The Ole! Report featuring Dalia Ceja

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

Let’s talk about snack foods. I am definitely one of those people who likes to be munching on something tasty a few times a day. I typically like to go the “healthier” route and nom on carrot sticks and hummus but once in a while I crave something fried, something sweet and something salty. That’s where these puppies come into play. I first discovered my love for fried plantains during my backpacking trip to South America and became instantly addicted. There is also the spicy aji salsa, which adds a bit of acid, spice and creaminess to your palate.

Traditionally, fried plantains or {Tostones} are a favorite snack and side dish in Puerto Rico, Cuba and other Latin American countries. Tostones are salted and eaten much like potato chips or French fries but, in my opinion, are so much better. Trust me, you’ll get addicted! Ole!

{For step-by-step cooking instructions check out my video below}

{Pics taken by my bro, Ariel Ceja. Orale!}

Sweet and Savory Fried Plantains dipped in a spicy Aji Salsa

Serves 4 people – Level Easy

Ingredients for fried plantains:

• 3 large ripe plantains
• Oil for frying
• Salt/water mixture
• Salt to taste after frying

Preparation:

Heat the oil to 375 degrees. While the oil is heating up, peel the green plantains and then cut them into 3/4 inch slices. Tip: Put the sliced plantains in a bowl of salt water for 5 minutes. This will make them crisp and golden brown when frying.

Fry the slices in the hot oil for 3 minutes. They should be a golden brown in color, crisp on the edges and semi-soft in the center. Remove the plantain slices with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Set aside.

Ingredients for aji salsa:

• 1/2 head of romaine lettuce
• 3 jalapenos, fire roasted and deseeded
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 3 green onions, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 bunch of cilantro, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves
• Juice from 2 limes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

Fire roast the 3 jalapeno chiles on a comal or griddle. Then, roughly chop the chiles, lettuce, garlic, cilantro & green onions. Add all of the ingredients in a food processor or blender. Blend for 3-4 minutes on a medium level. Lastly, add salt and pepper to taste. Serve the tostones on a platter and put the aji dipping sauce in a little container.

Tip: Pair the scrumptious appetizer with Ceja Chardonnay and enjoy! Ole!

 Have a wonderful week! x

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…Ole!

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!

Besos,

Dalia x

One of the hottest fashion trends this spring is color blocking. Pairing bold, solid color pieces together can make a look glamorous and sophisticated. If you’re adventurous enough to wear more than black and white, you’re ready to rock this look! I recommend sticking to three colors max to avoid looking like a hot mess.

A few weekends ago I was browsing at H&M and came across this bright blazer and dress. I was immediately smitten with the color combo and thought this would make a perfect outfit for a night out on the town. I wore this Sunday evening for dinner and drinks and found that it was undeniably comfortable to wear and fashionably chic.

{H&M Blazer & Dress, Seychelles Pumps, Gifted Clutch via Annabella’s Boutique, Vintage Jewlery}

Not ready to sport brightly colored pieces in your wardrobe? Incorporate some color blocked accessories into your outfits. They’re a great way to add a pop of color without a serious commitment. Shoes, clutches, bracelets and necklaces are all part of this trend and are an affordable way to maximize your look.

P.s. Don’t forget to “Like” my Facebook fan page HERE! Ole!

I hope everyone has a bright and marvelous week! 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