Spray Park Hike

September 12, 2013September 13, 20133 Comments

Helllllo lovelies!

Today I am here to introduce you to my newly discovered hiking essential – wine. Hiking with wine (wiking?) is actually fairly simple and involves the following essential elements:

a hiking trail
wine

It all started with an innocent Christmas present which Bryan bestowed unto his Dad – “a fully chauffeured and personally-guided hike with views of Mt. Rainier and gourmet picnic lunch”. I figured wine would play a part in the lunch, as neither Bryan nor I are strangers to consuming beer, wine and the like whilst climbing up a mountain – and well, it did.

Our Sunday began as so many do, with Starbucks and plenty of excited chatter about the day’s events. We reached the overflowing parking lot at Mowich Lake around 10:30 am and laced up our shoes. Half a can of bug spray later, we were ready to embark. Oh, and I carried Bryan’s smaller Dakine backpack which smelled heavily of boy and made me feel SO core.

Bry and his Dad stayed close and far ahead as Mary and I lagged behind. But whatevs, we totally caught up on our wedding talk so all was well. Per usual, Bry’s description of the hike as “an easy 3.5 miles with only 1,500 feet of elevation gain” seemed ludicrous as I puffed my way up-hill, trudging switch back after switch back. Thanks alot BRYAN.

We then learned that there was a BEAR on the trail. A bear.

Holly Coleman’s Biggest Fear

This photo is from National Geographic. Not the actual bear on the trail, but you get the idea.

I began to flip out when it dawned on me how everyone else seemed so relaxed about the idea that a behemoth, 250 lb. flesh-ripping beast was in our midst. One guy actually took pictures of it from mere yards away!

If living in Jackson Hole, Wyoming taught me anything it was to ~~drink whiskey~~ fear bears. People carry sprays, wear bells and even blast music to prevent the inevitable nightmare of surprising a bear, or worse, bears in the wilderness. But here in Washington, people were actually hoping to see it and maybe, horror of horrors to PET it.

I realize black bears are not as aggressive or as large as grizzlies (which are native to Jackson Hole) but, come on. They are still wild animals – have we learned nothing from Grizzly Man??

Other than the fact that his beanie was a bad choice?

After a few more twists and turns, I was elated at the sight of Bryan setting his backpack down and unloading our lunch. Yay!

We had turkey, pesto and provolone sandwiches on delicious ciabbatta rolls, Tim’s Cascade potato chips and dun-dun-dun-DAAAHH – Wines. 2 bottles 🙂 These are the times where I truly appreciate my crazy mountain climbing fiance who carried our jackets, water bottles, lunch and 2 bottles of wine in his pack.

The weather took a slight turn for the worse, clouding the magnificent view of Mt. Rainer but ’twas no bother. Our glasses of wine kept us warm and happy.

We parked ourselves atop a warm rock (yes, it was warm), happily ate our lunches and each drank 2-3 glasses of wine. And then…things got fun. Not only were we doing my favorite part of any hike (the way down) but I had a nice bod-buzz to stay loose and entertained.

We happened upon this beautiful waterfall and stood, amazed.

The way out was a breeze! Before I knew it, we were back in the car and I was fighting the urge to snooze. Then I discovered that I had about 3 mosquito bites on each shoulder #FAIL so I tried to discreetly scratch them so that Bry wouldn’t scold me.

I alllways itch my bug bites. Can’t help it.

After we bid my soon-to-be in-laws adieu we made the healthy decision to order a large cheese pizza from Frankies and I bought a liter of Diet Coke. Ajsa!hsdb* I know it’s bad.

Another successful adventure in the Pac N-Dub.

Go me.

What ABC Family Has Taught Me

September 10, 20132 Comments

Sooo….CONFESSION.

I’m kindof a middle schooler.

Actual middle-schooler.

