Williams, Arizona

 Williams was truly the most welcoming city I have ever been too. Walking up and down its main stretch felt like walking up and down a 'wild west' themed movie set. The locals were hospitable, friendly, and full of great advice (especially for the upcoming drive to Cali, where to stop for gas etc). I will admits there is not much, but what they do have they do right. 

Here are a few pictures from our stay.

The entry way to Williams " Gateway to the Grand Canyon"

The one part of 66 guaranteed to have a bearable rush hour. (& by bearable I mean maybe 3 cars and possibly 1 bear will be on the road) 

Fantastic breakfast at Cafe 326. The Chief breakfast sandwich which consisted of eggs, cheese, bacon, and a very unique pico de gallo cream cheese all on a fresh jalapeño cheddar bagel. When we ordered I felt like it was taking forever, I went up to the counter to get cream and they were making the eggs and bacon for the sandwich fresh! Something that sounds so logical but coming from busy Northern Virginia I have never seen an establishment do. It was absolutely delicious. I got one the second morning we were there as well :) 

If you are staying in Williams, I will admit as welcoming as it is there are not many places that are really good to eat (the main scene is diner food - diner food done right don't get me wrong, or pizza - although the Pizza is totally killer too; we had a sun dried tomato - pesto - sausage pizza from The Pizza Factory and it was out of this world) South Rim is an exception; They are a beer/wine tasting bar with very cute decor and an amazing beer and wine selection. Additionally, they have really yummy food - like really delicious! I couldn't believe it. They are relatively new and at the beginning of the main street so luckily for us they were not very busy at all -- No doubt this will change in the coming months.  If you take a trip here this is a MUST ! 

Adorable decor inside of South Rim 

Hanging out by the pool in a one piece more suited for the jungle than the desert. 

Bikini's are great but I will always have love for the one piece. So comfy, so easy ! 

Out in the desert nothing- NOT EVEN CHOCOLATE- felt better than this pool ! 

An additional picture from the Grand Canyon snapped on my phone ( not bad for a phone, touché iPhones !)

Pre-pool selfles #cattanks #catinis

This was not where we stayed but was across the street from my favorite breakfast stop. I just really loved this sign.

A wonderful locals dive bar - we met great people and were offered feathers from Arizona to decorate our apartment. Although tempted we had to turn the feathers down because I think it violates state law to take feather art across state line…not sure, just a thought. 

Last but not least a snap of our drive from Williams, AZ to Los Angeles, CA. Can you believe this view !?

Thanks for reading ! 

Ain't it Grand ?

Yesterdays visit to the Grand Canyon was absolutely beautiful. I am so glad we took the extra day to stop by. It is so big, so humbling, dizzying almost (and by almost I mean completely) it took me a few minutes to adjust my perspective and really take it all in. Here are a few pictures from our day at the Grand Canyon although I have to say as cliche as it sounds that pictures do not do it justice. 

View from the top 

 Cat tanks pair well with flag shorts 

Its a bug's life and a man's world. (This bug wouldn't leave my man alone) 

Matt found me in the shade. It was so hot out there in the sun I can not even describe - I honestly would have worn a bathing suit if it was deemed culturally acceptable canyon attire

The wicked witch of the Grand Canyon

I love this picture 

Flowers blooming on a tree overlooking the canyon 

Feeling so grateful for this amazing trip together and so excited to get to our destination (today!). 

Next stop: Los Angeles !

A view from the top

We only stayed one rainy night in this town but the sun was shining this morning and the rooftop deck treated us to some beautiful views of the city. So grateful for the perfect weather today. 

On the road again

Yesterday we made the drive from Dallas, TX to Albuquerque, NM. It was a long day on the road but it was so new (to me) and interesting to drive through the Great Plains. For a majority of our trip there was nothing around for miles and miles (and miles and miles) - a far cry from home. Here are a few snapshots from our trip : 

Artwork from our hotel in Dallas 

A chandelier made of Mason Jars from a pecan themed rest stop in Texas  (so basically heaven)

Ironically just as we drove into New Mexico we hit a huge storm - it was like driving through a wall of rain.   Everyone we have talked to here in Albuquerque says they've been hoping/praying for rain for months - I HOPE THEY'RE HAPPY. 

A shot from the courtyard of our hotel here in Albuquerque. We are staying at the Parq Central, it is absolutely beautiful however … if you know me you know I am a complete scared-y cat when it comes to all things, well it turns out our hotel has a past; This property was once a hospital in the 1920's  (when I was told this I already cringed)  but don't worry then in the 1970's it was converted into an insane asylum ! Needless to say I slept with the TV and lights on.  Also needless to say Matt has had a lot of fun with this. I am an avid researcher of hotels/restaurants ahead of time so I don't know how I missed this ! They certainly aren't hiding it the hotel decor is even kind of themed after its history, the bar on the roof is called the 'Apothecary Lounge' ! The room, accommodations, decor, hot tub and rooftop lounge are all so beautiful and clean here though there wouldn't be a reason to be scared at all 

Even the soap has been giving me the creeps ! 

Quiche, fresh fruit and pastries for breakfast this morning.
Who knew my favorite meal yet would come from the haunted place?

After this post we are taking off to the Grand Canyon in Arizona. I am so excited.

Thanks for reading !

Such a Betty !

Betty Draper that is… 

If I could turn all of my patterned dressed into a matching top and bottom I WOULD ! The pink and white floral paired with the structure of both pieces gives such a lady-like vibe but the fact that they are matching separates makes it feel so easy and casual to wear. I hope this trend is here to stay -- I want a set in every color ! 

Skirt set by Paper Crane. 

 Disclaimer: I am not actually Betty Draper.