Part Two: Chicago Vintage Shops and What I Bought

After visiting the Edgewater Antique Mall in Chicago, my mom and I went to BAM (or the Broadway Antique Mall) which is on Broadway in Chicago. This is a two-story store, and again, it features booths from various sellers. My first impression of this store, compared to the Edgewater Antique Mall, was that it was not as chock-full of small stuff, but rather had a more restrained collection of larger items. This may or may not be actually true, but it felt less crowded and more formal. After a few minutes of browsing, we also noticed that the prices seemed to be quite a bit higher. I was hard pressed to find any furniture for under $900. This store definitely had some cool stuff in it, but it wasn't as much fun to explore. Here are some of the most interesting things we saw:

Gorgeous mirrored vanity table with lucite-type handles. Matching chair had potential to be awesome but the upholstery was ugly.

Funky upper arm bracelet formed to look like a snake. Unleash your inner Cleopatra!

I had a love/hate relationship with this combo wardrobe/dressing table. On the one hand, the fabrication and material used seemed really cheap ....

But on the other hand, the design was so cool! There was a space for hanging clothing, and a space for make-up, etc. with a fold out stool and a mirror. In my dreams, I would have it recreated in a quality natural wood, instead of the thin and ugly fake wood they used.

More rams for my Aries self. Mid-century pottery dish. Apparently signs of the zodiac were popular motifs back then?

Mid-century Modern Nail Art Wall Hanging

Tramp Art-style Spice Drawers

Large hooked rug wall hanging. Very Cool!!!

AND NOW ..... THE TREASURES I PURCHASED!!!

I am so in love with all of these things. First off, there is this sunshine-y yellow picnic set. There are no identifying marks on it, other than to say it was made in Mexico. It comes with cutlery, plates, and two sizes of bowls. The carrying case comes apart into two serving dishes. I wonder if the two holes on the top used to hold salt and pepper shakers, or if they are simply finger holes to help pull the case apart. In any case, I adore it and hope to use it soon for a picnic. This was $30.

My next purchase (for only $12.99!!!!!) is in a totally different style, but I think it's so cool! It's a black lacquer Japanese wooden music box and jewelry holder. It was so cheap, I think, because the music box part doesn't work, and it is missing one of the tiny brass nails that hold the hinges on (does anyone know where I can get a replacement tiny brass nail?). But regardless, it is still so charming. The insides of the drawers are lined in hot pink velvety fabric. The little doll is surrounded by mirrors. Her expression and demeanor are pure pathos. It's so sweet! The black wooden exterior is handpainted, and also decorated with iridescent chips of abalone shell. Knowing what I know about the way items from Japan are marked, I would guess it was from the late 1950s or 1960s.

Love the painted scenes, the gold thread tassel, and the sad little doll.

How cute are these?!!! A couple of people have suggested they are Christmas glasses, because of the bells. But I will use them all year long because the colors of baby pink, black and gold don't seem very Christmas-y to me. Set of 6 tall, slim milk glass drinking glasses: $36.

And my last purchase is the one I have been using non-stop since I bought it. I washed it in hot water a few times but it still smells slightly like some old lady's perfume. But I am getting used to it. I love it so much and use it as a tv-watching blanket while crashed on my sofa at night. It is the kind of over-the-top girly girl item I just adore! 

I think it's a cotton/poly blend, and it's definitely machine quilted. My guess is 1960s or early 1970s? This was only $25 and it's in perfect condition, except for a few loose strings.

And last, but not least .... I did not get this item at the vintage stores, but I think it's super fun and wanted to share it:

Found at Lowe's. Wish it came in more colors.

This giant twist tie can be added to the list of things I didn't know I desperately needed, but now can't imagine life without! The package came with TWO of these fabulous items. So far, I have not used it for anything particularly useful but have been playing with it non-stop. It's one of those things that are great to fidget with when bored. But according to the package, the GearTie can be used to secure your folded blankets, wrap up your patio umbrellas, or hang your lantern from your clothesline!! Yay! No more lanterns on the floor, ever again! Life it good!

My First Time: Making a Full Bust Adjustment (FBA) on a Camisole Pattern

I've been sewing my own clothes since I was in high school (a long time ago now), but sometimes I feel like my skills have not progressed very much, and I'm in a point of stasis, stuck at mediocre. However, I recently happened across a sewing blog that talked about the "Full Bust Adjustment" and although I now vaguely remember doing something similar way back in fashion design school, apparently it had been erased from my conscious memory. So this is why none of the tops I sew seem to fit me satisfactorily! I thought they were just poorly designed patterns or that my body shape was too unusual to fit any commercial patterns. That's the fatalist, nothing's-ever-perfect side of my personality peeking through.

