Base Camp: Rules of Being a Dirtbag Darling

I finally got around to putting the rules up on the blog. Learn them, live them, play dirty.

Rhea's Bucket List

Rhea in Lolli swimwear. Photo by Allan Nadel. 

Rhea, our Swim and Surf Ambassador, works as a freelancer like me, so I can relate to her summer goal of going totally off the grid. No email, no cellphone, no blogging. For us, it's close to impossible, but it's exactly what we need to reconnect with the great outdoors. Nothing ruins the feeling of being wild and free like the *ding* of the email alert. I'm so thrilled she's ready to try rock climbing—fingers crossed next time I'm out her way she'll teach me how to cross-step and I'll teach her how to pull some gear.

What's on your summer bucket list? There's still time to scribble down some goals, take a picture of your list, and upload it to Instagram. Tag @dirtbagdarling and #growyoungbucketlist and you'll be entered to win a rad shirt from Element Eden!

Lizbeth's Bucket List

It's funny how mutual admiration can spawn some great things. I've always admired Lizbeth for her drive and the no-holds-barred enthusiasm she has for every project she's working on (seriously, the girl never stops)—so imagine how stoked I was that my recommendation made her Summer Bucket List! Not sure which hike I'll send her on just yet...still deciding if I want to make her really sweat or not ;)

I love Lizbeth's bucket list because it's so her—creative, spontaneous, daring. What's on your bucket list? Scribble yours down on some paper or draw one up on your computer and upload it to Instagram or Twitter. Tag @dirtbagdarling and #growyoungbucketlist. Lizbeth, Rhea, Lea and I will decide on our favorite list at the end of the month and that person will win a "Grow Young" T-shirt from the new Element Eden X Jac Vanek collection. Here's to a summer of dirt, salt, new trails and adventure!

Editor's Letter: Tipping the Bucket

One of the best things I've done for myself recently was to write down my reverse bucket list (you can read about that here). Reflecting on the past year was refreshing and inspiring, but summer is my favorite time to look forward, so I'm changing my pace once again: This month is all about the bucket list.

Starting out with some little coral watercolors...let's see if I can get something on the wall!

On my to-do list this summer? A cross-country road trip, a bit of education, a hobby I've been meaning to practice and a new climbing spot. On a more personal note, I'm making it a goal to stop fixating on how I look and focus instead on how I feel by eating clean, lifting heavy and thinking positive. To help accomplish this, every time I think a bad thought about myself I'm doing five pushups—let's just say my arms are getting jacked!

Enough about my goals—what are yours? I want you to write down your summer goals (make them as specific as possible so you'll actually feel like you can accomplish them), snap a picture of your list and tag me on Instagram @dirtbagdarling with hashtag #growyoungbucketlist. At the end of the month, I'll be going through every list with Element Eden to pick a favorite. That follower will win this tie-dye tee from the Element Eden X Jac Vanek collection!

The Element Eden X Jac Vanek Grow Young collection is all about quitting your day job, falling in love, going on an adventure...whatever it is you've been putting off. 

To get your brain ticking, I asked my editors and some Dirtbag Darling friends what's on their bucket lists. Watch out for their lists all month long!

Live Adventurously,
Johnie

Newsworthy: Stephanie Gilmore Proves Surfers Aren't Just Party Animals in CNN Interview

Photo courtesy of ASP.

Leave it to that golden-haired champion of women's surfing Stephanie Gilmore to prove that surfers aren't what Hollywood makes them out to be—in a recent interview with CNN, the 25-year-old Australian and four-time ASP champ explained that, unlike the characters in films like Point Break, not all surfers are washed-up, drugged-up party lovers.

"The biggest misconception about surfers is they all talk the surf lingo," she told CNN's Human to Hero series. "It's probably been 30 years now that it has been a professional sport and it hasn't grown too much. But now it's really turned into this phase where it's about treating the surfers as professional athletes and not just party animals."

