Bienvenidos a Cancun! (Part One)

[quote][typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]Just another day in paradise...[/typography][/quote]

July couldn’t come soon enough!  Yesterday I jet-setted to the tropical beaches of Cancun with my BF and a group of friends.

We arrived in the early evening just in time to catch the most breathtaking sunset, followed by a celebratory birthday dinner & night swim in honor of one of my best friend's birthday. We are here for 8 days - the first half of our vacation we'll be attending our friend's wedding {in Xcaret} and then the  rest of the trip we'll be enjoying the exotic beaches of the Yucatan Peninsula.

I’ve only been here once before and I’m looking forward to swimming in the crystal clear {80 degree} ocean, exploring the Mayan ruins & eating delicious authentic Mexican cuisine.

I can’t wait to share more of my experiences {and pictures} next week! In the meantime, here is a sneak peak of our first day in Mexico…

p.s. Anyone have suggestions for things that we shouldn’t miss? Ole!

{Hello paradise!}

{Enjoying a refreshing margarita! Happy Birthday Cassandra! xoxo}

{A stunning sunset from our balcony}

Red, White and Blue

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This past weekend was all about eating, drinking and catching up with friends & family. It was a much needed extended weekend perfect for BBQ’s, laying pool side with my lovely girlfriends, and picking up last minute items for our upcoming trip to Mexico this week! {Stay tuned for some exciting Mexico posts! We will be traveling to the Yucatán Peninsula… can you guess where?!}

Here’s a little peek of how I spent my 4th of July weekend… Ole!

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{Schramsberg Brut Rosé bubbles are my favorite!}

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{Me & my adorable niece Isa, a.k.a Chupi}

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{Homemade beer can chicken paired with Campesino Pinot Noir. Thanks Macario, it was deeelish!}

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(Dessert bar... I'm still dreaming of the coconut & chocolate chip cookies!}

Fireworks

{Stunning fireworks by the Napa Riverfront}

Two Peas in a Pod

[quote][typography font="Homemade Apple" size="20" size_format="px"]A girl should be two things: Classy and Fabulous -Coco Chanel[/typography][/quote]

This is one of my all time favorite quotes from Coco Chanel, and perfectly describes my friend and photographer, Lianne Milton.  Lianne captures the elegance and beauty of people in her photographs the same way that Chanel captured the elegance and beauty in fashion.

In these lifestyle pictures taken by Lianne, you can see how she has captured the two of us laughing and acting so natural.  A picture is worth a thousand words, and these photos genuinely reflect our positive emotions and very memorable moments.

This weekend is the birthday of my gorgeous cousin, Belen! Belen and I have always been very close, and are really like two peas in a pod.  I am fortunate to have so many wonderful women in my life, but Belen has always felt like the sister I never had.  She is one of my best friends and "partner in crime"!

Happy Early Birthday darling cousin! I can’t wait to celebrate with you this weekend! Ole!

p.s. To view more of Lianne Milton’s work please visit www.liannemiltonphotography.com {she rocks!}

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!

Make Mine a Mojito!

{Fresh mint from our garden}

I simply adore Mojitos. There is something so satisfying when you taste this refreshing drink. It’s definitely a lazy-by-the-pool type of drink, and what better way to celebrate summer than a revitalizing Mojito cocktail! Well, I guess getting it served by a cabana boy would make it better, right?

This cocktail offers it all. It’s tart from the lime juice, sweet from the simple syrup, bubbly from the club soda, has zing from the muddled mint leaves, is crisp from the rum, and if that was not enough, it can be specialized to your liking by adding various fruit purees! You’ll have to source the cabana boy yourself though.

Dalia’s Delicious Mojitos Serves 2 people

Mojito Ingredients:

• 2 large sprigs of fresh mint leaves
• ½ cup of white rum
• ¼ cup of simple syrup
• 3 tablespoons of lime juice
• 1½ cup of club soda
• Crushed Ice

Simple Syrup Ingredients:

• 1 cup of water
• 1/2 cup of sugar

Directions: Bring water to a light boil in a small saucepan, remove from heat and stir in sugar. Let cool.

Place ice in a beverage shaker then add in the rum, mint leaves, lime juice and simple syrup. Muddle the ingredients for 1 minute then shake well and serve over crushed ice in a glass. Top off each glass with a splash of club soda.

Garnish each glass with a slice of lime and a sprig of mint. Enjoy sipping this delicious and oh-so-refreshing cocktail during the hot summer evenings. Ole!