Summer Beauty Favorites

July 30, 20135 Comments

Hello Beauties!

I love my bathroom. I use the term “my” because mostly it’s me who uses it. We are lucky enough to house 2 bathrooms in our little apartment and Bry has slowly migrated to the other. #seperatebutequal.

Being allowed this luxury has meant filling it up with products and relishing the fact that I can do this. It has meant finding some duds along the way but also discovering potions that have seriously changed my life. A good product will do that for ya, I promise.

In no certain order, here are the standouts from my 2013 summer beauty collection:

The Pacifica Coconut Crushed Pearl Bronzing Body Butter came from a recent Ipsy bag I received. Sidenote: Ipsy is amazing. Best beauty box on the market if you ask me – and for $10 per month? Come on – put her there! It smells like an absolute dream and gives a deliciously subtle shimmer to the skin, along with providing a bit of a tint.

The Origins Vitazing is another product I got thanks to Tiffany D. I have used it more during these summer months, when my skin needs less coverage and more sun protection – and have grown very fond. To be honest – when I first used it, I thought it was giving me spots (zits) but I haven’t had such problems since then. I feel this product gives me a radiance as well as a nice dose of moisture without looking greasy. The SPF is a welcome addition, making this the perfect summer moisturizer in my book.

Forget everything you think you knew about black liquid liner. This Wet ‘n’ Wild eyeliner has put other high-end liquid eyeliners to absolute shame with it’s crazy black pigmentation and staying power. I much prefer this guy to do my heavy lifting, be it a precise cat eye or dramatic wing. It stays on, is JET black and costs $3. I curse my Mac blacktrack!

I won’t lie on this blog – I have owned this for probably around 3 years. I realize I am probably smearing expired, bacteria-infested pigments all over my mug but really, don’t we all have a couple things in our makeup bags a tad past their prime? This Physician’s Formula Shimmer Strips compact should be awarded for it’s multi-purpose properties. The colors are gorg on their own worn as eyeshadows or as I do – for my highlight (just keep yer brush in the lighter colors). Along of the cheek bones, down the nose and the cupid’s bow and I feel like a woodland fairy.

Mac Creme Cup. A perfect nudish-pink for a multitude of skin tones. I recently welcomed this color into my life and I haven’t looked back. I wear it in the morning, I wear it at night. Sometimes I put a little in my hair if I’ve had a rough week (name that movie!). It’s perfect.

This is a new-to-me line of hair care products and this Enjoy Instant Reconstructor is a winna. Kimberly from C.Joy Salon used this on me after my recent highlight and my hair actually shined. This doesn’t happen to me. Oil shouldn’t be called liquid gold no mo’ – just sayin. The English Pear and Freesia perfume from Jo Malone. I can’t. I literally have to force myself not to douse my entire body in this everyday. I am convinced that all the other scents on my perfume tray are so jealous of this modest little bottle (because inanimate objects might have feelings).

We all know that self-tanners are my bread and buttah. My wallet silently screamed as I forked over the $40 on this maracuja-infused formula from Tarte but, like so many products I’ve discovered that are well worth the higher price tag, it is indeed “brazilliance”. It has an olive undertone so I was able to say goodbye to my usual oompa-loompa tinge. The fade is brilliant and the package includes a mitt for perfect application. It also has cute packaging, making this the absolute best tanning product I’ve discovered so far. Bold claim, I know.

So that’s it! A menagerie of beauty-enhancing goops. Go get you some.

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Here’s to G-Dot

July 29, 2013Leave a comment

My Grandma Dorothy passed away yesterday and my heart is heavy.

G-Dot was very old at 94 years of age and was indeed, her time to go.

I went home over the weekend and got to say goodbye and she was so small. I held her hand. I cried.

My Aunt, mom and sister reminisced the ol’days at grandmas. The Pinwheel cookies, her TV that sat on the ground where we watched hours of Nickelodeon. Her toaster that made the perfect slice. The hundreds of dandelions I picked from her yard for a penny each and the trips to the dollar store to spend my money.The way she called Amelia Bedelia “A.B”. Christmases in her front room. Trips to Barb & Ed’s for dinner and ice cream at DK’s.

We love you G-Dot. We will miss you every day.

Megan’s Bachelorette

July 26, 2013July 26, 20131 Comment

Aloha Blogerinos! (Name that YouTuber!)

