2010-09-09T16:36:48Z Autumn Millhouse Copyright 2010, Autumn Millhouse SPHPBLOG

City Chic meets Wine Country Casual. Gotta love this party and Bardessono Hotel (where Julia Roberts just stayed to promote her new film, Eat, Pray, Love) - one of the best in Napa Valley - and wouldn't miss it! http://www.bardessono.com ]]> http://www.romanticnapavalleybook.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry100817-194317 2010-08-18T00:00:00Z 2010-08-18T00:00:00Z


Iron Chef Morimoto has officially opened his new restaurant, Morimoto Napa , and has landed on the cover of Napa Valley Life Magazine , a regional magazine for the people who live, work, and play in Napa Valley. Read what Morimoto thinks of Napa Valley and why he opened his mind-blowing restaurant inside in an interview with publisher Kari Ruel. Also, check out my article about food becoming an increasingly important factor when people travel, entitled Food Journeys for Foodies . Napa Valley Life Magazine is available online and throughout the Napa Valley at various locations. ]]> http://www.romanticnapavalleybook.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry100809-153504 2010-08-09T00:00:00Z 2010-08-09T00:00:00Z

Calling all wedding-industry experts and soon-to-be brides and grooms – The latest (Fall 2010) Issue of Destination: I Do Magazine is now available! The leading national destination wedding magazine continues to push the envelope and present a beautifully designed, from cover-to-cover, publication that gives any bride all that she needs to know to plan a destination wedding. Full of the newest destination weddings hotspots, tips and ideas for pulling it all together and brilliant industry insight in how exactly to create the best destination wedding, anywhere in the world. Don’t miss my article on Napa Valley Weddings, Uncorked! Pick up an issue today on newsstands. ]]> http://www.romanticnapavalleybook.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry100809-150314 2010-08-09T00:00:00Z 2010-08-09T00:00:00Z ]]> http://www.romanticnapavalleybook.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry100804-105500 2010-08-04T00:00:00Z 2010-08-04T00:00:00Z ]]> http://www.romanticnapavalleybook.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry100803-152053 2010-08-03T00:00:00Z 2010-08-03T00:00:00Z

The seventh annual "Cause for the Paws" will again be held at The Grove at Silverado Resort on Sunday, July 25th from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Join sponsoring chairs Mark, Anna and "Gus Rivers" Pope of Bounty Hunter Rare Wine & Provisions in support of the programs and services of Napa Humane .

This year's "Cause" will again feature award-winning wines, the culinary delights of Napa Valley restaurants and celebrated chefs, an incredible array of silent and live auction items, live music by the Brian Cline Band and - what sets us apart - our Mobile Adoption Unit loaded with adorable adoptables!

These are exciting times for Napa Humane and we invite you to join us in support of our community's animals. Tickets are now available. Advance ticket sales are $55.00 per guest ($65.00 per guest the day of the event).
]]> http://www.romanticnapavalleybook.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry100719-190658 2010-07-20T00:00:00Z 2010-07-20T00:00:00Z Calling All Soon-To-Be Brides!

San Francisco Brides Fall/Winter 2010 Issue is now available. If you are interested in having a Napa Valley Wedding don't miss my story "Vineyard Vows."

Click Here to get inspired for your upcoming nuptials by reading the digital version of the magazine. ]]> http://www.romanticnapavalleybook.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry100630-093034 2010-06-30T00:00:00Z 2010-06-30T00:00:00Z

Coming to Napa Valley for July 4th weekend?

Well, here are some very fun events to check out and enjoy.

Friday, July 2
Cheers! St. Helena – This non-profit social event in downtown St. Helena. Visit from 6 to 9pm on the 1st Friday of every month. Enjoy our wine, restaurants, entertainment, and shops. Bring your friends, meet new friends and welcome visitors as we celebrate with a toast to how special and amazing it is to be here in St. Helena, the heart of the Napa Valley. May – October www.cheerssthelena.com

Friday, July 2
Napa City Nights - 2010 Summer Concerts IN the heart of downtown Napa is the renovated Veterans Memorial Park Amphitheater. The Amphitheater is located along the Napa Riverwalk Promenade and is within walking distances of many world-class restaurants. Bring a blanket and a picnic basket and enjoy free entertainment for the whole family. 6-10pm, www.napacitynights.org

Saturday, July 3
Red, White & Blue Barbeque at Beringer - Join us for the Annual July fourth celebration in the famed Hudson House. Enjoy delicious cuisine of the Napa Valley along with Beringer wines. Reservations required. Beringer Vineyards, Hudson House, St Helena, Call for more information, 6 pm- 9 pm, 866.708.9463. http://www.beringer.com

Saturday, July 3
Preservations Hall Jazz Band - The Robert Mondavi Winery and the Napa Valley Opera House presents the Preservations Hall Jazz Band with Fireworks display. Call for information and tickets, Gates open 5 pm, Concert begins 7 pm, 888. 769.5299. www.robertmondaviwinery.com

