Outdoors

Stuff To Sweat In: Get In These To Get In Shape!

Amber Fijolek on Jun 17, 2009 8:15 AM PDT

You know those girls at the gym -- the ones hard enough to look up to snuff, but almost too hard to the point that you question what they think they still need to be doing there. Don't let them daunt you. Feel the confidence that comes with the fresh wardrobe that'll make you fit right into the scene. After all, 'tis the season of bangin' bods, so it's time to start working on yours! You won't want to break out the old gym shorts to get back to buff this summer, but with some of these slideshow tips, you may actually have to exercise in public, if not just to look cute. Being wary about that first squat will all change once you see you can get sexy in style as both your fear of looking silly and the winter pounds will wither away in a winning workout wardrobe. Go ahead girl... show 'em what you're made of!

Tags : yoga , workout , work out , work , outdoors

Be One With Nature And Get Into Eco-Friendly Gardening

DIY thing on Jun 9, 2009 4:23 PM PDT

Gardening is all the rage - thanks to Michelle Obama! And boy do we have some eco-friendly gardening treasures for you. We've always been fans of DIY gardening, long before it became popular (Wendy has the green thumb). These finds from our friends over at Etsy will help give your garden a new look, as well as stimulate the economy for our small independent businesses. Check out the handmade Plant Markers from ArtisanHands, or the retro Macrame Plant Hanger, by Plantelady for $35. And don't forget about your feathered friends when planning your garden. You will love the eco Reclaimed Glass Bird Feeder by RedYellowandBlueInk for $21. It is made from an upcycled street light. If you buy one, a $1 will go to the National Audubon Society. Check out all of our faves in the slideshow.

Tags : shopping , plants , outdoors , nature

Hitting The Trail? Stylish Camping Gear For Outdoorsy ...

Amber Fijolek on May 29, 2009 2:23 PM PDT

Camping may not be everyone's idea of a fun time, but there's a lot of adventure in store with a little trip in the great outdoors. It's nice to get away from the troubles of work and home, and while hitting the pool or beach is an obvious oasis to your summer stress, serenity may be found in a bit of fresh air! It's a great way to see some sights while getting in shape. Get out to a park or forest preserve and try your hand at some trails, or, if you're a rebel, skip the trails and forge your own. While the ax men and lumberjacks of the forest may sport frumpy bibs, coveralls and checkers, you should know you can still get down to earth in style. Hot or cold, rain or shine, there's enough out there to take care of you -- even the high maintenance chicks. Take a peek at some ways you can turn the trail into a runway -- and maybe even catch the attention of a super-buff trail guide, too!

Tags : vacation , summer , style , shopping , outdoors

Mother's Day Gifts For The Mom With A Green Thumb!

Pauline Montupet on May 1, 2009 10:20 AM PDT

Ever since I can remember, my mom has always had a green thumb (a trait that has unfortunately not been passed down considering I can't even keep a cactus alive). Whenever the weather is nice out, you can find her in the garden, picking weeds out of the flower beds, pruning the rose bushes and tending to the herb garden. This year for Mother's Day I'm going to get her something she can use in her beautiful little sanctuary, the garden. A new set of tools is perfect for any outdoor gardener; it's especially useful when it can be attached to a folding chair! Burt's Bees makes a great outdoor essential gift set that will let mom know you care about her out there in the wild. It comes with bug repellent, bite relief cream, a hand wash and a sun hat. Is Mom more of an inside gardener? Get her 12 months worth of seeds to grow herbs inside on the windowsill or a mini heirloom tomato growing kit. Need more ideas for Mother's Day? Check out the slideshow for some great gifts for the gardening mom!

Tags : wellies , red envelope , outdoors , mothers day

Lumberjack-Inspired Looks That Don't Recall Wood Chopping... ...

Dino-Ray Ramos on Feb 13, 2009 3:17 PM PST

When you think of the word "lumberjack," you picture burly men heaving logs and sawing trees in half whilst in the company of a big, blue ox. In my case, I just start singing that one line in Notorious B.I.G.'s legendary song "Juicy" in my head over and over again (you know how it goes: way back/when I had the red and black lumberjack/with the hat to match). Even though those images are ingrained in our heads, the fashion community has embraced this buffalo check pattern in sartorial ways that are hip and cool. We no longer have plain log rolling red and black flannels. Instead, we have buffalo checked messenger bags, hoodies that use black and white instead of red and black and lumberjack shirts that don't say "I'm going to eat a big pile of pancakes before I chop some wood." Here are some lumberjack-chic items that may not make you as strong as the Brawny man, but will make you look like a posh Paul Bunyan.

Tags : buffalo , yosemite sam , wood , tree , outdoors

Can't Afford to Travel? Take a Vacation in Your Own City!

Kristin on Jan 7, 2009 1:21 PM PST

These days, people are looking to get away but may not be able to justify buying a plane ticket, a room at a pricey hotel, or even a couple of extra tanks of gas for a road trip. That being said, why not take a vacation without even leaving your city? It's easier than you might think. You often don't do the touristy things in your own town, and this is your chance! If you're an outdoorsy person, spend a day at your local indoor rock climbing gym or learn to surf. Grab a picnic basket full of goodies and head to your local park. You could even make your own home into a campsite by setting up sleeping bags in your living room and making s'mores. If you normally like to completely relax on your vacations, leave your cell phone at home and book yourself a day at the spa. Or instead of cooking dinner, go out to a great restaurant you haven't tried or browse the Lonely Planet guide for your own city and explore! The possibilities are endless. Check out the SLIDESHOW and get to it!

Tags : zagat restaurant guide , zagat guide , zagat , vacations , outdoors