Snowshoe Surprise

I celebrated New Year's day snowshoeing in the Mt. Baker National Park with my friend Cheriss. We were a little disappointed that it was raining (not snowing) and that there has been very little snow this year, compared to the norm. However, as we approached a bridge we found these cute little snowmen that someone had built. I just thought it was a nice reminder that even when things don't turn out exactly how you'd like them, that life has a way of surprising you with something else.

Sorry for the poor image, we left the real camera in the car!

When in Dallas

I think it's safe to say, most people don't visit Dallas unless they have family or work there. While growing up I wouldn't have had much to tell you about it either because we didn't typically visit all of the sights unless it was a museum, movie theater or sub-par mall. But, now that I am older I try to take advantage of the trips to visit my family as much as possible. This last trip ended up being a shopping trip because everybody else was sick, but I place all of the other "to-do's" on my list below.

Over the years I've tried to figure out the best places to buy all of those old Chanel jackets that the rich, big-haired Dallas women throw out in perfectly good condition. I knew it existed, but it was ever so elusive. Finally, this time I used my super Google powers (I work in search marketing) and got lucky. Clotheshorse Anonymous moved to the top of my list to visit.

















Never-worn Miu Miu flats

I was not even remotely disappointed! While I found a yellow Chanel suit for only $600, it was too matronly for my taste. But, there were plenty of other goods available to keep me happy, including a wall of new and vintage furs and fur hats, formal dresses, David Yurman jewelry, Chloe tops, Diane Von Furstenberg dresses, high-end handbags with the tags still on them, tons of Tory Burch, and never-worn shoes. I personally took home the Miu Miu shoes above and a really cute silk dress for only $150.

The hard part about shopping at Clotheshorse Anonymous is sifting through what's practical and what's not. I could have easily spent a fortune in this place and never worn half of the stuff. So I suggest you stay strong and make sure it's something you'll actually use before you walk out. Just remember, that sparkly dress with the tag still on it seemed like a good idea to the former owner too!

Other great things in Dallas:

- View the new Winspear Opera House
(by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Norman Foster)
- See Big Tex at the Texas State Fair and eat fried anything
- Watch Texas kill Oklahoma at the Red River Shootout (at the fair)
- Eat BBQ at Sonny Bryan's original location

Dallas photo found here.

Sweet Casa Alabama

Noccalula Falls, Gadsden, AL

The Brothers apparently have strong roots in rural Alabama. I have never lived there, but my grandfather was born there and moved back there from San Diego almost 50 years ago. Growing up I remember riding in the back of my dad's truck all the way from Dallas to Alabama. Yes, that was legal back then! Then we would hang out, dig up worms, go fishing and wander amongst the cows on the neighbors property. Unfortunately I didn't know about cow tipping back then.

I recently paid a visit, as I had not been there in about 10 years (yes, a bad granddaughter indeed). My grandpa and aunts, who recently moved there, showed me around all of the small towns surrounding Attalla.
















Mexican grocery, restaurant and general store, Collinsville, AL

If you know me at all, you're aware that I'm part Mexican. This is mainly due to my grandfather's strong interest in other nationalities, and ultimately, his marriage to my Mexican grandmother after a trip to Baja. So, of course, my grandpa and aunts discovered this great Mexican restaurant in Collinsville. It's totally random that there would be a place so good in the middle of the South, especially in such a small town. They had amazing tacos and salsa. The green salsa with radishes was definitely my favorite.
















Driving around we couldn't help but stop at all the cute antique shops in the most random places. After antiquing in Seattle (where it's difficult to find a real bargain) it was pretty cool to see some of the amazing stuff that was being sold for next to nothing. U.S. 11 Antiques was my favorite of them all. I bought an old Finley pocket knife from Japan ($3) and a really cool multi-strand bronze necklace ($5).

In August, there is the world's longest yard sale, Tour de Kalb. I don't know if I like shopping around that much, but the possibilities are sure to be endless.
















And what is a visit to the South without great barbecue? I was really impressed with O'So Good BBQ and I'm super picky on this subject. We went on Sunday at 3pm and they were literally running out of food because they had been busy all day. The ribs were very tender, the sauce was wonderful and all of the side dishes were great too. I was really bummed that they were out of the fried green tomatoes and peach cobbler. But, I find that you know it's fresh and carefully crafted when they run out of ingredients. The staff was ridiculously friendly, and it was one of the cleanest restaurants I've ever eaten in.

So, enough talking, here are some more pictures:





















Photography by me.

Puerto Vallarta Not on a Dime

My mother's side of the family recently had a reunion in Puerto Vallarta. My aunt Judy and uncle Jerry were kind enough to supply the rooms from their time share, making it easy for everyone to join in. While there we also celebrated my aunt Ceilia's 60th birthday. Needless to say, it was very nice to have a chance to hang out with everyone.

While we were there we did the typical beach, pool, food, margarita thing. I also had the chance to do a little shopping and go on a canopy tour. Both of which I will elaborate upon here.

















Los Arcos, near Mismaloya in the Bay of Banderas

While seeking air conditioning on our shopping trip I found two one-of-a-kind shirts at a boutique called Sucesos. Sucesos is run by an artist who hand paints each and every item of clothing. While the majority of the items cater to the wealthy older Americans that frequent Puerto Vallarta, there are items painted by the owner's daughter that are a lot fresher and appeal to people in their 20s and 30s. The price isn't cheap, especially considering you're in Mexico. But, the shirts are so unique, comfortable and some even glamorous, that you won't mind the expense.















