LOTM: Modeling and a Giveaway

Clearly I'm modeling here. 

I know, it should have been my career choice, but sadly it's too late.

But it's not too late for you to win one of these awesome WhoopTees. 

Don't you want to be strutting your stuff around town in one of these amazing Ladies of the Mountains shirts? Of course you do, how could you not?

Well, we've made it really easy for you with that thing below. So just do what it says and you might get a free WhoopTee, and won't that just make your day?

Well I'm off, because today is Rion and my 2nd anniversary and very soon I'll be on the beach drinking wine. So check out the modeling tactics of the other ladies, and enjoy the free t-shirt that could potentially be yours.

Gentri

Lena

Michelle

Nicole

Meagan (sitting this one out)

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

LOTM: I Gather What's Not Mine

Nature is full of treasures. Treasures that we can't take home, and even if we did, they wouldn't hold the same value. As a kid I used to obsessively keep a rock collection. If something was remotely close to maybe resembling something then it was stored away and saved at home. Quickly I realized the power these objects hold in nature does not seem to resonate the same way when they're stuffed in a box.

In an attempt to reconcile this longing to keep nature with the inability to do so, I turned to photography. I'm still very much an amateur, but the photos that I take, I keep. These pictures hold memories, they hold places in a set time, forever preserving the beauty that existed and continues to exist. 

It is my way of gathering what is not mine.

Check out what the other ladies gather:
Gentri
Lena
Meagan
Nicole
Michelle

and guest blogger Faith

LOTM: Arbor it Up!

I know you guys already know, since it's your favorite holiday and all, but tomorrow is Arbor Day!

And you know what that means... oh you don't? It's okay neither did I.

Arbor Day is a day for the trees, and since trees make it so I can live, they're kind of my favorite.

They're also my favorite because I live in Appalachia, and what is Appalachia without trees? Not Appalachia. I'm glad we got that all straightened out.

Arbor day usually means getting out and planting a tree. But, it's my last week of school, finals are next week, and then I graduate. I'm not sure you totally comprehend what I just said so I'll say it again: I FREAKING GRADUATE! That fun little fact will be saved for another post though. 

Basically, I've got to postpone my tree planting for a little while. That's okay though because I can stare at this beautiful succulent garden some awesome person gave to me. So tomorrow I will celebrate all of the trees and plants with my succulent garden. Close enough right?

And who doesn't love succulents; isn't it just so cute?

See what the others are up to for this festive day:

Gentri

Michelle

Meagan

Nicole

Lena

and guest blogger Brandi

LOTM: Grow Some Stuff

It's spring, peeps!

And that means hiking, backpacking, and pollen. Lots and lots of pollen. Seriously, my car was yellow yesterday. It's supposed to be black. 

Spring definitely means all of those things, but it also means spring gardens!

 When Rion and I moved into our love shack after getting married (seriously, it already had a sign above the door that said love shack), the first thing we did was scope out a perfect spot for a garden. We're all about local and organically grown food, and what's more local than your front yard?

We tilled, and tilled, and dug out rocks, and tilled. All by hand. 

Hardest work of my life. But it was totally worth it.

If that sounds like too much for you, than you're probably a smart person. But seriously, raised-bed gardens are an awesome alternative. 

We, and by we I mean Rion, made a homemade trellis for our lovely little cucumbers!

And who doesn't love a good watermelon!

We also had a little homemade contraption for our pole beans. They were supposed to grow up the corn, but that's kind of hard when the corn doesn't come in. 

Our second year of gardening was much better than our first; we were able to cultivate the soil a little better. And hopefully this year will be even better!

Want to see what the other ladies are growing?

Gentri

Lena

Michelle

Meagan

Nicole

Brandi (guest blogger)

LOTM: Good Eatin'

Welcome back friends. We've missed you.

We've missed you so much, in fact, that we're going to treat you this week!

We're setting you up with the best hiking/backpacking recipes around. That way, next time you hit the trail you'll be eating in style. 

Ok... maybe not in style, but it will be delicious. 

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I apologize to all you vegetarians out there, but jerky is one of the most heavenly things on this planet. Especially after a long day of hiking. It seriously hits the spot. And yes, you can go to the gas station and buy pre-made jerky, but don't you want to skip all of those fake preservatives and chemicals and make some of your own?

I'm going to assume you said yes. 

It's really pretty easy.

1. Buy lean beef. You can make jerky with other meats, but as a beginner you should probably start with beef.

2. Cut out any extra fat. Fat WILL make your jerky spoil, so chuck it in the garbage.

3. Marinate it for a couple hours. A basic marinade consists of olive oil, salt, and pepper, but you can really go crazy with this step. Get creative.

4. Season it. Seriously, what's jerky without seasonings?

5. Bring it up to 160 degrees before dehydrating it. Food safety!

6. Dehydrate it until it's darkened. 

Don't have a dehydrator? Check out these steps to see how you can make your jerky in an oven!

