Appalachian Hiking

Hiking. You need to do it. It’s good for your body and spirit. Growing up in Kentucky means I have spent most of my life hiking and exploring the mountains. Although, when I was younger I referred to it as an, “adventure” and never called it hiking, per se. I would con my childhood friends into going on “adventures” with me. I would make lists of things one could find in nature and make them look for the treasures. Once we found the treasures they could cross it off our list, but I refused to go home until we found them all. Yeah. I was probably a really fun OCD friend to hang out with. LOL.

As an adult, I still enjoy hiking. It gives me a chance to escape the day-to-day stresses and allows me to be silent and reflect. I can feel the stress slipping away as I sink into zen. I only pay attention to my surroundings and it's such a peaceful feeling. 

Last year, after grad school, I took a position back in my home town. It was odd being back, because most of my friends had moved away. While it was great being back home and getting to reconnect with my family, it wasn't quite what I expected. I felt like I was trying to recapture something that was a past memory and it made me all kinds of sad. While my hometown is in the middle of beautiful Appalachia, there is not a lot of things to do. There is a wal-mart, it is terrible. The end (I'm being dramatic, but that's pretty close to accurate). So I decided to really take up hiking as a serious hobby. 

When I told my family I was going to start hiking (alone) they were worried, because the mountains of southeastern Kentucky are known to have black bears, snakes, coyotes, and even bobcats. Fortunately, the only thing I've come across during a hike is the random snake. And as long as you stay out of their way, you're pretty okay. But, to ease everyone's minds I decided to get a hiking buddy. 

He's legit with his backpack, no?

Finn loves to hike. He is no guard dog. I'm pretty sure he would excitedly greet any man eating beast. The pup knows no danger. But, he's an energetic guy and loves hiking. I mean, he even has a backpack to carry his hiking necessities, first aid, water, snacks, etc. That's pretty nice. But, I digress...

With all of the winter weather, combined with the fact that I moved back to the city this past fall, I have had the itch to go hiking lately. Since this past weekend was a holiday weekend, I decided to pack up and go back home for some quality hiking. Also, in the winter, when you're conditioned to single digit temperatures, a sunny day in the upper 50s is a godsend. 

Flipagram

I went hiking in the Cumberland Gap National Park. I took to Shillalah Falls. I do this trail so often. It's only a few miles from my parent's house and is a good trail. As I hiked up I couldn't help thinking of the many summers when I go with my friends and family and swim in the stream. Yeah, It was certainly too cold for that craziness.

I did think it was going to be far colder and snowier than it was in reality. Unfortunately, I borrowed someone's snow boots and they were about 2 sizes too big and I felt like I had to keep hoisting my entire leg up with each step that I took. Safe to say that it was a good little work out just high stepping. 

I feel fortunate to have grown up in such a stunning place. I have certainly taken it for granted so many times. But, these mountains are full of magic. You can't go out to explore them without seeing something new and spectacular. I've always wanted to travel out west to see the great Redwood forests. I'm not going to lie. My trees are also beautiful. Look at this beauty! Tall and majestic. Take it in. 

Today I just hiked to the kickback, where the falls are, but if you have the opportunity to hike the mountain to the top, there is a settlement that sits on the ridge. My brother and I hiked it last spring on a whim. The trail is great if hiking straight up a mountain doesn't intimidate you. The park service even has events up there through the summer. We went for a stargazing event and were able to watch a meteor shower through enormous telescopes. I'm not exaggerating when I say that it was magical. 

For more info. on the Cumberland Gap National Park go to Cumberland Gap National Park

Breathtaking and serene. I love to lose myself in a good hike...but not, literally, get lost, which has been known to happen now and again. I always find my way back, though. 

“Going to the mountains is going home.”

                                      -John Muir

Kylie Jenner lip liner

Over the past year, the youngest Jenner has stepped out of the shadows of her older sisters to become a pop culture tour de force all her own.  One of her most iconic beauty trademarks are her dark, mauve, lips. She’s known for a dramatic lip. I have never been one to excel at using lip liner. Most days I go for more of a smokey eye/nude lip combo. But I was curious about giving lip liner a whirl.

I just did more of a neutral eye. I lined just outside my lips with a lip pencil a few shades darker than my lips and then filled in with a neutral lip stick. I blotted a few times on a tissue and then was good to go. 

