Blue Suede Stilettos

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="20" size_format="px"]Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening... -Coco Chanel[/typography]

{Banana Republic Top, H&M Skirt, Zara Stilettos & Vintage Leather Bag}

Oh Coco, how you understand me so well! I can’t imagine a better quote to describe my feelings about fashion. This past week has proven that even when sudden & sad events occur in life, you can still remain positive and upbeat by the way you carry yourself, the way you act and the way you dress.

I decided to brighten up my day by wearing this vibrant, airy & cheerful number, just in time for the end of the summer season. I wore a variation of this outfit almost everyday this week – a flowy top and flouncy skirt – and felt infinitely cooler and more relaxed.

p.s. life can be very fragile so don’t forget to give your loved ones a squeeze and remind them how much you love them. 

E. & J. Gallo Chardonnay Tour

DaliaCejaGalloChardonnayTour7

A few weeks ago I was invited to participate in a Gallo Chardonnay tour, visiting their premium Chardonnay producing wineries. Considering my deep affection for this versatile varietal {shown here}, I jumped at the opportunity to further explore & investigate the number one selling wine in the country.

The tour kicked off in the morning at the gorgeous MacMurray Ranch in Healdsburg. Then, after a short stop at the Laguna Vineyard, we trekked over to the Silverado Trail to finish the day at the panoramic William Hill Estate.

Gallo’s Chardonnay philosophy: To produce a diverse line of Chardonnay that covers the full spectrum of styles and types. Most importantly, making different styles of Chardonnay for every Chardonnay lover - buttery-oaky to stainless steel fermented.

Well amigos, it’s true. If you don’t like Chardonnay, you haven’t found the right one for you. So what are you waiting for? The standouts of the day were the William Hill ’09 Chardonnay and ’09 Bench Blend - crisp, refreshing with great acidity. I can see myself pairing these wines with a spicy Thai curry and be in complete and utter heaven. Perfection at best!

Check out my photo diary to see the highlights of my day. Ole!

DaliaCejaGalloChardonnayTour3

{MacMurray Ranch}

DaliaCejaGalloChardonnayTour1

{The aroma wheel. Don't you love the variety of characteristics?!}

DaliaCejaGalloChardonnayTour2

 {Delicious lunch at MacMurray Ranch. All of the fruit & veggies came from their organic garden}

DaliaCejaGalloChardonnayTour4

{Kate MacMurray giving us a pictorial retrospective of the rich history of MacMurray Ranch}

DaliaCejaGalloChardonnayTour5

{The historic Prune Barn}

DaliaCejaGalloChardonnayTour6

{View from the top of MacMurray Ranch. You can see the Russian River from here!}

DaliaCejaGalloChardonnayTour8

{Laguna Vineyards}

DaliaCejaGalloChardonnayTour9

{I see you!}

DaliaCejaGalloChardonnayTour10

{Panoramic view of William Hill Estate}

DaliaCejaGalloChardonnayTour11

{Relaxing with a glass of '09 William Hill Chardonnay}

DaliaCejaGalloChardonnayTour12

{Massive barrel room at William Hill}

DaliaCejaGalloChardonnayTour13

{Fact: You will be surrounded by mountains of wine barrels and the smell of wine will intoxicate all your senses}

DaliaCejaGalloChardonnayTour14

{Sunset at William Hill. Absolutely breathtaking views}

DaliaCejaGalloChardonnayTour15

{The perfect ending to the day. Now pick a bottle and enjoy!}

Just Peachy Bread Pudding

[quote][typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"] Good food isn't a treat, it's a necessity...[/typography][/quote]

Throughout the summer, I’ve become obsessed with peaches {in pie, in sangria, in fruit salad, by themselves, you name it!}. I recently came across the most delicious peach bread pudding at El Dorado Kitchen in Sonoma Square and couldn’t resist recreating this delectable treat at home.

The key to making a stellar bread pudding is to use stale, day old bread. Yes, it’s true. So the next time you’re about to toss that day old bread, stop and rethink that decision. In my opinion it's great for breakfast or dessert and is real comfort food that will welcome you home, soothe you, and fill the house with enticing aromas…

P.s. For all you foodies out there, get inspired and take a peek at FoodPornDaily {click, drool, repeat!}.

