Wine, Whitivities & a weekend at home!

In college, it was all beer, all liquor, all the time. Now that I'm a sophisticated adult, I'd have to say that my drink of choice is wine. I don't have a specific favorite, but I do know it is best enjoyed on my balcony after a long-day's work!

 

To expand my wine horizons, I decided I'd attend the BuckheadWine Festival. I roped Whitney, Jayme and Taylor into joining me, and although we didn't learn much about wine (long lines, cramped venue, etc.), we did have a great time sampling various vinos from all over the state of Georgia and even a few from the country of Georgia!

 

   

My favorite part was the macaroon tasting. The delectable treats made by a local chef were delicious--lavender, pistachio and island vanilla--mmmm!

 

 

We topped off our wine "darty" (day party) with a quick beverage and some birthday shots at East Andrews.

 

Some much needed carbs at Hudson Grille were the perfect end to our day!

 

With Whitney's first birthday celebration behind us, we began the next "Whitivity." Bowling!

 

 

Although bowling is definitely not a strength of the birthday girl (or me), we had so much trying to learn!

  

Sunday kicked off yet another Whitivity, and conveniently, it was Cinco de Mayo! We celebrated at my favorite little Hispanic hotspot El Taco. Margaritas, pineapple-infused tequila shots, mushroom tacos and visits from some of Whit's college friends were a few highlights of the afternoon.
 

 

 
 

We even acquired a friend who likes to party just as much as us!

 

 

Finally, the day arrived. Whitney's ACTUAL birthday. If you know me, you know that I think birthdays are a huge deal. You only get so many days that revolve completely around you, so I was happy to prolong the celebrations as much as possible!

 

Dinner at Fritti was the last of the Whitivities. We munched on Fritti's version of a margherita pizza and for dessert, Nutella pizza with peanuts and powdered sugar. YUM!

 

The wine and Whitivities were a blast, but this old woman can't hang like she used to. I decided a weekend back home was just what I needed!

 

I started my visit with a beer tasting at Crafted in Simpsonville. My stepdad and I sampled several brews from River Dog Brewing Company located in Ridgeland, SC. My favorite was the Coastal Wit! I even took home a little Westbrook White Thai for later!

 

When I visit my parents, the best part is definitely the food! The highlight of this trip was the breakfasts!

 

Saturday's breakfast: Betsy's homemade pancakes with bacon and grated sharp cheddar cheese. Don't knock it 'til you try it!

 

Sunday: Grits, ham, eggs and toast!

 

 

Mother's day dinner: pork tenderloin, Paula Deen's mac and cheese and grilled veggies.

 

And for dessert...Shawn's homemade vanilla icecream and Scott's salted caramel bourbon syrup! "Caroline can't have any of that!! She has to drive later" --Betsy

 

Betsy just loved all her new goodies and having her daughter Shawn and her favorite daughter, Caroline home! ;)
 

 

The festivities were enough to even wear out the life of the party!

 

Now I've learned the secret to Atlanta living--a few action-packed weekends in the city, followed by a nice, relaxing weekend at home!

I could get used to this!

Thanks for reading, y'all!