Working for the Weekend: Outdoor Adventures!

Outdoor Adventures! by elbonner featuring outdoor home decor

Summer makes you want to go outside and get all up in nature. I've slacked on the outdoor trip planning lately (always), but I want to make a change and start taking the time to go on more weekend camping trips. It would be ideal to go once a month because I really do love being outside. I'm not someone who minds not showering for a few days in the name of fun and since I just got a brand-spanking new REI membership, I'm ready to get my head in some trail maps and make some memories! It also makes me want to peruse the internet for cool new camping gear. Here are some tried-and-tested, as well as some camp-wants that I've been enjoying/eyeing!

Patagonia Fleur Tank- Super soft and nice for day hikes and keeping cool in the summer. Also comfy for nights under the stars!

Prana "Halle" Pant- Stretchy, flattering, articulate, great for hikes and walks alike. Comes in a bunch of colors too. I tend to stick with pants when it comes to hiking, even in the summer, because of ticks. I would rather be a little warm than get Lyme disease, and I can do that all while looking pretty cute for the trail!

Patagonia "Overcast" Shirt- UPF 20 rated and very lightweight, this is a great shirt to wear in the summer to keep you protected from the sun and creepy crawlies! Comes in plaid and solid colors and good in case it get cooler in the evenings.

Osprey Ariel 65L Backpack- The best backpack EVER! This is the backpack I have used for the past two years and my boyfriend has the male model (hehe!). There's great mesh ventilation on the back, lots of pockets to hold all of your gear, lots of adjustments to make hauling things as comfortable as possible, and super tough and sturdy. 10/10 would buy again and again!

Danner Mountain Light Cascade Hiking Boots- Ok, I saw Wild, it was a great movie. And one of the best characters in the movie were Cheryl's BOOTS! How gorgeous are those things with their sexy red laces? They are apparently the real deal and a modern take on a 70's classic, made for the trail. If I somehow found $300 and my other boots fell apart, I might make these mine one day. For now, it's just boot lust!

Evrgrn Campfire Rocker- What a great chair for sitting around the fire, enjoying a burger and a beer with your friends? I really can't think of many things that are better than that. If I had an ice cream, too, I could die a happy lady! These chairs come in super cute prints and colors and are super portable, making them great for your next car-camping adventure. Enjoyed best with friends or just the wilderness!

Patagonia Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T Pullover- Sometimes you just need a fleece. It lets a little bit of the breeze through to keep you comfortable, but is also snuggly enough to enjoy on a cool night. Fleeces are so useful, and Patagonia makes their out of recycled plastic. Save the planet and your evening chill!

Patagonia Barely Baggies Shorts and Bottom Turn/Paries Bikini- Spending your summer days beach camping? Lucky you! Make sure you bring a great pair of shorts to take you from the campsite to the water and look cute doing it. These Barely Baggies from Patagonia (I know, I just love them so much) are fast drying and lightweight so you can wear them anywhere. They also have prints that are cool enough to wear out to eat if you just don't feel like cooking. You also need a swimsuit that stays on while you play in the water and this one isn't going anywhere! No nip-slips here!

Biolite Wood Burning Camp Stove- Need to charge your phone and boil some water at the same time? With the Biolite, you use sticks, leaves and pine needles to fuel the stove instead of lugging around fuel. The leftover energy is converted and store so that you can hook up your USB chargable devices and keep watching Netflix on the trail!

Big Agnes Rattlesnake SL3 mtnGLO Tent- This tent is unique in the fact that it has LED lighting sewn into the seams of the roof so you don't need to fumble with lamps smacking you in the head when you need to get up and pee. I don't know how durable the track lighting will be in the long-run, but this is a really cool idea that I hope will be made available on other tents! The body is mostly mesh so there's lots of ventilation and has two doors so you don't have to crawl over your buddy to get out.

Hydroflask Insulated Wide Mouth 64oz. Growler- Did you stop at a cool mountain brewery or cider press on your way to the campsite and get stuck with a clunky, breakable glass growler that will keep cold for like 10 minutes? You should've invested in the whopping 64oz Vacuum Insulated Hydroflask Growler. Created to keep your favorite beverage cold (or hot) for multiple hours. At least enough to enjoy after a long day on the trails. You could even put a fresh batch of chicken noodle soup or hot chocolate in it if you're craving something warm in the cooler weather!

Camping is so much fun and these goodies can be enjoyed on or off the campsite. Summer is when everyone wants to get together and hang out outside, so whether you're camping on the beach, backpacking in the mountains, or just spending the night in a tent in the backyard (seriously fun!), make your time more enjoyable with some good friends and good equipment! You'll thank yourself for years to come! Get outside!

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Spring Greening: Gifts That Keep On Giving!

