Category: Travel

Mexicoma

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Carrie: I need to get myself out of my Mexicoma.

Samantha: Oh honey, you made a little joke! Good for you.

IMPORTANT NOTE: We just got our internet back! I started this re-cap before our connection loss. If anything is no longer funny, you don’t have to laugh. It’s okay.

In Bryan and I’s cases, we want to get back into our Mexicomas.

The trip was glorious, just glorious. At the beginning of the trip we turned our cell phones off and vowed NOT to use the computer for 7 days solid. Just Bryan and Natalie, uncensored.

We arrived in Cabo San Lucas in the late afternoon on a Monday. The humid, Mexican heat hit us like a mack truck right after stepping off the plane. I squealed with delight, peeled off the WSU hoodie and happily made my way inside the terminal. From the moment we stepped into that terminal until the day we boarded the plane on the way home we were propositioned. No, not sexually (sorry to disappoint).  But timeshares? Para-sailing? Dinner cruises? Jet skis? Condos? Babies? You name it! Well, maybe not babies =).

We managed to make our way outside eventually and boarded the pre-paid shuttle to our resort, Pueblo Bonito Blanco. The resort was gorgeous. Not the newest property on the beach, but very well-maintained and had a classic, yet elegant Mexican feel to it. Bryan and I opted to go for the “all-inclusive” package for 4 of the 7 nights we stayed and commando (so to speak) for the other 3. The all-inclusive package also meant we were free to dine, swim and drink at the sister resort right next door, Pueblo Bonito Rose. This meant we had over 6 restaurants and bars to choose from and 2 amazing pools.

View from our Balcony

Rose Resort

Bar at the Rose

Our Casa

The first thing we did when we arrived? EAT of course. And drink. Duh.

Skinny Cans = More Fun to Drink

Drinks at Cilantros

We explored both resorts and then casually made our way RAN down to the ocean. I always forget how salty the ocean is. Maybe that’s because the most exposure I usually have to water is poaching the hot tub at Hotel Terra…Either way, I always end up with salt water up my nose which triggers a sensational nasal noise that is not only very attractive, but also easy on the ears.

For dinner we checked out The Office, the famous bar and eatery on the beach and it was fabulous.

The Office

Yes, there were also random clowns, milling about.

Most of our days looked something like this:

Wake  up in our respective double beds.  Watch 15 minutes of whatever movie is on HBO. Go to gym. Change into regular clothes. Say hello to the turtles and flamingos. Go to breakfast. Change into swim suits. Apply mounds of sunscreen. Wait 20 minutes. Jump in ocean. Rinse. Lay by pool, swim in pool. Read novels. Have lunch. Return to lounge chair. Order mojitos and margs. Repeat. Middle-schooler horse play in pool. Fall asleep (mouth slightly ajar) in lounge chair. Wake up. Play beach volleyball with locals and resort go-ers. Consume 3 bottles of water. Return to room. Nap. Shower. Apply mass amounts of aloe vera. Examine sun damage. Smile.  Dress into night outfit. Shots. Dinner. Cervezas. 2 man dance party on the beach. HBO in respective double beds. Sleep.

Maybe Being Naughty?

Flamingos and Friends

Starbucks is Always the Same! Go America!

Allow me to elaborate on the double-beds sitch:

When we first walked into our room, Bryan quickly noticed the absence of the king bed he’d requested and the presence of two double beds. We pondered going back down and asking for a different room, but given our Mexcitement, we quickly forgot about the beds. But guess what? We ended up LOVING it. It was like Lucy and Ricky only less cuban and blonder. Every night, we’d laugh at HBO from the comfort of our own beds like two ol’ farts. Good times.

Just call us Lucy and Ricky

One day, we took a boat taxi to Lovers Beach. I think they named it after Bryan and I, but I’m not sure.

We also got to see the iconic Cabo Arch.

Another day we rented a sea-kayak and paddled to Lovers Beach. I was a little scared of a seal attacking me. Do seals do that?

