Yellowstone Cheat Sheet

    

     I'm a city girl, or so I have always thought. I love art museums and galleries, trendy restaurants, diversity, and the endless opportunities cities seem to provide. However, a recent trip to Yellowstone National Park showed me that while I may enjoy cities, I also love soaring vistas, interacting with wildlife, and marveling at nature. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed my trip, and it made me realize how the stereotypes we categorize ourselves by can limit us. So I encourage everyone to try things out of their comfort zone. Intentionally put yourself in situations that don't fit with the identity you've built for yourself, you might quickly see that identity expand.

Here is my Yellowstone Cheat Sheet:

Make Sure You Have The Right Gear: My family and I went to Yellowstone at the end of May.  Because of the crispness of the late spring and the lack of crowds, the animals haven't retreated from the main areas, and they have their babies with them. Also, the volcanic activity is more visible when it has recently rained. But the weather is cold, wet, and unpredictable. Make sure to bring comfortable, waterproof walking shoes, an umbrella, a plastic raincoat if you plan to hike, water bottle, pack at least one scarf, wool socks, and two pairs of gloves. Also, I'd recommend packing lunches each day because food inside the park is expensive and scarce.

Fun Day Trips: Jackson Hole and Dinner with Bar T 5 Covered Wagon Cookout. Jackson Hole is a truly adorable town filled with rustic charm, art galleries, and boutique shops. The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar with its saddle seating is a local icon. The town square can be entered through antler arches. If you're in Jackson Hole and want a different dinner experience try Bart T5 they take you in covered wagons into Grand Teton National Park and feed you an old west style dinner with live entertainment. There is audience participation and you may be lucky (or depending on your level of introversion unlucky) enough to be called upon.
Bear World is a fantastic experience. There is a gated area you are allowed to drive through filled with black bears and a few grizzlies. The only rule is you must be driving at least 3 miles an hour or the bears will climb on your car and pop your tires! Inside they have pins with baby bears which you can schedule to bottle feed! Bottle feeding the baby bears was by far the highlight of the trip. You get to feed a few different cubs and pet them while they eat! They also have a few moose, bison, elk, and a petting zoo. Bear World is located in Rexburg, Idaho. 

If a bunch of cars are pulled to the side of the road, there is an animal close by. Save yourself the trouble and just park as soon as you can.

Bring Music in the Car: Yellowstone National Park is 3,468 mi², you will be doing a lot of driving and will want background music to keep everyone entertained rather than being at the mercy of the radio.

My Favorite Sights: Of course, everyone knows about Old Faithful, but there are so many other incredible things to see: The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is worth the trip alone. After standing gaping at it for ten minutes I said, "Well, I don't know how long we can just stand here, but how do you walk away from the most beautiful thing you've ever seen?" The walls of the mountain are swirled with varying colors and there is a gorgeous waterfall. Artists' Point is an excellent place to enjoy the view. Lake Yellowstone 's  smooth blue water is nestled in high mountain peaks.

Ask People Where They're From: Yellowstone attracts visitors from around the world and brings in summer help from all over. One of the best aspects of the trip was hearing everyone's stories. We met people from 7 different countries and 14 different US states.   

Check in with Rangers: Whether they're on the side of the road, in a station, or museum, they have extra information on what's in front of you, trail maps, and shortcuts through the park.

Places To Eat:
Lake Yellowstone Hotel: Delicious food, historic location, stunning views of the lake. This is about as decadent as it gets in the park.
The Geyser Grill: (in West Yellowstone, Montana) cute location, friendly staff, buffalo sirloin is to live for.

Black and White With A Pop of Green

As we transition from winter to spring, clothing becomes an interesting combination of thick sweaters and flouncy skirts, boots and bare legs. I personally love the crispness of a black and white look, paired with a pop of a chosen color (such a bright green handbag and peacock colored pearls) adding just the right amount of fun to an outfit. 

Small, Secluded Spaces in Crowded Places

I love finding small, secluded spaces within crowded places.

