Sail Away With Me to 2017.... but First, Champagne!

Diane Von Furstenberg Dress & Steve Madden Heels

As 2016 comes to a close I find myself thinking of personal growth challenges, failures and successes I've experienced and overcome. I feel blessed with the life I've built (so far) and am eternally grateful to the people that have encouraged and supported my passions and projects throughout the way. Now that I'm in my thirties, I can look back with pride to see how much I’ve grown and developed in a decade. But, if I were to have a tête-à-tête with my 20 year old self, here’s what I’d tell her: 

1. Love fearlessly, passionately and with no regrets.
2. Never ever stop personal growth, in every aspect of life.
3. Investing in (any type) of a higher education is the most rewarding thing you can do for yourself. 
4. Surround yourself with 3 types of people: the creative, the inspired, the grateful. 
5. Life is pretty damn unpredictable. Embracing change, even when you don't agree will only broaden your horizons.
6. You will make many many many mistakes. Learn from them, don't repeat them and grow.
7. Confidence and knowledge is power. Be authentic and stay humble.
8. Never stop traveling the world and experiencing new cultures and places. Life experiences are more valuable than material possessions.
9. Nurture every relationship in life: family, friends, career, colleagues.
10. Hangovers suck (especially in your 30s). Drink more water, drink more water, drink more water.
11. And above all, make every moment count. Be present. You are the author of your own story.... so make it shine.

Here's to an unforgettable 2017 filled with love, happiness and lots and lots of champagne. Happy new year! xoxo  

Feliz y Brillante Navidad

Zara Coat + Wedges, BCBG dress, J. Crew Hat

Happy Holidays! T minus two days until Christmas. Can you believe this month flew by so quickly? December was jammed packed with a bachelorette party in Miami, holiday parties and even a quick trip to Universal Studios in Los Angeles. It's been a fabulous and memorable way to end 2016!

With the change in season I've embraced the chilly winter days by sporting patterned coats with a variety of festive dresses. As a year-round dress lover, I always find excuses to dress the part in any girly fashion. This fall I picked up this wool coat and forest green suede wedges from Zara and they’ve been two of my favorite pieces this season. Paired with a simple white dress and a matching patterned hat is a classic combo, yet feels unexpectedly festive.

I wish you all a beautiful Christmas holiday celebrating with your loved ones. I feel so lucky to have so many blessings in my life, which makes it essential to share those with others. Feliz Navidad! x

Eat, Drink and Be Thankful

Thanksgiving is here and I feel so grateful and blessed to be surrounded by many festive traditions that require lots of eating and drinking throughout the week. Having grown up in a Mexican-American household, my family has always enjoyed a diverse menu integrating traditional American Thanksgiving dishes with authentic Mexican cuisine. 

Funny enough, my least favorite part of the Thanksgiving feast is the turkey. That's right, I said turkey. So sue me. However, when it comes to the sides I simply can't get enough! From the cornbread stuffing to the garlic mash potatoes to the baked Brussels sprouts with bacon and rosemary. Oy vey, I can go on and on! On the other side of the spectrum, some of my favorite authentic Mexican dishes include: chicken pozole, Mole poblano and a cóctel de camarones (shrimp cocktail) that my tia makes. Two completely different cultures, cuisines and traditions combined in one. I love it. 

This past month we hosted an intimate post-harvest dinner party at our Napa estate. We made birria (braised goat stew), cilantro infused rice, vegetable escabeche (pickled salad) and grilled peaches for dessert. I'm getting hungry just looking at the pictures! Cooking, eating and sharing recipes is a way of life for my family and there is nothing more special than food and wine bringing people together. I'm thankful everyday to be surrounded by such passionate foodies who find peace, relaxation and happiness through the art of cooking and feeding others. As my abuelita always says, "the window to your soul is feeling happiness in your belly." Cheers to that! 

Images via Jon McPherson | www.JonFromNapa.com

Hello October

Franco Sarto Boots, BNCI Vest, J. Crew Flannel, Ray Ban Aviators

October in Napa is picturesque and magical. The change in season is like a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors displaying burnt orange, red and yellow hues throughout the sweeping vineyards while intoxicating smells of wood burning chimneys linger in every pocket of wine country. It also marks the beginning of the holiday season welcoming a shift to fall fashion trends, boots and layers!

As a kid, one of my family's traditions was to visit Stanley Lane Pumpkin Patch and almost 30 years later, it's still here! It was nostalgic reminiscing of my childhood while strolling through and picking out the perfect pumpkins to decorate our tasting rooms. It's truly the simple joys in life that keep us young, spirited and happy.

Wine Wednesday: Wine To The People

This is my first #WineWednesday post and I'm thrilled to share a fun project that my mom and I were a part of a few weeks ago titled, Wine To The People. Sarah Deragon, photographer (and now dear friend), came to our Napa estate and spent a lovely morning in Carneros photographing us in our element and chatting about life in the wine industry and what it means to our own personal identities. Needless to say, it was a pretty special day. Please enjoy some of her beautiful pictures below!

Read the full Wine To The People feature here.

P.S. Querida Sarah, sending love and gratitude for your sincere kindness, passion in life and for capturing our spirit with your stunning photographs. Abrazos y besos amiga. x