Category: Ladies

Paso Robles Wine Adventure

10/21/2014

Years ago, all anyone ever talked about when looking into wine weekends was Napa, Napa, Napa. Not so much anymore. There are so many new possibilites of wineries to explore. Temecula is one, Sonoma is another, but don't forget about Paso Robles. We didn't forget and ended up enjoying a lovely, long weekend among the vineyards and restaurants in that area.

Having two couples, we decided a bed and breakfast might be a good option. That way we had a common area to hang in, breakfast included, and the personal touch of feeling like we were part of the area as opposed to hotel guests. We chose the Orchard Farm Bed and Breakfast. This, in my opinion, was the caveat of our weekend. We booked the Fireplace suite and the Country room suite. It turns out, by booking both rooms, we had our own little "house" in Paso Robles with the benefit of an amazing, fresh, and foodie-worthy breakfast every morning. It even included a cheese plate and bottle of wine when we checked in. If you are heading to Paso Robles, I highly recommend you check this place out!

Then, we took a service called My Wine Driver. This company meets you at your hotel or Bed and Breakfast and takes you IN YOUR CAR, around to the wineries you want to see. The big benefit is the cost. Our driver was both friendly and knowledgeable about where she needed to go.

There are way too many wineries to recommend one over another, it is a matter of taste. But I would say that you can get a great experience if you check the wineries around you and call the place you will stay to ask their opinion based on the type of wines you like. Some are commercial and busy and others are small personal wineries. I always recommend scheduling a winery that serves lunch mid-way through your touring and always bringing lots of ice water on hand for between each winery. We tried to drink one bottle of water in between each stop and that worked well for us.

Some of my favorite places were:
Halter Ranch- Very friendly staff, lovely grass area to enjoy out front of the tasting area.

Villicana- They not only make wine, but they also make brandy which is on their tastings list. Also a nice, friendly staff.

2 Comments

Shopping Outlets on a Budget

9/23/2014

2 Comments

If you are looking for a unique ladies-weekend trip, consider a shopping weekend. I know, shopping can be intimidating for groups since individuals have different levels on how their budget looks. So, instead of trying to see how much you can spend, see how much you can save by going to one of the outlying outlet malls! This kind of trip would be a fantastic Black Friday adventure. Stock up on gifts for the holidays while enjoying some BFF time.

Grab an inexpensive hotel for the night, right by the outlet so you can save your money for shopping, and then spend a day or two browsing the shops. No need to go out to an expensive meal, instead have everyone chip in for one of the meals and bring a different type of cheeses, meats, and crackers and head poolside for an old-fashioned wine and cheese get-together before or after the shopping trip.

Since this is a budget trip, consider to following:
*Setting a limit to spend that is comfortable for all, and make it a game in which no one can go over budget. This also helps with those that feel that shopping is a competitive sport.
*Set a prize for the person who purchases the best sale priced item.
*Include getting a picture, if possible, of the most hideous item found on sale and vote on it later by the pool.
*If it is a gift-shopping adventure, give a prize to whoever ticks off the most people on their list.

http://www.premiumoutlets.com

2 Comments

Mystery Tour Companies

8/25/2014

0 Comments

Does your idea of a fun vacation include being surprised? Well, if it does, there is an actual tour company that specializes in making your trip a complete mystery! They do all of the research and place you on a trip based on things you like to do. Some are adventurous and others more laid back. In my opinion, if you are letting someone else plan your trip, you are already adventurous. You can choose from day adventures to week-long ones. You decide if it will be a trip in the United States or abroad. Can you imagine getting to the airport and then finding out that you will be going somewhere like Ireland, Hong Kong, or maybe Brazil? If you are not as daring to allow them to pick your destination carte blanc, you can choose to do a controlled surprise. You pick a few places you would like to travel to, and they decide from there.

You set the budget, the dates, and any other information you want to supply, then, in most cases, you show up at the airport to find out where you are going. I imagine their travelers must already have a daring sense of adventure and are willing to have fun regardless of where they end up to engage in this type of travel. Personally, I think this would be an awesome experience.

http://www.magical-mystery-tours.com/

0 Comments

Weird Chicago

8/6/2014

0 Comments

Chicago may be known as the windy city and, if you have ever been there, you know just how much of a wind tunnel it can be. However, that is not the only reason it is known as the Windy City... Rumor has it that Chicago also coined that term because their politicians were said to be long winded and full of hot air.