Top 15 TV Couples In Honor of V-Day

1. Lily and Marshall (aka Marshmellow and Lily Pad) from How I Met Your Mother 



 

"Lily, there are a million reasons why I love you. You make me laugh, you take care of me when I’m sick, you’re sweet, caring and you even created an egg dish and named it after me. She puts a little Italian dressing on the eggs before she cooks them, it’s called Eggs Marshall and it’s awesome. But the main reason is you’re my best friend, Lily. You’re the best friend I’ve ever had."--Marshall Eriksen's wedding vows

 

Because Lily and Marshall are such a sturdy couple who stand by each other through the years, it's fun to see their love evolve as they go through different life stages. This was evidenced when they rewrote their marriage vows after several years to be more realistic and applicable. 

 

2. Castle and Beckett from Castle

 



Beckett: "The moment that I met you, my life became extraordinary. You taught me to be my best self, to look forward to tomorrow's adventure. When I was vulnerable, you were strong. I love you, Richard Castle, and I want to live my life in the warmth of your smile and the strength of your embrace. I promise you I will love you. I will be your friend and your partner in crime and in life. Always."--Kate Beckett

They took an agonizing number of seasons to finally admit their feeling out loud and to each other, but it was well worth the wait. The show only got better once they were an official item. Because they waited so painfully long to become a couple, their relationship is founded on an unshakable friendship and trust. They're an unstoppable crime fighting team with his crazy theories/observational skills and her no-nonsense detective work. Plus how adorable is it when they figure out a clue and blurt it out at the same time?   

3. Peter and Elizabeth from White Collar

 "I come home to this every night. Last Sunday, I was in that couch lying with El. She’s reading and I’m watching the game, and Satchmo’s asleep on my feet. It hits me. Again. I’m the luckiest guy."--Peter Berk

     A beautiful and refreshingly mature relationship. She's sweet and fun; he's more serious. But they both highly value what the other person brings to the table. They give each other room to make mistakes and always side with one another and work as a team.  

 

4. Snow and Charming from Once Upon A Time

 

 

 

 "I will always find you."

And they do always find each other. No matter what realm, cursed or uncursed, these two come through for each other. Their love is so strong they share a heart. They're also a warrior team taking down evil queens, medusa, ogres, and whatever else comes their way.

 

5. Lucy and Ricky from I Love Lucy

  Ricky Ricardo: [yelling at Lucy because she is out on the ledge] In the fifteen years that we've been married...

Superman: Wait a minute, Mr. Ricardo, do you mean to tell me that you've been married to her for fifteen years?
Ricky Ricardo: Yes, fifteen years.
Superman: And they call me Superman.

 

They stood by each other through all the crazy antics and hijinks. They never took themselves to seriously, and we loved them all most as much as they loved each other.

 

6. Mary and Matthew from Downton Abbey

 

           "I am more in love with you every day which passes " —Matthew to his wife

"I won't be happy with anyone else as long as you walk the earth. And...I think you feel the same about me." --Matthew

It was a bumpy road with these two: he insulted her the first time they met, she turned down his proposal, he was temporarily paralyzed, but somewhere mixed in with all the hardships was a beautiful relationship between two people who were always causing each other to grow.

 

7. Chuck and Blair from Gossip Girl

     If their is one word to describe Chuck and Blair's love story--it's epic. The best thing about their relationship is they were equals in every way. They relied on each other. They appreciated and accepted even the worst qualities in one another. It wasn't always the most functional relationship, but part of the fun was watching the relationship become better as they grew and learned, as this beautiful quote illustrates, "I’m sorry for losing my temper the night you told me Louis proposed to you. I’m sorry for not waiting longer at the Empire State Building. I’m sorry for treating you like property. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you I loved you when I knew I did. Most of all I’m sorry that I gave up on us when you never did."--Chuck Bass

8. Chandler and Monica from Friends

Monica: "I wondered if I would ever find my prince, my soul mate. Then three years ago, at another wedding I turned to a friend for comfort. And instead, I found everything that I’d ever been looking for my whole life. And now…here we are…with our future before us…and I only want to spend it with you, my prince, my soul mate, my friend."

Really one of those, "Everything you want is right in front on you" situations. One of the cool things about this relationship is it was so many seasons into the show and their friendship before anything happened romantically between them. 

