Ole! Giveaway

Today I’m thrilled to share my first giveaway from the bodacious Amoretto Boutique! They have generously offered to give away this stunning necklace that I’m modeling in these pictures. Isn’t it lovely, colorful and perfect to wear with jeans and a t-shirt or a jeweled neckline top? I decided to pair it with a color-blocking theme of turquoise and fuchsia and find that the addition of the necklace compliments the outfit perfectly. This multi-layered necklace is a must have for Spring or if you need to add a little sparkle to a dull outfit! If you’re an accessory junkie {like me} check out the other fabulous items they have in their boutique.

To enter, all you have to do is “like” Amoretto Boutique’s Facebook fan page here and scroll down to leave a reply {either on the blog comments section or on the Facebook comments section} telling us why you think this necklace is for you {or your girlfriend}. Pretty simple, right?  The winner will be drawn at random and will be announced Wednesday, March 7th. Buena Suerte!

{Max Studio Dress/ J Crew Cardigan/ Poetic Licence Pumps/ Ecote Suede Fringe Bag/ Eco-Citizen Watch/ Spring Street Design Group Necklace /Tom Ford Lipstick}

Update! 3/7/12 - Congratulations Wendy Jacobus! You are now the sweet owner of this stunning necklace!

A Moment of Reflection

Life can be terribly unpredictable and so incredibly harsh sometimes. Putting aside my usual upbeat fashion, food or travel posts, I needed a moment of reflection...

This past week has proved to be one of the most difficult times for my family and close friends. My best friend received the most tragic and heartbreaking news that her mom, her aunt and her cousin were killed in a horrible car accident caused by a drunk driver {Vanessa, I love you and am here for you, forever and always}. Let this serve as a reminder to everyone to please, please, please not drink and drive. The consequences are literally deadly, and will always lead to loss, sadness and families and friends left without their loved ones.

Within the same week, my family received very sad and upsetting news that my dearest uncle is dying from cancer. He was diagnosed with stage four cancer less than 6 weeks ago and his body has already begun the shutdown process {te quiero mucho tio Ramon}. We are holding his hand, playing his favorite mariachi music and supporting him through his final days.

My heart and soul breaks for them as I write this. The loss of a parent or any family member is tragic and heart wrenching. I realize that in life we cannot avoid pain, but we can help make it seem less painful by providing sincere support and endless love. Life is so fragile and with all the hustle and bustle of today's world we need to cherish those we hold dearly. Remember to hold your family and friends tight today and forever. They are all we have in this world and that is really all that is important…

Fall in Love with Key West

This sultry island offers a lifestyle full of Caribbean charm...

Ah, Key West - just possibly the best place for doing nothing but relaxing, indulging in decadent seafood, taking advantage of the amazing water activities and enjoying the region’s beauty. I spent one glorious and laid-back afternoon {a few months ago} exploring this gorgeous place and have been daydreaming of my next visit. Just a stone’s throw from Cuba {90 miles}, this sultry island has inspired loyalty from many happy, content tourists and islanders, including me.

Fly into one of the many South Florida gateways, rent that convertible you’ve always dreamt about and steer your way down through the many mile markers to the place that gave laziness and key lime pie a good name. 

Red Hot Valentine’s Day Outfit

French Connection Dress/BCBG  Stilettos/ Citizen Eco-Drive Watch/Mac Lipstick, Russian Red

All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt...

I like to think of Valentine’s Day as not just a day for couples, but a day to make the special people in your life feel loved. Whether it’s with cards, gifts or candy, we can’t get enough of letting the world know how much we love being in love and the feeling of love around us, right? I’ve never been a fanatic about this day but why not doll up a bit and add to the pink and red madness {talking from a girl who has a slight color obsession…}

Recipe for Style: A cozy night in or a big night out…

1. Keep it playful - add a pop of color either to your outfit, stilettos or with bright red lips. Yowzaaa!

2. Step out of your comfort zone - a sweetheart neckline, a sheer top or a backless dress will make you feel and look {oh, so darling and sexy}.

3. Keep the mystery alive – Don’t just use this one day to show your loved ones how much you care about them. Adding some mystery and sparkle at random times will ensure spontaneous romantic gestures.

Spicy Mexican Cornbread

If you can't stand the heat, get out of my kitchen!

Let’s talk about Spicy Mexican {jalapeño} Cornbread. I’ve always been a huge fan of this baked delight and couldn’t resist recreating this super classic treat with a twist! Doesn’t it sound delicious, ultra-comforting and just plain sexy zesty? Well, it pretty much melts in your mouth with every bite. I love my cornbread to be subtly moist, sweet and with just a hint of spice and found that this recipe does the trick.

I’m pretty convinced that everything is better when it’s made in a cast iron pan, so if possible get yourself one of these babies and I promise you it will do wonders for your cornbread!

For a detailed look into this recipe watch the step-by-step cooking video here and get to know the Salud! Napa blog - more killer recipes & videos!

{Impeccably cool pics taken by my bro, Ariel Ceja - Órale!}

P.S. Dazzle your love this Valentine's Day with this fun and fiery recipe that will ignite the fire and have him/her fall head over heels in love {with you & your cooking even more!}.

Mexican Cornbread - Serves 6 Cook Time: 45 minutes   Level: Easy

Ingredients

• 2 ears of corn or 2 cups of frozen and thawed (charred) corn
• 1/2 stick cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 3 jalapenos, finely diced with some seeds
• 1 1/4 cup cornmeal (preferably stone-ground, not coarse)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cup well-shaken buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup honey

Directions

*Special equipment: a 9 1/2- to 10-inch well-seasoned cast-iron skillet

Heat grill to medium high. Lightly brush corn with oil and grill turning every 3 minutes until charred and golden brown. Cut kernels off cobs then sauté kernels with chopped jalapenos for 3 minutes with a little bit of olive oil. Set aside. If using frozen corn, make sure corn is properly thawed before sautéing with jalapenos.

Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 450°F. Add butter and oil to skillet and heat in oven until melted (typically 5 minutes), then carefully pour into a medium bowl.

Whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Whisk buttermilk, corn/jalapeno mixture and eggs into melted butter and honey, then stir into cornmeal mixture until well mixed. Pour into hot skillet and bake until a wooden pick or skewer inserted in center comes out clean, 18 to 22 minutes. Cool in skillet for 5 minutes then serve & enjoy!