Breathe Magazine by Summit Publishing

inspiring active women

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fall 2009 free!

the sustainable A CLOSER LOOK AT ECO-FRIENDLY

CLOTHING

Natural Beauty Getting a green makeover

(Re) Designing Your Digs: Repurposed, recycled and reclaimed finds for your home

Green-ish Mama

what's your

travel style? FIVE Types of wander women

Fall Foliage

Our favorite spots to take it all in

A new mom's take on saving the planet

healthy shopping on a budget | strength training tips | breast cancer and your diet

MEET RACHAEL SCDORIS, PIONEER OF MUSHING. SHE’S FINISHED THE IDITAROD TWICE. SHE’S ALSO LEGALLY BLIND. RACHAEL RELIES ON HER DOGS AND THE COMFORT OF HER COLUMBIA PARKA. OMNI-TECH ADDS WATERPROOF BREATHABILITY, AND MAKES HER AS WARM AS A BASKET OF PUPPIES. SO ELEMENTS DON’T GET IN, BUT SWEAT FROM MUSHING ACROSS 1,161 MILES OF ICE AND SNOW, OR FROM SHOVELING 10 FEET OF IT, GETS OUT. WE’RE PROUD TO HONOR RACHAEL WITH THE GERT BOYLE MEDAL OF MERIT. LEARN MORE ABOUT RACHAEL AND HER GEAR AT COLUMBIA.COM.

AVAILABLE AT:

GreatOutdoorProvision.com

contents

Fall 2009 • Style + Sustainability

breathe ONLINE

12 Natural Beauty

Find exclusive online content at readbreathe.com

Melissa Lamkin greens her makeup routine. breathe magazine Ann Roth's passion and eco-friendly instincts turn an accident into a career.

18 (Re) Designing Your Digs

Repurposed, recycled and reclaimed finds for your home.

21 The Sustainable Fashionista

Exploring what it really means to green your wardrobe.

28 Green-ish Mama

A new mom's take on saving the planet… and her sanity.

29 What's Your Travel Style?

Five common travel archetypes and what—or where— we recommend you heal each ailment. NUTRITION 7 How to lower your grocery bill: healthy shopping on a budget.

contributors Aleigh Acerni Carly Felton Molly Gold Melissa Lamkin Kristin Luna Colleen Oakley Jayme Otto Rachelle Sorensen-Cox Kath Younger art director Megan Murphy senior designer Amanda Powers associate designer Christa Albano

FITNESS 8 The importance of strength training, plus a 15-minute workout. GEAR 9 Feet first.

editor in chief Lindsey Grossman lindsey@readbreathe.com

magazine

14 For the Love of Shoes

12 9

HEALTH 11 Your diet's role in preventing breast cancer. TRAVEL 15 Our favorite fall foliage spots in the Blue Ridge Mountains. FAMILY 16 The ABCs of over-scheduling. BREATHEABILITY 20 Q+A with Teri Kent, founder of Better World Betty.

contributing photographers Christa Albano Deborah Triplett IT director Craig Snodgrass publisher Martha Evans martha@readbreathe.com president Blake DeMaso blake@readbreathe.com account executives Tom Daly tom@readbreathe.com Charles Leonard charles@readbreathe.com contact us 107 West Market Street Charlottesville, VA 22902 434.817.2755 56 College Street, Suite 303 Asheville, NC 28801 828.225.0868 © 2009 Summit Publishing, LLC. To carry Breathe in your store call 434.817.2755.

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MIND, BODY + SOUL Good for you, good for the planet. Only at readbreathe.com

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inspire ~ invigorate ~ indulge

October 30 – November 1, 2009 Join other women in an inspiring mountain setting as we learn, laugh and enjoy! Wintergreen Resort, in association with UVA Health System, presents a special weekend event. Educational programs, wine tasting, yoga, spa treatments, culinary treats, product sampling and more are included in the package. All-inclusive weekend packages, including lodging, spa credit, meals, tax and gratuity are available starting at $475. Day and non-lodging rates are also available.

Packages starting at

475

Call 800-266-2444 for reservations or visit wintergreenresort.com/inspirations

A consignment shop specializing in outdoor gear, clothing & Footwear Kayaks, Bikes, Camping Gear, Disc Golf, Guidebooks & Maps, Accessories and much more…

Mon-Fri 10-7 • Sat 10-6 444 Haywood Rd. Asheville, NC 828.258.0757 secondgearwnc.com

Dealer samples priced way below msrp!

All our gear tells a story. What will yours be?

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nutr ition

super savings

plan more, spend less

Healthy grocery shopping on a budget. By Kath Younger

$1.99... $2.59/lb... 3 for $1 Groceries seem to be pretty inexpensive—until you add them all up. Suddenly, your quick trip to the market before dinner turns into a $100 affair. With many of us brainstorming ways to reduce overall spending, lowering your grocery bill is one of the easiest ways to cut back. The trick is to plan meals in advance based on what’s on sale, available and inexpensive. Here are five ways to eat more on less. Make a meal plan. It does take some advanced planning, but a meal plan is one of the easiest ways to reduce your grocery bill. How many times have you thrown away rotten produce that went bad before you could use it? A meal plan delegates a day and time for each ingredient so nothing goes to waste—including your money. Memorize the prices of foods. You’d be surprised how many people have no idea how much food costs. A great way to familiarize yourself with prices is to keep a spreadsheet of foods you normally buy and write down the prices as you shop. Once home, you can enter them in and use the sheet as your new grocery list. I created a spreadsheet for five different grocery stores in my city, adding new prices to the sheet as I went to each store. After a month or so, I knew which stores had the best prices in town, and I eventually memorized what was a fair price for a pound of pasta or a can of beans. Once you know the general prices, you can be confident you’re getting the best deal. Check websites. Before I make a meal plan, I check my store’s website to see what’s on sale that week. (You could also check the newspaper or pick up a flyer while out running an errand.) I then base my meal plan around the sales. If eggs are buy-one-get-one free, you can bet we’ll be enjoying a frittata that week. Buy only what you need. It may be tempting to buy the family-size bag of broccoli, but if you’re not going to eat it all, why let the extra go to waste? Sometimes, it makes more sense to get the smaller size—and pay a bit more per ounce—if you don’t need much. Remember: The price per weight isn’t as important. It’s what you spend overall that matters. Choose real food. Fresh produce might cost more than a box of mac and cheese, but if you center your groceries around produce, you’ll likely come out spending less than if you plan around boxed meals and meats. I like to plan a vegetable per night for dinner (one that’s on sale!) and then gather two or three extra veggies and a lettuce for lunchtime salads and snacks. I then supplement the produce with meats, grains and dairy. Keeping meat in side dish portions—or better yet, going vegetarian a few nights a week—can drastically cut your grocery bill. When I think about paying $3.19 for a box of crackers versus .79 cents for a can of beans, I am more likely to plan Asparagus and Navy Bean Soup than Chicken Sausage Gumbo. Of course, you don’t have to make all of these changes at once. Start with what seems easiest to you and work from there. A few pennies saved leads to dollars in the bank down the road.

Beans + Greens Beans are inexpensive and one of the best nutritional bangs for your buck. A one-pound bag of dried beans, which will yield over six cups of beans, costs less than a dollar. And canned beans are cheap and super convenient. This recipe jazzes up canned beans into a suppertime fiesta. Directions 1. Cook beans and veggies in a skillet with some cooking spray until softened. Stir in seasonings and toss to coat. Cook for 1 minute more. 2. Lay lettuce onto a plate and top with bean + veggie mixture. 3. Top with cheese, avocado, sour cream and hot sauce. 4. Serve with tortilla chips if desired.