Seeking a little excitement, my cousin, his wife and I all went on a canopy tour with Los Veranos. The guides were very nice and a lot of fun. Over the course of the tour you work your way up to longer and higher zip lines, such as Dos Cojones pictured here. The guides give you a chance to go upside down, spinning and in pairs with their assistance. It was definitely one of the best things I did while there.

Below is the song our waiter sang for my aunt's 60th. Maybe he'll be the next Susan Boyle?



Waiter at Los Tules resort, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Photos and video by me.

Sideways: Napa Edition

Cuvaison Winery Patio

In planning my trip to Napa numerous people told me they only go to Sonoma to avoid the massive crowds of tourists and families. However, we didn't have much of a choice as to where we went because we were attending a rehearsal dinner and wedding. Below are my favorite places we visited in Napa, and I do believe there are ways to avoid the crazy crowds, such as:

- Mainly go to wineries that are appointment only
- Avoid the really large, well-known wineries
- Go to wineries off the main streets

Recommended:

















Swanson is a French-New Orleans inspired winery with a fun decor. Our host was very nice and greeted us as we entered. The courtyard had a bench where we were able to enjoy the wines outside.

My Favorite: 2005 Alexis Cabernet Sauvignon, $75 per bottle (only available for direct purchase)

















Darioush is a Persian estate that is both a tasting room, event hall and home. The tastings were the most expensive we found, but they didn't scrimp on the experience. It was like having a concierge, with a detailed book of restaurants, Voss water and pistachios available while you taste.

My Favorite: 2006 Signature Cabernet Sauvignon, $80 per bottle (available in numerous fine restaurants)

















Cuvaison is in the Carneros region, which is closer to the water and cooler. This is the ideal region for Pinot Noir in Napa. It is a modern building set amongst rolling hills and has an amazing patio and view.

My Favorite: 2006 Block F5 Pinot Noir, $45 per bottle (only available for direct purchase)

Photography by Stephanie Littlefield

Italy Eludes Me

I think I've been planning a trip to Italy for about five years now... Somehow I always end up traveling somewhere else. Since I don't think any travel blog is complete without a trip to Italy, I have posted a link to my friend Mike's blog for your enjoyment:

Mike's Italy Travel Blog

Photography by Michael Stratigakis

20 Best Views in the World

This article by Andrew Harper should keep the list busy for a while!

Machu Picchu is on the list of the "20 Best Views in the World."

















Photography by me.

My Alaska Experiment

Outside Tent & Breakfast, Seldovia, AK

When going to Alaska for my summer vacation I had a lot of ideas in my mind of how the trip would be. I even had a tarot card reader at a Google party tell me months in advance that I would be "naturally enlightened" during the summer, to my delight. But, in my time there I quickly discovered that things don't always go the way you plan them and enlightenment can mean many unpredictable things.

















Trail to the Ice Climb with Ascending Path outside of Girdwood, AK

Unpredictability can come in many forms, like, for instance, the weather. Alaska had the coldest summer on record since 1980. This meant that it stayed pretty cool most of the days I was there and almost freezing in the evenings. It was actually nice because it meant there was no excuse to not light a fire and sit there for hours, or to pile on as many blankets as possible, comforted by the weight.

















Eric & Brett in Homer, AK

Wildlife is naturally unpredictable as well. Managing expectations is a phrase we commonly use in advertising to make sure clients aren't expecting more than what we're realistically able to offer. One of the things I really wanted to see while in Alaska was a bear. I saw a moose (very rare in summer), elk, reindeer, mountain goats, otters, husky puppies and even some jellyfish. All of these animals were absolutely incredible to see, but yet, I still wish I had seen a bear. Were my expectations unrealistic? Maybe, maybe not, but until next time this live bear cam will have to do.

Food is definitely something I include on a list of things that can be enlightening. However, I didn't really expect to find anything better than what I could get in Seattle. Salmon and halibut are common foods in both locations, and many places do a great job with them. The Mad Fish Restaurant in Seldovia was one of the two places open for dinner on Sunday night, so we showed up as their first guests of the evening. Both me and my friend agreed that they had the best fish we had ever eaten.

















Edge of the Glacier we climbed

The most important form of enlightenment I (re)discovered was how important it is to trust the right people. When glacier hiking and ice climbing you place your life in the hands of those skilled enough to protect you, make sure you enjoy your experience and get home safely. Without the proper attitude, gear and knowledge it is likely that mistakes can be made and injury will result. But with a little research, the use your gut feeling and faith in your peers you can do just about anything.

Alaskan Nightlife: Humpy's, Brown Bear Saloon, The Salty Dawg

Destination Reading: Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer

Destination Listening: Into the Wild Soundtrack by Eddie Vedder

My friend Brett's Official Alaska Weather Report

Photography by me

City of Best Travel Deals

The Los Angeles Times consistently gives great information on the best travel deals out there. I have found some really great hotel offers and vacation information here and you don't need to live in LA for them to be relevant. Highly recommended!

LA Times: Daily Travel & Deal Blog

Abu Dhabi Snobby

I just found out that my travel blog is blocked in the United Arab Emirates due to content. My family-friendly travel blog, blocked! I feel so rejected.

Internet Filtering in the United Arab Emirates

Mike's UAE Blog