A Whisper to a Scream

When people find out that I am in a yoga teacher training program the question I am most often asked is "What makes you want to teach yoga?" (followed by "Oh you must be very bendy?"). That's a big question. How do you tell someone you may not know very well how profoundly yoga has impacted your life without over sharing or scaring them with the amount of passion you have?

Eventually I found the most concise and neutral way to describe that.

"Yoga helps me stay mindful of the connection between by mind, body, soul and the universe. With that awareness I am able to take my cues from the Universe and it has made my life a lot easier. I want to share that with other people."

So what does that mean? It means my life is really a lot easier because of the awareness yoga awards me.When the universe has a suggestion for you it starts out with a whisper. If you don't hear it, it will raise it's voice until the point that it's getting your attention like a two-year-old stamping it's feet, red-faced and in tears.

I now see the subtle messages, I hear the whisper that the Universe is sending to me. I rarely make the same mistakes over and over again hoping to get different results, I used to do this all the time. The best part, the Universe's messages aren't always telling you what not to do. Yeah, sure you get the "You'll regret that 9pm Chai when you try to sleep tonight" but you also get some amazing encouragement.

I began reaching out to people on a whim, a whisper, and then I see the doors of mutually beneficial opportunity fly open. I became more daring, more willing to go outside my comfort zone and the rewards have been amazing.

Do you have to practice yoga to hear the Universe's whisper? I don't think so. It's what has worked best for me but I have had similar experiences in hiking, climbing, and cycling. Anything that brings movement, thought, and a level of meditation or awareness with the universal connection will work.

I would love to hear from people with similar experiences. Have you heard the Universe whisper? What did it say?

Hi, I'm Cupcake, and I Eat Baby Food

Not too long ago I was visiting my best friends and as we were talking about how it can be difficult to stay nourished when you're active my friend showed me an awesome addition to her daughter's lunch box. At the time, I wasn't so sure how awesome it would be though, even though the daughter is six, it was still by a company that makes baby food, Ella's Kitchen.


While I think whole fruit is always a great option it was getting hard to eat pears and other sticky fruits on the go. They were messy or after a day in my bag cut, battered, and bruised. So the fruit pouch was appealing.

In the UK, Ella's Kitchen has a huge variety of snacks and meals for babies and toddlers. In the US, we get the Stage One Baby Foods and the Smoothie Fruits, the latter being my favorite.

Available in four varieties, the Smoothie Fruits are organic mashed-up fruit in a portable pouch. Averaging around 50 calories each they're a nice light snack on their own or great paired with some nuts or cheese. The fruit can be enjoyed at room temperature but I like mine refrigerated. For longer days I freeze the pouch the night before and by mid-afternoon it's ready to eat.

Once while shopping I couldn't find Ella's so I opted for the Earth's Best, Yogurt Smoothie instead. Since these have a bit of yogurt in them they are creamier and have more calories, around 70 per pouch. A little more sustainable for a snack on their own.
Also available in four varieties, the Earth's Best pouches freeze well and taste yummy.

The only drawback for me was the packaging. In the US, the pouch may or may not be recyclable based on your local practices. One excellent resource is TerraCycle, specializing in hard to recycle items. They currently recycle items like Capri Sun pouches and have a great selection of products made from recycled material.

However, if you're crafty there is another option. You can use the cleaned and dismantled pouches as material to sew a tote bag or hand bag. These instructions are based on Capri Sun pouches but with a little reconfiguration the fruit pouches will work too. I always love crafting from reclaimed material and these bags are cute for the summer and would be great for the pool or beach.

Enjoy the fun and innovating pureed fruit on your next long work day or day trip hiking and climbing. Maybe you'll love them so much you'll be inspired to get crafty and find a great new use for their pouches. If you do let me know!

Oh Flatterware, You Make Me Smile

When I was a Girl Scout and it was time for our first camping trip I was so excited to go shopping for my first bit of gear. My favorite item was my pink collapsible cup. I loved how it opened and closed and stored in such a tiny fashion. However, it wasn't very durable. The rings could separate too far and it was then no longer water-tight. So I gave up on collapsible cups. As an adult I have been hesitant to try collapsible bowls and cups because they always seem cumbersome, hard to clean, and not terribly durable, that is until my friend Michele introduced me to Flatterware.

