Skippy Says: Israel Recap, Part III (Vacation Recap)

Our first few days in Israel were spent in the Negev, or the desert, which makes up about 70% of Israel's land. 70% of the land in a country the size of New Jersey. Good thing it's so freaking beautiful.

Towards the end of one of our desert hikes, we came across a pretty steep sandhill. Like, almost 90 degrees steep. And then our tour guide told anyone with a bit of extra energy they could run up it. Ryan, for your own good, I suggest you stop reading now.
Stop.
Now.
I ran my pregnant butt up that sandhill as fast as my little legs would carry me. Which was not very fast. Especially since it quickly got so steep that you couldn't run or walk--you literally had to bear crawl up with your hands digging into the hill as if you were rock climbing. Except, you know, with sand instead of rocks. And then I slid down on my butt. And ended up with pants full of sand. Because I'm sexy like that.

A few days later we got all dolled up for a night out on the town in Jerusalem. And by dolled up I mean I searched desperately through my suitcase for something I could fit into. What? That's not a good idea of your time? What about if I tell you that I got myself a nice hot cup of decaf tea while the rest of the group had themselves some delicious Israeli beer? Oh, that's not so fun either?

It's ok, a little bit later I got myself some delicious pitas to make myself feel better. One filled with goat cheese and honey, and another filled with a creamy chocolatey spread. I'd pick that over beer any day.

Skippy Says: Valentine's Day (OOTD)

This past Saturday Ryan and I celebrated a late Valentine's day together. Since I was in Israel on the actual day, and since this was our last Valentine's day with just the two of us before baby comes, I didn't want to just skip it altogether. I mean, do you see me as the kind of gal to give up any opportunity for flowers and chocolate? Speaking of which, Ryan, I'm still waiting for my flowers and chocolate.

The weather was beautiful, and we woke up bright and early to head to the Calistoga mineral pools and hot springs spa. There were 4 pools: a big one heated up to 80 degrees, a slightly smaller one at around 100 degrees, a hot tub at 104 degrees, and a kiddie pool. I stuck with the first two, since I've read that pregnant women should avoid hot tubs and I got kicked out of the kiddie pool. Pshhhh. Of course, Ryan punished me for abandoning him on Valentin's day by going into the hot tub while I stared longingly. Again, Ryan, I'm still waiting for my flowers and chocolate.

Anthropologie dress
Hue tights
Anthropologie boots

Skippy Says: Israel Recap, Part II (Vacation Recap)

One of the most talked up parts of our Birthright trip was getting to spend one night in a Bedouin tent. With the promise of a tasty homecooked Bedouin meal, a toasty campfire, and a night under the stars I couldn't be more excited. Until I got there. And put on 2 layers of pants, 5 layers of sweaters/jackets, 2 scarves, and 2 paris of socks and was still freezing my tushy off. In case you haven't heard, the desert is COLD at night. Good thing I had my BFF to spoon with for body warmth. Bad thing we didn't take advantage of each other until it was almost time to get up. 

Don't let our smiles fool you, we're kind of miserable. A happy kind of miserable, but miserable nonetheless. Behind us is the tent we slept in. Insulation was not its strength.

Bright and early the next morning we got to go on a camel ride. It was, um, bumpy. Our camel had a pink harness so I decided she was a girl and named her Camilla. Camilla the camel. Camilla the camel was quite the rebel-- we were last in our caravan but she didn't like that so much so she kept going ahead out of place. As you guys know, I'm quite the rebel myself, so Camilla and I bonded.

Skippy Says: Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes (OOTD)

Seeing as my wardrobe choices are pretty limited these days (read: I only fit into stretchy items) you'll probably be seeing this dress a lot. It's one of, oh I don't know, 5 things left that I can squeeze myself into. You'd think there's an easy fix to this, but for once in my life I'm having a hard time motivating myself to go shopping. This is partly because I'm still getting used to the changes I'm seeing in the mirror, and partly because I know I'll only be getting bigger so it seems like a waste of money. But you know what knows no size? Jewelry. And scarves. And hats. What's that I was saying about having no motivation to shop?

Shop:
- Anthropologie blazer (Bought on sale, no longer available)
- BCBG wrap dress (Bought on sale circa 2009, no longer available. Buy similar here or here) 
- Wendy Glez cami underneath dress (I think it's actually meant to be lingerie? Bought on sale circa 2008, no longer available)
- Hue textured diamond tights (Buy here)
- Anthropologie boots (Bought on sale, no longer available)
- Necklace gift from my aunt