Nothing crazy like butterfly clips or Malibu Musk, but let’s call a spade a spade. Sister Megan will attest to my never ending urge to match my eye shadow to my outfit and carry multiple roller-ball lip glosses. Also, I’m a self-proclaimed Disney fanatic. Not just for my homegirls, Ariel, Belle, Aurora and Jasmine neither. I like it ALL. HSM1,2 AND 3, Zenon Girl of the 21st Century, Pixar and the Mr. Toad ride at Disneyland.

I enjoy cotton candy, Gushers, cheddar bunnies and lots of other foods which are marketed and largely consumed by children. I still find “The Witches” by Roald Dahl to be one of the scariest books, as well as movie for that matter, of all time.

OMG SO SCARY.

Punky Brewster is still the coolest.

The Barbie aisle at Target calms my nerves.

I think you get the gist. A kid at heart doesn’t begin to cover it.

When I discovered ABC Family I knew it was kismet. A channel highly devoted to harmless sitcoms (which are basically obsolete thanks to reality TV, Showtime and HBO) where the sun is always shining and problems are solved in 45 minutes or less. Since I was the biggest TGIF Fangirl of all time, ABC Family has become my new home. Like a loyal friend you can always count on.

The favorites include:

Pretty Little Liars
Greek
Make it or Break It
Bunheads

I am shuddering as I make this list, because I am well aware of the ridicule I will inevitably receive from friends and family for admitting to watching these shows. Let it be noted I also enjoy such racy and provocative programs as Orange is the New Black, So, you get it. I’m just well-rounded.

So, in no certain order, here is what I have learned from ABC Family:

Lesson No. 1

No matter what happens, you ALWAYS have time to do your hair and makeup.

I learned this lesson from my girls Spencer, Hannah, Aria and Emily. These girls stay up until the wee hours of the morning, running through the forests of Rosewood (where it is always misty) in their haute couture whilst “A” tries to run them over in a car. But the next day at school, they are the picture of perfection. Full faces of makeup, trendy outfits and time to grab coffees before class #yaright.

Lesson No. 2

Being in a fraternity/sorority basically guarantees popularity, status and perpetual partying.

Since my fiance was in a fraternity, I have had the great pleasure of grilling him about each and everything I see and hear on the show Greek. “BRY! Did you have a secret handshake/password/ritual?”. I have also learned that if you pledge Kappa Tau, the “actives” will make you go to class wearing women’s clothing during “hell week”. If you’re a Zeta Beta Zeta (or ZBZ) you may want to be elected “social chair” so you can be in charge of “mixers”.

Lesson No. 3

You can overcome a broken back, open heart surgery and extreme weight loss/gain and make it to the Olympics.

Among many things, Make it or Break it shows us that anything is possible. Payson thinks she has to end her career due to a debilitating back injury – but due to a break though medical procedure 1 episode later, she is patched up and on the Olympic path once again. Lauren and Kaylie prove that having heart surgery and a serious bout of anorexia aint no thang. The gals make the Olympic team and sadly, the show ended there.

Lesson No. 4

Just because you’re a Vegas Show Girl doesn’t mean you won’t wind up teaching ballet to a bunch of tweens in a sleepy seaside town.

This show begs us to keep our dreams alive! Or maybe they all do that…Our heroine Michelle (played by Broadway star Sutton Foster) spits rapid fire dialogue reminiscent of the oldie-but-goodie, Gilmore Girls. So I guess I also learned to stay sassy too.

Lesson No. 5

When in doubt – furrow your brow, tuck your hair behind your ears and softly proclaim “I just need some time…”.

The culmination of lessons learned from each and every show on ABC family has taught us all the importance of speaking softly, taking slow walks with our hands in our pockets and looking out into the distance from a window-seat.

Or was that Felicity?

Either way, let us applaud the PG-13 dialogue and no-name actors. Les us bask in the sappy one-liners.

Let’s hear it for ABC Family.

Walgreens Makeup Haul

September 5, 20132 Comments

Hello friends!

Attempt at showing off my lipstick color – FAIL.

Because I know each and every one of you are chomping at the bits to see the gems I procured at the drugstore the other day, I thought I’d appease everyone’s appetites and share this wee haul. After a rainy lunch break errand of picking up my license tabs, I reasoned that I had earned myself a little “treat”.