It was relatively easy and pretty fun to try out a dramatic lip! Happy Monday, ladies!

Appropriate Responses to "When are you going to start having kids?"

Yeah, the furry face doesn't expect me to pay for a degree.

I love children. But, I’m sorry, there’s no question I dread hearing more than, “When are you going to start having kids?” And I know when it’s coming, because there’s always a lead in, like, “How long have you been with your fiancé?” or “You are so good with kids” or even, “You come from such a big family…” And I start to cringe. And I also start to sweat, because, honestly I feel like I’m being interrogated. It’s like all of my life’s accomplishments won’t really mean anything unless I have kids…and I have them soon!

It starts to make a girl a little bit bitter, because, I have worked really hard on my education, career, and my relationships with my significant other, family, and friends. And I am genuinely happy and in a good place. While I know that this question, generally, comes from a very naïve place and  the person isn't intentionally trying to offend me; it is offensive.

What if I were trying desperately to have children and I couldn't? What if it were a source of insecurity or pain? It is a loaded question and I am constantly scrambling to think, “What answer can I give this person that will make them feel satisfied?” “How can I justify my life choices?” Because, the truth is, it really isn't anyone’s business and is a deeply personal question. So with a lighthearted, satirical, spirit I have devised some answers to this question, that are probably, wildly inappropriate. But, I hope that you get a laugh or at least see the absurdity of having to explain to people why you aren't a mom, yet.

“So, when are you going to start having kids?”

1.       “How much money do you make a year?”

When asked an inappropriate question, it’s okay to answer with another inappropriate question. Trust me. I’m a professional.

2.    “I do have kids.”

And then just walk away. They’ll be very perplexed and that’s the point. They’ll assume you’ve lost your damn mind and leave you alone. You’re welcome.

3.      “I’m actually a hermaphrodite. I have a lot of male and female stuff going on. I see a specialist…”

This reply is only if you want to see a person break their neck to get away from you. They will be confused and uncomfortable and you will be ever so entertained. You can just keep talking as they run far, far, away.

4.      “Yeah, I’m not exactly sure how that works? How do you ‘make a baby?’ Can you elaborate on this for me?”

You can even talk about how you’ve been trying all kinds of different things, storks, fertility idols, but you aren’t really sure about the baby making process, itself.

5.     “I’m hoping to be Miss America next year. And I hate it, just as much as you, but no husbands or babies. Yeah, it sucks, but thems the rules. Thanks, Obama.”

You can tell who this is going to work on. It will really throw your nosy Aunt for a loop. She loves spreading gossip anyways, so it should be fun around Christmas, when you see the family again and they’re all rooting for their favorite contestant. And none of them will even realize you’re about 5 years too old to be a contestant. And to finish it off with a “thanks, Obama” man, they’ll love that!

6.     “Whew. I’m glad you brought it up! I have been meaning to really delve into this with you. Tell me all of your thoughts on why I should go home and start making babies today. You have 60 seconds to sell me on this…staaaaarting, NOW! Go!”

Sometimes I just like to switch the question around and pressure them. It’s just more fun that way.

Of course, you could always give them a legitimate answer, but how fun is that? Isn’t it waaay more fun to be absurd when asked a deeply personal and inappropriate question? I’ve come to realize that the bottom line is that I really don’t owe anyone an explanation. Being an honest person, who is also a people pleaser, I feel like I need to justify myself. But, you don’t. So you could always say, “I don’t really like to talk about that.” And any reasonable person should be able to respect your privacy. You do so many things of value and touch the lives of people around you, regardless of whether you are a mother or not. I’m about to blow your mind, you could go the rest of your life never reproducing and still have a happy, healthy, loving, life and leave a positive legacy for your loved ones. It is very much possible.

Motherhood is a wonderful experience (from what I’m told), but always remember this is the one life you are given and you have the freedom to live it the way you see fit. Don’t let external pressures dictate your path. Be happy. Be healthy. Be yourself.

