A Very Kennewick Christmas

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Happy Holidays little darlings!

Tomorrow I embark on my journey home to Kennewick, Washington. It will be an epic, 2 week journey filled with laughter, tears and of course, candy cane shakes from Burger Ranch. Am I excited to go home? Well, yes I am.

When I tell most people from Jackson, Wyoming that I am excited to spend almost 2 weeks in the Tri Cities, Washington the normal reaction is “oh, the dry sh*tties?” or, “oh gosh…I’m sorry.” Why must people say this? For some reason, the Tri Cities is some sort of anomaly. You can be from Washtucna, Touchet, Sprague or dare I say it…Benton City (nothing of which, is wrong with these places) and most people say “oh, that’s cool”. But the Tri-Cities? You may as well throw yourself into a ditch for all the negative attention it draws.

WHY is this? Are any other Tri-Citians sick of this ridicule? Yes, Hanford is technically a toxic dump and we may not have the best culinary scene but we do have some gems. Including, but not exclusive to:

  • The home of the original Zips (by the cable Bridge). Boo yes.
  • The highest grossing 7-11 in the country. On Clearwater, what what?!
  • Desserts by Kelly. Perfectly ghetto. Cake nazi owner. What could be better?
  • The boat races. White trash? Yes. But also a great excuse to wear dirty white Old Navy flip-flops with zero shame.
  • Casa Chapala, Chicos and other various taco trucks that beat the snot outta any Mexican food within a 150-mile radius.

Other faves, circa 1997 would have included:

  • Skate West (the site of many school skate nights where I was the awkward tall girl who looked like an alien and didn’t know how to “shoot the duck”.)
  • Sunburst Video. 5 videos for $1 back in the dizzle. Be kind, rewind.
  • The Minute Mart. Ohhhh, the Minute Mart :-).

On a more serious note, the Tri-Cities happens to be booming. The weather is warm. The wine flows like Columbia River and hello, we have a Coach store.

But enough of that. Here’s what been going on in Bry and I’s neck-o-the-woods.

I’ve been baking and cooking some new delights!

Southwest Eggrolls

Mock Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Coconut Almond Spice Granola

Bry and I attended an open house for a new store in Jackson called Lucky You. They had hot cider and tons of adorable cookies.

I’ve been busy at work…

Cupcake Apron

Christmas Apron

The folks at Elevated Grounds were so awesome too. Look at the birthday cupcakes I recieved as well as the awesome gifts!

Christmas Basket and Cupcake Jar!

Jackson is so awesome during the Christmas season. But I can’t wait to spend time with my family. Playing shanghai rummy and Balderdash with everyone. Eating mounds of caesar salad. Making bombs-away drinks with Megan and Rachel. Watching Wee Sing Christmas with Amy. Watching my Dad squish his gifts before opening to ensure it isn’t a “soft” present (meaning socks or another clothing item). Having 2 glasses of wine with my Mom and watching her laugh her head off at every You Tube video I play for her. And lastly, Chloe ferociously biting  my hand for trying to pick up my shoe.

Merry Christmas! I hope everyone enjoys this time of year as much as I enjoy wearing blush ;-).

Bekah + Matt’s Wedding

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Happy Thursday Lovelies!

So in the midst of lots of mediocre posts about Hello Kitty mini-plushes from Albertsons and one-man book clubs, I missed one the most important events this year! One of my besties got MARRIED.

Bekah and Matt met when we were in college, at Whitworth. Bekah and Matt were, get this, lab partners. I know, it’s so freaking cute. They were just friends. And what started out as friendly study sessions turned into something more over the years. The couple now resides in an adorably cute apartment in downtown Seattle. I sound like the chick from House Hunters…anyways – Bekah is a PA and Matt is a PT. They’re smart. They know things.

Anywho- their wedding was on November 4th, 2011 and I was lucky enough to be in attendance. The wedding was at a freaking AMAZING venue and was decorated so beautifully, but most importantly so much like Bekah. They went with a vintage circus, almost Moulin Rouge-ish theme.

