I got the smoker going! Made some pretty great meats the past week and I’m impressed, as usual, with myself 🙂
I have pics of the results too, but just got notified that my image storing capacity here is out of space 🙁 They want $50/month to give me more storage, but that would run out pretty fast too 🙁 I’ve already put out an ad on Upwork for someone to help me move this blog to a privately hosted server. I’m not too impressed with my WordPress skills though, so fingers crossed I can get some help 🙂 Not as many pics as I’d like for this post, but I hope to have it sorted asap 🙂
Been hitting the gym and did an easier yoga class. Felt as flexible as a tree trunk hahhaaa… Slow going and shoulders are still a bit stiff. Patience not being my strongest suit, but I’m trying to give it some time…
Once a year they host a Designer Sample Sale at the World Market Center here in Vegas. It’s where hotels, venues, etc by their decor and furnishing. This is the only time they let ‘regular’ people come in to shop. Unfortunately a lot of the showrooms were closed, and only a few of them were open. Still saw some cool stuff and I think if there was nothing stopping me, half of my home would be furry hahhaaaa… The couch for example was ‘only’ $1400. What’s stopping me really, is that I don’t think I’m ready to settle in one place yet. The worst is getting rid of stuff when you are moving so got to rein myself in a little 🙂
Lot of fun shooting this week, but since storage is limited, you get my favorite set. I’m supposed to be Red Sonja, and the bikini is supposed to be chainmail. But budget and delivery time was of importance, so this is what I came up with. And now I want red hair!
I love the new spa place where I get the contrast therapy with red light sauna and cold plunge. Went 5 times last week. Also got a massage from Tony and he said contrast therapy should be great for my recovery and joints. Tony is Bulgarian and he does this daily in 42 degree water for like 10min. So far I’m still managing only like 8-10 sec in 48 degree water! There are some restaurants by the spa. One is called North Italia. Too lazy to go home and cook after spa-ing, I went in and damn, it was great! Went for pizza and pasta (I was starving) and both were super tasty. Will be hard to pass by it on my future spa visits ugh!
Felt in the need of some sun and fresh air this weekend and hit the Calisco Basin exit before Red Rocks. This is a great alternative since the Red Rock park gets pretty crowded at times and sometimes they require you to reserve an entrance in advance. Will go here in the future since there are a bunch of trails and not as crowded!
Other than that, I made a dental appointment for Hunter for this week. Went to check out the veterinarian office because only the best is good enough for Hunter. Very nice and calm place. Unfortunately Hunter only has a few teeth left, so I hope they don’t have to extract any more 🙁
Time to hit the gym and workout. Have a great week and I hope to have my storage situation sorted this week 🙂
Last Sunday I decided I was worthy of a treat and more caffeine so I went to a cafe to read some and feast on sugar 🙂 I was gifted this book ‘Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear’ by Elizabeth Gilbert. Didn’t expect a lot, but it turns out it’s really inspiring. Talks about how to tap into a creative life. Fears we might have about failing and what’s stopping us…
Close to this cafe there is a library. I never checked it out and decided it was time. It was big and really cool. They had a room where people were selling their arts & crafts. There is also an art gallery and they decorated the room for the Mexican ‘Day of The Dead’. Reminded me that I want to make an ofrenda at home for Halloween. In simple terms you set up an altar with pictures of your loved ones that passed. This is so they can cross over and come visit you. You also put things or food that they liked by the altar. A great Disney cartoon movie about the celebration and meaning of the Day of the Dead is called ‘Coco’. Its really good!
The book about creativity got me going, so it must be working! Pardon the mess in the background…
Even went and bought a sewing machine! Unfortunately when I got home and unpacked it, I saw it has already been used 🙁 Annoying, but going to go and get it replaced with a new one!
Had an appointment with a plastic surgeon about my lip filler. Ages ago I had something permanent injected in them. I want to redo my lips and get out whatever is in there. We Googled and even called the office where I got them injected, but the nurse couldn’t answer if it was dissolvable. Google could’t even find the injected substance. This surgeon said, to remove it by surgery might f*ck them up beyond fixing. He recommended a lip lift. Will have to wait until my joint issue is solved, and then I’ll see 🙂
On a positive note about my joints, I now have an MRI scheduled for next week. Also seeing a rheumatologist. All this will hopefully give some answers, because it’s exhausting! In the meanwhile I take cold baths. I throw in a bag with ice and I finish my showers with cold water. Also have these electrical patches that give some relief…
Also trying to go on walks as moving my body does help! You can see how excited I am 😉 Spotted this cute cat in the neighborhood which was far more interesting!
