Category Archives: Confidence

Spring Break-I don’t think I’ll ever outgrow it

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Seattle –> Las Vegas –> San Diego –> Anaheim –> Seattle –> Bellingham

For my last spring break in college, I went on a whirlwind of adventures in different cities and came to several conclusions.

1.  Las Vegas IS sin city.  I would like to plan a trip there once a month.

Four of us girls got on a plane at 6:45 am to head to Sin City for a couple of nights.  When we arrived at the Las Vegas airport at 9:30 am, I was surprised to find slot machines.  I tried my luck, and lost the first of many dollars.

The first night we went to the Marquee, a nightclub that is three stories, each of which held a very different vibe.  Cabanas and tables cost $10,000 and a bottle of Grey Goose goes for a mere $3,000.  Needless to say, we made friends.

A peek at the Las Vegas strip at night

The next day we made our way to the Palms for the MTV Spring Break pool party!  Look for Courtney and I front row at the concert on MTV airing April 2nd!

MTV Spring Break at the Palms

The last night was filled with much of the same-confetti and bubbles falling from the ceiling, bottle service and sore feet.  We left the city the following afternoon wishing for just ONE (or two or three) more nights, but not after learning the meaning of casino war and roulette.  I wish I would have taken time to see a show or two, but I’ll make sure I fit that in for my no-doubt trip back soon.

2.  San Diego is full of beautiful people and scenery.  Children are scarce.  I would like to move there.

From Las Vegas, Courtney and I had a short plane ride to San Diego.  We stayed with a friend, Megan who we are forever grateful for.  We found out fast that life in San Diego pretty much is like being on spring break all the time.  There are lots of slushies, rooftop parties, interesting people from all over, places to artificially surf, good food, strong drinks, seals, caves and really great bars with secret doors!  I think it is better that I show you some of our experiences in San Diego rather than tell you…

The first of many slushies. Red Bull vodka

Slushie Bar

Poolside at a rooftop party!

We went down a long dark scary staircase to get to this great cave

Not too shabby for us Washington girls!

We got so close to these adorable creatures-seals

Gorgeous San Diego

Gas Lamp District

The hidden door at Syrah Wine Bar-Alice and Wonderland themed

At Syrah Wine Bar sipping on prosecco

3.  Disneyland is fun, but crowded.  I enjoy visiting, but not too often.

We saw more children in the lobby of our hotel than we had seen the previous six days in Las Vegas and San Diego.  Downtown Disney is the area full of shops and restaurants between the California Adventure and Disneyland parks where there was a free concert getting put on my some very talented U.S. Army soldiers.

Despite the weather forecast for rain the next day, the high clouds and warm air was promising…at first.  We dipped into an Aladdin show just as the rain began and by the time we got out it was pouring over California Adventure and Disneyland.  For a place that is supposed to be the “Happiest Place on Earth”, there was an awfully large amount of grumpy looking people in their Disneyland ponchos.  The rain didn’t get us Washington girls down though!  Courtney even opted for one of the adorable ponchos, I thought I could stick it out without.  I admit, I had to hunch up under her poncho a couple of times.  When our shoes had turned to swimming pools, we headed back to the hotel to blow dry our clothes and recharge.

We were able to snap this pic of us before we got too wet!

One of many shots from the Aladdin show

Grumpy people in ponchos

We weren't grumpy!

When we walked back to California Adventure for the “World of Color” show, described as a mixed water, light, fire and smoke show, again the weather looked promising.  After a quick stop at the Corn Dog Castle, we settled in to watch the show.  The pictures below don’t do justice on how cool it was.  Then the rain came, and the wind. Before we knew it, a combination of the rain and the water show was blasting us full force in the face.  That was enough for us, so we took off toward Space Mountain.  We rode Space Mountain and Star Tours before calling it a night and heading back to the hotel.

World of Color

Fire!

