I Like Country Music

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I’m finally coming out.

I kid, I kid. (this is actually just me and my sister from another mister, RJ).

After years and years of denying myself this all ‘mericn born, mindlessly catchy, sappy lyric laden tunage, I am giving in. I surrender myself to the stereotypical poofy-haired, southern twangy artists rants about “pickup trucks”, “baby girls” and being “corn fed”.

I find myself cravin me some C-Woods (Carrie Underwood), Tay-Tay, Jane-Dear Girls and yes – even Kelly Pickler. Her and those GD red high heels. Gets me err-time.

How did this happen to me?

A little background – I come from a very musically talented family. I took 5 years of piano (not meaning I play piano, but can read music), was 1st chair clarinet in High School, sang in multiple choirs and best of all…have been in musicals! Besides re-runs of Full House,  Musical theater is probably my biggest passion.

Don't Ask

I was raised on the Sound of Music, George Gershwin, The Dave Brubeck Quartet, Benny Goodman and of course, The Beatles. Ok, yes – also Raffi. You know you like “Baby Beluga”, admit it. I have read The Musical Ascent of Herman Being for heaven sakes! I know the value of classical music and what it does for the dome-piece.

Additionally, my Father AND Grandfather are maja jazz cats. Pops is a dynamite woodwind (for all you non-band nerds, this means he can play any instrument that has a reed) but also plays the flute. Yes, the jazz flute. Ron Burgundy style.

Crushin the Jazz Flute

Whalin on the Tenor Sax

Not only is my Dad the best saxophone, flute and clarinet player I have ever heard, but he also composes! I know what you’re thinking. You think I’m biased because I just happen to be his daughter? Well, you’d be wrong! Listen for yourself here.

Vienna Nocturne by Gary Danielson

Vienna Nocturne - Gary Danielson

TOLD YOU!

Gramps is a brass (trumpet, mostly) but is also able to slap the banjo as well. They were both in a pretty famous jazz group called “The Many Sounds of Nine”.

The Many Sounds of Nine, on the Road

Great Uncle Herm - Trombone

My Grandpa Luke - Trumpet

Both of my aunts are dynamite piano players and singers and many of my cousins are crazy talented as well.

Cousin Dan Tickling the Ivories

Now that you understand my extensive musical background, I can only wonder – where did I acquire this recent affinity for country music? Let’s examine the evidence, shall we?

  • I live in Wyoming.
  • I now drink whiskey.
  • I have been to a demolition derby.
  • I own a pair of dirty, white, Old Navy flip-flops.

Case closed.

Galas and Wine and Everything Fine

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Rachel: It’s a uh, regatta gala.

Danny: Really! You sail?

Rachel: No-no, but I support it.

When I found out I would be attending a gala (italics is appropriate, is it not?) with Bryan, “Friends” was the first thing that popped into my mind. Gala…is has a ring to it. This past weekend, I had the privilege of attending not one but TWO fun events this past weekend. Fiddle dee dee!

Friday night was the Rotary Club Wine Fest.

B is a member and no, he doesn’t wear one of those funny little hats, apparently those are for Shriners only. Where’s the love man?

Who is this Douche BTW?

At Wine Fest, 400 different wineries from all over the world were featured. 35 bucks, a wine glass and you try your darndest to not throw up hot pink at the end of the night. They also had a shmorgess of cheese, crackers, appetizers and Dominoes pizza. CL-assy.

We obviously started with champagne. Duh. Here we are post wine-blitz:

Bryan and Natalie

By the end of the night, the wine reps started getting generous and were giving pours that looked like this:

Not Bad

They also had a silent auction at this shambangle, where you could bid on awesome prizes like this:

CA-reepy

Riddle me this: Who in the right mind would actually WANT a super-weird smallish picture of a grizzly bear, hanging in their home saying “Hey, what’s up. You won me at an auction. I eat you.” Maybe a park ranger? Or Bear, from Man vs. Wild. Yeah, probably him.

Saturday night was the annual Spring Fling benefit for St.John’s Hospital at the Jackson Lake Lodge. Bryan’s work had sponsored a table and we were invited along. Bryan surprised me that day by booking us a night at the lodge, so we wouldn’t have to worry about one of us DDing the 37 miles back to town. I know how to pick em =).

