I'm baaaaack!

Didja miss me?  Betcha didn't even notice I was out of town for a whole WEEK!  I'll be back later this week with a recap of our trip to Baltimore and Washington DC... Until then, enjoy this teaser...

Ohhh, it was niiiiiiiiice to get away =)

Hope you're having a wonderful Wednesday!

Vacay time!

The hubs and I are planning a trip to Baltimore!  We're hoping to visit the aquarium...

See some AMAZING fall colors (we lack these in the Phoenix area)...

Take a little Amtrak trip-within-a-trip...

Visit Mount Vernon (hubby's never been!)...

And visit the FBI building - one of the only places in DC I haven't visited...

What about y'all?  Any recommendations?  We're all ears!

In other news, Michelle over at Thrifty 101 is featuring my fall centerpiece - isn't she sweet??  =)  Go over and check her out - she has a great blog with some super helpful advice for living on the cheap!

Make sure to tell us your favorite Baltimore/Washington DC spots - can't wait to hear them!  Happy Thursday, friends!

Colorado in Review

DISCLAIMER: This is one of "those" posts.  I will be posting loads of vacation photos, and you will be forced to look at my short stubby legs should you continue to read this.  There, I warned you.

Since I spent a week away in early July, I know you're dying to hear what happened while I was gone, right? RIGHT!  Mostly, I did some pretty bada$$ hiking and I want to show off, but let's just pretend that you all have been dogging my incessantly asking for photos, mmmkay?

So, as soon as we landed in Denver and rented a car, we went straight to Costco to load up on food, since the cabin where we stay has a full kitchen and we're all cheap (wasn't I lucky to marry into a family that is just as cheap as me? Match made in heaven!).  Do any of your families play silly vacation games?  Mine always has, and I passed it on to my in-laws who embraced it whole heartedly.  The game is called: Mullet Spotting.  Yep.  Self explanatory.  But you MUST take a picture, which can be tricky.  Eric and I were in the lead right away when we spotted this beauty at Costco, see if you can find it...

  (hint: he's on the right!)

Post Costco, we settled in and decided to take a hike the following day - strong possibility of altitude sickness be damned!  We are rock stars and can definitely go from 1000 feet above sea level to 10000 feet, no prob.  *bad choice alarm!*

We ended up all being fine, but it really was a stupid idea on our parts.  It was so SNOWY!  The locals told us that it was as if it was still late April from the temps and the snow levels *shiver!*  Us AZ folk were LOVING it though (it was 120 degrees here the day we left!).  Here's the trail completely covered in water - it basically became a river...

 

Short Stubby Legs Photo 1.  They look even better in the mid-calf hiking socks.  Yum.

This trail took us past Ozul Falls, which was breathtaking.  To avoid actually stealing your breath, I chose a picture with Eric and I in it.  It toned down the awesome factor considerably, so enjoy still being able to breathe after looking at this...

Our final destination was Ozul Lake, where my borther in-law and father in law went fly fishing for about an hour and the rest of us enjoyed the (thin) outdoor air (lake was nearly above tree line), and I read some German fairy tales.  Side note: I'm a GIANT nerd and am working on translating the Grimm's fairy tales into English from their original German.  Now you can make fun of me for this and my legs - have a field day.  ;)  We took a group shot, minus my father in law, with the new 3-d capable camera.  We tried to pose in such a way to give the picture some depth...

Classy, right?  I must have channeled Michelle from the picture posted here.  Love me some raptor claws.  If you view this post on a 3d TV with glasses, we will look extra cool.  I'll wait while you go do that....

Here's what the last 1/3 of the hike looked like - gorgeous!

We went on another hike, two days later.  It will forever be affectionately known as Suckfest 2011.  Just kidding... kind of.  We decided to try a triple summit: Flattop Peak, Hallets Peak, and Otis Peak, known as FHO.  We needed to make it to the summit (along the Continental Divide - holy crap!) of all 3 peaks, and SLIDE down the GLACIER on the far side to make it back below tree line before NOON.  Yep, you can't be above tree line when a thunderstorm starts (usually sometime after noon), or you're a sitting duck for lightning strikes.  Nice.

Near tree line on the way up, the trees get all gnarly and lean-y, for lack of better terms...

Eric decided their lean-y-ness needed more emphasis. What a cutie ;)  As we hiked further up, we saw amazing sights...

 

Here's Long's Peak, a 14er (over 14k feet) that we were supposed to hike on Thursday of our week in Estes, but it was so snow covered it became a technical climb (read: ropes needed and me not interested).  All of a sudden you come to the top of a switchback and see this below you...

That's right.  You see my sweaty face.  And also Crater Lake, which is amazing!  Do you see how it's still half frozen?  It was COLD at 13,000 feet!  But the air was so thin and we were working so hard to breathe that we weren't having trouble keeping warm. 