Ingredients • Romaine lettuce or baby spinach for base • ½ cup canned pinto beans, drained • ½ cup mixed vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, shredded cabbage or frozen corn • ½ tsp cumin • ½ tsp chili powder • Salt + pepper to taste • ¼ cup shredded cheese (shred a block yourself to save a few!) • ¼ cup avocado, diced • Light sour cream or Greek yogurt for garnish • Hot sauce to taste • Tortilla chips (optional)

Kath Younger writes the popular healthy food blog, Kath Eats Real Food, which you’ll find at katheats.com. Having lost over 30 pounds since graduating from college, Kath is now studying to become a registered dietitian and lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. fall 2009

fitness

strength training

fit in 15 minutes

the moves:

Forget hours on a treadmill. Strength training is the new way to get toned and healthy for good.

Squats Stand in front of the chair with your back to it. Lower yourself down like you’re going to take a seat. As soon as your bottom touches the chair, slowly stand back up. That’s one repetition. Do three sets of 20 repetitions.

By Colleen Oakley

We know—you don’t have the time to go to the gym for an hour every day. Now you can finally stop feeling guilty about it. New studies from the University of Maryland found that doing a total-body strength workout for 15 minutes, two to three days a week, will give you the same health benefits as hitting the gym every day. Not to mention, strength training can get you back in your skinny jeans in no time—and keep you in them for years to come. “Most women don’t realize they are losing muscle at a rate of five pounds per decade, and that muscle loss is partly responsible for the fat gain that women see as they get older,” says Dr. Wayne Westcott, fitness research director at the South Shore YMCA in Quincy, Massachusetts. “Also, metabolism slows down by three percent every decade. Strength training can maintain high metabolism, maintain muscle mass and help you avoid fat gain.” As if that isn’t enough of a reason to pick up weights stat, research also shows that strength training helps prevent osteoporosis, reduces the risk of diabetes and most cancers, eases lower back pain, increases good cholesterol, and reduces high blood pressure. No weights? No time? No problem. If you’ve got a folding chair, you can do this easy workout by personal trainer Dolvett Quince, owner of Body Sculptor, Inc. in Atlanta, in as little as 15 minutes a day. Repeat three times a week and start reaping the rewards.

Jackknives Sit in the chair with your legs out in front of you and your feet hovering over the ground. Bring your knees to your chest while gripping the chair with your hands for support. Lower your legs back out to hovering. Do three sets of 20-30 repetitions.

Push-Ups Place your feet on the ground and your hands on the chair. Lower your body using your arms, and then push back up to your starting position. Do three sets of 15-20 repetitions.

Dips Sit on the chair with your hands on the edge of the seat. Bring your bottom slightly forward so it’s no longer resting on the chair. Push your body up and down using your arms. Do three sets of 15-20 repetitions.

want more? Check out Dolvett Quince’s new workout DVD, "Me & My Chair," for other easy exercises you can do right at home. $24.99

Step-Ups Stand facing the chair and put your right foot on the seat. Lift your body using your right leg, and touch the seat with your left foot. Then lower yourself back down (your right foot stays on the seat). Do three sets of 20 repetitions. Then switch, and do the same exercise with your left foot on the chair.

meandmychairworkout.com

Breathe is giving away two copies of "Me & My Chair." Enter to win at readbreathe.com.

WIN IT! PHOTOS: Christa Albano

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gear

great finds

feet first  boot-ylicious These boots are made for walking (and walking, and walking…). Whether you’re pounding the pavement or the keyboard, the Bern High Boot from Keen is the perfect everyday footwear for fall. Creamy caramel leather and subtle stitching add style, while the footbed—made from recycled PU, cork and memory foam—offers support and sustainability. Let’s not forget the supreme comfort factor. They are Keens, after all. $150 • keenfootwear.com

if the shoe fits  The Merrell Chameleon Arc XCR adapts to just about any situation… and every season. With the support and durability expected of a lightweight hiking shoe, it also has enough style to take you off the trails and into town. Gore-Tex lining lets your feet breathe while keeping them dry through morning dew and downpours. These Merrells also make great travel companions for those long days of exploring and sightseeing. $115 • merrell.com

 balms away While they market this stuff specifically to moms (and moms-tobe), Erbaviva’s Refreshing Organic Foot Balm doesn’t discriminate when it comes to relieving tired, swollen tootsies. Ideal for anyone who’s on their feet all day, be it for work or play. It’s even better when you get someone else to do the rubbing! $14 • erbaviva.com

like a glove 

bare necessity 

Give your toes their independence with the Injinji Rainbow toesock. Separating the toes helps wick moisture away and prevent blisters. This particular sock comes from their Performance Series, which is best for running, walking and cycling. Plus, it’s made with CoolMax EcoMade, a fabric made from recycled plastic bottles. How’s that for a light carbon footprint? $14 • injinjistore.com

Vibram remains on the forefront of the barefooting fitness trend with FiveFingers, a footwear alternative for any activity you’d prefer to do sans shoes. From climbing and running to surfing and yoga, you can reap the barefoot benefits such as increased balance and better form while lessening your chances for injury with the protection of Vibram’s signature soles. The new KSO Trek keeps the cold weather in mind. The supple leather feels soft against your skin, but is tough enough to endure the elements. $125 • vibramfivefingers.com fall 2009

Hope for Horses equine rescue, rehab and adoption

winter issue

on stands mid-november

Western North Carolina

check out

readbreathe.com Come enjoy a day of fun, food and great exercise! Run for the Horses 5K Run; 1-Mile Fun Walk & Dog Parade Sun., Sept. 20, 2009. 2 p.m I All Ages & Family Friendly! Register online at: www.hopeforhorses.org More info: 828-683-0160 I hopeforhorses.org 10

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for exclusive web content!

for more information or to advertise: martha@readbreathe.com

health

BREAST CANCER SMARTS

walk it off:

you are what you eat

Your diet's role in preventing breast cancer. By Colleen Oakley

This fall, October will mark the twenty-fifth year of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. If you aren’t aware of breast cancer by now, you’ve been living under a rock, but this is a great opportunity to get up to speed on new research on this all-toocommon disease. Just in: A recent study in Sweden suggests that women who consume foods with a high glycemic index (meaning that they spike your blood glucose and insulin levels), have a higher risk for breast cancer. Foods rich in carbohydrates are likely to have a high-glycemic load, but that doesn’t mean you should rule out bread altogether… you just have to be choosy. “Select whole, unprocessed foods, like breads with 100 percent whole grains,” says Stella Metsovas, a certified nutritionist in Laguna Beach, California, “and make sure you’re always getting in some protein and monounsaturated fats with every snack and meal.” Researchers came up with a formula to calculate the glycemic load for each food, but Metsovas says there’s no need to worry about the math. “An optimal dietary intake shouldn’t rely on numbers when selecting what foods are best to consume,” she says. Instead, she says, steer clear of obvious culprits like white pasta and bread, and stock up on fruits and vegetables for longterm health.