Ready to Go

Take notice of the BLL in the background.

B and I arrived at 6 pm sharp, precisely the time that cocktail hour was supposed to start. Coincidence?

Jackson Lake Lodge

Cocktail Hour

Lobby

However, after paying 22 dollars for 2 drinks (well alcohol mind you), we quickly decided our time was best spent in the comfort of our little cottage, pounding delicious BLLs.

It's Serious

Singing

Around 7 we headed back to the lodge for the actual gala.

Antler Chandeliers

We quickly found our table and were happy to see salads awaiting us, as well as 4 bottles of wine. Raspberries!

I didn’t know anyone at our table, but was able to quickly make friends with one of the gals – as we both shared a love for the Food Network and Cooking Channel. After she mentioned that she despised Sandra Lee, I knew we’d get along. I forgot to snap a pic of my dinner, but of course I remembered when it came to dessert.

As with most dessert buffet spreads, they offer the smaller sized plates. However, I smartly sniped one of the regular sized dinner plates off the buffet table. Muahahhaha.

Here we have: a chocolate dipped marshmallow, a delicious spice-cake petit four, chocolate dipped strawberry, mini-cheesecake, lemon tartlet, brownie chunks and a fruit tart. The standout was the petit four by a long shot.

The event also featured a popular musical act from Jackson, called Mandatory Air. They basically rocked my socks off. I brought along flats so I could really drop it like it’s hot.

The wine was flowin. B and I were on that dance floor like white on rice.

The next morning we awoke around 8:30 and were ready to hit the lodge’s famous Sunday brunch. Upon walking into the restaurant, the hostess informed us that there was no brunch and they stopped serving breakfast at 9 am. 9 am?! Does anyone else agree that this seems awfully early to QUIT serving breakfast?

This is not the Comfort Inn. There is no “complimentary” continental breakfast, with stale bagels and watered down coffee that ends promptly at 9 am. WTF I ask you.

NOT cool Jackson Lake Lodge.

On top of the brunch fiasco,  it was SNOWING. Again. It’s almost June. I wept a little.

Bryan Trekking through the Snow

We felt defeated. Like Screech Powers getting blown off by Lisa for the millionth time.

That was, until we gobbled down an amazing breakfast at Eleaven, rented movies, ate Dots, laid on the couch and went to bed by 8:30.

It’s a good life.

What is the worst hotel experience you’ve ever had?

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?

Canlis Salad + Crab Cakes

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“Would you rather saw off your own arm pinched in a boulder, or eat some crazy salad?”

“Um…eat the salad?”

“Oh good, I thought you were gonna say saw your arm off.”

HEY!

As of late, B and I’s latest obsesh is creating scenarios such as these, while speaking in the voice of Harry Carey (Will Ferrell’s version, anyway). This phrase was uttered by Bryan and was very reflective of the weekend’s happenings.

Around the dinner table, my family will often play a little game called High/Low. Where you go around the table and say the high and low point of your day.

Here’s mine for the weekend:

High: Dinner at Osteria with the Elevated Grounds coffee crew. Campari, wine, chocolate cake shots consumed.

The Crew

Low: Laying on the bathroom floor next to the toilet after Osteria (maja food baby + shots = bad idea). I had a towel under me though so it’s coo.

High: Hanging out with Matt + Holly and watching the Hangover. “Next week’s no good for me. The Jonas Brothers are in town.” Bahahaha. Here is Matt and Holly at dinner (nobody saw, I promise.)

Yes, Things Got Rowdy

Low: Unsuccessfully trying to break into the hot tub at  Hotel Terra with our Albertson’s cards using the drunk-logic that maybe “they were just swipe-activated”. We got in though, thanks to a friendly couple.

Blurry, But you Get It

High: Watching “127 Hours”. Holy balls. Gory and magnificent.

Low: Watching “The Ring Two”. Don’t judge ok?

High: Pounding out 4.5 miles on the Elk Refuge with the wind in our hair.

