C&C on the Move

This past weekend we traveled to McCall, Idaho to participate in the two day Northwest Passage Ski Mountaineering Race. Friday's race consisted of a 1600ft vertical race and Saturday a traditional ski mountaineering race with 5500 ft of vertical. 

The weather was so brutally cold that I didn't get any photos from the mountain. Here's a shot from the lodge. I ended up purchasing this Mammut skirt Friday prior to the race just to keep my tush and legs warm over my race suit....it was THAT cold. 

Here are a few shots from Friday's vertical race. I'm at the base of the climb to the far left. It wasn't a stellar performance, but given my lack of training, I was just happy that I didn't finish last. 

 This look is called "cold, tired and I live at sea level".

Saturday morning the temperatures were reading as low as -27 on our car, and at the start the temp was still ten to twenty degrees below zero. My younger self would have joined my amazing and slightly crazy husband....

photo courtesy of Eric Hoff

But my older, wiser self decided to stay in the warmth of my cozy bed at the Shore Lodge. Let's talk about the Shore Lodge. I had not stayed in this hotel in well over a decade, and only in the summer, so I didn't have any expectations going into it. 

The Lodge sits right on Payette Lake with spectacular views. Here are a few photos I took. 

And some from the hotel's Facebook page. The lodge in winter...

And in summer.

The cozy fireplace in the lobby.

And one of the rooms. Did I mention how cozy the beds were? I'm very particular about bed linens, pillows and mattresses, and these did not disappoint!

From the moment we arrived we were treated with only the highest level of service and hospitality. At the check-in desk they had a tray with a caprese bruschetta (which the second night was a pastry puff filled with a tasty fruit compote). Each night at turn-down we found a freshly baked treat next to the bed (oatmeal raisin cookie and rice crispy treat). Our dog was welcomed to the hotel with a food and water bowl and dog biscuits. And every....yes EVERY member of the hotel staff that we encountered was friendly and helpful. I would easily equate the level of service to that of the Ritz Carlton.

Friday before our race the Mini and I decided to check out the heated outdoor pool.

We had a great time swimming despite the crazy cold temperatures.

At the end of our very short stay (2 nights), the Mini said "I really like this resort. Can we come back here again?" Of course my heart will always be in my hometown of Sun Valley, but McCall and the Shore Lodge has made an imprint that will have us coming back for more. I didn't even have a chance to visit their incredible The Cove spa, so a return trip is definitely in order. 

As far as restaurants....we went to the Fogglifter Cafe three times in two days. It reminded me a lot of Java (in Ketchum) with great coffee, baked goods, breakfast and lunch food. We also had dinner at the Salmon River Brewery. I had a delicious steak salad, and they had a great selection of beers. Stacey Cakes came highly recommended, but we didn't have a chance to get there. I guess we have something to look forward to for our next trip. 

So if you find yourself looking for a fantastic winter or summer getaway, I highly recommend the Shore Lodge. 

Products We Love: The Mackie Dress

All things boho and embroidered seemed to have made their way back onto fashionable ladies last summer. Just because the seasons have changed, doesn't mean we don't have warm weather attire on the mind…especially with my and Dr. B's upcoming trip to Hawaii. And the Mackie dress is perfect for any girl (small or grown) looking for cute, comfortable, casual resort wear. 

They come in a range of colors...

And two lengths. 

The biggest challenge you'll face is deciding what color! 

 

Sabine

Last week, Blaire Eadie of Atlantic-Pacific posted this photo of herself (the whole blog is photos of her) in this adorable top. Of course it was sold out. That is why clothing companies pay bloggers like her and give them free clothes...all she does is wear a top, post it on her blog and BANG, 20 minutes later...SOLD OUT! 

Since I liked the top so much, I figured it was worth checking out the other items offered by the brand, Sabine. Here are some of my favorite pieces, all available on Piperlime.

All of these styles are so easy. They scream " Mexican vacation". Maybe I should buy a few pieces so that I have a reason to go on a Mexican vacation. :)

C&C on the Move

This past weekend my +1 and I left the Mini Fashionista at home and headed to Colorado. Our agenda: 1) Client meetings (for my +1), 2) Visit with college friends (for me) and 3) The Snow Mountain Stampede XC ski race. 

We spent Thursday night and Friday morning in Denver, and then headed into the mountains to stay just outside of Winter Park at Devil's Thumb Ranch. Two years ago we had lunch at the ranch after my husband competed in the Snow Mountain Stampede. After that short visit, we knew that we had to come back and stay for more than a few hours. It is a winter paradise.  

The main lodge was modeled after Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood with a hexaganol center room. The grounds of the property are breathtaking. There isn't a bad view to be found. The accomodations include lodge rooms and cabins. 

Fortunately for us, all the lodge rooms were booked, so we were "forced" to stay in the newly built High Lonesome Lodge in one of the 1000 sqft guest suites. It was pretty fantastic! 

On Saturday we competed in the Snow Mountain Stampede. The race conditions were not ideal, with snow and wind gusts over 25 mph. While my +1 raced 42K, I decided that I would stick to the 21K race. Going to an altitude of nearly 9,000 feet from sea level is not an easy physiological feat (It takes 1-2 weeks for your body to acclimate), so I decided to play it safe.

Well, it paid off! I ended up placing 2nd overall and 1st in my age category.

Then it was back to the ranch for some R&R. We spent the remainder of our visit, Saturday, Sunday and Monday relaxing, skiing, eating and savoring some adult alone time. I even got to enjoy an 80 minute massage at their spa. HEAVENLY! 

It was hard to do too much sitting around because the trails at Devil's Thumb are so spectacular. 

We did manage to balance our outdoor activites with some indoor activites: reading, checkers and the aforementioned eating and drinking. The Lodge has two restaurants and a coffee shop all with great menus. We did not go hungry! 

Not only is Devil's Thumb Ranch a great place for some adult R&R, but it's also extremely family friendly.  With a pool, theater room, ice rink, sleigh rides and countless other activities (any interest in laser biathalon?), the Ranch offers something for everyone. I have no doubt that we will be back here again very, very soon. 

After weekends like this I feel so fortunate. I feel lucky to have in-laws to watch the Mini Fashionista. I feel lucky to have the means to travel and exerpience such incredible places, and most of all I feel lucky to have an incredible +1 to do it with. Life is good. 

Palm Beach Perfect

I've never been to Palm Beach, but if I was going I would be stocking up on CJ Laing apparel! The collection is known for its genuine hand-loomed ikat cloth, and I can see why. The prints are fabulous!

And, it is all made in the USA!!!

And my personal favorite, the Tangier Dress! I am in LOVE! Only $695, no big thing!

CJ Lang can be purchased online at Taigan.

And, stay tuned later today for the winner of the History + Industry giveaway! 

Heading South

I'm heading South of the border for the holidays, so I will be making the transition from boots, a sweater and a warm coat to a sun dress and flip flops. I can't wait! This shirt dress from Calypso would be the perfect piece to add to my suitcase.

Calypso Shirt Dress $225

Cardigan Wednesday

Matthew Williamson Resort 2010

A Pop of Pink

The 2011 Resort Collection for Giambattista Valli is mostly neutral colors, except for a few pops of color, pale pink included. I'm a big fan!

Once in a Lifetime

I wore a Monique Lhuillier dress for my wedding four years ago and there is a very slim chance I will ever wear one of her designs again (as I am holding out for an Oscar de la Renta). However, if price were of no concern, I would be picking something(s) fabulous out of her Resort 2011 Collection. Stunning!