Urban Polar Explorers League

Finally. We got some snow. Boy did we get some snow. Which Drew and I couldn't be happier about because we both love the snow and the activities it brings. Our new favorite is that of snowshoeing. So for those of you interested in polar exploration, here is a little info on the gear I use and love when I set off on a snow adventure. First up the base-ics.

Wearing: C9 by Champion Compression Top and C9 by Champion Compression Tights

If you're going to be outdoors in the winter a good base layer is a must. Drew prefers wool base layers I'm a fan of  polypro because it is 1.) Cheaper and 2.) not itchy and I think dries quicker. To each is own though, just invest in a base layer. These actually serve double duty as this is my cold weather running gear. If I get more serious about winter camping and such, I'll invest in different base layers, but for now this works. And don't forget your socks! Liner socks are a must and don't they look hot?

Next up some mid layers, and word to the wise if you've got great base layers that keep you dry and toasty you DO NOT need a mid layer when it's 30+ degrees. If we had actually been out on the trails I might have been in trouble as I was overheating and when I took my down coat off, my fleece got wet and then I got cold which is NOT good. Learn from my mistakes here. 

Wearing: Columbia Omni-Heat half zip (SUPER warm)

This isn't mine exactly but it's basically the same thing

Also in that picture are my snow pants which aren't really a mid layer but an outer. Don't ask why I only wore a mid layer on top. (Dumb) Also I love my snow pants. They're from Patagonia and are da bomb. 

Next up on the super important list is making sure your feet stay dry and warm. Nothing puts a damper on your polar exploration like cold wet and turning frostbitten feet. So you saw the hotness that is the poly blend liners and on top of those I wear my Smart Wool socks. 

You don't have to buy Smart Wool specifically, but definitely invest in some good quality wool socks. My friend Mountain Man Mike likes Darn Tough socks, if you're looking to compare another brand. Sock situation settled you need BOOTS.

Like legit boots, not Uggs. (barf) Mine are Columbia and I heart them. They're warm and comfortable and most importantly water proof. Well warm and comfortable are important too. 

Last but certainly not least, are the accessories. 

Yes two sets of gloves. Kind of like two sets of socks. The black ones on the left are gloves that I use for winter running. They are moisture wicking and makes for a great base layer glove. The silver gloves on the right are my outer water proof gloves by Columbia (surprise) and under neath is my favorite pink fleece hat by Columbia (surprise again) This leads us to our final piece of polar exploration gear which is...the coat.

This photo is from last year. Sorry. But you get the drift. That is my beloved pink down coat by you guessed it...Columbia. And Mike thought I was obsessed with The North Face. Anyways this coat is amazing it's very light weight but very warm, which made my mid layer stupid and unnecessary and made me very very hot. If you have an awesome down coat and a great base layer that is all you need if it's at freezing or just slightly below. Trust. Also that coat is from the kids section. Don't hate, kids can go polar exploring too. 

So there you have it, my long and Columbia filled Urban Polar Exploration gear guide. Anyone else out there snowshoe or do any winter hiking? What gear do you love?

Cheers,

Marisa

It's November!

And I saw my first snowflakes on my run on Sunday! Unfortunately then I stepped on a used condom.....Guess you gotta take the good with the bad eh? You know what else November is bringing?????

(November 19th!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

I cannot wait! Last year we saw it in the IMAX so I plan on doing it again. It was amazing! Probably should re-read the book...again...for like the 17th time.

Anyway enough about Harry Potter awesomeness, this weekend was FINALLY low key for me. Went out for dinner and drinks with my co-worker and some of his friends Friday and Saturday I stayed in and watched my fav movie Amelie. Mostly because I was tired and Crabby with a capital C. The crazies are out in droves my friends. Beware of the mall. Less than two weeks till Black Friday...anyone braving the mobs? I will be closing at Bath and Body Works and I am preparing myself for the madness. Normally I invite people to come visit me however, I won't be offended if you don't.

On a random tangent has anyone ever tried a juice fast? I'm curious I've never tried it before and honestly I haven't really done a whole lot of research, does it really do anything? I'll take any tips pointers, etc.

Hope everyone had a great Monday!

Marisa

HOLY SNOW!

Well winter has officially arrived in Des Moines in the form of a blizzard and over a foot of snow.

(Guess who isn't going to work today????)

Don't know why that picture turned out all weird. I'm blaming it on the hurricane like winds and swirling snow that feels like a million little snowflakes are punching you in the face....and laughing. But at least we get a quality day at home staying warm and playing video games and what not. Poor little Dexty isn't digging the snow so much. It's deeper than he is tall. Poor guy. I wish I had an art project or something crafty to do today. If anyone has any ideas I'd appreciate. Oh and here is a picture of our Christmas decorations:

(I just realized that mirror is not centered with the table...booo)

On the subject of Christmas, I watched my favorite Christmas movie of all time last night and this morning.... (I didn't cry though this morning) MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL! I love that movie so much. I sing the songs from it when I need to feel the spirit of Christmas throughout the year. Not gonna lie I may watch it again tonight. Well on that note before I start watching it now I better get to being productive. Still need to shovel.....booooooooooo. Stay warm!