With the traces of my hangover bidding my body a reluctant adieu, I finally feel up to the task of attacking this momentous occasion with my vernacular words and set it free on the internets. So, let’s go.

Friday began with a much needed highlight. I went to C.Joy Salon here in Redmond and told the stylist Kimberly of the saga that is my hair. We agreed on a full highlight – combining some bright blonde with a few low-lights for S’s and G’s.

Here’s the before:

Accidental Ombre

And the after:

My car is the best for selfies

Saturday morn – I got up and slathered instant-tan all over m’self, curled the eyelashes real nice and headed to the Q to pick up mimosa fixins and a box of Top Pots (donuts) to take to the nail place we reserved at 11 am. I dispensed mimosas, pink feather boa donuts and of course my Danielson-charm as we dipped our feet into the swirling blue water and slipped into pedi-heaven.

The spread

The nail place turned out to be perfect – hat tip to Karen for the recommendation! I loved the power ballad instrumentals they played and the Sharper Image chairs…the “upper-back roll” was my jam.

Meg and Jen

“Everyone look at the camera!” Nan looks down. hahahahhha

Amy is participating!

Lil Meg

After that, ’twas off to Purple Cafe in Bellevue where we were seated in our own personal wine cove.

We had a delicious lunch of sandwiches, salads, soup and of course – the signature salted caramels and then scampered off to Bellevue Square for a little shopping.

Paparazzi shot

The Nordstrom Anniversay sale is on and oh law – the money I could spend on limited edition Mac gift sets. Swoon. We had fun trying on lipsticks for the wedding, ogling over Tory Burch purses and hyperventilating over anything at Chanel. Oh, and sadly the Soliel Tan de Chanel is completely sold out like everywhere :(.

Rachel trying Candy Yum-Yum

Angel and Creme-Cup

Ray-Ray and I left the mall a little early to head back to my house to prep for the party. I picked up my bestie Holls (that is the balls) and squeezed the bejesus out of her little body. We hung up my paper chains, made peeny linguine and hung up a poster of the Bieber. So basically…

Cutouts courtesy of Miss Coleman

Rachel’s Famous Oreo Balls

Cotton candy cookies

Be jealous.

We all slipped in to our LBD’s, heels and mini-tiaras and that was that. It was sweltering and because we have NO A.C everybody’s faces were melting into the carpet.

My LBD from Targs

So, we carried the food, dranks and other bits on to the patio and resumed our phallic conversations in the comfort of my apartment’s courtyard.

Holly showcasing her straw

The drinks were flowin and the shenanigans, growin. We moved inside to open presents where Meg received negligee of all kinds.

She also got a surprise from our other favorite YouTuber, Az4Angela! I ordered Megan candles from her online store and Ang was kind enough to send Megan a lil’ something. Thanks Angela!

After the formality of opening gifts, we moved on to more indecent activities like blasting rap and 1D while dancing PG-13. A conga line may have formed, I don’t know.

We played a rousing game of pecker toss, which is much harder than it looks and I may have accidentally played Party in the USA like on repeat.

Wrong on sooo many levels

Tossin’

Frisbee method

Not sure about this method

Holly and I then decided it the appropriate time to introduce the evening’s signature cocktail – chocolate cake shots.

Draaanks

Since the party has ended, the chocolate cake shots have been subject to public conjecture as to whether or not they were to blame for the craziness that ensued through out the evening. Jury’s still out.

Cake topper from Etsy

We piled into a couple of cars (the driver’s sober) and were whisked into Kirkland with the goal of filling out our trusty bachelorette check-list cards before the night ended.

Holly started us off with vodka-redbulls and Meg got right to work by asking a group of older gentlemen if any of their names were Ben Johnson. Aww girl.

Upon arrival at the bars, I pulled out my phone to send a location update and realized drunk logic made me grab Amy’s work phone since they were both white iPhone 4s. #FAIL. Also, Rachel forgot her phone and Meg had 2% battery left. Everything was SO organized.

The night was a veritable circus of all things bachelorette – we took shots of Fireball (delish), danced with Kirkland gays (hey-o!) and managed to get down to the tunes all the youngins are listening to. All while accumulating marital advice on paper napkins and nearly convincing a man to give us his underwear (Amers was in charge of that one).

Megan made friends with a couple a Russian men and I thought it cute to come bombing into the middle of their conversation, sloppily proclaiming “BORSCHT!!” (the one and only word I know in Russian), laughing like a hyena and trying to be funny.