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 And now you have these yummy little morsels to snack on!

I'd recommended using a vacuum seal when storing these for a hike, just to make sure they don't spoil.

You're welcome for making your life just that much better.

Want to get even more delicious recipes?

Of course you do, so check out these ladies:

Lena

Gentri

Meagan

Nicole

Michelle

Jorie (guest blogger)

LOTM: How to Not Die

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 So you're lost out here huh?

Well not to fear, the LOTM are here!

This week we've got some tidbits of expertise to share with you so you don't die. Nice of us, right? We thought so.

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You're wandering around the forest and at first it's all butterflies and frolicking dear. How nice. But then it starts to get dark, a cold wind blows through, and a wolf howls in the distance. That's how I picture it anyway.

Well there are three basic things that you need immediately so you don't die:

Shelter, fire, and water.

I'm not an expert survivalist (visit Nicole for that), but I am a practiced backpacker, and these are things you always think about. 

1. Shelter- bring a tent or fully-equipped hammock.

2. Fire- bring flint; it will never run out.

3. Water- map out your hike so you will be near water when camping and bring a water purifier.

The next in line is certainly food, but you need to think about these things before food. You can last longer without sustenance than you can without shelter, fire, and water. 

Now, hopefully you won't die.

Still a little nervous? See what these Ladies have to say:

Gentri

Lena

Michelle

Nicole

Jorie (guest blogger)

LOTM: Beautified

Lovers of the LOTM, I know what you've been waiting for. You've probably been reading our posts for the last couple of months and thought... clearly these ladies need to give us some beauty tips.

So here we go.

1. Work what you've got girl!

There is way too much propaganda in our society that tells us how to look better, look different, and be beautiful.

Well guess what chikipoo? You ARE beautiful! You don't need to look different or look like somebody else because that's lame. You are already a beautiful lady that has a lot to work. So... work it girl!

That is the only beauty tip I have for you. 

But... if you want to try some amazing products that make you feel like the diva you already are check out Perfectly Posh! Want to know my favorite?

Sugar Lip Scrubs baby!! WOOP!

If you want to walk around all day with smooth lips that smell like peaches (which clearly you do because only a crazy person would say no to that) than you have to try the Oh, Peaches!

I'm currently wearing it and I'm pretty sure my lips have never felt better.

Check out what the other ladies had to say:

Gentri

Lena

Michelle

Nicole

Meagan

Chelsea (guest blogger)

LOTM: Galentine's Day

 The Ladies are back and today we're talking about hot dates on Valentine's.  

However, I don't mean to be a downer, but I choose to not celebrate Valentine's day.

So that's why, instead of doing a Valentine's day date, I'm going to follow in the footsteps of one of my role models, Leslie Knope, and celebrate Galentine's Day.

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Leslie's Galentine's day involves loads of breakfast foods, mainly waffles, but if you're not into that here are a few things you could do with your favorite ladies:

1. Hike your little hearts out, but bring wine and chocolate this time- seriously... what are you waiting for?

2. Get dressed up and have a loud (girls only) drink sesh at one of your favorite bars- it's important to be as obnoxious as possible. 

3. Stay in, make mixed drinks, and watch a lot of Parks and Rec.

4. Hit the town and then go see Identity Theft (I've heard it's freaking hilarious).

5. Get dressed up, get drinks, then head out to an improv show and laugh until you puke... because that's what will happen.

So get out there and Gal it up my friends; make Leslie proud.

Want more ideas? Hit these girls up!

Lena

Gentri

Michelle

Nicole

Meagan

Chelsea (guest blogger)

LOTM: Decorate It Up!

We're back!! 

Get excited, because this week we're all about that mountain lady decor.

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I love me some wood cabin action, there's no doubt about that. But it's nice to mix it up with a lot a little white here and there. My dream cabin would look like picture two, because let's be honest, who doesn't want to live in a tree fort? But the inside of the cabin would look like picture one, because, well, that looks like pure Heaven. 

That's not too much to ask right? Oh and throw on a deck and add a little outdoor dining space, like in picture 3, and you're good to go!

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 Of course pallet decorations and DIYs are a must have along with a whole lot of pottery. I don't know what's going on in picture two, but I like it, so add in some of that. Pile in some books, art, and a couple of lanterns and you've got an LOTM certified space!

Now that you've seen my LOTM certified space, check out these ladies':

Gentri

Lena

Meagan

Michelle

Nicole

Katie (guest blogger)

LOTM: Winter Frolicking

Ladies of the Mountain unite!

 I think we should say that every time we post a blog. You know... for emphasis... and it would be totally cool. Right? Right.

