Get Pretty: Juniper Ridge

Photos courtesy of Juniper Ridge

This is a guest post from Lily Betjeman of New Growth Project. 

I like lots of brands. I love few. But I love Juniper Ridge—their stuff is just too good. The Berkeley, CA-based brand sustainably harvests scents from the wilds of the Pacific northwest, northern California and the desert southwest to make soap, incense, tea, room spray and "backpacker" cologne. The result? An outdoor lover's Elysian fields.

The brand is special for so many reasons, not the least of which being the founders are hikers with a capital H. They care so much about the planet that they donate 10 percent of profits to nine different wilderness conservation groups. Every summer the staff does trail maintenance with the groups they support, but ethics aside, the products hook you emotionally because smell is one of the most evocative senses, and their ingredients come from places where happy memories are made.

The wilderness smells are gender neutral, so guys go nuts over these products. A friend literally described his morning shower with a bar of Big Sur soap as a meditation on his love for plants. My top choice is the aforementioned bar soap, but the Steep Ravine room spray and Pinon campfire incense are great, too. For now I'll experience the magic in my home, but I'll definitely pack some Juniper Ridge with me the next time I head out—I hear using this stuff on camping trips is wild.

Get Pretty: How To Grow Healthy Hair

Photos via Pinterest.

This is a guest post from Petite Physique. See their total body hiking workout HERE.

Your "don't hold back" attitude is great when it comes to making memories...not so great when it comes to having a thick, shiny hair. Constant exposure to cold, heat and sun can cause hair to become thin and brittle.

Hair grows about half an inch per month, and speeding up the process is almost impossible. However, it is possible to get longer, stronger and more luxurious hair. The secret isn't found just on the bathroom shelf—it's hiding in your kitchen, too!

Start by nourishing your hair from the inside out.

Add amino acids to your diet.
Including a triple omega vitamin to your diet can do wonders. With this dietary supplement, you get omegas 3, 6, and 9—the same omega fatty acids that are found in fish, flaxseed, safflower and olive oils. You can also add flaxseed to oatmeal, use olive oil in place of salad dressing or add some chia seeds to your water for an extra boost of amino acids.

Try taking more biotin.
Biotin is very important for building healthy hair, skin and nails. It may even prevent some hair loss in men. The best hair vitamins should have at least 200 mcgs+ in the daily dose (but any more and you'll just pee it out).

On The Mountain Cards

Photos of cards courtesy of On the Mountain.

On the Mountain sells cards made from photographs the founder's father took during his younger years. True dirtbag quality, made cool again. Pick some up here.

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.

Photo by Charlie Yacoub

Remember slackliner Dominique Harrison? She sent me this picture the other day. How cool is she? I'm definitely not dedicated to slacking enough to freeze my butt off like she did:

"I haven't been slacking as much as I would like recently as I injured my ankle pretty badly on the line," she tells me. "But I couldn't resist having a quick slack when the snow came."

Ok, Darlings, spill: Do you know an adventurous girl who deserves to be featured in Girl Gone Wild? Tell me so I can reach out to her and share the spotlight!

Guy Lines: Jon Hippensteel

Jon and Heather, just being ripped. Photo courtesy of Heather Hippensteel. 

Guys Lines: The dudes we love, sharing their love for us. Also: a rope that keeps a tent from blowing away.

The Guy: If there were a real "man of steel," it'd be Jon (come on, it's even in his name). He's an Ironman triathlete and adventure traveler and recent corporate world escape artist who's now pursuing a career in modeling.

The Girl: "The outdoorsy girl in my life is my sister, Heather. She's a former gymnast turned collegiate springboard diver who is now a full-fledged Crossfit athlete, training at the renowned Invictus gym in San Diego. When not training or doing yoga, she funds her passions by working as an auditor at Price Waterhouse Coopers."

Get to know the Hippensteels by visiting their About.me profiles here and here. 

Girl Gone Wild: Lindsay Perry

Photo courtesy of Lindsay Perry.

They say God doesn't give with both hands, but after chatting with Billabong surfer and artist Lindsay Perry, I'd have to disagree. She's a bonafied stunner with classic sun-kissed beauty (tousled waves, freckled skin), a knack for art and graphic design and, now, a budding career in music. Sure, she's a triple threat, but she's also too sweet to eat. See what I mean? Two. Hands. I caught up with Lindsay to hear what's new in her life (and snag some awesome packing tips!).