I was a bit slower on my other ‘creative’ job, but expect me to be more energetic and organized this week 🙂
When I was younger I sometimes went playing car-Bingo with my mom. Like regular Bingo, but people sit in their cars on a parking lot and you honk if you get Bingo. I love Bingo! So at Red Rock Hotel here in Vegas, they have a big Bingo hall. They have a themed hour of the game on Thursdays. Angel and I decided to go and check it out. The theme was Y2K so we dressed the part 🙂 I also love costumes parties so this was a win win.
What we didn’t expect was it to be this popular! Doors open at 8pm and it started at 9pm. There was a looooong line to get it. And once inside, people were partying like it was NYE! There was a DJ and we got light sticks or whatever they are called. This was a modern type of Bingo where everything was handled by a computer or tablet. You just sat and watched the screen and it alerted you how close you were. In our case, how close to winning we were not 🙁 When someone yelled Bingo the whole hall erupted, cheering and just yelling. Dancing on the tables and just going wild. It was hilarious and I will definitely go back!
Decided on a hike on Saturday by the Red Rocks. Sunny and blue skies when heading out.
Half way through the hike it starts getting cloudy and I get a Flood Warning on my phone. Didn’t think much of it and it was still hot…
Then the skies turn dark and the wind picked up. It cooled down fast and I was pretty sure I was going to get caught in a rainstorm! I got lucky and the downpour started as I was driving home!
Yesterday I picked up Angel and we checked out the Historic Railroad Hiking Trail. Very cool and I’ll show pics in my next post…
Angel and I agree that we are the worst partners to be around each other, since we both support each other when it comes to consuming sugar. This week we detoured into Ethel M Chocolates. They got amazing chocolates so you can’t really blame us!
I also watched when the dog trainer was giving Angel’s 3 divas som training. He managed to get a little order in them hahahaaa…
Lastly a pic of me enjoying my morning caffeine outside and Hunter enjoying not having any responsibilities! I want to be Hunter in my next life!
Now I’m going to figure out what today and this week has in store for me 🙂 Have a good one!
After a week in Sweden it was time to pack up for my annual hike with my sister. This is the 6th consecutive year we’ve went. This time we set out for the 160 km long Padjelanta Trail in the northern part of Sweden.
You feel every extra kilo in the backpack on your back! The weather forecast looked rainy so we both bought rain pants. Most of the huts sell food and snacks, but since you don’t know what or how much they’ll have, we brought food for every day.
We flew up to Gällivare early in the morning on a smaller propeller plane.
From there it was a 3h bus ride to Ritsem where you can start the trail from. Saw reindeer on the road and we had a pee break at a cool hotel on way. Had to take a pic of the stuffed bear since I have a slight bear phobia…
We spent the night at Ritsem since we arrived late. Most rooms have bunk beads and since I thought I might roll out of bed we made a barrier out of our slippers 🙂
There are 2 departures with a boat in the morning to shuttle you over to where the trail starts from. In very good spirits and ready to tackle the first 18km of the trail!
There was a small settlement where we started where the Sirkas Sámi have their summer stays. I loved this church ‘kåta’. ‘Kåta’, traditional Sámi housing back in the day.
After about an hour it started raining lightly. Then the wind picked up and it started raining even more. Luckily half-way to our first stop, there was a small shelter. We went inside to make some food, hot chocolate and put on long johns.
A Sámi guy also entered to have some shelter from the rain. He worked on the trails in the area during summer and otherwise hunts reindeer. He also happened to mention that there are bears in the area. I had a slight panic attack until he said that the bear will see us, but we’ll never see them. Puh!
Warm & full, we took on the last part of the trail. The weather switched between rain and no rain. Beautiful surroundings with a lot of waterfalls. Worth mentioning is that the water is so clean here, that you can always fill your water bottle up and have ice cold and fresh water. Yes, my rain poncho on top of my backpack makes me look something from the ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ character!
Our first night we spent at the Kutjaure Mountain cabin. All the cabins have one or two wardens that supervise the cabins. Everyone is asked to help bring in water in buckets, empty waste water buckets after doing dishes, chop up and bring in logs for the fireplace and clean up. The cabins have no running water or electricity. They have gas though so you can heat up water/food and pots, pans, plates, glasses and utensils to eat and cook your food from. Here is dinner with the fireplace going and us having our coffee the next morning before heading out.
2nd day was 19km. A bit of rain and most of the day was cloudy. We met a German lady who had taken a break and offered us some coffee. Most of the people you meet on the trail and in the huts are super friendly! Saw some reindeer too 🙂
2nd night was spent at Låddejåkka cabin. Dinner was a super tasty Bison Chili and a Blueberry Peach Crisp for dessert 🙂
The 3rd day was one of our longer days and it was 25k. We skipped one of the huts and it made the hike longer. The trail was pretty even and easy even though it started with a 4k long uphill climb. A lot of heavy fog when we reached the top, but so quiet and peaceful!
