Adiós 2015, Bienvenido 2016

BCBG Dress and Necklace, Vintage Feather Wrap, Sam Edelman Heels, Michael Kors Watch

Happy New Year amigos! I’m delighted to announce I’m back and spearheading my lifestyle blog in full force. To recap, over the past year and a half I tackled a few milestones that temporarily took my full attention (a little thing called life). Some key highlights included: receiving my executive MBA at Sonoma State University in wine marketing, collaborating with NakedWines.com to produce my 3rd vintage of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay under my La Tapatia wine label, while marching into my 30’s with gusto and continuing to work with my family's winery.  Whew, what a ride!

In short, much has transpired in such a beautiful way and now I can’t wait to continue to share my adventures, findings, fashion tips, recipes and shenanigans with all of you. Thank you for joining me on this journey and here’s to an unforgettable and exciting 2016. Ole!

Throughout the holidays I always like to have a festive option that's an alternative to sequins and classic red outfits. The soft ivory tulle dress in contrast to the chocolate brown feather wrap offers a modern yet sexy way to dress up your holiday ensemble. Did I mention I have a slight dress obsession?

Postcards from Puerto Vallarta

Oh hello, Thanksgiving week! I just came back from spending 10 glorious days in Puerto Vallarta.  This was no ordinary trip and in fact I was there for work (yes, work) promoting Ceja Vineyards wines at the Festival Gourmet International at The Grand Mayan Resort. It was quite the honor to participate considering my mom was the invited chef at Tramonto Restaurant. I also acted as her Sous Chef and we both joined forces to heavily promote our wines during the winemaker dinners every evening.

I had been to Puerto Vallarta once before as a kid but now I could really appreciate the lush landscape, the vibrant culture and the beautiful beaches. We had a strict agenda most of the time but during the day we had a few hours to escape and explore the quaint colonial town, eat fresh fish on the beach and catch some rays with a refreshing Paloma in hand.

Here are a few highlights of the trip - both working & relaxing. 

Every night I was floored by the reactions that the guests had of the delicious food, the wines and the overall dinning experience. We couldn’t have done it without the help of such an amazing and cohesive team at the Grand Mayan Resort. From the talented chefs, to the sommeliers, to the servers at the restaurant, everyone collaborated as a unit and made it a 5 star experience – both unique and unforgettable. I can’t wait to go back and do it all over again!

Chefs: Cassandra, Felipe, Amelia & me in Tramonto's kitchen

Grilled Chile Relleno

Tortilleria "tortilla bakery." They make over 50,000 tortillas a day for the entire resort

Testing our recipes with the chefs

Lobster + Ceja Chardonnay

Inside the test kitchen

Inside the restaurant, working the floor

Fashion Meets Food

Little Lemon Souffles/Rochas Yellow Sunshine Bag

Happy Friday! Get ready for an entirely nonsensical post combining my love for food and fashion. I am constantly craving and coveting the most delicious recipes and fabulous fashion trends that the world has to offer. You might be thinking, “outfits good enough to eat? Food good enough to… umm… wear?” No matter! Just allow your mouth to water and your inner fashionista to take over and enjoy it for what it is.

Blood Orange, Beet & Fennel Salad/Bright Pink Street Style

Holy GuacamOLE!/Kelly Green Street Style

Grilled Brie, Thyme Honey & Figs/Bohemian Chic Street Style

Nectarine Pizza With Basil & Balsamic/Stripe + Pattern Street Style

Orange Soda Float/Spring Street Style

P.s. This weekend I’ll be in SF for the BlogShop Bootcamp with Bri Emery of designlovefest + photographer Angela Kohler. I’m uber excited & ready for the weekend to begin!

Two Thousand Twelve

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2011 has come and gone – unbelievable, right?! I’m currently in Lake Tahoe, snuggled up next to the fireplace, drinking vino {thanks Tracy & Matt!} and can’t help but reflect on how incredibly lucky I have felt in 2011. Le sigh.

It was a big year for me in many ways, considering… I took a leap of faith and launched my own blog/website, which gave me the perfect excuse to explore my passions and travel the world {I can’t believe it took me so many years to do it}. I moved in with my boyfriend. I was named Woman of the Year. I was named one of the Most Valuable Lifestyle Bloggers by CBS. And now I’m embarking on a few new projects that I can’t wait to share! Despite the little bumps in the road, life isgood grand!

So, as we enter 2012, I invite all of you to jump on the bandwagon, discover new things and live your passions. I am wishing you great success and hope you find what it is that you love to do, and then make the jump and just do it! You’d be surprised what a little believing in yourself can help you accomplish.

Here are a few of my favorite snapshots of 2011! Ole!

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[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="24" size_format="px"]P.s. There is so much to be excited about so let's start this year off with a bang! x[/typography]

Give Thanks

Last night's Thanksgiving feast was decadent and delicious. It was so heartwarming to enjoy the company and conversation of 20 of my closest family members and friends. We did something a bit differently this year and went around our huge “Kings” table and asked everyone to say what they are thankful for. It got me thinking about all the things I’m thankful for in my life {especially today}.

Here’s a random list of little things I'm thankful for today:

Cameras My immediate family Skype Best friends *Best friend's new baby girl Adam My Mama Juanita’s Mexican hot chocolate My abuelitos Colorful leaves Feather down comforter Napa on ice {ice-skating!} Ugly sweater parties Dulce {our vineyard cat} Puss Puss {our cat} Laughing Kisses My cruiser bike Pandora Cuddling Dancing Books Movies {Breaking Dawn!} Fro-yo Sweater dresses Dresses Mac book pro Crisp mornings The color yellow Wine Tea {Jasmine + Earl Grey} Supportive, motivating & inspiring people Being able to travel the world Living my passions…

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What random little things are you thankful for?

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday! I can’t wait to have some leftover stuffing and pumpkin pie for breakfast. 

P.s. This weekend my housemates & I are throwing an Ugly Sweater Party! I'm so excited and can't wait to share pictures next week. Ole!

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]Have a great weekend! [/typography]