Maybe it's just because Steph was the first surfer I ever interviewed, but I think she's a eloquent, poised example of what an athletic role model should be. She's also a dedicated professional, and I think many other female surfers (like Alana Blanchard) are catching onto the idea that surfing is a true sport, and one that takes just as much training and dedication as others. Read the full interview here.

What do you think? Is she right about surfers?

Get Inspired: Write Down Your Reverse Bucket List

For some reason I thought I'd never see the Grand Canyon. I thought wrong!

It starts when we're kids and haunts us well into adulthood: "What do you want to be when you grow up? "Where do you want to go to college?" "Have you set a wedding date yet?" The endless onslaught of questions about the future has left most of us overvaluing what's next. It's why we tend to rush through our days with this sense of urgency, our weeks blurring into an endless scramble for some unattainable "tomorrow." And it can be exhausting.

So when Rebecca of The Uncaged Life introduced the idea of The Reverse Bucket List, it was like I finally had an excuse to chill out and look away from that light at the end of the tunnel. The idea's pretty simple: Instead of listing your goals for the future, you list the accomplishments you've already had. It's a great exercise in being appreciative in the success and adventures you've experienced instead of stressing yourself out over ones you may or may not ever see come into fruition. After all, we explore and travel to make memories—why not look back and enjoy them once in a while? Here's a taste of what's on mine:

-Did my first lead climb.
-Learned how to surf.
-Moved across the country by myself.
-Tried deep-sea fishing (and baited my own hooks).
-Started a blog.
-Became a magazine editor just a few years out of college.
-Rode dirt bikes with Jolene from Nitro Circus.
-Went to the Billabong Big Wave awards.
-Flew in a two-man plane.
-Hiked in Yosemite and Zion.

My list goes on from there, but just that chunk made me both grateful for the past year and even more stoked for this one. Try it!

Editor's Letter: A Little Elbow Grease

Dear Darlings,

An editor's letter? Really? I know DirtbagDarling.com is far from magazine pedigree, but it never hurts to share a sneak peek at what's next.

It's getting warmer, which means it's almost time to put on my bikini and lay around all day—just kidding! Spring means I can dive full-force back into my favorite activities: rock climbing, kayaking, windsurfing, hiking, camping, biking, surfing and trail running. But a long list of activities means I need to be in tip-top shape if I want to advance my skill level—it's time to Get Sweaty.

The next few weeks are devoted to getting fit and training smart. We'll delve into minimalist/barefoot running, trail running and standup paddleboarding yoga while trying out every class our gyms offer. We'll also be unrolling two new sections: What It's Like—where we walk in the shoes of interesting people—and Dirtbagging 101, a series of easy-to-follow how-to lessons for beginners.

In addition to all of this, watch out for workout tips (including some from the most kick-ass celebrities), a Clif Bar-inspired recipe, nutrition ideas, more product reviews, and even printable training plans. If you notice some changes to the website, bear with me—I'm trying to make it a little more navigable.

How do you get in shape? Tweet me or Instagram me a photo @dirtbagdarling #getsweaty—I'll be giving away random prizes throughout the month.

Live Adventurously,

Johnie and the Dirtbag Darling Team

Travel Guide: The Perks of Couch Surfing

That's one way to couch surf...photo via Pinterest.

This is a guest post from our resident Couch Surfing Expert Ambassador Lea Gall.

The first big trip I ever took was a two-month holiday to Australia and New Zealand. Being that I didn't have much experience yet, my cousin and I decided to break things up to prevent jet lag. Didn't work, but good idea, right? We decided that flying out of Philadelphia and spending a week in Los Angeles was the first leg of our trip, and when we got to LAX, we hopped on a bus that would take us to a Venice Beach hostel.