Low: Drinking Pedialyte + H2O cocktails all weekend. This stuff WORKS  on monster hangovers guys. Don’t wait for the Mythbusters to come out.

pedialytle

Nectar of the Gods

The biggest high of all?

B and I decided to recreate our ultra-memorable gastronomical experience at Seattle landmark, Canlis. We prepared the world-renowned Canlis salad as well as scratch-made crab cakes.

The View from Canlis

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT THIS SALAD: Do not take the ingredient notes lightly guys. If you want to enjoy this salad in its purest form, follow this recipe to the T. Get all Iron Chef about it.

The Canlis Salad

(serves 4 to 6)

Salad

  • 1 large head Romaine hearts, cut into 1″ pieces
  • (Wash individual leaves in warm water, drain and dry in colander then chill in refrigerator. Don’t ever, ever toss a Canlis Salad with warm or wet leaves!!)
  • 8 cherry tomatoes cut in half
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onion
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Romano cheese
  • 1/2 cup very well done chopped bacon
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh mint*
  • 1 tablespoon thinly sliced oregano leaves
  • 1/2 cup croutons*
  • kosher salt and fresh ground tellicherry black pepper to taste

Homeade Croutons

VERY Well-Done Bacon and Oregano

Romano and Sliced Green Onion

Chilled, Fresh and Dry

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground tellicherry black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 coddled egg*

Ingredient notes:

Mint – you can’t use too much mint (experiment yourself)

Coddled Egg – Pour boiling water into a cup and put a whole egg (in the shell) into the hot water , let sit for 1 minute. You may substitute with pasteurized egg mixture (found in the dairy section in cartons).

Croutons – We make our own croutons. Butter and Italian seasoning.

Directions:

To make the dressing, put the salt and pepper, lemon juice, oil, and coddled egg in a bowl and whip vigorously, then reserve. To a salad bowl add the prepared Romaine, green onion, cheese, bacon, oregano, and mint. Pour dressing over salad and toss thoroughly. Split the salad on to four chilled plates and arrange croutons, a sprinkle of Romano cheese and halved cherry tomatoes on the salad to finish the presentation.

Utterly Perfect

We loosely followed the crab cake recipe on the back of the can, but modified it so we used some of the ingredients we had on hand.

Crab Cakes

  • 1 16oz. canned claw crab meat
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 tbs mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp spicy brown mustard
  • 2 tbs finely chopped green onion
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • Vegetable Oil
  • 1/4 tsp dry mustard
  • 1/2 tbs Old Bay
  • 1/2 cup Panko

Directions

In medium bowl, combine all ingredients except crabmeat and oil; blend well. Gently fold in crabmeat; avoid breaking lumps of crabmeat. Using an ice-cream scoop, shape cakes into little patties. Add enough oil to cover the bottom of a large skillet. Heat oil over medium-high heat until hot. Gently add the crab cakes; fry each side until deep golden brown (about 4 to 5 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels. Serve immediately.

Crab Cake Perfection

All together now…

Ta Da!

What is the best restaurant meal you’ve ever had?

Her Name was Lola

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Hi, my name is Natalie and I’m a sunoholic.

I was also born in the wrong era. But that's neither here nor there.

I enjoying being tan. Snooki tan.

Heart You Nicole

I know, I know. I live in Jackson, where temps dip as low as -18 degrees. And you don’t see consistent sun until July. Yes, July. Did I do my research before I decided to move here? No. Was I blind-sighted by the Tetons, abundance of mellow, Patagonia-clad people and the prospect of getting out of the ‘Kane? Certainly.

Jackson Lake

I’m ok with it.

While the weather here is not for us sun goddesses, the other amazing attributes make Jackson one of the most beautiful places on earth. For a true account of the power this place holds, not to mention absolutely gorgeous writing, please check out my bestie Carey’s blog post here.

So about 2 months ago, B took pity on me and indulged my hard-core sun addiction by suggesting we plan a trip to the land of sun, sin and foot-long margs. No, it’s not Sprague, Washington! Good guess though.

