The Ole! Report featuring Dalia Ceja

After a long weekend attending my first 2 days of EMBA class, my family and I celebrated Sunday afternoon with brunch and a bit of wine tasting at one of my favorite wineries, known for its stunning panoramic views. Artesa sits high in the hilltop of the Carneros region in the Napa Valley and beckons both locals and visitors to experience their unique fusion of architecture, art and wine.

Sitting on their outdoor patio and sipping their Pinot Noir was undeniably one of the most relaxing afternoons I’ve had in awhile…Ole!

{J Crew Cardigan, Mossimo Dress, Vintage Boots & Belt, H&M Bracelets, Gifted Pendant Necklace via Annabella’s Boutique}

p.s. This upcoming weekend kicks off April in Carneros! It’s a fun & festive “passport” event with over 20 participating wineries {in Carneros & Sonoma} including Ceja Vineyards. Each winery offers live music, food, wine tasting and more. If you like jumping from fiesta to fiesta then this is definitely for you! I’ll be working at Ceja Vineyards all weekend so pop in and say hola! For more information and to buy tickets click HERE.

Besos,

Dalia x

Youthful, artful, hip, eclectic, cultured, radical, sexy and green – San Francisco is all that & more!

San Francisco is a city with such character and charm it’s impossible not to fall head over heels for it as I did back in 2003. I spent a few glorious years during college exploring, living and falling in love with this city. Here are a few of my favorite things, places and advice for people visiting or living in SF {staying away from the tourist traps}:

1. If someone told you they were moving to SF, what advice would you give them?
Sell your car and buy a bike and a muni pass {or even a Vespa}. Oh yes, and bring lots of layers to wear.

2. Favorite {casual} places to eat?
Burma Superstar {Outer Richmond}, Naan -N- Curry {several locations + BYOB}, Pluto’s {Marina/Cow Hollow}, Taqueria Cancun {Mission}, Tony’s Pizza Napoletana {North Beach}, Nopalito {Lower Haight}.

3. If a tourist had one day to spend in SF, what would you tell them to see?
Start off the day by walking around the Castro, Inner Mission, and Dolores Park. In the late afternoon take a cab to Washington Square and walk up Telegraph Hill, {stopping for a gelato and cappuccino}. Then pass through narrow Varennes Street and up to the base of Coit Tower to admire the breezy view of the Bay.

4. Favorite places to shop?
Fillmore Street {high end shops with old time beauty}, Haight Street {recycled, vintage clothing stores}, Hayes Valley {chic vintage clothing & local artwork}, Mission St – Valencia & 16th {Funky & eclectic shopping}.

5. What’s the best thing about SF?
The lack of pretension for such a cosmopolitan city, the bustling yet comfortable activity in the streets, squares and parks and the diverse food scene the city has to offer.

SF Street Style {Marc NY Jacket, Alice + Olivia Shorts, Steve Madden Boots, Banana Republic Hat, Theory Aviators, Melie Bianco Purse}

P.s.  There you have it dolls, now go out and explore! Ole!

Besos,

Dalia x

Living in the Napa Valley definitely has its perks. If you are a foodie & wino, this is an obvious destination to live or to visit. People assume that I drink wine for breakfast, lunch and dinner but, thankfully, that is not true {no vino lush over here!}. When family and friends visit, that’s actually the time to go wine tasting and, when we go, a must stop is Domaine Chandon for some of their delicious bubbly.

I have to say that Domaine Chandon has some of the most elegant and beautiful grounds in the valley with their lush forest setting, beautiful ponds, and giant trees that surround the property. Domain Chandon also houses étoile, the only fine dining restaurant within a winery in Napa Valley, and one of my favorites. I spent two summers in college working at étoile as a hostess so this restaurant holds a special place in my heart. Ole!

{Max Studio Dress, Steve Madden Boots, Forever 21 Blazer, Barneys New York Belt, Vintage Bag, Anthropologie Necklace & Ring, Jonathan Adler Iphone 4 Case}

Happy first day of Spring! x

Visit downtown Napa for a spontaneous day full of shopping, wine tasting, dining & romance!

The weather in Napa has been unseasonably warm with highs in the mid- 70’s. Our entire neighborhood seems to have shifted overnight into Spring with smells of jasmine and orange blossoms lingering in the air. Yesterday afternoon was the perfect time for a healthy walk in downtown Napa’s Riverfront neighborhood. Accented with ebony railings and antique-inspired lampposts, this paved path meanders along the west bank of the Napa River. It’s a charming place to enjoy a casual stroll where you are surrounded by rural beauty, elegant boutiques, art galleries, and endless restaurants and tasting rooms at your beck and call. I love that I can call this area my backyard!

The outfit: Sometimes dresses that look a bit awkward on the hanger turn out to be the most fun to wear. This festive and totally on-trend Diane Von Furstenberg tribal wrap dress is just what you need to mix things up. But then again, anything that pairs bright citrusy colors with a tribal print typically gets my vote. Ole!

{Diane von Furstenberg Wrap Dress/ BCBG Wedges/ The Cambridge Satchel Company/ Vintage Glasses/ Eco-Citizen Watch/ Franniart Leather Bracelet/ MAC Lipstick – Russian Red

p.s. Donapa.com & Napa Patch are your “It” guides to exploring downtown Napa. Check out all the fun things that are happening!

I hope everyone has a relaxing weekend! x

Experience the true California lifestyle!

Two weeks ago my mom and I attended the “Dreamland” movie screening in Sacramento {we attended the world premiere in London last November}. The film features essential elements of California’s lifestyle – cuisine, wine, music, entertainment and film. I’m particularly excited to share this post because my family and I had the unique opportunity to be selected as part of the cast and to represent a wine focused family living in the Napa Valley!

The plot – “DREAMLAND” tells the story of one day in California. Filmed simultaneously from dawn until dusk on November 19, 2010, it follows a remarkable ensemble of Californians who are pushing the bounds of the possible. On this one-day event, a dozen documentary film crews scattered across the Golden State – all working together to tell the story of one day in time by individually capturing unique stories of people and places.

The cast includes entrepreneurs, daredevils, entertainers, scientists, politicians, chefs and technologists who are all in California for the same reason: to make their dreams a reality. Each embodies an adventurous and innovative spirit that symbolizes California.

The film provides detailed snapshots of what makes California so desirable to travelers from around the world – I feel so lucky that I can call this place my home! The film was sponsored by Visit California and will air on PBS this fall and will also be shown on international T.V. channels. Stay tuned for more info! Ole!

I hope everyone has a marvelous week! x