The Ole! Report featuring Dalia Ceja

A little update…

Spring has sprung and so are a few changes here a The Ole! Report. Pardon the dust but let’s just call this a time of spring cleaning. This past year has proved to be both rewarding and challenging while juggling work,  getting my Masters (8 months to go!) and focusing on various passion projects. I want to thank all of my lovely followers for continuing this journey with me. You guys are awesome and make me smile (oh so BIG). Have a fabulous Easter weekend. Ole!

Besos,

Dalia x

There is nothing more appealing than leaving the chilly California weather during February and embarking on a cruise to the Western Caribbean! In fact, this was no ordinary cruise and instead marked our inaugural Ceja Vineyards wine club cruise with over 100 of our fabulous club members. Traveling will forever remain a huge passion in my life and this trip was nothing less than unforgettable and amazing.

The Celebrity Silhouette was our home for seven days, which was not only grandiose but also luxurious in every facet. We set sail from Fort Lauderdale and leisurely made our way to Cozumel, Grand Cayman Islands, Jamaica and Haiti. Each stop was simply breathtaking with gorgeous panoramic views of crystal clear Caribbean water, white sandy beaches and lush vegetation.

Our agenda was relaxed but was naturally interweaved with socializing, dining and getting to know our wine club members on a personal basis. We held exclusive food and wine pairing dinners and tastings that were both educational, entertaining and fun! Overall the experience was such a huge success that we will be embarking on a wine club cruise every year. So, who’s coming with us next time? Ole!

Besos,

Dalia x

Oh hello, 2013!  This past month has already proved to be an exciting year with lots of exhilarating projects and events in the works. I’m so honored to announce (and be included) in the book launch of Rock and Vine – a stunning coffee table book which features the lives and innovations of eleven young change-makers who are shaping the future of wine through their own skill and style.

Authored by publisher Chelsea Prince, edited by Master of Wine Christy Canterbury, and photographed by Mary Steinbacher, the book introduces talented wine industry trailblazers who are primed to perpetuate and evolve the legacy of Napa and Sonoma Valley.

The eleven profiled Rock and Vine leaders include:

• Joe Wagner of Wagner Family Made Wine
• Nicole Marchesi of Far Niente
• Angelina Mondavi of Dark Matter
• Dalia Ceja of Ceja Vineyards
• Christina Turley of Turley Wine Cellars
• Tony Leonardi of BNA Wine Group
• Jason Exposto of Futo
• August Sebastiani of The Other Guys
• Jordan Kivelstadt of Free Flow Wines
• Morgan Peterson of Bedrock Wine Co.
• Danny Fay, Mike Benziger, and Ben Flajnik of Envolve Winery
• *Maggie Pramuk of Robert Biale Vineyards - writes the introduction

Here’s a sneak peek and behind the scenes look… Ole!

{The changemakers}

{Our welcome kitty}

{I never leave home without my cowgirl boots}

{Lipstick and vino go hand-in-hand}

{Bocce ball and wine anyone?}

{The only way to study for your EMBA}

p.s. A portion of all profits from Rock and Vine sales will benefit Wine To Water, a non-profit organization focused on providing clean water to people in need around the world. For more information on Rock and Vine and to purchase the book, please visit www.rockandvinebook.com - Chelsea, thank you again for your passionate vision and for bringing this beautiful book to life.

Besos,

Dalia x

28 Lessons for 28 Years

Yep. Yesterday I turned 28.

Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way…

• A new year equals new beginnings.
• Laughing is the best medicine in the world.
• Yelling will lead to nothing but tears and disappointment.
• Take a chance with love. You will regret it if you don’t.
• Eat more vegetables + drink more water. Daily.
• It’s ok to let your guard down when someone makes you feel good.
• Be passionate about what you do and you will never have to work a day in your life.
• Life is too short to drink bad wine.
• Relationships take work. A lot of work.
• Cherish your time with your grandparents + parents. They are a part of your history and legacy.
• Seek a mentor in your professional career. New insight and perspective is valuable + refreshing.
•  People make mistakes. Listen to their side of the story before you shut them out of your life.
• Never stop reading. Our brains are only as good as what we digest intellectually.
• Do something that challenges you {everyday}.
• Work hard and play harder.
• Exercise as much as possible. The older you get the harder it is to loose weight.
• Never cheat. Not on exams, taxes, or on your boyfriend/partner.
• You can never own too many dresses. Treat life like a runway.
• It’s ok to splurge on yourself once in awhile. You deserve it! (hello, Chloé bag).
• Random acts of kindness are always appreciated and never expected.
• People will come and go in life but family + best friends will always be there for you.
•  Girls night out motto: Be sexy not sloppy…
•  Smile more often and people will notice.
• Ask for help when you need it. Being stubborn and proud is not a good thing.
• Education is the best investment in life. Taking out student loans shouldn’t make you hesitate.
• Drink more green tea & less coffee.
•  A true best friend will support you and be there for you no matter what.
• When in doubt, pop champagne and dance on the table.

Some of these were easier to learn than others {and it’s still a work in progress} but I’m grateful for each experience. Have a great weekend! Ole!

Besos,

Dalia x

Happy Holidays! There’s something about this time of year that makes me want to combine all of the girliest details into a single, over-the-top look, complete with a gold sequin jacket, cream colored dress, bright lips and peep-toe heels. Sequin statement pieces consistently work anytime you want to get dolled up for the holidays or a night out in the town.

With the end of the new year approaching, this is the perfect excuse to shell out all things that glitter, sparkle and shine and what a better way to refresh your wardrobe then with a dose of glam. Ole!

{H&M sequin jacket – similar here, BCBG dress + gold ring, Kenneth Cole heels} 

This past weekend, I went to Lake Tahoe for a much needed girls trip! Our agenda was jam packed with ice skating, hot tubbing, mimosas, white elephant gift exchange and more. Stay tuned for a fun blog post to come – I hope everyone has a fabulous week!

Besos,

Dalia x