The return of Girls' Weekend

Once upon a time, there were four little girls.

These girls had a lot in common. Including their love to lie by the pool and drink. When they realized this, they decided they should take advantage of this commonality and thus the girls' weekend was born. A couple of times a year, these girls would ditch their boyfriends and head someplace sunny where they could enjoy some girl time, some pool time, and some margarita time.

Other people were invited on these weekends, but the core four always remained the same.

They traveled to Vegas, to Mexico, to Palm Springs - all close distances. But even with these close distances, it became harder and harder to get away. Two of the girls started law school, and their time became sparse. And suddenly, it became impossible to find a weekend that worked for everyone. And the years passed.

And then, a couple of months ago, half of the group made an executive decision. Prez and I decided we were going to reinstitute the girls' weekend. And we were going to plan a weekend away. And we'd invite our friends to the weekend that worked for US, and if someone couldn't come, we were going to go anyway - they could come to the next one.

We decided to make the return of the girls' weekend take place between our two birthdays. So it could be a birthday celebration. The original plan was a weekend in Temecula, wine tasting, since it's close to both Prez and I. But then Prez suggested returning to Palm Springs - the site of some of our best girls' weekends. Palm Springs has everything - great margaritas, beautiful pools, and fabulous spas and shopping. Plus, we could use my family's timeshares which made it cheap for everyone. We sent out invitations and got to major planning.

Finally the weekend was upon us. Prez and I took off early from work on Friday and headed out. We were the first at the hotel - the J.W. Marriott, which Prez informed me is where Saved by the Bell took place on their Palm Springs trip. Which for the LIFE of me I can't remember. But apparently they went there for Jessie's dad's wedding?

Upon arrival, Prez poured us some margaritas and whipped out the chips and homemade salsa she brought with her and we sat out on the balcony enjoying the sunset and waiting for the rest of the party to arrive.

The next morning we woke up and headed to Norma's because it was so fabulous last time. The girls were not disappointed by the buildup. And the hotel! We walked around the grounds playing and taking pictures after breakfast.

Prez's pancakes were larger than her head.

And then it was pool time! Prez and I made guacamole and poured margaritas and we were off to lie out with books and magazines. I made everyone "goodie bags" - beach bags filled with towels, spf lipsmackers, and frosty mugs to keep our margaritas cold. And thank goodness for those mugs, because it was hot by the pool! We spent half the time standing in the pool trying to stay cool.

After pool time, we got into our fancy going out to dinner clothes, and we went out to dinner! Passing by it on the street, everyone ooohed and ahhhed over the balconettes at Matchbox Pizza, so we decided to head there for dinner.


And then it was back to the rooms for some girl talk and cupcakes.


The next morning we headed to the happiest place on earth - the outlets! I think we all went crazy at the Kate Spade store, but they were throwing around secret discounts like candy. And we all like candy. And discounts. And purses. I love having friends who love Kate Spade as much as I do. There were other good bargins to be found and our trunk was loaded with bags for the drive home. K1 headed back to San Diego with Prez and I while the other girls went their separate ways. We decided it would be a good idea to stop in Temecula for lunch and wine, so we stopped at South Coast Winery for some drinking. It was K1's first time in Temecula so Prez and I showed her the ropes.

Good food, friends, shopping, wine, and some great relaxation - our girls' weekend was a success. We've already started planning the next one. Vegas anyone?


The only thing that we didn't hit up was the spa, since we couldn't be bothered to leave the pool. In honor of what we missed, I give to you one of my favorite spa meals from earlier trips - yogurt soup. It's a cold soup, which is perfect for hot days by the pool. And the cucumbers double duty for your eyes if you don't want to eat them, almost like making a spa of your own. Don't even get me started on how good the soup would probably be for your skin if you decided to wear it.

Yogurt Soup

2 peeled and seeded cucumbers
3 cups yogurt
2 scallions
salt

8 thin slices cucumber and 1 Tbs dill

1. Spin the cucumbers in a blender or food processor with the yogurt and scallions, until smooth.
2. Salt to taste and chill.
3. Serve in chilled bowls with the cucumber slices and dill.

Girls Girls Girls

Yesterday was Prez's birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY PREZ!

Prez and I have big birthday plans that didn't include going out last night, but then we found out our friend Fear-of-Fish was going to be in town. This was a big deal because Fish is hardly ever in the country, let alone in San Diego. In fact, just last week Fish was in the Phillippines! And since she's missing our big birthday bash, Prez thought we should get together for a little birthday celebrating last night.

We went to Piatti, which both Prez and I love. Because we both have great taste. But I don't see Fish very often. In fact, I haven't seen her in a couple of years I think...we tried to figure that out last night. And while Prez is used to me busting my camera out while we eat, I didn't know how Fish would deal with it. So no pictures. Instead, I'll illustrate.

But I'm not a good draw-er. So bear with me.

First we spent a lot of time pouring over the menu.

Then our wine showed up.

And we talked about television shows. Since Fish is one of the few people I know who watches as much television as I do. And most of the same shows. In fact - Fish and I used to barricade ourselves in the sorority tv room so we could watch Buffy together. Yeah, we go way back.

Then we dished the dirt about our mutual friends.

Then Fish filled us in on her most recent travels.

And then the food came and there was no talking.

Then there was more talking. A lot more talking. And then Thatboy called, asking if I knew it was 10pm - and didn't I have to work the next day? So we headed back to Prez's place for some cupcakes.

And then Fish realized she still had to drive waaaaaaaaaaaaay back to her hotel. So we called it a night.

The end.


Poor Thatboy was stuck at home by himself, to fend. He's got more of that ahead of him. Usually I like to leave him with something that is easily heat-up-able. Like lasagna. Or soup. Things that he can put in the microwave. We both love split pea soup- but much like me not being a good draw-er, I'm not very good at making split pea soup look appetizing. So this is another one you'll have to take my word for. It's good. Really good. Good enough to keep Thatboy from making a Taco Bell run last night.

Split Pea Soup (From the Fannie Farmer Cookbook)
1 1/2 cups dried split peas
2 inch cube salt pork
1 onion, chopped
3 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp flour
2 cups milk
salt
ground pepper

1. Soak the peas overnight in water to cover.
2. Add enough water to the soaking liquid to make 2 1/2 quarts.
3. Put the peas and liquid in a large soup pot and the salt pork and onion.
4. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, partially covered for 1 1/2 -2 hours or until the peas are soft. Discard the salt pork
5. Put through a strainer or vegetable mill or puree the soup in a blender or food processor. Melt the butter in a small saucepan, stir in the flour, and cook over low heat for a few minutes.
6. Add the milk, stirring constantly, and cook until smooth and thickened. Stir this sauce into the soup and add salt and pepper to taste.