Madison Reed to the Rescue

I recently was given the opportunity to give a new salon near me a try and I’ll be honest my first thought was, I already have a salon so why would I do that? However, my interest was peeked so I decided to look it up and once I did I realized it was not your average salon. In today’s blog, I will be giving you a look at Madison Reed Color Bar Salon and what they are about.

MR4

Madison Reed Color Bar offers multiple color services that are perfect for the woman on the go, that does not have time to sit in a salon for six hours of hair treatment when you need that color boost! They have a specially trained color mixologist on site that will color match your hair to ensure you get the perfect color for all your hair color needs and wants.

MR2

Whether you are looking to go back to your natural color, cover grey or add a boost to your highlights, they can handle it all.  I chose to do the gloss and blow out services and have shared before and after pictures for you here.

MR5 MR6

 

This is the perfect solution for me, being an Instagram influencer, I have photo shoots   that pop up and I do not always have time to schedule a six hour highlight appointment. The gloss treatment literally takes thirty minutes and I am in and out looking refreshed and not stressed in time for my shoot! In addition, they offer products for at home use. If you do not have time to go sit in the salon, you can stop in and pick up the products and DIY at home! How awesome is that option for those mom’s that have little to no time for themselves as it is?! I have linked the website and services here for you:

https://www.madison-reed.com

SERVICES

ROOTS ONLY

Permanent, long‑lasting color for roots (single process, no bleach, no highlights)

ROOTS + GLOSS

Permanent color for roots + Refresh color + boost shine

COLOR REVIVING GLOSS

Refresh color + boost shine (semi‑permanent tint of color) that lasts up to 8 washes

 

I highly recommend Madison Reed Color Bar and thoroughly enjoyed my experience there. From the no hassle scheduling, to the friendly and knowledgeable staff, to the excellent results! Please feel free to drop me any questions you may have or tell me about your experiences with Madison Reed Color Bar Salon! As always, much love to you all,  XOXO – SheShe!

Durango, Colorado Winter Holiday Part 1

We live in the great state of Texas, so we do not see a lot of snow, especially during the Holiday season. This year we decided we wanted snow for Christmas and immediately knew where we wanted to go! We have been taking winter vacations since our kids were toddlers and have always loved Durango, Colorado! We have checked out other places over the years, but are always drawn back to the small town charm and gorgeous beauty of this destination. In today’s blog I will be sharing some of the highlights of the Ski Resort and the surrounding area.

We prefer to fly in to Albuquerque and make the three and half hour drive to Durango by car because the views are simply breath taking. (In addition to our love of the Albuquerque landscape). When driving in to Durango, you see the little town literally nestled down at the bottom of the mountains. You can see the entire town from the mountain as you are coming down. It’s a view that you just don’t forget. We always choose to rent a condo at the Purgatory Ski resort , which is located about a 30 minute drive up the other side of the mountain. We normally make two stops in town on our way through before heading up to the ski resort. We stop at the local Walmart (that’s right, there is one and only one!) to stock up on groceries for the condo! The next stop is at the ACE store to pick up a sled! We love having one for the evenings when the slopes close. The kids especially have a lot of fun racing them down the bunny slopes! (which are only feet away from the condo)

Now, on and up the mountain we go to the Purgatory Ski Resort. This resort is a little know gem! They have multiple lifts that run daily (they literally run everyday of the year there is snow!) We use Premier Vacation Rentals to book our condo and they do not disappoint! Our condo was beyond gorgeous! They think of every amenity from dishes, to toiletries, towels, and even fire wood! Below are some of the photos of the specific condo we rented.

The Ski Resort offers ski and snow board lessons for every level. You can get private one on one lessons or have lessons in a group setting. The instructors are extremely knowledgeable and keep it fun. Our kids took private lessons here when they were toddlers and had such a good time! There is a special offer on their website currently for first time snow boarders or first time skiers that purchase a full day lift ticket, to get four hours of group lessons for free! What a great deal! The resort offers bunny slopes at the base of the mountain where the resort is located for those that like to take it easy. There are also lifts that take you all the way up the mountain where they offer runs for every level.  Our kids started out on skis, but as they got older, switched to snowboarding.  For those that enjoy snow boarding , there are several jumps, pipes, etc located at the base of the mountain that the kids and adults too, love to try their skills on!

bunny slope

slope picture

purgatory picture

balcony view durango condo

bunny slope pic2

Some of the other fun activities offered at the resort are the snow coaster, Inferno Mountain (newly added) and the snow tubes! Unlike some of the other, bigger resorts in Colorado, you do not have to reserve a time slot for the snow tubing! You can go and pay for the time and go as many times as you like! The new roller coaster is a blast!!! My son and I road it and I was literally laughing the whole way down out of pure enjoyment! I felt like a kid again! I would highly recommend it for everyone!

snow coaster2

snow coaster

We can’t talk about the resort, without talking food! You will definitely need to refuel while having all this fun! There is a café/bar located at the base of the mountain, Purgy’s. They serve everything from burgers, to chicken strips , etc to keep you full while playing on the mountain. In addition, they have an outdoor bar that is perfect to grab a nice beverage and sit at the base of the mountain and just relax and watch for a spell. I highly recommend the bloody Mary’s! They really warm you right up!