After hiking across what felt like the largest glacier EVER...

(can you see us waaaay on the right??)

We finally made it to the summit of Peak #1 - Flattop!

After another 4 miles of hiking along the Continental Divide we reached Andrew's glacier slide.

Any geology nerds ou there?  How perfect is that glacial valley?!

Here we are hiking a bit down the glacier to the slide... (bored of this yet??)

Here's my bro in law sliding down the glacier (didn't get any other photos b/c I had the camera and I went 3rd out of 4)...

We had to tie trash bags around our bums to keep dry, and my bro in-law had a little snow "gift" afer he was done.  On the left is me paralyzed with laughter.

Meet Snow-Turd 2011.  Win.

Here's the slide we went down!

B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L! Shortly below this we all fell and nearly slid to our deaths.  On sharp rocks.  For real.  I can't believe we didn't break our necks - we were waaay unprepared for the snow.  This was when I decided I was done hiking and going to stick to Frisbee golf.

Here's the pic of the peaks we hiked.  All the way along the highest ridge (seriously, the ENITRE length of the picture - am I nuts?!?!) and slid down a glacier.  BOOM.  Told you I wanted to brag.

We also went fly fishing.  And let me tell you, waders are one of the more attractive pieces of clothing...

Seriously, try to keep the drool off your keyboard, people might be watching you.

Here I am hard at work catching NOTHING with my father in law.  It was COOOOOLD.

We always take a family pic by our cabin.  This year we were in Mountain Ash (on the YMCA grounds - great family vacation if you're in the market!!).

Terrible angle, but that rock was all we had as a tripod, and we couldn't convince it to grow any taller.

We also enjoyed time with good friends while we were there - vacationing with friends is so fun!  Here we all are after go-kart racing and an amazing BBQ lunch.

 
We had a GREAT trip and can't wait to go back.  If you're looking for an AMAZING family vacation on a budget, become a member of the Estes Park YMCA and rent a 2bed cabin with a fireplace and full kitchen for under $200 a NIGHT.  Mini-golf, Frisbee golf, internet, tennis, archery, kids camp, library, laundry, and much more are INCLUDED.  Plus it's gorgeous and you can WALK into Rocky Mountain National Park.  It's a great fun for our hiking-crazed, go-kart-racing, mullet-spotting family.  Where's your favorite vacation spot?  Do you go to the same place every year, or try to shake it up?  I'd love to hear!  Happy Tuesday, friends!

Friday has arrived!

I hope all of you who were working this week made it successfully to today - Friday! 

What's cheerier than Pooh bear and a balloon, I ask you?  Nothing, that's what.  Well, maybe frolicking baby goats covered in glitter, but I couldn't find a picture of that, so you'll have to settle for Pooh.  I can't wait to share my trip with you when I return on Monday (I promise to keep the pictures to a reasonable amount... maybe...).   For now, goodbye from Estes...

...and Monday will be hello from Tempe!

Even though it's hotter than h-e-doublehockeysticks here, don't I get to live in a lovely town? =) Happy Friday, friends - make the most of that weekend of yours!

A House of Logs

Did anyone else really enjoy the Laura Ingalls Wilder books growing up?  Being up here in Estes Park, I can almost hear Pa chopping trees to build into a sturdy little cabin to shut out the cool night air...  Everywhere I look there are picturesque little cabins, with wood stoves and smoke drifting from the chimney pipe.  *sigh* How romantic!  So you can share in my relaxation and joy, here are a few inspiring log cabins for your viewing pleasure...

via Homeaway.com
So, it's a painting, so what?  You can imagine...  A cute little porch abutting a stream... nice and quiet... plenty of sunshine.  Perfection.

 via Trails.com
Yes please.  I'll take two.

via stonecountytouristguide.com
Nestled right up into a tree.  My kind of house!

Who's ready to be my reading buddy on that little dock??  I love how secluded and quiet it looks.  Not even the lake is making noise. 

I can never decide which I love more, the beach or the mountains.  Every time I visit either, I swear I love more whichever one I'm visiting.  Right now I'm ready to buy real estate in the mountains.  Where do I sign??  Happy Wednesday, friends!

July? Already?!

Well, today is the day we take off again for another vacation!  This is actually the main trip of the summer - Eric didn't get to come to Disneyland, and our anniversary trip was just a weekend getaway (despite the 14 hours of driving...).  We're headed off to Estes Park, CO, and what a wonderful time we'll have, I'm sure! 

While we're there, each couple will be cooking one big meal for the entire party so no one get stuck being the "family cook."  I've planned to make these...

