Yurt Life! A Night in a Yurt at the Coast

When was the last time you did something for the first time? Mine was last week, when my dear friend Amy and I drove to the Oregon coast to stay the night in a yurt! Having never even seen a yurt before, I was as always, really excited to try something new. I have stayed the night in a teepee once before, and I was expecting something pretty similar, a glorified tent of some sort. I was pleasantly surprised.
We were registered through Reserve America to stay in a yurt at Nehalem Bay State Park, for a modest $52 for one night. The park had showers, bathrooms, and much to my enjoyment, a playground. Our yurt site was all of 1 minute from the beach, and we took advantage of the lack of rain while we could. The yurt itself was so much more than I expected! We got our key from the host and pulled into our spot. Outside there was a fire pit, and a picnic table covered by a deck.

Inside we were greeted with hard wood floors, a futon, a bunk bed (queen bed on bottom, twin on top) a table, and a few chairs. The three windows all had curtains, and leaving them open let in daylight that lit the yurt completely. There was a heater (hallelujah!) and electricity hook-up as well. Basically, short of a kitchen, the yurt had everything we could need. I said the phrase "I just want to live here." more than a few times that night.

Regardless of the rain and the 60-70 mph winds that were raging all night long, the beds were comfortable, and I felt safe and secure. The heater kept it nice and toasty, and the other people staying in the park were quiet as soon as 10pm rolled around. I definitely could have stayed for a few more nights. I highly recommend a night in a yurt, if anything just for the experience. They're cheaper than most hotels, and they're the perfect mix of rustic and modern. Check your local park's website as many allow pets in the yurts as well! Just make sure you bring your own bedding, some snacks, and a few of your favorite people. 

My Favorite Simple Clean Breakfasts

Last year when I decided to overhaul my diet and fitness routine, I did a lot of searching for clean breakfast options. Breakfast is an incredibly important meal, and with all of the options available, it quickly became my favorite. These meals became my staples. They're nutritious, filling, and tasty!

1. Pancakes! 
Oh, did pancakes become my favorite meal after I discovered how healthy they could be. I'm not talking about the premixed pancake powder, or the kind packed with white flour and sugar. There are actually many ways to make pancakes with nothing but clean ingredients. The simplest recipe I've seen is a banana mixed with two eggs. That's it! That's your batter. My go-to recipe includes nothing but a bit of vanilla almond milk, a banana, and 1/2 cup of oats. I blend it up in a small blender and toss a bit of cinnamon on top while they're cooking. If I want to get really crazy I'll throw in some organic dark chocolate bits. Top with agave or all-natural peanut butter. Healthy fats for the win!

2. Smoothies!

You can never go wrong with a healthy smoothie. The great thing is that they are so versatile, and they're perfect if you're in a hurry. I always try to include both fruits and vegetables. Spinach is a great add in. It's mostly tasteless, and adds fiber, iron, protein, and many other vitamins and nutrients. Any fruit will do, but I prefer bananas and berries. My base is always vanilla almond milk, and sometimes I throw in some vanilla yogurt. If you're a chocolate lover, you do can chocolate almond milk, a banana, spinach, some cocoa, and peanut butter. If you prefer a tropical taste, make your base orange juice, and throw in some pineapple. For extra health points, top with something like chia seeds, sliced almonds, goji berries, coconut shreds, or flax seed. The opportunities are endless. 

3. Tofu Scramble! 
Tofu gets a bad wrap sometimes, but I am a supporter of scrambles through and through. I generally eat them with beans and spinach, but the combinations are endless! Avocado on top is a must. If I'm feeling fancy I'll toast some whole grain bread, and put some Earth Balance on it too. I like to throw in some kind of fruit for "dessert" as well.

It's true what they say, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Go enjoy it!

11 of the Easiest Ways to Go Green

I know I've said it before, but I am a huge believer in balance in all aspects of my life. This means that I don't lay in bed binging on Netflix 24/7 (I mean I try not to), but I also don't spend every spare minute of my time at the gym or at Cross-fit. I don't buy all organic fruits and vegetables, but I also don't fill my cart up with sweets and trans fats. I don't obsess over doing everything I can to live a green lifestyle, but I do make frequent decisions that help decrease my carbon footprint. Nothing flashy, it is merely about taking a higher responsibility on planet Earth. These steps are all simple and very easy to incorporate into your everyday life, and I encourage you to do just that.