Since there was no rain we had some porridge with dried raspberries, coconut flakes and goji berries for lunch. Some chocolate chip cookies too for some sugar to help with the remaining kilometers 🙂
The 3rd night was spent at Staloluokta cabin. This was the only place along the trail that had a sauna. Us being Finns obviously we got very excited! I can’t describe how good and rewarding it felt after the long day! And to wash off properly too! 2 thumbs up for Staloluokta and their sauna!
Since we both prefer to eat outdoors, we always start our mornings with just black coffee. Then hike and find a good spot for breakfast. It’s a good thing we are so alike – wake up early, fine with starting the day with just coffee and pretty much keep the same speed on the trails.
The 4th day was an 18 km day. Very beautiful scenery and so green everywhere.
Found a nice spot by a waterfall to eat and rest. Right after we packed up we spotted a small group of reindeer. They say that if you spot a white reindeer, it brings you luck!
Most of the days so far had been cloudy and rainy. This afternoon we finally got some sunshine! Had to sit down and just enjoy the warmth. Probably our legs needed a break too 😉 See, the reindeer brought some luck right away 🙂
When we almost were finished, we come to this wide river. No way around, but through. Soaking wet feet, socks and shoes ! And 10 minutes later there was another river crossing just as wide, so we arrived with clean feet at Tuottar cabins 🙂
Here they had about 6 smaller cabins with 3 bunk beds in each. We shared our cabin with a solo hiker from Catalan. The water was down at the river where we just came from and kind of far. The guy was a gentleman and told us to chill and he’d walk down and fill the water buckets so we didn’t have to 🙂 Instead we went to see what the store had to offer. My sister got very happy to find that they had beer. Even though it cost like 3 times more than in the store 🙂 Oh, and there was a rainbow so more luck to us hopefully!
5th day was a 26km day again since we skipped a cabin and walked to the next one. Started with decent weather. A little pit stop by a river…
Right after we had to cross that river. Soaked again… I think from this point on, our shoes and socks never completely dried up for the rest of the trip!
Since my hiking shoes are made of leather they don’t let out the water. After each river crossing I had to stop and empty the water out of them and wring out my socks.
We were pretty exhausted by the end of this day. It rained on and off and the final stretch was downhill and the trail was wet, muddy and slippery. We had made reservations before for all of the cabins. They say you have to arrive before 6pm to be guaranteed to get your room. Otherwise it might be given to someone else without a reservation, since you might not show up. We got a bit stressed at the end of the hike since we didn’t arrive until 6.45pm. Our longest day so far. But we were lucky and got our own room at Såmmarlappa Mountain cabin 🙂
Our 6th day was a 19km stretch. It got more woodsy as we were on lower elevation. That also meant that the trail was even more wet, big pools of water and a lot of mud you tried to step around. Also the weather cooled down. Around 5°C in the morning and you could see some fresh snow on the mountain tops.
We could feel the kilometers in our legs by now and felt good when we finally arrived at the Njunjes Mountain cabin. All the cabins have a fire place, or a heater, in the common room, and in your room so you can dry stuff up. All my crusty socks went up 🙂
Last day was an easy 13km stretch which felt good. You mostly hiked in the woods. We both prefer the higher grounds with open landscape and where you get the views for miles.
Then you have to get on a boat to get a ride to the last mountain station which is Kvikkjokk.
Since there is only one bus which leaves 05.25am daily from Kvikkjokk, we had to spend the night there. Treated ourselves to a delicious 3 course dinner at their restaurant. My starter was smoked elk, fermented reindeer and first time trying reindeer tongue. I wasn’t going to eat that, but the waiter said it’s the best, so gave it a try and it tasted pretty damn good! Dinner was reindeer steak and for dessert we had vanilla ice cream with cloudberries. Cloudberries only grow up here in the north and are called ‘the gold of the forest’. If you ever get a chance to try them, do it! Soooo good!!!
Next morning we took the early bus for about 5h to reach Luleå where we caught a flight back to Stockholm.
What a hike! We both agreed that this was our hardest and most strenuous hike we’ve been on so far. The rainy weather played a huge part since we made fewer stops along the trail. We learned that we need to study the map before-hand if there are a lot of climbs and downhill parts before we decide to just skip a hut. This hike was recommended to be done in 9-10 days and we did it in 7. Even though it was hard at times, it was beautiful and me and my sister always have the best time together. It feels great that we pulled it off and tested our limits. Can’t wait to see what we plan for next year! Thanks for this year’s adventure sis!
