Monday, December 31, 2012

On the Eve Look

After planning on taking  a nice relaxing day to get ready for an out of town new years party tonight, Anthony informs me we're leaving at one. Oh, and it's black tie. So as I rush around like a crazy person, I thought I would share my Christmas Eve look, as I haven't found one for New Year's eve... it will happen. 


Dress: Forever 21
Cardigan: Marshalls
Shoes: Burlington
Clutch: Victoria Secret
Glasses: Firmoo (look for a review!)

The results of our silly before we-go-out-photoshoot-in-the-mirror-together tradition. 

How was your Christmas Eve?

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Dozer goes to Detroit: Tips for Traveling with your Dog

Remember those travel tips I shared? Well they're all going out the window because I'm running really really late for some surprise travel. Dozer has a couple of his own, and he's ready to go


Saturday, December 29, 2012

Get Some Zzz's and Hydrated Hands!

Remember that time I told you about that rosewood aloe lotion from Wild Carrot Herbal? If you do you already know I love Wild Carrot Herbal, and can't wait to share another of their lovely products. 


Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Snow Snapshots

I may be a glowing ray of sunshine most of the time, and today was an absolutely wonderful day full of Christmas shopping and holiday activities, but there was just something missing- and I'm going to complain about it. It hasn't snowed yet. This is Michigan people. We always have snow, at least once, by the beginning of December. So I'm retaliating by posting old photos of real winters I've found around my laptop.


Monday, December 17, 2012

Motivation Monday: Appreciation


After a tragedy, many individuals, families, and communities take time to appreciate what they have or help those who are suffering or struggling. This holiday season especially, take a moment to appreciate what you have. The Shine Project posted a great list of service projects for those looking to give back this seasons. You can find it here. No matter what it is you have, give, or receive, be grateful for each and every moment, because it is the moments that truly matter. 

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Present Procrastination

I'm still in the midst of finals week, and quickly blogging on my phone for the first time. Can we say tech challenged? 

Instead of studying, I've been look at gift guide, and wondering if you've all started your holiday shopping yet. We all know I haven't, but some of you bloggers have some truly perfect gift guides!

Maybe Dozer and I will just skip the holidays and take a trip... He's ready.

Friday, December 7, 2012

Simple Pumpkin Smoothie

I know Thanksgiving is over, but I'm still holding on to a recipe I made around that holiday. I figured if I'm still hooked, its about time to share with all of you. This recipe is a little different- It's not great. (Ok, but keep reading) I'm not a huge fan of pumpkin, which could contribute to my less than stellar remarks about the flavor... Don't get me wrong, it's good, just not mind blowing. So why do I keep drinking it? It's tastes good enough, but makes you feel absolutely amazing all day! When I drink this orange goop for breakfast, I feel lighter, healthier, happier, and tend to eat healthier throughout the day to keep up the good feeling. 


Thursday, December 6, 2012

Just Five for Finals Week

So as I sit here, shaking from ridiculous amounts of coffee, surrounded by stacks of books, notecards, and half finished papers, I decided to share with you how to make it out of finals week alive. And here they are, my five tips for finals: 

Pretend you're somewhere else... sometimes it helps. For a minute. 

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Wild Carrot Herbals Rosewood Aloe

My skin gets abused. Between the cold michigan winters, my love for outdoor sports, and the oh so hot temperatures to which I set my cars heater or shower, it has no hope. As such, I'm always in search of a great moisturizer. So of course, I was thrilled when I had the opportunity to review Wild Carrot Herbal's Rosewood and Aloe Lotion.



Monday, December 3, 2012

The Redo

I've read plenty of posts written by bloggers who are going through a phase or having a moment with their blog. A moment when they wonder what they're doing, compare their blog to others, or generally question themselves. Well I'm having one of those moments. 

I started Backpacks and Belly Button Rings as a lifestyle blog. I wasn't entirely sure what it was going to be about, but I knew I had something to say. I wanted to share my experience as someone who is just as comfortable waking up in a plush bed at a five start hotel as sleeping under a tarp in the wilderness. To have a place to show the space in my closet, the one where I keep my shoes. Because my hiking boots are sitting next to my highest heels, and I can walk with the best of them in both (or at least try!). And as the name suggests, I wanted to share that the girl with the belly button ring can go backpacking. I wanted to share my story because there's girls like me out there, and not a lot of stories being shared. 

Starting off, I didn't know where to start. I wasn't sure if anyone was interested in listening. I was confident no one would read it- I would loose every girly-girl with the backwoods stories, and every outdoor athlete with each product post. Now, by no means do I write for the numbers on my sidebar, but I think many bloggers would agree, it's hard to talk to an empty audience. 

Eventually, I lost my focus. I started writing things that came easily to me, instead of the story I wanted to tell. Then it started getting harder to write, because I knew I wanted to be saying something else. So I guess what I'm saying is things are going to change around here. You'll still see Motivation Monday, some product reviews, and wellness posts, but there will be so much more.  

I hope you'll stick with me through the changes, and you never know, maybe you'll be inspired to explore another side of you!

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Travel Time: Rules of the Road

The importance of travel was instilled in me from a young age. Taking a trip together can strengthen bonds by creating wonderful shared experiences, and providing new challenges. I've traveled with my family from the moment I was born, and have learned the in's and out's of surviving enjoying the experience.
A few years ago, I started traveling with Anthony, which proved to be an entirely new experience. Over the years, we've come up with a few guidelines for successful "short trips" which we take once or twice a month. These have in state destinations, are day or weekend trips, and are usually under five hour drives. Tomorrow we have a 3 hour drive to my great grandmother's party... she's awesome, you'll meet her.


So what have we learned?