Maui Dreamin'

My boyfriend and I are jetting off to Maui in a few short weeks. 

I keep finding myself daydreaming of endless mai tai's, fedoras, and beachy attire. 

Here are a few items currently on my Hawaiian getaway wish list.

 {aviators, tank, fedora, tote, earrings, shorts, sandals}

Crushed Up Thin Mint Cookies

On Friday evening I found myself staring at my box of Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies; to eat or not to eat?   I decided I should bake with them and experiment.  A few ideas came to mind....  I then came up with: crushed up Thin Mint cookies.  

I used the Nestle Toll House chocolate chip cookie recipe, seen here.  I omitted the chocolate chips for one roll of Thin Mints.  I crushed up the Thin Mints with a champagne bottle, so fancy- I know!  Use light pressure when crushing them up, you don't want them to be to finely crushed.  

Crushed up and ready for the batter! 

Once batter is ready, add thin mints and incorporate into dough

All ready!  Got Milk? 

Day Trip: Savannah Chanelle Winery

On Saturday we surprised my cousin, Rachel, with a day of wine tasting for her birthday.    

Surprise Rachy!

We picked a designated driver and zig-zaged our way up Highway 9 in Saratoga.  We spent the afternoon at Savannah Chanelle, a boutique winery nestled in the Santa Cruz mountains.

The tasting fee was $10.00 and we were able to taste 6 different wines.  The 2008 Pinot Noir was our favorite.  Be sure to go on a day the sun is shining and don't spend too much time inside the tasting room.  Buy a bottle and take it outside with your group.  Bring a few blankets, picnic lunch, and waters.  Up the hill from the tasting room are picnic tables, a grassy knoll, and over sized adirondack chairs to lounge on.  Enjoy the vino! 

Want to visit a few more wineries in the area?  Mountain Winery is one of my favorites and has great views of the valley.  Cooper Garrod is also another fun stop and tasting is only $5.00!

The ladies soaking up the sun!