You can also take the lift up, just to eat at the restaurant located up at the top of mountain, Dante’s.  They offer stunning pasta and burgers among other delicious items to refuel you. In addition you get to enjoy the stunning views of the mountain while eating!

backside bistro restaurant exterior

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nestled in the middle of the ski resort are multiple shops to buy souvenirs for your friends, loved ones, and co-workers! There are also a few more eateries, including the amazing Paradise Pizzeria! This is one of our favorite places to eat at the resort!

The other detail I wanted to mention was that we reserve our ski equipment before our trip at a place in town called “The Ski Barn“. We have been using them for 20 plus years and they are the best people! They are super friendly and literally work with you to decide on the best equipment and fit for your ability, comfort and needs. The link to the website is below:

Home

There are live webcams on the website for the Ski Resort, so you can go check them out and get a look at the views of the slopes and the mountain! We have stayed on the property and we have also rented vacation homes off the property in the area, but in our experience it is just so much easier if you intend on skiing or snow boarding to rent a home on property. The lifts are all centrally located to the homes, condos and lodge so you don’t have far to go! In addition to the tons of other activities to enjoy at the resort, this is the best bang for your buck! In my next blog, I will go into further detail about the little town of Durango and all there is to see and do there!

snowman

ski you next time

I would love to hear about your favorite vacation spots, so please feel free to leave comments! Happy travels to you all and much love! xoxo – SheShe

 

 

 

New Mexico Travel Inspo

As many of you know from my previous blogs, I am a huge fan of traveling to destinations that are off the beaten path. Nature, serenity and gorgeous views are right there at the top of my lists, if at all possible when looking for a place to visit! This Christmas vacay was no different! We scheduled a stay in Durango, CO for the Christmas holiday this year. To make the most of the vacation, we flew into Albuquerque, NM so we could make the drive from there into Durango, CO. It is about a 4 hour drive that is full of gorgeous scenery!

For those of you that have never been to New Mexico in the winter, it is a treat. The landscape is something to behold. We booked our stay at the Hyatt Tamaya Resort and Hotel, which is set a few miles off the main roads. The hotel is literally set back in the middle of the mountains. For starters, they greet you at check in with a home made margarita, that I can attest for, is amazing! They offer several activities such as s’mores, horse rides, golf and a luxury spa to keep everyone in the family pleased. There are two restaurants located on the property as well in case you don’t feel like leaving to eat. Below is the link for the resort:

https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/new-mexico/hyatt-regency-tamaya-resort-and-spa/tamay

7D6EED00-D255-492F-995C-E97DD1D9AB50    03DD8DE5-F0F2-4645-8E40-AEC422334C3C  48406914_2307909059428952_6922017397314420736_n (2)  48391412_2307909126095612_3547390786016378880_n

While you are enjoying your stay and do feel like getting out and about the town, there is a great spot literally right up the road from the resort. The Santa Ana Casino and Hotel is located right up the road from the resort and is a ton of fun. They have a smoking and non-smoking section in the casino and have slots and tables, so there is something for everyone! I have linked the casino site below for you:

https://www.santaanastar.com/

Over 1,500 slots at Santa Ana Star

And now as promised, let’s get to the drive from Albuquerque to Durango, CO. There are several little towns along the drive that are charming in and of themselves, such as Aztec and Bloomfield. All of which are filled with eclectic  spots to stop and take pictures, such as the “B” on the side of the mountain in Bloomfield. The most notable mention is of course the beautiful landscapes. I have included a few of the pictures we were able to get along the route of highway 550.

abq1  abq2  abq3  abq4

I hope you enjoyed the views of New Mexico as much as we did! You will want to stay tuned, as my next travel blog will be a continuation of our Christmas winter vacation in Durango, CO. I would love to hear about your New Mexico travels, so please feel free to drop your comments below. Until next time, safe travels and much love to you all, xoxo – SheShe

 

 

Seattle Travel Spots

We all have “Bucket List Travel Destinations” and one of ours this year was to take a cruise to Alaska. Part of our travel plans included an overnight stay in Seattle, Washington. Now, not knowing a ton about Seattle, I was not overly interested in doing any research on landmarks or travels spots to visit while we were there for the day. Luckily for us, the couple we were traveling with, did know a few things about this extremely interesting city and I am pleased to report that I have some great spots to share with you in todays blog!