Suited Up

Awkward Hand Positioning While Trying to get me Underwater Shot

We also got to celebrate Bry’s actual 28th birthday!

Happy Birthday Bry-Bry!

One night we decided to check out Squid Roe, a popular dance club in Cabo. We had a great time talking, dancing and drinking. But guess what was the most fun? The people watching! Seriously might have been the best I’ve seen. Even better than 8 o’clock on a Friday night at Columbia Center Mall in Kennewick, WA. And that’s sayin alot. Tweens cuddling hard on a bench outside the Build-a-Bear Workshop is hard to beat.

I think it was 2 obvious divorcees that took the cake for me. Urban cowboy hats, tight tank tops with sweat pouring through and waaaay too much eyeliner just cuttin a rug to “I like to move it, move it” and my obvious favorite, “Tootsie Roll”. Only in Cabo.

We also had another great, alcohol-laden evening on the beach. I felt like such a VIP. Except I was probably rocking something from Old Navy.

Just Your Average Robot, Out on the Town

Fiah!

Trying to be a Supermodel

The trip was heaven. We got day-drunk. We swam around. We cuddled. We ate 7 pounds of guacamole.

I couldn’t have asked for a better time, a better place or better company. This trip is something I’ll never forget!

Let Them Eat Flan

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We are officially on vacation!

Well, technically Bryan is still at work but he will be off in 4 short hours and then it’s really official.

You heard right, at 5 pm, Bryan and I will be flying to Seattle, staying for 2 days and then taking off for Mexico on Monday! Ole!

Other excitements include:

  • Staying at Bryan’s house in Redmond and spending time with his parents (awesome folk).
  • Attending his buddy Spencer’s wedding on Saturday with friends.
  • Getting to see my Mom and sister who are randomly coming to Seattle this weekend.
  • Frolicking.
  • Gallivanting.
  • Slayin wedding cake.

We’ll also be celebrating Bryan’s 28th birthday with his parents and friends. I LOVE birthdays so this makes me happy.

Mini-Saxaphone

Last Wednesday, I decided to throw Bryan a little surprise party myself!

Cupcake theme, obv

Birthday Irish Trash-Can

Baaad Eyeshadow

Dessert Sampler- Cheesecake, Red Velv Whoopie Pie and Italian Creme Cupcake

Singing

‘Twas a great time indeed. Thanks to Holly for helping me set up and Lorie for seeing it through to the end.

In terms of my Mexican adventure studies, here is all I feel I will need to know:

  • Don’t follow a group of random senors down a dark alley way just because they promised chihuahuas and flan.
  • Do not eat a street taco after you ask if it was prepared in sanitary ways and he holds up a bottle of anti-bacterial gel.
  • Always haggle. Always.

In terms of my Spanish?

“Hola. Me llamo Natalie. Uno cerveza por favor.”

And most importantly?

“Me gustaria la golosina”. (I would like candy)

Thrifting is the New Black

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Yesterday I went thrift shopping with my homegirls Holly and Jess.

Attempting to keep to our tight budgets, we smartly shopped the aisles of Jackson Hole thrift stores. Namely, Browse ‘n’ Buy and Beautiful, Thrifty and Rich. Personally, I am a fan of any name that replaces “and” with “n”. It’s just better.

Another good one is “lil”, but that’s neither here nor there.

I scored at The Browser, purchasing two books for my upcoming trip to Mehico. The first is “Catch Me if You Can”. The book that inspired the movie and written my Frank Abagnale.

We'll See

The other is “Debutante Divorcee”, by Plum Sykes. I’ve read Bergdorf Blondes and was entertained so I figured what the hey.

And, the cover is pink.

Like a Moth to the Flame

I also have a Jodi Picoult novel, in case things get rough with these two hail marys.

Other treasures (or “traysures” as my Dad says) included a cute summery hat for Jess and a dip-warmer for Holly. Holly LOVES her dips. In fact, we once organized a dip party. The theme was dips. We played that song that goes, “I put my hand upon your hip, when I dip you dip we dip” on repeat.

