MOMS AND MERLOT: HOW TO CONQUER WINE COUNTRY IN 24 HOURS

A group text was in full swing with four of my closest mommy friends.  I glanced down at the phone 2 minutes into the conversation -- 75 UNREAD TEXT MESSAGES!!!  Did someone break a nail, forget pickup, dare I say, miss yoga? 

At closer look, it was none of that- rather this with Honey Boo Boo doing the rump shake followed by rows of red wine glasses, cocktail emojis, giant smiley faces, clapping hands and prayer symbols.  It appeared these moms were cooking up something fabulous and I wanted in.  

They decided it was high time to leave our hubbies at home with the kiddos and take off for a well-deserved night to Solvang, a quaint little Danish Villiage just about 125 miles up the coast from LA located in the Santa Ynez valley.  The town is known for it's top-notch wineries, cute little bars and restaurants, charming boutiques and shops...but REALLY the wine.  And that's REALLY up our alley.  The trip was set, itinerary stacked -- and mission to be completed within 24 hours. 

The drive up the coast was beautiful, the conversation -endless and laughs -- straight from the belly.  The second we arrived at our hotel, we were in heaven.  Car doors open and POP!!! - Sparkling wine's a flowing! 

The Landsby billed as the newest and most innovative hotel in the area is 50-room boutique hotel that offers warm hospitality and refined, stylish accommodations.  It's super hip and in the heart of town which makes getting around pretty seamless.  High-season requires a two-night minimum stay and rates for two queens are very fair, especially when breaking it down between four people.  Check it out https://thelandsby.com 

We booked an (un)fortunate Uber driver to stick with us all day so that made getting around super easy - and fun.  Ultimately, he became a friend and someone we'll call on every time we go back.  

Now, don't ask me how, but we managed to pack 3 wineries in one afternoon.  I'd suggest shooting for no more than 2.  Here are my recommendations -- start with Bridlewood BridlewoodEstateWinery.com end with Demetria demetriaestate.com 

Bridlewood

Bridlewood has the most gorgeous grounds, delicious wines and HUNKY employees which makes a tasting with four GIDDY, married women pretty damn hilarious.  Demetria is totally off the beaten path - takes about 30 minutes on remote dirt roads to get there (hang on to those barf bags) but the views once you arrive make it all worth it.  The wine is spectacular with a "Wait are we in Provence?!" setting to match.  An absolute MUST!

As day turned to night, we also regressed back into college kids so the idea of sitting down for an adult meal wasn't exactly appealing.  Instead, we stuffed our faces with apps at the hotel bar.  It was lively and vibey.  After a quick costume change - the four of us sauntered out in slo-mo (only in our minds) and we were off...ready to turn the sleepy town of Solvang upside down.

Maverick was where we were directed and it was honky tonk magic Maverick Saloon  A complete throwback saloon with live country music and one helluva rowdy crowd, initiated by us, the four Jewish, suburban moms...obviously.  We switched from wine to whisky -- and let's just say, our night wrapped around 1am in giggly uber ride home.

The next morning like clockwork, we all popped up as if we were expecting our children to bulldoze through the door yelling at the top of their lungs about who knows what.  It was 8am and we figured it was perfect time to get dressed, grab a quick bite, and jump in the car.  I won't confirm or deny whether there was a little rose left on the nightstand that was being guzzled straight from the bottle as we were packing up to leave.  

HANGOVER CURE

Paula's Pancake House  http://www.paulaspancakehouse.com made our empty tummies and shakey brains much much better.  They whipped up eggs-to-order, fresh fruit, toast (loads of it) and strong-ass coffee.  In no time and we were OFF.  Back down the coast and to our respective homes.

I can honestly say, 24 hours was just the right amount of time.  We did, we saw, we drank, we conquered.  AND bonded...I mean really bonded.

INSIDER TIP:

What To Pack: floral dresses, casual rompers, booties, wedges, sneakers (no heels) Hats, layers, fanny-packs, cross-body bags, IDs, snacks, sunblock.  Less is more.  Only pack what you really need.  Meaning, plan your outfits ahead of time so there's no thinking involved when you arrive.  Because let's face it, there will be no thinking, only drinking :) Bottoms up!

Anthony Bourdain Made This Mom Feel Alive Again

Like many people, I woke up this morning to the terribly shocking and most devastating news that Anthony Bourdain took his own life.  I literally gasped.  How could someone who appeared  so alive - a man who seemed to have an unawavering lust for life- die in such a horrific way??  

Anthony Bourdain had been open about facing his own demons over the years from heroin and cocaine addiction to thoughts of suicide.  But while he dealt with his own inner struggles he had a miraculous way of bringing so much happiness to people around the world.  That's the irony here as it so often is.  

I think the reason people loved him so much is because he was the King of Authenticity, so raw.  A guy who really pushed the envelope.  I mean just think - an ex drug addict, cigarette smoking, tatted up, potty-mouthed traveling gypsy with his own show on CNN!??!?!  Though it seems like such an odd pairing, it made for some of the most compelling programming on TV today.