For those of you that know anything about me, know that I am a coffee addict (and that is stating it lightly)! More so, I am a Starbucks connoisseur. I have been visiting Starbucks in my travels for just about as long as I can recall! I am sharing this important detail because Seattle just so happens to be the birthplace of Starbucks! The original Starbucks is located right there! I could not have been more excited to see, visit and enjoy this landmark! We actually walked there from our hotel, as it was only a few blocks away in the Market District. The staff there was beyond delightful and courteous in sharing the history of the establishment. I highly recommend this stop, especially if you are a Starbucks Lover!

sb2

sb4

 

sb6  sb1

This is an original beam and the countertops are original wood as well.  They have kept many  of the original pieces used to build the establishment.

sb5

We needed something to eat along with our freshly brewed coffee and what could be better than a freshly baked good? I can’t think of anything! Just a short walk up the street is the Piroshky Bakery. If you can imagine it, you can literally smell the fresh baked aromas all the way down the block coming from this bakery! You know it is a good spot when there is a line out the door. They make all of their pastries fresh daily right there in the bakery and you can actually see from the windows street side. I ordered an apple cinnamon roll twist. It did not disappoint! I could not finish it, but not for lack of trying. As you can see from the photo below, their pastries are an abundant size and just as delicious as they look!

bakery2                                    bakery1

 

While in the Market District, we walked through many of the open air shops and I have to say I was amazed. There were fresh fish markets of every kind to be had, from shrimp, to crab, to lobster and more! There were also floral shops of the likes I have never seen before! I told my Hubby if I could have packaged up all the flowers and had them sent home, I totally would! The flowers were absolutely gorgeous and the prizes were nothing short of amazing! We just do not have anything like it back home. I was truly impressed with all of the shops and the quality of the merchandise. I only wish we could have spent more time there! This area is a definite must see and experience when visiting Seattle. As a side note, we did notice a couple of tours going through the Market while we were there, so I do believe that someone offers them there in town.

fishmarket1  fishmarket2  flowers1

flowers2

After walking the markets, we went down to the famous “gum wall”. I’m sure you are thinking, what? It is exactly what it is called. There is a whole wall that is covered in gum and it is a famous landmark that is world known in Seattle. People from all over the world go to this wall and stick their gum on it, in addition to photos, business cards, poems and letters. It is an extraordinary sight! I had to get pictures! Otherwise, none of you would believe it!

gumwall5         Gumwall1

We decided to visit the Aquarium because we had a little time to spare before boarding our boat. If you have never been to the Aquarium in Seattle, you are definitely in for a treat. For starters, they have a massive aquarium inside where divers put on a live show that includes dancing to music! There are several displays throughout the aquarium that are hands on, which is extremely cool. Being able to interact with aquatic organisms is a unique and learning experience that you won’t likely forget!

aquariuam1            aquarium6

aquarium10

aquarium9          aquarium3

aquarium8

We finished our afternoon in Seattle eating at the Fisherman’s Restaurant. We sat by the window so we have a beautiful view of the harbor. The food was exceptional, as was the service. The serving sizes were well worth the price as well as the ambiance. An added bonus is that the restaurant is on the pier, right beside the large Ferris wheel ride.

fishermans2

 

fishermans1

ferriswheel

Seattle was an unexpected surprise to the start of our vacation and I am really glad that we got to experience it. I would definitely like to go back and visit on a separate trip to spend a little bit more time exploring the city. I hope this blog was helpful to anyone that plans on visiting in the near future or that is interested in visiting. I would love to hear about your travels there, so please fell free to comment below with your favorite spots in the city. As always, much love and safe travels! XOXO – Sheshe

Texas Travels: The Historic & Charming San Antonio

The state of Texas is full of history , and beauty and encompasses miles and miles of gorgeous landscapes to cover.  When selecting a place to visit for vacation, one of my top choices is always the beautiful city of San Antonio, TX.  There is literally a plethora of activities to do on a daily basis, in addition to the pure pallet of the architecture and historic attributes  the city has to offer. In today’s blog, I will be sharing just a few of these activities that we enjoyed while visiting San Antonio on a recent mini get away!

