Save our Skin

When winter is here we take time to be sure our winter clothes resurface in closets and drawers, pull out coats and jackets to be worn daily and don boots and heavy socks to keep warm. We even winterize our cars to handle snow and freezing temperatures, so what about one of our most exposed organs? Winter can be a harsh time on your skin just as much as the summer can be, so it's important to "winterize" your skin and be sure it's getting plenty of moisture to keep smooth, clear and healthy during the cold, dry months. 

Here's my winter skin care routine to help alleviate the dry, flakey skin that winter brings. I  remove all makeup with Neutrogena Night Calming Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes. Then my face gets an all over facial with my Clarisonic Mia 2 Facial Sonic Cleansing Brush which leaves the skin 6x's cleaner than with regular washing using your hands. Other benefits of using the Clarisonic are softer, more radiant skin due to cleaner, clearer pores. I use Neutrogena's Redness Soothing Oil-Free Acne Wash with my Clarisonic as it is gentle enough to keep my skin calm while fighting against breakouts from forming. Overall a Clarisonic brush really makes all the difference in a skin care routine, it's safe to say I am obsessed with mine. After cleansing, pores are clear and open so the skin is able to absorb product much more effectively. Next comes any prescription cream that you may have from a dermatologist. I use a retinol gel that goes on after cleansing. After a few minutes of letting that soak in my skin I apply Kieh's Super Multi-Corrective Cream best described as a "multi-targeted advanced anti-aging moisturizer." This moisturizer has Beech Tree extract, Jasmonic and Hyaluronic Acids to lift, firm and re-texturize skin. It's a rich cream that doesn't weight the face down or leave it oily, I use this in the morning and at night. Once or twice a week I apply Aveda's Intensive Hydrating Masque to give my skin a healthy shot of moisture. This gel mask is specially formulated to save skin from the effects of the harsh elements. Moisturizing aloe, kelp, lavender and rose water increase the skin's moisture level which is key to having healthy, radiant skin. As we age, our skin loses moisture so it's important to rehydrate your skin with a proper moisturizer and special deep moisturizing treatments like this one. The gel mask is light enough to sleep in but for a quick serge you can wash it off after 5-10 minutes. I prefer wearing it overnight to allow my skin to literally drink up the moisturizing mask so that I wake up with supple, smooth and radiant skin! This mask is definitely my new favorite beauty product.

Images by Fashionably Outdoors

Can't We All Just Hang Out?

Eno did this really fun post last week about what your Eno says about you which has now prompted a post about hammocks because, hammocks. These amazing, packable, lightweight wonders are an adventurers' best friend. Here the the two that I own and my favorite athletic wear and gear to pair perfectly. What does your hammock say about you?   

Purple-Fuchsia

Purple stimulates the imagination and inspires high ideals. Fuchsia  helps to create harmony, balance, and contentment. If you’re an ENOpian rocking a purple-fuchsia hammock then you may be taken for the the “non-conformist, free spirit” type. With the purple and fuchsia, you inspire the unique medley of selflessness and common sense in others. You also aren’t ashamed of your ideals and do not go out of your way to hide them because you respect that same quality in others.

Khaki-Black

Black is the color of protection and a strong will. Black also relates to mystery and power. Good thing there’s the khaki to let others know that you’re also friendly and approachable. If you’re an ENOpian chilling in a khaki-black hammock, chances are that you consider at least some part of yourself sophisticated and dignified. Even though you may have a tendency to keep people at arms length now and again, it’s important to you that others see your traits of sincerity and honesty as well. Even though you’re a deep thinker, you probably give the best bear hugs around.

Emerald-Yellow

Just because I am forever and always a Baylor girl- I couldn't help but pair up Eno's Emerald and Yellow hammock with some green and gold favorites! I just can't resist, this green and gold hammock will soon be mine. ;) 

Want to find out what your favorite hammock says about you? Check out Eagle Nest Outfitters' blog here! 

Brands featured in this post: Athleta, Patagonia, GAP, ENO, Tervis, Kendra Scott, Congress Clothing, PrAna, Kavu, Chacos
  

Take a Hike! Enjoy Fee Free days at National Parks

We made it. It's the weekend and the perfect time to get away and get outdoors to clear away the stresses of the work place. Enjoy the wild raw beauty of nature and to start, check out these special Fee Free days to visit a National Park. 

• January 20
  Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• February 15-17
  Presidents Day weekend
• April 19-20
  opening weekend of National Park Week
• August 25
  National Park Service Birthday
• September 27
  National Public Lands Day
• November 11
  Veterans Day

New Year, New Adventures!

I'm back after a much needed holiday! I'm so excited for this new year and all the new adventures it will bring. This year, my resolution is to see and explore everyday as a new adventure; stepping stones that lead up to big trips, hikes and new places. I found some of my favorite simple day slings and bags that will be perfect for simple day trips, not too bulky but enough to carry necessary supplies and food. 

Patagonia Atom Bag

This bag secures in three points for the support of a backpack and the easy hands free convenience of a courier bag. They come in the best colors and I received the purple one just before the holidays! It's been the best bag to take out for short day trips to small towns or nature hikes. Find it here online at Patagonia or check your local outfitters store, REI or Whole Earth Provisions Co. 

Also from Patagonia, this messenger bag is perfect for "day-to-day vitals" as the website describes. This is my new work bag, considering the one I've had is now falling to pieces… No doubt the strength in the making of this bag can hack the crazy lifestyle of a Public Relations Account Exec.! I love that Patagonia makes their bags in neutrals and fun colors, but for work I went with the one you see below. Feel free to check out the rest of the colors here! 

In the same fashion for why I love my Patagonia pack, I adore my Kavu pack- a brilliant post-Christmas gift from my incredible mother on our trip to a small town's outfitters. See this pack here, or search it our at REI, WEP or a local outfitters store.

  

If you want to find more options, BackCountry.com has a great selection of slings and messenger bags to choose from at reasonable prices and sales. 

Have a favorite little day pack not pictured here? Share it in a comment below and I'd love to check it out! 

Happy New Year, and here's to new adventures!