For those sewists that haven't heard of it, the Full Bust Adjustment (FBA) is a pattern adjusting technique for any woman who is larger than a B cup. Commercial pattern makers assume that the average woman is a B cup, and patterns are created with this assumption in mind. But if, for instance, your bust measurement is 45" and you choose a pattern sized for that bust measurement, it may be too big for you in the armholes, neckline, shoulder width, etc., if you are a C cup or greater. So the trick for a better fitting top is to measure your high bust (the tape measure is pulled tight around your chest just under your armpits), and use the pattern size that corresponds to that measurement. I was about to make a summer sundress in a neat navy and white tropical print, but have had trouble in the past with this type of top fitting well. It's usually too short to fit over my bust, but then too loose at the side seams and gaping.

I won't detail the process because there are so many other websites that do a great job with that. For instance, check out these two:
Sewing Lingerie Myself

Sew Sew Sew Your Boat

But suffice to say, that I am pleased with the final outcome on this sundress. I could have added even a little more length in the bust area, as it's still a little short (and on an unrelated note, the straps are too long on my shoulders). But overall, it's a good fit. Here is the finished garment, and below that, a picture of the second full bust adjustment I did, with even better results.

Full disclosure: I am not this slim. I had to pin the dress on my size 12 mannequin to make it fit.

For this dress, I used a gorgeous galaxy print woven cotton. I was going to make a hem that dipped in the back, but chickened out and went more conservative. I haven't worn this yet, but the fit is amazing. Very fitted in the chest area, which makes it very flattering, just right in the waist, comfortable in the hips. Also like that this is not too low cut, so it could be worn for work or family get-togethers. Shout out and thank you to all the sewing bloggers who have put up their FBA techniques to share with everyone and help me advance to a slightly higher level of sewing competence.

Galaxy print cotton dress.

This is the pattern I used.

Chicago Thrift Store Gems

While I was looking after my mom, post-shoulder surgery (hers, not mine), we decided to go to some thrift stores. The day was pretty fun (except for a fight we had, mid-day) and I scored some finds that I am totally in love with.

We went to two stores on the north side of Chicago, that I found off of a list published about the best Chicago thrift stores:
Best Chicago Vintage Stores

I had never been to either one so it was an adventure. They are close to each other in the Edgewater neighborhood. The first one we visited was the Edgewater Antique Mall.

I love this one and can't wait to go back. It is one of those indoor antique "malls" that is not really a mall, but a collection of stalls from various dealers. On the day we went, they were having an automatic 10% off everything over $30 sale. On other days, you can try bargaining for a lower price. My mom and I were not looking for anything in particular, but she has just recently bought a new house and wants to furnish it "country style." I was hoping not to buy anything, but to be honest, I was open to falling in love with something. Additionally, I was on the look-out for cool Mid-Century Modern stuff that my brother might like. That is his current obsession, and he is particularly looking for garden sculptures in that style, (which we did not find). I don't even know if they exist, at least in the price range a typical homeowner can afford. But anyway, here are some of the pictures of cool MCM stuff I found:

Look at this amazing console we found!

Both ends open outward!

This piece was pretty amazing. It seems very unusual to me, with the panels of relief carving and the ends opening out for more storage. I'm not exactly sure what this chest was used for - maybe dining room storage? The seller did not even have a price on it. Apparently, he is doing research on it to find out it's value. I fell in love!

Fun metal Don Quixote sculpture!

I just finished reading an amazing translation of Don Quixote so I am currently in love with all things Quixotic. This knick knack was reasonably priced, and I am thinking of going back for it. I might start a little statue collection: maybe three to five pieces. That would make an awesome display. Of course, according to my "one-thing-in-two-things-out" rule, that would mean getting rid of more stuff. What should go next?

Adorable china!

 Check out this sweet set of china. I so wish I could justify this purchase as it is just too cute for words! Love the colors, the patterns and the interesting shapes of all the pieces. It was pretty pricey, though.

Two blue candlesticks

 These would fit in the shabby chic, or kitchy cottage mode of decor. They are the sweetest shade of sky blue ceramic, with a romantic raised pattern. I think I need these!

Someone painted this bright red.

 Another sweet little bit of shabby cottage cuteness. If I bought it, I might even stencil on some woodland flowers and toadstools. It reminds me of something you might see in Red Riding Hood's grandmother's cottage.