 

RIVERWALK Hyatt3 Hyatt2 Hyatt1

We chose the Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk as our Hotel for our stay. It is conveniently located on the Riverwalk. In fact, the river runs right through the hotel, which is another gorgeous detail. Another reason we chose this hotel is that is has boutique shopping located on the basement floor, along with a candy shop and a quant coffee/sandwich shop. The hotel boast a popular bar, the Q, located on the Lobby level, that is a fun place to hang out for happy hour after a long day of taking in the sights and activities of the city. Another interesting factoid about the Hotel is that the elevator are all glass, giving you an amazing view of the Riverwalk and the Hotel.  Last, but certainly not least is the rooftop pool! You get an amazing view of the city, get to soak up some rays, relax in a cabana and sip on something refreshing from the rooftop bar. The link to the hotel is :

https://www.hyatt.com

Hyatt7  Hyatt5  Hyatt6 Hyatt10

Now that we have discussed lodging, let move on to the fun stuff, like eats and activities! We ate at some amazing placing during our stay in San Antonio. Some for the historical relevance, but all for the delicious food!

Breakfast:

The Hyatt Regency Riverwalk actually offers a breakfast buffet, complete with made to order omelets. This was convenient, as we were staying in this Hotel and the service was nice.

The Guenther House was by far our favorite breakfast establishment. Along with the restaurant,  is also a museum, a historical landmark and a gift shop. The Guenther House was founded by CH Guenther and Sons family. You may be asking yourself why that name sounds familiar? There is a very good reason! They are the founders of the Pioneer Flour brands and produce numerous products both nationally and internationally! With that in mind, you can only imagine how amazing and delicious the breakfast is that is served at their restaurant. From their fluffy biscuits, to their home made buttermilk pancakes, everything is yummy!!!! Even their  house coffee, which is infused with pecan and cinnamon is divine! The restaurant is still in their original home and is beyond charming with a court yard where you can also sit and eat. If you are visiting San Antonio, the Guenther House is highly recommended! You can find the link here:

https://www.guentherhouse.com/

Guenther House GuentherHouse2 GuentherHouse6 GuentherHouse8 GuentherHouse7 GuentherHouse3

 

Ruth Chris Steakhouse: I know what you are thinking, breakfast at a steakhouse? The answer is YES and it is delicious. We ate at the location  connected to the Hyatt Grand Hotel and they really put on a spread there.             Ruth's Chris Steak House

They offer a breakfast buffet, in addition to ordering off of their menu. The food, the atmosphere and the service is phenomenal.

The link to their restaurant is :    https://www.ruthschris.com

 

Lunch:

Mi Tierra is the perfect spot to grab lunch! It is located inside Market Square and holds a piece of San Antonio history. The walls are covered with photographs of the history of the restaurant and how it began with a loan of $150! There are also pictures of many famous people from politicians, to movie stars! The food is authentic and is delicious! Mi Tierra is a local favorite but is widely recognized as a landmark in San Antonio by people from all over the country. When searching for places to eat while visiting San Antonio, rest assured this will come up in every search and that’s because of it’s overwhelming popularity! You can find the link to their website here:

https://mitierracafe.com/

mitierra

Dinner:

Charter House: The Charter House Restaurant at The Tower of the Americas was one of the highlights of our trip! Such an awesome experience from start to finish. The restaurant itself is actually located 75 stories in the air and revolves 360 degrees for views of the entire city while you are dining! The restaurant is inside Hemisfair Park and they do charge for parking if you choose to take your own vehicle. We just took an Uber there and then back to our Hotel and it was quite convenient. Charter House is also a Landry’s restaurant, so the service and the atmosphere is second to none. From the moment you step off the elevator you are greeted by a host that seats you and from there the magic just continues. All of the seats have a magnificent view as the restaurant has windows completely surrounding it and it rotates at a rate of one rotation per hour. Our reservation was right at sunset and we had gorgeous views of the sunset over the city. Now, let’s talk about the food! The hubs had the Alaskan Snow Crab and I had the Red Snapper and both were heavenly! Each meal came with a side and we also shared a side of the lobster mac n’ cheese (because you don’t go there and not have the lobster mac n’ cheese)! We both had the Sangria as our beverage of choice and we were both highly pleases with the selection. It was very refreshing! For dessert, they offer a molten lava chocolate cake, however you must let them know while ordering your meal as it takes some time to cook. The Charter House is a definite must if you are looking for a unique and unforgettable dining experience while visiting San Antonio!

The link to their website can be found here:   http://www.chart-house.com

charterhouse1 charterhouse2 charterhouse4 charterhouse3

Alright, now on to some of the fun activities throughout the city that will keep you busy during your stay. The San Antonio Riverwalk is a must. This Riverwalk offers miles of river that you can walk along with dining, shopping, clubs, hotels and local artists all along the river. They also offer boat tours of the river as well with a guide that gives you some historical background into the riverwalk and architecture along the river. We have done the tour before and it is very interesting and a nice relaxing ride down the river.