More of my time in Sweden coming hopefully on Sunday. Giving jetlag and my sugar cravings a fight now hahahaa…
Had a great trip to Austin! I’ve been there a long time ago for work and didn’t really get to see much of the city. I really enjoyed it even though the city felt like a Finnish sauna at times 🙂
Short flight and checked into Carpenter Hotel. Cute hotel…
One of the good things about the hotel was that it had a great coffee shop downstairs! My day doesn’t take off without having a coffee first! Met this cute dog there too…
I have a couple that I’ve known for a long time that moved there about 4 months ago. Nothing better than knowing locals who already tried out spots and then just guide you around to the best places. We went around on those electric scooters and I love how much water and greenery there is in town…
Being in Texas meant that there were a lot of cowboy boot stores. We stopped at Allens Boots that has been around almost 50 years. Obviously had to get a pair and roll like a local 🙂
I’ll show you the pair I got shortly 🙂 It’s always a plus when the place you visit has an abundance of great coffee places. One of the places is Maaribu Cafe + Gift. Great coffee, cute little gift shop inside and we enjoyed our coffees in their quiet backyard…
You can’t go to Texas without having BBQ. Terry Black’s Barbecue hit the spot! Delicious meats! Ate like an elephant! I just assume they eat more than a horse…
A quick stop at the hotel to grab my bikini and we went to Barton Springs Pool. The water comes from Barton Springs and it’s super refreshing in the heat. Packed with people though…
There was this tree in the park outside and someone said it’s called the Monkey Tree and people do acid under it. Hmm, might have to check if that’s true next time 🙂
Had to try the hotel pool too to cool down after getting back. Wish I could’ve spent more time there because it was very relaxing later on the day when there was not that many people there.
I think I looked pretty damn cool in my bikini matching it with my new boots!
A quick shower and then it was time for the main event of the trip – the Phish concert! Made a pit stop at the Cosmic Bar on the way.
We were right by the concert riding our electric scooters when my hat is blowing off. Don’t think go to grab it with one hand. Get off balance, wobble and crash right in to the pavement! Felt like it went in slow motion and though I must be bleeding all over my face, Was bleeding by my right eye and thought the scar from the eye surgery had ripped open. My friends checked me and no bigger damages than some scratches. Lesson learned, both hands on the handlebar 🙂
No time to waste, so cleaned up in the bathroom, popped some mushrooms and Phish started! They went off and it was magical! People were ecstatic and it was intense at times. So good though!!! My friend has been to over 100 of their concerts. I saw them in Vegas like 6 years ago on psychedelics, and it was awesome then too!
I finally got to get a ride in a Waymo when heading back to the hotel! Very cool! But why waste space on a drivers seat when they’re self driving???
Got a burger and a chocolate milkshake from P. Terry’s right outside the hotel too 🙂 Got a bit hungry 🙂
At 1.30am Hunter’s sitter calls and says Hunter has had a little accident. Immediately thinking he’s been run over by a car. Yup, I can be a bit dramatic at times… Turns out he had jumped on the kitchen counter and got one of the fly traps stuck on his fur. Running around in panic so it got stuck more. Luckily the sitter is very cool and was able to clean him up good and all was good! But went on Amazon and order fur cleaning products to be delivered the next day just in case… A bit intense when coming off the mushrooms, but was finally able to sleep hahhaaa…
A bit bruised up the next morning from my attempt to hug the pavement…
After a coffee at the hotel, the next stop was Merit Coffee. Sooo goood!
Then Brown’s Bar-B-que for lunch. It was a food truck and didn’t disappoint!
Cross the street was this cool looking gift shop so had to check it out. The coolest thing in there was the store cat 🙂
There can never be too much caffeine, so also tried Proud Mary Coffee. Merit was the best coffee spot that I tried if I had to rate them!
A little stop on the way to check out a trail. Realized after 11 minutes it was way too hot to attempt even a lazy stroll…
I had to keep eating and TexMex food is another undoubtedly great option here. Veracruz had an incredible Mezcalita and probably the best chicken quesadillas I ever had!
My friends have a little toddler so we checked out some ducks and turtles in the next door park. It’s fascinating how many parks they have in town!
Something that hit me while visiting was that people are very friendly everywhere. You can walk, scooter and bike, (and some hardcore folks were even running in the middle of the day) everywhere. They really seem to make an effort in decorating and making places nice with cool designs. The Uber driver that took me to the airport said that they even support street art/graffiti if it’s nicely done. I’m pretty sure I will go back to Austin 🙂 I mean, I got my cool ass boots now!
Got home and Hunter had survived his fly trap trauma. Now lying next to me like the good semi-little boy that he is 🙂
Plan to start yoga next week. Can also start lifting weights now after the eye surgery. Not sure my shoulder will be in shape for that though. Seeing Tony next week too so really hope he can fix it because then he goes on a 1 month long vacation 🙁 Other than that I will be shooting, got friends coming into town, Angel is back in town, and 4th of July is coming up… You got plans?
Oh, I got so into the BBQ that I want to get a smoker. Anyone here a big BBQ’er that can give any tips on one?
Wishing you a superb upcoming week and Happy 4th!!!