Want to do your part? Join a walk or run in a city near you and raise money to help find a cure for breast cancer. September 26: Greenville, SC, Komen Upstate South Carolina Race for the Cure October 3: Charlotte, NC, Susan G. Komen Charlotte Race for the Cure October 9-11: Washington, DC, Breast Cancer 3-Day October 10: Middleburg, VA, Ride for the Cure Virginia October 17: Hickory, NC, Komen NC Foothills Race for the Cure October 17: Virginia Beach, VA, Komen Tidewater Race for the Cure October 18: Baltimore, MD, Komen Maryland Race for the Cure October 23-25: Atlanta, GA, Breast Cancer 3-Day October 24: Knoxville, TN, Komen Knoxville Race for the Cure October 24-25: Charlotte, NC, Avon Walk for Breast Cancer For more information on the events or to sign up for a walk (or ride), go to: avonwalk.org, komen.org or the3day.org.

carb-O-licious Don’t cut carbs out of your diet completely. For breast cancer prevention, nosh on these healthy options that have a low glycemic load (under 10). All-bran cereal 8.42

Peaches 5.42

Apples 6.38

Peanuts 1.14

Carrots 3.47

Pears 4.38

Chick peas 8.28

Pinto beans 10

Grapes 8.46

Red lentils 5.26

Green peas 3.48

Strawberries 1.40

Kidney beans 7.28

Sweet corn 9.54

Oranges 5.42

Just Add EVOO. Rachael Ray may be on to something. A new study published in BMC Cancer Journal found that compounds in extra virgin olive oil are known to kill certain types of breast cancer. In order to best utilize these cancer-fighting agents, don’t cook with EVOO, as heat can damage the active compounds. Instead, add it to recipes in room temperature form. fall 2009

natural w man BY MELISSA G. LAMKIN

I’ve been easing my way into becoming more green in my day-to-day life. I try to be conscious about my environmental impact by making small changes here and there—I recycle as often and as much as I can, I’m getting the hang of turning off the water when I brush my teeth, and I print on both sides of the paper at work (and then recycle it, of course). I also visit the farmers market, buying organic and locally grown produce. So when I got the opportunity for a green makeover, I eagerly signed on. I gathered up a bunch of natural, organic and eco-friendly products—from brushes to moisturizer to mascara—and took them with me to visit with makeup artist Elizabeth Tolley. She helped me sort through the products to determine which were right for a fair skin tone and wouldn’t aggravate my sensitive skin. My typical regimen consists of a simple mascara, bronzer and lip gloss. With Elizabeth’s help, I found ecofriendly products to use in place of the items I use everyday, plus a few add-ons. She started with skincare (sunscreen and moisturizer), followed by foundation and concealer, and then added small doses of color to my eyes, cheeks and lips. We even used a line of eco-friendly brushes for the application. She mixed and matched different colors and products for a really natural, fresh look. My skin felt fine, with no signs of itching or redness. Everything was easy to use and wouldn’t take much more time in the morning than my already minimal makeup routine. And every product has a planet-friendly element! 12

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my green makeover.

PHOTOGR APHY BY DEBOR AH TRIPLE T T MAKEUP BY ELIZ ABE TH TOLLEY

in with the new Here’s a rundown of the recommended products from my new, green routine:

Eyes [1] SMASHBOX COSMETICS MOTHER EARTH PALETTE $45 • sephora.com

I absolutely loved the colors in this palette—and I actually loved them on me, which isn’t always the case. The compact and product carton are recyclable and printed with eco-friendly, soy-based inks. For each one sold, Trees for the Future plants a tree. [2] JOSIE MARAN EYESHADOW IN MAGIC And rejuvenate $20 • josiemarancosmetics.com

More colors than I might use on my own, but I really liked the way they brought out the color in my eyes. Packaged in biodegradable plastic, made from renewable resources.

[3] JOSIE MARAN MASCARA IN BROWN $22 • josiemarancosmetics.com

I usually wear black, but brown is a happy change that goes well with my blonde hair. Made with organic beeswax and soybean oil.

Skincare [4] KISS MY FACE POTENT & PURE

[5] THYMES ESSENTIALS FACE LOTION SPF 20

UNDER AGE, ULTRA HYDRATING

$24 • thymes.com

MOISTURIZER $21 • kissmyface.com

My skin was dewy, but not greasy. Made with natural and pure ingredients— no parabens, animal derivative ingredients, or synthetic colors or fragrances.

It smells like roses. Natural and certified organic botanicals, antioxidants, Vitamin E and jojoba oil are the key ingredients.

Foundation

Brushes

[6] ALISON RAFFAELE COSMETICS TRUE

[8] ECO TOOLS MAKEUP BRUSHES

CONCEALER

$1.99-7.99 • select Target stores and

$23 • alisonraffaele.com

target.com

A liquid that dries to a light, powder-like finish. Paraben-free, packaging made from postconsumer and recycled materials.

Enough options to replace every single brush and sponge in your makeup bag, and the bristles were really soft. Every handle is made from bamboo and all of the brushes are made with synthetic hairs. The packaging is reusable and printed with plant-based inks.

[7] JOSIE MARAN TINTED MOISTURIZER SPF 30 $38 • josiemarancosmetics.com

Not too heavy, nice and light. I don’t like anything thick on my face. Made without toxic ingredients and not tested on animals.

Lips [11] JOSIE MARAN LIPSTICK in rumi joon $20 • josiemarancosmetics.com

I hardly ever wear lipstick, but I wasn’t afraid of this color. Ingredients like coconut cream, olive oil and jojoba oil make it good for the environment and your lips. [12] WALLETT LIP GLOSS IN DELIRIOUS DIVA $20 • wallett.com

This is going to be my new lip gloss staple. I love this color! 100 percent petrochemical- and paraben-free. Made with organic ingredients and natural extracts. [13] KISS MY FACE THREE WAY COLOR FOR LIPS, CHEEKS AND EYES IN DAWN $8.99 • kissmyface.com

Cheeks

More product than I might typically use, but it did help make the color look very natural. No animal ingredients, artificial colors or unnecessary chemicals.

[9] JOSIE MARAN BRONZING POWDER

[14] REVOLUTION ORGANICS THE LIP BALM

$30 • josiemarancosmetics.com

$24 • bigelowchemists.com

I never leave home without a dusting of bronzer. Biodegradable packaging and no petrochemicals.

Moisturizing and soothing—I’m notorious for dry lips that I chew on when I’m nervous. Formulated entirely from USDA-certified organic plant-based ingredients.

[10] JOSIE MARAN CREAM BLUSH IN SUNSET

[15] LAVANILA THE HEALTHY LIP SHINE

$22 • josiemarancosmetics.com

$14 • lavanila.com

A very natural, flush look. Natural ingredients like avocado, grapeseed and olive oils.

Shine without tackiness. Perfect! Natural and biodegradable ingredients, 100 percent recyclable packaging. fall 2009

Ann Roth’s passion and eco-friendly instincts turn an accident into a career. BY CARLY FELTON

hen Cinderella left her glass slipper outside the ball, it led to a magical romance with Prince Charming. When 32-year-old Georgia resident Ann Roth broke her dance shoe in a play, it led to a fulfilling career in shoemaking. Like the classic fairytale, Roth’s story is the fantasy of many women, women who only dream of a life of fashion, entrepreneurship and truly making a difference. Now the owner of Ann Roth Shoes, a custom-design and unique shoe creation company, Roth combines her fashionable instincts with a love of classic styles and an appreciation for natural, eco-friendly practices into a successful and fun career. “I like to find beauty in the world, be a part of creating beauty, and allowing

The Musee boot from Ann’s Fall 2009 Collection is made from organic natural fibers with low impact dyes.