We managed to stuff ourselves into a cab around 2 am and for me, things got all kinds-o-hazy. Rach set out for Jack in the Box while I (apparently) helped get all the air beds inflated and bedding distributed.

I am told that everyone else had a smashing time upon Rachel’s return, feasting on burgers, fries and gulping water while watching late-night television.

I, on the other-hand took a different route:

So did Amy

Hahahahaaaaaaaaaaahhahahhahaa

Bryan made his return from camping around 11 am the next morning and got to experience the text convo between Rachel and I. So hilar – I can’t remember when I have laughed so hard.

The rest of the day was spent nursing my hangover with Chipotle, popsicles and Lincoln on Redbox. Planning and executing an entire day of activities at multiple locations was fun but completely exhausting – therefore I am using that as my excuse for my decision to PTFO.

Yes, indeed.

A Very Rainier Weekend

July 18, 2013July 19, 20136 Comments

Yodle-ay-hee-hoo!

Spending more than 48 hours in the great out-of-doors makes me feel like yodeling.

As I sit down to type this post of epic proportions, I have to wonder how it went by so darn fast. It seems like yesterday we were at QFC, filling our cart with Bud Light Limes and Hebrew Nats. Perhaps that’s where I should start, n’est pas?

Firewood, beer, hot dogs and bug spray. These are just a few of the supplies Bry and I snagged on Friday in preparation for our first official camping trip in Washington since our September move further west! Bry had mapped out our Saturday schedule which looked a little something like this:

4:00 am – Wake up
4:30 am – Drive to camping ground at White River
7:00 am – Arrive to camp-spot
9:00 am – Begin day hike to Sunrise
1:00 pm – Lunch break at Sunrise Visitor Center
2:00 pm – Hike Wonderland Trail back to camp spot
3:30 pm – Arrive camp spot

The 4 am wake up was just wonderful. Brought me right back to my days working at the Starbucks in the Davenport Hotel. I used to sleep in my uniform.

I rolled myself into the Jeep and surrounded myself with pillows and blankets while Bryan hit the 24-hour Starbucks in Kirkland for a venti misto. I awoke as Bryan pulled into the campsite at White River and marveled at well, the White River. It really is white. Very LOTRish.

We finagled our camping spot and Bry Jet-Boiled me up a VIA to combat the low temps. I slapped my face a few times (Harry from Dumb & Dumber style) and completed a set of 25 jumping jacks to wake up my lethargic stems. Then, we hit the tray-tray.

The spot

It started off with a gradual incline and after only 15 minutes I inquired as to the length of our excurion. We thought we were in for a 10 mile day which sounded about as good as a soggy ham sammy on a hot day. I got the majority of my complaints out within the first hour of the hike…’my legs hurt’, ‘so how far is it again?’, ‘I wish we could just switch bodies so you knew how I feel’…

I spoke of the heaps of work I had in front of me – preparing for Megan’s bachelorette party the coming weekend by making a cake, shopping for my LBD (the theme), securing a lunch reservation and buying a gift. OH – not to mention cleaning our entire apartment. No sweat, Nat. It’ll all come together. So, I pulled up my already-above-the-bellybutton gray hiking pants from REI and pressed on.

The trail evened out, got steeper, evened out, got steeper. We had traveled 3 miles on our way to Glacier Basin, when Bry decided to bag the idea and just head on up to Sunrise. So, we did an about-face and half a mile later were back at the fork to hike the 5 miles up to Sunrise. I pulled my hair back, made my pants into shorts and got all gangsta.

Most beautiful girl in the world.

Every time I told myself “This sucks – I want to be at home cleaning out my tub – organizing my sh*t – watching makeup tutorials – eating Pirate’s Booty t”, I just had to take a step back, quite literally. Here I was, on this absolutely gorgeous trail with hardly any other people, taking in views of Rainier in all her majesty, eating trail mix and spending time with my favorite person in the world.

I look like a wet dog.

We reached the top of Sunrise and I was elated at the view, beautiful surroundings and the fact that the uphill portion of the day was DONE.

Ohhh the white socks.

Although trekking up the mountain was behind us, it turns out the dangers were not. We approached a snow field and as we drew nearer, I was realized it was looking a little steep. Bry grabbed my hand and said, “I’ll go first and we’ll go nice and slow.” TWSS. Oh – and might I add that I was wearing flimsy cross-trainers from Fred Meyer? Balls.