Then something funny happened. We started chatting with a guy named Julian on the bus and when he offered to let us crash at his place, we said yes (I'm not sure why). We went to his condo in a very nice area and rented a car with all the money we saved. I'll never forget that first night—we started getting nervous, so we locked the door and piled some luggage in front of it. I think we may have even taken turns sleeping!

Base Camp: Do You Want To Have a Good Time or a Bad Time?

At the top of Pharaoh Mountain in the Adirondacks. It was cold.

When I was a kid, I suffered from some major mood swings. One second I'd be a happy-go-lucky five-year-old and the next you'd think someone canceled Christmas. I guess my parents got tired of it because whenever a case of the grumpies would attack my brother and I, my dad would always pose this question: Do you want to have a good time or a bad time?

Simple question, quick results. Whether it was because his logic rang clear to five-year-old me or because I was just scared I wouldn't get whatever toy/candy bar/Disney ride I was promised, I'd always adjust my attitude immediately and force a smile until I was actually having fun again.

Fast forward about twenty years to a campsite in the Adirondacks. I'm frustrated because my camping party is moving at a snail's pace to accomplish even simple tasks and I'm not one to wait around. I look over at my friend and ask (like a brat, I might add), "How are we ever going to do anything when we're on our trip out west this summer? It takes an hour just to break down a tent." Before the words were even out of my mouth, I knew what she was going to say: "As long as everyone stays in a good mood, we'll be fine."

Bam! Just like my dad's magic back in the day, her logic just automatically transformed my attitude. It was the reminder I needed that your outlook on a situation is crucial to its outcome. It's going to rain when you wanted sun. Your car's going to break down five feet from the gas station. You're going to spill wine on your wedding dress. If you whine and complain, you're going to have a bad time. If you force a smile, you're going to have a good time. Just fake it until you make it and pretty soon your smile will be real!

Base Camp: The Case For NOT Traveling Alone

Photo by Dirtbag Darling

"Traveling alone is enlighting. It's empowering. It's explorative. People think you're amazing after telling them a story about a place you traveled to on your own."

So begins an article by Kat Lapelosa called "Why You Should Start Traveling Alone." I happened upon it this morning—it's written in response to the recently published article "Why You Should Stop Traveling Alone," and—not that anyone asked me to—but I feel like chiming in here. Because I think traveling alone is the single biggest mistake you can make.

Sure, I get the allure of "finding oneself" among the evergreens and whatnot (yeah, I read Into the Wild, too). I understand the draw of complete solidarity in nature, of learning to fend for yourself and the feeling of accomplishment one finds in not getting lost at the airport. Other people can be irritating, indecisive and impatient. Especially tourists.

But connecting with other human beings is such a driving life-force—ESPECIALLY in a new place. You'd think reaching a mountain peak alone would be a moment of clarity, but in reality, it's just lonely. There's no one to appreciate the scenery with, to bond with over the trials of getting to that point and to that moment with. There's no one to take your picture (don't try and tell me your don't want that...you're lying).

For all of you longing to trek off into the wilderness a la Christopher McCandless, don't go forgetting the single most important insight from Jack Krakauer:

"Happiness is only real when shared."

Especially over a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, back at camp, with someone you love.

Darling Ambassador: Introducing Dirtbag Darling's Fashion Editor, Lizbeth!

I met Lizbeth while working for a fashion and lifestyle magazine in Los Angeles, and since then she's gone on to work for some major fashion publications! So who else to be Dirtbag Darling's newest Darling Ambassador and our official Fashion Editor? Liz will help you dress for any outdoor occasion with style and comfort (and convince you fashion IS important, even out in the woods.) Welcome Liz!

Tell us where you've worked and what you have going on that makes you a fashion guru?
I think what makes me a fashion guru is the fact that I've had an interest in fashion since I was a tot and have taken a variety of fashion-related classes that helped me evolve into somewhat of a guru, but a variety of other opportunities did, too. I've had a blog for a few years, worked on my knack for styling and fashion photography, was a fashion curator for Myspace, worked for a PR company in LA, interned for two fabulous fashion magazines and am currently a media intern for College Fashionista and Luv AJ.

