Del Mar

The mister and I enjoyed this past weekend in the beautiful resort town of Del Mar near San Diego, CA.  Guess San Diego got the memo that we were tired of the chill and made sure to welcome us with sunny skies and temps in the mid 70's.  Hello short sleeves!

We spent our first day at Balboa Park admiring the Spanish Colonial architecture, beautiful lush tropical gardens as well as many fascinating museums.   There is a lot of history in this park, which began during the Panama-California Exposition in the early 1900's and we took in a bit at the Museum of Man.  There we climbed the California Tower and let down our hair, before finishing our tour at their featured exhibit:  Instruments of Torture.  

Our last stop before heading to the hotel was at Prado, a quaint restaurant located in the House of Hospitality museum that boasts beautiful views of the gardens and a fabulous drink menu.  For lunch, we feasted on their delicious fish tacos and drank our fill of sangria.  With our bellies full, we waddled back to the car to continue onwards to Del Mar.  

When we arrived at our hotel L'Auberge Del Mar, the sun was beginning to make its way beyond the horizon.  After a quick costume change, we took a long walk along the beach.  It was amazing to watch the surfers and boogie boarders  enjoy the waters as the sun slowly descended.

Sun Diego

In celebration of my birthday, the hubby and I are heading to warmer weather and I am so excited to spend some time in sunny San Diego!  I haven't posted a fashion piece in a while, so thought I would share with you guys what I intend to pack for this long weekend getaway.  A few pieces will be used more than once to save on space.  If you are like my husband and wondering how the hell I manage to fit all of these items in one carry on...never underestimate the power of packing cubes! 

Disneyland

White V-neck tee, espadrille flats (cheaper version), navy and white striped shorts (sold...but similar here), and chambray shirt

City Stroll

Taj Mahal Dress, espadrille flats, Prada Calfskin Tote (sold out...similar here), David Yurman Stacked Bangle, and Regent Blazer

Travel Days

Sanctuary Floral Shell, black jeans (sold...similar here), Tiek's Camel Flats, Amanda Logo Clutch (sold...similar here), and Tassel Necklace

Dinner

Eileen Fisher Racerback Dress, Prada Calfskin Tote (sold out...similar here), Tom's Espadrille Wedge, JCrew Jean Jacket (on sale!), and House of Harlow Sunburst Pendant

Day at the Beach

Robin Piccone: Penelope (white sold out), espadrille flats, JCrew Floppy Sun Hat (cheaper version here), and Free People Trapeze Dress

May the Force be With You...

Saturday was gorgeous, so the mister and I spent the day walking around the city.  We took in the views of the sound and Olympics by way of the Sculpture Gardens, had a bite to eat, a few cups of joe, and then headed to the EMP museum.  In full geek mode, we spent our entire visit at the new Star Wars feature and I was quickly transported to my early childhood years.  There are over 60 hand-crafted costumes displayed in this traveling exhibit from the first six blockbusters.  In addition to the spectacular display of costumes, there are insightful interviews, original sketches, photographs, and notes used in the creation of this epic series.   

Star Wars And The Power of Costume is on display until October 4, 2015.  So if you crave "Hmph! Adventure. Heh. Excitement." head to the EMP!  

   

Rock Me Baby

Photo Courtesy of Vertical World

I've officially adopted the Northwestern lifestyle and started rock climbing.  My desire to traverse vertical walls came about whenever I made my way to our gym... where I would admire the bouldering area with the hopes of one day being able to make it to the top.  Though most likely my need to climb stems from my childhood of climbing trees.  And since I have abnormally long arms I figured that I may not be half bad, so why not try my "hand" climbing rocks.  Also, climbing around like an ape just looks like loads of fun!  

This month I joined a climbing gym and started a Beginner Rock Climbing Class.  I am having so much FUN!  An average session is around 2 hours and the time just flies by!  There are several types of climbing: bouldering, traditional climbing, top rope, scrambling, lead and sport.  Currently, I am learning to boulder and sport climb.  If you'd like to learn more about the different types of climbing..click here.  

I am relatively new to the climbing world, but I've learned so much from my fellow climbers, instructors, and books.  While I may not be Spiderman yet...I am certainly on my way!

Kurious

Sunday afternoon the mister and I headed to Redmond, WA to check out the new Cirque du Soleil traveling show; Kurios-Cabinet of Curiosities.  This original show features acrobats, contortionists, aerialists and comedians.  It boasts a steam punk design that is beautifully eccentric with museum quality curation scattered about the stage.  Not only are the sets amazing, but the Parisian-Jazz influenced music will lull you into its retro-futuristic world.  The show's focus is on the joyous celebration of humankind as well as the machines that surround us. It is an amazing show that will excite your senses and spark the imagination!  

