My Girls' Getaway Weekend

As reported last week, I went on a girls' getaway weekend with my BFF. During the days leading up to the getaway, however, Mr. and Mrs. Murphy made unannounced visits that put a damper on my weekend and a huge dent in my pocketbook. I will report about the Murphies in the next couple of days.

Other than my Murphy-related expenditures, my spending during the weekend wasn't too bad. As previously reported, the hotel package cost $312.12 (including tax), but included:

• Overnight hotel accommodation


• Two (2) premium signature cocktails (per reservation)


• One (1) $50- giftcard from Chi-Chi Mall


• Two (2) 50- minute massages at The Spa

We started Staturday morning in Laguna Beach at Las Brisas' breakfast buffet. With tax and tip, the breakfast cost $20/person. Although valet parking cost $10 including tip, it allowed us to walk around the beach and the cute shops and galleries for a couple of hours after breakfast.

After we checked into the hotel, we spent some time by the pool and the hot tub for some relaxation. I wouldn't have minded spending the rest of the afternoon watching the Trojans trounce the Bruins, but it was clear my BFF didn't care to do so.

We went to CVS to buy some water and snacks ($13.23) and stopped at Claim Jumper to nosh on their yummy cheese potato cakes and couple of non-alcoholic drinks ($17.76 including tip).

We then went shopping at the tony nearby mall. I bought a black lightweight cardigan for $32.22 and some badly needed panties (4) for $21.53.

In the evening, we took advantage of the 2 free cocktails included in our package at the hotel lobby bar. Our only expense was the bartender's $5 tip.

We then dined at the mall's upscale Italian restaurant. With 2 wines and 2 entrees, the total tab came out to $58.00. We used our $50 gift certificate and added $20 to cover the shortfall plus tip. Before we left however, the waiter who took a shine to us, treated us to a complimentary tiramisu. We left an additional $10 tip.

The following day, we decided to have breakfast in bed and ordered room service for $34.47. We took a leisurely stroll around the Performing Arts Center before we headed to the spa. Since my massage was already included in the package, my only out of pocket expense was a $20 tip to the massage therapist.

My total expense for the girls' getaway: $287.52. Considering what we got, this was a steal and I can definitely cashflow this. But then, there's the Murphies...