1. Be conscious when using utilities. This one is pretty straightforward. Just pay closer attention to the resources you're using, and whether or not you absolutely need to use them as much as you do. Take shorter showers. Turn the water off when brushing your teeth. Don't blast your heat/AC unless you really need it. Unplug things when you aren't using them. Shut the the lights off when you leave a room. Don't run the dishwasher/washer until you have a full load. Nudge your thermostat down 2°F during non-summer months and you’ll stop 500 pounds of carbon dioxide gas from entering the atmosphere over the course of a year, says The Live Earth Global Warming Survival Handbook. The chances to conserve are pretty endless.

(grab a sweatshirt and turn the thermostat down a bit!)

2. Recycle and compost. I live in Oregon, so recycling is second nature for me. It always surprises me to learn this isn't true everywhere else. Recycling and composting are so important for the future of our planet, and a crazy percentage of households don't do it. For a list of things you can recycle, check here. For more info on composting, click here! It is a huge part of sustaining our resources, and if you make it a daily habit, it will soon become second nature for you as well.

3. Buy larger. When buying products you use regularly, getting the largest size available, or buying in bulk, usually means saving some materials used for packaging. If you buy the 16 oz. shampoo instead of the two 8 oz. shampoos, you're saving plastic! Many products offer small containers, and then the option to buy large "refills". The same goes for food. Try to avoid buying the small individually packaged foods. Instead of buying the pre-packaged and individually wrapped, buy the food items and portion them into food containers yourself.

4. Use your car less. If you haven't already, please check out my blog post about The Alternative Travel Project. I outline the benefits of escaping your car, and using alternative means of travel to get around. One of the huge benefits is reducing the toxic chemicals you release into the air. Car emissions make up 1/3 of all air pollution in the US. Giving up your car for even one day a week can make a huge dent. Ride your bike, walk, or take public transit!

5. Reconsider your cleaning supplies. Most store bought cleaners are surprisingly toxic, and can do damage to your lungs, thyroid, skin, etc. They can also pollute the water and the air. A great alternative is a mix of 9 parts water to 1 part vinegar in a spray bottle. Click here for more non-toxic substitutions.

6. Green up your gift wrap. With Christmas coming, consider the ways that you can reduce your waste this holiday season. Rather than buying new gift wrap, try wrapping your gifts in the paper you already have hanging around. Wrapping in newspaper, magazines, or left-over gift wrap can add a cute DIY flair to your gift. While you're at it, don't be afraid to regift (I love doing this.) If you own something you never use, and you know someone else would love it, send it their way! You're minimizing your clutter, saving money, and giving someone a gift they will enjoy.

7. Consider meatless Mondays. Being a vegetarian has many health benefits, but if you're like me, you might not be able to completely give up meat just yet. You can still reap some of these benefits from giving up meat for just one day a week, and you're helping the environment when you do. According to the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization, the meat industry generates nearly 20% of the man-made greenhouse gas emissions. If you absolutely can't skip meat for one day, try to go for grass-fed.

8. Use reusable bags and coffee cups. This is one that I could be better at. It really comes down to remembering to bring your bags with you into the grocery store, and your cups with you into the coffee shop. Starbucks offers a reusable cup for $1, and you save $.10 on your drink each time you bring your cup in instead of using one of their paper ones. Most other coffee shops that I've been to also offer a discount when you bring your own cup. I leave mine in my car so it's always available to me. These days they also make reusable shopping bags that fold into a pouch that is smaller than your fist. Drop those babies in your car or purse, and bring them with you to any shopping excursion!

9. Air-dry your hair. Reducing drying time by even 5 minutes a day saves almost 45 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions each year, says green living expert Sara Snow. Not to mention all of that heat is awful for your hair! Give it a break, and go au naturale.

10. Use glass containers, instead of plastic ones. Glass containers are awesome. I'm a big fan of pyrex. Plastic food containers contain chemicals that are released when microwaved. Not only do these chemicals leach into the air, but also into your food. Glass containers don't contain these toxins, they don't stain, and they last longer. They are well worth the investment.