Before the wedding, we all dashed across the street and took tequila shots. Because that is smart.

Blurry But You Get It

When we got there, we were welcomed into what I like to call basically a rad party. Bekah was donning a sassy white sequined cocktail dress and everyone was enjoying the southern-inspired appetizers that were being passed around. Hello hushpuppies! Check out this awesome treatment they did above the dance floor:

Vintage Umbrellas

Around 7:30, the party was put on pause for the ceremony. The small-ish crowd formed an aisle for Bekah to walk down. It was so incredible. We all teared up a tad when she walked down the isle with her dad (who I love). Bekah obviously looked gorgeous. Duh, she’s a friend of mine.

Tres Glam

The ceremony was awesome because it was SO different from any other I’ve been to. Basically, we all stood there watching in adoration as Bekah married her bestie. It rocked.

Adore

After that we drank some vino and got to it.

Scampin

Bathroom Pics, Always a Good Idea

Carey's Hubby Chris, This is Totally Normal to Me

Carey Creepily Enjoying Her Popcorn, Again Totally Normal

Whitney also brought along the Flat 4 PHOTO BOOTH! Aka, the other most wonderful time of the year.

Here’s Whit and I…we know how to get down in the photo booth.

Not exactly proud of my face and especially my arms in picture no. 4, but hey, anything for the blog.

All in all, the wedding was perfect.

Did I mention they had mini-doughnuts for dessert? I ate a platter. Don’t tell :-).

Christmas Fun in Jackson Hole

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Ahhhhh December.

The month of poinsetta! Of eggnog and candy canes! Of mid-afternoon sugar crashes because I ate a whole box of these:

In ONE sitting. Jealous?

What a glorious month it is! People bustling around with shopping bags, gingerbread baking hot in the oven and me – drinking vodka gimlets while singing “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”, Will Ferrell style. What a visual.

Other haps?

It was -12 degrees today! Definitely makes you want to sing Ding Dong Merrily on High.

Bryan and I went to the Christmas tree lighting in Town Square and saw none other than…Santa Clause! He made his grand entrance on a dog sled. Sooo Jackson Hole of him, really. Then we strolled through the shops in Gas Light Alley and grabbed hot toddies at the Caddy with our pals Josh and Katie. These are the times when living in a ski resort town is quite fun, I must say.

I bought this adorable Christmas Hello Kitty plush from Albertsons. How could I say no to this sweetness?

Also, Bry and I constructed a lovely gingerbread house from scratch a box. Look how cute!

Complete with Bryan's Booty in the Background

And currently I am obsessed with the following:

  • Sephora.com.  Not sure what brought on this spontaneous need to purchase non-grocery store makeup but I am relishing it, as I have indulged in products like this:

The Sephora Favorites Glitz and Glam Pack

So long Wet n Wild. Natalie’s classin it up.

  • Clif Kids Ropes in Strawberry.  Have you tried one of these? One of the most delicious things you can put in your mouth. Bible. TWSS.

  • PINTEREST. If you don’t know what this is than please get off my blog. Seriously. Actually just shut down your computer all together. Kidding, a little :-).
  • My new Xbox Kinect! Bry gave me this godly piece of equipment as an early birthday present. It has been earth shattering. Using the Kinect, where your own body is the controller is the most fun I’ve had with a video game since Maniac Mansion or even Oregon Trail. Another amazingly cool feature of the Xbox Kinect (or Shirley as I’ve appropriately named her) is that she takes pictures while you play! Here are some highlights:

I’m loving these captions! What a sweet job that would be, inventing the names for the captions on Xbox Kinect game-pictures. Can you major in this? Further research is needed.

Also notice how we have to scrunch up all of our furniture (which sadly includes a tiny loveseat and even tinier coffee table) to make room for our vigorous play. Right now, we only have one game that came with the system which includes 5 different activities to choose from. I’d say “Reflex Ridge” is by far the most challenging. Moving side to side, jumping up and ducking down to avoid obstacles make you SWEAT while playing this. What a great ski fitness game!

