NEWEST STROLLER OBSESH...

Picking a stroller is like finding a man.  So many out there but tough to score the right one.  Well mamas look no further, we've discovered a new baby ride that you'll def want to spend the rest of your life with.  It's by UPPAbaby, called MINU (pronounced "min-you") and it's everything you look for in a ride-or-die.

Here's what sold us:

1. Easily collapsable. literally you can push a button with your left hand while holding your babe in the right. Voila! 

2. 14 Pounder.  Ok I know all you Super Moms out there think that's nothing -- but that's just it, it's NOTHING -- no lugging, dragging, chucking with this one.  It's quick, easy and no problem to "throw" in the trunk

3. Use/Re-Use.  Minu is suitable for babies 3-months old all the way to 50 pounds.  You can pass around amongst your kids.

4. Lay Flat.  That's like asking if I want to travel coach or first-class?  This stroller is super lux offering the option to recline all the way.

5. Storage.  Under the seat, there's a sizable space for bringing along stuff since all moms have lots of STUFF.  Snacks, diapers, wipes, keys, purses, makeup, whatever you want.

For more info -  check out my Instagram TV Review @adriannacosta or click here to hear from the masterminds behind the Minu:

https://uppababy.com/minu/overview/

AN INSIDERS GUIDE TO LEGOLAND (THANK US LATER :)

ARRIVE 

Bright and early to beat the summer heat and crowds.  Park opens 9am.

WEAR

Layers for easy changes throughout the day.  Light colors to keep cool.

Snacks, Sunblock, Diapers, Milk, Water, Hats, Bandaids, Change Of Clothes...Think of what you'd bring to a deserted island for 24 hours.  Pack that...and then a little libation for you.

RIDE

FOR US, LEGO TECHNIC COASTER

For Them

Ninjago

EAT

Banh Mi at Ninja Kitchen or garden-fresh, organic fare at The Garden Deli + Cafe.  More Weho less Lego.  

SPLURGE ON

Reserve 'N' Ride Passes. 

Guests with Reserve 'N' Ride receive a hand held device that lets you make ride reservations from anywhere in the Park so you won't have to wait in those long, dreaded lines.  Prices may vary but when we went they were around $55 per person.  3 and under = Free

STAY

LEGOLAND HOTEL

Valid for stays Now - Aug 19 and Aug 31 - Sept 3, 2018

SAVE up to $15 on 2-Day Resort Hopper tickets (2nd Day is FREE!)

Exclusive Early Access to LEGOLAND on both days

Special Welcome Gift for the kids

Rates starting from $139 per person*

HAVE FUN!!!

TRAVELING WITH TOTS: A HAUTE MOM'S GUIDE TO MAKING EVERY TRIP TEAR-FREE

It's 4th of July which means you're probably on a plane to some exotic island with your honey, laying out, cocktails, cool breeze, not a care in the world.  Okay, now let's get real...you're making way through a crowded, stressful security line, en route to your mother-in-law's in Boca, two tots-in-tow screaming and yelling, luggage falling all over the place and your husband rolling his eyes at you in complete disapproval of your "incompetence".  

Travel can be so traumatic causing serious anxiety, for us, them and the pissed-off people around us.  Here at Haute Mom's Life, we've surveyed moms in our community, celebrities and experts and have compiled a list...highlighting the best of the best on how you can make it through those long, treacherous days of planes, trains and automobiles -- Tear Free.  Note to Self- mini Titos = a must for every adult.

Click the link below for a full roundup and if you don't have the time, here's a list.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1t-x9p8FUNTOiydjsOcuKzeYx02rfqAio/view

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.