As we crossed the sloping snow field, I looked down to my right and realized that one false step could result in sliding quite quickly down the embankment of snow into a pool of jagged rocks at the bottom. I surmised that falling down the mountain may not result in instant death, rather a most frightening fall. Reaching the other side safely, I realized what I had just done and decided it was a good time to cry a little. So I did…

We hiked a bit further, played the “last meal” game and wouldn’t you know it? Hit yet another snow field! This one was quite a bit longer than the first. We held hands, steadied ourselves again the snowy mountain and after a 2 minute sloooow trek, had reached the other side.

Yeah, we didn’t.

After our snow field excursions, my mood was quickly lifted at the sight of mountain goats. You heard me. There were mommas and babies and well, it was pretty cool.

It wasn’t long after the goats, that we had reached the visitors center! We sat at a picnic table, gobbled down our turkey + swiss sandwiches and Tim’s Cascade chips and then inquired inside as to the quickest way down.

We made our way back down the mile long road to get back to the trail head and then took the famous wonderland trail back to camp. Glancing at the map at the visitor’s center, it looked like a somewhat straight shot back down – we figured no more then a couple of miles. We learned it was about 3.5 after hitting a trail marker a good chunk into it, but obviously we were on our way DOWN so everything was peachy.

We reached camp around 3:30 pm and after changing out of our dirty clothes and applying some Pink Chiffon body spray (or was that just me?) we settled into our camp chairs with PBRs and sore legs. ‘Murica.

Yes, we put up that American flag.

No clue how Bry got this pic!

I read my Brides magazine and sipped a vodka + soda outta the Nalgene while Bryan set up our new tent from Targs. We really glamped it up this time by bringing along our air mattress.

As the sun fell slowly behind the mountains and the sound of the White River hummed peacefully in our ears, it made me blissfully aware of the reason why I do indeed enjoy putting myself through all this. The grueling accents uphill, the bugs, the snow fields, the unexpected. It is frustrating and annoying, yet also fun. I have to get in my obligatory 15 minutes or so of complaints, tell myself there is about a million other things I should be doing – but at the end of the day, I am always glad I did it.

Yep.

We made our dinner of Hebrew Nationals and potato chips, polished off a couple more beers and satisfied our sweet teeths with Rainbow Chips Deluxe.

Man and Firewood

Then we hit the air (?) in our respective sleeping bags, mine the -30 degree mummy bag which kept me wonderfully cozy and helped coax me in to a deep, scrumptious slumber within seconds.

Sunday morning I woke up to Bry asking me if I wanted to go on a “nature walk”. I think he was trying to disguise the word “hike” as best he could. I gave me a “heeell to the nah” and promptly turned over for a 45 minute snooze while Bryan eked in his last moments in “neature”.

I emerged from the comfort of our tent at the promise of a steaming cup of VIA and after once glimpse in the car window, realized I literally looked like I belonged in the wilderness. Then we packed up and hit the road early, only stopping in Enumclaw for a Starbucks and restroom break.

Beautifying

After 2 quick showers, re-packing the cooler with MORE beer and a tub of Boursin – we ventured off to the marina to take out the Nash’s boat.

Fueling up

We picked up our chummies Kyle, Melissa and their little one in Kirkland and spent over 3 wonderful hours hanging on the boat, watching little M experience her first boat ride and catch up.

Little M was SO adorable.

The day was absolutely gorgeous and Mt. Rainier was clear as crystal. I was battling a little fatigue after our 14-mile Saturday, but the great company and beautiful scenery made it just perfect.

After boating, we hit Chipotle (our new obsession) and went home to collapse after our busy weekend in the out-of-doors. I can’t believe how far I have come! Camping, hiking, being dirty – check, check, check!

Oh – and my biggest accomplishment, peeing outside 🙂 but hold your applause, because coming up is sister Megan’s bachelorette party. You know you’re excited.

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Stars and Gripes Forever

July 13, 2013July 17, 20132 Comments

~~Happy 4th of July!~~ Happy July!

As I slowly settled into the work week after 4 glorious days off, I came to a few realizations. This humble little corner of the internet of mine has morphed from recipe repository to adventure log to an outpouring of the ramblings of a wanna be beauty guru. As much as I’d like to think I’ve attracted readers from all corners of the world, I know who is reading: my lovely family and friends. So in light of the fact that most of you open my blog, shake your head at my overuse of the word “cute”, smile at funny pictures and then promptly exit – this is for you.

