Still In Progress

This mural, in the M-N alley, near 20th street, is “still in progress.” Aren’t we all?


Jacket, H&M (thrifted). Sweater, Forever 21. Tunic, Wet Seal. Leggings, Leggings Queen. Shoes, Prabal Gurung for Target. Sunglasses, Girlprops. Earrings, Jacke E Oh’s NYC. Rings, vintage, heirloom, thrifted, and/or gift. Clutch, Carlos Santana

Even unfinished, this mural is just the antidote for a gray day. The vibrant colors and subject make me want to take a drive of my own through the Napa countryside.

Sporty Sunday: Hiking Humbug Creek - South Yuba Trail (Part 1)

The Humbug Creek - South Yuba Trails hike is another point to point that I’m hiking as two out and backs. We happened to hike the South Yuba Trail portion of the hike on Sunday, which was fortuitous because the Humbug Creek Trail is currently closed due to a damaged bridge. If you do the same hike, starting at the South Yuba Trailhead, be aware that you are hiking the trail backwards of the description in the book (i.e. you are starting at the described “finish”).

This is a great lowland hike for early spring. It’s easily accessible. The river and its tributaries are flowing well. The trail is easy to follow. And the views are spectacular.


We were a little early for wildflowers. Instead, I enjoyed looking for evidence of the area’s mining history, as described in the guidebook. The other half of the hike (Humbug Creek) looks to have even more mining relics (and waterfalls!), so I am looking forward to hiking that portion, soon.

Source: Evans, Stephen L. "Humbug Creek - South Yuba Trails: South Yuba Wild & Scenic River." Top Trails Sacramento. 4th ed. Birmingham: Wilderness, 2012. Print.

Length: 9.28 miles (South Yuba Trailhead to Humbug Creek Trail junction and back)

Water: South Yuba River, Kennebec Creek, North Canyon Creek, and one seasonal stream were all at medium to high flow.

Use: Moderate. We started this hike so early in the day that it was still dark (we hiked the first mile by flashlight), so I didn’t expect to see many other hikers. On our way back, we encountered one couple and a dog. At the trailhead, a meet-up group of about 10 hikers arrived as we were leaving.

Differences from published description: Be aware that the directions to park at the South Yuba Trailhead put you at the hike’s “finish.” Continue to the Humbug Trail parking if you wish to hike the trails as described in the book.

Jasper’s rating: 4 paws out of 5.

Sporty Sunday is a recurring feature in which I share my fitness routine and offer and solicit advice. While this content might seem a little out of place in an outfit diary, a healthy, strong body is the foundation of my wardrobe. I hope to inspire my readers to be fit as well as stylish!

Winters

Our family of three spent a few hours exploring this afternoon. After tiring Jasper at a Davis dog park, we made the scenic drive through walnut orchards to the very small town of Winters, California. Once there, we admired the historic downtown, lunched at Putah Creek Cafe, took pictures under the decommissioned railroad bridge, and plotted a return to Buckhorn Steakhouse.


Shirt, Eddie Bauer (thrifted). Skirt, vintage, thrifted, shortened, and embellished. Boots, Vince Camuto. Sunglasses, Target. Earrings, Vintage. Bag, Charming Charlie. Bracelet, My Sister's Closet. Socks, Miss Matched.

Rush

This is not a safe photo location. I risk running afoul of railroad bulls, police, hobos, and drunks. But I love the resulting pictures enough to risk the dangers. And I am a firm believer in pushing one’s comfort zone.


Jacket, Bebe (consignment). Dress, Mossimo. Boots, Audrey Brooke (consignment). Sunglasses, Target. Scarf, consignment. Bag, Charming Charlie.

Despite my bravado, I’m no cool cat while taking pictures in an unsavory location. My hands shake and I’m constantly scanning the area for threats. My perfectionist nature battles with my desire to finish the job as quickly as possible. As I finally walk away, unscathed, I have to admit to a bit of an adrenaline rush for having escaped danger (real or imagined), once again.

J Street

I don’t spend a lot of time in downtown Sacramento. Most of my “city” customers are in midtown. So it’s rare that I get a chance to park at J and 8th and spend a few hours downtown.


Jacket, INC (consignment). Dress, vintage, thrifted, and shortened. Tights, We Love Colors. Boots, Lauren Ralph Lauren. Sunglasses, Target. Earrings, Ali’s Boutique. Purse, Charming Charlie. Belt, Express.

Relief

When I lived in Cincinnati, the weather was a concern because I spent so much time out of doors, walking to and from the bus stop and waiting for the bus. In Sacramento, I have a company car, but I’m in and out of that car at least a dozen times a day, so I’m still battling the elements.

Today wasn’t so much a battle as an ambush. It started off a typical, pleasant spring morning, but developed into an uncomfortably warm and humid day. (Quite Cincinnati-like, come to think of it!) The jacket only lasted a few hours and I would have loved to strip off the tights and boots. It’s really no surprise that a whopper of a storm rolled in tonight to wipe the mugginess away.


Blazer, BSB Jeans (thrifted). Dress, Diane von Furstenburg (consignment). Tights, We Love Colors. Boots, Miz Mooz. Necklace, thrifted. Bag, Charming Charlie.

Clannish

Pretty much every time I add a new tartan patterned item to my wardrobe, I start plotting outfits that combine it with a clashing plaid. I played (or is it plaid?) it safe this time by separating the patterns with an expanse of black cardigan.


Blouse, Romeo + Juliet Couture. Sweater, Moda International. Skirt, Plenty by Tracy Reese (thrifted). Tights, We Love Colors. Boots, Sofft (consignment). Sunglasses, Girlprops. Bracelet, Serket Jewelry. Watch and bag, Merona.

Change of Venue

Today’s photo session started on top of a parking garage, but it started to rain, so I moved undercover. The new location had no view, but more interesting lighting. The city view was blown out in the first photos, anyway.


Blouse, Victoria’s Secret. Skirt, Mossimo. Tights, Apostrophe. Boots, Lauren Ralph Lauren. Sunglasses, Target. Jacket, Christian Dior (altered gift). Bag, Merona.


Just for fun, here’s the view and the first two pictures:

Weekend Shirt

If it’s the weekend, I’m either wearing this denim shirt or the sweater I wore yesterday.


Sweater, Chap’s. Shirt, Levi’s (thrifted). Tunic, Urban Behavior (swap). Leggings, Mossimo. Boots, Sam Edelman. Sunglasses, Target. Bag, thrifted.