Often time, my “treats” include hours of Orange is the New Black or a fountain soda. This time, I opted for lip and nail products I had been seeing all over YouTube and the internets.

Here’s what I got:

Wet’n’Wild Nail Polish in Red Red- .99

Fleur recommended this polish on her blog and for a buck? Please.

Wet’n’Wild Mega Last Lipsticks in Just Peachy and Think Pink – $1.99 each

These colors were purchased because of Alli, or Makeup by Alli who has the same taste as I do in lipsticks. Smart girl.

Just Peachy

Think Pink

Wet’n’Wild Fergie Center Stage Collection, Perfect Pout Lipcolor in V.I.Pink $2.39 (on sale).

Jordana Twist & Shout Moisturizing Balm Stain in Sweet Pink $3.29

Merci Leighann for introducing me to this gorgeous pink from Jordana (a rather elusive brand). It’s purty.

Sinful Colors Nail Polish in Over It $1.99

Tressemme Tres Two Extra Hold Hair Spray $3.99

I also got some Nacho Cheese Doritos to round it all out.

August Empties

August 29, 201311 Comments

Happy Thursday Tootsies!

As the title suggests, prepare yourselves to discover what I have been loving and maybe not-so loving over the past few months. As a “waste not, want not” kind-of gal, I have to truly despise a product to cease and desist it’s use.

Much like Miley Cyrus’ relationship with clothing.

So – in no certain order, I give you the products I have conquered:

1. Tresseme Dry Shampoo

I have already shared my lukewarm feelings for this brand of dry shampoo. However, in a pinch at $3.99 I succumbed and as a result, have dealt with ashy color and the unpleasant texture this leaves behind.

2. L’oreal Collagen Mascara

I have now gone through 2 or 3 tubes of this mascara and lemmejustsay, I am in love. I began to include this product in my “mascara lineup” and have reaped the benefits of the large, bristley, almost goopy wand. When paired with respective separating and lengthening formulas – this mascara teams up to knock your lashes outta the park.

Apologies for the sports analogy.

3. Secret Outlast Deodorant

Apparently I am going there…and this one was just aight. I recently became OBSESSED with this old Secret deodorant I discovered in my Mom’s bathroom drawer. As a result, I checked each and every store for the past 2 months to find it with no avail. Damn limited editions! Then, the other day whilst contemplating jet black vs. carbon black eyeliner at Bartell’s I decided to check the deo section. And there it stood in all it’s radiant glory. I bought two and immediately called Bryan, letting him know, “I found the good deodorant!” He was not as thrilled.

4. Revlon Lip Butter in Cupcake

These lip butters have a serious cult following and for good reason. The formula combines the moisturizing elements of a lip butter with buildable, lovely pigmentation and delivers an effortless look with just the right amount of color. I have the colors creme brulee, red velvet and cupcake (well, I had cupcake) and now I am realizing that these are all foods #innerfatkid.

5. Bath and Body Work Body Spray in Pink Chiffon

I still have a few spritzes left of this spray my sister Megan introduced me to. I love SO many scents from B&BW but Pink Chiffon is truly amazing. It is feminine, fresh and sweet – what could be better?!

6. Nivea Smooth Sensation Body Lotion

I buy this lotion because I like the way Nivea products smell and Bry will use it because the packaging is blue. ‘Nuff said.

7. K-Pak Intense Hydrator

I picked up a travel-size of this during Christmas of last year. I like to combine this product with the K-Pak Deep-Penetrating Re-constructor, which is more of a protein treatment. When combined, they make quite the hydrating/strengthening duo! Out to banish my split ends and conquer the world.

8. Essie Topless and Barefoot

Pet Peeve: The moment your nail polish brush can no longer dip easily into the nail color. Thus is the case with my all-time favorite nude polish. IknowIknow, I could add some nail-polish thinner but I don’t have any…which is a good excuse :)! I will re-purchase this color for it’s wearability (even though Essie polish is not my favorite formula) and because it looks so fab with chunky glitter over the top.

