Month: January 2007

Cheri’s Bday in Napa

Posted on by vballphil in Cheri's Birthday, Friends, Fun, Napa

The trip to Napa was fun, but nothing like our day in the infamous Napa Valley! The day, to start of with, was as absolutely gorgeous. We decided to venture northward and had a mini plan in place. First stop, the Robert Mondavi Winery. Even though this was not a “destination” for us, it turned out to be Alezandra’s husbands’ fave wine. Here are the photos from that stop.







The next stop was the Peju Winery. This winery was more of a French atmosphere (while Mondavi was a Spanish atmosphere). It was really charming. Once inside I was in heaven…MUSTARDS! Hahahaha! I love mustard and they sold their mustards. I ended up with the sweet garlic and red pepper mustards. Who needed wine? I just completely content with my mustard! :)! Here are photos from that stop.









Next on the list was lunch at the V.Sattui Winery. You could tell that this was a very popular place for food and wine. They had a deli inside that was absolutely fabulous. But, due to the fact it was absolutely crazy in there and they weren’t making sandwiches that day we ventured across the street to Dean and Deluca. You can not go wrong in that store. Another fun fact about me is that I LOVE cheese and the cheeses available in both deli’s were absolutely amazing! Parmiano Reggiano chunks were around $140; PER CHUNK mind you. But YUMMO (as Rachel Ray would say).






After lunch we head up to the Schramsberg Winery. As we drove up north to this winery we passed one of the infamous Napa signs. You know we had to take a pic in front of it! The funnest part was running across HWY 29. And Cheri HAD to take photos of this…hilarious. After that we headed into the hills on the one lane/two way road to Schramsberg. This winery was breath-taking. The sad thing is we only got a chance to walk around. The last tour left right before we arrived…plus it is a reservation tour, which is good to know for the next time. I am so game to go through their cave system, etc! Here are some pics from this part of our journey.





After that we headed toward the Silverado Winery, but got sidetracked and ended up at the Mumm Winery. It was a great winery to end our day with too. The sunset over the hill in front of us during the champagne tasting and it was amazing.












Last but not least, we ended up eating at a restaurant named Hurley’s in Yountville. This town was so cute! I would definitely stay there next time! The service wasn’t great here, but my dish was awesome! Butternut squash with prosciutto & mandego cheese. So good! Hahaha!


And here are some more random photos from the weekend….enjoy!!!












The trip to Napa

Posted on by vballphil in Cheri's Birthday, Fun, Napa


So Friday was the day we decided to drive to Napa, Ca for Cheri’s bday weekend. Her friend Alex, who lives in D.C., flew out on Thurs and drove up with us. Because of that we decided to do an extra bit of girl bonding and took the more scenic route. And talk about an amazing day to do that! We toasted the weekend in Paso Robles at a restaurant called Artisan. It was a modern restaurant with some ultra sheek food! And the wine wasn’t bad either :)!

From there we ventured further up the coast to San Fran. I always get chills driving into and out of that marvelous city. The vibe is always so amazing there. Plus it doesn’t hurt that the views are always heavenly! We actaully went into the city to go to Ghirardelli square for some chocolate strawberries! No seriously…who is going to say no to that???!!! All we could say was YUMMO (too much Rachel Ray on the brain)! From there we ventured over the infamous and awe inspiring Golden Gate bridge. To me that is a symbol of California. So bold, so beautiful, so amazing!

From there we headed to our hotel, the Hilton Garden Inn-Napa. I would say that the drive through tht country was amazing, BUT it was dark :)! Once we got here we met up with Cheri’s two other friends, Lisa & Rinna. We decided to take a “light” dinner over at Fume, along with a couple glasses of wine. Another Yummo (seriously, I need to stop watching so much 30 Minute Meals)!

So now we are going to venture on a day filled with beauty, wine, and good times! Happy Birthday Cheri!!!

A Wonderful Day of TV Movies..

Posted on by vballphil in Movies, Sunday Fun


So not much to report on this weekend..except the excellent movies that played on Sunday afternoon/evening! Hahaha! Hey, when two of my fave movies, Romancing the Stone & Robin Hood:Men in Tights, come on the same day…you know it is going to be a great evening!! Hahaha!
Here are some quotes from Robin…
Prince John: And why would the people listen to you?
Robin Hood: Because, unlike some other Robin Hoods, I can speak with an English accent.
[referring to the then recent blockbuster Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, in which Kevin Costner played the role with an American accent]

Blinkin: Oh, this never would have happened if your father was alive.
Robin Hood: He’s dead?
Blinkin: Yes.
Robin Hood: And my mother?
Blinkin: She died of pneumonia while – oh, you were away!
Robin Hood: And my brothers?
Blinkin: There were all killed by the plague.
Robin Hood: My dog, Pogo?
Blinkin: Run over by a carriage.
Robin Hood: My goldfish, Goldie?
Blinkin: Eaten by the cat.
Robin Hood: My cat?
Blinkin: Choked on the goldfish. Oh, it’s good to be home, ain’t it, Master Robin?

Little John: Let me introduce you to my best friend: Will Scarlet.
Scarlet: Scarlet’s my middle name. My full name is Will Scarlet O’Hara.
[pause]
Scarlet: We’re from Georgia.

Robin Hood: I lost. I lost? Wait a minute, I’m not supposed to lose. Let me see the script.

Robin Hood: I am Robin Hood, and these are my Merry Men!
Rabbi Tuckman: Faygeles?
Robin Hood: No, no. We’re straight. Just merry.

Here are some quotes from Romancing…

[Jack shows off his new, crocodile skin, boots, made from the crocodile he has killed]
Joan Wilder: I like the boots.
Jack Colton: Yeah, that poor old yellow-tailed guy… developed a fatal case of indigestion. He died right in my arms.
Joan Wilder: I can’t blame him. If I were to die there’s nowhere on earth I’d rather be.

Joan Wilder: You’re a mondo dismo!
Jack Colton: I’m… what am I? I’m what?
Joan Wilder: You’re a man who takes money from stranded women!

Jack Colton: Wait a minute, he’s after you. Who the hell are you?
Joan Wilder: Well, I’m a romance novelist.
Jack Colton: You’re what? What are you doing here?
Joan Wilder: I told you, my sister’s life depends on me.
Jack Colton: Ah, don’t give me that s*$#. I thought you were donating a kidney or something.

Good times this weekend…

Posted on by vballphil in Fun, Sisters

So this weekend was an interesting weekend to say the least. From the adventures at the Gaslamp/Sacchi to my evening at Lolo house with the kids…Good & CRAZY times!!

So the weekend started out with 4 of my 5 sisters going out to an 80’s night at the Gaslamp. Pat, my brother in law, Silke, Lance (Kara’s boyfriend) and Jen joined in the festivities. And from the pics below…you will see that the night was definitely an interesting time! Enjoy!




























Just a thought

Posted on by vballphil in Drew Barrymore, Random Thoughts


So I just read an article about Drew Barrymore (I mean she is only my FAVE actress and all) and she stated this quote about her and her boyfriend and how they keep there relationship alive….”Right now I’m in a phase of ‘I’m not even your girlfriend. I’m your best friend who is madly in love with you'”. Talk about an amazing quote that just hits the core of you. In my opinion, that is how a relationship should be period.

I know this is a total random thought, but when you read something that just touches or effects you, you want to say something about it! And can we say YEA for Drew’s new movie with Hugh Grant that is coming out…