Packing a Carryon for a Weekend in California Wine Country

Packing a Carryon for a Weekend in California Wine Country // Habitation Co.

If you don't count my trip to India last year, I haven't taken a "girls" trip since before I got married. While my husband is by far my favorite travel buddy, I seem to have more stories about the travel adventures I shared with my friends: strangers at hostels in San Francisco, odd Southwest road trip motels, and basically everything about back-packing through Guatemala to name a few... While this weekend is a girl's trip of a very different variety, I have been looking forward to it for weeks. Despite growing up in California and living only hour-long flight away, I've never had the opportunity to visit our beloved wine country, so when the idea of a girl's trip came up, it seemed like the perfect time to plan a getaway with a few friends.

The plan is to simply enjoy a casual weekend of catching up, sipping wine, enjoying the outdoors, and measure the days by brunches and happy hours. Since I'll only be gone for 3 days total, I wanted to keep my luggage light and only pack a carryon. The tricky part was planning for a variety of potential activities: casual days, winery visits, dressier dinners, and even a hike if the weather cooperates. Fall in California typically means warm days and crisp nights, so by sticking with a few basics, working with layers, and adding a few favorite accessories, the result is a versatile weekend wardrobe that fits neatly in the overhead bin (with room to spare!).

My Carryon Packing Guide for a Fall Weekend In California Wine Country:

On The Plane:

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scarf // leather tote

Around Town:

Happy Hour:

mala bead necklace

Wine Tasting:

Dinner Out:

silk cord necklace 

Sunday Brunch:

Afternoon Hike:

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Keep jewelry or small accessories protected in a small travel pouch like these

That's everything! Toiletries, toothbrush, and all, plus there's plenty of room to spare if I decide to bring home a few bottles of wine (and check my bag, thanks Southwest!). Ok, gotta run, I have a plane to catch!

Enjoy the process!

Hailey

Spicy Bloody Mary with Blue Cheese Olives

From fancy pancakes to latte-foam works of art, it's not hard to see why brunch is the most popular meal of the weekend. But the best part about a lazy, late breakfast-lunch combo is the variety of delicious beverages that can be enjoyed along with it (especially when herbal tea just won't cut it!) This twist on a classic bloody mary is sure to hit the spot, awaken your taste buds, or help you ease into the rest of the weekend after staying up past your bedtime the night before.

Here's how to make it:

Spicy Bloody Mary with Blue Cheese Olives

Ingredients (one serving)

2 oz. vodka 

4 oz. spicy bloody mary mix (This one by Powell & Mahoney is organic & gluten free!)

Lime slices

Celery Stick

Blue cheese stuffed olives (pass on the pre-stuffed kind that come in a jar and grab a handful of  pitted green olives and a wedge of fresh blue cheese, the softer the better, and stuff your own!)

Make it:

Vigorously shake vodka, mix, and squeeze of lime. Pour over ice. Garnish with a skewer of olives, celery, and a slice of lime, and enjoy!

napkins //  marble salt & pepper cellar

What is your go-to brunch beverage? Are you more of a mimosa or a mary?

Summer Adventure Essentials: gift picks for grads

“Follow your bliss, and doors will open for you that you never knew existed. Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls.”

— Joseph Campbell

1. Handmade scarf // 2. Repurposed Sari Journal // 3. Luggage Tag  // 4. Leather Backpack // 

5. Zip pouch // 6. Solar Quartz necklace // 7. Vintage camera strap // 8. Sea Clay Bath Soak