9. Bath and Body Works Pillow Mist

I have had this since college. College. What was once used to remedy stressed out nerves before a big exam was most recently used to spruce up extra sheets for our guest bedroom when friends came to stay. I’m a big kid now.

10. Neutrogena Make-Up Wipes

Full Discolsure: I rarely wash my face before bed. When I have the time, I like to lather up my mug – but 90% of the time, I am haphazardly dragging a makeup-removing wipe across my face as I watch Jenna Marbles and eat popsicles. I go through so many in fact, that I saddled up for the Costco pack and have just recently gone through them all. My skin has yet to rebel against me and let it be known that I do use eye creme ~~every night~~ sometimes and I exfoliate bi-weekly in the shower. So there.

11. Meyer’s Countertop Spray in Basil

Not a beauty product. However, I feel this is worth a mention if for nothing else than it’s a-mazing scent. I have become completely addicted to the smell of this spray and find myslef wiping down our counters more often just to fill the room with this fresh aroma. So win-win.

Oh! And a couple other rando beauty faves as of late:

Essie’s “Lady Like” and “Raise Awareness”

Sephora Lipstick in “The Red”

Shameless and dweeby selfie courtesy of yours truly.

What have you used up lately?

Megan and Ben’s Wedding

August 22, 20136 Comments

Hello Mates!

In an attempt to tackle what could easily be the most wordy, emotional and just plain long post – I have wisely decided to go down another path. The path less traveled. The path that is sprinkled with photos and witty anecdotes, free of mile-long paragraphs and steep pitches of run-on sentences.

How do I plan to do this?

I am channeling my inner minimalist and hoping the random sampling of photos will somehow resemble a post that is worthy of such a spectacular day. Like unwelcome wedding guests, nerves, anxiousness and worry somehow reared their ugly heads. Luckily sheer joy, love and laughter persevered above all.

It wasn’t a perfect day. Seams were ripped, sweat permeated satin and raindrops fell. I don’t know about the bride, but I wouldn’t have changed a thing.

So, with no further adieu – I give you, my loyal readers…

Megan and Ben’s Wedding – The Top Ten List

1. Decorating!

2. The rehearsal dinner

The Johnson Siblings

Girls and ~~Boys~~ Girls

3. Getting our Nails Did

4. Getting our Hurrs Did

Ol’ Crazy Eyes

POMPADOR

Ouch!

5. Getting Ready

Pluckage

Tiny Chloe

6. The Ceremony

Strutting

Adorbs

Double Fisting

Just look at my face.

7. Seeing Friends and Family at the Reception

Bridesmaid Entrance

8. Cutting a RUG

9. DRINKING and CAKE

Melting my heart.

10. Seeing my big sister the happiest ever

Venue: Terra Blanca Winery
Dress: La Belle Elaine’s
Bridesmaid Dresses: Purple Parasol and David’s Bridal
Food: Twigs
Flowers: Twigs and Petals
Nice Photos by: My Talented Aunt Judy and Andrea Starr Photography
Ring: Dodson’s Jewelers

Survey Says!

August 16, 2013Leave a comment

A fun Friday treat!

…much like this “senior picture” I found from a million years ago.

Lacy tank? Check.