Chicago is a city with lots of history and many fun, unique things to do. You can spend a week there and still not do it all. From Navy Pier to arguably one of the best science museums that I love to go to when I visit, The Museum of Science, you cannot possibly be lacking things to do.

So, on to what this post is actually about... Weird Tours! Chicago has such a vast and colorful history that it is no wonder someone creative came up with a "weird" tours company there. We are so excited! They have a unique list of tours available that changes monthly. Perhaps you are interested in a blood, guns, and a valentine's tour? This specific tour is described as a crime and ghost tour lasting three hours.

One of the tours that caught my interest is the "True crime and serial killer tour". I use to read a lot of true crime books and they would scare the heck out of me. I can't imagine how walking the real thing would be, but I am willing to try it out when I go. This month, they have several other options as well, including a ghost history tour as well as a roaring 20's adventure. For adults only, they have a few uniquely named tours as well, like "The red light tour". The best part about these tours is that they change so often that you can see a few different ones when you are in town. They offer private tours and bachelorette parties as well.

The list of weird activities available is pretty long, so check out their website for what will be available when you will be traveling there. These tours look like they sell out, as we found when looking over the available tours. Be sure to book early so you don't miss out when you are there.

http://www.weirdchicago.com/

0 Comments

"The Talk" Visiting the Show

7/8/2014

0 Comments

If you are looking for a fun ladies trip you might want to consider seeing a taping of "The Talk" in Los Angeles. A group of us ladies went on a thirty-six hour get-away to see a live taping. Getting the tickets is not easy, but it is doable if you give them enough notice. They were very receptive to our larger group of eleven women, possibly because one of our ladies can be very persuasive and is super-friendly. Ever since our trip last year to the Price is Right, (You can see that post in our archives) we have become pros at the overnight jaunts. What I liked the best about this show was that it was stress free. Unlike the Price is Right, where everyone wants to... Come On Down... Everyone here is just hear to watch the show (and maybe get a glimpse of themselves on television that they TiVo'd). The taping is a "live" performance that "goes live" about a half an hour or so after you leave. We got there about an hour before the filming started, made our way through the check-in and purse check, and then, after a quick restroom break, we sat in the lounge until we were called. In the lounge, we were able to take lots of pictures of the cutouts with us in them and then we were escorted through the back lot (which was pretty cool) and were given instructions, including no photography, which is why I have none on this post.

We were there for about an hour and a half for filming which is usually an hour but WE WON A GIFT CARD! A $100 Wal-Mart card. Score! The conversation was lively and I got to sit in the front row by luck. That reminds me... You MUST wear color for this show or they will not pick you to sit upfront. I enjoyed all of the hosts and their interaction, but I think I was most impressed with Sharon Osborne. She looked amazing with her trademark red hair and she is quite funny. Her cheeky comments made my day.

0 Comments

Overnight in Beverly Hills & Rodeo Drive

6/30/2014

0 Comments

We took a quick two day jaunt to the Beverly Hills for their 100-year Anniversary Party and, while it was absolutely crazy with mobs of people, we had an amazing time! You do not need to go there for an event, and I would have to say that although it was a great celebrity-watch, I prefer the quiet strolling and shopping. We stayed at the Luxe hotel which is right on Rodeo Drive and reasonably priced for the area. The rooms were quaint and they had a lovely sit-down area out front on the Drive to enjoy a lunch or wine. This location makes it perfect for a quick trip.

One of the vendors at the anniversary party, situated about two blocks from Rodeo Drive, was Le Mervetty, which is a bakery of some of the most yummy Le canale--the tiny little desserts. They are bite-sized sugar cakes from heaven! We did have a setback with them since we talked to one of the employees who said they would be open tomorrow (we were there on a Sunday), so we all headed there first thing in the morning before our live viewing of The Talk to get some of these amazing creations. They were closed. We went back after the show aired, before our flight, since we were craving them from the day before. We hoped we just heard the opening time wrong, so instead of giving up, one of the girls in our group decided to email them. They informed her that it was Monday, of course, so they were closed. That was not what was on their website and nothing was posted on the door at that time. I tell you this so you do not try to go on a Monday. I am going to go with the reason for the confusion was that they were very busy with the anniversary party and the employee did not realize it was Sunday when she said they would be open the next day. Maybe it was just a simple case of growing pains. Since their dessert won me over I will think the best. Lets hope they get their times posted and have a successful journey in business.