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women to express beauty,” Roth says. “Women love to express themselves through shoes. I’ve yet to see a fabulous pair of shoes that doesn’t make women feel a little bit better and see things in a little bit brighter light.” An actress who studied business in college, Roth was in a play four years ago when the heel on her dance shoe fell off. She used automotive glue to cement it back together and was surprised at how much fun she had. Always crafty, Roth stayed up that entire night, draping shoes with different fabrics and buttons. Hooked, she signed up for a sewing class. After seeing and becoming fascinated by blue toile wedges, she decided she wanted to make espadrilles out of toile. A pair of Payless espadrilles later—she tore them apart and added toile and ankle ribbons—she had a brand new pair of unique shoes. The more she wore them, the more compliments and order requests she received. Fascinated by her new hobby, she took to researching new ways to make and design shoes. She created a website, and after her shoes were featured on Daily Candy, the orders started pouring in—so much so that she couldn’t do it all by herself! Offering 30 different silhouettes, including espadrilles, leather heels and platforms, and available in numerous fabrics and colors, Roth now works with two manufacturers: one in the Northern part of China, where she makes sure that the shoes are handmade by adults in good working conditions; and the other in Spain, at a small, earth-friendly, family-run factory where they use nontoxic glues. She sources the materials, dyes the heels and puts the embellishments on in Georgia. Some of the fabrics are organic; others are made with low-impact dyes. “I look for

beautiful fabrics first and then see if I can find an eco-friendly version,” she says. “My goal is to make women feel good and if I can help the Earth while I’m doing that, it’s great!” An avid traveler and hiker, many of her designs are inspired by nature. Her fabrics can be textured or smooth, solid, patterned or otherwise. She even buys some from Guatemalan villagers who sell the special cloth they make for baby blankets, table runners and clothing. She uses recycled shoe boxes for ecofriendly stores like The Studio in Boston, and sources sustainable jute for her espadrilles. Roth also strongly believes in the importance of giving back. Twenty percent of the proceeds from her Cha Cha Chica shoe go toward World in Need Now (WIN Now), a nonprofit organization that focuses on Latin American countries, and she often holds trunk shows where she offers a 30 percent discount to customers who donate their old shoes. Additionally, Roth has donated more than 500 pairs of surplus or slightly damaged inventory to Soles 4 Souls over the past three years. “I used to volunteer at a homeless shelter where people would drop off their old stilettos and the homeless would just laugh—that’s just not practical for them—so I try to put myself in a consumer standpoint and give shoes to the appropriate places like Dress for Success,” she says. “I also try not to stock inventory that will just sit there. Especially in these times, there’s too much stuff out there. I don’t like that mentality. I believe in making fewer things and making them beautiful.” • Carly Felton is a freelance writer and editor. When she’s not writing about fashion, travel, dining, fitness or people, she can often be found fantasizing about fabulous shoes. Ann Roth Shoes are available in stores around the country and online at AnnRothShoes.com

travel

escape

as the leaf turns Fall follage in the Blue Ridge Mountains. By Lindsey Grossman

When it comes to experiencing the beautiful autumn hues, you really can’t go wrong with the North Carolina and Virginia mountains. But to make it easier, we’ve put together some suggestions for two of our favorite fall foliage spots. So block off a long weekend in late September through early November (the best time for foliage in these parts), and let the leaves fall where they may.

asheville, north carolina  where to stay: Just 20 minutes north of Asheville, Sourwood Inn offers the serenity and seclusion of a mountain getaway with easy access to the city. Each guestroom in their Adirondackstyle lodge has a fireplace and French doors opening out to a balcony with mountain and valley views. standouts: Bathtubs with a view, private walking trails (don’t miss the teahouse on the shorter loop), and their Fly Fish & Relax package—a half-day wade followed by an in-room massage for two ($395). rates: $160-$190 per night ($195 per night for two in their cabin) includes an amazing breakfast and afternoon snacks.

Sourwood Inn

what to do: The Craggy Gardens area on the Blue Ridge Parkway is a great place for picnicking and hiking. Trails range from the easier Craggy Pinnacle to the more strenuous Douglas Falls, all with rewarding views. Mountain bikers, be sure to check out the scenic network of trails at Bent Creek. For something off the beaten path (or off any path, really), take in the foliage from above with an hour-long sunrise flight from Asheville Hot Air Balloons. helpful hint: Foliage peaks in the highest elevations first. For the best color earlier on, consider treks and drives that take you above 5,000 feet.

packing picks:

capture the colors in style: Nikon Coolpix S630

$279.95 • nikonusa.com

more information: sourwoodinn.com, 828.255.0690.

lexington,virginia  where to stay: Right on the slopes of House Mountain just west of Lexington, House Mountain Inn sits on 1,000 private acres, offering a rustic yet elegant setting for a romantic weekend. Their cabin, which sleeps up to 12 people, is the perfect choice for families or a girlfriends’ getaway. standouts: Great value (check out what comes with their room rates), and more than 15 miles of private trails for horseback riding, hiking and biking. rates: $208-$365 per night includes breakfast, afternoon wine and cheese, and a three-course dinner. more information: housemountaininn.com, 540.464.4004. what to do: Take a drive through Goshen Pass, a gorgeous gorge formed by the Maury River.

layering is key: Essential Jacket from LOLE. $100 • lolewomen.com

House Mountain Inn There are plenty of places where you can pull off and park to explore the rocky terrain. Walk the streets of historic downtown Lexington. Stop in the Visitors Center for a free, self-guided walking tour map. Less than 40 miles away, the Fall Foliage Bike Festival held in Staunton, Virginia, October 16-18, offers options for all levels from 12 -100 miles. helpful hint: For the most up-to-date info, call Shenandoah Valley’s Fall Foliage Hotline: 800.434. LEAF.

from trails to town: To-Go Bag by Haiku

$74 • haikubags.com fall 2009

family

planning 101

If you are reading this article, it means that back-to-school season is in full swing and hopefully you and your family are off to a great start for the year ahead. However, it’s entirely possible that no matter how great a start you’ve had, your anxiety levels are rising by the day as that wonderful new calendar you grabbed at Target is quickly filling up with activities, test dates and deadlines that seem to outwit your latest efforts to color code your life. If this sounds like you, then take a few minutes to brush up your study skills and tackle your schedule with our ABCs of Over-Scheduling.

Ask yourself the hard questions when giving away time, beginning with, “What is our priority?” While dinner with the neighbors Saturday might sound like fun on Tuesday, if your family is on-the-go during the week, you are giving up precious time together at home when you accept that invitation without asking anyone else. So run invitations past the group to make sure that everyone agrees the event is in keeping with your family priorities. The next question is, “How does it affect everyone else?” When you manage a family schedule, you have to consider how each family member’s activities impact the others before you commit anyone’s time. Stick to your values on how much is too much and know that each family member may handle a full schedule differently—then tailor their interests accordingly. And the final question is, “Can I say ‘no’?” The problem with this question is how often we might answer “no” to saying no when we really need to say, “Yes, I can say ‘no.’ ” Why? Because it’s your life and it doesn’t matter what others may think about your willingness to volunteer, ability to accommodate evening meetings or general interest in a cause. Your family comes first and in order for your time commitments to reflect that choice, you have to increase your ability to say “no” more often. 16

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SU WEDNESDAY

the ABCs of over-scheduling By Molly Gold

AY D N B

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Be mindful of your time. Easy enough to say but so very hard to do! The best way to watch the clock is with your calendar and watch in hand. If you do nothing else, use a calendar tool, electronic or paper, that enables you to track all family members’ schedules at the same time. This one capability immediately expands your perspective on how challenging the logistics may be on any given day and naturally offers you red flags for when you need to lighten the load or knock something off the list for good. Take this calendar to the next level by offering it for all to see, again electronic or paper, making sure that it’s clear whose job it is to update the family calendar versus whose job it is to read and follow it.