Our favorite activity to participate in while visiting San Antonio is the Segway Ghost Tour of the city. This is a guided tour of the city on Segways. These tours are in the evenings, so it is cooler outside, perfect time of day. The  guide takes you to some of the most famous historical landmarks in the city, such as the Muenger Hotel, which are stated to be haunted. The guide gives you the back story of each landmark and even tells you current stories of the landmarks. It is a ton of fun getting to see the city on the Segways because you get to cover a lot of ground and go places you would not normally be able to get to. You are also given multiple opportunities through out the tour to stop and take photos at the landmarks to make the event even more memorable. This activity is highly recommended if you are planning on overnighting in San Antonio! The link to the rental company we have used multiple times is here:

https//www.nationtours.com

alamo  segway1 segway2 segway3

Market Square is another personal favorite of mine while visiting San Antonio. It is just as it is advertised. A huge square that is filled with shops, eateries, artisans, music and great fun! We put this on our list of to do activities for every trip to San Antonio because we enjoy it so much. The shops are filled with unique hand made items, as well as pure vanilla from Mexico (which I make it a point to stock up on) because that is all I use in my baking (none of that extract for me)! There is wood works, paintings, leather goods, pottery, glass and of course jewelry! There is also a plethora of food, such as fresh fruits, smoothies, adult beverages and restaurants. We enjoy going and watching the local entertainment, as there is usually someone performing!

marketsquare1 marketsquare2 marketsquare3 marketsquare4

 

Some of you may be looking for some activities to keep the kids busy. There are plenty of those in San Antonio as well. We found a really amazing deal that won’t break the bank either! There is a 3 pack combo deal, called the “Super Combo Deal”, that is offered for 3 attractions for only $29! That’s right! You get the Ripley’s Haunted Hotel, The Guinness World Record Museum and Tomb Rider 3D. As an added bonus, there is a game room located at the end of the Tomb Radar ride and all of the games are set up as free plays! Lots of fun! The Haunted Hotel was also extremely exciting! You ride in a cage up into the hotel and that is where the real fun begins! The Guinness World Record Museum has a ton of activities as well as factoids for all to enjoy!

tombradar1 short stuff haunted Facetune_08-07-2018-22-16-46

 

There is a ton more to do and see in this amazing city, however I hope this gives some ideas to those of you looking to visit San Antonio, TX! I would love to hear about your travels to San Antonio, so please leave your comments below! As always much love and safe travels to you all! xoxo – SheShe 

 

 

Bluebonnets, It’s A Season In Texas

That’s right Y’all (In Texas we say Y’all – translation is you all!), Bluebonnets are in full bloom here in the great state of Texas! For those of you that are not familiar with this gorgeous flower, let me introduce y’all. The Bluebonnet is the official state flower for the State of Texas, registered in 1901. The flower was named for it’s blue color and sunbonnet shaped petals. BB10

Each year the flower blooms in early spring and can be found in central and south Texas. The Bluebonnet is known worldwide and is extremely popular for being photographed during it’s bloom. When in bloom, it is practically considered a season here in Texas, otherwise known as, “Bluebonnet Season”.  Although, not an official season, we here in Texas take it pretty seriously! (so much so, that it is myth that it is considered illegal to pick them!)

Tourist flock to the State every year to get pictures of these gorgeous flowers. Driving up and down the interstate, you see cars parked along side of the road for miles, with people out in the fields taking pictures. It’s difficult not to smile being amongst these beautiful flowers!

 There are several locals that live along the interstate that open up their private properties to travelers to stop and take photos during this popular time of year. One stretch of highway that is well known to the locals and extremely popular during the blooming season is Highway 290. Specifically the stretch between Chappell Hill and Austin, TX.  When driving this piece of the highway, there are several spots where you can stop and get some great photos of the Bluebonnets.BB5

     One of my favorite spots to take pictures every year of the Bluebonnets is the First Baptist Church of Chappell Hill. The Church is located at 7675 FM 2447 , Chappell Hill, TX 77426. There are literally hills and fields of Bluebonnets located all around the Church, as well as a gorgeous Red Barn! In addition, the Church allows visitors to park on their property while you take your photos. The hospitality in Texas just can’t be beat! Here is a link to their website:

https://fbcch.net/

I am sharing some of the gorgeous photos from my road trip to see and enjoy our gorgeous State Flower! Hope you enjoy and feel free to share any memories you may have of your experiences and travels of our great State and our gorgeous State flower, the Bluebonnet! xoxo- SheShe

BB13

BB12

BB8

BB3

BB2

BB9

BB6

 

Bucket List Travels: Jackson Hole Part 3

27073039_2094100047476522_1993413831761251868_n

Who has ever dreamed of playing in a winter wonderland?! Well, this is the place for you! Jackson Hole and the surrounding areas has more than enough activities to put a smile on everyone’s face and keep it there! In today’s blog, I will list just a few of the activities we were able to take part in during our winter vacay in Jackson Hole.