Concert Festival Line-ups

Yasssss! It's the most wonderful time of the year! I’m not talking about Christmas or New Year's Eve.. I’m not even talking about Valentine's Day..It's that time of year when concert festivals start releasing their lineups..It gives us a chance to start thinking about warm weather,,cold drinks, fun with friends, and warm weather.. I need this reminder, to keep me soldiering through the coldest,,dreariest, winter months..Reading summer concert lineups are the next best thing when there is still snow on the ground.. So I've rounded up several summer festival lineups.. 

https://www.coachella.com/

 * Artists to get Excited About

Steely Dan

Alt-J

Drake

St. Vincent

Belle and Sebastian

Fitz and the Tantrums

I am not really sure what Coachella was thinking with ACDC..Millenial concert goers are not typically ACDC fans..I understand trying to bring in a "“Big Name," but I don't really see the same fans of Azealia Banks or Fitz and the Tantrums being into ACDC..The headliner is important and ACDC won't cut it Coachella.. 

http://lineup.bonnaroo.com/

 * Artists to get Excited About
Spoon
Sturgill Simpson
Kendrick Lamar
Billy Joel

I would love to see Spoon..Actually I would love to see Billy Joel!. There are a lot of strong feelings about Bonnaroo's headliner in fact there are, just as many as there are about ACDC. I think there has to be a conspiracy there somewhere.. Lol.. But,,I like the Piano Man (sorry, I had to go there).. And I could think of nothing that would complete my life more than singing "“In the The River of Dreams.".That was for real my jam in elementary school.  If you can't appreciate that song then you have no appreciation for music and we probably can't be friends.. 

You like that sweet pic-lyric combo? I did that for you.

http://shakykneesfestival.com/

 * Artists to get Excited About

The Pixies

Wilco

Neutral Milk Hotel

TV on the Radio

Panda Bear

Old 97s

The Kooks

Honestly, this is the lineup I am most excited about..I have never been to Shaky Knees,,but it offers a little bit of a shake up from the mainstream summer festivals..Really no matter what summer festival you pick you'll be seeing Ryan Adams. so you're set there. ,Happy concert going!!

The Types of Girlfriends You Meet on Your Journey

The Types of Girlfriends You Meet on Your Journey

What kind of people do you surround yourself with? More specifically, what type of women do you have in your circle of friends? Lately, I’ve been thinking about the type of relationships I have with the women in my life. It is so important to have strong friendships with your girlfriends, co-workers, boss, mom, aunts, grandma, and even acquaintances!

Do you remember the Tina Fey quote from Mean Girls, “You all have got to stop calling each other sluts and whores; it just makes it okay for guys to call you sluts and whores”? I love that quote. It made so much sense to me when I was in high school. I had never heard anyone say that. It used to be a funny, cool thing, back in the day to call your girlfriends those derogatory terms. I, personally, never liked it, but I didn’t have the communication skills, at that time to put into words why I didn’t think it was good, or cute, or whatever. So when Mean Girls came out and I heard that quote, it kind of clicked for me. Words have so much power. Your words have power. Why would you want to use them to bring another person down, (which was a major theme of the movie)?

I will say that I have noticed a generational shift, with today’s young girls, where they are much more caring and uplifting of one another. When I scroll through my Instagram feed, I see so many posts from my young, cousins, in high school that have numerous positive comments from their girlfriends. I can’t even count the number of posts that go something like, “TBH, I think you’re really pretty and really smart. And I wish we could hang out more,” or “You’re really beautiful and sweet!” This makes me so happy. And I am not embarrassed to say, that in this way, I have taken note of how to be a supportive friend from these preteens and teens. I’m not being facetious one bit, because when I was an adolescent, I was awkward and guarded with my feelings and even my compliments. What if I complimented someone and they weren’t receptive to it and thought I was a big weirdo? So I think it is beyond spectacular to see young girls support one another this way! I am going to make one statement about this and then move on: I contribute some of the shift in positivity to Taylor Swift. Say what you will. That’s my opinion.

I would say that some of the most important relationships that I’ve forged and maintained throughout my twenties have been the female relationships in my life. I would dare to say that the majority of my really great experiences have been with my girlfriends. When I have a terrible day, my girlfriends are there to listen to me vent. When I want to celebrate my accomplishments, my girlfriends are there to take me out for drinks. When I had a terrible date, they were there to lift me up. And when one of them moves on and gets married or have babies we celebrate those milestones, knowing that the day-to-day minutia of our relationship may shift, but we are still supportive of one another and remain friends. Any one in their 20s know that it is a hard shift. All of life is a learning experience, so you learn how to adapt and let your friendship grow and change.