I love my bright red Flatterware cup for so many reasons:

1. The Size: It actually holds a 12oz portion of a beverage or snacks. 
2. It is Durable: You can bend it, squish it, fold it and it always bounces back to it's original shape. 
3. Easy to Clean: The Flatterware items are a smooth. No rings with crevices that get nasty and filthy. They're easy to rinse out and clean, even at the base points. Also Dishwasher safe.
4. Works for Hot and Cold Beverages! I can use it for water or tea. 
5. Phlalate-free!

Who would enjoy Flatterware:

1. Naturally campers, hikers, climbers...anyone who enjoys their meals outdoors. 
2. Event Goers. The large beverages served at sporting events and other gatherings may be too much for one person and a Flatterware cup makes it easy to share a drink without sharing germs. 
3. Travelers will enjoy the cup when visiting locations where cups may not be provided (yes, some accommodations don't have cups in their rooms and bathrooms).
4. Parents will enjoy these for picnics or serving up snacks and beverages during outings. 
5. Dogs will enjoy drinking out of the bowls while out and about.
6. Environmentally-concious folks who want to reduce the amount of waste in the world.

The design is clever and they're a great item to keep in your bag. Visit the Flatterware website to discover where you can buy their bowls and cups for yourself or for a holiday gift!

Dirty Girls Need Love Too: Products That Pamper Active Gals

I like to get dirty, but I think you knew that. Between biking, climbing, hiking, and just playing outdoors I tend to be a little grubby a lot of the time. At the same time I like to take care of myself. I like soft skin and pretty shiny hair (even if it's windblown or I am rockin' the lovely helmet hair). Over the last few years I have found some great products for girls like me who are no stranger to being dirty but like to feel a little pretty too.

Lips

I love the lipgloss by "Yes to Carrots". It is shiny and soothing with just a hint of color. My favorite element is how easily it is applied. A lot of glosses are globby but this goes on smoothly. I love that is not tested on animals and 95% organic and Paraben and Carmine free. The only thing I would change is to add an SPF coverage.

Face

I don't like to wear a lot of make-up. Sure I own Foundation but that's really for special occasions. For my daily wear I opt for tinted moisturizer by "Kiss My Face". I have sensitive skin and most tinted moisturizers I have dried irritate my skin. The Kiss My Face pigment comes from minerals, not chemicals, and the product is oil and fragrance free. The mineral coverage also provides SPF 8 UVA/UVB protection.

Hands and Feet

My hands and feet always need a little extra love. They tend to be dry and when I added activities and the elements to that they just don't stand a chance. However I have found using Burt Bee's Thoroughly Therpeutic Honey and Bilberry Foot Creme does the trick. While designed for feet I love the results so much that I began using it on my hands as well. I have tried other products that work well but they are heavy and greasy. This moisturizer is light, absorbs quickly, and smells delicious.

Hair

I wash my hair every few days. I am prone to dry skin and also dry hair so shampooing frequently doesn't help. However, I am not a fan of that second or third day "Have you been in the wilderness too long?" look my hair takes on. So when I discovered "dry shampoo" I fell in love. The powder spray allows you to apply it right at the roots where hair may get a little oily and makes it easy to style. The transluscent formula has worked on my hair when it was dark brunette as well as blonde. While there are a lot of more expensive brands on the market I have found Batiste Dry Shampoo works just as well and is less expensive. I prefer the "Blush" scent but it also comes in "Tropical" and "Original".

Bring on the Bug Juice

I have been thinking a lot about my rock climbing retreat last year. It was an amazing weekend in Vedauwoo, Wyoming with The Women's Wilderness Institute. It was a lot like being at camp when I was a kid. Granted it was a small group and we slept in tents not cabins and cooked together rather than eating in the mess hall but the camaraderie and energy were there. So why should kids have all the fun? Have you ever wanted to just check out for a week and go learn something new or improve a skill? Maybe one of these adult camps are for you.

If you're interested in more traditional wilderness skills try Outward Bound. While known for it's youth course Outward Bound offers a wide range of courses for adults including kayaking, climbing, backpacking, and sailing. Also try finding an organization like The Women's Wilderness Institute in your state (or wherever you may roam).

If you're a musician and want a chance to learn from an idol consider Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp. Held in various locations across the USA and in England these five day camps allow you to attend classes, jam sessions, write and record music and perform with rock stars. Now these camps are not for someone with moderate interest. Running about $8K per camp this is a serious investment but if it's your passion it could be worth it.

