Adventures in the Trees: Trying Something New

Girls Can Get Dirty Too!

Last week I went on a day trip to a fun little place called GoApe. Its mostly for the younger crowd but adults (like my fearless mom) can go too. They strap you in a harness and then let you go and climb through the trees. You go over bridges and on tight ropes, wiggly rope ladders and so much more. The best part? Zip lining!

Despite the girly persona I usually exhibit, I put on my harness and climbed with my sister and her youth group on their crazy outing. I was a chaperone and keeping up with those kids while suspended 30-40 feet in the air is not an easy task. I can’t tell you how much dirt I got in my Sperrys and down my hoodie from shooting down the zip line and hitting the mulch and dirt floor that was there to slow me down. My nails were also ruined in the process. 

By the end of the day all the kids were messy and tired. A lot of great memories were made in the process though. Not to mention most of us overcame our fear of heights! When presented with the idea I wasn’t so sure about it, but the thing about life is that you don’t know if you’ll have an opportunity to do something again. So take it. That’s what I did. 

However, there were a few things I wish I had known or brought with me! Here’s my lovely list:

1. Baby wipes

The dirt just never seems to go away and no matter how careful you are you will get dirty. Welcome to nature. 

2. Hand lotion

All the climbing and cool air chapped my hands and it would have been nice to have something that would moisturize afterwords. 

3. Comfy shoes

While I’m convinced Sperrys are made for almost any activity, climbing may not be one of them. Since they don’t tie very tightly I got more dirt and wood chips in them than I thought possible. Bring tennis shoes or climbing boots. 

4. Nutrition bar

The entire course was about 3 hours long and you don’t realize how much energy you’re exerting climbing around. By the end of it I was so hungry! 

There you have it. Next time you want an adventure GOAPE!

What have you done adventurous lately? Comment below!

-Liz

Inspiration and My Little Black Dress

My Express Outlet find!

Since my first day of summer officially started today, I found myself with loads of free time and nothing to really occupy it. I spent the last 8 weeks working for my coveted 4.o semester GPA. One of my classes was public relations oriented which partly inspired this blog. As a developing writer, I am bound to talk about more than that. I like to write about what inspires me.

Inspiration comes in many forms. For me, a color, a smell, a place… that is inspiration. Fashion for me is dictated by this. I don’t care too much for the runway styles (though I admire the creativity of the designers) I prefer many of the classics. I am very inspired by New England and the classic attire that is associated with it. One of my favorite things to wear are my Sperry Top-Sider boat shoes. They go with most of my summer wardrobe for everyday activities and seem to last an eternity. Pearls are another accessory I find essential to almost any outfit. Go ahead, call me boring. I enjoy looking put together and knowing that the clothes I pick have been in many wardrobes for what seems like forever. There’s a reason they’re called classics.

I recently bought my first ‘Little Black Dress’ to add to my list of classics I own. I was at an Express outlet in Rehobeth Beach, DE and it was on clearance for $28 (originally around $100 I believe). It was a proud moment for me! I have determined that a dress like this is essential in any kind of wardrobe. However, before I owned this dress I got by with other dresses that essentially do the same thing. One of my favorites is a gray Calvin Klein I found for $15 at Ross. It has a square neckline that highlights my collarbone and fits nicely on my figure! Quite a steal if I do say so myself. Another great one I found for $25 was a DKNY red, fitted dress. It was a great purchase and has led me to believe that the ‘Little Black Dress’ doesn’t always have to be black. Many of the classics can be updated and made personal simply by a different cut or color and still maintain the class and dignity of the originals.

What are the classics you enjoy wearing? Do you personalize them?

-E.