50s style retro dinette set.

 I am jonesing over this one, for sure. It is so well designed! Yellow Formica-type top, chrome legs, and vinyl upholstered stools that hang fitted into slots under the table. Plus casters on the legs! I wish I had room to add this to my kitchen! My little white kitchen table from Ikea is looking sadder and sadder, compared to this!

Super duper gaudiness!

 Fun chandelier that my mom was thinking of buying. The price was really good, but she couldn't pull the trigger. I wish she had snapped it up, because her house so far is looking pretty vanilla, and it definitely could do with some gold-tone filigree and plastic iridescent crystal goodness!

Scandinavian Ram

 I'm an Aries, so I should have this. But the price - nope. Can't do it. (Sad face).

Funky, new-made, vinyl wallet and dotted shades. 

 Mmm, yes, please! I didn't bite on this one, but I might go back for them if they go on sale.

Yesss!

A ginormous collection of vintage ViewMaster reels. I loved these as a kid, and still do. I couldn't believe the selection. I spotted these just before my mom and I got in a fight at the store, so I didn't have the energy to go fishing through them, but I want to go back. I wonder if these old ones fit the modern ViewMaster I have in my basement?

Those are all my photos from the Edgewater Antique Mall. Check out the next blog post for Part 2 at the Broadway Antique Mall, when I will reveal my fabulous purchases!

A Tale of Two Body Scrubs, and the Konjac Sponges.

I have Chicken Skin. There, I said it, even though it makes me sad. The medical name is Keratosis Pilaris and here's a link to Dr. Oz's website, if you want to know more about it.
http://www.doctoroz.com/blog/audrey-kunin-md/treating-chicken-skin-bumps-keratosis-pilaris
For me, it started at puberty (when all Bad Things started), and my soft child's skin turned rough and bumpy on my thighs, butt and the backs of my upper arms. It's harmless but unattractive, and it never goes away. It's just unappealing. But ever since my skin became like sandpaper, I've been trying out various beauty routines to remedy it. The most successful for me has been using a scrubbing cloth - http://www.amazon.com/Salux-Nylon-Japanese-Beauty-Cloth/dp/B000CSDDDG/ref=sr_1_1?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1402326763&sr=1-1&keywords=japanese+scrubbing+towel - with a salt scrub every time I shower, and then immediately coating with lotion or body oil when I get out of the shower. This makes my skin very soft and much smoother. However, it doesn't take away the dotty look. Apparently, according to doctors I've talked to, nothing works permanently to get rid of the excess skin cells that build up around individual hair follicles, and create that dotted look. My skin is also very pale and thin, so being almost translucent, what's below, like hair follicles, show somewhat on the surface. 

Anyway, here is a review for two salt scrubs that I bought recently from Ulta. One is c. Booth All-Over-Body Sea Salt Scrub, and the other one is Mor Honey Nectar Salt and Sugar Body Scrub. 

I originally saw the c. Booth scrub in a magazine and sought it out because of the beautiful ice blue color. And IRL (in real life) the color is a gorgeous swimming pool blue, but when I opened the jar (8 oz.), I was taken aback by the strong, medicinal odor. This scrub features enticing ingredients, like algae and real sea salt, but the eucalyptus oil, to my nose at least, is so overpowering that it negates the positives of this product. While I like eucalyptus scent in general, this scrub smells too strong. It reminds me of Vicks Vapo Rub, and because of that, I do not enjoy using it. It contains glycerin, which I've read is very good for dry skin, and is free of parabens, sulphates, mineral oil and petrolatum. That is all good, but I just can't take the strong smell. It even scents my whole bathroom after I use it. Also, this scrub does not have an oil base, so while it did scrub my chicken skin, it didn't leave it particularly soft or moisturized afterward. As mentioned, it is for sale at Ulta, for $8.99.  http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod2960007

The second scrub is by Mor and I also purchased it at Ulta, but according to their website, it is no longer available there. However, you can find it directly from the company's website: 
http://www.morcosmetics.com/view/274/honey-nectar-salt-sugar-body-scrub/
This scrub at first appears to be more expensive, at $22, than the one from c. Booth, but it is actually cheaper, because the c. Booth scrub is only 8oz. and the Mor scrub jar contains 21.5 oz. It is a little misconceiving because the jars look almost the same size from the outside. Anywho, the Mor scrub has a delicious honey vanilla scent which I just ADORE. Seriously, it smells so good! I especially use this scrub before a date or party because it makes ME feel delicious. Just like the c. Booth scrub, the Honey Nectar is free of all the bad stuff (parabens, sulphates, mineral oil and petrolatum), but this scrub has both sea salt and sugar, plus a moisturizing and soothing base of jojoba oil and avocado oil. Also, it is not tested on animals. And it works wonderfully to smooth my skin and leave it feeling soft and moisturized. I highly recommend this scrub if you want soft, sweetly scented skin. Of course, as with any salt scrub, do not use if you have a cut, or have just shaved, because .... well, Ouch!  Anyway, buy it, it's awesome!

