A hiking story: what to pack for your next weekend hike

Going to a school that is surrounded by mountains certainly has its perks. 

Besides the beautiful view (distraction) from the classroom windows and the picturesque sunsets/rises, our mountainous terrain sure does make for some great weekend hiking trips. The best part? My roomie, Lauren, loves to hike too and is always up for a Sunday morning adventure. 

This past weekend, the weather was more than perfect (70s and sunny)... it was basically asking for us to hit the trails. So, we did. Lauren and I packed our backpacks and drove out to the mountains. 

We were hoping to squeeze in a nice five miler before coming back to the apartment to begin working on school work. Some would say we were escaping reality... and we were.

After spending nearly half an hour trying to find the trailhead, we should've reconsidered our hike then and there. This was a sign. But, we were determined and still itching for a taste of some great outdoors. Finally, we found a trail. Whether it was the one we were looking for or not, we may never know. Anxious to just start moving, we hopped out of the car and began our trek. 

About five minutes in, we hit sign number two - a creepy, abandoned campsite. 

Okay, it wasn't too creepy, but once you've seen a few NCIS episodes, it's easy for anything unusual to trigger your imagination. Still, we wanted to hike. 

Around one mile in, we lost the trail. Literally don't know where it went. There were no more markings or notable walking paths, and we found ourselves climbing over massive fallen trees. This was sign number three - three strikes and we were out! 

Though it may sound like it was, our hike wasn't a complete fail. We got to spend time exploring outside, chat about life, create intense videos and breathe some fresh air! Nothing beats that, right?! Personally, I can't wait to see what our next trip has in-store for us.

Easy weekend hike necessities (for the colder months):

1. Water water water

2. Snacks - trail mix, granola bars or my favorite, a honey crisp apple

3. Layers - if your cold blooded (like myself) pack an extra sweatshirt, gloves, socks, scarf, ear warmers, hat... heck, throw in a blanket

4.  Hand warmers - did I mention that I'm always cold?

5. Flashlight - sometimes the iPhone flashlight just doesn't cut it

6. Eno hammock and book for at the top

7. Camera - take a picture of the trail hike before starting

8. Extra hairbands 

9.  And if you plan on drinking a coffee on the drive up (always yes to coffee), 

perhaps pack some TP?

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Winter break cleaning: 6 ways to declutter

Right now, I should be studying for my Epidemiology final tomorrow. 

Shockingly, anything sounds better than doing that! What am I doing instead?
Cleaning my apartment room. Honestly, it's sparkling in all of its freshly dusted, vacuumed and Soft Scrubbed beauty. This cleaning, unlike most, is a deep cleaning. One that goes deep in to college past - it's actually kind of fun. I've come across extremely motivational sticky notes from friends (cough, Kellie), old unattended to 'notes to self' and lots of weird, free, game day attire - Go Dukes!

In the midst of my procrastination (yes, I'm still thinking about you, Epi), I'm actually being fairly productive. You see, I'm about to leave for winter break and nothing feels better than coming back to an extra tidy room. Freshly cleaned apartment = fresh start to the semester, right?

Steps to make your room fit and fab-u-lous for your post-winter break return - grab an XL trash bag and let's get to de-cluttering!

1. Start recent. Yesyesyes, I think one of the best feelings is canning your semester-long hard work. If there's anything that you could possibly use for the semester(s) to come, put that material in a separate pile to save - a "save pile." If not, congratulations, this is your first item in the trash bag! This declutter doesn't only encompass tangible items. Feel free to sift through your computer folders and "trash" the unnecessary class material. Isn't this freeing?  

2. Then work your way out. Okay, so you've cleared the most recent school stuff. But what about that "save" pile from last year or the year before that you still haven't used? I think you can tell where I'm getting at with this - can it!          

3. The drawers. I know what's hiding in there - stationary upon stationary, old to-do lists, broken pens. Or maybe that's just me. Regardless, open up your desk drawers and re-organize. Throw away any trash, old notes, broken writing utensils or any items you really don't need/use. We can do this! If you're feeling extra tidy, consider throwing some sections/labels for your pens, paper clips, pushpins, etc.! Done with your desk drawer? Move on to the next storable unit. 

4. The closet. Geez, this one's a toughie. Throw those closet doors open and start somewhere
easy-ish... throw away stained or torn clothing that can no longer even substitute as pajama clothes. From here, make a give-away pile filled with clothes that have gotten too small, too big, or are no longer being worn - this includes the abundance of free, school t-shirts. Don't forget to include purses, hats, scarves and shoes in this clean out too!  