I swear more people came

Another item I picked up? TOMS.

Bossy

They were never-been-worn and the color was super cute. The shoes themselves however? Ugly. I guess the only saving grace is that by purchasing them, a small child somewhere has got a pair of shoes…oh wait…they were second-hand. So I guess that makes me a wanna-be philanthropist with $15 thrifted Toms.

Oh well, at least people will still walk by me and think, “There goes an awesome girl with trendy shoes for a good cause and a nice dye-job.”

#Win.

Now I must figure out a dress for Bryan’s fraternity brother, Spencer’s wedding in Seattle. All the Seattle girls will probably be clad in trendy color blocked frocks (uber trendy at the mome) while I will be rocking an older sister cast-off circa 2004 if I don’t figure out a solution.

Worn this baby maybe 2478259 times

After the wedding, we will be jetting off to the land of chihuahuas (babies) aka Mexico. So this week is gonna be a whirlwind.

Other to-do’s include:

  • Apply self-tanner nightly
  • Try to repair pedicure from 1 week ago to avoid getting another pedicure
  • Paint nails with light pink Essie polish *To be purchased
  • Get roots touched up
  • Go to gym and improve body
  • Pack suitcase (Bryan and I are sharing one for Mexico)
  • Clean home

Don’t you love coming home to a sparkling clean apartment after a long trip?

Now if only there was a way to have warm, peanut butter cookies waiting  upon arrival as well as a stiff gimlet.

And maybe a What Not to Wear marathon. Just sayin :-).

SF Recap

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G’day mates!

Well, it’s back to reality. Goodbye H&M. Goodbye Chinese food. Goodbye art museums, Starbucks and sourdough. Adieu. Adieu. To you and you and you!

The easiest way to express the amazingly fun time I had with my sister and mom is through all the pics I took with my ghetto camera.

Chinatown! And yes, we did get fake purses.

Clam Chowda in a Sourdough BB - Rocked my Face Off

The Ferry Building

Was asked to "step away from the sculpture" right after we took this.

Nan's Heaven - The Goodwill in Haight Ashbury

Megan Keepin in Classy

I want to live in this corner

Ghirardelli Square!

Windiest Street Ya'll

'Nuff Said

Castro District

Lovin the PRIDE!

"If a bullet should enter my brain, let the bullet destroy every closet door"

Just a couple of hippies, hipping it up

Tip Jar at the cupcake shop

Awesome cookie shop in the Castro Dist.

Golden Gate Park

Meg is so excited

At the Picasso Exhibit, Acting all Arty

I will miss you SF.

Wake Up San Francisco!

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Whatever happened to predictability?

I am Stephanie Tanner.

Megan (older sis) = DJ

Amy (younger sis) = Michelle

We seriously thought this was true in 1993.

I will soon be channeling my inner Stephanie Tanner soon because you see…

I am going to San Francisco!

I leave on August 6th with sister Megan (DJ) and my mom.

The Crew

I have a history with this city and because of this, it just happens to be my favorite place in the United States. Well, except for Washtucna, WA. Bold statement I know.

At my last job in Spokane, I was able to travel to SF about 6 or 7 times and truly cherished each visit, despite having to be in meetings during the day. Because my boss was AWESOME (still is), I was also able to shop, eat at amazing restaurants (more about that later), walk around Fisherman’s Wharf, The Ferry Building and go to  Asia SF. Google it.

First trip to SF, Alcatraz in the background

What makes SF such a special place? It’s tough to explain unless you’ve been there. To me, it’s the most interesting, cultural, exciting city I have ever been to. I love it’s size, it’s people and the fact that it’s on the water. Oh, and there’s a 4-level Forever 21.

Not that we’ll only shop here! We also plan on thrifting and trying to find some funky, unique shops as well.  That doesn’t mean we won’t hit up the staples, like H&M, Zara and of course Anthropologie. We’re not stupid.