Count your blessings! With the hectic pace of the school year upon you, it’s easy to forget how many neat experiences are sure to unfold. Take the lead with a positive attitude that remains flexible in the face of yet another Plan B, and remember that your children are taking their cues from you. Make a Blessings Basket and have everyone take time just once a day to add a note about what they are grateful for. When the pace gets too much, sit everyone down and read through what you have gathered. You’ll be amazed at the impact it has on each family member, and again be reminded of how blessed you are to be on this journey of motherhood with all its trappings. Molly Gold is a family time management and home organization expert and the founder of GO MOM! Inc. Visit her website, gomominc.com for more information on her newest service, the GO MOM! Time Management Boot Camp series.

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AVAILABLE AT:

GreatOutdoorProvision.com

Earth-friendly, inspiration for “re”designing your digs. BY ALEIGH ACERNI

Whether your home is big or small, you need a place to sit, eat, sleep and play—and storage for your stuff. But finding home décor that reflects your personal style can be a challenge, especially if you’re dedicated to creating a healthy home (and contributing to a healthy planet). We’re here to help with a roundup of lovely, earth-friendly options to help keep your home sweet home just that.

bath

dining This “River Runs Through It” dining table, $1,799, is a definite statement piece. It’s made of reclaimed hardwoods likely pulled from former barns, schoolhouses or other sources, and includes reclaimed Brazilian peroba rosa wood that makes up the central butcher-block application. Where we found it: BedDown’s large gallery in Midtown Atlanta’s Amsterdam Walk features soaring ceilings, exposed brick walls and lovely room vignettes (just don’t try to nap in one of their gorgeously made-up beds). BedDown 500 Amsterdam Avenue, Suite R Atlanta, GA 30306 404.872.3696 beddown.com

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The “Cheshire” bathtub by Victoria & Albert, $2,258, is made of a blend of more than 50 percent naturally-occurring volcanic limestone. With special insulating properties, the bathtub is more energy efficient than its cast iron or acrylic counterparts (it keeps your hot bath hot for a good, long soak), and is shipped in recycled, post-consumer cardboard on pallets made of reclaimed wood. Where we found it: Steakley Plumbing & Showroom has a staff of master plumbers. They offer remodeling services and a huge showroom on the corner of I-65 and Harding Place in Nashville. Steakley Plumbing & Showroom 4281 Sidco Drive Nashville, TN 37204 615.333.3030 steakleyplumbing.com

lighting Handmade by Costa Rican artist Hennig Dyes of renewably farmed pine from plantations in the Costa Rican highlands, the Plantation Pine Globe Lamp, $98, casts a warm glow when lit. The artist, a third-generation Costa Rican of German descent, is in his 70s, and has been crafting for more than 20 years. Where we found it: Bluehouse, a 4,000-square-foot, eco-friendly home furnishing store in the Baltimore area, offers furniture, accessories, housewares, gifts, mattresses and bedding, linens, and other necessities for modern living. BlueHouse 872 Kenilworth Drive Towson, MD 21204 877.276.1180 bluehouselife.com

living A mod freestanding fireplace, the EcoSmart Cyl, $1,990, is part of EcoSmart Fire's new Outdoor Range series. It's fully portable and fueled by denatured ethanol, an environmentally friendly, renewable energy. A stunning piece that can be used both indoors and outdoors, its buyers qualify for up to 30 percent of the purchase price in federal tax credits because of its energy efficient properties. Where we found it: Convenient to Asheville, Hendersonville and Brevard, Biltmore Hearth & Home is the only store in the Carolinas that carries the EcoSmart Fire product line. In addition to fireplaces, they feature grills, gas stoves and fireplace accessories. biltmore hearth + home inc 6724 boylston hwy mills river, NC 28759 828.891.5200 ashevillefireplaceandstove.com

walls Printed with water-based, nontoxic inks on paper from sustainable forests, this Eco Chic wallpaper by Wallquest, $56 to $62 per single roll, is mold- and mildewfree because of the company’s manufacturing process, which allows the paper to “breathe.” Where we found it: A flooring store just north of Charlotte, North Carolina, Burgess Supply Company, Inc. also features extras like wallcoverings, rugs, window treatments, art and accessories— and they offer installation. BURGESS SUPPLY COMPANY, INC. 15435 HIGHWAY 73 HUNTERSVILLE, NC 28078 704.875.1338 BURGESSSUPPLY.com

seating Beautiful indoors or out, the organically shaped Vegetal chair, $555, comes in six earthy colors and is made of steel and polyamide, a thermoplastic synthetic material that’s 100 percent recyclable. The original inspiration for the chair came from historical gardens of the 20th century, where young trees grew into furniture-like structures through continual care and deliberate pruning. Where we found it: Apartment Zero, a Washington, DC-based store that’s now exclusively online, features innovative home furnishings and accessories. Owners Christopher and Douglas encourage young artists who have the vision to create products of the future today. Apartment Zero apartmentzero.com

Aleigh Acerni is a Charlotte, NC-based writer and editor who has written about everything from gardening to youth hostels to women’s issues. Her first book, Justice at Guantanamo: One Woman’s Odyssey and Her Crusade for Human Rights, co-authored with Kristine Huskey, will be published this year by Globe Pequot Press. Find her on the web at aleighacerni.com. fall 2009

breatheability

q&a: Teri Kent

Read Teri’s full interview online at readbreathe.com

Founder of Better World Betty By Lindsey Grossman

Teri Kent talks to us about Better World Betty, an online tool she created to make it easy—and fun—for residents of Charlottesville, Virginia, to add a healthy dose of eco-friendliness to their daily grind.

So, what’s the story behind Betty? I have a button that was on a pair of jeans I bought in college, which has a fifties-era housewife on the phone, and it says “Betty.” I’m a keeper, so I’ve had it all these years. And I was reading The Better World Handbook, a book about how to align your day-to-day actions with your concern for the environment. A friend of mine was complaining about all her piles and the fact she didn’t know where to take the household batteries she collected. The idea for Better World Betty came to me and I called her, “I can be your Better World Betty—ask me where to recycle and donate and I’ll find the local answer!” The concept grew from there. I love the idea of Betty cooking up ways to take care of the Earth, our collective kitchen, which needs tender loving care now more than ever. Does Better World Betty go beyond the website? Yes! I have a radio show with a local guy who has been in the recycling business for years, called the Bruce and Betty show. And I have a monthly column in C-ville Weekly's Abode. Both of these share helpful ways to reduce consumption and live more earth-consciously. Also, last year we held two events: Bread for a Better World and Betty’s Summer Picnic with trash bowling, a litter cleanup, local foods and the band Trees on Fire. I also do a free online newsletter once a month. Do you see Betty growing beyond Charlottesville? My mom loves telling the story of Betty and people always say, “My city needs a Betty!” My big vision is for Betty to be a resource in cities all across the nation. Can you share a favorite green tip? Consider a product’s life cycle when making purchases. Is this sustainable? Is it recyclable? Do I really need it? Avoid the one-use items like disposable plastic. What are your most loved links? I love to get re-inspired by New American Dream (newdream.org) or infuse a little eco-humor into my life with grist.org. What gets you going in the morning? Breathing actually. I love to begin with meditation unless my exuberant boys come climbing into bed before I get a chance! At the very least I try to set an intention for the day. 20