 

 

9. Cam and Mitchell from Modern Family

 

 

"There are dreamers and there are realists in this world. You'd think the dreamers would find the dreamers and the realists would find the realists, but more often than not the opposite is true. You see, the dreamers need the realists to keep them from soaring too close to the sun. And the realists, well without the dreamers, they might not ever get off the ground."--Cameron

This quote perfectly describers their relationship, I need say no more.

 

10. Lois Lane and Clark Kent from Lois and Clark 

 



 

"Lois, I have loved you from the moment I saw you.  I love your humor; your passion.  The way you dive right in... even when you shouldn't.  Because you refuse to just watch the world. You demand that it be a better place, and because of you, it is."--Clark Kent

 

11. Pacey Witter and Joey Potter from Dawson's Creek

 

 “My whole life, Joey, my whole life you have been the most beautiful thing in my orbit. And my feelings for you were what proved to me that I could be great. And those feelings were stronger and were wiser and more persistent and more resilient than anything else about me. When I was afraid of everything, I was never afraid to love you."--Pacey 
 “Pacey, this is about how you carried my bag off the bus yesterday. This is about how when we go to the movies, and you go and you buy popcorn you always make sure to bring an extra napkin so I don’t wipe all the grease on my jeans. This is about how just last week when we were at miniature golf you took all the shots first so I would know the correct path. You taught me how to drive. And last year at prom you knew that the bracelet I was wearing was my mom's. You kissed me first, sweetheart. The second time you counted to ten before doing it again just in case I wanted to stop you. You bought me a wall. Pace, I’m going to count to ten and then I’m going to start kissing you. And if you don’t want me to then you’re just gonna have to stop me."--Joey

 

12. Mickey and Minnie Mouse

It doesn't get anymore iconic than these two. Fun fact: Wayne Allwine and Russi Taylor, who voiced Mickey and Minnie, were married in real life.     

 

13.. Luke and Loralie from Gilmore Girls   

 

     Their personalities couldn't have been more different, but they understood each other in ways no one else could. He made her feel safe, and she made him enjoy life. They were always there for each other whether it was funerals, repainting, graduations, or just a crappy day.

  

14. Emma Swan and Killian Jones (aka Captain Hook) from Once Upon A Time

 

Thee only reason I have these two so far down on my list is they're a relatively new couple. Some quotes:

“I never thought I’d be capable of letting go of my first love, to believe that I could find someone, that is until I met you.There’s not a day that will go by that I won’t think of you."--Hook
Jennifer Morrison (who plays Emma Swan) said of the characters, "Hook is the first person who hasn’t let her down. Even though he’s done some bad things in his past, he’s never done anything bad to Emma. He’s always been good to her and shown up for her. That’s been her biggest issue with how many times she’s been abandoned and left behind, and Hook shows up for her." He's traveled through worlds and time for her; she's let down her walls for him= beautiful. 

15. Mary and Francis from Reign

"Take a stand, my love. I'll take it with you."--Mary Queen of Scots. Another relatively new couple, it's hard to have a peaceful relationship when there are uprisings to put down, constant attempts on your life, the plague, and religious violence to contend with. However, their love is undeniable and when they work together they're unstoppable. Here's to hoping our young monarchs will work it all out, long may they reign.  

 

There we have it!

 My top 15 TV couples in honor of Valentine's Day!

    Originally, I was going to do five, but that was too hard, so I did ten, but that was still so hard. I then realized that this is my blog, and I can do whatever I want. So I bumped it to 15.  There are a lot of amazing TV couples out there. I know I've missed many of them. 

What do you guys think?

Who are your favorite TV couples?

Is there anyone you would have liked to have seen featured?

Please let me know in the comment section below.

 

New Orleans Cheat Sheet

 

 

 

 

I recently visited "The Big Easy". New Orleans was one of the most exciting and wild places I've had the pleasure of visiting. Along with the generous collection of beads I acquired, I also learned so much about the region's unique culture. I've created a New Orleans "cheat sheet" based on my experiences.