Flank Steak pinwheels with sun dried tomatoes and goat cheese.  *drooling*  I'll serve it with whatever veggie Costco is stocking in spades, and maybe some good crusty bread.  Oh, I can hardly wait!  I'm also altering my dessert plans to make the Peach Galette recipe featured today over at Centsational Girl.  You MUST go see it!  This is what the final product will (hopefully) look like...

Can you say, "most delicious meal ever?"  Wow, I can't wait to eat!  Wish us safety as we travel to Tucson before heading out to CO tomorrow - lots of crazies on the road this weekend! 

Whatever you're doing this holiday weekend, I hope you're celebrating with friends, family and those you adore.  Happy Friday (and July 1, can you believe it?!), friends!!

Computer Troubles and Another Vacay!

My computer is refusing to run for more than 5 minutes at a time this morning.  It started last night when I went to write today's blog post about this dessert that I made yesterday...

And continued into this morning.  Major Bummer!  (Maj. Bummer *salute* HIMYM anyone?)  So today will have to be quick.  I'm headed out of town for a week with Eric and his family tomorrow - have I mentioned this?  This is why I've been dying of busy the last few days and crazily trying to finish up our projects.  We're headed here...

 

Rocky Mountain National Park, CO.  GORGEOUS!  We are going to enjoy a week of hiking and lounging and visiting famous *albeit creepy* places like this...

Recognize this one??  It's the Stanley, of "The Shining" fame.  It's a bit creepy to visit at night.  The first time we visited Eric and I crept upstairs (where only guests are allowed) and took pictures in the hallways and rode the elevator.  C'mon, we had to.  We may have taken a few crazy (read: silly looking and ridiculous) videos whispering "red rum!"  We're goofy.  Also, I've never been able to watch the movie all the way through in one sitting.  I'm a big fat chicken. 

I'm also hoping to do this while we're there...

We are getting excited!  A few friends will be staying here with Ted... I tried and tried to convince Eric to bring him, but he was convinced Ted would be eaten by a bear, lol.  Unlikely, but anything to put my hubby's mind at ease. ;)  I hope you're all enjoying your summer.  Any fun trips planned??  Tell me all about 'em!  I like to live vicariously through other people's travel.  Have a very happy Thursday, friends!

Easy Breezy

I'm taking a break (blogging-wise, Lord KNOWS I don't get to take an actual break) from my ceilings today, and creating a virtual vacation space for myself.  I'm surrounded by clutter and mess, so today I'm sharing my "happy place" with you. 
**P.S. I get to start painting my ceilings tonight and move the furniture back in tomorrow - wahoo!**

I'm imagining that I'm somewhere calm and sunny today.  Maybe a light breeze is blowing; it's the kind of warm weather where you feel like you're under a soft blanket and you enjoy the sun on your arms... Are we all there yet?  Good.  Now, the rest is up to you... 

Are you perhaps lying on this bed reading a book?

Mmmmmm, feel that breeze through the open windows...

Are you realxing in this family room on the couch, with an ice cold lemonade?

Just look at those waves roll in...

Are you taking a bath on this secluded porch?

Feel that warm sun on your shoulders...

Maybe you're relaxing in the kitchen as the kiddos run back and forth to the pool?

Wet feet? Who cares...

Enjoying your private cottage in the Hamptons?

Well, hello lounge chair and pillows, don't mind if I do...

Of maybe you're on the West coast, sipping something sweet by your pool, as you savor the view...

I can feel that ocean breeze and smell the sea, can you?

Ahhhh.  Wasn't that relaxing?  Whatever you're doing today, take a little time and relax in your own personal happy place.   Happy Wednesday, friends!

{all images via Elle Decor, House Beautiful, or Traditional Home}

Popcorn and weekend travels

Hello all!  I promise I'm not dead, just scraping and spackling and sanding and texturing and watching topping compound dry.  It's truly thrilling here today, to be sure.  Since I don't have the time/energy to post all of the real pictures I have (full popcorn ceiling removal tutorial is coming soon!), I'll just post some pretty pics from our weekend travels.  Enjoy!

The Court of Angels in  New Orleans Square in Disneyland (where Eric proposed to me!)

AMAZING new show at Disney California Adventure: The World Of Color

More World of Color.  Imagine the Bellagio fountain show (only bigger) mixed with one of those boxes of 120 crayons. Awesome.

Quick detour on the way home through Palm Springs.  Adorable little town in the middle of the desert, and it has WONDERFUL shopping (decor and clothing - like a dreamland!).  I wish we could have stayed for the festival of short films there this week!

The Hyatt Regency in Palm Springs.  Yes, please!

I hope you all are having lovely Mondays, as for me, I've got to get back to my bedroom ceilings.  Happy Monday, friends!