Other than that long introduction I will be taking the advice of my college journalism professor, K.I.S.S (keep it simple, stupid).

Bry and I’s 4th of July 2013 in a word, was perfect. As mentioned, my family was able to wrangle up a few hot dogs, coolers and roughly 5 10 bottles of wine oh – and the sweetest little mountain cabin you can imagine.

The night prior, Bry and I snagged what will be known forever as “the best $45 we ever spent”.

This would be a two-man intertube, complete with headrests, cupholders, a mesh butt-guard and best of all – a cooler in the middle, holding a shocking 20 + beers.

On Wednesday night, we dined on burgers al fresco.

The 4th of July began with a bang (see what I did there?)! Bacon + pancakes and much excitement for the day’s activities. We started off with a little golfing while Gare kept score.

The soon-to-be Johnsons

Nan in putting position

We then headed into the ‘Worth for a lunch of bavarian delights. Nan and I split a knackwurst and were in hot-dog heaven. After we got home, ol’ Lungs of Steel inflated our “River Run 2”, while Megan, Ben and I struggled with the single tubes.

Pre-float

Icicle Creek was off the chizzle. Seriously a mini lake Havasu. Meg and I sipped our river drinks while Ben and Bry pounded Bud Light Limes and Coors Light. After our float, we came back to the cabin for games and dinner prep. That night we had ribs (compliments of Ben), salad, potatoes and baked beans. After dinner, I ~~PTFO~~ took a quick cat nap while Megan drove the boys into the wilderness to light off a firework or two. Totally safe. I woke up and we had a fire complete with s’mores, camp songs from Nan and an absolutely horrific allergy attack.

Layered Rice Krispie Treats from Nan

mmm

Since the boys had their night of fun on the 4th, we decided to make them pay on the 5th with Danielson-style shopping. Different from typical shopping, we Danielsons like to go in EVERY store, be it a Christmas theme, art gallery or of course – anything 2nd hand. The boys were good sports and trudged along, listening to our “oohs” and “ahs” and holding our purses when we needed them to. Check out the array of treasures.

Candle stores are the best stores.

Who wouldn’t need a large jar in this scent?

And she talked!

Obvi.

We went home for lunch and prepped for another rafting excursion. After floating lazily along the creek once more, we headed back into town for dinner at one of the oldest establishments in Leavenworth and it lookes like grandma’s house.

The night was concluded with a game of shangai rummy, which I manged to lose by staggering numbers and of course my pal Benadryl. We later determined that the cats creepily roaming around the house were probably the culprit for my dramatic allergic reactions.

The vodka Bry and I brought is on the left.

Saturday was spent packing up the car and heading to the Tri so Bryan and I could check out a possible wedding venue for our 2014 nuptials. As soon as we arrived, Bryan and I decided it was time to exercize off the buckets of beer and s’mores by going up Badger Mountain. After our ~~detox~~ workout, we stopped at the store to replensish what we had sweated out – more beer. Because we are smart. Megan and Nan made a delicious BBQ chicken southwest salad concoction of sorts and we washed it down with margs ala Bryan.

On Sunday, Bry and I headed to Walla Walla – the location we have selected to host our wedding next year. We visited a venue that Bryan hadn’t seen before and it was love at first sight. We are signing the papes this week to secure the date…holy baby Jesus this is actually happening.

Delicious Pastries at Olive

My handsome fiance.

Coming up next – getting m’hair did and a camping trip in the Cascades. Time to deep condition and break out the Chacos.

Megan’s Bridal Shower

July 9, 20133 Comments

Holy Birkenstocks – it is hot up in hurr.

Sidenote: I am into Birkenstocks again.

Oh, and I just discoved Bloglovin! #latetotheparty Follow meee!

Temperatures all over the great state of Washington are on the rise and as the scorching UV’s kiss my alabaster shoulders, I can’t help but look back on weekends past and, well, sweat. While Eastern Washington is notoriously hot for much of the year, the weather actually reached a Floridian climate. We felt as if we were smack dab in the middle of the Everglades, hunting crocs and warding off bird-sized bugs. I even have the bites to prove it.

More importantly though, two weeks ago we celebrated Megan’s upcoming marriage by throwing her a shower. And shower her, we did.