The restaurant choosing will also be quite difficult as I have eaten at some amazing places in SF, including Chez Panise, Asia de Cuba, A16, Foreign Cinema and the most exciting, Teatro ZinZanni (an amazing dinner show).

And of course, candy and cupcake shop scouting will be a must. Maybe we’ll even drive up to Napa and eat at Bottega and Michael Chiarello and I will be like old chums by the end of the meal! And also Hubert Keller will be there AND Alice Waters. They’ll invite me to their vacation homes where we will cook delicious food and I’ll drink gimlets. They’ll call me The Girl Who is Friends with Celebrity Chefs.

Can you tell I’ve just finished the newest Sophie Kinsella book, “Mini Shopaholic”? It was fab.

Anyway, I promise to document this trip thoroughly and report back with gumption. Watch out SF, the Danielsons are a’comin!

And if anyone doesn’t like it, I’ll simply say “How rude!”.

Vegas Recap

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We came. We fought. We emerged victorious.

Volcano at the Mirage

As planned, we returned to Jackson safely with no bruises, hangovers, wedding rings or children. Whew! As expressed in this post, my previous excursions to Vegas were compiled of a mix of sparkly halter tops, foot long margs, $39 hotels and of course, vodka. However, I’m not 22 anymore. I’m 5 years the wiser and I have some sound advice for any Vegas newbie.

1. Stay in a nice hotel. I.e The Mirage.

Our standard room featured an awesome view of the strip, a super-comfy king bed, tasteful modern decor and robes. Coincidentally, it was also neighbored by Caesar’s Palace (hello Forum shops) and the Venetian. Now let’s talk POOL. Despite the fact that I had to pull a J-Wow in order to procure two lounge chairs for the boy and I (and you know I pounced on a little old English couple for one), all was well. Over the duration of our short weekend, we managed close to 7 hours (SPF a’course) at the pool and I savored each moment.

Souvenir Cup!

2. See a show.

Don’t skimp on this one. The Cirque shows basically all rock the hardest, but we saw “Love” and were blown away. “Love” is described as: 

With LOVE, Cirque du Soleil celebrates the musical legacy of The Beatles through their timeless, original recordings. Drawn from the poetry of the lyrics, the show explores the content of the songs as interpreted by innovative performances from a cast of 60 international artists. A youthful, raw energy is channeled through aerial performance, extreme sports and urban freestyle dance.

Here’s a shot of the theater’s lobby. I thought it was awesome that they sold popcorn, candy and BOOZE.

Phone Booth Advertisment for "Love"

I may have peed a little bit when they did “Hey Jude”. Just sayin =).

3. Gamble.

Oh come on. It’s fun! This advice does come with a caveat: If you say, have a gambling problem like Clark Griswold then definitely steer clear of the casino. But for anyone else like me, who likes their money kind of alot, put aside an amount of money that you’re comfortable with and have fun! My gambling opinions? Don’t play slots. Unless you like to mindlessly bet your hard-earned cash on trying to get 4 smiley faces to line up, skip this one. It’s boring and the cocktail waitresses seemed to ignore us (although maybe that’s because we were on the penny slots…). Also, I abstain from playing any kind of blackjack or poker. It’s intimidating for me when other human beings are involved. I start sweating.

Instead, a more approachable idea is to play video blackjack or poker. Keep in mind the margin of winning the video versions of these games is significantly less than if you play with  human beings. The perk however, is that you can play $1 hands as opposed to $25 hands (which is the minimum at most tables). Also, if you scope out a bar that hosts a bank of these machines and you’re nice to the bartenders – you’re drinkin for free. Bryan and I did this every night, broke even and were served several delicious drinks – on the house. I felt like a pimp. A pimp with a Hello Kitty necklace on.

5. Eat delicious food. Vegas boasts some of the best restaurants in the country and my advice is – chow dizown. For a fro-yo eating, cupcake-lovin gal like myself – I was in HEAVEN. The only thing that could have made it better was if I had puppies surrounding me and maybe the cast from Wicked. I had frozen yogurt at Blizz (at the Mirage) like errday and also rocked Serendipity and the Sugar Factory.

