Trick or Treat

 [typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]Eat, drink and be scary...[/typography]

This past weekend was packed with nonstop parties filled with feasting, dancing and attempting to be really scary {or glamorous}. I went for the more glamorous look and put together my best effort to be a Grecian Goddess. Down time was spent carving pumpkins, spending time with the family and indulging in way too much spiced pumpkin ice cream.

Tonight I’m excited to pass out candy, watch scary movies and start packing for my trip to London. I’m London bound tomorrow and I can’t wait! I’ll be mixing business with pleasure and I'm looking forward to exploring this magnificent city. Stay tuned for more details and lots of pictures… Ole!

{Spiced pumpkin ice cream with ginger cookies. Heaven!}

{Fall leaves welcoming the season}

{We had the dance party fever!}

P.s. what were/are you for Halloween this year?

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="24" size_format="px"]Happy Halloween![/typography]

di Rosa Preserve: Art, Nature and Fashion

 

 [typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]Mixing art, nature and fashion…[/typography]

If you’ve ever driven through the Carneros region of the Napa Valley you may have spotted a flock of sheep grazing on a low hillside, beckoning you to come closer. These are no ordinary sheep, but are flat sculptures that welcome you to the Di Rosa Preserve.

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]A unique, whimsical and unforgettable place… [/typography]

As soon as you step into the courtyard you’re surrounded by dozens of sculptures, peacocks, and a 217 acre preserve filled with art & nature. This walking art gallery became my backdrop for a fashion photo shoot {Score! I was like a kid in a candy store}.

The setting is quite magical, almost as if you walked into the Alice in Wonderland movie. It's filled with grassy meadows, lush vineyards, gently rolling hills and a placid lake, which is home to over 2,000 works of art.

{Cynthia Rowley Coat, H&M Dress, Frye Boots, Ecote Suede Bag & Vintage Belt}

Fall fashion: With the chillier days and nights, it’s fun to spruce up and combine fall colors {orange, brown and blue tones.} Color blocking is fashion forward & an effortless way to add a bit of pop to your outfit. I chose this royal blue mini dress, my long patterned coat and boots to create a comfy yet stylish outfit fit for an afternoon of walking and exploring the di Rosa preserve.

You can feel the energy and spirit of two extraordinary individuals, Rene and Veronica di Rosa, who have made this preserve come to life with their imagination, passion, and unending love affair with art and nature. This place is simply amazing. Click here for more details on visiting. Ole!

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="24" size_format="px"]I hope everyone has a Spook-Tacular weekend![/typography]

p.s. check out more pictures below!

[nggallery id=11]

Hog Island Oyster Co.

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]The world is your oyster...[/typography]

  This past Saturday, we escaped to the shores of Tomales Bay - a picturesque fishing town with lots of places to eat fresh or barbecued oysters. Perhaps nothing so perfectly captures the sweet, salty essence of the sea as an oyster on the half shell.

I’ve had my fair share of delicious Hog Island Oysters in Napa, but I wanted to go straight to the source.  With a bottle of Ceja Sauvignon Blanc, a sourdough baguette and Cowgirl Creamery goat cheese in tow, we feasted on over 5 dozen Sweetwater and Kumamoto oysters. We topped off the oysters with a fresh tomatillo salsa, lemon juice, spicy mignonette, Tapatio sauce & Parmesan cheese - simply mouthwatering! {click here  for the full recipe}.

The weather was idyllic with warm, breezy winds and I could have sat there, eating and relaxing, forever. It's days like this that remind me why I love living in Northern California. I think there are few experiences that compare to indulging in oysters and watching the sunset on Tomales Bay. Le sigh…

p.s. You get the option to schuck your own oysters or enjoy the oyster bar. Come prepared with a shucking knife, gloves, toppings and your favorite bottle of bubbles or Sauvignon Blanc. Ole!