Spring Greening by elbonner featuring Patagonia

I'm baaaaaaaaaaaack...Ok, I was never really gone, but lets just say that the months between Christmas and Easter are typically my lowest point of inspiration, motivation, and overall happiness. I had absolutely nothing to talk about because nothing was going on! It was cold, the weather was awful, every day that was decent was rainy, and it wasn't even worth waking up some of those days. Hopefully, those days are behind us now as the northern hemisphere is gearing up for summer! Along with this changing of the seasons, I'm trying to change my relationship with some things, most of all: STUFF. I have entirely too much stuff and I am constantly bombarded with the urge to accumulate more stuff. I'm starting to see that life goes on without stuff and if you're going to get stuff, get really good stuff. And so we come to this post; guess what? It's about stuff, but it's stuff you won't have to replace for a long time, and stuff that doesn't accumulate and create a stuff problem for the earth. So, bear with me and take a gander at some stuff that could save you and the earth!

Klean Kanteen Vacuum Insulated Bottle and Tumbler: It's a well-stated fact that plastic water bottles are the root of all evil. Baby seals eat them, they seep their chemicals in our groundwater, and will probably create some sort of mecha-Hitler robot demon that will devour the earth in a fiery rage. That may be an exaggeration, but at this point in time, there is no reason to keep purchasing bottled water. These bottles and cups from Klean Kanteen are the perfect solution. They are stainless steel so they won't rust, vacuum insulated so cold things stay cold and hot things stay hot. I left my bottle in my car overnight with ice I had put in that bottle that morning (about 9 hours after I lazily left it in the car). When I opened the bottle the next morning (another 16 hours later) to take a drink, THERE WAS STILL ICE IN IT. And the same goes for the tumbler: want a cold margarita to remain cold without succumb  to the disgusting heat dissipating from your sweaty hands? Done! Want a drinking glass that wont break when your drunken friends can't seem to just not drop things? Get a 4-pack of their steel pint glasses and give that industrial touch to your favorite beverage! Using your own cup saves paper, plastic, and germs from other peoples grubby hands!

PlanetWise Reusable Bags: On the topic of reusable things, ditch your plastic sandwich bags! Get rid of your plastic produce bags and snack baggies! They just go in the trash and cleaning flimsy plastic bags is super annoying. These can be washed in the washing machine and used over and over again. They come in a bunch of sizes for every food item and will save you money and drawer space!

Patagonia Reversable Malama Bikini and Synchilla Snap-T Fleece Pullover: Why did I put clothes on this list? I thought you were getting rid of excess stuff, Emily, YOU HYPOCRITE! Calm yourself! These garments are different! Not only does Patagonia make durable, awesome stuff, but they have an even greater incentive. If your Patagonia gear gets a tear, a strap comes loose, or a zipper isn't so zippy anymore, You can send your stuff to their garment repair facility and they will fix your stuff for you, therefore lessening your need for more stuff! These pieces are also made from 80% recycled bottles, so you're doing your part , but barely trying! It's like you saving 10,000 plastic bottles from polluting the baby otters by wearing a fleece! I like a company with a message and commitment to conservation, and Patagonia fits the bill.

Avasol spf 30 Sunscreen Stick: Sunscreens are known to be laden with chemicals, and I made the effort to stay away from chemical sunscreens long ago. This sunscreen stick is fricking awesome. It's tinted (two colors: tan and dark), the tan is just light enough to match my fair skin and it covers almost like a foundation. In fact, I've been using it as a foundation for the past few weeks! No itchiness, no breakouts, this sunscreen is all natural, made with plant oils and butter and a zinc-based spf, this stuff save you time with it's convenient stick form and the planet by being ocean safe and packaged in biodegradable cardboard. Keep from killing off coral and a nasty sunburn by using a sea-safe sunscreen like Avasol! No stinging or running into your eyes; this stuff is a skin saver!

Toms "Every Mother Counts" Canvas Backpack: Toms is one of those companies who is built on giving. Luckily, the products they make are durable, stylish, and helpful to someone other than yourself. These new bags by Toms benefit women in developing countries that have limited to non-existent prenatal care and ensure their babies get the best start in life. If you like healthy, productive babies and really stinking cute bags, give these a looksie!

Yowzers, that was a lot of words! But it had to be done, the writing bug is crawling its way back into my brain to lay its eggs  only to burst forth the warmer it gets! I love to shop, but I need to get better about where my money goes. Purchases like the one above at least give me some sort of inkling that I'm making the right decision. If you're faced with a gift dilemma or want something for yourself that will stay with you forever, give these items a try and make a new friend for life! Stay golden!