World of Color

World of Color

My favorite rides were:

  • Space Mountain
  • Soarin’ California
  • Tower of Terror

The next morning was almost surreal to head home.  We got into SeaTac and immediately headed for Bellingham with long faces wishing we could go back in time a week and start the whole thing over.

xoxo

-s

Stunning Marilyn

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The other night, I watched the classic movie “Some Like it Hot” featuring Marilyn Monroe. Marilyn is stunning in a couple of very different, very risque dresses for the time period. My favorite part, is that she absolutely oozes sex appeal without being the teeny tiny size that we are so accustomed to seeing in the movies now.

photo: fanpop.com

With Marilyn on the mind, I can’t help but think of owning confidence in the future by taking a couple of style risks myself. I might have to pursue that sequin top or add something with faux fur to my wardrobe this month.

How do you instill style confidence in your wardrobe?

-h

Shoe Years Resolution?: Kitten Heels

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If you’re anything like me, you have a tough time resisting a sky high heel.  I have become so familiar with lying through my teeth in response to, “Those shoes are so cute, but high!  Do they hurt your feet?”.  I always respond with something like, “Oh no, I could run a marathon in these!”  What I mean is- they hurt, badly.  I find excuses all night to sit down or find something to lean against and people may or may not be starting to wonder if they should cut me off from the wine.

Excuses aside, in 2012 I am resolving to give my aching soles a rest and put on some kitten heels.  My personal definition of a kitten heel is 3 inches max, single sole (no platform).  This Michael Kors pump would be a perfect start to my new PRACTICAL shoe collection.

Found for $195 at www.Nordstrom.com

Happy New Years everyone.  We are already 16 days into the new year, but it isn’t too late to think of a way to shape up your life in the upcoming year…even if it is just by starting with a pair of shoes.

-s

Perspective

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I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what makes positive and negative thoughts become reality. I have grown a lot in 2011, but can see that in 2012 there are changes that I would like to make. I think that everyone goes through phases in their life where they feel like things need to be truly re-evaluated. I’ve never done resolutions, but I’m into goals, so here is what I have planned for 2012.

1. Exercise with conviction. We all have days where we get to the gym and half ass our way through 20 minutes of cardio, while it may be better then doing nothing, it certainly isn’t making the same mental impact as putting your nose to the grind, and pumping out that 20 minutes as a high heart rate. My tool: the New Balance HRT Fit Monitor – it counts calories, your bpm without a dorky chest strap, and supports breast cancer if you get the Komen version.

photo: NewBalance.com

2. Accept where you are and be proud of what you are doing. My former job was fun, lots of hard work, and glamorous at times. I haven’t stopped looking for a new job, however, it is important for me to realize how much of a learning experience my current position can be, and how I can take steps to conjure more responsibility. My tool: local networking events to meet new people in order to feed potential business.

3. Save more, spend less. Easier said then done. I love shopping, eating out, fine wines, and I have an affinity for shoes. R and I have decided to spend some time this year looking at houses to buy which necessitates money saved for not only a mortgage, insurance, utilities and other things, but also furniture. I’ve never owned any piece of furniture larger then our bed so once we make a move, I guess we’ll have to buy a chair or something. My tool: inspiration.

photo: Sarah Richards Design

4. Bake, but with less butter. I love butter, it makes anything taste good. And that is what makes baking with it so easy. For Christmas I received a KitchenAid mixer and by golly I am going to put it to good use, however, I’m going to do so while learning about baking and cooking with less fat, recipes to come.

photo: bloomingdales.com

5. Take social chances. Meet up with old friends, say yes when I don’t feel like it, and have a friendly face. I haven’t lived in this area in 5 plus years, I miss my friends from Utah, but it’s time to step out of the ol’ comfort zone. My tool: the trusty iphone, no excuse to not find someone on Facebook, connect on Twitter, or just make a phone call.

photo: Apple.com

Lets do this 2012 and lets do it big. I’m ready for what you have in store for me.

What are your goals for 2012?

-h

Ombre for Fall

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I love a great transition piece and right now, I can’t stop looking at ombre items, both inside and out. It all starts with a scarf, and before I know it, I’m noticing ombre dahlias too.

