Beautiful Multnomah Falls!

When I was a kid oftentimes when we went on hikes they ended at a waterfall.  There is something about the mist and the impressive sound of the water crashing to the floor that is still impressive as an adult.  This is why when I was down in Portland for a couple weeks ago for my grandparents 60th wedding anniversary (It really puts the pressure on me and my fiance to even live long enough to be married for 60 years), before we came back up to Seattle we made a side trip to Multnomah Falls .  It is totally worth the effort.  It is only about 30 miles outside of Portland and it is really beautiful.  There are a couple of parking lots right off I-84.  Fair warning, the parking lots seem to get very full very quickly so it is probably best to arrive early in the day especially if you are coming on a weekend in the summer.  The falls are visible from the highway, but it really is worth the tine to walk the few minutes up to the falls and you can go up to the bridge for an even closer look.  You can also walk all the way up to the top, but that part was closed due to a rock slide so I can’t really comment.

We also made a quick detour to the Vista House at Crown Point.  It is a wonderful overlook of the Columbia River gorge which is worth the short drive off the highway. The building itself is also very pretty.  It was built in 1917 as a place for travelers to “refresh themselves” as they traveled along the river.  It’s would be a great spot to stop and have a little picnic lunch and just enjoy the view on a sunny day.

*All photos courtesy Ceci Campagna (that’s me!).  Feel free to criticize my photography skills.

When my job as a tech consultant gets stressful, it’s time to pack my bags and take a trip.

There are great places to see in Canada that are close to Seattle, where I currently live. Trips like this require careful planning: unlike a regular vacation, I only have a day or two to enjoy myself while squeezing in as many sights and activities as I can. When planning my trip, I always consider travel time to get there and fitting in a special activity like wine tasting or going skiing.

My two picks for a day trip to Canada are Vancouver in British Columbia and Victoria on Vancouver Island. Vancouver is only a three-hour drive by car from Seattle, which is great for a day trip since airfare prices are a little pricey nowadays. When going to Victoria on Vancouver Island, take a British Columbia ferry right from Seattle. Both places are appealing because you don’t have to carry a lot of luggage or hire moving companies Vancouver utilizes to get your bags there safely. Just carry the necessities for the day trip, including comfortable walking shoes, and you’ll be good to go. (more…)

“Can I wear pants to the wedding?” my mother asked via text. “Of course, but it depends. I’m going to need more info…” I responded.

Spring, summer and early fall weddings have the advantage of being less formal assuming they aren’t specified as black-tie and begin before 6. This was no exception – mid April, 2:30, Long Island, NY.

From left: cousin Sam in suit and tie; me in Zac Posen dress, Chanel pearls, Michael Kors watch and Christian Louboutin pumps

And in case you were wondering, the wedding was a success – the bride was gorgeous, glowing, elegant. The groom couldn’t stop grinning. The traditional catholic ceremony followed by an impressive spread at the country club and all important open bar (thank u Mr. and Mrs. Rice) provided guests w all the necessary amnesties to ensure a good time. Cheers!

Next week? Daytime sequins…

Stay tuned and stay stylish.

I’m back East for my cousins wedding in my favorite city – New York! This place never sleeps (though not in the Vegas way), theres attitude and a sense of urgency abound, everyone has a unique sense of style and the fashion scene is IT.

Joes Jeans, H&M sweather, Anthropolige leather jacket, Rag & Bone booties, Ray Ban aviators, Michale Kors watch, Chanel bag, DVF luggage

In preparation for my trip, planning is key when packing – I’m picking a theme and building a weeks worth of outfits accordingly. Because its spring and mother nature is always unpredictable, I’m relying on layers and neutrals to take me through the week in style.

Here’s a peek at what I’m bringing to the big apple:

• Lightweight sweaters
• Basic tee shirts
• Silk blouses for evening affairs
• Dark denim skinny jeans
• Leather jacket
• Rag & Bone booties (perfect for walking the city streets)
• Moccasins
• Chambray denim shirt
• Accessories: Scarves (4) Sunglasses (2) Watches (3)
• Workout gear and sneakers for a few scheduled sweat sessions
• An extra duffle bag for inevitable purchases and wardrobe additions

 How do you pack with purpose??

Stay tuned and stay stylish.

Bellingham, Wash.

Even big cities can feel small. When switching up the Friday/Saturday night neighborhood isn’t enough, it’s time to get the eff out. I found myself in exactly this situation recently. Ballard felt cramped, Capitol Hill was deemed too complicated and not even West Seattle seemed far enough away. And West Seattle is far away. The other side of the Earth far away. But, I digress.

To rid myself of this Seattle-induced cabin fever, I drove north for a visit to a city I love named Bellingham. Bellingham is the perfect quick trip. Only an hour and half north of Seattle, it’s perfect for a weekend getaway or day trip. And to make things even easier, I’ve created a completely biased itinerary for you to follow. I say “biased” because this itinerary is a list of all my old college haunts. If my lack of neutrality makes you uneasy take comfort in the fact that I know how to have a good time, and therefore, my itinerary is essentially a Good Times Blueprint.

Eat at The Copper Hog

In the name of transparent journalism (my former professors are weeping in embarrassment right now), I feel the need to tell you that my friend Aaron aka A-Ron owns The Copper Hog. So yes, I am biased, but our friendship has no effect on his food. Trust me, if I could angle our friendship in some way to convince him to remove carrots permanently from his menu, I would. Believe you me that Aaron’s food would be still be tasty and well priced even if we had never met. I suggest you try the ahi poke. It’s so good it turned a non-fish eater (me) into a raw tuna eating machine. Another bonus, The Copper Hog carries some really, really good beer and Rainier tall boys. Best of both worlds.