{Sourdough bread is my favorite!}

{White peaches from the farmer's market}

{Cut the peaches into small slices}

{Let the wet mixture sit for 10 min}

{First batch ready for the oven! Ole!}

Dalia’s Peachy Bread Pudding

Serves: 6-8 people Cook time: 35-40 min

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large beaten eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups of cubed stale sourdough bread
• 2 cups of chopped peaches
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, softened
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Ingredients for the sauce:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup brandy

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 13 by 9 by 2-inch pan or use individual ramekins.

Mix together granulated sugar, eggs, and milk in a bowl; add vanilla. Pour over cubed bread and chopped peaches and let sit for 10 minutes.

In another bowl, mix and crumble together the brown sugar, butter, and pecans.

Pour bread mixture into prepared pan or ramekins. Sprinkle brown sugar/pecan mixture over the top and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until set. Remove from oven.

Directions for the sauce:

Mix together the granulated sugar, butter, egg, and vanilla in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir together until the sugar is melted. Add the brandy, stirring well. Lightly drizzle the sauce over bread pudding and enjoy. ¡Ole!  

New Life

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]With new changes, and new chapters unfolding, brings new life…[/typography]

I’ve been best friends with the same five girls since we were twelve years old. It’s amazing to see that our friendship has lasted through middle school, high school, college and now into our 20’s.

I’m so excited and thrilled to say that one of those girls is expecting the first baby of the group! Congrats Lauren and Peter, I know this baby girl of yours already has the love of five more tias {aunties!}.

I can’t wait to meet you little one! xoxo

P.s. For those expecting mamas out there, get inspired with my favorite stories by The Rockstar Diaries.

{Happy mama & healthy baby}

{I love this picture}

{Le best friends, minus Cassandra}

{A classic. One of my favorite books as a little girl}

 {Hold on tight little one, you're almost here! besos}

Move. Learn. Eat.

You know that feeling you get when your heart starts racing and you can’t stop thinking & dreaming of all the endless opportunities in life? The thoughts that keep you up into the wee hours of the morning?! Well, that’s the feeling I got when I watched this video. Do yourself a favor and WATCH… Video in a nutshell: 3 guys, 44 days, 11 countries, 18 flights, 38 thousand miles, an exploding volcano, 2 cameras and almost a terabyte of footage... all to turn 3 ambitious linear concepts based on movement, learning and food into 3 beautiful and compelling short films = a trip of a lifetime…

MOVE from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

I’ve mentioned it in previous posts {but to make it perfectly clear} I have an addiction to traveling the world. Much like the MOVE video, I had a similar experience, but mine took place a year and a half ago in South America with my best friend. Exploring five countries, over 500 hours of bus rides, crashing in hostels, visiting Machu Picchu, trekking up an active volcano, falling in love {with Chile}, swimming in the gorgeous white beaches of Brazil, eating amazing asado {Argentian BBQ} and most importantly, discovering who I really am…

For me, my experiences can be described in three words {that are tattooed on my forearm} - live your passions. I felt so inspired and moved by this video and it reminded me so much of my own travels that I wanted to share my enthusiasm and excitement with you!

Here are some of my favorite pictures {and memories} when I traveled to South America. Ole!

{Local Peruvian women & children with Lamas that we met in Cusco, Peru}

{Kids playing soccer in Cusco City, Peru}

{Exploring Machu Picchu with my traveling gnome: a bottle of Ceja Vineyards Merlot}

{Man-made floating islands made out of straw. Lake Titicaca, Peru}

{Brazilian men, tanning themselves. Rio de Janeiro}

{View from the top of the Villarrica Volcano. Pucon, Chile}

{Watching the sunrise on Copacabana beach, Rio de Janiero. Amazing}

{Capoeira dancers in Bahia - Northern Brazil}

{Ipanema, Beach 9 in Rio de Janeiro}

{Tango dancers in La Boca. Buenos Aires, Argentina}

P.s. What are some of your favorite travel experiences? I love hearing stories, so please share!