5. The finishing touches. After you've spent some time de-cluttering and re-organizing, it's time to do the real deal cleaning. Dust, vacuum, broom, Windex, Soft Scrub, wash bed sheets, Fabreze, etc.! You know the drill. 

6. Survey the land. Take a good look around (lookin' good, eh?). Since we're entering break, there will be plenty of room for some DIY projects. Find any empty spaces that need some love and let your creativity blossom. Picture wall? Quotes? Fitspiration board? Anything!
Need extra inspiration, follow me on Pinterest!

Enjoy your clean room, well, when you return back to your home away from home.

Thanks for reading! 

Back to Epi... 

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Merry 'Fit'mas: Holiday gift ideas for the fitness fanatic

My latest article in The Breeze has hit the press - be one of the first fitness fanatics to read!  

Winter break is right around the corner, and what does that mean? The holiday gift craze will be picking up in no time!

Picking out presents is both an exciting and sometimes extremely stressful task — there’s always that one person you simply have no idea what to get. Well, if your recipient is a fitness buff or plans to become one in the near future, look no further. Below you’ll find an array of fit-tastic gift options. These gifts are divided into three groups: big spenders, thrifty spenders and do-it-yourselfers. Regardless of which category you fit into, you’re bound to find some fit and fabulous gifts below.

Big spenders:

Fitbit: Is your fitness fanatic trying to increase his or her daily step intake? A Fitbit or other fitness trackers are the perfect gift.

Lululemon clothes: Lululemon sells a variety of clothes aimed toward different activities. Yoga, running, cycling — you name it, Lulu has the high quality workout clothes you’re looking for.

At-home gym: Some days there’s just no time to leave the house, for a long run or drive to the gym. No time, no problem — bring the gym to them. Purchase useful equipment, like free weights, an over-the-door pull-up bar or the Perfect Pushupdevice, to keep nearby.

Chacos: Are you buying for an adventurer? If so, Chacos are the way to go. Chacos are a fully supported sandal that are perfect for outdoor adventures, or even just for walking around town.

Membership: Hot Yoga, Crossfit, Soul Cycle, oh my! There are so many trendy fitness memberships you can gift this holiday season. Give the fitness fanatic a free month or a free year; regardless, their workout will be given a jumpstart (thanks to you).  

Thrifty spenders:

Jump rope: Nothing gets your heart rate jumpin’ like this old-school recess game. Spice up your fanatic’s exercise routine with a steady session of jumping rope — they’ll be surprised by the great workout (not to mention, they’ll be sure to expend some serious calories).

Nike headbands: Secure your hair, all while sweating in style. Nike headbands come in vibrant colors and have a no-slip grip. 

BlenderBottle: Looking for a way to shake up your pre or post-workout protein shake? A Blender Bottle does just the job. Pour in the protein, the liquid and the BlenderBall, and voila, the perfectly mixed shake.  

Hiking accessories: With all of the mountains surrounding JMU, give the gift of hiking accessories. Even if the giftee doesn’t live nearby, it’ll be the perfect excuse to spend some time together. A few ideas? Thick socks, Survival Straps, flashlight, gloves (and/or hand warmers) or a water bottle.

Energy gels or bars: Energy snacks are the perfect gift for the fitness fanatic in training. Whether it’s a triathlon, marathon or half marathon, staying fueled is crucial. Give them in bulk or add them to a stocking.   

DIYs:

Workout playlist or CD: Put together a playlist consisting of the recipient’s favorite jams. Include fast pump-up songs, as well as a few slow cool-down ones. 

Fitspiration board: Everyone needs a little inspiration, especially when it comes to starting and keeping a fitness regimen. Get crafty and create a fitspiration board. Fill the board with fitness pictures, motivational quotes or colorful, healthy foods. What inspires you to workout? Put it on the board. 

Coupons: Homemade coupons never get old, right? Sign your time away by making a variety of workout coupons. Having trouble brainstorming? Think post-workout massages, gym dates, homemade protein smoothies, anything!

Recipe book: Are you food savvy? Bind together some of your favorite healthy meals. Include step-by-step instructions on what the meal/snack includes, along with the directions. Never again will your fitness fanatic starve for healthy food ideas.

365 days of motivation: This one may take some stamina, but it’ll be well worth the sore fingers. Type up and cut out 365 motivational fitness quotes and place them in a decorated Mason Jar. Your gift receiver will start each day motivated to continue on their fitness journey.

Still having no luck after reading my trendy list? Start by considering the individual’s favorite sport or activity. From there, think of the necessary equipment pertaining to the activity — even little things (fancy and fun shoe laces, cold weather accessories or a running ID bracelet) make for good stocking stuffers. Get creative and personalize the fitness gift to your recipient, they’ll be sure to love it!

Edited by: The Breeze

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