Mommy Vignettes

September 17, 2014

Little Cottonwood Creek Trail

Where: Little Cottonwood Creek Trail up Little Cottonwood Canyon

Distance: 3.5 miles total, but may walk any distance and turn around at any time

Hiking Time: Varies

Little Cottonwood Trail starts at the entrance to Little Cottonwood Canyon and follows Little Cottonwood Creek east. Primary activities on the trail include hiking, trail running, and mountain biking but dogs are not allowed. Parking is free.

We started in the middle of the trail and walked west along the creek trail for about 45 minutes then turned around. Below is a description of the section we "hiked".

Directions: From the large parking area at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon, follow the Little Cottonwood Canyon Road up the canyon for 2.7 miles. Before the road enters a bend to the right, turn into the small turnout parking area on your right. Across the road to the north is the trailhead for Lisa Falls. After you park, walk down the hill to where you join the east-to-west Little Cottonwood Trail. You can head east or west, it's your choice.

If you decide to start at the bottom of the trail, park in the parking lot at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon where the paved road veers to the right (at the stop sign). This is the same parking lot as the Temple Quarry Trail.

The trail is mostly wide and smooth. There are also smaller trails off the main trail that lead down to the creek. It was fun to explore the creek and see the flowing water and throw some rocks into the creek. Towards the end of our walk we stopped at a bridge that spanned the creek. Great picture spot and area to view the red berries and changing leaves on the trees. After we turned around, it was a bit tricky finding the spot where we leave the trail and head back up the hill to our cars. At least 6 adults walked right past the turnoff without noticing. I would recommend leaving something bright at this point so you know when to turn back to your cars. There was a small cairn set up that we didn't notice at first. If you head to the east end of the trail, there is a historic mill you can view.

...

More information: here and here

I don't know what it is babies in backpack carriers, but it's adorable! Love seeing her little face riding behind me.

We took a short side trail down to the creek to feel the water. It was fun to see the creek up close.

At the part where we turned around there was a bridge that spanned the creek. We walked across it and saw these beautiful red berries growing on the trees.

These little friends holding hands while hiking just about killed me it was so cute.

I loved the parts of the trail that opened up wide and you could see the large granite canyon walls.

A great little hike on a rainy cloudy day! Luckily we only felt a few sprinkles.

September 16, 2014

Mustard & Floral

A mustard skirt is a Fall staple in my opinion. A couple years ago I searched high and low for one and couldn't find it. I wanted a plain simple pencil skirt style in mustard. You wouldn't think it would be that hard to find one.......at a reasonable price. I didn't find one the first year I wanted it, but I was able to find the perfect one the next year on Target.com. Sometimes it pays to have some patience.

I ALWAYS have to have an elastic hair band on my wrist, no matter what!

Top: White Plum [similar / similar] | Skirt: Target (old) [similar / similar / similar] | Belt: Target (old) | Shoes: Target [similar / similar]

A simple pencil skirt goes with so many things. And I love this mustard color in the fall, it goes with so many other fall colors, like plums and purples, navy blues, etc. I paired it with this adorable floral blouse I got on a daily deal website that has deep discounts.

These wedges were on clearance on Target.com over the summer so I snagged a pair, they are comfortable and have a low heel which works great for me. If you can't find a pair, just wait until next Spring/Summer and they will be popping up all over the place.......be patient!

Skirt: Target

I love versatile blouses like this one because you can pull out any color from the top and match it to a bottom. I swapped out the mustard skirt for a green pencil skirt (also from Target). And it has pockets! Love skirts with pockets.

September 9, 2014

Cecret Lake

This alpine lake near Alta is a kid-friendly introduction to the beauty Little Cottonwood Canyon has to offer.

Distance: 1.5 miles round-trip

Hiking Time: 1-2 hours

Elevation Change: 420 feet

Driving Directions: Located at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon. Drive 11.3 miles up Little Cottonwood Road to the parking lot for the Cecret Lake trailhead at the end of the road. The parking area fills up fast so another option in the Summer (on weekends and holidays) is to take the free shuttle from the town of Alta to the trailhead.

This hike is similar to the hike to Albion Basin in that you'll get great views of wildflowers in July and into August. We did this hike over Labor Day weekend and still saw many varieties of wildflowers.

The trail is gently-sloped and wide providing lots of room for wandering toddlers and small children. The trail is easy to follow as well and there are interpretive signs along the way providing information about the wildflowers and wildlife in the area.

Even though I carry my baby/toddlers on most of the hikes, it's great when they're able to get out of the pack and explore themselves.

See the moon up there?

As you approach the lake, the trail gets a little steeper. You'll hike along some switchbacks for the last portion of the hike.

Once you reach the lake, you're treated to magnificent views of the beautiful water, and reflections of the surrounding trees and mountains. It's a gorgeous hike for any time of day.

Once you reach the lake, you can walk around it and find a more secluded spot for pictures or to eat a snack.

The trail back down is of course down hill and quite easy. You'll want to watch your small children going down the switch backs though, it can get a little steep for little ones.

This is one of those hikes that I like to do every year, especially as a family because it offers so many great views and variety along the trail.

September 2, 2014

Vintage Pink & Red

I recently posted on my Instagram account this thrift haul I stumbled into. We were on our way home from an appointment and on a whim I decided to run into a thrift store (Deseret Industries) to look around. We don't go thrifting very often, and when we do, I hardly ever come out with anything. I've found that you have to go several times in order to find something one time that's worth buying. That's just me.

Most of my thrifting success has been in the girls' section. I buy a lot of little girl dresses for church for both my girls. Most of them are in almost-new condition and only cost $1-$2.

But this time I hit the mother load. I usually just skim over the women's sections because I haven't found much success in the past in clothing my size. But I stumbled upon the most glorious vintage pleated skirt. It was like-new, no stains, perfect size, beautiful color and print, I couldn't believe it. The price tag? $3!!!! I snatched that thing right up and considered my trip a victory.

Then we headed over to the shoes area where we looked at toddler size shoes for my baby. I also never have success in this area because often the shoes are too worn and too expensive for what you get. But I decided to look anyways. We didn't find anything for my girls, but my eye caught a bright red pair of shoes in the women's shoe isle. I went over and picked up these vintage red and white heels and just about died. Not only were they gorgeous and in very good condition, they were in my size!! They fit me! I couldn't believe my luck. They were the most expensive item I bought that day, ringing in at a whopping $6.

Once I got home and washed and cleaned everything off, I couldn't wait to pair these two beauties together. I really liked the color combo of the feminine pink skirt with the bold red and white heels. Pink and red isn't usually a combination I wear, but I really liked how it came together this time.

So there you go ladies, never give up when it comes to thrifting! Just try it, you may be surprised what you come out with.