Friday, December 25, 2009

Happy Holidays!!


A very happy holidays to everyone! May your day be merry and bright and full of love and happiness!

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Solvang Wine Mixer

Two weekends ago, 20 fabulous girls gathered together in the sleepy cute town of Solvang to celebrate Miss Avery's 30th birthday. The girls came from Boston, DC, Ohio, Seattle and various parts of LA to drink some wine and make some memories...below is a little preview of the best weekend ever!

Catching up with Santa at James' Beach in Venice before we departed.

Our first night out in Solvang included a kick line to Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You" followed by dancing in the streets.

Up bright and early the next morning for our tour. First stop Curtis Winery where we enjoyed six tastings that were all magnificent. My personal favorite wine was the Mourvèdre.

The beautiful birthday girl and her frame she had to carry to all the vineyards.

Me, Mrs. F and Mrs. R catching up on good times.

Next stop Zaca Mesa Winery which smelled incredible thanks to this beautiful tree. Top pick here was the Z Three 2005 - a blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre & Grenache.

Third stop was Firestone Vineyards. I personally enjoyed their Chardonnay.

Last scheduled stop on the tour was Sunstone Vineyards & Winery where we enjoyed a private outdoor tasting with 10 bottles. My favorite here had to be the mulled wine they were serving hot. It was pouring rain and the mulled wine was delightful.

Our umbrellas got a work out this weekend, but Birthday Girl and Spry weren't about to let the rain ruin their day!

After four wineries and tastings, you can imagine we were feeling a little "happy", which is apparently why I thought it acceptable to climb on top of these barrels as if I was a pirate.

After our tasting tour we gathered at the hotel and walked to the Carivintâs Winery Tasting Room where Fleet and Paul kindly allowed us to order pizza in and plug in our own I-Pods for a dance party.

Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You" was definitely the theme song of the weekend.



More dancing, seriously the owners were so patient and kind with us!



Sadly the weekend had to come to an end, so we finished the best weekend ever with a few beers at our local dive bar Hinano.

It was a weekend full of laughter, fun and memories galore. I feel so blessed to have such an amazing group of ladies that I can call my best friends!

Monday, December 21, 2009

Song Of The Week: Celebrate Me Home



I will departing LA on Wednesday morning and heading up to Seattle for family, friends and holiday goodness. I listen to Celebrate Me Home every year right before I leave as the words just seem to ring very true for me. I love, love, love the opening lyrics...

"Home for the holidays,
I believe I've missed each and every face"


So whether you are heading somewhere for the holidays, or people are coming to visit you...be sure to "celebrate me/(them) home".

Cheers!

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Happy Birthday Avery!!

A very happy 30th birthday to my roomie and best friend Avery!
Thanks for being such a wonderful friend and I know this year is going to be the best yet full of fun, surprises and good times!
Love ya girl!

Friday, December 18, 2009

Happy {Toasty} Weekend!


This week has been one of those weeks with amazing food, wine, friends and weather. I cannot believe it is already Friday!

Be sure to check my Favorite Things over at The Look 4 Less where I guest blogged today.

Hope ya'll have an holly jolly weekend full of friends, family and favorite things!

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Holiday Gift Ideas #9 ~ Do You Believe In Magic?

I have a confession....I HATE magic. Not a little bit, not jokingly, like really deep down hate it. I can't even begin to go into it because my hate for it is so strong, and I am trying to keep this light and lovely...That said, the only magic I will tolerate or own is this JCrew Crushed Glitter Magic Wallet.

(My personal favorite and on my wish list)

I have owned a JCrew Magic Wallet for a few years now and it truly is a fantastic little accessory. It fits into the tiniest of clutches, your back jean pocket or the biggest handbag you own.

(Flashy, Flashy)

The Magic Wallet holds your ID, Credit Cards and any business cards you may pick up in your evening out. It also "magically" keeps your cash in place by simply placing it inside and then opening it up.

(Goldie is just right)

These little guys will only cost you $16.50 and I am sure they will bring a smile to even the biggest hater of magic (i.e....me)!

Wednesday, December 16, 2009