VEEEEEGGGGGGGAAAAAAASSSSSSSS

Both Bryan and I have been there multiple times, which means this trip we won’t be making those classic mistakes, such as:

  • Staying in a sh*tty ass hotel at the end of the strip because it was only $49 a night.
  • Strutting around the strip in skimpy clothes we bought at Rave that later break when we’re dancing too hard to “My Humps”.
  • Going inside EVERY casino and catching all those free shows you have to see as a Vegas-virgin.
  • Puking. Period.
  • Not reserving a hotel for the last night we’ll be there and booking a flight out at 5 am. Since, like, we’ll totally be partying until then at a kickin’ night club when really we’ll end up sitting around a 24-hour diner eating cold stuffed mushrooms while my false eyelash dangles off my glitter-crusted eyelid. Or, was this just me, Meg, Holly, Carey and Bekah (the besties)?

    It's Game Time B*tches

Instead, Bryan and I are taking the classy route. Although our trip is indeed ridonculously cheap, we are planning some pretty sweet stuff. Consisting of, but not limited to:

  • A 3-night stay at the luxurious hotel + casino, The Mirage.
  • 2 tickets to LOVE (Cirque du Soliel’s Beatles show) SO pumped for this guys.
  • Ridiculous amounts of pool-time.

    The Pool at the Mirage

Ok, so you know that Fantasy Football thing? Well here is my fantasy Vegas team:

  1. Holly Madison –  Former GND. Current Vegas head-liner. Adore.
  2. Bill Cosby – I hear he’ll be in Vegas. “Theeeooo likes the swirrly puddin popsss…” (That was my Cosby)
  3. Bobby Flay – He has a restaurant in Vegas called Mesa. He’s a ginger. Need I say more?
  4. Barry Manilow – Confession: Not really a fan other than Copa Cabana.
  5. Criss Angel –  Magician and mind freak. Duh.

We leave in two weeks. Tally ho!

Stretch Question:

What is your favorite thing to do in Vegas?

Bry’s Basic Bruschetta

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OK peeps – this one’s a keeper. All you need is one two bottles of wine and “Julie & Julia” on DVD.

2 Roma Tomatos – seeds removed
1/2 Red Onion
10 Leaves of Basil
2 gloves Garlic
salt and pepper to taste
tblsp EVOO
tsp fresh lemon juice

I just put it all in the food processor, but you can chop the tomato, onion and garlic into cubes if you want it to be more aesthetic.

Cut one baguette into long 1 inch pieces, coat a large sauce pan in EVOO and brown the baguette slices on each side. Place toasted baguette pieces on baking pan, spoon tomato, onion, basil, garlic mix onto each piece, top with grated parmesan, broil till cheese melts, place on serving tray and enjoy!

Goes Great with Lemon Drops

Eat, Run, Hike, LOVE

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What glorious times we had last weekend! Here’s the run-down boos-

Friday – GNO (Girl’s Night Out y’all) at the Bistro. All the usual suspects were in attendance: Holly, Jess, Blair, Mary and myself. We took full advantage of the crayons + white paper, drawing everything from horses to other things of a more phallic nature…ahem…

Saturday – I went for an epic yog (it’s a soft J). And then B and I attended the “Bras for a Cause” event at the Town Square Tavern. So. Much. Fun. I love me some money raisin to save them tittays. FYI vodka + soda + splash-o-cran = pink drink. Gotta represent.

Sunday – B and I ran (sprinted for me) 1 mile and then went up High School Butte. Then we drove into GTNP and ate pistachios. Raspberries!

Bryan and Natalie

Bryan and Natalie

But Monday was the most special day of all. Why? Because it marked 6 months of Bryan courting me. Courting is the same thing as dating. It’s a funny word. “It’s an oversized hat. It’s funny”. Oh how I love you Mr.Reynolds.

Why did it rock?

  • Bryan brought me flowers
  • We had vodka+sodas before we left
  • I wore a low-cut shirt with chicken cutlet bra inserts for maja CLEAV.
  • We ate delicious food at the Bistro
  • Had romantic conversation
  • Consumed Moo’s Ice Cream

Natalie Danielson

Bryan and Natalie

I love you Bryan. I love you more than mascara, swedish fish and gimlets.