Life lately

I feel like the small amount of photos shown here in this post doesn't even begin to paint a picture of how crazy the past few weeks have been. But maybe the lack of my posts all last week illustrate that instead? Sorry about being MIA, btw.

Anyhow, things have been hectic, but fun. I think we've just been to one show in the past 3 weeks, which was to see Rayland Baxter, as I mentioned in this post. That same weekend, J and I met up with some friends in Chattanooga, Tennessee so that Shannon and I could run the 4 Bridges Half Marathon. It was a pretty good race for the both of us, ending in a PR of 1:57 for me and a PR of 2:00 for Shannon. I've never hit a sub 2 hour half marathon, so I was pretty psyched and celebrated with a killer breakfast from Food Works.

And of course we had to stop and "See Rock City" on the way up. It was a pretty touristy thing to do, but somehow I had never been and neither had J, so it had to be done. It turned out to be the most beautiful day with perfect weather so it was nice to be outside and we also saw a pretty amazing view from up top.

I guess since I talked J into Rock City, I let him talk me into going to Atrox Factory, which is a local haunted house near Bham. I am so NOT into scary things whether it be movies, haunted houses, anything like that. But I took one for the team and we ended up having a really good time with my friends Joy and Justin. I just made sure to keep my eyes closed and hang on for dear life while walking through the attraction. It turned out to be a good strategy since I am currently still sleeping at night! :)

We've also managed to take excellent advantage of the incredible weather and we've been out into the great outdoors a lot over the past couple of weekends. I did a trail run and cookout with the BUTS group (Birmingham Ultra Trail Running Society) at Oak Mountain, plus we've climbed with Beth at Moss Rock and Horse Pens 40 and also took a camping trip up to Desoto State Park last weekend. It's clearly been a great fall so far and I expect many more camping and climbing trips in the future. Stay tuned!

Free fun: Trail run

Ok, I should be honest. I don't know if I should call this free "fun" but maybe a free butt kickin workout instead?

I mean, it's fun for me, but I don't know that many other people who consider running in 80-something degree heat while trying to keep from falling down because of tree roots and mud as "fun"... but if you do and you're in the Birmingham area, then you should come join Alabama Outdoors as they host trail runs tomorrow night at Red Mountain Park.

I went last Tuesday with this group and while the first mile was brutal (to be fair, I had already ran 5 miles that morning) after I was able to accept that my breathing wasn't ever going to quiet down I settled in and managed to hang in there for the next mile until we stopped and saw a pretty amazing view of downtown Birmingham. The second half was definitely a lot easier and it seemed a lot quicker, too. But I think that's how most all of my runs feel.

Anyhow, I've been a runner for a long time but I've never done a trail run. And if this hadn't been a group meeting at a certain spot with a person leading the run, I might not have ever even tried a trail run. So if you're looking for a way to shake up your running schedule or for a different workout entirely or you just want to meet new people, I think this is a great way to do all of those things. It's also a great way to check out the latest park addition to the Birmingham area. (side note: They have a zip line - how cool is that?)

Just be sure you get there as close to 5:45 p.m. as possible because there are outdoor companies with shoes available for you to try out on the run and it's first come, first serve. Plus, you need time to sign a waiver and figure out what running group you want to be in before the groups leave at 6:00 p.m.

Here are the details:
1. Tuesday May 22nd & May 29th
2. Arrival time at 5:45 p.m. at Red Mountain Park
3. Free shoe demo opportunity
4. Beginner level group - 4 miles at a 12 min. pace*
5. Intermediate level group is a possibility, depending on runners in attendance - 10 min pace
6. Advanced level group - 6 miles at an 8 min. pace

*I strongly advise joining the beginner level group if you've never done a trail run, even if you run on the road all the time. The "12 minute pace" includes the water stops, so really you are actually running at a faster pace.

Hope to see you on the trail!

Featured online retailer: ZB Sports

I like to buy "local" when I can, mostly as an effort to support the Birmingham community. And for some reason, I especially feel the pressure to do this with any outdoors or exercise apparel or equipment that I buy. Probably because we have some pretty great stores around here to shop at and purchase these items. But usually you can save money when you buy online and sometimes my thrifty nature just wins out.

