We’re not done sharing our wedding recipes just yet! And by the way, you should check out the website of our amazing photographer, Hilary Walker. She made our wedding look just how it felt. For our cocktail hour, I wanted quick and easy appetizers that wouldn’t fill people up, but would keep them from whining since we were cooking the sausages during this time. As I was planning and stalking other peoples’ weddings, I couldn’t believe that people would feed their guests things like burgers and fries during cocktail hour, and then do a whole steak dinner an hour later!
Author: Emily
Pie Iron Fried Egg Sandwiches
We met my parents in Joshua Tree last weekend to celebrate my mom’s birthday and the lovely weather. We knew how difficult it would be to lock down a campsite on a Saturday, so we went on Wednesday, set up a dummy tent, and paid for 4 days. Wednesday is a lovely time to be looking for campsites in Joshua Tree!
Zion- West Rim Trail
Wow, a LOT of people are headed out to Zion right now! There’s only a few more days where you’re allowed to drive your car into the valley instead of taking a shuttle (March 31 is the last day of the season). This weather is bringing the crowds in early (sorry, east coast!). You can follow them around the valley if you want, but there are other options. Our favorite is the West Rim Trail.
Gin Marinated Potatoes
Happy Valentine’s Day! Today, I committed to changing my name. I wasn’t sure what I’d decide until an hour before the marriage license appointment. I don’t think of myself as very traditional, and my husband-to-be wasn’t pushy at all, so I’m surprised at myself. The closest non-traditional choice I made was to make my maiden name a second middle name. I even almost convinced Wes to make my last name his second middle name as well. But we didn’t do it, and that’s perfectly fine. He and I will be the same family soon, and I’ll always be content knowing that I wasn’t forced into anything.
Apple Fennel Mustard Slaw
I am deep in the midst of wedding planning right now. Just about every aspect is DIY, including the food (we know, we’re crazy), but we’re ready! At least, we think we are. The menu is truly “dirty gourmet,” and I’ll never admit that I hope this strange drought holds just a few more weeks. I’d love it to be a joy for whoever gets stuck manning the grill (probably us).
Ramen Packet Seasoned Quinoa
We went to Matterhorn Peak last summer as a way to experience Yosemite without the crowds. This time of year, you can likely walk right into Yosemite Valley and have it virtually to yourself. We normally get snow in January, making skiing more appealing than backpacking. But this year, let’s embrace the unseasonably perfect conditions and take a hike!
Cheesy Chicken Potatoes
As usual, I’m super into thinking about goals this year. Goals are fun! I’ve been pretty successful at sticking with them throughout the years, so I still don’t subscribe to the hater attitude that so many people have about “New Year’s Resolutions.” The key to my success is my obsession with pen and paper. I love my yearly Moleskine Daily Planner and I fill out a page of goals in it each year. Last year, I became the keeper of everyone’s goals, and I’m willing to do it again this year.
Introducing a First Timer to Backpacking
We recently received a reader comment asking for more information about taking a first timer backpacking. I realized I have an old draft post on this very question! Right now may not be the biggest time of year for first time backpackers, but it is a time to buy gifts for these people. It may also be a good time to try out a new type of backpacking (snow backpacking!), so think about becoming a first time backpacker yourself!
Tuttle Creek Campground- Alabama Hills, CA
If you’ve been heading for the hills and avoiding the desert all summer, now is the time to get down low again. The Alabama Hills are the foothills of the Eastern Sierra, and Tuttle Creek Campground is a great place to enjoy a weekend of climbing, fall hiking, and relaxing by the creek. Tis the season!
Continue reading “Tuttle Creek Campground- Alabama Hills, CA”
Picnic Sandwiches and DIY Salad in a bag
When we take a vacation, we try not to plan every day of it. We took ten days off for our recent 4 day backpacking trip. That allowed us to adjust plans at will, and take little side trips whenever they presented themselves. We didn’t even leave our house the day we expected to, which actually gave us a chance to make a few more stops than planned on the way up north.