Zion & The Grand Canyon

It's hard for me to describe how beautiful Zion and the Grand Canyon are, and how much I enjoyed our first real road trip. I was nervous the entire week before we left and actually wanted to back out. I wouldn't classify myself as an outdoors person, more like an outdoors person in training. I love nature and the feeling of getting out on the open road, but up until now, I had been all talk and no action. Maybe Nate realized I needed a push and planned this trip. Well it worked! Within minutes of leaving our house in the middle of the night, I left all of my worries behind and entered in with a completely open mind. 

These are just little snippets from the trip. I wanted to capture what I saw and write about it for you but I didn't want the post to be too long. I hope you enjoy!

Zion

I was most excited and most unsure about Zion National Park. It looked unbelievable in pictures, but I couldn't imagine what it would be like in person and if it would live up to its name. It does. If you ever get the chance to go, do it. 

I really didn't think I would be able to complete any of the hikes, but we went to the visitor's center and researched the various levels of difficulty within each marked trail. I learned a few things about myself while at Zion. 

1) I can do things I didn't think I was capable of. I can control my negative thoughts and push myself by using positive affirmations. I didn't think I could keep up on walking such far distances, or going up steep inclines. Physically it's hard, but mentally it's even harder if I'm doubting my abilities. 

2) Nate doesn't let fear decide his experiences. He's afraid of heights, but he did extremely well and didn't complain once. We weren't brave enough to conquer angels landing, but now it's a goal that we have set out to do in the future. 

3) We as humans are small. I mean tiny specks. And I'm not an overly religious person, but places like this really put things in perspective. They make it possible for me to believe in a higher power. 

The first night we stayed on a campground called Watchman. This was our view.

Riverside Walk which leads to the narrows

The Virgin River

Zion is majestic not only in its scope, but also in the inspiration it gives to others. I could tell I wasn't the only person in awe of these canyons. Everyone looked almost starstruck, speechless. I think if you go you'll see what I mean. Otherwise, nothing I write here can do it justice.

The Grand Canyon

After the magic that was Zion, The Grand Canyon seemed like an afterthought. Or at least, that's what I was foolish enough to believe until we saw it in all its Grand Canyon glory. This place is even more majestic and even more spiritual for me than Zion. Every ledge I stepped, I got this tingly sensation going up my legs and for a second, I thought maybe I was the one afraid of heights. We originally planned on seeing the south rim of the canyon, but after reading reviews online, we decided to do the north rim instead.
1) The views are out of this world.
2) I meditated at one point.
3) Then proceeded to get a beer at the top of the observatory.

My travel partner for life

We camped in our jeep outside the north rim among trees and wild animals. I heard something rattle in the middle of the night and had trouble sleeping after that but I would do it again in a heartbeat.

My tips for venturing out on the open road:

Do your research on places you want to visit before you leave. But, keep an open mind and don't over-plan. The point should be freedom :)
Baby wipes will be your best friend.
Bring great music.
Take more videos than photos.
Use items that multi-task so you don't pack unnecessary things.

My tips for Zion & Grand Canyon:

Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, and snacks.

Water shoes are a must if going through the narrows. The water is cold, so layers are a good idea too. 

Check way in advance if you want to secure a campsite. If not, you can do what we did for two nights - park on BLM land and create your own camp!

 Nate and I have much more camping and hiking adventures to explore and I'm grateful I have found something I really love doing aside from blogging. If you need to clear the mind, a road trip is the perfect solution. 

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask! You can even email me if you'd like. Have a great weekend 😊

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Summer Romance

"Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind"

William Shakespeare

Wearing //

Express dress

Target sandals

Kendra Scott earrings

Nordstrom clutch, similar here

Beauty //

Lips in Nudestix "rebel"

There's nothing I love more than a little white dress in Summer. Our hotel room wasn't ready when we arrived in Vegas, so we decided to kill time. Nate went to the bar, I hit the shops. After doing some damage to my wallet at Kendra Scott, Zara, and Steve Madden, I spotted this dress in the window of Express. Just one last stop! I crossed my fingers that it would spark some joy as I tried it on and luckily it did. The tiers of ruffles and fluttery sleeves remind me of a midsummer night's dream. I imagine wearing this to a garden party, surrounded by roses. I've always wanted to host something like that, but our yard isn't suitable. Hopefully one day! For now, I'll just go back and read the play.

Other style notes:
I wanted to encompass the romantic feel of the dress by wearing my hair in a messy braided bun. It's a different look for me and definitely outside my comfort zone, but I loved it. I didn't struggle with wind whatsoever, and it was nice to keep the hair off my neck during a warm day. If you live near Temecula, go to the Karen Allen salon and ask for Alix! I wore my hair like this for two days.

Although this dress shows some cleavage, it is still possible to wear a strapless bra with it and not feel too revealing. For reference, I'm wearing a medium and am a C cup.

The large ring I'm wearing was my great-great grandmother Elizabeth's. It was given to me after she passed, and it means the world to me as I only met her a handful of times. I'm honored to have it in my possession.



What's your ideal Summer outfit? I will be back on Friday with my road trip re-cap! I hope you'll stop by. I tried to get it up today but we took so many pictures and I'm having a hard time narrowing them down.