My weekend started on Thursday around 4:30, when I peeled off my black slacks in exchange for a pair of cutoffs and hit the road. Braving even the shortest trip in “Cliff”, my two-toned red ’97 Toyota Corolla is a little iffy to say the least but (knock on wood) so far, he hasn’t failed me yet. Cliff doesn’t have an operating CD player or cruise control as well as 2 frustrating speeds for the windshield wipers but what he lacks in amenities, he more than makes up in style and good ol’ fashioned reliability.

I rolled into Kennewick around 7:30 pm, just in time for drinks with the aunties, Meg and my Mom at Azteca. After white-knuckling it up and down the pass while mini-vans angrily whizzed by, I was more than ready for warm chips and a bucket of tequila-laden drinks. Then, it was over to Meg and Ben’s soon-to-be abode for a looksie. We took in the gorgeous view and I had a chance to chat with my sis Rachel for a few minutes while mosquitoes happily chomped away at my lower legs. My blood must have given those skeeters quite the buzz because now, 2 weeks later, I look like a modern-day leper.

Enjoying a nip of Fireball at Ben’s.

That night, Nan and I took inventory of the decorations I have been slaving over for the past couple of months when I discovered the horror of all horrors – I had forgotten the main decoration. The pièce de résistance if you will. I cursed, I wept, I pounded my angry fist into the air. Then we got to work designing an alternative (see pictures below).

The next morning I awoke to perform my usual “being at home” rituals. Woke up wearing Amy’s old soccer shorts and Gonzaga summer camp muscle shirt with pit-stains, went upstairs and got myself a cup of Yuban from our coffee pot which ALWAYS leaks no matter how you pour it, played with Chloe McDoogal the ill-tempered chihuahua and sung the “Your a Little Girl” song I made up on the spot and then proceeded to try on all the millions of beauty products my sister has in her bathroom.

BABY.

We began our Friday as we normally do, with a trip to the Targs. While I found difficulty in selecting a lamp shade to adorn an acrylic lamp base, I easily found the Milani blush I have been on the hunt for. Three cheers for Dolce Pink!

We then went to Starbucks and I selected a delicious tomato and cheese croissant that tasted like pizza. Then we treated ourselves to pedicures. Sadly, I cannot recommend anyone go to Magic Nail (singular) after my sub-par treatment, as there was nothing magical about the inferior, less-than-10-minute job they did on my southern-most extremities #2coatsmyass.

Da Bride.

Nan and Aunt Judy

Appropriate Literature

The Grow-Out Twins!

Around 4:30 I headed over to our family friend Karla’s lovely home to do a little decorating. We hung, arranged, draped and wove various pink accoutrements about the house, fussing over tiny details, laughing at our ourselves and hoping it would all come together. Somehow, we managed to adorn the house tastefully without breaking any bones or using the F word ~~too much~~. Go us.

Calico Critters!!

Take Home Treats

Handsome Prizes

After a lengthy decorating sesh, I found myself jonesing for pizza and my ALL-TIME favoritethingintheworld, Nan’s caesar salad. Megan and I picked up two pies from Yoke’s (Amy’s former employer) and may have accidentally bought eyeliners and eyeshadows at Fred Meyer. Might be doing another beauty post soon because this is best pencil eyeliner from the drugstore EVER:

We feasted on pizza and drank Sminoff Light Vodka mixed with Sprite. Yum.

Ah Yeeeah.

Then Rachel and Jaclyn came over and we played a few rousing hands of shanghai rummy which I lost by a margin of roughly 100 points. Luckily, I had the antics of Jaclyn and Nan to keep me happily entertained.

The next day was the BIG day. I sprang out of bed, went upstairs and scooped up Chloe for a little bouncing like a baby in the kitchen. Clearly, I need a puppy…are you listening Bryan?? The house aflutter with excitement and last minute prep, Nan and I made a dutiful run to the Wal-Mart for almond milk, a chalkboard and a block of Tillamook cheese. The necessities. We were to meet at Karla’s around 11 and it was already 9:45. Megan was in the shower, my hair + makeup were a mess and I still needed to do Nan and my aunt Judy’s makeup. Luckily, with the combination of me being AWESOME and the Policar’s perpetual tardiness, it all worked out.

