Goal #46: Go apple picking

Why apple picking, you ask? Firstly, do you see this photo here? This view is exactly what I was hoping to experience when completing this goal.. isn't it so pretty? Ya, I know *dust ya shoulda off*

This list is all about doing things you maybe wouldn't normally think of, wouldn't normally take the opportunity or time to complete, things that open your eyes to the world around you. Apple picking is probably the perfect example of all of that put together. Living in Orange County, I remember seeing groves of orange trees and large strawberry fields in my community. I used to think how cool it would be to pick my own fruit (I obviously wasn't interested in growing anything, just picking the end results!). So when a friend told me she was going, I thought, Oh! Why not? And that's how it ended up on this list, and now on this blog as happily completed.

What made goal even more fun to complete, was the friend I had there to complete it with! Let me introduce you to Amanda....

Amanda is my coworker at my latest, and absolutely greatest job (will share in a separate post soon). She's a super fun and energetic person that I freakin' love! I couldn't be more blessed to know her and continue to get to know her every week. And, you will all be happy to hear that she's going to be starting a DZP list! It should be no surprise, it's kind of contagious.

So everyone, this is Amanda, say hi and be nice. I have a feeling you'll be seeing a lot of her...

Goal #89: Pay for someone in the drive through behind me

Photo credits: Alex took the fabulous drive through photo, I snapped the photo of the receipt, and Madalyn used her mad-design-skillz and made it look amazing. And for all of you photo police out there, I did make sure I had full and complete permission from MMW to use her fabulous photo documentation, she obviously approved.

This fabulous goal was completed quite a bit ago. Half of me wants to kick my own ass for being a slacker at documenting these awesome adventures. But the other half loves reminiscing about how the adventure came to fruition.

This was yet another goal that Madalyn and I both shared on our lists, and one Sunday morning as we set off for a different DZP adventure with Alex, we all decided Starby's was a must-do before said-adventure could begin. Next came the decision as to which location to go to. And that's when it happened... LET'S GO TO THE DRIVE-THRU AND CROSS THIS OFF OUR LISTS TOO, TOO! Boom! Voila! Bazinga! and whatever bam-boom-voila-word you prefer!

So, very excitedly we ordered our drinks... went to the window and in the cheeriest voices prompted the cashier that we'd like to pay for the person behind us. Without hesitation he ran our cards, handed us our receipt and as we slowly exited the lane, our entire car was peeking back to see the woman behind us receive her free Caramel Macchiato.

Have you ever done this? Did you look to see the reaction or just go on your merry way? I know it's better to do such gestures without anything in return, including recognition and such... But I don't think we were looking for recognition. We were just so excited to see her face brighten up! I'd love to hear your stories of nice gestures. Do share.

Hump Day Fave: Starbucks Refresher!

{via}

Very Berry Hibiscus Starbucks Refresher to be exact! Oh-Em-Gee is this yummers. Whole blackberries and real fruit juice combined for a yumm way to recharge! It's my new fave, for sure. Not to mention the added benefits of the green coffee extract doesn't hurt.

A Worthwile Cause, A Worthwile Blog

A long lost friend from high school is about to embark on an incredible journey. He's turning in his corporate card for a year of giving back. He wonders if he's crazy, but I think he's braver than all of us. Here's some of his first post documenting his decision to follow his dream:

I have been working since I was 16. For years I found myself chasing after the almighty dollar. I don't consider myself materialistic, I like nice things like any normal person, I prefer Mac over PC not because of what I can do with it, but because I just happen to think it looks cooler. Given the chance I will spend money for the sake of spending money because that is what society tells us is the normal thing to do. It's the norm I've been accustomed to since I acquired my first paycheck working part-time at a Mail-Boxes Etc while attending high school.

I should have gone to college, but the money was too good. I was making more money working in the corporate world, while friends of mine going to school were studying to eventually get the job I had.

Fast forward 10 years, and I find myself a 26 year old sitting in front of a computer, pouring my feelings out on this keyboard in search of a more fulfilling path. I've had good jobs, great jobs, crappy jobs and just jobs. I've learned a lot about myself and about the world.

After all this time I've noticed that no matter how philanthropic the company you work for swears it is, you never find yourself helping out on that side of the spectrum. You're stuck on the rat-race side, the side that has you screwing the little man, not helping him. When I think back to all my years working, I realize the only times I felt true satisfaction was when I participated in the volunteer and charity events sponsored or participated in by the powerful corporations I worked for. It was this knowledge I had been struggling with for a long time.