Drink at… Everywhere

I say “everywhere” because it depends on your mood. If you’re in the mood for a loud and rowdy Irish bar, Uisce is your best bet. I’ve spent many a night there throwing darts, playing cards and drinking one too many Bulmer’s. A note to the ladies, enjoy beware the cute bartenders in white button ups. Looking to hear some cool live music? The Wild Buffalo is the only place to be. Every time I’m in town The Buff (as I heard some young whipper snappers refer to it last weekend) is hosting a super awesome show. I highly recommend checking it out. And finally, if your weekend plans include some rump shaking, feel free to head over to The Royal. Sha-sha-sha shake your rump! Sorry couldn’t resist. Keep in mind that there will be some creepsters in attendance, but it’s all part of the experience, right?

Snowboard at Mt. Baker

Duh. Obviously. Best mountain in Washington. End of story. Figure it out.

Hike at The Oyster Dome and Bat Caves

The Oyster Dome hike is not for beginners, but if you’re up for the challenge it is a must do! Off of Chuckanut Drive, the Oyster Dome promises fantastic panoramic views of Bellingham, and you can stop by the Bat Caves for some light spelunking. Very, very, very cool. Did I mention this is a must do?

Stay at… a hotel, motel, Holiday Inn

What? I always stay at friends’ houses. I’d give you their addresses, but don’t think they’d appreciate it much. But I’m pretty sure there’s a Best Western somewhere. Or shack up with some college kid in the dorms. You know, relive your golden years. Oh, or if you’re feeling especially adventurous, you can check out the Shangri-la Motel. Pretty sure you can pay by the hour. You’re welcome.

Hi everyone! Since it’s nearly the Thanksgiving holiday, I figure most everyone has their plans set for the weekend. Therefore, I wanted to offer my thoughts and a tip for flying over this holiday, especially in lieu of the new full body scanners at the airports.

While I am aware of the privacy issues, I’m not here to argue about whether or not the full body scanners are a violation. At least this year, the scanners are just an annoying reality. I flew last week to Hawaii and was scanned on the way back – my first experience with the scanners – and let me tell you that it really wasn’t that bad. It took maybe a minute longer and sure I felt a little funny about standing their with my hands above my head… But, let me share a little tip with you. JUST IMAGINE THAT THE PERSON SCANNING YOU IS NAKED TOO! It works to change your mood when you give a speech or play in a big game, right? So, maybe try to use your imagination while at the airport, and have a little fun with the whole experience.

Also, I urge you to be kind to the TSA people that are scanning you and be mindful of your fellow passengers this holiday season. The people scanning you didn’t enact the new system or rules… they are simply doing their job. And your fellow passengers just want to get home to mama’s homemade cranberry sauce in a timely manner. While it may feel like an invasion of privacy, let’s work to change the system – something that won’t happen overnight, mind you – in a productive and respectful manner. Afterall, the new equipment was put in place to hopefully help make you and I safer when it comes time to fly!

HAPPY EARLY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE! SAFE TRAVELS AND, BY ALL MEANS, EAT TOO MUCH TURKEY!

“This must be what it’s like to be on The Real World,” my friend Marianne said.

And it was. The Real World — Silver Lake. No TV. No cell phones. Not even an internet connection. All the Silver Lake Waterfront Chalet had to offer was an empty refrigerator, three bedrooms, an iPod dock, two boat-shaped trundle

Silver Lake Waterfront Chalet

beds, an unsuspecting hot tub and a gorgeous lakeside view. All of which, was absolutely perfect for the ten ready-to-rock 20-somethings who entered its doors last Thursday evening.

In short, there should have been a camera crew. But then again, upon leaving we probably would have burned the tapes and threatened the crew into silence. Some things are better left un-Facebooked. What I do wish I had on tape to share with you is our epic marshmallow fight — one for the record books. Move over Spartans, because 10 Seattle-ites armed with ‘mallows just stole your title as the most vicious warriors of all time.  Two teams hurled three bags worth of marshmallows at each other for roughly 30 to 40 minutes, until we all cried Uncle due to heart burn (those mimosas will get you), side aches and marshmallow welts. This is the stuff reality TV is made of!  I know it sounds ridiculous, but it was quite possibly the most fun I’ve had in years. Way better than any s’more those ‘mallows could have made.

Renting a large cabin with a group of eight to 14 friends is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to go on vacation. The Northwest is chock full of vacation rentals! Some of my favorite locations include Crystal Mountain, Mt. Baker, Lake Chelan, Mt. Rainier and Leavenworth. For $200 and two to four hours of travel time you can achieve a  grade A getaway. Here’s the cost breakdown:

$50 to $70 per person for the cabin rental

$50 in food — We split up meals. For instance, the boys were in charge of Friday dinner. Naturally, we ate hot dogs

Family Dinner

and hamburgers. Not judging, just saying. I was in charge of Saturday lunch, my friend Anna worked out Sunday breakfast, etc. If you have more people than meals, those not fixing a meal can buy the snacks.

$50, give or take, in booze — I say “give or take” because that all depends on your taste in booze (expensive vs cheap) and level of consumption (guzzles vs sips).

$50 in random stuff you decide is a must-have for the trip. ie. Apples to Apples, sleds, a Flabongo, floaties, etc.

Money saving tip: if you head to a destination in its off season (ie. Chelan in late-September through April) cabins rates will sometime be heavily discounted.

My friends and I have planned three or four such trips in the last couple years, and each was a blast. I could list a bunch of places to stay, but honestly the best thing to do is search Google. Simply enter the location you want to go, and the word “cabins.” You’ll be amazed at how many options there are for every price range and time frame. Enjoy!