Now if you're lucky enough to be a lady and want to learn or improve your singing or instrument skills consider Ladies Rock Camp in Portland, Oregon. I was able to attend one of these camps in 2007 and it was quite memorable. I spent a weekend in Portland at the Girls Rock Camp learning guitar, forming a band, writing our own song, and then performing at the Music Showcase (I have a DVD to prove it). At the reasonable price of $375 not only do you learn skills and form new friendships but you're tuition helps raise money for the Girl's Rock Camps and after school programs.

If you are a member of the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender community how about Camp Camp? Held in August each year, this experience may be the closest match to a traditional summer sleep away camp. With activities including swimming, arts and crafts, climbing, hiking, and mountain biking there is something for everyone. The week long camp also includes a Barn Dance, campfires, and the Talent/No Talent Show. Camp registration is $995 but campers also have the option to apply for staff positions to reduce tuition costs.

If you're always gazing at the stars then Space Camp may be for you. Located in Huntsville, Alabama, Space Camp offers 3-day ($449),6-day ($899), and 8-day ($1,299) sessions for adults. Campers participate in various simulations like walking on the moon as well as experience missions as part of the shuttle crew and mission control. Space Camp also offers Corporate Team building packages, though I think I would rather go alone. ;)

Maybe you spend more time digging in the dirt than staring at the sky. Are you a history buff and always hoping to wander across an archaeological find? The Crow Canyon Archaeological Center offers opportunities for novices as well as those with more experience. During the week long program you will spend time in the field which includes hiking to the site as well as working along side professionals in excavating efforts. Several evenings include educational presentations. The novice rate is $1,400 and includes meals, accommodations, permits and local transportation.

I never thought summer camp would be a part of my adult life but it's had a great impact. As usual my list of suggested camps is not all inclusive. If you have another passion be it baking, surfing, or ghost hunting then google it and camp may very well be in your future.

Cupcake Challenge: Giving Back by Doing the Things You Love

If you've been reading my blog a bit, know me, or follow me on Twitter you know a few things about the Cupcake. I like being active, I like trying new things, and I love volunteering and giving back to causes I believe in.

For those of us who like adventure and to push ourselves physically we always feel compelled to challenge ourselves. So my newest challenge to you is while setting your spring and summer time goals consider a fund raising event in your chosen sport (or a new one)! Sometimes finding out where to start is the toughest hurdle so I have done a little research to get us going.

The HERA Women's Cancer Foundation has a variety of events for outdoor enthusiasts that support their mission to end the loss of life due to ovarian cancer. The events began with the Climb for Life which was brain child of Sean Patrick when she was recovering from her seventh ovarian cancer surgery. Since then the success of the climbing events has lead way to the upcoming Escape from Granogue Mountain Bike Race, and 2009 Run Like a Girl 8K Series.

Want to hit up Yosemite this year? Perhaps consider Climb for a Cause. Over Labor Day weekend this event will include an attempted summit of the Half Dome as well as other fun events. If you participate you'll be raising funds for The Cambodia Project and Guatemalan Dental Relief.

Yet another organization doing amazing things while getting people off the couch is Climb Up So Kids Can Grow Up, which raises money to fight against pediatric AIDS in Kenya, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. Participate by doing a climb in your own state this May!

If want to help inner-city urban teens experience the wilderness and love to summit mountains then check out Backpacker Magazine's Summit for Someone and their collection of amazing climbs. The events cover 17 peaks and different levels including women specific climbs and expedition climbs of five days or more.

A organization that has been known for their marathon, half-marathon and triathlon events is The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training. This group is unique in the fact that you are part of a team and train together to work towards the big day. If the idea of running or completing a triathlon doesn't knock your socks off check out their newest expansion into Hiking and Cycling events.

If the above mentioned events make you feel like a fish out of water how about Kayak for a Cause? This group chooses different charities each year and past recipients have included Outward Bound and the Sierra Club. This July's race will be the ninth year with paddlers going from Long Island to Connecticut.

While this is a relatively short list I hope it gets you thinking about your next step and how you can take your love of the outdoors to the next level. If you don't see something in your community or have a specific non-profit group you would like to support consider organizing your own event. Take it from me there is nothing more rewarding then organizing an event when your passion is the driving factor.

Can You Give Back By Buying Gear?

This week I have had a lot on my mind after hearing more bad news about the economy and how this is impacting non-profit organizations. If you’re a regular reader or follow me on Twitter you know I am involved with the planning of The Women’s Wilderness Institute’s Gear and Cheer fundraising event. We have been very fortunate to have great support for the event as well as amazing organization like Kelty and Sierra Designs as 2009 sponsors for the educational programs. Also a new development from 2009 sponsor Mountain Hardware the Send a Kid to Camp program that is supporting TWWI and other organizations.