I’m getting the Black Eyed Peas dance party game next. Anyone feel like throwin on some spandex and sweating to some Fergie with me?

Lastly, check out the gorgeous sky the other night.  I took these right off our balcony.

The sky was pink. So obviously, God did it all for me ;-).

2011 Fall Reads

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I’m a total bookworm.

It’s time for a book update. I know, thrilling.

But honestly – NOTHING beats a good book. You get to use your imagination, become smarter and look cute in your reading glasses, it’s a good thing :-).

Here are the books I enjoyed this fall:

Catch me if You Can by Frank Abagnale Jr.

This book was incredibly interesting. If you’ve seen the movie, you know the general plot. It was mind boggling how ballsy this kid was. There were quite a few jaw-droppers while reading this. I highly recommend for a quick, easy and fun read.

The Debutante Divorcee by Plum Sykes

I like these books purely for the outfit descriptions. Brands I’ve never heard of. Trends I never knew existed. The life of the Manhattan super-rich.  A life I will never know. Totally fun to read.

Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult

Jodi Picoult is hands down one of my favorite authors. Her writing style makes the characters seem so real and alive, like someone you’ve met or actually know. She always writes about really thought-provoking subjects and sometimes controversial subjects, which is awesome because I end up learning loads from her books.

Nineteen Minutes is about a school shooting, with close parallels to the events of Columbine. She tells the story from each characters point of view,  most interestingly, the shooter. She delves into the psyche of these high school students to uncover the true impact of bullying, cliques and friendships. I also really enjoyed learning about the responsibilities and perils of being a judge as well as a judge’s daughter. This book is heavy and emotional but completely worth it. The mark of a good book, in my opinion is, does it make you think? Does it challenge a belief? This book certainly meets that criteria and leaves you with a sense of hope in the end.

A Stolen Life by Jaycee Dugard

Okay – so this is the memoir of Jaycee Dugard, the girl who was kidnapped when she was 11 and held hostage in a backyard for 18 years. A Stolen Life  is the polar opposite of a “light read”. It is heavy. Many times through out this book, I had to simply set it down, walk away and spend 15 minutes alone. As I read this book, my mind automatically placed myself in her situation. I physically shuttered through out the book. Jaycee tells the story exactly as it happened and doesn’t leave out any details. In the book, she will write a section, for example “The Studio”, tell us what happened and then goes on to reflect on how she feels about  it now that she is free. I highly recommend this book for it’s amazing story of survival.

The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult

This book was awesome. Not my favorite in the way of Picoult books, but excellent nonetheless. Maybe it was the subject matter…rape…it honestly gives me goosebumps to even think about. So horrible. I loved the relationship between the family members in this one as well.

Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult

This Jodi Picoult novel also doesn’t fail to disappoint. This time, we are thrown into the life of an American family dealing with osteogenesis imperfecta. Google it for all the details, but basically it’s when a human is born with super brittle bones that break very easily. People that have OI either die right after they’re born or live a life where they’ll likely break hundreds of bones, never walk and not exceed 3 feet in height. This book depicts a family dealing with a child with this disorder. Again, we hear stories from all members of the family and also a few outsiders. This book also addresses issues like cutting and bulemia. This one is incredibly compelling and as always, really makes you think.

I am currently reading the The Shadow Wife, by Diane Chamberlain per a recommendation from this awesome blogger.

Next on the list:

  • Sing You Home by Jodi Picoult – PUMPED about this one!
  • Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides
  • Bossypants by Tina Fey
  • How to Love an American Man by Kristine Gasbarre
  • To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

What are you reading lately?

Pumpkin Dumpster and a Partidge in a Pear Tree

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Happy Holidays All!!!!

Let’s start this off appropriately.

"Merry Christmas, merry christmas and happy holidays!"

I LOVE that Christmas song by N’Sync, it has remained a fave since high school!

Yes, that is a genuYne Christmas tree sweater. Not to be confused with a Looney Tunes lettermans jacket…which will eternally remain on my Christmas list.

So who else is PUMPED about the Biebs coming out with a Christmas Album? Ah hells yes.

