The Ole! Report featuring Dalia Ceja

This past Sunday my closest friends and I threw one of our best gals a Spring Bridal Shower! The day turned out to be beautiful and our bride-to-be was positively glowing. It was the perfect afternoon as we sipped mimosas, chatted anxiously about the upcoming bachelorette party, feasted on delicious bites and played some hysterical bridal games.

My core group of friends have known each other since the 7^th grade so it was amazing to celebrate such a special moment with all of them. With so much excitement and love in the air the countdown to her wedding {and bachelorette party} is on! I can’t wait to be part of this special day and for Kendall to marry the man of her dreams. Ole!

Besos,

Dalia x

I’m a sucker for picnics. The way to my heart definitely includes some prosciutto, Humboldt Fog cheese, Sicilian olives, cherries, figs, a sour dough baguette & a bottle of bubbles! Oh yes, and let’s not forget my main squuuueeeze. This past Sunday afternoon we went on an impromptu picnic to Lake Berryessa. It was a stunning afternoon with highs in the 80’s. Lying in the grass with our shoes off felt like heaven. When was the last time you went on a picnic? 

p.s. I was invited to be on a panel for the Women for WinesSense Grand Event at the CIA. I’ll be talking about blogging, social media and new trends in the wine industry. Show me some love and like my Facebook fan page, follow me on Twitter & check out what I’m pinning on Pinterest! Ole!

{Solemio Dress, Furla Belt, J Crew Hat, H&M Bracelets}

I hope everyone enjoys a lovely Tuesday! x

A few weeks ago I received the most exciting {and nerve racking} news that I was accepted into the E.M.B.A. program at Sonoma State University. Gasp! Going back to school for my Masters has been on my mind since I received my undergrad degree at SFSU in 2008. Yes, it’s true. I actually enjoyed going to class and liked writing those grueling papers.

Did I just hear a few gasps! yikes! & yelps!? Fortunately for me, school has always been such a fun and creative outlet and this specific program focuses on business in relation to the thriving wine industry, which I’m madly in love with. So, without further ado, today begins day 1 of my EMBA journey! Wish me luck and feel free to pop open a bottle {or two} of bubbles in my honor. I’m sure I’m going to need it…Ole!

p.s. Any bits of advice you can offer me… just in case I start to lose it? Gracias!

I hope everyone has a lovely and exciting weekend! x

Is it tea time yet?

I drink an impossible amount of tea! I am madly in love with this wonderful beverage, especially during moments when I need some peace of mind and some inspiration. But why?

1. Choice – tea is not just one drink, it is many! Amazingly, there are over 2,000 varieties of tea available throughout the world. There are four main types of tea – Black, Oolong, Green and White. I enjoy drinking all types of tea, and my kitchen cupboards are full of them. As are my purses! So whatever mood I’m in, or wherever I am, there’s always a tea that suits.

2. Ritual - I drink tea every morning. I alternate with Earl Grey, Jasmine Green tea and a variety of other black teas. I find that adding a splash of non-fat milk and a dash of honey makes this steaming beverage even more divine {a learned trick when I visited London}. I’ve also recently started experimenting with loose leaf tea. This tea-making ritual of mine is practiced several times a day, and I never tire of it. It is my ‘me-time’ and usually when I get inspired to write my blog.

3. Health - The amazing health benefits of drinking tea have been greatly publicized and are widely known {especially Green Tea}. Tea is proven to help protect against cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. The powerful antioxidants in tea help to strengthen the immune system, fight colds and flu, promote healthy skin and hair, and can even be anti-aging. Not a bad idea to jump on the tea drinking bandwagon!

4. Teacups and saucers - I absolutely adore the variety of collections & styles of teacups and saucers. Drinking tea out of a delicate and beautiful, vintage teacup and saucer is the best way to enjoy Britain’s favorite beverage. I’m always on the lookout for vintage teacups and saucers in vintage & antique shops.

5. The Tea Party – There is nothing like a good tea party to host {or attend} that ranges from spontaneous, loud, gossip fueled gatherings to meticulously planned, stunning summer-time  garden tea parties, where the tea is served in only my best china. Flowery, homemade bunting, candles and pretty decorations adorn the garden fences, benches and other outdoor furniture.

6. It’s a Great Addition to Cocktails - Tea cocktails and drinks with tea-infused syrups, like the Earl Grey Martini, are popping up all over the place. Mixologists have fun experimenting and people love trying a new style of cocktail – at least I do!

{Images via Pinterest – Follow me HERE!}

P.s. Goodness, I simply can’t imagine my life without tea!

I hope everyone has a lovely Tuesday! x

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…

Sending hugs & kisses to everyone.

With all my love,

Dalia