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When she's not being Betty, Teri enjoys the outdoors with her boys. How do you unwind at the end of the day? Unwind? My head hits the pillow and I’m out! Which eco-friendly products do you like these days? If I have the time, I like to make green cleaning concoctions from baking soda, lemon juice and vinegar, for example, instead of buying them. I like the vision behind Seventh Generation. I also have a lot of respect for Bill McKibben and what he created with Stonyfield Farm and their partnership with Preserve, which has a great line of personal care products and storage items made from the recycled yogurt containers. What do you like to do when you’re not making the world a better place? I love dancing Nia and being quiet out in nature with my boys. Are you working on any new projects? We are currently working on an advocacy and local action campaign called Be Your Own Betty. BYOB will include a website “makeover”—a more user-directed and informative experience, and the creation of a user profile to track action, as well as a green action wallet card and downloadable letters to businesses urging green action. Betty’s cooking up more ways to make it easier for you to take action! What’s your best advice for women on being their own Betty? Becoming your own Betty means doing one thing today that you didn’t do yesterday to be more sustainable, more earth-friendly. Just one thing. You decide what that is with Betty’s help. Then honor and celebrate those steps! Find out more at betterworldbetty.org.

Christa Albano

Have you always been passionate about the environment? I’m pretty passionate about a lot of things. When I taught middle school English, I managed to squeeze in my concern for the environment—I still have a button one of my students made which says, “Don’t pollute.” And I love the outdoors, growing up in the mountains and deserts of Utah. The pristine areas of the West are in constant need of protection from drilling, development and other forms of encroachment. It wasn’t until "An Inconvenient Truth" and reading article after article about climate change that I really decided to take my personal concern to the next level—out into the community.

The

Sustainable Fashionista

BY JAYME OT TO

Eco-friendly clothing companies, social responsibility, organic cotton, natural fabrics, vegan shoes: it would appear the fashion world has stepped up onto the environmental bandwagon. But what does it really mean to green your wardrobe? Conscious consumerism has gone mainstream: Wal-Mart is now the world’s largest buyer of organic cotton. The sales of organic fibers and personal care products in the U.S. grew by an astounding 39.4 percent in 2008, according to the Organic Trade Association. We’re talking a $1.6 billion industry, and that’s something to feel good about. Speaking of feeling good, I can hardly keep my hands off the fabric as I browse through the racks at prAna. Soft and sumptuous, organic cotton slides through my hands like the Indian summer breeze outside. I can hardly wait to shroud myself in the muted earth tones of prAna’s fall line. I head into the dressing room with a heap of threads, the majority made from organic cotton or recycled fiber. Non-sustainable is clearly no longer in fashion. This is good news for the environment, which until very recently was on track to become the world’s worst fashion victim. The textile industry is one of the most polluting in the world. The EPA considers most textile manufacturing facilities to be hazardous waste generators. Farmers use a mind-boggling array of toxic chemicals to grow plants used to make textiles. According to The Ecologist, endosulfan (an insecticide) has been linked to several thousand deaths of cotton farmers and their families. And a single drop of aldicarb (a pesticide used on cotton in 26 countries) absorbed on the skin can kill an adult. Even fibers that are not grown, like polyester, create chemical load. Man-made textiles emit volatile organic compounds, particulates and acid gases, all of which cause respiratory disease. Suddenly, the phrase "dressed to kill" takes on a whole new meaning. Not only is the textile industry toxic, it’s inefficient. Most cotton produced in the U.S. gets shipped to China and other bastions of cheap labor. After the material is made into clothes, it’s shipped back to the U.S. and into your neighborhood mall. And while American shoppers have long snubbed sweatshops, labor conditions aside, that’s a long way for one t-shirt to travel. And we’re not talking one, but rather one billion garments. In her book, The Travels of a T-Shirt in the Global Economy, Pietra Rivoli, a professor of international business at Georgetown University, notes that each year Americans purchase about one billion garments made in China. That’s the equivalent of four pieces of clothing for every U.S. citizen. At prAna, I settle on an organic cotton tie-dyed fall 2009

tank top and cargo knickers, although I honestly want everything I try on. I feel intoxicated by the experience of shopping with a purpose, as if I can save the world with my prAna purchases. The couple in front of me at the register has the same vibe. I watch them dance out with more than a half-dozen bags between the two of them. I can’t help but wonder how much that must have cost them. After I label them trustafarians, with only the teeniest hint of jealousy, I start to think: have we somehow missed the point? How many pairs of cargo knickers does one gal need? There are three pairs in my closet. I’m not divulging how many pairs of jeans are in there, because it’s borderline outrageous. Fashion magazines, the celebrity lifestyle and keeping up with the Joneses all fuel our desire for new “musthaves” for each season. Advertising encourages us to ditch our duds that have fallen out of fashion. Even high-end couture can be purchased at prices that make disposal painless. But the disposal is not painless for the environment. According to the EPA Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery, Americans throw away more than 68 pounds of clothing per person per year. Clothing and other textiles represent about four percent of the municipal solid waste, and that number is rising. Clothes are now the fastest growing stream in household waste, with landfills literally bursting at the seams with MC Hammer pants, stonewashed jeans and neon sweatshirts. Even if you donate your old clothes, as I do to my local Humane Society’s thrift store, only about onefifth of the clothing donated to charities is directly used or sold in their thrift shops. According to Rivoli, “There are nowhere near enough people in America to absorb the mountains of castoffs, even if they were given away.” It’s possible that we’ve been so concerned with the eco-quality of our clothes that we’ve failed to consider the impact of quantity. Ironically, it was after shopping at prAna that I realized greening your wardrobe isn’t just about buying organic and locally made. It’s not enough. Sustainability means altering our consumption habits. It’s simple, really: buy less. And when you buy, start with your town’s trendiest thrift store, where someone else’s wasteful discard gets a second chance. Remember those heritage quilts Grandma used to make out of family garments… a piece 22

readbreathe.com

Footprint of a T-shirt The carbon footprint of a t-shirt depends largely on who’s making it. Here, we offer a test case from Patagonia, a company who uses organic cotton exclusively. T-SHIRT LIFECYCLE STEP 1: The t-shirt is designed at Patagonia in Ventura, California. STEP 2: Organic cotton is grown and harvested in the Izmir region of Turkey. More than 90 percent of Turkey’s cotton crop is hand-picked and labor costs comprise 30 percent of seed cotton’s sale price. STEP 3: Organic cotton travels to Los Angeles, California, where it’s knit by NatureUSA. STEP 4: Fabric is sent to Swisstex, Inc., also in Los Angeles, where it’s dyed and pre-shrunk. Swisstex, like most dye houses, uses oil-based dyes. Plant-based dyes are difficult to harvest in sufficient quantities for commercial use and require the use of toxic chemicals to make them colorfast, negating their positive environmental impact. STEP 5: Fabric is sent back to NatureUSA for cutting and sewing. STEP 6: T-shirt is sent to southern California for printing. Patagonia uses a number of printers there. Only waterbased inks are used, which don’t continue to emit gases after production. STEP 7: The finished tee is sent to Patagonia’s North American distribution center in Reno, Nevada, for quality check. The center won LEED certification for environmentally sensitive construction. From here, the shirts are picked and packed and sent by truck to their retail destinations. FOOTPRINT ANALYSES DISTANCE TRAVELED: Each t-shirt travels a total distance of 7,840 miles, from origin as raw material in Turkey through garment delivery to the Reno Distribution Center. ENERGY CONSUMPTION: Approximately 17 megajoules (4.7 kWh) of energy is consumed by the t-shirt’s manufacturing and transportation from origin as fiber in California through garment delivery to the Reno Distribution Center. CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS: Total CO2 emissions generated by the t-shirt’s production, from origin as fiber in California through garment delivery to the Reno Distribution Center, is approximately 3.5 pounds. The amount of CO2 is nearly eight times the weight of t-shirt. WASTE GENERATED: Waste generated per t-shirt is six ounces, from origin as fiber in California through final sewing. The amount of waste generated is nearly equal the weight of one t-shirt. Source: Patagonia Footprint Chronicles (www.patagonia.com)