Between working to set-up the auction and receiving my REI dividend this week I have been thinking a lot about buying gear. As you’ll note from my previous blog, Gear on the Brain, my decision making was based on how much I can get with my coupon and dividend but then I took a step back. I realized I shop at REI because I like supporting their amazing Stewardship Program. So what if I based my brand decisions on something greater? In a time when corporations are cutting their charity budgets how can I show them my support? Easy, show it with my dollars. Buy from organizations that give back.

I took a bit of time to research the brands I already use and figure out what they’re doing to make an impact. After visiting companies’ websites and learning more I have discovered they break down into three major areas: Non-Profit Partnerships, Environmental Impact, and Event Sponsors.

The Non-Profit Partners

Since I am considering purchasing quickdraws by Black Diamond, let’s start with them. This organization supports a lot of regional and national organizations. As with most of these corporations their entire list of philanthropic contributions is too large to list but to name a few Black Diamond is supporting the Access Fund, American Alpine Club, and HERA’s Climb for Life.

The North Face also has an impressive list of partners. One organizations of note is GlobalGiving.com which focuses on supporting “high quality grassroots social and economic development projects around the world” by matching donors with community based projects.

While some may not consider Clif Bars and Luna Bars gear we can all agree we need nourishment when were on the go. These companies focus on sustainability with their own product development as well as partner with great organizations like International Mountain Bike Association and American Whitewater but they also have a unique way of connecting to the community. Clif Bar aims to get more people biking than commuting by car particularly when traveling within a 2 mile radius. Check out the 2 Mile Challenge!

Environmental Impact

I knew that Patagonia did a lot on the local level to help the community but their global involvement is impressive on a much different level. Not only is the Patagonia distribution center in Reno, NV LEED Certified but they’re developing a rainforest in Chile, distributing Environmental Grants, and have the Common Threads Garment Recycling Program.

Another heavy hitter in global environmental impact is Mammut. Climbers in particular will be interested in the Kirgistan Mountain Project where Mammut has set-up fixed ropes for climbing, helped refurbish base camp, and is developing a mountain guide training program. In addition Mammut has climate-neutral ropes but offsetting their production expenditures by partnering with MyClimate.org.

Event and Athlete Sponsors

Many brands including some of those listed above sponsor elite athletes, like 5Ten, helping to support some of the top names in climbing. Some organizations are known more for their sponsorship of events. Tubbs Snowshoes for example sponsors the Romp to Stomp Out Breast Cancer and Winter Trail Days. Marmot has also been linked to some great events like “Going to the Dogs” in Estes Park which supports local No Kill animal shelters.


So there you have it. While this is in no way a comprehensive list I hope it gives you a starting point when looking at how your gear dollars can go further. If you have information on other brands and their impact please email me at tali@mycupcakemafia.com or leave a comment.

Nesting and Nourishment

When I fell asleep last night I had the intention of rising early and heading to Echo Lake for a hike. However upon waking at 6:30 am I was feeling super stuffed up and also had the need to nest. I am not sure where the need came from but I felt like cleaning and getting my crafty/desk area organized as well as my climbing and hiking gear sorted out.

So this morning I have been moving at a snail's pace but have managed to get the laundry done, the desk cleaned up and enjoyed a wonderful Cinnamon Scone from Whole Foods. While digging in my pantry I found the raw sunflower seeds I purchased a few days ago and decided it was time to make a small batch of Energy Bites.

I can't recall where I learned this recipe but have been making them for a few years now. I will be the first to admit, they're not that pretty. However they're all natural, delicious, and pack a lot of energy in a little package. I like to freeze them and then bring them on hikes or to the climbing gym for a snack.

So here it goes, simplest recipe ever! What you need:

1 Cup Honey
1 Cup Peanut Butter
1 Cup Carob Powder
1 Cup Seeds (I vary it and tend to use a combination of Sesame, Pumpkin, Sunflower and Flax)

Pour the honey in a medium size sauce pan and heat on low to medium heat. When honey is liquidy add the peanut butter. When the two have melted well together add the Carob Powder. When it is dissolved add in the nuts.

After all the ingredients are well mixed transfer to a baking pan. Depending on how big you want your bites you can use a loaf pan or an 8" x 8" pan. Place in refrigerator at least one hour to set-up. I then cut them up into squares, place a few in a baggie, and throw them in the freezer. They last about a week in the refrigerator or a month (or more) in the freezer. Enjoy!