11. Avoid air fresheners and scented candles. Imagine my disappointment when I learned that candles are not as innocent as they seem. Most are made of paraffin wax, and when burned release known carcinogens like toluene and benzine. You can also typically find artificial scents, dyes, and lead in your common candle. You're not any better off using air fresheners. Most contain toxins like propane, butane, formaldehyde, and acetone. These toxins cause a wide array of health problems, and pollute our air. Try Beeswax candles, which actually help clean the air, and avoid air fresheners all together.

The Alternative Travel Project

I wanted to take some time to write a post about a cause that's really inspiring to me, and fully aligns with the purpose of this blog by supporting health, happiness, and having a positive impact on the world. To preface, I'll tell you that I'm a huge fan of the T.V. show Castle, and therefore became a fan of Stana Katic. (Watch the show you guys, it's seriously so good.) In 2010 Stana started The Alternative Travel Project, and she's used her voice to turn it into a worldwide community. If you've never heard of it, congrats! I'm about to tell you how awesome it is. The Alternative Travel Project is a global initiative aimed at encouraging people to travel outside of the bubble of their car, even if just for one day. This means walking to get your Starbucks (you know it's not that far), biking to work, taking public transit to the market, etc. The benefits are plentiful, and apply to anyone and everyone.

For starters, and this is a big one, going car-free provides countless benefits for your health. The cardiovascular workout you get from walking and cycling reduces the risk of obesity, premature death, heart disease, depression, cancer, and so many more. Physical inactivity is one of the top causes of death in developed countries, and exercise is the cure we're not utilizing as we should. It's amazingly simple. Move more, live longer. Not only will you burn more fat (and who doesn't love that), but you'll increase your strength, stamina, and muscle tone. This kind of cardiovascular exercise also decreases stress and can make you more productive in your day to day life. To recap, regularly ditching your car can lead to a stronger, happier, healthier, less stressed you.

Not convinced yet? Let's talk about the advantages to the environment. We live in a car centric world, and it's clear that the impact driving has on the earth isn't a positive one. What you probably didn't realize is that cars are huge energy sucks even before they're on the road. They're massive piles of paint, plastic, steel, etc. and unfortunately at the end of their life, many of these plastics and other chemicals stay in the environment. You're probably thinking "I already own a car, so can't really fix this one.". So let's talk about the big one, fuel emission.

If everyone in the world went car free for one day, 11.7 million tons of CO2 would be saved! It takes over a billion trees (1,170,000,000) to absorb all of that CO2. One day car free, saves one billion trees. ATP

You like trees, right?

We are all very familiar with gas, and how much of it we use, but again, the energy suck process begins long before it makes its way into our gas tank. Extracting petroleum is a process that damages eco-systems, and shipping it consumes a lot of energy as well. Then there's the actual driving of the car, which emits smog, carbon dioxide, and other toxic chemicals. These go directly into the air we breathe, we can lead to huge health problems and premature death. Vehicles make up about 1/3 of all air pollution in the US, and you can have a positive impact on this number just by driving less.

A car driver uses more energy & creates more air pollution in just 4 years than a transit passenger will in 40 years! American Public Transport Association

Still sure you can't make it anywhere without your car? Let me hit you where it really hurts, your wallet. Going car-free saves you money!

Transportation is the second highest household expense for the average American. The annual cost of operating a bicycle is approximately $308 a year, which is less than the average monthly car payment. Smart Growth America

 You already know you spend far too much money on gasoline. Not to mention car insurance, general upkeep, unexpected costs for repairs, and paying for the car itself. Imagine not having to budget for gas money anymore, or even just lowering the amount of dollars you shell out for gas on a regular basis. You could use that money to buy things you actually enjoy, or save it for that vacation you've been dreaming about. Not only are you keeping more money in your wallet, your community saves as well. According to the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center, if just one out of every ten adults started a regular walking program, the U.S. could save $5.6 billion in health care costs - enough to pay for the college tuition of one million students. Also, the ATPA reports that biking and walking projects create twice as many jobs as highway projects.

You guys, I promise I'm trying to keep this blog a decent length, but it's hard when there are so many benefits supporting alternative travel. I could throw them at you all day. Instead I will tell you a bit about my personal ATP story, and then I'll leave you be, promise! 