Fall Casual

Scarf - Nordstrom, Shirt - J.Crew, Jeans - Madewell, Boots - Frye, Necklace - JohnLewis.com, Tote- Banana Republic

Interior, exterior, between ombre, chevron print, and stripes, I’m getting excited about transitioning into fall. New season, new beginnings.

photo: hh

I think it’s the bajillion years of school, but fall truly means getting back in a routine. So bring it on, and bring on the ombre transition pieces because they are inspiring.

-h

There’s no place like home

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It has been almost a week since I left Park City and moved back to the Pacific Northwest.  People keep asking me why and how the hubby and I came to this decision.  And the majority of it is that, there truly is no place like home.  In the past week, I’ve spent more time with my family and family friends then I have in a very long time.  I already miss Park City, but I know that all of the amazing friends that we made while we were in Utah will visit us, and we will visit them.  We will stay in touch, it’s pretty much mandatory in the digital age.

In the mean time, I’m soaking up all things Washington right now including wine country (this view is from Windy Point Vineyards in the Yakima valley).

photo: hh

Happy hour (we didn’t have those in Utah) – last night it was at Purple Cafe and Wine Bar in Seattle where I got to drink L’Ecole’s 2009 Semillon.  I’ve heard that the spot used to be a bank location, now they use the big circle center staircase as wine storage/display and as the bar location.

photo: hh

And views of the water.

photo: hh

Change is good and there really is no place like home.

-h

Remember these?! I do…

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I may or may not have been stalking this pair of Michael Kors shoes since March….(I have, there is proof.)

What arrives at the doorstep today?!

photo: HH

A BIG FAT SURPRISE FROM S!

There is nothing more wonderful then a surprise, whatever it may be.  Something someone says, a bouquet of flowers, breakfast or coffee already made when you wake up, or a pair of shoes that you have been stalking for 4 months.  You may be the type of person who snoops until you find out what you’re getting for Christmas or your birthday (I am) or you may be the kind of person who accepts the surprise aspect of it (I respect you).  I’m going to start making a conscious effort to let surprises be surprises from now on, because that is what makes them wonderful.

xoxo

-h

Aren’t Neighbors the Best?

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Neighbors.  Sometimes they can be real rotten.  Maybe it’s the one that lets their dog do their business in your lawn and plays loud music into the wee hours of the night.  Maybe it’s the one that has managed to find every car that is broken and doesn’t run in the county to park in their lawn.  Or maybe it is just a grouchy neighbor that doesn’t seem very neighborly at all.  In my experience I have come across a few rotten neighbors, but even more truly outstanding ones.  It doesn’t take much.  Maybe an invite here and there to BBQs and Birthday Parties.  Maybe a quick stop by to say “Hi, how’s it going, we made some zucchini muffins and thought you might like some”.  Tonight I experienced something spectacular from a not-so-spectacular situation…

I was minding my own business, cutting a watermelon when a felt a quick pinch to my thumb and looked down to find my hand covered in blood.  In a panic (I don’t handle blood so well), I did the only thing I thought to do: Call Mom.  She proceeded to called our neighbor to come over and check on me.  Within seconds I heard a knock at the door.  Our generous neighbor sat with a blood soaked towel wrapped around my finger tightly while making casual and comforting small talk.  She even finished cutting up my watermelon and cleaned up the knife and cutting board.  After I pulled my rattled self together best I could, I said I could take it from here.  Although I admit, I was trying to act like an adult and the moment she walked out the door tears began to stream down my cheeks again.  The bleeding had slowed but certainly not stopped.  An hour later our neighbor was back over with a plate of cookies, fresh band aids, a smile and hug.  Each one of these things really covered the key basics I needed.