What makes you a Dirtbag Darling?
I like that term, ha ha. I think partially it's being able to just go with the flow. Not being high maintenance—being able to camp all night and surf all day, but still be stylish and feminine. I love all outdoor activities, really. Surfing, fishing, book reading at the beach, bike riding, and even outdoor leisure sports like corn hole, bocce ball, ladder ball.

How does the ocean influence your art and music?
The ocean influences my whole life. It's something that keeps me calm and peaceful. When I go too long without getting a little salt in my hair, I get grumpy.

Art by Lindsay Perry.

Tell me about your album!
Thanks for asking! I'm so excited about it. It's my first album, titled L.O.V.E. and it releases this month. It's a lot of blues, but nothing too emotional. I'm working with a really great group of people in Florida, Studio 18. They've put in so much work with me for it, I can't thank those guys enough.

What's your ideal Saturday?
An early surf, hang at the beach for a while, come back, make a good lunch, cruise for a bit then maybe an evening session. Come home, get dolled up and go out for dinner and a night on the town with my girlfriends.

You've traveled so much—have you become a good packer? Any tips?
You have to be, especially if you travel with boys. After my European road trip with Billabong, I learned to only bring the essentials. For me, I try to not pack an article of clothing unless I know for a fact I'll wear it. If I'm not wearing it at home, chances are I won't wear it traveling. I usually carry:

Guy Lines: Brandon Scherzberg

Photo by Corporate Dirtbagger

Guy Lines: The dudes we love, sharing their love for us. Also: A rope that keeps a tent from blowing away.

The Guy: Brandon, a.k.a. Marlin, is the founder of Corporate Dirtbagger, finance analyst by day. I love that he's showing 9-to-5 desk-dwellers how to break off the shackles of the work week for rad weekend adventures!

The Girl: "'Why not?' is Frannie Root's response when approached with a new adventure. I first met Frannie through a college group and could instantly feel her energy and passion about the outdoors. By trade, she's a special education teacher, but she's also been in the business of getting kids outside to explore nature in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Oregon and California. I'd trust her in any situation we may face in the mountains. Everything from rock climbing to white water boating to mountain biking and dumpster diving, she does it all. She's a true inspiration to myself and countless others."

Check out Brandon's blog at corporatedirtbagger.com!

Get Gear: One Snow Jacket Three Ways

Photo by Lizbeth Hernandez. Jacket by Burton; leggings by Nike; socks by Stance, shoes by Nike.

'Tis the season for winter sports and new gear, but if you’re like most Dirtbag Darlings you’re sure to notice the lack of funds that tends to result.If most of your money is spent on gear instead of new clothes, relax. It's still possible to make your investments versatile and fashionable! Take the snowboarding jacket, for example:

Photo by Lizbeth Hernandez. Beanie by Forever21; sweater, vintage; jeans by RVCA; shoes by Converse; sunglasses by Ray-ban.

Since the Anorak has become a staple for most, why not substitute it with a solid-colored snow jacket? Over a dress, paired with a sweater and skinny jeans or even with shorts and a T-shirt, it looks right at home for a casual hangout. Pair with leggings for a chilly hike, and of course, it's always appropriate for the mountains. 

Photo by Lizbeth Hernandez. Board by Forum; bindings by Burton; boots by Burton.

Have a style question for our Fashion Editor Lizbeth? Ask us on Twitter @dirtbagdarling or in the comments below and we'll answer!

Guy Lines: Aaron Carerra

Photo courtesy of A. Carerra.

Guy Lines: The dudes we love, sharing their love for us. Also: A rope that keeps a tent from blowing away.

The Guy: Aaron Carerra has my dream job as social media editor at Surfer Magazine, where he rubs shoulders (and Instagrams) athletes like Kelly Slater.

The Girl: "When I was four, I really wanted a little brother. Instead I got a little sister. By default, Megan became my bro-sister. Growing up, whatever sport or outdoor activity I did, she did. And she was good. Really good. She beat people in my age group. I used to think she wanted to do whatever her big brother was doing, but now I think she just loved being outdoors and never accepted 'you can't' as an answer. She's 5'3" but will tell you she's 5'5"...and acts like she's 6'10." A titanium bracelet holds together the collarbone she broke in three pieces snowboarding, but she still walks up to an increasing swell or a challenging mountain with the same grin. She's what I hope my daughters will be someday. Love you, Meggers!"

See Aaron's work at surfermag.com or on Instagram @surfer_magazine.