Iced Coffee by the Pool

My Breakfast by the Pool - Berries and Toast

Bryan's Breakfast by the Pool - Breakfast Burrito

Burger at BLT Burger

Dinner Before the Show at Sushi Roku

Lunch at the Paris

Here are some other foodie-type pics I deemed pretty sweet:

Chocolate Fountain at the Bellagio

And Another...

Gelato at Caesar's Palace

World's Largest Gummy Bear

4. Have 2nd dinner. This is paramount guys. One missed 2nd dinner and you may be hurtin the next day and have to take a Pedialyte hard to the face. On Friday and Saturday we dined around 7:30 and then with gambling/drinking/clubbing until 2, homegirl needed her sustenance. We had flatbread and salads 2 nights in a row at The Cheescake Factory (open 24 hours thank you) and yours truly managed to slay one basket of bread alone. Both nights. Hollller.

Pre 2nd Dinner

6. Buy things. Over the course of this minication – I managed to spend a purtty little penny. Most money was spent at H&M (duh) and…Coach. It was not a drunk-buy. It was a well planned out, methodical, economical purchase. Ok, maybe it was a teensy bit alcohol induced. But hey, people gamble away hundreds of dollars in Vegas everyday! At least I came out of it with a cute, summery handbag right?!

Audrey Canvas Sling

It's Real

Also, after pining over the couture bejeweled lollipops owned by many celebs, Bryan bought me one. Oh, and it’s Hello Kitty. Don’t be jealous.

They even come with caps for the lollipop part, so you can enjoy as much or as little as you like and save the rest for later. Genius, I know.

Even Holly Madison has one! Who I didn’t meet, but apparently she would be signing books next weekend. Grrrr…

7. Where stylish, yet comfortable clothing and makeup. I succeeded in this for the most part except once. Two words: False. Eyelashes.

Halloween '08. Killa Lashes

Disclaimer: I have successfully worn false eyelashes dozens of times, with no hiccups. This time however, was an exception. I struggled with them while getting ready for close to 20 minutes. Then I made the decision to cut them in half and simply wear them on the outer-corners of my eyes. Totes Sofia Loren right? Maybe it was the fact that they cost $1.99. Maybe it was the dry, Vegas air. Or maybe it was my shaky, awkward hands. Whatever the case, I got them on but after “Love” my eyes were a’burnin. As we sat down at the video blackjack table and had consumed a couple bevs, I made the bold decision to rip them off. And rip I did. Suprisingly, the glue gave way fairly easily and before you could say “Wayne Newton”, I was back to natural. 100% Natalie lashes. However, I did look a little bit like a hairless cat, ala Mister Bigelsworth so I promptly threw on my Bans and said “When in rome!”. Not applicable but we were at the Venetian so you get it.

A More Successful Makeup Application

All in all, the trip was majesty. It was shining, shimmering splendid.

Gardens at the Bellagio

As the song says, “I love Vegas the springtime, I love Vegas in the fall…” 😉

Have you ever been to Vegas? What is your favorite thing to do there?

A Spring in the Hole

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 Is worth two in the bush! Am I right?!

Jackson Hole

Famous Pic of JH

The weather in Jackson is truly an anomaly. One day I find myself pulling out rainboots and a coat and the next I’m sparkling (because I DON’T sweat, I sparkle) at work in jeans and a tee. Then there are the days when it could go either way and I presumptuously opt for a more “springy” outfit and wind up walking around with snow in my ballet flats. My advice: Don’t force it people. If the weather looks sketch, sway towards practical instead of hopeful.

How do Jacksonites get through it?

1.) Drink. Whiskey.

Maybe out of a shotski, maybe not.

Shotski in Action

Carrie Underwood once said, “Right now, he’s prolly buyin her some fruity-little-drink cuz she can’t shoot the whiskey”. The girl she’s talking about? That’s me. I love m’gimmies. AND fruity-little-drinks.

