Yellowstone | Weekend Trip

Did you know that Yellowstone National Park was the first of it's kind? Yes, that is right. In 1872, the land where Yellowstone is located now was set aside to be thee first national park. Oh, and how happy I am that it is! This past weekend was one that I'll never forget. Not only did I go on my first camping trip and crossed off the first item on my 101 in 1001 list, I saw so much of Yellowstone and my first herd of bison! 

On Saturday afternoon we headed up to the park to the campsite. Our group had chosen a campsite just off of Lewis Lake and it was beautiful. Thankfully the weather from earlier had cleared up and gave us one amazing sunset to watch over the lake. Below are some pictures.

Early the next morning we packed up camp. Being a pampered first time camper I brought some Starbucks ice coffee for the morning. I'm still so sad I didn't rough it and drink the instant coffee that the boys drank, ha! After being properly caffeinated the day started with hitting all the major sights in Yellowstone. Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, Mud Pits, Grand Canyon and the falls.

Along the way to seeing these sights I saw hundreds of bison. Now, ever since my visit to Buffalo Trace I have been in love with these animals. Which made me curious about the ones that inhabit Yellowstone. If your interested, this link will tell you some awesome facts about these guys.

Can't wait to spend more time in the park!

xo | vSh

Bourbon It's a Kentucky Tradition

So this post is coming a little late. Before I left Kentucky for Wyoming, I went on a tour of Buffalo Trace Distillery. It was such a great time to learn about one key parts of Kentucky. Buffalo Trace is located on the Kentucky River in Frankfort, Kentucky.
Bourbon has always held its own in Kentucky. Children are basically brought up on it, kidding. However, the bourbon business is booming in Kentucky. In fact there are more barrels of bourbon in Kentucky than actual people.

If you are visiting in Kentucky or live there, I highly recommend going to Buffalo Trace or any of the other distilleries along the Bourbon Trail. I left my visit with a bottle of the amazing bourbon cream from buffalo trace and an adorable stuffed bison, who I've affectionally named Benny. Even though I love my time in Wyoming.. Kentucky will always be in my heart!

xo | vSh

Poppin' Accents

Since I do not have a place of my own... yet (I'm anxiously waiting for the day when I have my own apartment/home so I can decorate it) I love looking for small things that I can brighten either my desk or jewelry box. Currently, I've been attracted to items that add a pop to any setting! I think this bracelet is to die for.. a girl can dream. 

Soap | Book Ends | Print | Bracelet 

Granite Hot Springs | Perfect Getaway

For only 6$ and an hour drive, I found out I could retreat to a piece of paradise in paradise its self. Just south of Jackson is the Granite hot springs. The hot springs are part of the Teton National Forest. This past weekend I found myself needing a little me time and a natural hot tub was the perfect fix!

Down a 14 mile dirt road you will come upon this little paradise. Along this dirt road are beautiful views, a ranch, wild life and wildflowers and plenty of hiking trails. I'm already looking forward to my next visit to make use of the hiking trails! 

Here are some of my favorite snaps from this trip! 

xo | vSh

Wallet & Diet Saving Dinner | Pass the Veggies

Living on a budget and diet can be tricky sometimes. However, I tend to overload my dinners with veggies to cover both of these bases. This recipe is one of my favorite cheap healthy meals.

What You'll Need
1 bag of cut okra
1 tomato
1 red pepper
baby spinach
fresh mozzarella
olive oil
crazy jane's mixed up seasoning

First warm up your olive oil in a skillet at level 4. Next add your bag of okra, heat up for about 5 minutes maximum. For this recipe, only use half of the okra you have cooked. I save the rest for the next day's meal in a tupperware container.

Your next step will be to wilt a hand full of baby spinach. I use the same skillet and only add a small amount of olive oil. Let the skillet warm up on a lower level (around level 2), then place the spinach into the skillet. This step will go by very fast, so be sure to flip over the spinach so all is wilted.

By this point, you would have already placed half of the cooked okra into a bowl. You will next add the wilted spinach on top of the okra.

These next steps are where it gets really easy. Slice a red vine tomato, red pepper and fresh mozzarella. You will combine this into the bowl with the okra and spinach. Finish off by sprinkling some of crazy jane's mixed up salt.

What are some of your favorite simple meals?


Enjoy and xo | vSh