Rock Climbing 101: Talk the Talk

Photo by Dirtbag Darling

One of the biggest hurdles a person faces in life is overcoming a fear. Climbing was mine—I felt inept about where to begin. Do I want to "belay on" or "belay off" when I'm ready? Wasn't Gaston the smarmy charmer from Beauty and the Beast—and why is my guide book telling me it's the name of a grip? There are 40 different types of carabiners in front of me—which one do I use?

My first introduction to climbing was back in 1999 during summer camp, but I'll admit at first I was more interested in the Zach Morris look-alike climbing instructor. But once I got harnessed in and tapped out on the top of the indoor rock "mountain," I was hooked. So if you're ready to climb on, first thing's first: Learning the lingo.

Belay
A manner in which two people aid one another while scaling a climbing route. Once person is the anchor, the other is the climber. Anchor-man stays on the ground while the climber scales the wall. Each person wears a harness, and they are connected to a shared rope, with the anchor using a belay device to assist during a fall. That anchor is responsible for catching the climber if she falls, and for aiding her in getting back down to the ground once she's reached the top.

Guy Lines: Christopher Clark of Shaper Studios

Christopher Clark shaping a board. Photo courtesy of Clark.

Guy Lines: The dudes we love, sharing their love for us. Also: A rope that keeps a tent from blowing away.

The Guy: Christopher Clark, aka Clarky, is the founder of Shaper Studios surfboard workshop in Southern California, were he gets to spend time with some of surfing's top female talent on a regular basis (and just be an all-around stand-up guy).

The Girl: Clarky may spend his time surrounded by many water women, but the adventurous lady with his admiration? Liz Clark, a Patagonia surf ambassador and dedicated sailer who travels solo aboard her 40-foot boat named Swell. "The thought of navigating the planet's oceans all alone would bring discomfort to even the most adventurous swashbuckler. Liz Clark (no relation) has been a bold inspiration in my navigation of the great outdoors."

Learn more about Liz at swellvoyage.com!

Stocking Stuffers: Mountain Pillows

Photo courtesy of Mountain Pillows

There are gifts that make you smile. Then there are gifts that make you smile so hard you feel like your face is going to fall off. Such said gift is a handmade bundle of love from Mountain Pillows.

Sewn by designer and adventurer Simone Drucker, each pillow is hand-signed and dated by the Venice, CA dweller (hey, my old stomping ground!) and looks like patchwork perfection for more rustic abodes.

Goal 1: Buy a house. Goal 2: Fill it with awesome pillows.

"I was inspired by rock-climbing trips I've taken this year, mostly in the Sierras and in the Bishop/Mammoth area," says Drucker. "The first pillow I made was a gift for my boyfriend, who is an obsessive climber. Everyone loved the design so much, I was encouraged to start a collection."

Simone Drucker.

If you have any doubts about what to get the gear-lover in your life, ditch REI and head to Drucker's website esty.com/shop/mountainpillows or  www.mountainpillows.com. Oh, and send me one while you're at it!

Why I Love the Aark Wildlife Rehab Center

B. Scherzberg

This post originally appeared as a guest blog for Free People.

An injured fawn on the side of the road. A bird with a broken wing. A nest of baby rabbits your dog found. Chances are if you live in an even remotely suburban or rural area, you've encountered wildlife in need of some help. For your own safety and the health of the animal, it's not a good idea to try and tend to it yourself—so what can you do? We visited the Aark Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center, a Philadelphia area wildlife shelter, for their open house, where we talked with volunteers to find out the best way to take care of lost or injured wildlife and what we can do to support the centers nursing them back to health.

When you find an injured wild animal:

•Remember that caring for the animal is dangerous and most often the animal needs professional help. Diet, temperature, humidity, medications and human contact have to be controlled.

• It's actually illegal to care for the animal yourself!

Find out more on the Free People blog.

DIY: Bird Seed Bombs

Photos by Dirtbag Darling

This post originally appeared as a guest blog for Free People. 

Going on a winter hike can be magical: the snow falling all around you, cozy mittens on your hands, hot cocoa in your thermos. But it can be disheartening watching winter animals search for hard-to-find food. Give them a hand by mixing up a batch of birdseed bombs before you head out—tie them on trees or drop them behind you as you walk.

What you need:
Pears or apples, wild birdseed, biodegradable string or twine, peanut butter, lard or suet, wooden skewer or long toothpick.

To see how to make these bombs, visit blog.freepeople.com!