When I first heard about the Alternative Travel Project, my commute to work was a modest five miles each way. I totally thought I wasn't making that big of a negative impact on the environment, because my drive was so short. Little did I know, 60% of the pollution created by automobile emissions happens in the first few minutes of operation, meaning that shorter car trips are more polluting on a per mile basis than longer trips (Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center). So, after reading more about ATP, I took the plunge. I got on my bike for the first time in years, and I biked to work. I won't lie, it was difficult, but it was also incredibly freeing. 

(before and after faces, it was totally worth it)

Once you're out there, you realize you have nothing to rely on but yourself. You are powering your movement. You are your vehicle. As I rode on the bike path right next to the freeway and I watched all of the cars, I couldn't help but feel like I was doing something right. I was having a positive impact, and I was getting some sunshine and my workout in while I did it. I also encountered people. Yes, real people! Not the kind that cut you off and don't know how to use a blinker. I smiled at and said "Hi!" to other cyclists, dog walkers, runners, etc. I noticed things about my community that I never noticed when I was trapped in the bubble of my car. 

I got to work feeling totally awesome, and when I got back home, I didn't have to spend 30 minutes in my room on a workout video, because I had spent nearly an hour on my bike. Had you asked me a year ago, I never would have expected that I'd ever commute to work by cycling. Trust me, if I can do it, you can do it!

If you want to keep up with this project, I encourage you to like their Facebook, follow them on Twitter and Instagram, and check out their super inspiring videos on YouTube. (Seriously, sometimes all it takes is watching one of those videos, and I'm thisclose to swearing off my car for good.) You can also check out their website, where you can see stories of other ATP'ers around the globe, and read more about the benefits and the origin of the cause. Please, consider busting out your bike, scooter, rollerblades, pogo stick, skateboard, or just use your feet and go explore your community. I'd love to hear your story if you do. 

Are Selfies Destroying Our Generation?

Selfie. I still remember the first time I saw that term. It was on Kendall Jenner's instagram and I thought to myself "Please don't let that become a word.". Of course it did become a word,  a very popular one, and one that I myself use on a pretty regular basis. It's in the Oxford dictionary. It's on everybody's radar, so much so that studies are being done on the effects of selfies, particularly on the younger generation. It seems that the consensus is overwhelmingly negative. Apparently selfies are narcissistic and self-absorbed. I'm here to disagree.

If I take a selfie it's generally for one of two reasons. Either I feel good about the way I look that day, or I'm in a moment so lovely that I want to capture and remember it. I can't find the negative in either of those situations, but some people have managed to. Their first thought may be that those posting selfies are conceited, or trying to prove something. I understand. Our first instinct is to judge. It's human nature. The problem lays in judging someone for feeling good about themselves.

In the world that we have grown up in, it can seem like a small miracle for anyone to honestly feel good about the way they look. We live in a society where we are taught that we are not good enough. We're bombarded with images of standards that are impossible to meet. We are pushed to spend our money on makeup, hair products, weight loss products, anything that will make us better, prettier, more perfect. The weight-loss industry brings in 20 million dollars annually. The average woman spends $15,000 on make-up in her lifetime. Society has made it easy for us to hate ourselves, and now we're made to feel bad for taking photos of ours faces in a rare moment where we like what we look like. Heaven forbid that we have any shred of confidence or self-worth.

When someone posts a selfie, I see it as a surge of self-confidence that everyone, and this generation in particular, desperately needs. Personally, I think it's about time we see the internet flooded with photos of actual people, feeling good about themselves. I'd like to suggest to everyone that there is absolutely nothing wrong with liking the way you look. I'd press you all to look in the mirror and say "You look damn good today." without shame. Even better, post those selfies, hashtag good hair day, and feel good about it. Don't rely on the opinion of anyone else. Don't let other people dictate the way you feel about yourself. Own your confidence. Selfies are not the enemy, self-hate is.

5 Simple Tips For a Happier Healthier Life

1. Drink water. I know, I know, I know. We hear it all of the time, but I mean, really drink water. I used to think that I was great about it. I always had my water bottle in my car, at work, on my nightstand, etc., but once I started paying attention, I realized I wasn't drinking nearly as much as I thought I was. Track it! And yes, there's an app for that. Download a tracking app to your phone and drink the recommending amount for your body type and activity level. The first thing I noticed was an improvement in my skin, but it's good for everything. A hydrated body is a happy body.