And just two days ago I had a dream.

See, I left my current job with the idea that I would start work at yet another very succesful corporation making a decent amount of money working, traveling and working some more. And it was then I realized I didn't want to do it all over again. Start a job I would love at first because of the stability and the financial security it gave me, only to hate myself years later for not being true to myself.

So I dreamt.

As crazy as it seems I declined the position I was offered, and instead began planning to pursue an undertaking beyond crazy, in my opinion. If it's crazy to me I can only imagine what those of you reading this will think.

I post this now, not to toot my proverbial horn, nor to make an attempt at seeming self-righteous with you guys. I respect all of you and the course your lives have taken. I appreciate all of your status updates and all the witty and sarcastic comments from time to time. I share this recent update to get your input and ideas. Because, God knows, I'm going to need it.

I have decided that beginning April 22, 2012 on Earth Day, I will challenge myself to participate in a volunteer/charity event daily for a full year. I have given myself a full month to prepare so as to allow a good amount of planning ahead of time, while allowing me some flexibility of last minute invitations or ideas from those of you who will be following me along. I'm not hoping for much, but hope that at least those of you who are my friends will care to see what's going on.

I can't wait to read of all the good Alvaro is going to be doing in this world. And I've officially decided that Goal #53 on my DZP list is going to be dedicated to Alvaro's cause. While I may not be prepared to take a year off to do all the amazing things I know he will be blessed with, I absolutely want to be apart of it.

Follow him. You won't regret it, A Worthwhile Cause.

Classic TOMS, perfect for me

In true One for One style: 

With every pair you purchase, TOMS will help give sight to a person in need.

Keeping with the classics!

{purchase yours here}

Best Free Swag: Petunias

Amongst all the free swag we received from the race this weekend - key chains, wrist bands, frisbees, temporary tattoos, flashlights, baked goodies, smoothies, protein bars, paint cans - by far, the best one would be this lovely potted petunia.  Being kids at heart, our team made our way to the kids zone and learned how to pot flowers.  I believe the booth was put on by Home Depot, and I think it was a fabulous idea for the kids zone and I believe when the flowers bloom, they will be PINK!  Perfecto!

Goal #99: Complete five 5k races (1/5)

One down, four to go!

This was my 2nd year participating in the Susan G. Komen, Race for the Cure, and we had a BLAST!  Madalyn and I power walked our booties off, and let me tell you - I definitely didn't want that monster hill to slow me down, and as I powered through it (like a champ *smile*) I can't help but regret the pain I'm feeling in my shins today.  But considering the race raised $1,267,030 to date - it's worth the momentary soreness.  Visit my sister's blog to read more details and see more pictures.

Next race - Dana Point's Turkey Trot.  Wanna come race with me?

Save the Boobies!

Did you know: In California alone, more than 21,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year?  Even more, did you know, 4,000 women die?  Those numbers are exactly what got me interested in helping Save the Boobies! any time I can, and one way is to participate in the Race for the Cure. 

I did it last year with Madalyn, and this year my sister is joining us and decided we should start a team - and in good spirit, our team name is Save the Boobies!  We've already gotten a few troops together and are hoping to grow in large numbers in time for the race.  We also have a survivor lined up to walk with us, and we couldn't be more excited then to walk with her by our side.  Together we will be walking in honor of the 4,000 who have been taken from us each year because of this disease, as well as the 21,000 a year who keep kicking this cancer's ass!!

I encourage you to register and come down and walk with us, with your friends and family, and with the rest of the supporters.  If you're not in the OC, then visit Susan G. Komen's site and find out when a race is coming near you.  If you'd rather donate to the cause instead of participate in the race, you can make a general donation or you can even donate directly to our team to help us support our team's effort in raising money.  Just enter my name, Erin DeHart, and your donation will go directly to our team pot to find a cure.

Let's kick this cancer's ass shall we?

Hump Day Fav: mark.

My favorite make up right now is for sure mark.

Not only do they have amazing deals but Lauren Conrad is also a representative for mark. and I have always idolized her ever since Laguna Beach. I love her fun but casual style, and her skin and look always looks flawless, who wouldn't want that!!