Planet of the Apes

Photo Courtesy of the Chimp Sanctuary Northwest

Spent some time this week with a great group of new friends; the chimps at Chimp Sanctuary Northwest.  The Chimp Sanctuary is a non-profit organization located about an hour outside of Seattle and is home to seven retired research chimpanzees; Burrito, Annie, Jody, Jamie, Negra, Missy, and Foxie.  The sanctuary was started in 2008 after founder Keith LaChapelle read a disturbing article about the capture and daily abuse of these wonderful creatures.  Fortunately, this information led Mr. LaChappelle to create one of the few chimpanzee sanctuaries in the United States.  Today,  the Cle Elum Seven spend their retirement years on a 26 acre reserve and enjoy a rich social life, but most importantly their FREEDOM.  

Check out the sanctuary here.

Poo Poo Point

The fog engulfed Seattle Saturday, hoping for a little sunshine the mister and I headed to Tiger Mountain to explore the oddly named Poo Poo Point.  The infamous name was given to this trail many years ago and was thought to be indicative of the "poo poo" sound made by the logging steam whistles that were often heard along this mountain.  At the peak there are long open fields once providing homes to these whistles, but today these fields serve as a make shift airport for hang gliders and para gliders.  We hoped to spot a few flyers on our journey, but sadly there were none.  Dense fog below the peak made visibility impossible, so we had to settle for gorgeous views.  

Mountain Musings

My legs akimbo and a face full snow was how I spent my first few days learning to ski.  Most times my skis, humiliated by my lack of coordination, made a run for it to the bottom of the bunny slope.  On cue, a pre-schooler would gracefully swish by adding to my embarrassment. Several lessons later and with a lot more practice, I was finally ready to tackle more difficult terrain.  So with my new found confidence, the mister and I headed out to Crystal Mountain Resort to test out a few green and blue runs.  

We arrived early Saturday morning ready to hit the slopes. Heading up on the gondola, we began to notice that the ground cover was sparse at best.  Despite this small set back, it was a gorgeous day and we were still able to get in a few good runs.  We had an enjoyable time, but learned a few valuable lessons on this trip.  

1. Just because a trail is named after a Disney character does not, and I repeat, does not make it easy!
2. Ice skating is fun, but should not be done on skis.  Especially, when rocks are involved.  

3. If your tire warning light is on...it is a good idea to check the stats before you drive into the mountains.  Realizing that one of your tires is at 8 PSI while 50 miles away from civilization is nail biting.   
4. A pitcher of beer is a great way to end a day on the slopes!  

Washington, DC

Photo Courtesy of Matchbox Chinatown

I had hoped that Washington, DC would be immune to January's gray days; however, she seemed to be engulfed in the same dreary drizzle that the rest of the country is experiencing.  Due to the haze, the mister and I spent most of this trip indoors.  We did get to see a few sites that we've missed on our previous visits; National Geographic Museum and The Newseum.  We also stumbled upon this great little restaurant in the International District; Matchbox Chinatown.  They are known for their brick-oven pizzas; however, their brunch and adult beverages are also top notch! 

She's Got the Books

 

I've always enjoyed a great book and with a trip on the horizon I've gathered a few great books to take with me on my journey.  These guys will see me through a couple take offs and possible long lay-overs. My list consists of books that I will be taking as well as a few that I've enjoyed over the holiday break.  Happy reading!


Infinite Jest
Brain on Fire
Orphan Train
Savage Beauty
Maude
The Nazi Officer's Wife
Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide

Game On!

We decided to mix it up this weekend, with no outdoor adventures to be had. My husband "scored" tickets to the Seahawks playoff game against the Carolina Panthers.  Before the game we took in the spectacle of downtown Seattle on game day. Along with a few hundred other fans we found ourselves at Pike Place Brewing Company, a great place to sip a few beers in one of our city's most iconic spots; Pike Place Market.  The mister and I shared the Carnivore, a deliciously spicy meat-topped delight of a pizza. We cooled our pallets with the locally brewed Kilt Lifter and  XXXXX Extra Stout.  Very tasty!

With our bellies full we set off through downtown Seattle amidst a sea of blue and green to CenturyLink Stadium. We quickly found our seats and settled in for an exciting game, with the 'Hawks rolling to the NFC Championship for the second straight year! 

Alpental

I am a little late with this post, but thought I would share a few pics from our Christmas day road trip to the Snoqualmie area.  Guess I was on Santa's Naughty List, because I got the flu a few days prior to the holiday.  Since I was still recovering, our adventure was very low key that day.  

Also, came across this great post today and thought I would share!  Even though it's advice we all know, it was still inspiring and a great reminder to stay positive.  Hope everyone has a great start to this new year!

New Year's Day

Hope everyone's new year is off to a wonderful start!  After wrapping up the holiday season, the mister and I headed to Steven's Pass for a bit of skiing, Bigfoot hunting, and some hot cocoa.  It was a great way to start this new year!