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Cool Runnings: Winter Run Gear

Winter Run Gear by elbonner featuring Under Armour

Last weekend, I ran my first race in over five years. I was so nervous because I didn't train as much as I wanted and worried about being the slowest person there and I was genuinely afraid of letting myself down. It was also my first really cold-weather run I'd had in a long time and I was convinced I was going to do a bad job.I ran a bunch of races a few years ago and they were what motivated me to really get into shape. They were so much fun, but I trained long and hard for them. What the hell was I doing running this race that I barely prepared for? Now that it's dark out before I get home I don't like running outside after work which leaves me with the treadmill. I truly hate the treadmill and like a good treadmill-hater, I avoided it while I should have been utilizing it. I did go on Sunday runs at a local park, but it was by no means enough practice. 

As I stood in my corral, I tried to pick out who I should pace myself with and what time is everyone going to get. Could I even make it the whole way without taking a break? My friends who run get awesome finish times; what's mine going to be? Well, three minutes out of the starting line, all that went by the wayside and I cleared my mind and finally focused on having fun. I've got a lot of accomplished runners in my life and trying to compare myself to their times just wasn't happening. I changed my outlook from "don't look like an ass" to "just do your best", as ridiculous as that sounds I really needed to beat that into my brain. I finished around the time I thought I would and never stopped the whole time. I wasn't magically running 7 minute miles or 20lbs lighter, but I did kick all the negative thinking in the nards an kept going. After I got my medal and my free banana, I was ready to sign up for a bunch more races. Why wasn't I doing this every weekend?! Now that I know I can once again run a race without stopping, who knows what else I can do? I've made it my goals to run as many races as I can manage next year so I can have a healthy habit all while gaining lots of new t-shirts.

That being said, running in the winter is especially tough. It's hard to be motivated to run when it's cold or wet outside. I dd get my ass out of be on Thanksgiving morning and put in three rain-soaked miles before I nearly ate myself to death and I felt so much better having done so. One way I've found to get myself motivated is to get a new outfit. Nothing like spending too much on an outfit to make you get out and use it! Above I have compiled all sorts of cute winter run gear to get you going on even the coldest of days! Get to stepping!

(left)

Nike Windrunner Jacket- Super cute and can be worn with jeans if you need some motivation for a late-day run!

Nike Epic Lux Tights- Good for days when you need some extra warmth, but nothing bulky. Plus is has a convenient key pocket and butt-enhancing capabilities.

Nike Storm-FIT 2.0 Run Gloves- On cold days, no amount of bunching your hands into your sleeves is going to keep your hands warm. Save yourself the trouble and get some gloves!

Nike  Air Zoom Structure 18- This shoe is made for overpronators (heels roll inward when running) which is my current handicap. Would love to try these out since they've been getting such awesome reviews. Finally, stability shoes that aren't totally fugly! Wishlist item!

C9 by Champion Knitted Beanie- Protect your chilly little head with this fitted, moisture-wicking beanie that's a steal at Target.

(right)

Under Armour ColdGear Infrared Crew- ColdGear is great stuff, especially if it's 30 or below. I wear mine when it's snowy and it keeps be pretty toasty without the bulk of a sweatshirt!

Under Armour ColdGear Infrared Leggings- Probably my favorite cold-weather running tights. They are lined with brushed fleece and keep your legs and butt warm on cold runs!

Under Armour Fleece Headband- If hats won't stay on your head, opt for a headband. I have an odd-shaped head that a hat will never stay on so I always wear a fleece headband.

Under Armour 2.0 Sports Bra- No bouncing here, this bra also has removable padding just in case you don't want the world to know how cold you really are. 

Patagonia Micro-D fleece Neck Gaiter- These things are a life saver! Get over the fact that you may look like the unibomber and enjoy your runs free of cold-burnt lungs! I can only run in the cold if I'm wearing one of these up over my nose or else my throat will be killing me and my chest will be on fire. Everyone should have one!

That's all for now folks! Hope your turkey (or Tofurky) day was full of fatty goodness. Now it's time to get back to work! Happy running!

Coats on Coats!

Coats on Coats! by elbonner featuring a down jacket

I remember a time, not too long in the past, when wearing a coat was the lamest thing ever. If you were anywhere near cool, you wore a hoodie no matter how cold it got. Forty degrees? Hoodie. Wind chill of 21 degrees? HOODIE. No exceptions, just prepare to freeze your ass off. Thank god this is not the case anymore. I still see a few stragglers clinging to their fitted Aeropostale hoodies in February hoping for a quick death or a white chocolate mocha (you know who you are), but the times have changed, baby. It's the era of the coat as a part of your outfit, not a total downer. The best way to get out of a non-coat wearing funk is to get a really cool one and plan your outfit around it; make the coat the main event.  Above I have compiled a list of coats that everyone should look into getting that keep you looking good whilst warding off hypothermia. 