Top Five Ways to Green Your Wardrobe 1. When you’re jonesing for new clothes,

think sustainable—hit the thrift shop or plan a clothing swap party. 2. Get a clothesline. Changing laundry

habits is one of the simplest ways to cut your clothing footprint. Wash no higher than 85 degrees F, don’t tumble dry and limit ironing. 3. Organic cotton is always an

improvement over conventional. It’s better for people and better for the environment. 4. Shop locally made—it’s a huge

savings of transportation resources to purchase clothing items made in the USA. 5. Help keep clothes out of landfills by

donating them or handing them down (works great for baby and children’s clothes). Some companies offer clothing recycle programs, such as Patagonia’s Common Threads Recycling Program.

from your old blanky, the sleeve from Johnny’s first baseball jersey, a swatch of lace from Mom’s wedding dress? The modern, hipster version involves creating your own boutique-style clothing from used garments. Craft stores abound with books on how to fashion skirts out of t-shirts, and things you never dreamed of doing with denim. Wearable art is in. Grab a pair of used cowboy boots from the thrift store, dye them turquoise. Get down with your sewing self by turning your old jeans into a skirt. Add a swatch of lace from Mom’s wedding dress and kick it vintage. To indulge your inner diva, try a fun solution that’s cropping up in some of America’s savvy urban centers—clothing swaps. Gather a half-dozen friends with similar tastes and sizes. Everyone brings a bottle of wine and two or three spectacular clothing items that they’re ready to part with. Spend the evening modeling each other’s pieces, bantering over who looks best in what and even engaging in some spirited bartering. It’s shopping the way it was meant to be—sociable and energizing. Sometimes the best solutions are not for sale in any store. • Jayme Otto lives and writes in the playground known as Boulder, Colorado. More at JaymeOtto.com

Living the HybridLife

™

play

Holly teaches her children the value of our public lands by regularly playing at the Carl Sandburg National Historic Site.

create

Sabrina creates an awarness for recycling by speaking at public gatherings on the importance of reducing, reusing and recycling.

care

Mary Jane wants every animal to have a loving home. She supports Sarge’s Animal Rescue because these pets deserve a second chance to become wonderful friends.

KEEN believes in living the HybridLife™, in balancing what’s important and being a part of a greater community. At the Mast Store, our employees lead the HybridLife™ each day— creating, playing, and caring in our communities and helping others to ﬁnd their way.

Valle Crucis • Boone • Waynesville • Asheville • Hendersonville, NC Greenville, SC • Knoxville, TN • www.MastGeneralStore.com • 1- 866 -FOR- MAST

fall 2009

Fall is Fabulous! giveaway

One winner will receive a getaway to the

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and the following clothing & gear package from Columbia Sportswear Co:

Mountain Minx Long Sleeve Top

Snowed In Beanie

Mountain Tech Long Sleeve Shirt Sierra Flurry 2 Boot

Quilt-Essentials Full Zip

Whirlibird Pack Silver Ridge Pant

Wintertrainer II Glove

Enter to win at READBREATHE.COM

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Let your hair down.

If you’re ready to hit the trail, then head to the Roanoke Valley. You’ll find hundreds of miles of trails and greenways for hiking, running, biking or just plain meandering. The best part is that at the end of the day

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you can rest your weary legs or kick up your heels in one of the Blue Ridge Mountains most charming places. You’ll have no trouble refueling your body and spirit in the Roanoke Valley where we have more restaurants per capita than any other place in Virginia.

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Green-ish Mama BY R ACHELLE SORENSEN-COX

I had a baby last year, and along with the pressure to bounce back into my skinny jeans by six weeks and teach my infant sign language by six months was the added pressure to do it all without creating a carbon footprint for my new little bundle of joy.

I am not ashamed to admit that I am a regular at the bulk discount warehouse where I purchase Pampers by the truckload. I always recycle the box. And I hereby promise to plant a tree (or send a donation to Quality Forward) on my daughter’s birthday to make up for the mass of mess I’m adding to the landfill in the form of disposable nappies.

reduce

healthy

I try to walk the green line. I do my part in the ways I can to save the readbreathe.com

“I do my part in the ways I can to save the environment, but I first have to save my sanity.”

reuse

I guess it goes without saying, but they never really tell you that the care and feeding of a small human being who cannot talk to you is no easy task. Now we are charged with doing it “simple” renewable and “green” and “organic.” Well folks, I’m conserve here to tell ya, simple it is not. And the best I can tell, “organic” seems to translate most closely to “expensive.” This single mom can only stretch a greenback so far.

I’m pretty green when it comes to feeding my daughter. Thanks to my Utah Mormon farm-bred background, eating green comes easy to me. I am proud to say that I’m mother to a toddler who eats her vegetables. I love to introduce Soren to healthy food. I know the greatest gift I can give her is the appreciation of good, healthy food to fuel her body. I appreciate how easy it is to teach her that food

ecochic

earthfriendly

safe

quality

comes from the earth. Although I don’t have time to tend a garden, I am blessed with neighbors who gladly share their bounty. Asheville’s tailgate markets rock—I buy us vegetables and honey and eggs from City Market on Saturdays.

preserve

reclaimed

My path to Motherhood was paved with good intentions, before the stork (or FedEx truck in my case) paid me a visit. I had my cloth diapers folded and my pins in a pile, ready to go. But when I encountered my first major diaper disaster (it went through her onesie and a blanket), I knew I was out of my league. And I was so out of my league those first few months of Motherhood that I had to pick my battles. I decided then and there to let the other mamas handle the cloth.

recycle

I am just not that cool. I mean I’m pretty cool, but not that cool.

sustainable

I am green with envy at the hip, hippie moms who can change cloth diapers on-the-go with grace and ease. Those women who so effortlessly stuff those hunks of contaminated cloth into their North Face diaper bags and move on to the next item on the list of never ending things to do.

environment

It turns out that today, pink plus blue must equal green if you’re anybody who’s anybody. Be a green mama. I almost always have something green smeared on my pants or shirt or face—does that count?

environment, but I first have to save my sanity. I’m not sure I can consider myself green because my methods for surviving Motherhood could sometimes be considered counter-productive. I guess you could say that I live a semi-green alternative lifestyle. It’s more like a citrine or yellow-green. Green-ish.

But alas, on any given weekday in any given week, this mama can be spotted looking for a not-so-green snack under the golden arches or Wendy’s beautiful red locks. It is obnoxiously not green to admit that I love fast food. And I have already passed that love onto my daughter when I crossed the line and allowed my little crumb snatcher to gobble some of my chicken selects with her “mama milk.”