What's your favorite outdoor activity?
Running and snowboarding when the winter rolls around. I also love Piyo and hot yoga, but that's why I love Dirtbag Darling, because I'm inspired everyday to get out there and make time for outdoor activities that embrace the beauty of nature. You'll definitely be hearing more about my adventures and outdoor activities. I'm super interested in camping (how sad is it that I've never been camping?) and paddle boarding.

As someone who balances a love for fashion with an active lifestyle, how do you build your outfits to make sense for you?
I think the best way to balance my fashion-loving life and active lifestyle is by creating outfits that are comfortable. Comfort is always key for me, especially since I'm a SoCal native. A chillaxed style is inherent, so it's natural for me to build outfits that can be both fashionable and functional. I love that these days a female can rock both and still be fashion-forward. Some of my go-to staples are skinny jeans, sneakers, chunky knits, comfy tees, pajama shorts, layers of random jewels and a unique pair of sunnies.

Lizbeth's perfect outfit for an afternoon skating around

How can we keep an element of style in our camping/hiking/surfing/climbing wardrobes?
I think it's easy to keep an element of style when it comes to all these activities these days, because so many active lifestyle brands are realizing Darlings like us are joining forces. Fashion is important to females, and we want an outfit that fits our figures and is not constricting. There are awesome prints and styles for every active girl out there and cuts that embrace our fabulous figures and femininity. We have the ability to maintain our individualized selves with chic gear, yet continue to master an activity without style taking the best of us.

When it comes to camping and climbing, you can keep as warm or as cool as you need with lightweight fabrics and pieces that not only transition from a day at work to a day of nature seeking, but look great for daily outings if you're a city slicker, too. I love the unique prints and styles of bikinis and wetsuits. It's so easy to maintain an element of style when it comes to your Dirtbag Darling self and I'm super excited to be here and help you figure out how!

Top ten must-own pieces for an active girl?
1. Unique sneakers (obsessed with my Nike Skyhigh Dunks)
2. Nike 2 boy shorts
3. J. Crew toothpick denim
4. SEE sunglasses
5. L'OREAL Sublime sunblock spf 50
6. Caudalie lip balm
7. Gaiam Grippy yoga mat towel
8. Sigg water bottle
9. Korres blush
10. Vintage or comfortable T-shirts

Want to see a cute camping outfit? Need help picking out the right pair of hiking pants? Have another style question for Liz? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter or right here in the comments below.

Checking In: What Makes Someone "Outdoorsy"?

That's me being "outdoorsy" in Zion National Park!

Last night before bed I read a really interesting op-ed piece about what it means to be "outdoorsy." In it, the author moves to Montana and calls herself an outdoorswoman, only to be met with some stuck-up noses: "People laughed at me, asking what experience I had in the 'outdoors' and called me things like a poser or a wannabe."

Fast forward three years later and she's learned to mountain bike, ski, kayak, and paddle board. She's taken courses in avalanche survival and wilderness first aid. It's more than most people will accomplish in their entire lives, but still, she says she feels an emptiness—she doesn't consider herself "outdoorsy" because of those original nay-sayers. 

I'm calling bull crap on those people who talked her down. Not everyone will grow up with access to world-class climbing routes or an ocean lapping at their backyard. We all make do with what we have. So if you want to start enjoying everything the outdoors has to offer, shake off those feelings of self-doubt and get out there. No one at the rock gym is going to look down on you—in fact, they'll love explaining the knots to you, remembering the day they started climbing. Invest in one piece of quality, high-rated gear that you'll be proud to show off. Spend a Saturday night sleeping under the stars with some friends rather than meeting up for drinks. 

Before you know it, people will be looking to you for advice (and few good adventure stories).

Read the article at WomensAdventureMagazine.com!