Here are some of the wonderful types of girlfriends one encounters throughout their life’s journey...

*Your school friends*

You may have met her the first day of kindergarten, while playing at the play-dough table. Or perhaps you met in junior high, when you both feigned cramps to get out of P.E. (you both knew the coach of the football team wouldn’t question your lady problems). Or maybe you met during high school drama club’s Shakespeare festival….errrr, I mean cheerleading. Lol. J But, she is your ride or die. No matter what happens or how far apart life takes you, you know she’s there. Maybe she moved out to the west coast, perhaps she now has a husband and kids, but you know that when something epic happens she’ll be your first call. Just not at 3:00 in the morning anymore, because you don’t want to wake the kids.

*Your College friends*

As we get older we make new friends. At the time, we all think, that we will never get as close as we do with our girlfriends in high school. We spend the formative years of our lives growing with them. We have inside jokes and silly stories. But, as we develop separate interests, and our lives take various paths, you meet a new group of friends; your college friends. You survived (barely) several spring breaks with them. You may have gotten less than desirable grades freshman year with them. They came into your life at that magical moment when you were discovering who you are!  Heck, they even helped shape your grown up personality. They held your hair back that time you got sun poisoning and alcohol poisoning, simultaneously, at Bonnaroo (very terrible decision, listen to your girlfriend who hands you the sunscreen). They took notes for you when you missed a class lecture. Could you have asked for anything better? Seriously. These women are saints.

*Your work friends*

You probably first met some of them during your high school/college job. You suffered minimum wage and a tyrannous manager together. They may have covered for you when you came back from your 30 minute lunch break a few minutes late (just how is a girl supposed to be able to order food and stuff it down her throat in a half hour, anyways?). You made fun of the boss together. You texted her every time her crush came near your store. The struggle was real, but you always had fun together and still keep in touch now. You will always support your boo.  

*Your grown-up work friends*

Now you are actually grown-ups you have your “big girl” job…you know, the one you went to grad school to get so you don’t have to eat Ramen anymore…unless you chose to eat Ramen (it’s weird how you still have those cravings for dried noodles, no?). You go out to coffee together. You hand make her Christmas card and write really nice things about how she’s awesome support and you could never survive work without her. She invites you for coffee and you invite her to your gym. She is one of the only people you trust to go to when you have a policy question, because you know she’s one of the only people in the office who won’t look down on you because you don’t know something. After all, she was the one who kind of took you under her wing when you started there. She helps you become a better employee and is one of the only people who understands the stress of this job. Ayyyy! Ayyyy! Ayyyy!

*Your Acquaintances*

Maybe she’s your neighbor. Maybe she’s your cousin’s gf who finds you at all of the family gatherings. Or even the really nice cashier at Walgreen's who always compliments your boots that your boyfriend refers to as your “gladiator boots.” They make your day when you get to talk to them. They are a new person who in one small way or another is interested in what’s happening in your life. That’s a really great feeling.

*Your Family:Mommas, sisters, aunts, and Grandmas*

Did you ever think that your sister would be one of your best friends when you were fighting over your new pair of jeans? Even more, did you ever think your mother would be one of your best friends when she grounded you for hiding alcohol in your closet (btw what were you thinking? That’s just the worst hiding spot EVER. You were basically asking to get grounded!) They have been by your side your entire life. They supported you when things got rough. They know all of your baggage, loved you through the Sun-In incident of 2000, and overlook your insane obsession with Hanson that is still a thing today (that last one may just be me). You have a family bond that can never be duplicated or compromised. They love you flaws and all. And your Grandma has ALWAYS been the best. ALWAYS. No one is more of a saint than her. You hope to one day be like her. No wavering there.

*Friends honorable mentions*

* Your Inappropriate Friends

 They always have a crazy sex story or wildly dirty joke and you love that about them. I bet they’ve probably followed you into the bathroom just to finish telling you their crazy sex story, when you told them you had to pee. Neither of you have to worry about judgement from the other. You love that you can’t gross them out, you can’t offend them, you can just appreciate them in all of their unapologetic glory. <3

  * Your Teacher Friends

They encouraged you when you wanted to give up, but they still pushed you and expected your best. They prepared you in some way to become the educated, independent, take no B.S. woman you are now. How can you ever repay their friendship. They served as a role-model when you needed them. I bet you have them on your facebook friend’s list and chat with them to see how their new students are (although you’re pretty positive they could never be as awesome as you). They wrote your reference letters for college and/or jobs. You’ll always appreciate their guidance.

