Anchorage: A Recap of Epic Proportions.

First Friday may have been over a week ago, but a few things have kept me away from posting a recap:

• I bought a gently-used desk, and was finally able to organize my home office.

The walls are still a little bare, but I love that my home office is organized!

• I went on a Kenai Fjords Whale Watching Tour in Seward with friends.

On a boat! I saw humpback whales, a gray whale, porpoises, seals, sea lions, eagles, and a puffin.
Wearing:The North Face 'K' Rain Trench (Nordstrom), 
Zella 'Barely Flare Booty' Pants (Nordstrom), and Nike Kids' gloves (Burlington).
Barely shown: previously photographed green H&M sweater, circa 2012.

• I baked gluten-free, honey & chocolate-chip drop cookies for Hubs.

My mother was a pastry chef, so I grew up baking from scratch.

• I've been working on my fitness. I've lost 15+ pounds since the beginning of 2013. When Hubs gets home, we're going to the gym!

• I've been getting crafty with paint & glitter.

I love buying wood crafts from Michael's & making them my own!

• Blogger has been having issues with their image uploader. It's such a waste of time to try to write a post when the photos aren't uploading correctly.

All right, so as for Blush: I went to their First Friday event solo, as I got off from work at 7 and the event was ending at 8. When I arrived, I was barely greeted. I was only told of the 20% discount on the Splendid merchandise when I asked for a fitting room. There wasn't any music playing in the store, so while in the fitting room, I listened to the sales girls' gossip about, well, other girls.

The entire experience was strange, as I usually enjoy shopping at the boutique. Maybe I hit them up on an off-night.

One things I have to say about Splendid: their merchandise is always extremely soft!
Wearing: Splendid's Bellini Jacket, Vince Camuto Skinny Ankle Pants (JBER Military Exchange), 
and Audrey Hepburn/Breakfast at Tiffany's tee (Wet Seal, circa 2009).

The owner of the shop was very helpful, and I asked her what types of events the shop had coming up. In June, Blush is celebrating its store's anniversary, so I may post about that in the future.

Music Monday: Lana Del Rey.

Lana Del Rey in a global fashion campaign for H&;M.

Lana Del Rey seems to be everywhere these days. Describing herself as a "gangsta Nancy Sinatra" and her music as "sadcore," the singer enchants with her seductive, Lolita-inspired lyrics. She's won awards, sung for worldwide fashion campaigns, and created music videos that feel more like full-blown cinematic experiences. Del Rey has already bounced back from harsh criticism, and has released two albums and three EPs. How did she start out, though? And is Lana Del Rey even her real name?

Del Rey in her music video for "Born To Die."

Sadly, the answer is no. Lana Del Rey is the stage name of Elizabeth Woolridge Grant (she has also recorded under Mary Jailer). After having previous recordings shelved, Lizzy Grant released her first full-length album in 2010, Lana Del Rey A.K.A. Lizzy Grant, to no one's anticipation.

It was a flop.

After a name change and image retooling, Lana Del Rey did something millions do: she posted a video onto YouTube. Weeks later, she was signed by Interscope. The song she posted, "Video Games," was named one of the Best Songs of 2011 by NME. However, a  bad performance on Saturday Night Live nearly ruined her ride to success. Her handlers canceled several shows in the wake of the appearance, even a gig at South By Southwest.  Still, within a month after her SNL mishap, Del Rey's Born To Die was released. The album went on to sell over 3.4 million copies, becoming the 5th best-selling album of 2012.

Born To Die album cover.

So what is Lizzy Grant, er, Lana Del Rey doing now? She was the spokesperson for H&M's 2012 campaign, and surprised critics by winning "International Female Solo Artist" at the 2013 BRIT Awards. Del Rey's most recent EP, Paradise, was released on November 12th of last year.

Promotion photo for Born To Die: The Paradise Edition.

Fans could either buy the EP as a part of the Born To Die: Paradise Edition, or by itself. The EP, made up of eight songs, featured more of Del Rey's smoky, lounge singer vocals over sleepy beats. Most saw the EP as an improvement from Born To Die. "Ride," released in September, was the lead single. 

What do you think of Lana Del Rey? Do you like her throwback, Americana style? 

Image Credit: Thanks to Lana Del Rey's official Facebook, Interscope Records, and H&M.

On The Road: from Austin, TX, to Anchorage, AK.

It's barely been a month since I've said so long to my life in Austin, and already so much has happened! John and I have both started working again, and we already have a house on base to move into next month. Slowly but surely, John and I are adjusting to life in Anchorage, and soon, we'll be ready for the winter...I hope! To help myself along, I recently splurged on a new peacoat.

Double Breasted Pleated Peacoat from Steve Madden.

I told John that it's the first new winter coat of the season--not the last! He scoffed at this, asking, "How many coats does a girl need?"

I have yet to determine the exact number, but I'm thinking four, at least. I want one with a vibrant and loud pattern, as well as a black one...and red! I've always wanted a red winter coat. I think the contrast with the snow will make it stand out. And of course, I will also need a coat with double-lining, for when the weather is severely cold out. 

What type of winter wear do you prefer? The coat I am wearing is a short wool, and it's very cozy. In Austin, however I could get away with just wearing a sweater or light jacket all winter long.  

Speaking of Austin, I finalized my photos from the Great North American Adventure I took last month. What I have posted are just a sample of what I saw, and I hope y'all enjoy them!

Goodbye, Austin.

Between Austin & Amarillo: "Anyone home?"

Wind Power: we saw fields of windmills in every state we crossed.

A wind propellor, at the Amtrak Station in Lamar, CO.

Back to the state where John & I first met...awww!

Couldn't resist this photo, as John is a long-distance relative of General George Custer.

General George Custer died at Battle of the Little Bighorn, in 1876.

With Biscuit in Garryowen, MT, edge of where Battle of the Little Bighorn took place.

In Bozeman, home of the Montana State Bobcats.

At the Clark Fork River in downtown Missoula, MT.

The "M" on the hillside is for "University of Montana".

With my sister/actress/singer/songwriter, Alyssa.

Wildlife Land Bridge--I wonder if the woodland creatures know of its existence.

Flathead Lake: the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River.

The resort town of Bigfork, on Flathead Lake, where John & I met in high-school.

The goofiest brother-sister portrait, ever!

(Everything I'm wearing is from Target.)

On our way through Canada, with our trusty Milespost & prayer quilt.

Leaving Edmonton, Alberta; home of the world's 5th largest shopping mall.

Enjoying ice-cream in my new H&M sweater & Simply Vera Vera Wang jeans, in British Columbia.

Headband & Sunglasses: Target. Crossover Bag: ModCloth.

At Mile O of the Alaska Highway in Dawson Creek, B.C.

So close, and yet so far away! from our destination.

Buffalo, napping, in the Yukon.

Lunch/Construction Break in the Yukon.

Finally in Alaska!

The only moose John & I saw the entire trip, outside of Anchorage.

Come back later this week for my post on West Edmonton Mall, North America's largest mall!

P.S. Are we still not following one another on Pinterest or Instagram?
If so, my handle on both is thatchelseagirl--leave yours in the comments!