50 Lbs. or Less: The Mammoth Lakes Edition
If you’re a Southern California skier, you’re loving it right now. This past weekend, the big resorts finally got the first big snowdumps of the season. Mammoth in particular got dusted with a thick coat of dry, powdery snow that’s perfect for those who want to, in the words of my boo’s coworker, “rape the
mountain” on a snowboard (so wrong, but had to pass it on.)
I was just up there with the aforementioned boo and his coworkers. And I’m not gonna lie. I hate being cold. I hate the snow. I hate any place that doesn’t have good taco joints. But I am a big fan of free trips, long weekends and fun. Even if you’re not as winter-phobic as I am, these tips will still work to keep you looking good and feeling warm.
WHAT TO BRING
Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15
No matter how well you think you’re covering your face, you’re still going to end up cold, chapped and wind-bitten. This stay-put wonder from Clinique helps you plan for the improbable – it’s got an SPF which will safeguard you in case the sun does poke its head out, and it also keeps you looking good, hiding the blemishes and redness, should you run into any hotties on the slopes. Which could probably happen, but everyone kind of looks the same under all that ski-wear.
Adidas by Stella McCartney does, in fact, make legitimate ski and snow clothes, but I just could not bring myself to drop that kind of money when I knew that I would hopefully never have to be in snow again. Instead, I opted for a windbreaker from the running collection. Worn over a long-sleeved thermal, it helped keep me warm enough for casual walking around and sightseeing. And it was a nice coverup for my early morning trips to the in-hotel gym. As a life-long gym rat, I totally love (and frequently purchase) this line: it performs well, it’s not Nike, it looks fashionable, it’s not Nike, the clothes are built to last, and most importantly, it’s not Nike.
Suave Professionals Dry Shampoo
Hmm, pack shampoo, conditioner and a blowdryer, or slip a little trial-size canister of dry shampoo into my overnighter? I chose B, and grabbed a tiny can of Suave I received in a gift bag. You know what? It ain’t too bad for an over- the-counter product! Seriously! It took the nappy, gross, greasy-roots sensation away, but didn’t leave my hair feeling dry or looking matte. Certainly not as good as washing and conditioning my hair, but the Suave was comparable to Ojon, Sebastian, and the other, much pricier dry shampoos I’ve tried. A full-size can is available for around $3 at Target.
J Brand Japanese Twill Denim Jeans
No judgements, but I cannot do sweatpants. For casual bumming around, I love these jeans, and own them in several colors. They’re forgiving enough that you can throw them on over a pair of long silk underwear and not feel like your ass is suffocating. Plus, they look great.
WHAT TO DO/WHERE TO STAY WHEN NOT ON THE SLOPES
You know how you know a place is serious about the party? When, as you’re walking in, a scantily-clad, passed-out girl is being dragged out. And she’s wearing a bag over her head. And it’s four in the afternoon. This tiki-themed joint has a pretty terrific happy hour, serving up above-par bar staples like coconut
shrimp, chicken wings, fish tacos and more for $5. In the Village.