So when it came time to buy new running shoes a few weeks ago, I gave in to purchasing them online this time. But I found a way to appease both my wallet and my conscience with ZB Sports. They had a great selection of shoes (particularly the Saucony Kinvaras that I had been looking for and now LOVE) for a great price...and guess what else. They give a portion of their proceeds to charity! You can choose from a variety of animal, environmental and health organizations that you would like for your percentage to be donated to.

I got my affordable shoes (delivered to my house—quickly) and I helped out a charity. To me, this is a no brainer. So if you're looking for some new kicks or maybe some outdoors/active wear, I think you should give www.zbsports.com a try!

What's in my piggy bank for June?

1. Styles for Less Overlay Ruffle Front Spaghetti Strap Dress ($19.99). I can't think of a more perfect summertime dress. Definitely great for cookouts and froyo dates and concerts.

2. PL Straw Fedora with Grosgrain Band ($21.99). I love the color pairing of the hat and the ribbon attached to it.

3. Fred Flare Breanne Sunglasses ($12.00). I clearly have a sunnies obsession. These would be such a fun pair to add to my collection!

4. Montego Bay Glitter Stretch Sandal ($19.99). I also have a Payless Shoesource obsession. This pair perfectly combines comfort and a little unexpected bling.

5. Forever21 Very Berry Sweetheart Romper ($19.50). I can't get enough of rompers. They are such a great "go to" casual piece to thrown on no matter what you're doing or where you're going.

6. Charlotte Russe Smooth and Hammered Bangle Set ($4.00). I already have a set of skinny gold bangles, but now I think it's time I add some fatter ones to my collection as well.

7. Striped Two Piece Beach Towel Set ($13.99). Every time I go to the pool, I am reminded of how badly it's time to update my beach towel collection. I haven't done it yet because the really good ones are always so expensive, but for just $13.99 you can get not one, but TWO of these cute turquoise and white striped towels. Looks like I'll be making a Target run soon!

8. Straw Studios Dorothy Clutch ($15.99). I originally thought I wanted a large straw tote bag, but after researching them, this cute little straw clutch caught my eye and I couldn't look any further.

9. Mini 3pk Assortment of TIKI Citronella Candles ($12.17). You cannot survive in my backyard right now without some bug spray and citronella. I think these cute little bucket candles would make a nice addition to my patio.

10. Sinful Colors Queen of Beauty ($1.99). My friends and I are currently obsessed with the gold sparkles version of this polish called "One of a Kind," so something tells me I would love the silver polish equally.

Free fun: Alabama Symphony Orchestra

Photo: Kelly Newport. Taken from magiccitypost.com

Hey Birmingham! Bummed cause you couldn't afford to go to Bonnaroo this weekend? Or that you didn't get your Mumford & Sons tickets in time before their Sunday Atlanta show sold out. (I definitely fall into both categories!) Well, don't stay sad for too long, cause there's some great FREE music going on this whole weekend right here in town.

The Alabama Symphony Orchestra has free performances Friday, Saturday AND Sunday evening at Railroad Park. I've been to several of the symphony's shows and it's always a good time. Especially shows like these that are in the park because you can bring whatever you want. So pack a picnic and bring a blanket or your chairs and get ready for some good tunes.

Here's the lineup:
• Friday June 10th at 8 p.m. - Dvorak's Symphony No. 9 & more
• Saturday June 11th at 8 p.m. - Tchaikovsky's Favorites
• Sunday June 12th at 6 p.m. - Theme songs from films like Harry Potter and The Sound of Music

I'm planning on attending the Sunday evening show, so I hope to see you there. Oh yeah, don't forget the bug spray!

Free Fun: Pepper Place Saturday Market

Photo: Alby Headrick

It's probably clear by now that I love being outdoors. But it has to be something that draws me to the outdoors; there has to be some type of activity involved. Basically, some reason to motivate me to get out into the 97 degree Alabama heat. Enter motivation #1: the Pepper Place Saturday Market.