( okay so literally all of the pictures are of me drinking coffee, but that's a water bottle ^)

2. Make the right food choices a majority of the time. I don't want to get all preachy on you about the dangers of trans fats and the importance of veggies, but I do think you should pick the healthier option 90% of the time. If I'm going out to eat one night, I'm probably getting the burger and fries, but only because I have chicken and veggies at home every other night. If you ever see me order a milkshake, it's because 9 out of 10 times I order water. When I'm at the store, I pick the dark chocolate instead of the milk. Yes, it's still chocolate, and yes, I still eat it everyday, but there are nutritional benefits as well. It's important to treat yourself, but making unhealthy choices a habit will do more harm than good. A good rule of thumb is to remember that everything you consume either helps or hinders your health, try to help it as much as possible.

(sometimes we have strawberries, sometimes we have cupcakes)

3. Spend time with people you enjoy. This seems like common sense, but I think we forget about it more than we should. How often have you thought to yourself "I really need to call so and so, I haven't seen them in forever."? I usually have at least five people in the back of my mind that I would love to see, and somehow other things in life take over. Before I know it, months have passed and I'm missing everyone. Make time for these people. I've said it before and I will say it again. The relationships we build are the most important things we will ever have. Find those people that bring out the best in you, the ones who make you laugh until you cry, or the ones who make you want to be your best self. Even the ones who will call you on your BS when you're being ridiculous. People are what we live for. We breathe for love and friendship and connection. Foster those, and care for them.

4. Move more. Yeah, we have to talk about exercise, but it doesn't have to be scary. Just move more. Park farther away from work and enjoy the scenery on the way in. Use the stairs (who needs an escalator, I mean really?). Take your dogs for a long walk. Our bodies are designed to move. The best thing you can do for your body is make conscious decisions everyday to be more active. My favorite form of exercise is hiking, but more often than not my fitness comes to me in the form of 20 minute work out videos in my room a few times a week. Do whatever works for you, but find something that will work, and do it.

5. Get outside. Did you know I was headed here? Of course I'm going to tell you to get outside! Nothing grounds me more than being outdoors. It can be anything from sitting in my backyard reading a book, or hiking 5 miles into the middle of nowhere. I love to be outside. Sometimes it's a great reminder that we are so small. You stand at the beach and stare out into the never ending ocean, and suddenly your problems shrink a bit. We are specks in the grand scale of things. Being surrounded by nature reminds me that there is more to this life than what I've got going on in my little bubble, and sometimes that is a huge reminder that I desperately need.

If all else fails, just force a smile folks. Your brain doesn't know the difference anyway. ;)

3 Touristy Things You Should Never Do

Okay, personally I don't think there is really anything wrong with acting like a tourist. I find no shame in exploring a new place with a map in hand. The thing you want to avoid is sticking out as a tourist in front of the wrong people, mostly because it can be unsafe. Not to mention many people find tourists annoying. Tourists can be prime targets for pick pockets, muggers, thieves, etc. When traveling, especially if you're solo, the best thing you can do is blend in with the locals. Here are a few ways to stay safe, and look awesome doing it.

1. If at all possible, do not carry your DSLR strapped around your neck. You're basically asking someone to steal it. Try to carry a much more compact camera, and do so discreetly. Use black electrical tape to cover up the NIKON (or what have you) logo, and buy a new strap. Nothing sticks out more than those black straps with the huge yellow letters. Bonus: If you need to take a photo (and you should!) don't stop right in front of people/traffic/doorways etc. to do so.

2. Do not wear travel specific clothes. I'm looking at you fanny pack and visor. Dress like you would at home, or even better, dress like the locals. Obviously there are some exceptions to this rule. If you're backpacking long-term, you will likely have travel specific clothing, backpacks, shoes, and the like. However, if you can manage it, dress like the local folk, or bring your most comfortable clothing that you wear at home on a regular basis. If you don't like wearing it at home, you won't like wearing it on vacation.

3. Don't stand on the street looking confused. Check that map discreetly. This is especially important if you're a solo traveler, if you're out after dark, or if you feel you're in an unsafe neighborhood. Walk with a purpose.Walk like you know where you're going. If you find yourself completely lost, step into a store to check your map or GPS. Don't be afraid to ask the employees questions, or have them call a cab for you. Safety first.

(not a single solitary clue where I'm going, but you'd never know it.)

Bonus because this happened on my hike yesterday: Don't plank on things. Dead tourist giveaway.