Wine Tasting!

This weekend we realized it's been over a year since we've been wine tasting and while doing so with children is far less fun than just with adults, we had a great time exploring (and enjoying a lovely east coast pinot noir) the property and vintages at Rocklands Farm in Poolesville, Maryland.

If we had a reason to, I'd love to have an event here-the barn is darling with hanging bulbs and is full of that rustic charm.

There was ample picnicking space outside on both benches and blankets. We bought a bottle, some amazing goat cheese, salami, and crackers, and had ourselves a delightful lunch while Henry climbed on rocks (took a header) and drove around a John Deere tractor.

Cheers!

A woman about So Cal

Saturday was a big day. I drove to Temecula to see Ashley and little Luca for the second time since his birth in late August. She might have been the cutest little mama around pushing a very hip stroller and looking adorable.

We are both lovers of wine and cheese and so she has raved about the Temecula Valley Cheese Company and thus treated me to a lovely afternoon of artisan brie, parmesan, gruyere, and fontina. And of course, vino.

Delightful friend, company, and time together. I so wish we lived closer.

After a dinner foul in the kitchen that caused me to lose a spoon and my Pyrex measuring cup, Scott and I headed south again to The Tiki Bar in Costa Mesa for my sister's boyfriend's band, Main Street Lights. And they went on after 10:30. I felt like I shed a little of my grandma exterior that night.

The band was great, the people watching as amazing as it gets at a dive bar. And I enjoyed two glasses of Chardonnay and watching the lobsters before the band.

Three cheers for Saturday nights with friends, family (in spirit since the sister is not yet 21), and extra hours.

Solvang, 8 Months Later

This past weekend the entire Haselton clan descended upon the Santa Ynez Valley for Scott's uncle's 60th birthday. It was nice because this trip we were able to try three different wineries than we had since the trip in January.

Sort this Out Cellars (actually we came here in January and one of the co-owners is also the event planner at a local restaurant.) Thanks to Scott's Aunt Kathy (wife of birthday Uncle Jimmy for the photo.

My favorite new winery was Sarloos and Sons, which does cupcake pairings along with their wine. Thank you Audra for selecting that winner!

Our hotel has agreements (probably in the price we paid per night) for complimentary tastings at about 20 local tasting rooms and wineries. We stopped at a few in between the Haselton's route specifically-Andrew Murray Vineyards where I had a one hour conversation with the employee about Pottermore.

After Andrew Murray we drove to the ends of the valley to Zaca Mesa, which will be known as the winery where I shattered my wine glass. Good wine though, combined with a lovely picnic lunch and giant chess board.

Finally we embarked upon the famous Fess Parker for a final tasting and cigar enjoyment. It was also rumored that Amanda Seyfried was there, so I went into the vineyard to look for her. The rumor really only came from Tim but I tried to confirm it with no luck.

Dinner was enjoyed at a local Italian eatery which made the best ravioli I've ever had in my life. I'm going to attempt to replicate it this weekend, though I know it won't come close. It was life-changing ravioli.

It was a lovely weekend getaway that has ended our month of vacation for a while. Though I am plotting an MLK getaway if we can swing it to coincide with my birthday. I feel you always need something in life to look forward to, and January can be kind of a low month following the holidays and copious amounts of brie consumed.

Happy Mother's Day!

Last night, my girlfriends and I held a mother's day dinner in honor of our moms. I think it's safe to say this might become a tradition-a great time was had by all.

Motif: Shabby-chic farm style dinner with vintage embroidered linens. (Thanks Cristal!)

You can see we attached pictures with our moms to the lattice in the background.

Backyards are always better with lights! This is proof I manned the BBQ.
Lessons with Scott paid off.

Kiss the cook!

Shannon-a great grill master herself. And maker of the best ever bacon-wrapped dates.

MEAT.

The moms-before they toasted us! Clever ladies, beat us the daughters to the punch.

End of the night group shot, though Katie, Paula, and Shannon had left.

I'm often interested in the menus for parties-here's the breakdown:

Appetizers:

• Caprese salad
• Blue cheese-stuffed olives
• Artichoke and bean crostini
• Bacon wrapped dates

Entree

• Filet mignon (with Scott's secret marinade)
• Chicken with tequila lime marinade
• Twice-baked potatoes
• Cesar salad

Dessert

• Nutella cupcakes
• Coffee cupcakes

And several bottles of wine-of course.

This was a super fun evening. We've all been friends from as early as elementary school and were all on dance team together during various years in high school and the friendships have remained. Cheers to moms-both biological, stand ins, in-laws, and soon-t0-be as well!

Central Coast Vino Vacation

Solvang, CA-land of all things kitschy and Dutch Danish:



With what I am guessing is California's own-Ostrichland!

Piggy little buggers.

Another novelty: mini pony farm, Quicksilver Ranch!



And the main attraction for the trip: WINE






All in all, wonderful weekend spent!