culinary pleasures ~

This past weekend, I had the grand fortune of attending one of Sherry Page's Culinary Getaways in Napa Valley.  There really are not enough adjectives to describe how much I enjoyed three days of incredible food bliss.  Sherry is one of those people who lives life to the fullest.  She makes sure to enjoy every single bite she places into her mouth, and she wants those who are with her to experience the best of the best.  I always feel as if I won the lottery every single time I get to hang out with her!  

Not only does she share the most simple and delicious recipes with others, but she also reminds every one how easy it is to fill a plate with "off-the-charts" flavors.  One of my favorite moments in her getaways is how the guests react to foods they have never tasted or been exposed to {re: fava beans, beets, fleur de sel, etc.}...it's as if their entire taste bud world has been opened to new pleasures of delicious bliss.  Eye lashes flutter, mouth slows to an intentional chew, and a smile slowly highlights their thoughts...pure goodness straight from mother nature never tasted so good, and now they are hooked!  

A gathering of strangers around a table partaking in amazing offerings of food, wine, chocolates and olive oils.  The connection is made over a fava bean crostini, a glass of late-harvest wine, and a shared moment overlooking the glorious landscape of the Silverado Trail.  Food and wine bring people of all backgrounds and cultures together ~ magical experiences and lovely connections are made around a simply curated table of culinary pleasures.

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~ 4 ~

Today, our crumb turns 4.  

Over the weekend, we celebrated her special day with all her favorite friends, pale pink frosted cakes, and magical gardens to roam.

She is a well-rounded one, our girl ~ pink, frills and princess play combined with a cleverly fun personality, powerful determination, and all sorts of monkey business. 

We cannot get enough of her.  Seriously, each year gets better and better.

Happy Birthday Gaia Miette ~ you are our earth, sun, moon, and stars.

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Vista Visions ~

I believe in the power of beautiful vistas...they stir your soul.  

Oftentimes, tears stream from the very source that captures the imprint of that moment.  The moment where my heart skips a beat, I gasp for air, and the mental click of recognition that this is real not just a reverie settles into the chambers of my memory bank.  Real beauty offered up and perhaps never to be seen exactly the same as it is at that very second.  

  

Mood altering. Game changers.  The vista visions that cause me to step back and reassess my attitude.  Appreciate what I already have and revel in the moment.  

Time is fleeting, and I'm not going to let its beauty pass me by. 

Indulge in the greatness this world offers ... sunrises, sunsets and all the glory in-between.    

Winter in the Wine Country ~

About 90 days after the first autumn rains, mustard begins to push through the vineyard soils to beautifully embellish the resting Winter vines.  This dormant stage in the grapevines is very important to the vineyard health and performance in the upcoming season.  

Throughout January and February, severe winter pruning takes place on all the vines.  The Mustard Season is one of the most beautiful times of the year in the Wine Country.  Its golden blooms blanket the floor of the soundly sleeping vines, and as the sun shines, the landscape glows in a daydreaming brilliance. The rainy season will provide nourishment to the terroir promising a Spring of bud break and phenomenal wines to come. 

This is Winter in the Wine Country ~ a time for rest and renewal with a sparkle of gold.

Thankful {every day}

My heart overflows with gratitude for the life I have been given.  Truly, I pinch myself regularly because it just seems unbelievable to me that my daily existence is filled with such beautiful love, good health and glorious abundance of food and breathtaking nature.  My complaints are few, for I realize how fortunate I am and it's not something I take lightly.  We have one life to live, and with every sunrise, I awaken with a thankful heart.

There shouldn't be just one designated day for giving thanks and reflecting upon all the goodness which fills our lives.  If we all made more of an effort to appreciate the good fortune which comes our way versus the focus of what isn't up to par, then I believe there would be more smiles in this world.  Let's give it a try, there is nothing to lose.  Here's to being thankful for each and every. single. day.

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Grape Crush ~

Friends, the harvest/crush was everything I had hoped for...and a tad bit more.  Being surrounded by the glorious beauty of vineyards, fresh air, and fun-loving friends was a total added bonus to the amazing awe that filled my soul as I helped harvest 1,000 pounds of cabernet sauvignon grapes.  I literally caught myself grinning from ear-to-ear as my bin grew full and my hands were soaked in fresh grape juice.  For those few hours, I was in harmony with nature and nothing else mattered.  

We picked, we laughed, we ate delicious local food, and we crushed {a hand-cranked machine de-vined the plump, juicy grapes}, and we tasted...oh my goodness, I've never tasted grape juice so incredibly amazing.  If I were not into delicious wine, I would say forgo the fermenting process and just indulge in the purity of the first stage of crush.  Wow! Oh how I wish I could share a glass with each of you...it was that amazing.

So if ever given the opportunity to offer free labor to pick grapes, take it.  I guarantee it will be a moment in time you will never forget.

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A Wine Country Perk ~

Right now, grapes are taking center stage.

It's harvest/crush time here in the wine country, and once again, I'm realizing simple is best ~ a plate filled with juicy delicious table grapes is definitely one of life's greatest pleasures {especially if you picked them off the vine yourself!}.

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Hostess

I'm not going to lie.  Summer is going to be missed around here.  Although, I find comfort in knowing Northern California basks in Indian Summer.