Back to the topic... winter frolicking!! If you live in a place that gets snow in the winter time than you can have just as much fun in the winter as you do in the summer! Some of you summer people are probably already looking for the escape button, but I'm being fo real. Two words:

Nordic Skiing!

Or Cross-country skiing for all of you who don't want to use the fancy term. It's totally fancy.

Not sure how to go about this sport among sports? I've got 5 easy steps that will get you out and about in no time!

 

1. Get a real big skiing type of smile on your face. If you're not sure, use the above pictures as references. 

 

 2. Fly to Switzerland and find a cool little ski town in the Alps... or just go outside.

 

3. Recruit some friends so you can watch them fall and feel better about yourself. 

 

4. Ski to your heart's content.

5. Never forget that life can be so beautiful! And make fun of your friend that just fell.

There you have it folks! When your broke and down-hill skiing is just not an option, or you want to get a really good workout, get out and cross-country ski! Check out what Lena had to say about Nordic skiing in the Alps!

Still looking for awesome wintery activities? These ladies have some brilliant ideas!

Gentri

Lena

Meagan

Michelle

Nicole

and Katie(guest blogger)

LOTM: I'm Dreaming

LOTM up in the hizzouse! What up!

Y'all it's that time of the week... I know you've been counting down the days until we post again. And this time we've all been dreaming! Dreaming about the best hike in all the land, of course. Trust me this dream won't disappoint.

Peoples of blogland, say hello to the Cordillera Apolobamba in Bolivia.

BOOM baby!

The Cordillera is located right next to the Peruvian border, and is the home to Andean condors, herds of vicuñas (related to alpacas), and an endangered speckled bear. There are Inca ruins, ancient waterfalls, abandoned gold mines, hot springs, AND El Dorado is guessed to be located around here. 

Holy geez guys! El Do-freaking-rado! 

I mean if that doesn't do it for you I'm pretty sure nothing ever will... ever... so give up. Or go on this hike. And while you're going, you should just go ahead and take me. I'm pretty sure I would consider being an indentured servant for this trail.

Think you'd miss your cozy bed too much? Well first, suck it up, and second, it's only a week so you won't be gone for long. 

Sound perfect? Sound like this would fulfill all of your hiking needs? I know. But don't forget to check out the other ladies' trails! You've got plenty more hiking ahead of you!

Lena

Gentri

Michelle

Nicole

Meagan

and Katie (guest blogger)

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LOTM: All Bundled Up

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Alright peeps. If you're living in the mountains you have to have some snuggly go-to outfits. There's just no way around it. 

When I'm out frolicking in mountainy happiness I'm usually wearing a collection of the stuff above. 

1. the comfiest ski hat in all the land. (plus then you don't have to do your hair)

2. winter boots (you're feet will sing you an ode to joy)

3. the fluffiest scarf that you can find (let's face it-those mountain winds ain't no joke!)

4. gloves (if they're cute and have hearts that's a total plus)

5. a sweater that is at least twice your size (this is mandatory)

Guys, these items are a total must-have in any mountain lady's closet. Plus, let's be honest, who wouldn't want all of those things. Add these guys to your last minute Christmas list! Or, you know, just get them.

Want more mountain lady fashion tips? Let me answer for you... yes. Good, then check out these chicks!

Lena

Gentri

Meagan

Nicole

Michelle

Guest blogger- Hannah

LOTM: My Haven

Guys. This is my mountain haven. I can curl up here knowing that I am at home in the mountains. Literally. My home is a mountain cabin. What up!

I'm thankful that it is the first place Rion and I get to call home.

I'm thankful that we got to celebrate our second married Thanksgiving here, all snuggled up.

I'm thankful that Colby and Josie get to frolic and play in our yard.

I'm also thankful that I don't have to rake all those leaves. Rent status.

I hope you guys had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and before you go into a food coma don't forget to check out some more havens at these ladies' blogs.

Gentri

Lena

Megan

Michelle

Nicole

Amanda-guest!

LOTM: Favorite Hiking Item

Ladies of the Mountain represent.
We're back! I know you guys can't contain your excitement, but seriously... have some self-control.

Today, we are all going to blow your minds by sharing our favorite hiking item. It was pretty hard to choose guys. I stood there staring at my outdoor equipment for a good, long while. But in the end, I had to concede that my favorite item of all is this baby!

The Leatherman is basically the iPhone of knives. Anything you need... it has an app for that, or at least a tool. Seriously, I have a saw. A saw guys. I could cut down a tree if I wanted. It might take a year but I could totally do it. 

My motto in life is you never know when you'll need your pocketknife. Seriously, it is. That's why I carry it in my wallet. Yup, I'm one of those people. I carry money, lipstick, and my pocketknife. The essentials. That is why my pocketknife is not only my favorite hiking item, but my favorite item of all time. Thank you Leatherman for being totally and completely awesome.

Think you're done reading about awesome hiking gear?