 

Clockwise from top: Dew Puff Original Konjac Sponge, MyKonjac Bamboo Charcoal Sponge, and Dew Puff Asian Clay Konjac Sponge.

A hot, new trend in skin care is the Konjac sponge. These beauty wonders come from Korea and are the dried fibers of a root vegetable native to Asia. Some of the beauty claims associated with this sponge are that it can break down dirt and promote circulation, and that it is good for delicate skin. I purchased three varieties. I bought two from the brand Dew Puff, for $7.00 each, from Walgreens. One is white and is called the "Original Konjac Sponge." The other one is peachy colored and is the "Asian Clay" version. The third sponge I bought is a smaller, grey version from MyKonjacSponge. 
http://www.amazon.com/My-Konjac-Sponge-Bamboo-Charcoal/dp/B00B1M0XCG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1402325883&sr=8-2&keywords=charcoal+konjac+sponge
The bamboo charcoal version and the clay version are said to be particularly good for acne. I don't suffer from acne (I usually get one pimple every month with my cycle), so I can't speak to whether this claim is true. And actually, I've been using all three sponges interchangeably and don't really notice a difference between them, other than the fact that the smaller, charcoal one takes longer to fluff up after you wet it than the other two, larger sponges. Here is a picture of the root vegetable in its natural state. Interesting:

The way you use these sponges is to moisten them with water to fluff them up. When they are not in use, you can hang them by a little string that is attached. The grey sponge (which was $10) came with a tiny white suction cup which I stuck to my shower wall, and I hang all three of the sponges on it to dry between use. When they dry, they shrink and get hard. After moistening the sponge, you can either use it plain or with your favorite cleanser. I tried using it without a cleanser and I didn't feel like my skin really got clean. So now I've been using it with my RestoreSea cleanser (which I will review in a later post), and it works very well to spread the cleanser around my face. You clean your entire face with a gentle massaging motion, and after using, rinse puff, squeeze out water, and hang to dry until next time.  Apparently, you are supposed to replace the puff every 3 months.

I have to say, I really like these sponges and in 3 months time, I will buy a new one and keep using it. As I mentioned, I don't really notice a difference between the three types I purchased. What I like about them is that they are very soft and are gentle on my delicate skin. The size and teardrop shape is ergonomic, fits well in my hand, and is good at getting into the smaller spaces on the face, like between nose and eyes. It is more gentle than a Clarisonic type brush, yet better than finger tips at getting your cleanser on your whole face. So in sum, I don't know that the miracle claims are true, but since this sponge is cheap, easy to find, and pleasant and efficient to use, I would definitely recommend you try it out.  

Birthday Mini-Trip Out West

This year, my 49th birthday fell on a Thursday. My son would still be in Boston at school, and I usually go out to dinner with my family for my birthday, but we save it for the weekend. So I knew I would be alone on the actual day, and decided to take a mini-trip to celebrate. I love to go to "new" places - places I haven't been before - so for this trip I chose Utah.

Sun streaming over the Utah mountains.

Over the years, I had been researching destination health spas that were reasonably priced. Red Mountain Resort in Utah repeatedly made the lists, and it got mostly good reviews on TripAdvisor, so I started planning around that destination. The location was also very near Zion National Canyon, and Las Vegas. Las Vegas is relatively cheap to fly into from Chicago, so I got a flight there, and rented a car to drive the 2 hours to Ivins, Utah, where the Red Mountain Resort is located. Even though I didn't particularly think the all-inclusive resort format was right for me (see this post), I chose the all-inclusive option at Red Mountain, because it definitely looked like the best deal, financially. The all-inclusive rate included three meals, all the fitness classes (or so I thought) and one spa treatment. I chose the King bed villa as my room, since reviews on TripAdvisor said the accommodations were so much nicer than the regular rooms, and you had access to the fancier pool.

Las Vegas airport: the din of slot machines everywhere you turn.