As I adhered false eyelashes to my face and orangey self tanner to my skin – I had to smile. My big sister Megan was getting married. We got to have a big party for her, all pink and girly, eat cupcakes, open presents, ~~get drunk~~, laugh and cry. Unfortunately I had to snap out of it, I had makeup to apply, cupcakes to pick up and babies to kiss! Well, maybe not babies to kiss…

Snagle Tooth

I quickly pinned a bird in my hair and arrived to Karla’s a little late donning this shirt:

We filled the ice buckets, laid out the cold cuts and with one final spritz of hair spray – the party was ready! Guests began to arrive promptly at one. I did what any amazing hostess would do, took their purse and graciously led them to the spiked punch. Masterminded by my aunties, we served Pink Lady Punch – a delightful concoction of Sprite, Vodka and pink lemonade.

Sister Rachel and Jaclyn

Megan, Grandma Milly and Myself

Sistas

More Sistas

We mingled, nibbled Jewish delicacies like boyos and snapped pictures of adorable party-goers in their Kate Middleton-inspired fascinators. We then dined on yummy chicken salad croissants and fresh fruit while I happily polished off a few more boyos.

Nan and Co.

Boyos. Omg.

As soon as the food was eaten, it was time for my section of the party – the GAMES. Our family, admittedly LOVES to play games. Board games, card games, yard games even MIND games…muahahaha! So when an opportunity presents itself where games are appropriate, we’re all over it. I realized that not all shower guests are as keen on the recreational activities as we are, so I had to roll with the punches.

The first game we played was one I got the idea for from Pinterest (where else?). The point of the game is to match as many movie quotes as you can to the movie it is from. To make it all bridal showery, I selected Meg’s favorite rom-coms. And surprise, surprise – Megan got them all right. I planned to play another game, appropriately labeled “Megan Trivia”, but I was losing my audience. And a good entertainer should know how to revive an otherwise distracted audience…

Yes, we played the “panty game” at Megan’s bridal shower. Typically a bachelorette party game, I was unsure as to how Ben’s 93 year-old grandmother would react to a see-through g-string being waved fervently in her face. But upon my aunties unrelenting persistence, we encouraged guests to choose a pair of underwear that represented their personality and bring it along to the shower to provide Megan a honeymoon trousseau…of sorts.

Everybody was a good sport and improvised by bringing items they may have been more comfortable with – like an apron or flip-flops. Megan guessed wisely and ended up procuring a very interesting array of undergarments and the like in the end.

After that, it was on to the good stuff – PRESENTS. In typical little sister fashion, I was jealous. However, I was happy to see my big sister receive so many thoughtful and amazing things that the green little monster inside of me quickly diminished and I happily, but diligently crafted her bouquet of bows for the rehearsal.

Scarily Excited…

The party concluded with Rachel’s amazing cupcakes, which were filled with scrumptiousness and slathered in a marshmallowy dream.

Rachel is a PRO

We polished off another bottle of wine as we cleaned up and loaded our things into the car. After arriving home, a quick cat-nap and a cold shower later, we were off to dinner at Casa Mia, an east Kennewick establishment. We had yet another pizza, salad and a little more vino for good measure and then it was back to the homestead for another Danielson family favorite: saladbowl.

Normal.

A deconstruction of the classic game shirades, saladbowl is a test of whits, speed and above all-creativity. My allergies had taken a turn for the worse so I proved to be quite the teammate, attempting to elicit Nyquil from Nan when I had already taken the whole medicine cabinet. After a devastating loss, the kiddies decided to go out on “the town”, i.e the Sports Page, while I settled into the couch with my book and benadryl-induced coma.

Sunday started innocently enough. The usual morning coffee, kitchen bouncing with Chloe and chatting with the fam.

I look like a young british man.

I styled Karen’s hair for a wedding she was on her way to and then took off for Redmond. I hit traffic right outside Ellensburg and basically crawled along the highway going between 10-30 MPH for over an hour while listening to a book on tape that I have now heard over 3 times (oh, and I have to use a battery operated boombox to listen to the CDs). I arrived home to our stifling apartment around 6:30, made even worse by the fact that we had stupidly decided to make pizza (yes, my 3rd of the weekend). 4 slices, 2 popsicles and 1 Benadryl later, I hit the hay – a little toasty but absolutely elated at a successful weekend.

Groping and Jaclyn Photo-Bombing

Next up – our adventures in Leavenworth. My family actually got their sh*t together and rented an adorable little cabin for the 4th. Stay tuned for costco-size proportions of vodka, wine and of course GUSHERS.

Yay for summer!