*A shotski is basically an old ski that has shot glasses glued to it, allowing multiple people to take shots at the same time. The one pictured is made by Holly’s boyfriend Matt – this one is fold-able, has squishy cups AND a backstrap. Holla.

2.) Be active.

Me at a 5K in Richland, WA

People in Jackson are fit-beings. Of course, the occasional trailoricious person will sneak up on ya in the Browse n’ Buy (the thrift store I frequent), but they about as elusive as a college grad on Jersey Shore. By and large, a typical Saturday in the life of many Jacksonites reads something like this:

  • Wake up at 7 am.
  • Do not shower. Put on outfit consisting of Patagonia, Prana and Smart Wool.
  • If a man – trim beard. If a woman – trim beard. Hehe, jk.
  • Drink organic, sustainable, free trade coffee with steamed almond milk.
  • Purchase gourmet dog treats (also organic).  Place treats in re-useable tote.
  • Consume Tram Bar. Fill Sigg.
  • Pack a modest bagged lunch purchased at Backcountry Provisions in Gregory backpack.
  • Be active WITH dog for 8 hours solid.
  • Meet friends for brews and re-live experiences of the day.
  • Shots of whiskey and subsequently consume a Billy’s Burger.
  • Pass out in your house with other 4 roommates and their dogs.

I don’t feel too bad about this one since I am an active gal myself. As Bryan once described it, my fantasy out-doors day would consist of “a long pancake hike (meaning no elevation gain) where we sleep in a quaint little cabin with a fireplace, hoards of candy, small dogs  and a FULLY-stocked bar. The next day we make S-Bux Pike Place Roast and hike back out.” NAILED it honey. Sassafras for sheeez.

3.) Work y’ass off.

Since moving to Jackson, I’ve had more than my fair share of jobs. Cough-five-cough. In less than a year. What?! Gimme a break – None have involved flipping burgers, telemarketing or turning tricks – that’s the good news. However, I hate to inform you that I have partook in the following:

  • Re-filled enough iced teas to fill Oprah’s swimming pool.
  • Woke up at 5 am 5 out 7 days and worked for a horror of a human being (who shall remain nameless) and POOLED TIPS. I peaced the eff out of that hot mess after 1 month.
  • Tried to seat dozens of ravenous, horrible, snooty skiers who smelled like ham and cheese at a restaurant on a ski resort.

Holly and I Slaying Some Glassware

World's WORST uniforms - Hello Star Trek

And YES – Holly and I have worked at all the same places since we’ve moved here. Two peas in a pod, we are.

4.) Take a vaca.

Probably the smartest and most obvious way to avoid the Jackson-Spring-Blues is to travel. Most locals flee this town in the off-seasons and for good reason, taking trips all over the world. Between Bry and I – we’ve been to Costa Rica, Hawaii, Panama, Africa and Argentina during these off seasons. Traveling lends itself well to people who work F&B or hospitality jobs. Lots of people make oodles of dough during the busy tourist seasons and then live off those funds while abroad.

In Kroger National Park, South Africa

Bryan at Basecamp of Aconcagua

5.) HOPE

It’s a four letter word far more powerful than some of it’s relatives…well sometimes . Jacksonites hold out hope for summer for many reasons.

– Rafting on the Snake River. Cue whiskey and PBR.

White Wata

– Sitting on the balcony of the Town Square Tavern and making fun of tourists sporting cowboy hats and fanny packs watching the “shootout” on the town square.

So. Cheese.

– Targhee Bluegrass Fest, the Chicken Fry and THE FAIR.

Git It

– Climbing the Grand.

Bryan on the Summit of The Grand - Elevation 13,770 feet

– Hiking the many gorgeous trails.

Nice Face

– Watching Old Faithful shoot off in 60-70 minute increments (yes, that’s how often it goes off).

Mom and I with Yellowstone Park Rangers at Old Faithful

So there you have it. The perfect formula to persevere through the Jackson-Spring-Blues.

How do you get through gross Spring weather?