The Pepper Place Market, open from 7 a.m. to 12 noon in the Lakeview District, is one of those classic Saturday morning activities. Grab the dog or the boyfriend or the kid(s) and head down to the market for a fun and potentially free Saturday morning. I say potentially because you'd have to be the frugalest of frugals to walk outta there without spending a dime. There are far too many tempting deals on fruits and veggies and flowers and delicious baked goods and coffees and cute artsy gift items to possibly resist.

In addition to great buys, there's also some pretty good entertainment...and yes, it's free! There seems to always be live music and cooking demonstrations going on every Saturday. Click here for the June schedule of events, including the musical lineup and local chef cooking demos.

While I won't personally be able to make it out there this Saturday since I have signed up to volunteer for the tornado relief, I do plan to get out there sometime soon. And if you're not in Birmingham, I'm sure there is another great farmer's market/open air market near you. But be sure to beat the heat—and the crowds—and go early!

Have a great weekend ya'll!

Travel cheaply: UAB Outdoor Pursuits

Me and Ashley at the Grand Canyon. Socks and boots are hot, no?

I think it's clear from most of my posts so far that I am pretty much a "girly girl." But what you probably don't know is that I have in fact gone 7 days or so without a shower, let alone heels or makeup. And I'm proud of that! In fact one of my coworkers thinks it's highly entertaining that I come to work in my stilettos and dresses and crazy outfits, but I'll go spend a week and a half in the outdoors with nothing but a tent, sleeping bag and some food. I like to think of it as I'm just dynamic :)

Beyond just enjoying being outdoors, there are many other reasons why I love going on trips with UAB Outdoor Pursuits. For one thing, you meet lots of great people. I mean, it's kind of imperative that you become fast friends with a group of strangers when you are riding in a van together across the country for three days straight. Another reason I love these trips is because you're splitting gas among several people and staying in tents vs. hotel rooms, so it's an affordable way to see lots of amazing sights. I certainly wouldn't have been able to afford to have visited places like Yosemite or Grand Canyon, or let alone had the knowledge to backpack in those areas if it weren't for UAB Outdoor Pursuits. Plus, I can't even begin to explain everything I have learned on these trips about the outdoors, myself and one of my best friends/travel partners, Ashley.

So if you are in the Birmingham area and you're looking for a little bit of affordable adventure, I highly suggest you check out UAB Outdoor Pursuits. They have some great trips coming up this summer...and expect to hopefully see me on one later in the fall! And if you're not in the area, check your local colleges to see if they have an Outdoor Pursuits program that offers trips available to everyone, not just students. Or you could also check your local outdoor retail store.

I'll leave you with just a few of my fav pics from previous trips to help tempt you to sign up for an outdoor adventure soon.

View from the rim at the Grand Canyon. photo: Kerri Howard

Our descent the first day into the canyon. photo: Kerri Howard 

Part of our hike in the canyon. photo: Kerri Howard

Our awesome team and our nasty boots. photo: Kerri Howard

We caught the most amazing sunset at Sunset Point our last day in the canyon. photo: Kerri Howard

Me and Ashley before our attempt at canoeing Fontana Lake in North Carolina.

Fontana Lake in North Carolina.

The coolest creepiest building we found while backpacking at Fontana.

The most beautiful fall foliage at Fontana that I have seen in a while. 

Bridge and foliage at Fontana.

More pretty fall foliage, but this time it's at the Sipsey Wilderness in Alabama. 

More pretty fall foliage at Sipsey.

An amazing view of Upper Yosemite Falls.

One of the rivers flowing through Yosemite.

The most beautiful lake I think I have ever seen, in the Yosemite National Park area.

We start our hike in Yosemite in snow!

Me and Ashley taking a break from hiking in Yosemite.

The Lower Yosemite Fall. 

One of the MANY huge sequoia trees we saw up close.

ps. You can see Ashley's Etsy store Magpie Magnets here. And you can visit the blog of my friend Kerri who took the awesome Grand Canyon pics here.