Packing for a Weekend in the Pines

by Heather

Two of  three pieces of  luggage I purchased from Walmart. I first saw the suitcases on another blogger's site and thought they were so so cute. I use the pieces as storage for out-of-season scarves when not in use for travel.

Thursday, July 18th

We're going on a short road trip this weekend up north to pine country. With highs in the mid 70s, lows in the mid 50s, and thunderstorms forecast, you know it's going to be very different weather than here in the Valley and that means a totally different wardrobe. My winter clothes are packed away for the season (I know, for some of you those temps don't spell "winter" but they do for desert dwellers) so let's see what I can do with what's available in my closet. I'll need to include clothes for leaving the hot climate as well as returning to it, so layering will be key. Because of the impending stormy weather, I'm going to start with my one all-weather jacket in black and cream and go from there.

The last time I wore this coat was on an Alaskan cruise with my two blogger buddies and our spouses. If it rains in the Valley, it's either too hot to wear a raincoat or I go with a trench coat as seen here: http://friendshiplifeandstyle.blogspot.com/2013/02/rain-drops-keep-fallin-on-my-head.html.

Also, we're taking the puppy (she still acts like one at 18 months) to see how she'll do when traveling. It's been amazing to me how much a dog changes one's wardrobe needs, especially one as rambunctious as Liberty. No really high wedges when I'm with her -- she'd pull me right off them -- and no dry clean-only items as muddy paws usually find their way to my clothes. We've had two dog training classes with her (she can sit on command now) but we still haven't mastered the meet and greet without going bonkers. Oh, I take that back. A neighbor just dropped by and Libby actually listened to my command to stop the jumping. Amazing! And speaking of Libby, she'll need a little something for the foul weather, too, so I picked up the cutest red and white polka dot raincoat complete with hood for her. I couldn't get her to sit still for a photo so you'll just have to believe me that she is darling in her rainwear.

We'll be doing very casual activities so I'm bringing three pair of black jeans: one crop, one straight, and one bootleg.  I could throw in a pair of tan crops, but hey, that would require ironing.

For the drive up from the Valley: black sleeveless no-iron blouse from Chico's; Antrhopologie belt; L.A.M.B. purse; Nordstrom hat 

One of three pair of shoes -- Juicy Couture flip-flops (well, four pair if I count the black and cream Pumas for walking the dog)

When it cools down in the evening, adding a J Crew Factory sweater and Chico's scarf over the blouse will keep me warm.

Black and gold accessosries:  my new braided leather and gold anchor bracelet from Kiel James Patrick; Michael Kors watch; Chico's gold/black bangle and earrings; Alexis Bittar gold and tan bangles

Born boots (the most comfortable boots ever)

Loft sequined striped tank; Talbots lightweight cardigan

Local designer sterling and shell bracelet and ring; one of my favorite pair of earrings from Seattle-based jeweler

Target flats

An extra  top just in case...J Crew cardigan, Chico's white tank, Target scarf

Saturday, July 21st

On the way to Flagstaff, Arizona...

Tom and Libby at Sunset Point rest area -- good news, Libby is a great traveler! She's also quite the draw -- people fall in love her and want to pet her soft fluffy coat.

Our first stop in Flagstaff was a quaint wine bar, Vino Loco Wine Bar and Shop, where Libby was invited inside and given a nice bowl of water while we drank great wine and enjoyed a lovely cheese board. We learned that Flagstaff is truly a dog-loving town and is sometimes referred to as "Wagstaff."

The small college town of Flagstaff (Norther Arizona University is located here) has a lively downtown area.

Just one of the birds available for strolling tourists to play with...

A fairly new addition to the downtown area, Señor Pickles Cafe, pulled me in by offering batter-fried pickles. Had to try them!

Really good, but too many for one person to consume.

Tom ordered mini tacos -- very tasty with cilantro, guacamole, salsa, sour cream -- and a beer to wash them down. The owner brought out a bowl of water  for Libby along with a couple of dog treats. See what I mean about a dog-loving town!

Can't go to Flagstaff without stopping in Sedona either on the way up or the way down. If you've never been there, put it on your list of places to see. The red rocks are stunning!

And as long as you're passing through Sedona, make sure you stop at Tlaquepaque (extra credit points if you pronounce it correctly), a quaint village of art galleries, fine restaurants, and shops. 

Our favorite restaurant in Tlaquepaque: Rene's

Of course, Libby was brought a bowl of water while we drank Prosecco (for me) and Pinot Grigio (for Tom) .

Pepper steak and bleu cheese crostini

Sweet creamy corn chowder

The night before we left, the heavens opened and we received almost two inches of rain in our desert neighborhood but the skies were blue when we left in the morning. The weather held all day until late evening when Flagstaff was treated to a lightning and thunder storm of epic proportions. We were safely ensconced in our hotel room by then and the next day, the sun was shining. On our way home, after leaving Sedona and getting back onto the freeway, the rain caught up with us once again and stayed with us. I had packed two umbrellas but neither one was put to use. Now that's a good weekend getaway!

How are your summer travels going?

Love,
Heather