I am SO pumped.

The Danielson celebrated Thanksgiving in Issaquah with the rest of  my awesome, crazy family and I was sad to miss it. AND they get to spend Black Friday shopping in Seattle which is even more sad. Here in Jackson it’s slim pickins, unless your in the market for a new saddle…or backcountry ski setup (don’t worry Bryan already has his).

Since my fam is in Seattle, they instructed me to send them ideas for gifts. Especially since homegirl’s birthday is on CHRISTMAS EFFING EVE. Over the years, I have tried to whip my family into shape: demanding no birthday presents be wrapped in Chistmas wrapping paper. Ensuring there is NO fancy dessert or ahem, tirimasu. Ensuring there IS a Desserts by Kelly cake, preferably red velvet. Commanding attention and adoration at all times.

As I sat down to compile my short reasonably sized list, I enlisted the help of the internets. I found many sites that will help you neatly organize your list, provide links and price points to items AND customize your list by changing the theme. I chose the “candy” theme for obvious reasons. I’ve provided a link to the work-in-progress Christmas list here in case anyone is feeling generous this year ;).

My wishlist

Yesterday was Thanksgiving, duh. B and I celebrated privately, much like Michael Scott celebrates Groundhogs Day. Twas magical. Kicked off by working out solo in the bank gym while watching the inevitable decline of Kimmy K and her scrunched-up face soon-to-be EX the Hump-Dog. I love E!

We then ventured out on the Elk Refuge for a nice, 4 mile walk. It was a beautiful day!

Then we stopped to get vodka mixers. When we got home, it was nothing but pure Thanksgiving goodness. We ate Chex Mix, watched Home Alone and Elf and drank wine and cocktails.

We decided on making the following T-Giving faves:

  • Turkey – Just the breast. Less jibbly bits, innards and overall jarnickles.
  • Stuffiing – Outta the bird ok? I’ll take my stuffing, hold the sickening turkey tummy lining thank you.
  • Mashed Potatoes – LADEN with salt.
  • Green Salad – Just to mix things up a bit.
  • Rolls – Carbs, meet my bagel.

(For those of you who don’t know what a bagel is, make a circle with your thumb and middle finger and press it directly into your tummy, using your belly button as the bagel hole. Mine resembles a plain bagel right now. During the summer when I’m really tan, it’s more of a pumpernickel).

We also enjoyed a favorite Danielson family recipe known quite simply as, Pumpkin Dumpster. Not sure how this dessert procured it’s splendid little name, nor do I care. Here’s how to re-create the majesty:

  • 1 large can pumpkin
  • 1 13oz can evap milk
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 1/2 tsp ginger
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 tsp cloves
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg

Blend the above ingrediants except the cake mix and pour into a 9 x 13 pan. Cover with 1 box yellow cake mix (dry) Top with chopped puts (optional). Pour 1 1/2 cubes melted margarine over the top. Bake 50 mins at 350.

Pumpkin Dumpster Whirring Away

Today it is puking outside and tomorrow is opening day at the Village (or Teton Village). Highlights for tonight include tightening up my bindings so my skis don’t go shooting off every which way like they did on the pass. Also leftovers, which I have to admit I’m excited for.

Ok, I’m off to paint my nails gold!

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!

There’s a Hole in the Bucket

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Hello Internets!

Today I’m blogging live, from the Teton County Library.

It’s nice here, I like the click-clack sound this keyboard makes. It makes me feel like a character from “Working Girl”, starring Melody Griffith.

Our internet is down at the homestead :(. And while I kind of like being forced to read my books, I also like the little droplets that rain from the internet cloud…aka…websites and blogs.

I am still working on our Mexico post, so don’t be spectin’ that anytime soon.

In the meantime – I’ve been busy making food items containing pumpkin. Also buying the Iphone 4 in white. Bryan and I attended a fabulous wine-themed Halloween soiree and I’ve been battling a cold. And eating copious amounts of anything that resembles a piece of candy. Even a burned piece of charcoal that I mistook for dark chocolate.

I made a cute face.

All for now!