  

Best Museums: National World War II Museum

                             Mardi Gras World

Best Hot Dogs: Dat Dog (We’re talking a duck dog in plum sauce, an alligator dog, and crawfish 

                           etouffee fries…yumm)

                         Dreamy Weenies (Their hand dipped corn dogs are to die for)                               

Best Places to buy art from local artists: Jackson Square

                                                                         Frenchmen St. Art Market

Best Places for Jazz: Preservation Hall (Prepaid bench tickets are worth it)

                                     Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse (only cost is drinks)
                                    
                                     Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro (cute, cozy, café-like locale. The performers are hit and                                                                                   miss)

Best Traditional New Orleans Faire: Mr. B’s: the BBQ Shrimp aren’t to be missed

                                                                 The Little Gem Saloon: live music                 

                                                                 most nights, pulled pork with fried green tomatoes, crawfish 

                                                                 cheesecake, ribs in a peach mustard BBQ sauce, and brandied 

                                                                 mashed sweet potatoes.   

                                                                 Red Fish Grill: amazing crab cakes. Their signature red fish is

                                                           also excellent.

                                                                  The Ruby Slipper: great for breakfast. Get the shrimp and grits!

                                                                  Olde Nawlin’s Cookery: it has gumbo, jambalaya, bbq shrimp,    

                                                                 red-fish, all the classics, and it’s all good!

Best Dessert: Laura’s Candies: amazing pralines, made fresh daily. Pralines are available in

                         traditional, coconut, and rum flavors along with lots of other delicious confections 

                         such as Mississippi mud.   

                         Mr. B’s: pecan pie

                        The New Orleans Cooking School: for pralines, best after a cooking demonstration

                        while they’re still warm, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

                        The Buttermilk Drop Bakery and Café: their name sake buttermilk drops are dense,

                        moist, and worth every single calorie.

                        Café du Monde: Worth a visit just for the iconic location. Their beignets can’t be

                         topped, and I fell in love with the chicory coffee.

                         Olde Nawlin’s Cookery: they have a Banana Foster’s ice cream cake. Yes, you read

                         that  right!

Best of Drink: Just about anywhere on Bourbon Street

                       NOLA Tropical Winery: sweet wines out of every fruit imaginable such as blueberry,
                       pear, banana, apricot, the list goes on! They also make “smoothies”
                       with their wines if you aren’t interested in purchasing a whole
                       bottle, or your looking for a drink to easily walk around with.                       
                     
                       Jester’s: makes reasonably priced shots and daiquiris conveniently located on Bourbon

                       St.

                       Anywhere that serves coffee with Praline Liquor          
                    
                     John Lafitte’s Black Smith Shop: one of the oldest bars in America. It was once 
                      frequented by Pirates and never closed for Prohibition.  

                      Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse: has a nice selection of drinks and cocktails (and non-

                      alcoholic mocktails) to sip on while you take in the jazz.  

Best Parks: City Park: beautiful Spanish moss covered oaks surrounding a pond with modern

                     sculpture art mixed into the foliage.

                     Louis Armstrong Park: interesting history and beautiful sculptures.              

 Most common scam to avoid: If anyone approaches you and asks you this question, “If I can tell you the city and state where you got your shoes, will you tell me if I’m correct?” You’re about to be conned unless you play the next few moments correct. This person is a shoe shiner who will pour shoe lotion on your shoes and will then ask for $20 to rub it off. The correct answer to the question posed above is, ”I got my shoes on the bottom of my feet right here on Bourbon St. in New Orleans, Louisiana.” The cunning shoe shiner uses this rhyme to distract you while he douses your feet in goo. You could attempt to outsmart him by saying his rhyme, but it’s probably safer not to engage.

Just because they don't know how to love you, that doesn't mean you are hard to love

Exploring the Riverside Mission Inn

I recently visited the Riverside Mission Inn. I dressed resort casual in a Vineyard Vines plaid shirt, high-waisted shorts, navy and white stripped wedges, and a matching belt. The Mission Inn is beautiful and whimsical with flower adorned balconies, terraces, and fountains. At Christmas time, they cover the property in thousands of Christmas lights in a celebration they call The Festival of Lights. The night after Thanksgiving, they turn the lights on for the first time and do a spectacular fireworks show. Many street vendors and performers line up outside of the hotel. It's a wonderful way to kickoff the holiday season while still enjoying warm weather!   
http://whispersanddaydreams.blogspot.com/

Blanket Scarf

I just had to get in on the blanket scarf trend. It was a little tricky to wrap because of the size. But it's very cozy and really elevates a simple outfit.