It wasn’t much, but in a time of panic, I was really appreciative the neighborly act.  It really is the littlest things that can be the most wonderful.

http://wisdomthruwords.blogspot.com/2010_04_01_archive.html

-S

She Da Cheetah

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After reading my sister’s most recent post, I began to question my own intentions.  Everyone says, “Be yourself.”  which seems to be easy enough advice.  However, what about those of us who are unsure of who they are or where they are heading?  I find myself in the exact position, wondering how to act natural in this superficial world of ours.

There is only one thing I know for sure, and that is shoes.  I used to be the girl wearing every color of the rainbow plus some.  I like to be wild and vibrant, and anyone who “knows” me would agree.  If you’ve seen “What Not to Wear”, the television show, you know that every day real people struggle to let go of their over-the-top style in fear of losing themselves.  Its only natural to feel stripped of your identity.  I can’t help but think of the many animals that I have encountered that very much have a personality, and are sporting the same coat as their pack.  I, in turn, think of the neutral shoe.  It is completely wearable with every color, during every season.  Some of us might think of our favorite taupe boot, or favorite nude pump, or my personal favorite, the blush colored loafer.  What do we love so much about the natural colored souls?  Just like an animal in the wild, we are stripped of our intentional differences and we say “yeah, this is what color I am, so what?”  It is nakedness in its most pure form.

You may realized now that I am probably digging a bit further into this neutral shoe thing than what most people are actually thinking when they put them on.  Nevertheless, if you want to really embrace your wild woman, put aside your hot pink stilettos for a splash of the wild and take a dance with my friend, the cheetah.  It says, “I like to run free, I challenge you to tame me.”  Wild animals and humans are not so different, so trade in your Birthday Suit shoes for some Cheetah Suit shoes and watch the heads turn.

There are not many things I know for sure about myself, but I do know shoes.  As Hannah mentioned, life can throw you curve-balls, the only thing you can do is be on your toes (or the tips of your cheetah shoes).  All you can do is put yourself out there, it can be vulnerable and scary, but with a power shoe, I believe anything is possible.

See how Kim Kardashian pairs Cheetah shoes with this outfit that could have also easily worked great with a nude shoe?

Image from www.fashionistazlife.com

I for one just picked up these casual Sperry Top-Sider Brantpoints in Cheetah print and cannot WAIT to embrace my inner animal when I wear them!

Image from www.nordstrom.com

xoxo

-s

Change is … (shudder) good!

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There has been a lot going on in our household lately.  Most of you probably know that it has been almost 8 months since I left my job as Communications Coordinator for (The) Canyons Resort.  I’ll admit, I always knew that I wanted to work within the ski industry.  My mom recently found a school project of mine from high school that listed 5, 10, and 15 year goals that included working as Events Manager at Park City Mountain Resort.  My time at Canyons was nothing short of an amazing learning experience with some serious ups and downs.  It was a roller coaster ride with the marketing team as I went through major life events (breaking my back, FINALLY turning 21, going to Kenya, getting engaged, and then married).  And now, here I am, wondering what is next for me – another ski resort? A whole different industry?

As an intern in 2007

Interning in 2007

This winter I waitressed, which some days I believe I am truly wonderful at (accomplishment highlight – selling about 30 t-shirt/shot specials at $10 a pop) and most days, I am truly terrible at.  What I learned, is that it is not a career for me.

Just a day in the life working at the Pig Pen Saloon last winter.

Anyways, here I am feeling a little lost as I take the next steps in my life.  For the first time ever, I don’t have a backup plan for a job and I don’t know where I’ll be living in 2 months.  What I’m getting at, is that it doesn’t matter how much you plan, life will always through curve-balls at you, (please let one of those be a JOB)!

But, whatever you want to happen, tell people your goals, because the more you project, the more you have to make them come true, people will ask you and hold you to what you told them.  Plus, it really is all about who you know, and you never know who is going to have a wonderful tip.

Change, whatever it is, maybe a new job, city, friends, or significant other always has a way of making you stronger.

In the mean time, my move is taking us back to the Pacific Northwest, and hopefully the Portland area.  If anyone knows of any companies hiring for PR, marketing, wineries or breweries, please don’t hesitate to let me know. (Thanks!)

-h