After arriving at the Las Vegas airport (which is always wacky - there are literally slot machines at every turn!), I picked up my rental car and got on the road. The drive to Ivins, Utah was stunningly beautiful. You actually have to drive through the tip of Arizona and pass through the Virgin River Gorge, which I wasn't expecting. Several times, I pulled the car over to just stare at the gorgeous, striated rock formations. The beauty brought me to tears! How is this much amazingness even real! Seriously, the Midwest has some attractive areas, but it really pales in comparison to the natural beauty of the Southwest United States.

Probably should not have been driving and taking pictures at the same time...

Virgin River Gorge, Arizona

Just before getting to the resort, I stopped in Saint George, Utah and visited a housing development called Kayenta. It features high-end, single-family homes, spread out in a natural setting among the red rocks, with walking trails, a sculpture garden, a labyrinth, and a shopping area with art studios and a restaurant.

Sculpture garden at Kayenta.

Peaceful and secluded labyrinth.

One foot in front of the other....

It's really pretty and serene. I wasn't really interested in the art studios, but I walked the labyrinth, which was secluded and very peaceful, then got a snack at the restaurant. The strong, bright sun felt so good on my skin and in my eyes. The winter had been really brutal with so many dark days, and I felt starved for sunlight.

The view from my balcony of the zero edge pool at night.

Pretty landscaping at Red Mountain Resort.

Hiking trail at Red Mountain Resort.

A couple miles away was the Red Mountain Resort. My first impression was very positive. The grounds and buildings were so pretty in the red adobe style. The person at the check-in desk was kind of jerk though: brusk and unfriendly. Plus, she got a lot of my check-in info wrong. I drove to the individual building that held my room, then had to call at the desk for a porter because my suitcase was too heavy for me to lug up to the second floor. (Don't you think the receptionist should have asked if I needed help with my luggage? Poor customer service!). Anyway, the room was lovely and comfortable. I especially loved the bathroom decor and layout, which felt spa-like and spacious. My balcony looked out west onto the zero-edge pool, and I got a beautiful sunset delivered right to me.

Cozy and peaceful room at the Red Mountain Resort.

My balcony - great for drying off my swimsuit in the hot, dry sun.

That first day, I did some shopping in the town of Saint George - (I highly recommend the vintage shop, Urban Renewal, for fun clothes, jewelry and very well priced furniture and decor items), and had dinner there. The next day was spent exploring the beautifully landscaped grounds, taking fitness classes (yoga in the canyon - awesome!), swimming, hiking, and eating the delicious food. The food was all very health-conscious, but delicious. I did not lose weight, however. It was buffet style except for dinner, so I guess I overdid it on portions. That's okay; I really enjoyed it. I had a really nice massage in the spa, where I was so relaxed, I dozed off, then woke myself up with my own snoring. Embarrassing!

Gorgeous landscaping.

Cactus.

Utah blossoms.

As an introvert though, I would say that if I were to go there again, I would skip the all-inclusive option. The fitness classes I chose turned out not to be included in the rate (though many classes were included). And I didn't enjoy the van ride to the canyon for yoga. Too many chattering women - I felt claustrophobic and like I had to put up an emotional wall to avoid conversation. It's not my thing. My favorite parts of staying at this resort were the quiet alone times just walking around and taking in the gorgeous scenery and weather.

Zion.

Crevice at Zion.

Stunning rocks and colors.

I checked out of the resort on Thursday (my actual birthday) and drove to Zion Canyon for a long, 4-hour hike. It was pretty fabulous, and I got all the quiet I needed, though there were plenty of people there. It would have been even better if it was more secluded, but apparently April is the most popular time to visit because it is not yet too hot, but the winter weather is past. This area gets really cold snowy winters (because of the high elevation) and really hot summers. There were a lot of families on spring break, as well.

After my hike, I drove to the Zion Ponderosa Ranch in Orderville, Utah, which I had saved for my birthday night. Boy, was that a mistake! In hindsight, I wish I had stayed in Springdale. That town is closer to the canyon, and really cute, with lots of lovely hotels all along the road.

Looks cute during the day. Was scary-dark at night!

Interior of my covered wagon. The sleeping bags scared me. Anything could be lurking inside!

