recycle bags? what’s in it for YOU?

February 8, 2013February 8, 2013 ~ urbanoutdoorgirl ~ Leave a comment

So by this time I have learned that not everyone cares about the planet. and simply off of basic morals alone, most dont feel compelled to do things like recycle. and based on my knowing, this person may or may not be you reading this. In case it is, im gonna provide a few quick reasons why recycling is for you..

1. A lot of stores give money credit for bringing your own bag(s) instead of using theirs. Now though this may be only 5 or 10 cents (per bag) lol, its still money that YOU arent paying but actually getting free. And who doesnt like free? FREE… do I need to say it again FREE.. ok I think you get the point. So ask your local store do they give bag credits, youd be surprised.

2. Reduces clutter.. Yes it reduces clutter. How you might ask? Several reasons. If youre like me, after shopping, I can rest assure you have a whole cabinet jam packed with plastic bags to “reuse.” Well what else can that cabinet space be used for? I mean, reusable bags dont take up that much space so if you make the switch, this free space can be allocated for more useful things 🙂

3. Dont you want to be the cool person at the store or wherever who has their own bag? Its a new chance to get creative (especially for kids), and if youre actually shopping at clothing stores, it can provide capacity for greater storage instead of shuffling 4 and 5 bags at the mall.

Now dont all jump at once, get out there and get to recycling…. 🙂

Rock Your Socks Green Smoothie

February 7, 2013July 18, 2013 ~ urbanoutdoorgirl ~ Leave a comment

So heres a very simple green smoothie recipe, things can be altered but theres a few basics thatll get you started

a blender

1 cup spring water or coconut water (for larger batch use 2 cups)

2 cups of spinach ( the greens are your base so you dont have to use spinach use any greens you want to use)

2 apples sliced

2 pears sliced (again, be creative, you can use mangoes, pineapples etc. ) but pears are key for me, they really mute out any bitter taste and contribute to sweetness

1 ripe banana

1/2 lemon

…and thats it. Those are your basics.

I blend the water and greens first, then slowly add the fruits at high speed. Since my blender isnt as powerful as others this helps me avoid chunks. Add more or less as you please and dont be afraid to experiment to get the taste you like. You may add less greens and more fruit until you can handle more greens. Its really what works for you. What’s most important is youre getting your smoothies in. In addition, I add other things including but not limited to chlorophyll, spirulina, chia seeds, hemp protein powder etc. Give it a try and let me know how it goes. Anymore questions just let me know. Cheers!

Great Deal, Local Find: Zene Bosnia Scarf

January 28, 2013January 28, 2013 ~ urbanoutdoorgirl ~ 2 Comments

I realized that a lot of my posts are one sided and my sustainability and eco efforts span into all aspects of my life. Not only that, but being more conscious in your decision making when it comes to food, beauty products etc. is not so scary, and you do all of these things on an affordable budget. Ill admit, It comes so effortlessly that I never thought of it as anything abnormal or something to post about. I make a conscious effort to use all natural products for my hair and body, also, I try to use green and eco cleaning products etc. So im gonna attempt to post more of that here on my blog… I do more than hike and be active lol. Im still a woman 😉 haha

It especially warms my heart when I can purchase products that go to support a good cause, whether its fair trade or economically benefits small companies and businesses. What a lovely bonus. I try to remain affordable when it comes to clothes etc. so when I notice a deal, I hop on it, esp. if its “conscious.”

I found a great scarf at one of my favorite stores, Anthropologie. The Selma Fringed Scarf was on sale for $30, regular price $78. The scarf is very beautiful in person, and my pictures don’t do it justice. What I love about this scarf is, its a part of of the Zene Bosnia Project. The editors note on the tag and website state,

“Handmade by the artisans of the Zene Bosnia project, which provides regular, profitable work for women in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and helps to ensure long-term economic security and social support… each one of these handknit scarves is entirely unique.”

Win/Win

I love the pop of color on the fringe, and I think it makes this scarf very unique. You can easily pair this with a nice coat or outfit, and it will go perfectly. The color is bright, so it warms up the eyes, and the scarf itself is so cuddly and warm. The tag is also signed by the woman who made the scarf. Quite frankly, for 30 bucks, this scarf gets my stamp of approval.

What do you think? Do you like it? What would you pair this with?

Winter Hiking Fun

January 17, 2013 ~ urbanoutdoorgirl ~ Leave a comment

I went hiking not to long ago. Its was pretty fun. As I walked the trail I saw a great blue heron which was my first time seeing that bird. Did a little research and it almost reminded me of a crane. The heron stands still for long periods and waits for food to come by, then it gobbles it up. Pretty cool.

I also saw the sunrise before I walked the trail and boy was it beautiful. I never appreciated the sun so much, especially the warmth it brought even in the winter. It was overall a good day. One thing I have to stop doing is waiting until the last minute to pack food for my hiking trips and have snacks prepared. I literally hiked about 7+ miles off of 2 bananas. I love bananas for fitness bc they are so sustaining but I need to def bring more than 2 if im doing more than 2-3 miles lol.

I cant wait for my next hiking trip, I love being in nature. breathing the air. hugging trees (yes im a tree hugger, no im not a hippy… trees need love too 😉 ). feeling free and away from the world. My favorite thing abt winter hiking is no bugs haha. Its also very spiritual for me. Until next time friends..

Farm Adventures: The Duck Attack

December 24, 2012 ~ urbanoutdoorgirl ~ Leave a comment

Yesterday I visited a farm in Md. I went with no expectations except to catch sunset photos with my friend. Boy was I in for a treat… I walked upon what seemed to be an animal sanctuary of sorts. The entrance you walk past a large grassy fenced in area full of cows. there was one that was limping, which kinda made me sad… I wished I couldve helped her. next we got to the ducks area. that little mean duck came all the way out of its pond over to greet us… or shall I say, cuss us out in duck. seriously, it was ANGRY. ive never been so happy to be fenced off from a creature in my life. excuse my ignorance, i also did not know ducks hiss? like snakes! Oh em Gee hahaha. Despite the verbal slander I received, I remained cordial with my little duck friend. Even after it tried to bite my friends finger off *gasp*.

Did I mention it was like freeeezing haha. Next, we kept walking on the trail, and came upon a ravishing view. Down further in the open field there was a family of like 50 deer just chilling having a reunion lol. I jokingly suggested we walk down towards them but got scared halfway lol. I very mad at myself about this, i mean, i’m like the animal whisperer… What did I have to be leery of?

We walked back, and visited a nice little horse in its barn. it looked a little small to me (the barn that is) but I guess it was warm. That horse was huge though :(… We were also the only people there.. which i think is great. It was an hour before closing so I guess thats why. Anyway, it was a good day. Reminded me of one the reasons I dont eat meat, and why I love animals. They are so precious to us.