It arrives right about now...so hello September/October, we are going to embrace your golden days of warmth and sunshine until they fade away to crisp, cool Autumn.  

This past weekend was filled with many visitors.  You see when you live in a very popular destination, like the wine country, people like to drink visit.  We get it, and we totally dig the continuous open door policy of fun times.  It just took me a while to step up to the plate and be at the ready in terms of the 'hostess with the mostest' role.  

Don't worry, I've got it down now.  There are a few tried and true recipes that I can whip up at a moments notice without a sigh of oh-my-goodness.  Thankfully, I have many foodie friends that keep me on my toes, Sherry is one of the best to have by my side.  This weekend, I served {twice} the meyer lemon pecan brown sugar shortbread...oh yeah, it's good {Dad, I promise to make for you in November!}. This lovely shortbread pairs perfectly with tea, coffee, or wine ~ we like to be prepared for every delicious situation.   

So here's to Indian Summer ~ you help feed my resilience for saying good-bye.  

And if you are in the mood for shopping good deals, a few fellow friends and bloggers cleaned out our closets and created an online sale of some lovely treasures~ check it out here ~ free shipping through sept. 12th. 

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Petite Aventure {Rubicon Estate}

"I may never leave!" the words I exclaimed as I settled into the Mammarella Wine Bar at Francis Ford Coppola's Rubicon Estate.

Wooden Sailboats {picture Luxembourg Gardens in Paris} + Bocce Ball + Cabernet Franc with delicious depth = HOOKED!

Three hours passed as quick as lightening, and finally, the little crumb declared it was time to depart.  Her Bocce game was beginning to falter.

It's good to be home.  Back in the saddle as they say.  I'm feeling recharged and full of vigor despite the fact the days are growing shorter and night seems to linger longer.

No matter the time of day, life is good.  I'm soaking it all in and enjoying every minute.  

Tell me your favorite weekend moment...indulge me, please?!

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¡Olé!

The past few days have been hot and steamy here in the wine country.  I love it.

This sizzling trend will only add to the excitement of our weekend plans ~ a Catalan Festival at Gloria Ferrer Caves and Vineyards.  I've been giddy about this Spanish celebration all week long.  

Mi guapa will most definitely be taking center stage considering her love for Spanish guitar music and dancing.  It's bound to be a day to record in the  good-life memory books ~ bubbly, Flamenco dancers, and food seasoned with saffron and other make-your-taste-buds explode spices.

By the way, did I ever tell you that my nickname at a former job was Fuega?  

And with that I bid you all a muy bueno weekend. 

[painting by Pino] 

Friends ~

On Saturday, we took a drive through the wine country to visit with our city friends who were enjoying a Healdsburg holiday in a very cool modern barn.  

A grand time was had by all; especially two very cute little girls who have been friends since 6 months of age when they 'met' in a mommy and me swim class.  I believe they need bracelets or something adorable that has BFF on it because these girls are definitely the best of the best, for no matter the time distance between their last fun and play, they pick up exactly where they left off: non-stop smiles and giggles.

  

That's the wonderful thing about true friendships, they withstand the test of time and continue to grow stronger as the years go by.  Friends are definitely one of life's greatest investments because the yield is generally a happy return.

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Coop Crush ~

I have a major coop crush.  

I cannot stop thinking about these adorable Bantam variety of chickens that have made The French Laundry garden their new home.  It is definitely the equivalent to a five-star resort in the world of chickens....umbrellas for shade, a customized coop with a tres chic blue door, their very own rows of napa cabbage to munch on, and hand-fed snacks of strawberries, carrots, purslane, and more from the chief gardener. 

While admiring our newest neighbors, we had the honor of chatting with their 'land-lord', Thomas Keller.  It was one of those surreal moments for a foodie like me ~ standing in an organic garden, crushing on chickens, and making small talk with one of the most talented chefs in the world.  

Sometimes life is so good you just have to pinch yourself.

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An Outdoor Table ~

Along with our move to the wine country, came the ability to eat outdoors for almost every meal.  Unless it is raining or temperatures drop below 55 degrees, we are gathered around the outdoor table underneath a big ol' walnut tree.  It's one of those dreamy simple things in life that I never really want to do without {again}.  

I've been searching for vintage tablecloths and napkins to perk up our 'dining room', so when my wonderful friend, Estelle, gifted me with this French striped tablecloth {it is so soft and exudes summer} along with made-by-her-creative-hands-pretty-as-you-please napkins, I wanted to jump over her pink moon! 

Don't you agree that a table setting is the ideal backdrop for what food you place upon it?  No doubt throughout this outdoor season, there will constantly be plates of watermelon, vegetables, and other tasty courses upon our table as well as sweet endings too.  One of my favorite summer desserts is a Banana Cream Pie.  I like to use this simple recipe here with Dr. Oetker Organic Vanilla Pudding.  If you try it, just one request ~ save at least one piece for breakfast the next morning.  You will not regret it. 

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Petite Aventure {Napa Valley Balloons}

Early risers definitely get the 'birds eye view' of the valley.  It's a pretty spectacular event to behold these hot air balloons being prepped for their floating adventure.

I'm curious, would you go UP or keep your feet firmly planted?

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~ Trois ~

Today, you are 3.

Your sweet, sunny spirit lights up our world.

~ Happy Birthday Little Crumb ~