Because Sunburn Sucks: Wash up with Kabana Body Wash

Awhile back, I told you guys about one of my summer favorites- a tinted sunscreen from Kabana Organic Skincare. They also have a body wash, but get this... it has helps protect you from the sun. 

*This product was sent for review, you can read my full disclosure here.

I haven't died.

Life's been busy. As I'm sure all of yours are as well. My poor, poor blog has been suffering greatly. Don't worry, I'm working on some fun new things to share, but for now, let's just say I miss you all.

I Trust The Bum

Well I've returned from the backwoods, and had a great trip! I was prepared for the weather we were supposed to get (snow, ice, and cold) but instead hiked and canoed in the warmest weather we've had since I started leading this trip years ago and beautiful sunshine all but one day. I brought along one of sun bum's products, Sun Bum Pro, as my sunscreen. 

*Sun Bum was kind enough to let me test their product, you can read my full disclosure here. 

All Natural Tinted Sunscreen

I know it's still spring, but my university has been on summer break for quite awhile now. This means it's time to start sharing some summer favorites. Of course I had to share a tinted sunscreen!

Surviving Humidity with Great Hair

Today is our first sunny day after what feels like weeks of rain. I know april showers bring may flowers, but seriously. After these past few storms I'm expecting the eight wonder of the world to sprout up in my yard. 

I have an awesome rain jacket I take backpacking and have been sporting daily, but that doesn't stop the humidity from turning my curls into those of a poodle suffering from a mild electric shock. 

Body Cocktails for your Beach Bag

It's summer. I don't care what anyone else says- or that it snowed on Friday. I took my last final monday night, and have been on summer break ever since. Being such, I've decided to start sharing some of the newest additions to my growing (but still minimalist) beach bag. 

Back to the Woods

Many of the best days of my life have been spent been spent in the woods. Every year as Anthony and I prepare to take another group of new hikers backpacking, I'm faced with some of the same questions and comments about female outdoors(wo)men. Most often I hear, "you?" Yes. Me. I spent weeks in the woods carrying everything I need on my back, sleeping under and tarp, and covered in a healthy amount of dirt. 

And I see this

Priya Means Love: Lavender Mud Hair and Scalp Cleanser

We've talked about going no poo before... you know, no shampoo. Well I've got a new cleanser to tell you about- Priya Means Love's Mud Hair and Scalp Cleanser. 

Now, before we get in to deep, you have to know... this stuff smells a-mazing. It's the perfect blend of lavender and that something else you can't put your finger on that gives it a perfect pampering scent. But now it's time to get down and dirty (er... clean?)

The First of Spring

Every spring I get the urge for change. I love spring cleaning and the chance to start fresh. We'll open the windows, let the light and crisp air in, and start shaking things up a bit. Now, the weather here is just starting to warm up, but it's still in the 30's so for the moment I'm just dreaming. 

Anthony and I have already started some big changes around here, and because I'm not one to back down from a challenge, I've decided to "go big or go home". You may have noticed I haven't been around the blogosphere much lately. That's partly because all this change in my behind the blog life looked scary and I wasn't sure what to say to all of you. But there comes a time when you've got to stop being scared and start being tough.

With this change, I started thinking about what I believed. Change bring decisions, and I want these changes to enforce my values. I believe in packing light and traveling often. I believe eating healthy should taste good, that fitness should be fun, and that you can't take care of others if you don't take care of yourself. I believe stress is important, as are headstands. I believe spending time outside is the best therapy. I believe we can do more than we think, and I believe spring is a time for change. 

You may be able to guess what type some of these changes are, but don't worry, this isn't the last you'll hear of them. For now, smile. It's time for change. 

Stay Hydrated with Nuun

I've never been a fan of water. I force myself to drink enough, but I don't particularly enjoy it. Flavored waters and additives can help motivate me. Nuun (pronounced "noon") sells tablets which dissolve in water adding flavor and electrolytes without the sugar found in most sports drinks. 

*C/O Nuun. Full disclosure here. 

Surviving Sick Days

I don't think I've had this many sick days in my entire life. The Michigan weather has been, well... Michigan weather, and my immune system can't take it. But don't worry, I'm surviving. This winter's made me pretty much a pro at surviving the cold. Here's what you need to get by when you're reduced to a giant germ. 

Priya Means Love: Cedar Shea Hair Texturizer

Now, If you've been here for awhile you may have noticed my somewhat recent obsession with balm-type hair products. I never would have thought my messy curly hair would even tolerate them, but each one seems better than the last, and the Cedar Shea Hair Texturizer is no exception. (It doesn't hurt that the product combines my loves for natural beauty, hair products, and Etsy!)

*Cedar Shea hair texturizer was sent to me for review c/o Priya of Priya Means Love. As always, this does not effect my opinion or my reviews. You can read my full disclosure here. All links are provided for your convenience. I do not use affiliate links.

Quitting Caffeine with Dandy Blend

I spent last week up to my eyeballs in notecards. Usually, my frantic last minute studying is accompanied by a large cup of coffee or three, but this week I traded in my mocha for an herbal substitute c/o Dandy Blend. 

*I was sent Dandy Blend for review. As always, this does not affect my opinion of the product or company in any way. You can read my full disclosure here.

The Days It Just Doesn't Happen

Well hey there. Did you miss me? It's been one of those weeks. I've fallen behind in just about everything I have to do. I have so many posts just about done to share with you all (including some pretty awesome new products and shops!) coming oh so very soon. But for now, I'm taking just a few more minutes to breathe before the weight of my to do list crushes me.

[Photo from one our our last we-have-more-to-do-than-hours-in-the-day times. Drink local!]

Wellness Wednesday: Just Four

I know wellness wednesday has fallen off the map for quite awhile, but not for lack of great things to share! More so for lack of time to share them, so let's start back simple with a little lesson on words and numbers. (No math required).

Bottle Bright Review

Remember when we talked about reusable water bottles? If you do, you might remember I'm obsessed. Our kitchen has a collection of reusable bottles, tumblers, and travel mugs, and the equipment room has a couple of bladders for our hydration packs. Part of the reason our collection has grown so large is because cleaning the things one of my absolute least favorite things. Most of the time, the size/shape of these bottles makes cleaning quite the chore. So of course I jumped at the chance to review Clean Ethics' Bottle Bright. 

With Love From An On Again Off Again Girlfriend

With Valentine's Day growing near, I've gotten to enjoy all of your heart-filled posts and so many storybook worthy tales of you beautiful blogger's relationships. I've purposefully avoided saying much about Anthony and I because, well, our story is different. But since we're celebrating love, I thought I would share with you a story of it's survival. So grab some popcorn and cuddle up because this is a long one, but well worth the words. 

Today it's Raining

You're Not "That" Kind of Girl

As I was leaving my last class for the week, another student stopped me. His comments, though spoken with the nicest of intentions, brought to mind one of the reasons I started Backpacks and Belly Button Rings.

My Medicine Cabinet Contains Chocolate

You know those thing's you aren't suppose to tell people? Like how you keep a chocolate bar next to the midol in your medicine cabinet... for emergencies. Yeah. Those things. Well, I am apparently all for over sharing at the moment. 

[Relaxing photo to focus on]