "Viva La Vida" -1954

A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words...

Mi madre - Amelia Ceja

“If a picture is worth a thousand words then family is worth 10 million…”

I dedicate this post to my mom, Amelia Ceja. Today happens to be her birthday and in honor of her special day I want to take a moment to celebrate her achievements and recognize a very inspiring individual who has not only made an impact in my life but also in the thriving wine industry.

This past week proved to be very exciting! My mom, our family and our business, Ceja Vineyards, were featured on NBCs Today Show {watch the segment HERE}! The interview captured the essence of my mother’s voice, representing a Latina woman that went from ex-immigrant to vineyard worker, to winery owner. I am proud of what she and my entire family have accomplished. We are not perfect. We have our own challenges but as a family we make it work and want to leave behind a legacy that through hard work, sacrifice, passion and dedication, anything is possible.

Photographer, Norma Quintana, took these portraits of my family in 2005. We were honored to have been part of a photo series she shot, titled, Forget Me Not/No Me Olvides.

Back in the day - age 20

Sr. Pablo and dad Pedro Ceja

My Abuelita - Mama Juanita

Uncle - Armando Ceja

{My bro, musician - Navek Ceja}

Happy Birthday Mom! Te quiero muchisimo.