Link-ups:

On The Daily Express

Straight A Style

Pumps & Pushups

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Lace in Las Vegas

I'm working on putting together a fun recap of my road trip through Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon, but in the meantime, I thought I'd begin with the date night outfit I wore in Las Vegas. It was the last stop on our trip and by the time we arrived at the hotel, I was ready to get a little dolled up! After three nights of what we call "real camping" in our jeep no less, I looked pretty disheveled.

It was totally worth it.

As soon as we got up to our room, I made a beeline for the tub and it was the most glorious bath I've ever taken.

Wearing //

Wayf dress

Sole Society heels, similar

Loeffler Randall bag

Kendra Scott ring & bracelet

Stella & Dot earrings

Beauty //

Glo Minerals lip crayon in Bloom

Vegas is known as sin city but we didn't do a whole lot of that this time around. Instead we relaxed and enjoyed a beautiful dinner at Lavo, followed by drinks at Ghost Bar. I recommend both!

 I wasn't sure delicate lace would hold up in the clutter that was my overstuffed suitcase, but luckily I planned ahead and went with this gorgeous dress that withstood any wrinkling. Part of the fun of Vegas is dressing up, and a flouncy number in black was perfect. Of course, I still looked like a grandmother compared to other women on the strip, but hey, I like grandmas 😉

Link Ups:

More Pieces of Me

Pink Sole

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Beauty: Spend vs. Save

We are all on a budget, and as someone who really enjoys trying new beauty trends and products, I have to pick and choose what to spend my money on and where I can cut corners. We all do this I'm sure!

What I Spend On:

1. Gel Manicures. Cost, $25 per month

I can't believe how much I enjoy gel nail polish. I first decided to get a gel mani last Summer during my sister-in-law's wedding activities. I've always loved doing my own nails, and I have quite an extensive collection of Essie, O.P.I. and the like. But I didn't want to worry about chipping, so I went to a salon that I had heard wonderful things about. A year later, and I'm still trying to justify my monthly manicure. I keep telling myself that the next time "will be the last time" but I can't give it up. It doesn't help that I enjoy talking to my manicurist! She's pregnant and when she goes on maternity leave, I think that'll be my push to take a break. Maybe...don't hold me to it. 

2. Hair Blow-Outs. Cost, $60 per month

This is my biggest treat, and I do it about twice a month. I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I swear it does wonders for my confidence. I can feel like a slob, walk into a salon, and leave feeling like royalty. I don't know what it is, but if I had to stop all beauty treatments aside from one, a good blow-dry is something I wouldn't give up. Maybe I have a slight complex which I won't get into here, but my hair has always bothered me. If it looks decent, I'm a happy girl. Weight fluctuates, we get older, but a good blow-dry won't disappoint. 

3. Botox. I've done it four times total. Cost, $130 per session

I've mentioned botox in a couple of comments to my readers, but I've been hesitant to write about it at length for fear of being judged. There, I said it! Before my first appointment, I did a ton of research. I researched so much that I waited over a year to finally go ahead with it. I was extremely nervous, and even though I know people who have had cosmetic surgery, I was afraid that getting botox would make me look unnatural. You know what I'm talking about. We've all seen people on social media that look pulled and bulgy in all the wrong places. Some people become unrecognizable. I only get it in between my eyebrows, where the constant worry and anxiety I manage turns into deep frown lines. I don't want to look concerned all the time. However, because we are planning to have a baby, I think I'm done for awhile because it can be harmful and I would never risk that.

If you'd like to hear about my experience, let me know! Botox and fillers aren't as taboo these days, but I still feel sheepish. That being said I'd actually love to do an entire post, if you care to read. 

What I Save On:

1. Facials

I can count on both hands how many times I've had a facial, and although they are definitely relaxing, I actually enjoy doing my own mini facials using my own products at home. I think if you have scarring or acne, facials are probably more of a necessity. For me, I usually reserve one night a week to turn on some music, throw my hair in a ponytail, and use a sheet mask. I also use Fresh and Milk makeup. 

2. Hair Cut & Color
I think by now you've probably noticed that I don't fuss with my hair. I let it air dry during much of the Summer, or I get a blow-out. My hair is fairly healthy because I don't color it often. About three times a year, I darken it or just do a glaze for shine. I keep playing with the idea of lightening it, but I just can't bring myself to do it. I like how low-maintenance it is, and it allows me to get my blow outs without feeling too terribly guilty. As for the cut, a simple trim every three months is enough.

3. Tanning Treatments & Products
Once upon a time, I was a sun worshiper. I would lie on my patio in the dead of Summer, bronzing lotion slathered all over my body. I still enjoy the sun, but I don't actively seek out a tan appearance. I wear sunscreen religiously, a hat, and sunglasses (muumuu optional though I like those too). Nate teases me because whenever we are outside, I'm the one that has to sit or stand in the shade. I don't mind being fair skinned anymore. As long as I have a good moisturizing lotion mixed in with some glowy liquid highlighter, I'm good to go!

What do you ladies splurge on, and what do you save on? I'm curious about this topic so please share below! 

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