To add to that, for any Twihard fans, Ashley Greene is a new representative for mark. and you get her look from the Jay Leno show. She also is a natural beauty and has a lot of good tips on how exactly to capture her look.

Here are a few of Lauren's Faves that I have purchased and fell in love with...

mark Face Xpert Flawless Touch Makeup
I do not leave the house without this. It is amazing and really gives a flawless look. This is great because it is a very light coverage which helps a lot during this extreme heat! It doesn't sweat off and really lasts all day long.
How I use it: I dab a few splotches of this onto my forehead, a few on my cheek bones and around my eyes, and one on my nose and chin. Using the mark Foundation Brush I blend the foundation in all over my face and around my eyes and hair line for a complete look.

mark Get Bright Hook Up Highlighter
I fell in love with this after seeing it on mark. and reading the previous customers who were very happy with this product. Ever feel like the dark circles under your eyes drag your look down? Well this is a big fixer of that!! I use it every day, even if I don't need it, because it brightens up my face enough that I'm comfortable with no other make up on. It can actually be used all over your face: eyes, cheekbones, or brow bones.
How I use it: I use this under my eyes only, not for any particular reason, I just haven't had the need for it elsewhere.. yet. LOL. I take the wand and brush this underneath my eyes and on the inside of my eyes. I again use the mark Foundation Brush and blend it up under my eyes, around the inside and up onto my lid. It gets the vains to disappear while also bringing light all over!


mark Go With The Pro Mini Brush Kit
This is a newbie that the site has. I have all these brushes, but when I bought them they weren't in this fun pack. This is the cheap way to go to get everything you want. There is a powder brush, concealer brush, eyeliner brush, eyeshadow brush, and lip color brush all for only $15. AND you get this fun little bag to store them in.
How I use these: The powder brush I use for my loose foundation on days where I feel I need a little extra coverage, I use a generic foundation with this for an extra layer. The concealer brush I use ALL the time with the two products mentioned above. The eyeliner brush I haven't mastered.. I'll get back to you on that! The eyeshadow brush is pretty basic but gives a very smooth finish to any look - especially when using the bolder colors. And finally the lip color brush is easy to use right before I go out to get the perfect amount!


mark Salon Straight No-Iron Smoothing Fluid With Invigorating Orange
This is BRAND NEW to me and I cannot wait to use it! It is a light liquid that is supposed to substitute a flat iron. I hate using a flat iron every morning and many days I'm lazy and never actually finish my hair. It's usually wet underneath when I leave and evenutally gets gross. I'm hoping that this will fix that problem and I am able to blend this in and walk out the door! We'll have to see...

mark Have a Heart Necklace

This is "A Gift that gives back". By purchasing this necklace or the matching bracelet you'll be donating to a great cause. These pieces of jewelry features Lauren’s signature "faves" heart on one side and the m.powerment by mark.** emblem on the other. This is all for a campaign that is commited to break the cycle of dating abuse and partner violence. By buying this you have a new gem for your accessories as well as putting a few bucks towards a huge issue. m.powerment has more information on this.

The Crane Chandelier Project

My mom forwarded me a link to peruse some eco-friendly wedding ideas (not that I'm engaged or anything) and I came across this Crane Chandelier Project by The Wedding Co.  They have begun a challenge of building a chandelier from thousands of origami cranes, all of which are coming from engaged couples around the world, to help fund cancer research.  For ever crane they receive, they are donating 5 cents to The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation.  The ultimate goal is to collect 10,000 of these tokens of love by January 2011 when The Wedding Co. will celebrate its 10th anniversary.

 

Being that cranes are marked by a symbol of peace, prosperity and friendship - it is fitting that engaged couples are representing their leap of love, commitment and patience by donating signed cranes to this great research.  I love that they give the option to have a crane sent to you, or you can submit your own - which some couples have submitted hundreds, even 1000 cranes in their name.  Don't know how to make one?  They have that covered:

Triscuit Home Farming Movement!

How crazy cool is this? When you buy a box of Triscuits they supply you with a seed card inside and all the directions you need to begin your own home farm!

This movement is really taking off, home farms are sprouting up all over the country.  Thanks to Triscuit and Urban Farming who are sponsoring this movement, they have already helped build an online farming community where inspired gardeners can come together through their common mission: to reap food that is deliciously fresh, penny-wise, healthier for themselves and the planet. 