Where were you 3 hours ago? At work. At my desk. Shoulders hunched.
Who are you in love with? Bryan Arthur Nash.
Is there anything pink within 10 feet of you? Yes. Sparkling Pink Champagne Pocket Bac from Bath & Body Works.
When is the last time you went to the mall? Last weekend. Columbia Center – what what?!
What was the last thing you had to drink? Water!
What are you wearing right now? Jeans and a striped/polka dot sweater from the Gap. It be cold in hurr.
Last food that you ate? Mott’s Fruit Snacks.
Where were you last week at this time? At my sister’s rehearsal running around in the 100 degree heat like a banshee with my face falling down my neck.
When is the last time you ran? The prehistoric age.
What’s the last sporting event you watched? Mariners Baseball game.
What is your favorite animal? Small dogs. Emphasis on chihuahuas, King Charles cavaliers and teacup yorkies.
Your dream vacation? New Zealand, Croatia, St. Tropez and Detroit, Michigan (haha just kidding).
Worst injury you’ve ever had? Either when I burned my entire palm on a grill pan (named the blister and everything) or when I broke my elbow playing volleyball.
Last play you saw? Grey Gardens!
What are your plans for tonight? Possibly strolling around Kirkland! If not, then a bowl of Kix and Az4Angela on YouTube.
Next trip you are going to take? Hawaii in October 🙂
Ever go to camp? Yes, Girl Scout camp like err summer. #CampWooten
Were you an honor roll student in school? I was on principals list (remember that?!) And graduated cum laude from Whitworth.
Are you wearing any perfume or cologne? Jo Malone English Pear and Freesia.
What are you listening to right now? Mad Money on CNBC – day trada! Just kidding I work at an investment firm so it is always on.
Do you collect anything? Antique sugar bowls. And I can’t wait to display them in an actual dining room someday!
Last time you got stopped by a cop or pulled over? In college, right before a final exam.
Last time you took a shower? Washed my hurr 3 days ago. Body shower yesterday. Lady Bath this morning.
Do you need to do laundry? Always.
Favorite makeup product? Mascara.

KTHANKSBYE

2013 Summer Reads

August 6, 2013October 16, 20133 Comments

Sup Nerds!

Although my reading has slowed these summer months, the selections I’ve made continue to sparkle. Whether I’m at the lake, or turned awkwardly sideways in bed with my headlamp on (so Bry can sleep) I have thoroughly enjoyed all that my eyes have consumed.

Oh, and after my recent visit to the eye doctor I’ve learned I have developed astigmatism! Three cheers for gettin old!

Here’s the lineup:

This book is easily my favorite of the year so far. Hilarity ensues throughout the entirety of this brilliant novel, made even better (for me) by the fact that it takes place in Seattle. It is written from all different points of view and contexts, letters, emails, even news articles. And the dialogue? Bernadette’s inner voice and bazaar idiosyncrasies mixed with the contemplations of those surrounding her make for one heck of a good time as we glimpse into life of a woman stricken with social anxiety, married to a Microsoft guru and treading the waters of Seattle’s elite private schools for her brainiac daughter.

Switching gears (get it? the bike!) to this novel written by the author of the famous, “French Women Don’t Get Fat” I discovered yet again, that french women must have it all figured out. Not one for diet books of any kind, I dove into this not really knowing what to expect. And to be honest, I didn’t learn anything new. Eat seasonally and locally. Sip wine very slowly. Walk everywhere. Quality over quantity people! Really? Yep – pretty sure I already knew all that. I did learn more about the “leek soup diet” which french women supposedly do 2-3 times per month. Leeks are boiled in water for a couple hours and the broth is consumed, and only the broth, for a day or two.

I much prefer the candy corn diet via Romy and Michele.

In keeping with the français theme, “Almost French” tells the story of a young Australian woman who decides to visit a Frenchmen she met on travel in Paris. She stays a week, a month, a year and ends up living there full-time, experiencing all things Parisian. I really enjoyed this book if not for the beautiful depictions of the city, than the relationship between her and Frederic and trying to make it as a “intercultural” couple. I learned heaps about Paris, French culture and the pride of the people of France. I plan to return to Paris and put my new found knowledge to good use, not being overly friendly to waiters, sipping my wine slowly and abstaining from speaking to fill awkward silences.

I mentioned reading this book whilst on holiday at Lake Chelan, remember? This clever novel is told through letters written by various characters through out the entire book. It starts just after WW2 and gives a vivid glimpse of the lives of the Guernsey Islanders during the German Occupation. A sucker for good WW2 lit, this novel pulled me in from page 1, like a proverbial moth to the flame.

I am reading this currently and so far, so good. The cover is nice, and like any honest and avid reader – I definitely judge books by their covers :).