It is hard to both get it “to-go” and go green, but here again, I apply my “dilute your poisons” rule of living the green life. I buy the medium soda in the recyclable paper cup as opposed to the large (which is what I really want) because it is served in Styrofoam. Come on, at least I don’t throw the waste out the window like we did in the ‘70s. I remember my mom tossing drink cup after napkin out the window of our Buick station wagon. And today Soren sways along while I chant, “reduce, reuse, recycle.” Maybe that’s as green as I need to get—just a shade more citrine than the generation before me. • Rachelle Sorensen-Cox is a single mom, an aspiring tennis star and wannabe superhero. A native of Utah, she lives in Asheville, North Carolina, with her daughter.

What's Your

Travel Style? BY KRISTIN LUNA

Red wine or white? Running or cycling? Brad Pitt or George Clooney? Toe-may-toe, toe-mah-toe? Just like everything else in life, travel is all about choices. One vacationer may prefer powder white beaches and aquamarine waters, with the idea of a cabana boy serving bottomless daiquiris no longer a mere daydream. Another may think it just doesn’t get any better than spending an entire afternoon in the sculpture wing of the Museum of Modern Art. Like shoes and handbags, travelers come in all colors, shapes and sizes. Not sure which category you fall under? Here’s our diagnosis of five common travel archetypes and what—or where—we recommend to heal each ailment.

The Jetsetter Symptoms: Likes to be in the know; a socialite; travels with the glitterati. The jetsetter often gets the reputation of erring on the snobby side. Maybe this has some truth behind it, or maybe she’s just so invested in being the first to pinpoint the Next Big Thing that she comes off as aloof. Yachting in St. Barths? So 2005. Instead, you’ll find the jetsetter doing what her name implies— setting the next trend—whether sunning on Corn Island, Nicaragua, or testing out the Four Seasons’ spa in Exuma. Sure, she likes a bit of luxury, but don’t we all from time to time? Cure: If grandeur is the question, Florida is the answer. While Palm Beach is the obvious choice for glamming it up, in the north, Amelia Island (connected to the mainland by highway) offers a five-star experience without all the pomp and circumstance. For a hipper scene, head to the bottom of the state, where a host of new Miami boutique hotels like the Setai or Mondrian offset the older grand dames along Collins Avenue like the Raleigh or Delano to make for one cosmopolitan getaway. Ever since New Orleans started to bounce back post-Katrina, it, too, has drawn the affluent—not just for its

annual Jazz Fest in April, but for its fusion of first-rate hotels and restaurants and a refined culture you won’t find elsewhere in the South. Want even more far-flung? Try Bermuda. This island’s proximity to the East Coast and low-key vibe has made it a favorite warm-weather locale when a Caribbean jaunt just isn’t in the cards.

The Foodie Symptoms: The foodie’s first thought isn’t, “Where’s the closest museum/park/bar?” but rather, “Point me in the direction of the latest Michelin star-winning restaurant!” To her, food isn’t sustenance, but an experience worthy of all her time, research and funds. Not one to crave plain Jane seafood, the foodie requires something much more complex, like seared foie gras to start, followed by a coconutcrusted halibut with baby asparagus and whipped rosemary potatoes, and topped off with a pink peppercorn meringue accompanied by strawberry ice cream and pistachios. Cure: A pair of Southern sister cities is just what the doctor ordered. Savannah, Georgia, may not be the obvious choice, but food personality Paula Deen propelled this charming town to national recognition with a handful of wellreceived, Savannah-focused TV shows and cookbooks. (In fact, Old Savannah Tours even offers a special Paula route with visits to her popular restaurants, The Lady and Sons and Uncle Bubba’s Oyster House.) Just two hours up the coast, Charleston, South Carolina—home of Johnson & Wales University until 2004—has long been enjoying world-class chef graduates from the culinary institution occupying its dining spaces. Hominy Grill is particularly tasty for brunch, with its comfort food and Southern hospitality. Peninsula Grill has often been named one of the top restaurants in America by food magazines, and its famous Ultimate Coconut Cake is so decadent one Charleston resident said it makes her want to cry. On the luxe side, opt for Woodlands, the area’s only Five Diamond inn and restaurant, or Circa 1886, nestled in the gardens of the sumptuous Wentworth Mansion. fall 2009

The Flashpacker Symptoms: A flashpacker can best be summed up in four words: backpacker with expendable income. Unlike jetsetters, flashpackers often prefer more off-the-beatenpath locations. Nevertheless, a flashpacker doesn’t totally scrimp—not on technology (you’ll find her fully kitted out with an iPod, DSLR, video camera, the works), nor on accommodation (given the choice between camping and a three-star hotel, the flashpacker will opt for the latter). While she’s not one to frequent the W, you won’t find her living it up in a tent either. Cure: Off the coast of Georgia, Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island are situated along the Intracoastal Waterway, offering easy access to the mainland. With an abundance of outdoors activities, like boating, fishing, cycling, golf and the like, set against a stunning natural landscape, the Georgia Golden Isles sure beat nearby Hilton Head. In North Carolina, consider a rustic retreat with sweeping views in a beachside cottage along the enchantingly rugged Outer Banks. More mainstream flashpackers will undoubtedly dig Nashville, Tennessee, and Austin, Texas, two similar cities that offer more bang for your buck (the flashpacker isn’t wealthy by definition, after all) paired with a vibrant culture and music scene.

The Thrill Seeker Symptoms: Museum-hopping and devouring local culinary delights simply don’t do it for this adventurous gal. She prefers activities that get her heart a racing and challenge both her mental and physical beings, whether jumping out of a plane at 10,000 feet or running her first marathon. Cure: It may sound childlike, but Orlando— best known for the presence of Disney’s many amusement parks—is no longer just for the kiddies. With the addition of Islands of Adventure—a Universal Studios product with more action and high-speed rollercoasters than its predecessor— and a revamped downtown nightlife scene (check out popular dueling 30

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piano bar, Howl at the Moon), Orlando now offers adults an adrenaline-inducing vacation, both before and after the sun goes down. On a smaller, more affordable scale—or for those who have suffered from recurring nightmares of a smiley oversized mouse since childhood—Pigeon Forge and its neighbor Gatlinburg in Tennessee offer cheap thrills (quite literally). With a ski resort and amusement park atop Ober Gatlinburg, Dolly Parton’s eponymous theme park Dollywood, countless (and, dare we say, cheesy) musical dinner theaters, and—here’s a new one for you—zorbing, an extreme sport where you roll down a grassy bank in a giant enclosed transparent ball, this Smoky Mountain-side enclave won’t disappoint.

The Nature Lover Symptoms: Who needs a toilet when you’ve got a leaf and a nice patch of dirt instead? The nature lover is, as her name suggests, more interested in becoming one with the Great Outdoors than she is logging time in the Big City. She’s quite possibly the most easygoing of all travelers: Give her a tent, sleeping bag and plot of land under the stars, and she couldn’t feel more at home. Cure: The most extreme of Mother Nature’s posse will take a crack at hiking the Appalachian Trail, which snakes its way 2,178 miles from Georgia all the way up to Maine. But for those who don’t have three months to spare, it really doesn’t get much grander than a weekend away in the achingly beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Want something more off the radar? Book a campsite at the Land Between the Lakes in southern Kentucky, straddling the Tennessee border, or New River Gorge, a park encompassing more than 70,000 acres of land along West Virginia’s New River. • Kristin Luna is a San Francisco-based writer and is a mix of all of the travel types listed above (though thrill-seeker suits her best). She writes the blog camelsandchocolate.com about her journeys and has contributed to Newsweek, Forbes Traveler, Islands, the San Francisco Chronicle, Glamour, InStyle, People and others.

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