In the Details

Just some detail shots of Sedona.

Rock of Ages

This will be very picture-heavy, guys.

Let's launch straight into this, yeah?

Yeah.

My mom and I flew out of LAX (least favourite airport) last Tuesday and arrived in Tucson (favourite airport) about an hour later. Truth be told, I love flying, but it gives me so much anxiety. Let's face it, though, nearly everything gives me anxiety.

My mom, aunt, uncle, and I left Tucson the next day and drove up (or down, I have no sense of direction in Arizona) to Sedona from their house. The drive was pretty dull, but I secretly enjoyed it. The Arizona desert is so different from the one I live in. There's so much green. And, of course, everything wants to poke you. It's not even cool.

Our first hotel was this gorgeous resort. It was a three-bedroom condo thing, and I had my own fancy bathroom and very nearly private, personal patio. The grounds weren't that special, but who cares about that when you're in the lap of luxury? I called it Shangri La the whole time we were there. I'm not sure if everyone was amused the fourth time around. We'd eaten lunch at this restaurant, Ken's Creekside, before going to the hotel, so we basically stayed in for the rest of the night. I had a TV dinner. In Shangri La.

The next day (Thursday? Probably), my mom and aunt and I went uptown to check out some of the shops. At least I think it was uptown. I really ought to have paid more attention. The street itself was really cool, as the sidewalks were all reddened and the fixtures all copper. In every direction, you can see the amazing rocks rising out of the desert, and it's absolutely gorgeous. I got a few souvenirs and gifts, checked out a really dull museum, and had a delicious mocha. I do like mochas now. We ended the night with Cold Stone and spaghetti.

The next day, we couldn't decide what to do. We eventually settled on breakfast at Coffee Pot Restaurant, a drive to check out Slide Rock, and pizza.

The following day (what on earth are these days of the week?), we left that resort and went to check out some national monuments before checking into the next hotel. We saw Montezuma Well, which was amazing. It's this ridiculously large oasis in the middle of the desert, a huge pool ringed with cliffs and dwellings within the cliffs. If you go down a few steps, you'll find a trail surrounded by nearly lush greenery that winds alongside a creek. It's kind of amazing. After that was Montezuma's Castle a few miles away. The Castle, much like the Well, is amazing. That's best explained via photograph.

We ended up staying in three different hotel rooms, eating a ridiculous amount of food at Coffee Pot Restaurant (fantastic breakfast burritos, and the best biscuits and gravy ever) and El Rincon (amazing green chile and cheese enchiladas), seeing Hangover III (worth it), and going on a Hummer tour on our last day. There was no off-roading, as it is impossible to talk either me or my mom into it. It's just not gonna happen.

After spending one more day at my aunt and uncle's house, we flew back to California and came home to a massive dust storm. That was on Tuesday. It was clear as a bell on Wednesday. Our weather is being absurd.

Well, enough of my nonsense. Here, have some (so many) pictures!

Arriving in Tucson!

Lust List: Top Half

Now that I've gotten some awesome jeans, I need more awesome tops to pair with said awesome jeans. At least, that's my logic. I'm really feeling obnoxious colours, things that look like cheesy Hawaiian shirts but aren't, cool prints, and details that'll look good with everything. So now, when I go shopping for Sedona, I'm hunting for cool tops and adventure shoes.

Seriously, though, these jeans are going to go through so much. Nearly as much as my favourite moccasins. I look forward to it.

1. Top with flocked spots from ASOS Curve—$41.56
2. Stacked collar top from Forever 21—$22.80
3. Palm print tank top from Lane Bryant—$35.95
4. Tee-shirt with fox print from ASOS Curve—$26.60
5. Pow print tank top from ASOS Curve—$29.93
6. Hibiscus dolman top from Lane Bryant—$34.95
7. Tie-dye trapeze top from Forever 21—$14.80
8. Delighted By You top from Ruche—$28.99
9. Longline top from Evans—$45
10. Oui striped sweatshirt from Evans—$49.50

Lust List: Adventure Gear

I'm overly excited about going to Sedona next month, and so is my mom. Well, mostly, she's excited about maxi dresses. I, however, just want a bunch of sundresses and boots with good traction and backpacks. That's my ideal adventure gear. I mean, I wore a dress in Yellowstone. Skirts don't alter my Girl Scout abilities.

Don't worry, though, I also plan on sneakers and shorts and tee-shirts. And that cool coral tee with the studs? I may just try my hand at DIYing that.

Truth be told, though? I probably won't get much of a chance at hiking or anything, but I'm excited nonetheless. I've been to Arizona, but never to Sedona. I hear it's really cool, though.

I dunno, I think I'm just getting a bit stir-crazy.

1. Blue Floral Skater Dress from ASOS Curve—$63.18
2. Studded tank (in coral) from ASOS Curve—$29.93
3. Floral High-Low dress from Forever 21—$27.80
4. Points of Interest Necklace from Lulu's—$15
5. Solar Flare Necklace from Lulu's—$17
6. Millie Polka-Dot Backpack from Ruche—$65.99
7. Metallic Heel Booties from Forever 21—$32.80
8. Fun Time Sandals from ASOS—$58.19
9. Polka-Dot Chambray Dress from eShakti—$59.95
10. Lemongrass Lace Crossbody Bag from Plasticland—$78

Keep On Rolling

So I'm heading off to Sedona in May, and I'm really looking forward to it. My mom suggested that I bring my pencils and a sketchbook, and I've been trying to find something clever and small to keep my gear in, since my art box won't exactly fit into a suitcase. Space is limited when you travel by plane.

I saw this tutorial, and thought it was super clever. While mine is far (far) lazier than theirs, it's the same basic idea. And it works fantastically!

The really clever bit, though, is that you could absolutely use this for anything. Pencils, makeup brushes, knitting needles, etc., etc., etc.

Here's what you'll need:

• A long piece of cloth. You'll want at least an extra foot or so, so keep that in mind. And seriously, any cloth will work.
• Scissors.
• Something to mark with (if you're doing this for pencils, and you've got your 8B handy, that's absolutely perfect).
• Things to put into it.

Gather your stuff and prepare thyselves. It's actually really easy. And no sewing!