In My Head

June 27, 2013Leave a comment

Cripes!

We’re already nearing the end of June? Blimey! Where has the time gone and why am I talking like the crocodile hunter?

So, Bry rented “Side Effects” the other night. At the start of the movie I was like oh, poor Roons. I understand the crazies and have luckily settled into the right cocktail of serotonin altering goodness, but oh man. The movie turns into MUCH more than Mara-Interrupted and Jude Law is nice to look at.

OH, my hair. My obsession with it is borderline crazy. Amanda Bynes crazy. Btw, what happened to Amanda? I feel like she went from Nickelodeon to Li-Lo in like 4 seconds. I have written multiple times about the state of my hair and because I know y’all are dying to know, it has shown little improvement. I use protein treatments, heavy conditioners and oils from Morocco and while they all contribute to a minuscule amount positive results only recognizable by me, overall I still look like a before picture. My esoteric motives for smearing clay all over my head are, in hindsight, quite puzzling. I’ve got a 4 inch deep white-trash halo and Bryan has said, “I didn’t know you had brown hair!”.

Not happy

It’s time to face the hair stylist. Who will inevitably run her fingers through my straw-like locks and announce a recommendation for a 3 inch trim. Her words will be like a wrecking ball, forcing it’s way through months of enduring greasy hair, snide comments and the painstaking trimming of individual split-ends while watching TV. I’ll bleakly surrender and cry silent tears as I return to my previous state of mediocrity.

On the homeless man front, I keep running into the same homeless man. Not being especially used to the bum population of the greater Seattle area, I find myself behaving fairly awkwardly. I realize bum is not the most politically correct term, but it is after all, my blog :).

I first encountered said bum in line at the 7-11 by my office (I hope my Dad isn’t reading or he will insist I work in a “bad area of town”). The next day, we crossed the street together. Two days later, he was buying the following items at Safeway: Cheetos, fried chicken and a 1-liter bottle of Mountain Dew. I must applaud him on his choices. Each time I have encountered this man, I have not avoided eye contact. I mean, he is a human even if he does wreak of urine. I smile, but the look on my face probably reads a bit more truthful – ‘I am smiling because I feel bad for you but I don’t want to make you feel bad so I am gonna keep smiling’. Other awkwardness appeared when I held the door for him at 7-11. He muttered, “Have a good day”, to which I replied “You’re welcome.” A normal response.

I had an idea of tucking a little bottle of nice hotel shampoo and soap into his tattered Jansport the next time I see him. Bryan said this was rude but I think once he got a whiff of the Rose 31 stuff I have, he would change his mind.

The hunt for apartment furniture continues and the realization that no matter where I go, assembly is required. Also, why is it that I can find something wrong with absolutely everything? The furniture section on Craigslist has become my online hangout, my jam. It’s like a yard sale anytime you want it. One must be quite persistent to sift through the loads of crap but hidden gems are there for the finding. I ended up snagging a white Ikea TV cabinet for our apartment for all of ten bucks, due to my tenacious refreshing and ability to see past the crummy photo the owners posted, read: stuffed animals.

Since I am my father’s daughter, I cautiously brought along my pepper spray to pick it up since Bryan was away to Mt. Adams. I pictured the worst: a dark apartment on the basement level that smelled like a mixture of beef-vegetable soup and cigarettes with World of Warcraft posters and paraphernalia from Spartan Cutlery hanging on the walls. Instead, I was warmly greeted by an adorable Israeli couple in their late 60’s. Immaculate home and nice as they could be. I love a good Craigslist success story.

On Saturday I attempted the seemingly impossible:

A YOG

A few more accessories were purchased at Home Goods, Ross and Target. Next on the list is finding a rug for the living room that will bring a pop of color into the room so it’s not so insane-asylumish. I also picked up a new concealer at Mac and I am hoping it lives up to it’s rep.

DO WORK

Last Sunday we celebrated KC’s birthday with a Napa-style dinner at the Nash abode.

Jeep family:

Check out this attention to detail:

Tablescape.

Roses from the yard.

Fancy cake-mix

Inspiration!

The Menu

This would be (from the actual Bottega restaurant in Napa): Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad whole Meyer lemon dressing, toasted Marcona almonds, sieved egg and Pecorino cheese. It was served alongside lamb chops with a cherry glaze and wild rice.

The pièce de résistance

It is now Thursday and Bryan and I are still full.