Sycamore Springs Resort and Gardens of Avila: paradise

It is Cort's 34th Birthday for the whole week in my mind since he gave me an entire week, too. He only deserves the same Birthday love! 

Our appetizer, the Mediterranean platter! Yummy to my tummy!

I'll have the grilled pork chop with savory bread pudding and sesame, soy flavored rainbow swiss chard. 

The Cheescake did not last very long, but the embarrassment of the entire establishment singing to the hubby has probably scorched his soul! 

The awesome Viogner varietal we chose to match our meal totally paired perfectly!

What I Wore:

Dress- Tibi

Shoes- Nordsroms knock off Chloe's

Jewels- My own creations 

Purse- Kenneth Cole

Cashmere Sweater- Thrifted and sent to me by my Mom

Just Passing Through Solvang to Los Olivos for Epic Wine Tasting

Cort and I decided to adventure through Solvang quite quickly and head to our favorite spot for wine tasting on the Central Coast, Los Olivos.

A cute little vintage car to showcase Meg's Birthday Present, worn around my neck.

Skulls ad pin-up girls with a lot of color!

A very nice woman offered to take our photo so Cort could stop complaining about my asking him to squat amongst flowers while I set the timer! Don't worry, more photographic drama ensues when I ask him to almost risk his life to get hit by a Clydesdale horse.

Teenagers take decent pictures and obviously we stopped whining and arguing after a few sips of wine in a great little tasting shop. They had great boutique wines and fabulous Pinot Noirs. Run, do not walk, to the the Los Olivos Tasting Room. Meg has a surprise coming from this special shop. Next, We headed to Daniel Gehrs and picked up some Vixen Rose for me. 

Cort is becoming a wino for the day. Actually he is my designated driver, usually.

What I Wore:
Shoes- Anthropologie

Shorts- Alteration shown in earlier post so they are now more bloomer like

Camisole- Anne Klein

Short Sleeved Sweater- Charlotte

Purse- Tano

Jewels- My own creation for Meg's Birthday 
 

Happy Birthday Hubby: Route 246 for a scrumptious meal

Forced the hubby to enjoy some fine dining at Route 246 for his Birthday and I think he was impressed! 

If you're ever in Solvang, CA. be sure to stop at the highly recommended establishment that has a seasonally created local menu that varies weekly, depending upon the produce at the farmer's market. What a treat and delight and the service is impeccable. I was dazzled by our extremely knowledgeable server!

Bread and a artisanal cheese plate. Heaven on earth in my mouth.

My favorite cheese was a blend of sheep's, cow's, and goat's milk with a firm rind. However the cheese itself was soft. It went well with the honey. The hubby liked the blue cheese (Of course... He always does!) with the raspberry balsamic reduction drizzled on top of the soft bread with the creamy textured cheese.

The hubby's birthday feast. He chose the rainbow trout over a nest of mixed green beans, white and garbanzo beans. It tasted great (he shared). I liked the nutty flavor of the almonds crushed on top with a bit of chervil. It balanced well with the beans and the roasted garbanzos. 

This is my meal, a goat cheese ravioli with a mixed squash stew like sauce and tomato foam. This seriously blew me away. I loved the delicate mix of button squash playing off the tomatoes and basil pesto.

The double fudge cake with creme, chocolate mouse, and caramel/butterscotch ice cream was devoured too quickly for a decent photo. I sang to him, quietly (he's shy)and afterwards it was gone. 

Look at that wine selection. Pure heaven for a connoisseur like me. I chose a nice Viogner to start (by the glass) and we ordered a wonderful Rose. I was the designated driver so I only had two staggered glasses with a lot of food to soak it all up.

What I Wore:
Shoes- Knock off Chloe's from Nordstrom's
Dress- Arden B. (altered to fit perfectly)
Tuxedo Jacket- Laundry by Shelly Siegal
Clutch- Moyna with thrifted panther pin
Jewels- my own creation and a thrifted Lucite bracelet
Scarf- Birthday gift from two dear friends, Sean and Samantha (not sure of the label or the boutique)