SNOWKINGMOUNTAIN The Snow King Mountain Resort – The Snow King Mountain Resort is located right at the edge of town. You can literally walk there! This place is a play land for all ages. There is skiing, tubing and even a Snow Coaster! SNOWCOASTER

That’s right, you read it correctly. They even have a snow coaster that rises up high above the mountain, in some places over 400 plus feet. The view is amazing and to be honest, I could not stop laughing the whole ride, out of pure joy! I can’t tell you the last time I have had so much fun. The down hill tubing is just as much fun and is completely exhilarating! TUBEHILL

Again, I found myself laughing the whole way down, feeling like a child again! https://www.snowking.com/experience_jackson_hole/

 

 

 

 

27332247_2094663034086890_6494102760605576542_n      

                  Teton Village – Just a short drive outside of Jackson is Teton Village. This quaint little village nestled at the base of the Teton Mountains and the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is a definite yes on your to do list. The village itself is beautiful and you feel like you are in a fairytale book being there. From the shops to the coffee shops, it’s amazing! There is also a gondola ride up the Teton Mountains to the restaurant where you can eat waffles and drink hot chocolate, while taking in the views! There is also skiing available at this resort as well. We got a ton of our souvenirs while visiting the Teton Village! For more information , http://www.tetonlodge.com/jackson-hole-wyoming.aspx

 

 

Scenic Safaris Snow Mobile Tours – By far, this was my favorite activity of our vacation! I highly recommend this to everyone! The entire process was seamless from beginning to end, which is hard to say about any excursions to be taken while on vacation. The company sent a bus to our hotel the morning of to pick us up and take us to Yellowstone National Park. The driver was extremely friendly and actually was pointing out landmarks along our drive to us and explaining their history. Upon arriving at our destination, we were greeted with a full course hot breakfast in the beautiful lodge. Then they fitted us with snowsuits, snow boots, snow gloves and helmets. How cool is that?! They provided us with snow gear!!! Trust me, it is truly a blessing because it gets COLD on the snow mobiles on the tour. They really do think of everything. Once everyone was all geared up, off we went into the wild blue yonder of Yellowstone National Park on our snow mobiles. This was the most beautiful scenery I have ever scene in my life! I literally caught myself smiling at the majesty of it all. We rode the snow mobiles up to the Old Faithful Geyser, where they had a hot lunch waiting for us inside another lodge. We finished eating just in time for the geyser to erupt! To say that this was an amazing sight to see would not do it justice. To be in the great outdoors and get to witness part of nature, part of history, is just breath taking! Definitely something I will never forget. The tour also takes you across the continental divide and to some gorgeous waterfalls along the snake river. You will also get to see a hot spring and some Sulphur pits along the trail. They allow you to pull over and take photos at several magical spots along the tour so you are sure to bring back some awesome pictures to capture the memories! You can find out more information here, https://www.jacksonhole.com/things-to-do/snowmobiling.html

27545382_2094100314143162_8310576590774582397_n27540097_2094099804143213_141461741420460873_n 27337100_2094100490809811_5571733167376721465_n27073192_2094100010809859_4935492951986092064_n

 

 

27332116_2094099837476543_135754377127350_n 27336640_2094100524143141_1915157737575925786_n 27067725_2094099830809877_5602522304129434943_n27332042_2094099847476542_1181219582984513300_n27459880_2094100144143179_4441432965607905122_n

27073039_2094100047476522_1993413831761251868_n

 

The National Elk Refuge – This is one of the first sights you will see when driving into Jackson, Wyoming and rightfully so. The Elf Refuge is a huge piece of the history of this entire region. To really understand the importance of the refuge and the circle of life, you need to make this part of your itinerary. We visited the Jackson visitor center and took the horse drawn carriage ride through the refuge.ELK REFUGE HORSES

Our guide gave us the history of the elk and how they were almost completely wiped out and that led to the creation of the refuge. He also told us many unique and interesting facts about these beautiful creatures, such as that they actually shed their antlers every year. Yes, they sure do! So, those beautiful antler archways you see in town square, were not from slaughter! The refuge actually allows the local Boy Scout troop to come out to the refuge each year and help collect the antlers. They are then allowed to auction them and keep a percentage for their troop and the rest of the proceeds go back to the Refuge. It’s just really awesome to learn about these animals and how they have survived and continue to survive, despite the population integration. It’s great to see everything the refuge does to ensure their survival and history remain in tact. The refuge also offers sleigh rides when the snow is thicker. On our trip, it was thin enough that we were able to take the carriages out. This is another activity that I highly recommend and that you will remember for years to come! To find out more, visit https://www.fws.gov/nwrs/threecolumn.aspx?id=2147509854

