Meg

Hearts of Palm

This jungle inspired bag from Charlotte Olympia is the perfect accessory that will have my sisters green with envy...

Source:  http://www.charlotteolympia.com/accessories/don-t-leaf-me-1529.html

Green Thumb

I've wanted to start my own garden for some time, and I think the Earthly Delights Weekend will be the motivation I need. The garden state is hosting this weekend of events to benefit New Jersey’s Keep it Green campaign. The festivities include cocktail parties, silent auctions, and an array of exotic plants. There is even a piece on organic gardening...I have my plane ticket, let me know when you get yours!!

Source:  http://www.earthlydelightsnj.com/index.html

Glamour plus Camping equals...

Who knew...glamping...Luxury Rv's and tents change the way we think about camping...Maybe now I can convince my sister Kate to come along!

Source:  http://www.departures.com/slideshows/lets-go-glamping/7

Epic Adventure

That is what describes my dream vacation...and Epic Tomato knows just how to plan an Epic adventure.  Choose from extreme travel in the following five terrain categories: polar, desert, jungle, mountain, and river regions... Follow in Churchill’s footsteps paddling down the Nile in Uganda or explore caves and snowmobile in Iceland, these trips afford you the bragging rights to some of the most extreme, yet exclusive adventures.  

Source:  http://www.epictomato.com/

Eco-friendly travel

Until my canvas totes come equipped with a zipper and wheels, I will roll through the airport with Hey's EcoCases made from recycled plastic. They come in awesome colors, but green is my fav...

Source:  http://www.heysusa.com/heys-ecocase-3-piece-set/311388/717480

Stop and smell the roses

I love smelling the roses on a long walk, and these floral Rose Place Cards are perfect to welcome your guests to an indoor celebration of spring.

Source:  http://feltandwireshop.com/products/rose-place-cards

Dinner mystery solved

This recipe is great, because I can prepare the meal before I head out for my evening hike.  The chicken can be marinated, and salad prepared, sans the dressing, up to 12 hours in advance...Easy breezy..  

Rosemary chicken with arugula and white beans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Serves 4| Hands-On Time: 15m | Total Time: 50m
Ingredients
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
2 cloves garlic, chopped
5 tablespoons olive oil
kosher salt and black pepper
4 6-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 15.5-ounce can cannellini beans, rinsed
4 cups baby arugula (about 3 ounces)
1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
 

Directions

In a 9-by-13-inch baking dish, whisk together the vinegar, rosemary, garlic, 2 tablespoons of the oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Add the chicken and turn to coat. Refrigerate, covered, for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the mustard, 2 tablespoons of the remaining oil, and ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Add the beans, arugula, and onion and toss to combine.
Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard the marinade) and cook until cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes per side. Serve the chicken with the arugula and beans.

Source:  http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/rosemary-chicken-recipe-00100000077200/index.html

Green energy

This fashion forward charger is not only green in color, but also environmentally green.  The Bracketron's Mushroom Green Zero wall charger for phone or tablet, only charges when you press the button, and stops using energy once your battery is charged.  Plus, you wont run down your battery by overcharging.  Also available with a USB attachment.

Source:  http://www.bracketron.com/products/mushroom-greenzero-wall-travel-charger-30-pin

A walk on the serene side...

These walking adventures have a bonus...amazing scenery.  From the lost cities in Columbia to California forests, make sure to put your best foot forward.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source:  http://www.departures.com/articles/worlds-most-scenic-walks

Fitness hunt

I am always looking for fun outdoor activities that my sisters and I can enjoy together.  This fitness scavenger hunt keeps your mind occupied while looking for your landmark and your body engaged with these exercises.  Happy hunting!

Fitness Scavenger Hunt

How it works: First, map out your route (it could be a path you typically use for jogging or walking), and then list 5-10 bodyweight exercises (pushups, burpees, squat jumps, etc). Next to each move, write down a landmark you'll see along your path (park bench, red light, etc).

To start your scavenger hunt, head out on your route and every time you see one of your landmarks, do 10 reps of the corresponding move. For example, if you listed "park bench" next to pushups, hit the bench for a set of 10 incline or decline pushups every time you see one. 

 

 

Source:  http://www.shape.com/fitness/workouts/10-new-outdoor-workout-ideas?page=4

Wild Wild West

Wild, a memoir written by Cheryl Strayed, chronicles her three month 1,100 mile solo hike on the Pacific Crest Trail.  Rumor is that this story may be hitting the big screen in the future...but for now preorder a copy of the book.  A must read while you are out on the trail...if nothing else it will serve as inspiration to keep moving forward on your hiking trail or the trail of life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source:  http://www.amazon.com/Wild-Found-Pacific-Crest-Trail/dp/0307592731/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1318028272&sr=1-1

Knock on wood...

Or just carry it.  This wood clutch by Rafe New York was my stellar attempt to be one with nature at all times...even when it is a night out with my girls.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source:  http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/rafe-new-york-maryanne-wood-minaudiere/3265368?origin=keywordsearch&resultback=671

Nature's music

I was hiking with my sisters, and we stopped to build camp.  We were enjoying our fav playlist...when...my mp3 player died!!!  Problem solved with this Solar Powered Radio.  Don't leave the cabin without it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source:  http://www.brookfarmgeneralstore.com/products/Solar-Powered-Radio.html

Row row row your boat

Inside or out.  This 20-min rowboat inspired exercise gives me an alternative when the weather does not cooperate with my outdoor workout.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source:  http://www.shape.com/fitness/cardio/20-minute-total-body-rowing-workout

Hot like fire

These Jerk Chicken Bites are sure to add spice around the campfire.  Grill and Enjoy!

Jerk Chicken Bites
Serves 20

2/3 cup olive oil
2 jalapeños, chopped
½ cup minced scallions
6 tbsp white vinegar
3 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp minced garlic
2 tsp dried thyme
1 ½ tsp ground allspice
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground red pepper (cayenne)
3 ½ lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1½" pieces

 

 

Soak 2" or 3" wooden picks or skewers in water for 30 minutes. In large bowl combine all ingredients; toss well. Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate 8 hours or overnight. Prepare grill as in beef and shrimp recipes above. Remove chicken from marinade (discard marinade). Thread one piece chicken on each skewer. Grill 5–6 minutes, turning once, or until cooked through.

Source:  http://www.instyle.com/instyle/package/summertrends/photos/0,,20050369_1613141_1348876,00.html