The Zion Ponderosa is way out of the way - so secluded in fact, that as dusk came on, I got a little nervous because it was so far from anything else. It looked like a big former farm or ranch that had been turned into a "resort" but it didn't have a resort feel to it. Very basic! I had booked a covered wagon for the night, but didn't realize there was no heat or electricity in the wagon. It was pitch-black on the ranch, and I wandered around in my car for about 20 minutes before I stumbled upon my wagon. They had given me a little map at check-in, but I am useless at reading maps and couldn't get my bearings. Finally finding my wagon, I was dismayed that there were no lights at all. There was also a tiny lock on the door, and with lots of random people camping around the property, it didn't feel safe. Using my phone for illumination, I found a battery-operated lantern, but it seemed to be broken. I hated not being able to see inside the wagon or around the grounds. What if there were bugs or wild animals?!!! As a city girl, the complete darkness was very unsettling to me. I decided to drive back to the reception area to check out.

This is what I imagined by covered wagon would look like inside! No such luck!

I was teary-eyed and emotional about how dark everything was, but the receptionist was sympathetic and comforting. I talked about checking out, but she said the nearest hotel was an hour away. I didn't want to drive around in a strange area at night, so decided to stay. She gave me two of her flashlights to use in the cabin, and I drove back over to it. Then I realized I had to use the bathroom, so I got back in my car and drove the approximately three blocks to the common bath area. I was really bummed. This wasn't the romantic, bohemian experience I had expected. Although there was a tiny photo of the covered wagon on the website, somehow I expected it to be more tricked out and luxurious. The nylon sleeping bag in the wagon creeped me out. What if there was a scorpion or snake inside?! I didn't use it. Instead, I slept in my clothes and huddled, miserable and cold, on top the mattress, with both flashlights turned on all night long. If I liked camping, and had been prepared with flashlights and other camping necessities, it would have been fine. But it was more rustic than I'd expected, and I felt uncomfortable and unsafe. I cried myself to sleep - happy effing birthday!

As the sun came up Friday morning, I decide to change the rest of my trip. I had originally planned to drive to Bryce Canyon and stay at a Best Western in the area before driving back to Vegas for my flight out on Saturday. But I had underestimated how much more I would have to drive to get to Bryce, and didn't want to worry and rush getting back into Vegas. So I skipped Bryce, which I do regret a little bit, and booked a room for the night at the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino in Vegas. I had a bland breakfast at the restaurant on the ranch, which was a tired and dated looking spot, then got back in the car. I loved the drive back to Vegas. It was sunny and warm, and my spirits buoyed again.

I chose the Golden Nugget because it was available, cheap, and I'd heard of it. It is famous for "The Fremont Street Experience" which is a light and music show all along Fremont Street, closed off to car traffic, and lined with touristy souvenir shops. Since the Golden Nugget is off the strip, it is not as fashionable as the newer, fancier hotels, but it was definitely a step up from the ranch and the covered wagon. It had a nice lobby area, a really cool pool (although too crowded to get a space to sit), and some attractive bars, but the rooms definitely felt a little worn and "down-market."

Outside the hotel, on Fremont Street, a canopy covers several blocks of the street and images are projected overhead.

A giant aquarium in the center of the hotel's fish restaurant, Chart House.

A machine at the hotel that turns your cash into bars of gold!

The opulent reception area of the hotel spa. Got a manicure.

Looking down from the hotel dance club, into Fremont Street. 10pm on a Friday night.

It was okay. It felt good to take a hot shower in my private bathroom. I also took a little time to drive to the famous In-N-Out burger that I'd read celebrities in California adored. (It was really delicious). I thought about going to see The Chippendales show, or dancing at the nightclub*, but my energy was flagging and my feet were tired, so I just had the dinner buffet (good but not great), did a little shopping in the gift shops, and settled in for the night.

*(I might have to come to terms with the reality that my club dancing days are over. I have twice this year had the opportunity to go late night dancing: once in Playa del Carmen, and once in Vegas. But both times, my feet were too sore after walking all day, and I couldn't keep my energy up to be out at midnight, which is when dance parties just get started. Still, the idea of going to a dance party or club meant for people my age, which usually start earlier in the evening and feature "oldies" from the 80s and 90s, is just galling to me. It seems so lame and boring and "old people." Oh well, I still enjoy dropping it like it's hot in the privacy of my own home!).

All in all, it was a successful adventure. If I were to give advice to someone wanting to try a similar trip, I would definitely recommend the Red Mountain Resort, but stay ala carte, instead of all-inclusive. Then for hikes at Zion and Bryce National Canyon parks, stay in the town of Springdale. Bring a flashlight for the exceedingly dark, Utah wilderness nights, and spend some time exploring the restaurants and shops of Saint George and Springdale. And of course, wear very cushion-y shoes.