ELFREFUGEElkRefuge1tHENATIONALELFREFUGE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is only a snapshot of the adventures awaiting you when you visit Jackson Hole, Wyoming. There is so much more to do and see here that we will certainly have to make another trip (and not to worry, I will blog every detail for your traveling pleasure)! I would love to hear about your adventures here as well, so please feel free to comment away! As always much love and wishes of fun and safe travels to you all! xoxo – SheShe

 

Bucket List Travels: Jackson Hole Part 2

Welcome back to the second part of the travel blog featuring Jackson, Wyoming and the surrounding areas! In part one we covered the arrival, airport and the beautiful White Buffalo Club Hotel. In Part 2, I would like to share some of the amazing eats we had while visiting Jackson and the surrounding areas.

First things first, let’s talk food! That’s what we all want to know when we travel somewhere, right?! What’s good to eat?! Let me just say, that for such a small jewel on the map, this little town is packed with dining. We wanted to try as many places as possible, so I will give you a quick list and review of the establishments we were able to get to during our visit:

Coffee Shops – Cowboy Coffee Company, This was probably one of my favorites spots during our stay. I am an avid coffee drinker (literally can’t even without it)! The atmosphere is cozy and inviting with both high top and low top tables, as well as a comfy seating areas with a sofa and chairs. Each morning, there was always the locals , as well as tourists to be found there starting the day off right with coffee, tea and or hot chocolate, while enjoying conversation amongst themselves. The coffee shop also offers several breakfast items, such as croissants and tacos on their menu. I personally tried the coffee, hot tea and breakfast croissants and all were delicious and served with a smile! To add to the charm of the coffee shop, it is pet friendly and we actually got to spend one of our mornings with one of the local pet “celebrities” and he was beyond adorable! 

Lunch/Dinner – The Local, So, we actually dined at this restaurant for Lunch one day and for Dinner another evening. Completely different atmosphere for each, but both were exceptional. The Lunch was a very laid back, casual dining experience. We actually ate at the bar top. We tried the Bison burger and the Pork Lettuce Wraps. Both were delicious. The Dinner atmosphere was a much more sophisticated atmosphere. The prices were much more expensive and the menu was highly refined to fine dining. We tried the chicken and the fish and they were equally as delicious. The wait staff was gracious and extremely nice.

Liberty Burger – This was another favorite of mine. The restaurant is two stories with windows across the front (so if you are lucky you get a table with a view).  The interior was decorated in a contemporary theme that was bright and the staff was friendly. The menu consist of a multitude of burgers with a variety of add ons, such as eggs, avocado, bacon, etc.  They also offer yummy shakes for dessert! 

Pizzeria CalderaWho doesn’t love a great Pizza?! This little gem cooks everything from scratch in a stone hearth oven right before your eyes. Just walking in the front door downstairs, you can automatically smell the amazing aromas of the pizzas in the oven wafting through the air. In addition, they also serve a soup of the day and offer salads and pasta as well.  Like many of the restaurants near the famed Towne Square, the front is lined with windows, so you have a beautiful view of the town and the surrounding mountains while enjoying your meal.

Bubbas BBQYou will definitely want to come here hungry! The portions are huge and you get plenty to eat. They also offer a salad bar option in lieu of your meal or you can add the salad bar to your meal. Let me just say that even the salad bar is abundant! My favorite two items were the baked beans (flavor was amazing) and one of their specialty items is a BBQ Bloody Mary! That’s right, you read that correctly! A BBQ Bloody Mary cocktail and it is delicious!

Dornan’s in Moose – , This restaurant is located right outside of Jackson in the nearby town of Moose. It is a local favorite and a historical landmark for the area. Many of the musicians that have come from this area got their start right here at Dornan’s. There is a     tribute wall in the restaurant with pictures and stories LUNCH

of the talented stars. The menu consists of a variety of food to include burgers, fish, steak and pasta among other things. One of the best qualities  of the restaurant is the  awesome view, as it is nestled at the bottom of the Grand Teton Mountains! 

Snake River Brewery –  This is a young, trendy atmosphere. It is a true brewery so there are actually huge stills within the restaurant, which is pretty cool to see. They offer a ton of different ales from the area, as well as specialty ales. There is something for every beer palette! The food menu is a bit on the light side, meaning it is fairly limited in offerings. Mostly finger type foods and or burger or American cuisine offerings. One of my favorite items on the menu was the pretzel with the cheese sauce! 

