Gina’s Bachelorette Weekend

This post was supposed to go up yesterday after I got back from Santa Barbara but that never happened because I didn’t get back from my trip until after work on Monday.

I planned a stopover – or what I thought was a stopover – in Salinas on Sunday afternoon to say hi to the little ones. And then realized how impossible it was to say goodbye to them. So I stayed the night and got some extra long cuddles in to gear me up for the week.

This weekend was everything we had anticipated and I hope Gina felt the same way!

The “little barn” that we rented was perfect for our small group of girls. It was a few blocks away from downtown SB in a residential area, tucked away behind a few other homes, which gave us some privacy. (Even though it wasn’t that kind of bachelorette party).

With the fridge stocked and the counter full of our favorite snacks, we were prepared to begin the weekend. The #WhirlBeforePearl

(I’d like to copyright the hashtag)

Our first stop was Downtown. For some sammies, shopping, and rainbow spotting.

When we got back to the house, we hung out until Rachel got there. With some Mums in tow. We popped the bottle, took some pictures, and then rushed off to go get ready for dinner.

She also presented Gina with her Minnie veil. Isn’t it so appropriate?

After we all dolled up, we took an Uber to Cielito.

Gina ordered 4 margaritas. The rest of us ordered water.

After dinner, we made our way over to Sandbars for a drink before calling it a night.

(Some of us had bigger drinks than others. Hint: The Bride)

When we got home, we indulged in some bachelorette-themed cookies. The added nuts really sealed the deal.

On Saturday, we woke up early and filled our bellies with eggs and toast to power us through our jam-packed day.

After breakfast, we piled into the limo and were off to Los Olivos for some wine tasting.

But first, champagne.

Our first stop was at Fess Parker Winery.

We had our tastings inside and then took the final one out by the fireplace. Though the sun was peepin’ it’s head out through the clouds, the warmth of a fireplace is unbeatable. Top it off with a nice glass of red + amazing company and that’s pretty much heaven to me.

Our next stop was Rideau Winery. A New Orleans ambience. Southern hospitality. Jazz music playing. And the smell of fried food in the air. It was a perfect lunch spot. We parked ourselves at the table, dug into our sandwiches, and enjoyed Jody’s pours.

After about an hour or so, we piled back into the limo and made our way over to Epiphany.

Our limo driver surprised us with cupcakes, which we openly welcomed. (Which was perfect timing because I was debating in that very moment whether I wanted to be a wine club member. The universe decided to throw cupcakes in my face before I signed up for another membership).

We finished our tastings outside since the inside started getting a little more crowded as closing hours neared.

We went to a final tasting room (which I don’t remember the name of. Isn’t that always the case for the last place you taste at? It’s also the place where you buy the most bottles, so it all evens out).

We got some ice cream, fueled up on some coffee, and picked some goddess cards before piling back into the limo and heading back to the house.
Once we were back in the barn, we changed into our PJs.

We were all pretty full from our day of eats, but we decided to make pizza since we had all the ingredients for it!

Shortly after the pizza was consumed, we all passed out after watching a few episodes of Fuller House. (I fell asleep during the first one. Everyone else can clearly hang longer than I can).

Sunday:

We packed our bags and went downtown for breakfast.

And, just as it was when leaving the bridal shower, I wasn’t too emotional saying our goodbyes because I knew we’d all come together in just one month for the wedding!

It also helped that I was going to be seeing this little monkey on my drive home.