Tag Archives: travel

Getting Out: Las Vegas

If you’ve been reading my blog for any time at all, you’ll know that I usually aim for under-the-radar, hip stuff to do when I’m traveling. My interest level in going to the Galco Soda Stop, for example, is greater than my desire to see the Hollywood sign. You will never hear me advocating that you visit a restaurant with locations in more than one county.

That said: Get over it.

Not pictured: sequined minidress, six inch heels.

Not pictured: sequined minidress, six inch heels.

The point of Las Vegas is that it is corny, it is over-the-top, it is terrible, it is bright and loud and dingdingdingdingding. Embrace it, and do what you’re there to do. Eat well, drink too much, lose some money you had to lose, and take in some shows. After the jump, I’ve got some suggestions.

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Moving In: Kex

This summer, I spent some time in Iceland. I gave you all the notes for that trip on Monday, but I got to thinking about the hostel I stayed in there, and, well, it is fantasy status. Let’s review, shall we?

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Right, Kex is cooler than your house.

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Getting Out: Reykjavik

Every year, my girlfriends and I take a trip to somewhere different. This year, it was Reykjavik, Iceland. How did we choose such a place, you ask? Well, I’m obsessed with Iceland, and we were between there and Colombia the day we picked and it was hot that day and we decided we’d had enough of hot.

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3 Girls, 1 Viking.

That photo pretty much sums up the trip, but if you follow me after the jump, I’ll give you the inside scoop on what’s the what in Reykjavik and the surrounding areas. Be forewarned: In another time, I would have been the lady making you look at her vacation slides over fondue. Continue reading

Getting Out: Los Angeles

A word on Los Angeles: I thought I was going to hate it there. I have long held that Southern California is not a real place, and that the entire state is, in fact, a bold advertising campaign for In-N-Out Burger (see: Fig. A).

Okay, it really is as good as everyone claims. I regret stating otherwise and fully retract any statement made previously.

Okay, it really is as good as everyone claims. I regret stating otherwise and fully retract any statement made previously.

I spent five great days in the City of Angels a few weeks back, and I’ve got some suggestions for you for eating, drinking, shopping, and seeing. It’s by no means conclusive (how could it be?), but it’s representative and a little bit off the beaten path.

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Nostalgia: A Hell of a Drug

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I think the guy on the right may be my real dad. Mom, please advise. (via Slate.com)

Check out these amazing photographs of tourists from the 80s and early 90s. I definitely spotted some stuff that I owned circa then. I’m not sure why I find this whole thing so touching, but it’s definitely worth a quick look midday.

Fantasy Life Update: Sweating to the Oldies

Y’all, this is me.

AND THAT IS RICHARD SIMMONS.

So, I went to Los Angeles for a brief vacation to see friends and family, and while I was there, I remembered that someone had told me Richard Simmons still taught his own class in his own studio and that it was a mere $12.

And that, my friends, is a truth. Richard Simmons is a force of nature, and I barely survived to tell you this: that class is hard. Really. Hard. Also, Richard Simmons is in on the joke about the spandex. Also, Richard Simmons has held my ponytail, and no, that is not a euphemism.

My friend Lauren and I went sort of as a joke, and it definitely started that way. Brother just walked in and kissed everyone and sparkled and was generally buff in our direction. Then the music started.

AND OH GOOD GOD DO I WANT RICHARD’S APPROVAL. He is NOT handing it out, either. He ran us around that exquisite hardwood floor for 90 minutes, telling people to move their asses. FASTER. HIGHER. HARDER. On a water break, Lauren and I decided all we had to do was not be the absolute worst, which we achieved. I think.

Anyway, at the end, we were all tasked to “gather some steam and chase our dreams” which sounds corny but I was so into it. Then Richard informed us that the only acceptable place for a Kit-Kat was up our asses and let us go home.

Sweaty and grateful, I went out for a cupcake.

Snacks on Snacks on Snacks: Roasted Chickpeas

These were supposed to be for the airport, but they didn’t make it.

Today is the day! I’m going on vacation! I whipped up these this morning as a plane snack, but I don’t think they’re coming. Roasted, crispy chickpeas: under a dollar, way healthier than chips, and utterly satisfying. Bingo. You could easily, easily make these Tex-Mex or curry spiced or anything your little heart desired; these proportions should give you a guide as to how much to add.

Crunchy Chickpeas

1 can of chickpeas, drained, rinsed, and patted dry

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon dried rosemary

1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

salt and pepper to taste

Drizzle the beans with oil, add on your toppings and toss well. Spread out onto a lined jelly-roll pan in a single layer and bake for 1 hour at 425. Reach into the oven about every 15-20 minutes to stir things around and make sure it’s all getting mixed up. Serve at room temperature.