Sunday, July 4
15th Annual Fourth of July Celebration - The Louis M. Martini family invites you to festivities and fireworks at their 15th Annual Fourth of July celebration! There will be wine tasting and delicious hors d’oeuvres with live music and activities for children in the winery garden followed by a Napa Valley BBQ dinner and one of the greatest fireworks displays in Northern California. $110, $85 for Founder's Club Members, 7 pm - 10 pm, 866.549.2582. http://www.louismartini.com

Sunday, July 4
Fourth of July Celebration
Join us at Veterans Memorial Park, Napa, for our annual Fourth of July Celebration.Free, Starts at Dusk, 707.257.9529.
]]> http://www.romanticnapavalleybook.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry100628-114442 2010-06-28T00:00:00Z 2010-06-28T00:00:00Z

Words by Autumn Millhouse (Originally written for Destination: I Do Magazine )

Daydreaming about your destination wedding , but still waiting for him to put a ring on it? (Hint: Forward this article to him.)

I often hear from nail-biting, nervous men about planning the perfect proposal because of my book, Romantic Napa Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples , which lists the Top Ten Napa Valley Proposals. Usually, these sweet men just need reassurance and a shot of romantic confidence to set their fears to rest. “Yes, you have planned something she will love and yes, she’s going to accept your request of marriage.”


One charming gentleman (who bought my book online) presented his girlfriend with a copy of the book on the plane as he whisked her away for a surprise romantic getaway. Once in Napa he arranged a mind-blowing proposal that included breath-taking vineyard views, luxurious bubbles and a bling-bling ring. This was an enchanting proposal that even the most jaded woman couldn’t resist. Now they are planning their vineyard vows and a destination wedding in wine country.

Au contraire to what some women may think about men and proposals, I’ve learned that it’s one of the most nerve-racking experiences for a man—in some cases, worse than walking down the aisle. This is perhaps the one thing in their relationship that they plan and execute alone. They want to do everything they can to impress you, show their sincere love and get you to say “YES!” So if you think your man needs a little assistance, here are some tips that I’ve perfected along the way in helping them plan the perfect proposal that will be followed by a loud, often tearful “yes.”

Do:
Be Creative: Use an inside joke between you two, enlist family and friends or do something different. For example, use chocolate sauce to write “Will you Marry Me?” on her dessert plate.

Surprise Her: Make sure there’s a surprise element to your proposal. The surprise element is what makes it special and memorable. After all, women love to be surprised!

Speak from the Heart: No matter when or where, the proposal will be perfect if you profess your love in a genuine way.


Don’t:
Not Plan: Thinking and planning ahead will show her you took extra care to display your love for her. A lack of planning may show her little thought was put into this momentous moment and, perhaps, your future together.

Make Her Uncomfortable: By now you should know if she is a private or public person. If she’s shy and uneasy in front of crowds, proposing in the middle of New York City’s Times Square may cause her more embarrassment than joy.

Propose Without a Ring: Hate to break it to you but – yes – a ring is required. It can be a gumball machine ring, but it’s a symbol of your commitment. If she loves you it doesn’t matter the size, shape or color of the ring—it’s you she’s marrying.

About: Autumn Millhouse is a local travel writer, international trekker and self-proclaimed “hopeless-romantic.” Author of the hugely popular Romantic Napa Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples, she is currently working on two books with similar themes dealing with travel and romance. Check out her blog here.]]> http://www.romanticnapavalleybook.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry100624-173459 2010-06-25T00:00:00Z 2010-06-25T00:00:00Z

Robert Mondavi Summer Concert Series - Here are a few of the shows that I'm excited about -

Saturday, July 3
Preservations Hall Jazz Band - The Robert Mondavi Winery and the Napa Valley Opera House presents the Preservations Hall Jazz Band with Fireworks display. Call for information and tickets, Gates open 5 pm, Concert begins 7 pm, 888. 769.5299.

Saturday, July 10
Court Yard Hounds - The debut of the Dixie Chicks Sisters - The Robert Mondavi Winery and the Napa Valley Opera House presents Court Yard Hounds - The debut of the Dixie Chicks Sisters. 7801 St. Helena Highway, Oakville, Call for information and tickets, Gates open 5 pm, Concert begins 7 pm, 888.769.5299.

Friday, July 16
Ziggy Marley - The Robert Mondavi Winery and the Napa Valley Opera House present Ziggy Marley. 7801 St. Helena Highway, Oakville, Call for information and tickets, Gates open 5 pm, Concert begins 7 pm, 888.769.5299.

Saturday, July 17
Afro-Cuban All Stars - The Robert Mondavi Winery and the Napa Valley Opera House present the Afro-Cuban All Stars. Robert Mondavi Winery, Highway 29, Oakville, Call for information and tickets, 7 pm, 888.766.6328.
]]> http://www.romanticnapavalleybook.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry100624-165716 2010-06-24T00:00:00Z 2010-06-24T00:00:00Z