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]Bon Appétit![/typography]

Fall Food Aphrodisiacs

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]Get inspired this Fall with seasonal food aphrodisiacs. Here are my top choices to awaken your senses and get you in the mood for this holiday season...[/typography]

Pumpkin Pie ...

Who doesn’t love pumpkin pie? I hate to think that this is such a seasonal dessert. Recent studies suggest that the aroma and taste of this Thanksgiving staple was found to increase penile blood flow by 40 percent and was also found to increase sexual desire in women. This Fall favorite seems to conjure up happy memories and a feeling of comfort and safety, making it a #winning combination.

{Baked} Sweet Potato Fries …

These are pretty much an addiction for me. Not only do I love the sweet & savory sensation it brings to the palette but they are also a healthier alternative to your basic, overly salted fries. Now that we’re heading into the holiday season, this is a super appropriate snack or side dish that is packed with seasonal flavors in every bite. Oh yes, and totally drool worthy...

Figs {oh, glorious figs!} …

Alternating from fresh figs to fig jam {with toast} has been a recent favorite breakfast item of mine.  Pair it with a steaming cup of jasmine blossom tea and you will instantly feel rejuvenated and comforted, giving you that energy boost for the rest of the day.

Mexican Hot Chocolate …

Wow, I don’t think I have enough words to describe what this decadent hot beverage does to me. You get the rich and bold flavors from the dark Mexican Chocolate with just a hint of spice to trigger your senses. Dip a bolillo {Mexican bread} in the hot chocolate and this will soon be a favorite combo. Since cocoa is the prime ingredient behind this lusty behavior, the darker the chocolate, the better… 

Cinnamon {Rolls} …

I simply adore all things cinnamon. Cinnamon is so sexy and sensual and I love the aroma, the taste and the feeling you get when you’re surrounded by this enticing and alluring spice. Your senses will be instantly awakened and heightened, causing an instant boost of confidence. All eyes will be on you...

{Pictures 1-5 via Pinterest}

Cabernet Sauvignon {for all you winos} ...

As the weather gets colder I seem to gravitate toward this bigger, fuller bodied wine paired with a variety of decadent chocolate desserts. Classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons are quite sexy and velvety, providing dark and luscious characteristics that tantalize the tongue and your senses. 

So there you have it ladies AND gentlemen. Get in the mood and explore these glorious Fall food aphrodisiacs. You never know, you might just have some fun… Ole!

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]Happy Friday amigos! x[/typography]

Dear Fall, I Love You

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]Napa Valley fall favorite: Stanly Lane Pumpkin Patch! [/typography]

I love fall! It gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling just thinking about the crisp air, the cozy sweater dresses, spiced pumpkin pie & endless fall color patterns.

This past Sunday I thought it would be fun to celebrate the beginning of fall by stopping by the Stanly Lane Pumpkin Patch {which I drive by almost everyday on my way to work}. I’ve been going to this pumpkin patch since I was a little girl and it brought back such euphoric feelings and special memories.

This quaint little pumpkin patch is a Napa Valley Fall favorite. Everything about it, from the endless amounts of pumpkins, to the scarecrows and to the country windmill gives you that romantic small town feeling. Despite the ultra romantic draw it’s extremely kid friendly, especially with the giant haystack pyramid, rustic tractors and adorable little baby pigs. I promise you, it will put a smile on your face and will make you feel like a kid again… {at least it did for me!}.

Whether you live in Napa or the Bay area, it's well worth the drive. The countryside charm is truly what makes this place special. Happy Fall, friends!

{Max Studio Dress, J.Crew Hat, Steve Madden Boots}

Thinking of chillier days to come, I can’t wait to jump in leaf piles and curl up with Mexican hot chocolate on cool evenings to watch a movie or read a book next to the fireplace.

P.s. Is anyone else completely obsessed with this season? Please share what Fall is to you so I can sit at my computer screen and drool all over my keyboard. Ole!