The website provides quite a few interactive elements, you can: learn how to grow your Triscuit seeds at home, find the best veggies to grow at your home - specific to your zip code and planting dates (love that part), add your garden to the growing map, and get some expert advice! 

Thanks to Lauren for sharing this with me, so I can share it with YOU! 

Join the movement... I know I'm heading out to buy a few boxes myself, this will be great for my DZP list!

Loads of Hope, Catching On

Remember last year I posted about the start of Tide's initiative for Loads of Hope?  Well it seems to be catching on, my sister just got her Tide shirt last week and she loves it!

Nashville Relief Poster

{Created by Mattson | Creative}

Cuddle

In honor of this week's meditation, I'm sending out good vibes of a world without war and suffering - and instead a world of peace, health, love, making out and cuddling of course!  Cuddling with fun Etsy pillows like these from Alexandra Ferguson's shop...

Now, I'm warning you these pillows are pretty pricey... so before you freak out, let me have Alexandra explain why:

The felt that I use is made from 100 percent post consumer recycled water bottles. So, you drink water, throw the empty bottle in the recycling bin. Then they are melted down and turned them into this beautiful, really high quality soft felt that I then use to make pillows. 

So as all good things are, they are a splurge.  But they are good for the earth, good for all you go green activists out there... so check out her shop and see the rest of the fun phrases she has.

Falling Whistles

Falling Whistles is a campaign for peace in Congo.  I came across it a few weeks ago, and was reminded of it this weekend when I saw an old friend wearing one around his neck.  The Falling Whistles campaign launched after a journal entry was written about boys sent to the frontlines of war armed with only a whistle, and their response - make their weapon your voice and be a whistleblower for peace in Congo.  Proceeds go to rehabilitate and advocate for war-affected children. Share their story and speak up for them.

Be GREEN with the Anti-Bottle

Vapur is the new anti-bottle, and their message is clear:
At Vapur, we believe that clean tap water is the best drinking water for you, your community and the planet (learn why). So we have set out to make tap water infinitely portable, universally available and ethically sustainable. We hope you find Vapur so darn convenient that you'll swear off bottled water forever!
Vapur is the first flexible water bottle that has been geniously designed to conveniently fit in your pocket, purse, backpack, briefcase - anywhere imaginable.  And unlike the usual rigid water bottles that get full of hot air when empty, Vapur can be rolled, folded or flattened and tucked away - making it the most portable and convenient water bottle on the planet.  This means it goes more places and fits in tighter spaces than any other bottle.
It's reusable, attachable, identifiable (I like that one), freezable, cleanable and foldable - and I'm adding affordable on to the list considering you spend less than $10 and you have it for life.

And they come is some fun colors too...  I am telling my family about this so we can buy the Family 4 Pack and save money (and the earth) - you should too.

In Other Words

Have you ever actually messaged someone saying, "I'm literally laughing out loud right now?"  I've not only sent that message, but received it numerous times.  In Other Words is a self-initiated project by Patrycja Zywert who wanted to stop the world from becoming textspeak zombies.  Instead of LOLing, why not actually laugh out loud?  Don't loose your human attributes people!!!

The result of this project is a series of four posters on four selected abbreviations: LOL, OMG, BTW and IMO.  Each one contains things you could be saying, rather than simplifying the emotions to a three letter word.

 Can you see the letters hidden in the blank space?  That's my favorite.

Molly Mutt Duvets

My doggie used to look like this cute little puppy above, now he's all grown up and wayy bigger than I was told he would get. *sigh* Anyways, to the cute doggie beds! Molly Mutt has created these adorable duvet sets that are filled with a stuff sack, which are stuffed full of whatever you'd like. You can fill it with old clothes, blankets, pillows, etc. Sounds kind of odd, but the point is - rather than tossing those comfy plush blankets and old pillows that would end up in a landfill somewhere, you recycle them into your doggie's new bed.Now, I hate to say this - but I'm sensing a DIY project coming out of these babies. While they aren't very expensive at all, I find myself inclined to pull this project off on my own. Are you thinking the same thing? Maybe so, maybe not. But consider this - pick up some of their stuff sacks, maybe even buy 1 duvet to start off with, and then when you want to change up the fabric choice - you've got your pattern right there to get started!