As for dinner, we went to Villa Blanca since it is the sister restaurant of Sur, the place we ate at last year when we went last year our annual ladies trip. (You can see that post on our Price is Right trip under the "ladies" category) Villa Blanca's atmosphere is more relaxed than its sister restaurant and a bit more friendly for groups. I can highly recommend the Lychee Martini. It was a hit with our ladies. There was no appearance by the Beverly Hill Housewife and co-owner Lisa Vanderpump, but I enjoyed their Caprese a la Blanca immensely and their Parpardelle Bolognese was so fresh. I would order both again.

(Next weeks post will be about the second day of our journey. Viewing The Talk live!)

0 Comments

An Unexpected Adventure: Wisconsin

3/10/2014

2 Comments

Guest post written by Kara B. Wilson

For a unique romantic getaway, travel to Wisconsin. Yes, Wisconsin. Lake Superior’s azure waters, the intriguing Apostle Islands, and Bayfield’s small town appeal are sure to surprise you and your significant other. Nature’s vibrant colors can be enjoyed from every angle regardless of how or when you visit this unique area.

Although Bayfield only has about 500 residents, it has a commendable collection of shops and restaurants, which are only steps away from Lake Superior. For a romantic stay, book a room at the highly recommended Old Rittenhouse Inn. It’s an 1890’s Queen Anne Victorian mansion that offers cozy rooms and a gourmet restaurant.

While walking downtown, don’t be surprised if you hear locals greeting each other from across the street. Many will recommend stopping in Big Water Coffee Roasters (freshly roasted coffee and tasty pastries), while others will say you must return during one of their seasonal festivals. October 3-5, 2014 will mark Bayfield’s 53rd annual apple festival, which was named the best festival in the state by
Wisconsin Trails Magazine.

From Bayfield you can visit the 21 Apostle Islands by ferry, cruise or sailboat. To really explore the islands and their alluring sea caves, rent kayaks to admire their vaulted chambers and passageways. The islands can even be seen in the winter with tours of the sparkling ice caves. Madeline Island offers historic tours, which educate visitors about its maritime and Ojibwe history. It also has hiking and cycling trails that wind through emerald vegetation and provide gorgeous views.

Forget the typical trip and prepare for this exceptional experience.

2 Comments

Come on Down! The Price is Right Trip

2/10/2014

0 Comments

Have you ever dreamed of hearing those three little words? Well, a game show trip is not as difficult as you might think. I will recap our trip to give you ideas and tips for your own game show adventure!
Our crew of eighteen gals headed out on a 36-hour adventure to meet Drew, attend a taping of The Price is Right, and cross our fingers that one of us would get picked to go on stage. Since we had been studying the prizes and prices of recently aired treasures' "retail values" for a few weeks, we were all confident and ready to go.

We began our journey at the airport because flights on Southwest to LAX were too reasonable to pass up. Our game show tickets were for Monday, so we flew in Sunday to extend our girl time. Choosing a hotel close to the studio was important because, quite frankly, getting eighteen gals up in the morning and out the door was going to be its own adventure. After dropping off our bags, we headed to the outdoor mall, The Grove, for some camaraderie in shopping. Once there, we picked up energy and celebrated our inner Divas by taking lots of posed photos all around the mall as our Facebooks hummed with "xyz just posted a photo of you".

Getting a bit hungry, we took a break for lunch at what is said to be the original farmers market at The Grove which has a wide enough variety of choices to make everyone happy. After lightening our wallets a bit, we headed back to the hotel to dress in our pre-planned bright pink shirts for dinner at SUR. You know the place, the one co-owned by Lisa Vanderpump from the Real Housewives of Beverly hills? Our evening was spent trying to spy our favorite scandalous characters and enjoying each others company. Perhaps a little too loudly, as fun groups can do, so trying to avoid adding to our group's infamy of craziness by being asked to leave, we happily headed back to our hotel.