Fast Food – There is a McDonalds, a Wendy’s and a Dairy Queen in town for those of you that need your fast food fix! 

Please keep in mind this is just a quick summary of a few of the many great places to eat! You could literally plan a vacation based around just eating because there are so may great places to try in Jackson! Hopefully this list will enlighten some of you on meal planning and I would love to hear about your eating experiences in Jackson, so please feel to share those in the comments! Stay tuned for more on this awesome destination, as I will be sharing activities in the third part of this travel blog series! Happy Travels! xoxo- SheShe

Bucket List Travels: Jackson Hole Part 1

We all grow up dreaming of places we would love to visit, but very few ever make those dreams a reality. We put it off, thinking there will always be tomorrow or I just don’t have the time! This year one of my goals is to stop putting off those tomorrows and to make time for those “bucket list” dreams. To start out my list, I’m sharing the first destination on my list, Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Yes, it’s a little piece of heaven tucked away in the gorgeous Teton Mountains.

Our trip to Jackson Hole was a winter trip, taken in late January. We flew into Jackson Hole Airport, which is located in the Grand Teton National Park, making it the only Airport in North America that is located in a National Park. On the descent into the IMG_2049airport you are surrounded by majestic mountain peaks and gorgeous winter foliage covering the mountainside. At first glance, it truly looks like a post card or something straight out of a movie. The airport is small, so upon landing, you exit the plane right onto the airport ramp and walk to the terminal. Once inside the terminal, you are greeted with Mimosas and a warm hello from the staff! Where else are you gonna get that kind of treatment?! You immediately feel welcome and invited!

A short drive down the rode from Jackson Hole Airport, is the little town of Jackson. Nestled in a valley right in the middle of the mountains! Jacskonsignjacksonsign2    You can literally look in any direction standing in Towne Square and see Mountain Ranges surrounding the quaint and ever charming, Jackson. Speaking of Towne Square, it’s a real spot in the middle of town.                                            Yes, indeed, a park, with a sweet little ice rink, park benches and nostalgic monuments. The ice rink actually hosts events in the winter season that you can go and watch. The Towne Square Park entrances are archways made entirely of elk antlers! As odd as it may sound, they are truly beautiful pieces of art and embody the history and charm of the town.  antlers towne square jh2  IMG_2050Jackson is widely known for the Elk that come down during the winter season to feed in the huge Elk Refuge located right outside of the town. The antler arches are made from elk antlers that are shed from the local elk and have been collected from the refuge once the elk head back up the mountain in the spring. Another cool factoid, is that the town boy scout troop gets to gather antlers each year from the refuge, post shedding and are able to auction a portion of them to go towards their troop. The remainder of the auction goes back to the Refuge. What an awesome sense of community this little town has going on! Love it! The town boasts LOTS of shopping, for all. There are several souvenir shops, boutiques, art galleries, candy shops and even furniture and interior design stores. You will definitely not be leaving empty-handed as there is something to be found by all!

We stayed at The White Buffalo Club Hotel. To say that this Hotel is charming, would highly understate it’s value. The Interior is decorated with furniture and décor that represents the rich culture of the great outdoors, while still being cozy and warming! We stayed in the Fireplace Suite, which keeping true to it’s name, had a unique fireplace that was two-sided. wbc fireplaceOne side was of course inside the sweet, while the other side was outside on a private balcony. The suite also offered an oversized bathroom, with a large custom tiled shower and large bath tub to soak in after a long day of fun in the snow. Not to forget about the enormous wardrobe we travel with, the suite had a walk in closet with plenty of room for all the “extras” you know you will need to buy while on vacay! The Hotel offers complimentary breakfast in the Restaurant downstairs, which boast a gorgeous fireplace surrounded by wine racks encased in glass.wbc breakfast The ambiance is beyond relaxing and cozy. It’s a great way to start your day! To top things off, the Hotel will also book any excursions you wish to do while visiting for you (such as snow mobiles, dog sledding, skiing, etc). The staff was extremely accommodating and courteous to us, always speaking to us and making sure we were take care of.  And last, but not least, the location was perfect! We literally walked everywhere from the Hotel. It is only a few short blocks from Towne Square and there are several notable eateries nearby. The White Buffalo Club Hotel is definitely a recommendation if staying in Jackson is in your future plans. You can find their website at: https://www.whitebuffalohotel.com/

Please check back for Part 2 of the Jackson, Wyoming Blog where I will be sharing some of the many activities there are to do while visiting Jackson and the surrounding area. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it! xoxo- SheShe