Wallace Falls

I tend to be one of those people who bites off a little more than I can chew, digs myself into holes, etc. and so forth - but when I get myself into those sticky situations I'm pretty good at staying calm and faking it.

This brings me to the hike the hubby, Mo, and I embarked on this past Saturday - Wallace Falls.  

Its a hike that seems deceptively easy when you read about online, and when you first start out you think to yourself, "Hey - there are 7yr olds & women with babies strapped to their chest hiking this trail, it can't be too tough, right?!"  

When you make it past the lower falls the crowd of hikers starts to thin out and the trail becomes rockier/steeper, and by the time you pass the middle falls you're thinking to yourself, "What in the world did I get myself into?  My glutes are burning,  I can't breathe, and Mo is still sprinting up the trail like cardio Barbie."

But you stay calm and put one foot in front of the other and when you reach the end of the trail, you look down and realize you just climbed to the top of a waterfall. 

(and somewhere there's a cold beer waiting for you, if you ever make it down)

Mo & Ed

Hmmmmm?

I finally cracked and bought something online.

A few weeks ago the hubby ordered a pair of Clark's desert boots, and when they arrived I jokingly put them on and clomped around the house (he's always teasing me we have the same size feet).

They made me feel tough, like I could kick some cactus butt, and I decided I wanted a pair.

It took me a couple weeks to pull the trigger, since my style is generally a little bit girly and I'm not entirely convinced I won't look silly in them.

Therefore the question is: Can I pull them off?

Clarks Desert Boot

My Proposed Outfit

Desert Boot Ensemble by calinas3Bs featuring J Crew

On Top

I'm one of those people who looks really weird in most hats, especially knit ones, but there are occasions when hats are a necessity (i.e. anywhere where the sun is truly shining) therefore I'm always searching for the perfect hat.

I have a big floppy straw hat for the beach (from J.Crew, you can basically smoosh it into a ball and jump on it and it'll still magically pop back to its original shape), but I'd like a smaller hat for strolling around town.

Luckily, there are a lot of great summery choices out there.

Panama Hat at J.Crew

Classic Straw Fedora at Forever21

Pins and Needles Fedora w/Bow at Urban Outfitters

Satin Print Straw Fedora from Arden B

Pinxto Seattle - Restaurant Review

The photo above is a mirage. (keep reading...I'll eventually explain why)

If you've ever read my blog - you've heard of my former neighborhood pinxto joint, Txori (if you haven't check out this and this).  

Ever since it closed, Ed and I have been trying to find a replacement "go to" place.  

 

Tilikum Place Cafe is always an option, but its no longer easy to drop in on the weekend (which is a necessity for a "go to" place) since they've gotten pretty popular.  We checked out Bisato a week or so ago and the food was EXCELLENT (mmm...chilled pea and mint soup & "lasagna" w/morel mushrooms...yummm) - but a little bit pricey for a spur of the moment meal.

 

Well - this past weekend we finally decided to check out Pintxo, the restaurant that replaced Txori, and boy was I disappointed.

"Why" do you ask?

(1) It was incredibly smoky when we walked in, and not a "yumm, something smells good," smoky - it was a "grab the fire extinguisher, I think my lungs are turning black" smoky; (2) They were out of olives...at a Spanish tapas joint; (3) Their bread was really, really stale; (4) They were out of my first two wine picks (one of which was Cava, another staple at a Spanish joint); (5) By the time our waitress brought our drinks (keep in mind, we were probably 2 of 8 customers), I was so over it; (6) Even for a pinxto place...the portions are pretty small (don't be fooled by the photograph above); (7) Everything was a bit bland.

I don't think we'll ever go back.

Finding My Inner Artist

I am by no stretch of the imagination a great artist, nor am I really a good artist, but when I put my mind to it I can paint "things."

On Sunday I did just that.  Natalie told me she wanted a painting of a Northern Spotted Owl, and I painted her one. 

See mom - I still craft ;)

Father's Day Brunch

We finally made it to Spring Hill for brunch today (we first tried about six months ago, but didn't have ressies and they were packed to the gills...this time I made ressies a month in advance).
I perused the menu online before I made our ressies, and at the time they had a few vegan friendly options for Natalie.  Unfortunately, they have since changed the (seasonal) menu.  While Ed and I were able to find incredibly delicious things to eat - Nat had to settle for a cup of tea (even the hash browns aren't vegan! moral of the story: don't bring a vegan to Spring Hill)

Ed had the special saimin (smoked pork belly, six-minute egg, pork & ham broth, fish cake, scallion) and I had two poached eggs (hen of the woods & mini bella mushroom ragout, chive biscuit).  Both were delicious, especially when paired with their Bloody Mary (chili-infused crater lake vodka, house worcestershire, mortadella sausage, pickled vegetables).

I, astonishingly, had my Bloody Mary w/out the sausage.

Gearing Up

Ah - hiking - my newest obsession.
(My hubby asked me what ever happened to my tennis obsession, to which I replied: (1) Do you even really know me? sniff & (2) Don't worry, I'll pick it up again when the weather warms up (maybe))

After last weekend's hiking expedition, I've decided I need to gear up in order to be a proper hiker.  Unfortunately, hiking gear isn't as pretty and fun as tennis gear (no white pleated hiking skirts) - but I'll make due.

On my list:

Merrel Moab Mid Gore-Tex XCR Hiking Boots

prAna Convertible Pants

REI 25 Trail Pack

I WILL NOT be purchasing these ;)

Vibram Five Finger Classic MultiSport Shoes

UPDATE:

I actually went to REI today and ended up purchasing a different pair of boots b/c they offered more support...I also could resist purchasing a light rain jacket.

REI Ultra Light Jacket

 Oboz Sawtooth Mid Hiking Boots