  The next morning, bright and early, the troop headed into the studio, on time I might add. The studio was easy to find with the lines and a crowd out front, so after meeting the group coordinator we headed in the gates to stand in line, get our pictures, and then have a group interview. Would any of us get picked? We hoped so! After about an hour or so wait, in which you could buy lunch before the show, we were brought in and sat down a few rows back, center stage! Drew came out shortly after the MC purposely got us riled up and dancing for the cameras, and, let me tell ,when you walk in and see the stage you have dreamed of being on all your life, (or the month prior to going) you are already excited enough.

  The sad news here is that we were not called to "Come On Down" but Drew did invite our birthday girl on stage during a commercial break. As for the taping, the stage was difficult to see during the game and of course the jewelry impossible, but we got to get a close up view on their TV screen set to the audience. We cheered, we gave advice, and we danced. After the show taping and licking our wounds for not getting picked, we headed to the airport for our flight home.

With all of us dressed in our pink Price is Right shirts everyone asked us if we won anything all the way home. We may not have been picked, but we all decided it was well worth the trip regardless. As a disclaimer, this particular group of girls are just plain fun and crazy so make sure to bring along your wild crew for an equally great time.

Visit the Price is Right website for tickets to upcoming shows.

Thank you Julie for our game show inspired journey

0 Comments

Unique Spa In Japan

1/6/2014

0 Comments

This spa is simply unbelievable and certainly worth writing about as a unique journey to take. The Hakone Kowakien Yunessun Spa in Japan is a mecca of the most interesting types of treatments and rituals. They have a Sake bath in which there is a constant dripping of real Japanese Sake from a cask overhead. The claim is that sake is good for your skin. Hum... and maybe good for your spirits as well.

Sake is not their only beverage spa specialty, they also have a green tea spa with a huge tea pot pouring green tea into the hot tube that they say contains "Catechin, a powerful anti-oxidant fighting tumors as well as enhancing the immune system. Also, good for the skin" , a genuine wine filled spa, and one made with real coffee to help with fatigue. Yes, I am serious, and this is only a few of their unique treatments. They also have an outdoor slide spa. You really need to check out their website to get the complete feel of what they offer.

0 Comments

Culinary Food Tours

9/9/2013

2 Comments

Foodies will delight in a culinary-inspired vacation and tours. Many big cities have walking culinary tours and even some out-of-the-way locations have caught on to this amazing opportunity to experience both the flavors and the feel of a city. Start with a food tour on vacation and you will know where to go the rest of your vacation!

*In Scottsdale, Arizona with the Arizona Food Tours company we sampled a walking tour in Old Town Scottsdale that wowed us with  amazing food, wine, and a friendly tour guide.  My favorite stops were Cowboy Ciao and 5th and Wine.

*In Miami, Florida with Miami Food Tours, our walking tour included Cuban and Peruvian food, that we not only had never tried before, but found we loved. Have you ever tried Cuban coffee? My favorite was called a Cortadito and I forever wish we had a place close to our home. They also included an architecture tour.

*In Oahu, Hawaii with Hawaii Food Tours, we had our first walk/drive tour where we walked to some of the locations and were driven to others. This tour set our trip for our future meals while we were on the Island. The highlight was a stop at Leonard's for Malasadas, also known as the Portuguese donut.

*Madrid, Spain Madrid Food Tours was another walking tour with plenty of drinks included. We stopped at the Jamon Imberico shop (also known as specialty ham) and generally just strolled with our new found friends.
Many of the tours include alcoholic drinks for the adults. Try to find a tour that highlights the local culture and area. On most of these tours, the guests usually start out timid and become fast friends by the end, especially if alcohol is involved.

Don’t be afraid to try these in your home town just assuming that you have already tried the food in your area. Often the tour guide will know the best dishes offered at a restaurant and can offer historical tips you never knew about your area. Pretend you are on an out-of-state vacation to make the most of your adventure. My culinary cousin in California also suggest trying the Avital Tour in San Francisco so I bet that is where you will find me when I visit her!

2 Comments

<<Previous

Travel Ideas!

Paso Robles Wine Adventure

Shopping Outlets on a Budget

Mystery Tour Companies

Weird Chicago

"The Talk" Visiting the Show

Overnight in Beverly Hills & Rodeo Drive

An Unexpected Adventure: Wisconsin

Come on Down! The Price is Right Trip

Unique Spa In Japan

Culinary Food Tours

Categories

Archives