1. Mossimo Supply Co. Wool-Wrap Jacket- I have this coat and it's awesome. I got it for 4o bucks and the hood almost doubles as a sort of neck protector to keep the chill off. I have gotten many compliments from both men and women, so it's a confirmed hit with the masses. Available at Target

2. Patagonia Ultralight Down Jacket- Super light and super warm, this is a coat for more casual/sporty occasions. Great from to-and-from the gym, grocery store, whatever. Also great for hikes because it's lightweight and packs down to take up less space in your back pack. You can't go wrong with Patagonia. 

3. Zara Long Funnel-Neck Coat: Immediate cool outfit upgrade: add a cool structured coat. This one from Zara can be dressed up or down and just makes anything look way cooler than what you started out with. Pair with a gigantic scarf and a bitch face and you'll look super fierce.

4. FjallRaven Greenland Parka- want and army jacket that doubles as an actual functional piece of clothing? Get this coat! With a coating of Fjallraven's Greenland wax, this thing is windproof, water proof, and miserable weather proof. Plus, you get the hipster clout of wearing A largely unknown European brand and being better prepared from crap weather than anyone else.

5. J. Crew Stadium-Cloth Trench- Everyone needs a dress-up coat and this can do the trick. It's not too dressy so it can still be paired with jeans, but if you need a warm coat for a night out without wanting to look like Zsa Zsa Gabor, this style is clean, sophisticated and won't make you look like you threw on your moms L. L. Bean Parka from 1987 over your formal wear.

6. AllSaints Pitch Leather Biker Jacket- For when it's not deathly cold or you really just want to up the bad-ass factor, you can't go wrong with a leather jacket. The leather does a good job of keeping the wind off and is much warmer than a regular trench or sweatshirt. Leather jackets are always cool, no exceptions, you will always benefit from a leather jacket (unless you're at the beach, and at that point you're just an idiot). 

I hope this after-school special emphasizing the importance of coats gets you out of your hoodie or beat-up Old Navy peacoat and into something that makes, instead of breaks, your outfit. H&M, Zara, Target, and places like Asos.com are great places to find great coats at a reasonable price, so there's no excuse! Stay warm!

Sun Savers: UPF Clothing

Sun Savers: UPF Clothing by elbonner featuring beach hats

To continue our sun safety series right before this ever-so-sacred Memorial Day weekend, I'm featuring something that you may not think about when working on your fitness outdoors. Not all clothing is created equal, sun protection-wise, so here are some really cute and functional pieces to keep you from becoming a wrankley old hag in your late 20s. 

Patagonia Draft Shirt- with a UPF 15 rating, you can wear this light, sweat-wicking, super shirt on even the sweatiest/stankiest runs. You won't come home with sunburned shoulders and also works for warm-weather hiking in the beautiful sunshine.

Roxy Up Wind Neoprene Capri- These capris have a UPF 50 rating and are super cute,as well as being amphibious. Like a hovercraft! Guaranteed to make your butt look good. 

Vans Blackout Spot Snapback- Hats are always a good idea whether out for a run or just sitting on the beach like a lump. Get a cute one that is fun to wear and not a chore, then you're more likely to protect your delicate scalp.

Sun Guard Laundry Treatment- When used in on cotton garments, Sun Guard ups the sun protection to UPF 30 instead of almost nothing. If you want to wear something and feel sun-protected, add this stuff to the wash before you wear it and baby, you got a stew going!

Zinka Nose Coat- I've talked about this stuff before. Slap on some zinc oxide before outdoor activities (especially on the thin skin on your nose) and rest assured that your nose skin won't peel off and leave you looking like the Crypt Keeper. 

Roxy Stand Up Shoes- Water shoes take the fear factor out of walking around in water you can't see clear to the bottom. These shoes keep you from screaming like a bitch, and also from burning your little feets! Made for stand-up paddle boarding, these shoes protect you from sun damage on a place we always tend to forget.

Roxy Dawn Run Shirt- This shirt, paired with some running shorts, makes for a great early morning, summer run outfit. It's a fun color, super flattering, and an excuse to buy new workout clothes. I need the sun protection damnit! I want cancer-free arms!

Roxy High Seas Spring Suit- Protect your body from the sun and a terrible jacked-hideous wax rash with a cute spring suit whilst out on the water. Wear it when you surf, jet ski, paddle board, just swim around. Spring suits are fun because they're not as restricting as a full wetsuits, but cover you enough to do raucous activities without the fear of flashing beach goers.

Billabong Wander Fedora- If you're not a baseball cap person, or don't want a hat for outdoor exercise, don't forgo one at all. Get a fun woven hat for the beach that is a little breathable so you don't suffer from head sweat which ruins everyone's day!

Hope this helps you make some smart outdoor clothing choice during this sunny season. You don't need fear the sun, just don't be a dumb ass about it! Happy Memorial Day!