Bourdain traveled to more than 100 countries and reached communities and tribes that most people would only dream of.  And imagine when those people met Bourdain - the force that he was.  I honestly can't imagine a better ambassador for the US.  

Anthony would embrace his round-the-world travels with the utmost respect and compassion for the culture he was exploring.  It almost made you feel as if each one of his episodes became a personal love note to the region he visited.  

I remember after just giving birth, the thought of getting on a plane sounded like some sort of satanic tourture- even if it was half way around the globe to an exotic location.  Hell, I thought my days of traveling would never come again.  So I'd sit in bed, half asleep, with one babe at my feet, the other sucking away on the boob and I'd get lost in Parts Unknown.  I was suffering from serious postpartum depression but it was shows like Anthony's that would help me escape my reality while he'd escape to the newest, hottest private island of the coast of Gawd knows where.  

While many of us are reeling today from this tremendous loss, this is my way of saying Thank You to a trailblazer who probably had no idea the amount of joy and entertainment he brought into our lives.  Thank You Mr. Bourdain.  I'm so grateful.  And thank goodness for reruns.  Your light will shine on forever through your stories, your precious family and the many people you touched in your travels throughout the years.

THE "NUDE" YOU

Right around 2 years ago, Christian Louboutin did something totally revolutionary.  He expanded his line of high-end nude heels to match EVERY woman's skin color.  They range in seven tones and offer ALL fashionistas a reason to do nude.  Other brands have explored their own rainbow of nudes...oxymoron, sure, but it's absolutely GENIUS.  

And now giant retailer Target is following suit - only they're offering - New Nudes, an affordable collection of underwear and hosiery that includes a wide assortment of nude color options for women of all ethnicities. "At Target, we know that women come in all shapes, sizes and ethnicities and our assortment needs to reflect their outfitting needs," said Target's Senior Vice President of Apparel and Accessories Michelle Wlazlo.  For now, the brand revealed four brand-new shades, Cocoa, Honey Beige, Caramel, and Mochaccino, with more shades to come this fall. The line is predictably affordable: bras range from $10 to $17, sheer tights from $8 to $10, and underwear retails for $5.  Find your own perfect shade - without breaking the bank - right here! TARGET.COM

How Much Is Too Much?

We've had an ongoing conversation in our home for what feels like ETERNITY breaking down the fundamental idea of this: How Much Is Too Much?  As it pertains to our world mamas, is it ok for us gals with young children to post nude selfies, pix in barely-there bikinis, photos flaunting how good life is??  

According to my hubs, the answer is plain and simple - NOPE!  Well actually it goes something like this "Why do you need to post about your personal life and body for the world to see?"  My answer??  "Why The Hell Not?"  I work hard, I feel good, why not share that with my audience be it family, friends, followers?  So that is what I did.  And it felt good - authentic and empowering. 

Now, the overall topic is not always cut and dry.  For example, I don't personally love the never-ending crotch-shot blast-off's from Kim Kardashian...Let's not forget, days after having a baby via surrogate, Kim proudly posted a series of racy nude pics for her 100+ million Instagram followers to gawk over.  But truth is, it's not my say and obviously it's those nudies that keep her in the conversation and off to the bank.  Ka-Ching$$$  

I do believe, however, after having two kids and nearly 18 months away from any semblance of a swimsuit (tankini, full piece, hazmat suit, whatever) well, hell I want to share my ENTIRE journey with the world!  From my big and burgeoning belly during pregnancy to life as a new mommy and ultimately, to the moments where I finally feel like I'm gettin' my groove back - bikini and all.  

So, I want to know mommies - What's your feeling on this topic?  How Much IS Too Much?  Hit us up on social media @adriannacosta to keep the convo going.  

Knott's - Something For Everyone With Peanut's Celebration

Knott's Berry Farm - a Southern California institution - is catering to fans of all ages this month with Knott's Peanuts Celebration!  https://www.knotts.com/play/events/knotts-peanuts-celebration

Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Peppermint Petty - they're floating throughout the park to meet your littles and remind us of how damn old we are :)  The event goes until February 25th - weekends only-- and is absolutely worth checking out!  Photo opps for days, special meet-and-greets- the whole shebang.  We had the BEST TIME EVER (TRUTH!) especially because Knott's does a solid job of playing to every age.  With that - here are some of our favorite moments

SCOTT - GHOST TOWN

ADRIANNA - FAMILY PHOTO OPPS

GIBSON -  RIDES (Namely Huff And Puff- which he went on about 45 times before noon)

SONNET - CHARACTER LOVE

**A Few Insider Tips:

Bring several changes of clothing for the littles and pjs so you can change them in the car before you leave for a seamless transfer to bed.  

Lots of snacks because although the park has a ton of food options, it's great to come equipped.  

Wear comfy clothes/shoes -- for me that means 4 inch boots - but hell they ain't stilettos...and layers...lots of layers.  

Sanitizer and sunblock - duh

If money ain't no thang - you may love the idea of hiring a tour guide to skip all the lines.  

For more information or to buy passes, click here: https://www.knotts.com