There are so many great female friendships out there to be forged. Every day is the opportunity to meet someone new, learn, and grow into a better person. Always treasure your friendships and take care of them! Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and offer encouragement to someone, that may be the first step to a beautiful friendship!

A Sad Puppy Story

I have a sad, little, puppy. Look at this face.

http://instagram.com/p/xP1m7TPoBd/

Don’t you feel terrible for him. He is looking out the window and contemplating the meaning of life. He's pretty deep like that. because it is just way too cold to go outside. It is 13 degrees in Lexington, but the windchill makes it feel like a blustery -7 degrees. NEGATIVE SEVEN DEGREES! When we do go outside we bundle up in sweaters (Finn and I), coats, boots, gloves, scarves, and layers (those are just me).

Usually we go outside or take trips to the local dog park. Finn loves to get his running in. But, it’s just too brutal outside! Let's reflect on a happier time with this video of Finn loving his other favorite thing…sticking his head out the window and loving life!

My little Finn

We play games inside…we hide treats in his puzzle. And we play tug. But, he’s still pretty bored. What do you do on days it is too cold to be outside?

http://instagram.com/p/sxOG_KvoPD/

As you can see, someone (Cough! Cough!) is growing tired of catching a ball in a sock. 

Cauliflower Pizza with Coconut Flour

I made pizza….

    It was really yummy y’all.

I mean it was really good. And that's why I had to really get in there and give you respectable close up. I thought you deserved that.

I have always been a fan of cauliflower pizza. I started making It when I came to the realization that my guts didn’t feel like they were going to fall out when I didn’t eat gluten. I recently came across a recipe for a pizza crust made of coconut flour. I had no idea that was option! It got my brain going. Why don’t I merge the two? And so that’s what I set out to do. 

First I gathered my ingredients. For the crust I used Cauliflower, Coconut Flour, 2 Eggs, Shredded mozzarella Cheese, Dried Basil, Dried Oregano, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes, and Himalayan Pink Salt (just because that's my favorite type of salt, but any will work). My toppings are also pictured above. I love me some spinach, onions, and peppers. But feel free to use whatever toppings you have in your kitchen! 

Next I placed cauliflower florets into my ninja and blended them until they looked like a fine rice consistency. Then I poured them into a microwave safe bowl and microwaved them for 5-7 minutes. Allow cauliflower to cool for 10-12 minutes. Do not touch it while it's hot. It will burn your hands off, for serious!  

Once it's cooled, place it in a clean, kitchen towel. And wring it out for for-ev-er! My cauliflower rendered roughly about a cup of water. And just a word of caution, once you put the cauliflower back in the bowl, go ahead and toss that towel in the laundry. 

I'll give you time...Go do it now. Because that bad boy will stink up your entire house. It'll smell bad - Bad like feet. So make sure you wash it in warm water! I learned that the hard way.! You're welcome!

Now is the time to go ahead and pre-heat your oven to 375 degrees. While it is pre-heating add mix the rest of your ingredients to crust. Stir in Coconut Flour, 2 Eggs, Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, Dried Basil, Dried Oregano, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes, and Himalayan Pink Salt. Then spread your dough on oiled parchment paper or a pizza stone.  Allow the crust to cook for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it and the last few minutes you can place it under the broiler to get those wonderful crispy bubbles on top. I love those things, but they are totally optional. Check them out below!

While the crust is cooking you can begin preparing your toppings. You know what you like on your pizza. Isn't that really the great thing about pizza? just toss on your favorite things or whatever you have on hand. I had to use these peppers up, which was a stroke of luck, because I love peppers on my pizza!

 Once you get all of those toppings on pop it back in the oven at 375 for another 8-10 minutes. Go on, girl! Get that mozzarella good and bubbly! 

 Then cut yourself a big 'ol slice of your pizza. It is delicious and nutritious and you deserve this.