WRONG!

Check out these chicks to see what they have to say:

Gentri

Michelle

Megan

Nicole

and guest blogger Amanda

(Lena is busy being awesome with her husband in Europe)

LOTM: A Necessity

Let's pretend this is you.

 First of all, congrats. You are pretty awesome.

You are out in the wilderness, backpacking to your heart's content. You're a total backpacking machine. Good for you. It's just you, the trail, and... some chocolate!

Let's be honest, peeps. Chocolate is a necessity. It just is. Don't try to argue with me, you know I'm right. So of course, every backpacker needs to find a way to incorporate chocolate into their daily diet. Okay maybe every other day.

I mean seriously, we can't just leave this kind of chocolaty goodness behind!

Hot chocolate is great and all, but what about those days where you just hiked 20 miles, you're a sweaty mess, and just looking at something hot makes you so irritated that you could throw it against a tree? It happens. 

That's where chocolate pudding comes to the rescue! This recipe will make anyone sleep soundly after a long, hard trek.  All you need is:

1 3oz box of instant chocolate pudding

2/3 cup of powdered milk

1/4 cup of chopped pecans/walnuts

and

1/4 cup of mini marshmallows

When you're at home you just combine the pudding and powdered milk in a zip lock bag, and carry the nuts and marshmallows in another bag. Then on the trail all you have to do is add 2 cups of water, and top off your pudding with the marshmallows and nuts after it's set.

BOOM. You're welcome.

Don't forget to head on over to Gentri's blog to find out who won the giveaway!

Now go check out what the other ladies have in store for you!

Lena

Gentri

Meagan

Nicole

Michelle

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LOTM: Outside Everywhere

That's right folks, it's that time of the week again!

Ladies of the Mountain unite!!

I'm pretty excited, can you tell? I know I'm pretty subtle about my emotions.
This week we had the pleasure of working with Allison, a way cool person in Etsy land. Her shop is called Outside Everywhere, can you tell why we were just drawn to her? She makes wooden toys and jewelery from local and sustainably harvested wood. Winner!

I received a cute little packet in the mail with my name on it. I felt so special. And when I opened it up, I found this totally bad-a necklace. It's hand-carved and hand-painted, and I'm not sure if it will ever leave my neck. 

If that isn't exciting enough, we're having a giveaway! I mean, really... who can resist a giveaway, especially when it involves Outdoor Everywhere? 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The giveaway will be open until October 25- which of course you guys know is the date of our next LOTM post. Duh. Also Alison is being totally awesome and giving all of our readers a 10% discount with the code LOTM10.

So get on that people! What are you waiting for?

Don't forget to check out the other ladies' surprises!

Gentri

Lena

Meagan

Michelle

Nicole

LOTM: The Hikes

I know you guys are just jumping out of your seats about this next LOTM post.

I mean come on. It is about hiking!

This week we had the incredibly hard task of picking our favorite hike. At first my brain shut down with a cannot compute error. Favorite hike? I just.. cannot..comprehend..

BUT

There is this one hike. This one really special hike that was my first date with my husband. So I guess that can count. I'm actually kind of cheating. This hike is a duel hike, because honestly you cannot go on one without the other.

 Helton Creek is part one of day hike epicness. Rion took me to these falls and I thought he was driving me into the wilderness to kill me. Instead, I was not killed AND I got to swim under that waterfall. It's kind of gross how romantic that is.

Part deux of said epicness is Cow Rock. Cow Rock is Rion and my go to hike. It is the perfect getaway hike- you honestly feel so far away from everything. That's the goal right? I've taken so many people up to that little place of serenity, and they've all fallen in love. I will miss this little rock when we move away. 

So now you know what to wear and where to go. Umm what the heck are you waiting for??

Don't forget to check out where these chicks like to play!

Lena

Gentri

Megan

Michelle

Nicole

Ladies of the Mountain: This Freaking Rocks!

Oh yes, people. This is happening.

Do you see all of those lovely ladies below? We are now on a team which forever binds us in the holiest of blog unions- Ladies of the Mountain. We are going to join together every other Thursday to throw up a little outdoorsy entertainment on these here blogs. 

Awesome bloggers + outdoorsy material = epicness to the epic proportions.

So... how are we going to kick this most awesome of blog series off?

Well you can't go for a hike unless you know what to wear, right? Unless said hike was a naked hike. In that case it would be pretty straight-forward, and props to you for just going for it. But, let's assume clothes are involved ok?

You might look like this.

Or this.

Perhaps this would suit you.

All I know is that this is the height of mountain fashion... so get on board. 

Whatever it's going to be you've got to rock it with all of your hiking skill.

I know you will too.

Looking to grow your outdoor clothing repertoire?

Check out Gentri, Lena, Megan, Michelle, and Nicole to see all of their awesomeness in action.