Earth Day is coming up this Sunday, on April 22nd, and what better way to celebrate and acknowledge ways we can mobilize the Earth with simple acts of green?

I'd like to introduce you all to Glass Dharma. I first heard about this genius invention almost a year ago through the blogosphere, and was beyond excited when the lovely Cheryl promptly sent my own glass straws to test out. Click here to read more about David Leonhardt, his art + science behind these unique glass straws, and how they help our good Earth.

I have had plenty of time to test these babies out, and I want to tell the world that these glass straws are one of the best inventions EVER.

I no longer use plastic straws and plan to have one of my glass straws with me where ever I go once I order a few hemp sleeves. Also? I don't ever have to worry about my straws breaking because Glass Dharma offers a Lifetime Guarantee Against Breakage!


The straws come in several different sizes, decor, and sets.. My favorite is the Decorative Dot smoothie straw, which you will find in most, if not all, of my drink photos:)


The Bubble tea straw is perfect for those massive, extra thick smoothie's packed with all your favorite toppings... Do you ever have days like that -- when you empty your refrigerator/pantry and whip up a happy accident--the Bubble tea straw is perfect for those:)

A must have for these wonderful glass straws are the cleaning brushes:


The tiny one is adorable, and is specifically for the 7mm sipper straw, and the bigger one accommodates the 9.5mm+ straws. I have always rinsed my straws in hot water as soon as I'm finished with my drink and rarely use the brushes, however, they are great to have for thoroughness, as well as those rare occasions you find yourself frustrated trying to clean them without. If you are fortunate enough to have a dishwasher, Glass Dharma straws will easily withstand--and might be a good idea for sanitizing:)

Glass Dharma straws range from $6.50 - $10.00 individually or you can order straw sets ranging from $28 - $40 all depending on the style and size of straw. The cleaning brushes (individually) are $5, and the hemp soft sleeves, which come in various colors are $15 each. All very affordable prices for handmade in the USA if you ask me!

Doesn't this make you want to contact and/or visit all your favorite restaurants and get them onboard with Glass Straws? How awesome would that be? With Glass Dharma's guarantee AND wholesale opportunity, why not?!

Definitely review the FAQ's because the information provided therein is very helpful! You can also learn why glass is the better choice as well as what makes Glass Dharma different from other glass straw companies.

Lucky for all of you, there are several ways to win Glass Dharma straws for yourself... First and foremost, the Glass Dharma team is giving away 1000 glass straws for Earth Day 2012, and I hope all of you will participate. Learn the details and get yourself entered by clicking here.

You also have a chance to win a $25 Gift Certificate by entering via the rafflecopter widget below!


a Rafflecopter giveaway




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The weather seems to be changing by the day here in Seattle. Last week it was snowing, yesterday it was clear and in the 60's, while today has been a windy mess in the 40's and rainy! Some say Spring is here, but then the Alaskan or Canadian chill in the air makes me think otherwise! ..Not to mention more snow is in the forecast - BURR!

All I have to say is thank goodness for my Agloves!

About a month or two ago I won an Agloves giveaway via their Facebook page, and I was connected with the very lovely Sara. The timing couldn't have been better because I had recently learned about this company and the technology behind it, and really wanted to do a product review!

Soon after I arrived Seattle in December, I quickly figured out what a pain it was to have to take off a glove in order to utilize my phone. It was as if I could feel the frost bite building and couldn't finish my task fast enough.

My man sweetly surprised me with a pair of these; however you're stipulated by use of only two fingers on each hand: thumbs and pointer fingers. Those gloves definitely keep me warmer and get the job done, but I didn't realize how important every finger was until I tried the Agloves! Particularly when you're trying to take a picture from your iPhone;)

Sara sent me the Bamboo Agloves and the Agloves Sport:

Bamboo

Sport

Both are phenomenal.

When I first inspected them they honestly reminded me of the gloves you can get at Target (you the know, the two for $1.99), but the quality was visibly better, and the silver-coated nylon gave the gloves a sleek look. Not to mention you can actually operate your touchscreen devices due to the nifty silver lining.  

One thing I was immediately concerned about was keeping warm while still being functional, and I am happy to report both styles get the job done appropriately. In addition, they make you feel like you could be a hand model! #truestory

Lately I've been pimping the Bamboo Agloves in my everyday attire. I really like the chic color and think it adds a nice pop to my outfits, complimenting this interim phase Washington seems to be in right now: Winter/Spring. I keep them rolled up like a sock in my purse so they're with me wherever I go since I'm such a fair weather diva!

Sara advised me that the Bamboo Agloves run a tad small, so I am thankful for her direction because the mediums fit my tiny hands perfectly! These gloves are excellent for everyday wear in cooler weather or as a liner, with 15% silver-nylon (antimicrobial materials).

Speaking of using Agloves as a liner, a few weeks ago I escaped to Mount Baker with my cousin and a couple friends where I was able to test out the Sport Agloves.

We started our adventure at the base of the mountain and hiked our way to the top of the highest peak where the Legendary Banked Slalom Pro Snowboardering Contest Finals were being held.


The NEW Agloves Sport is designed to keep you warm on active days, has a snug fit sealing off the wind, and silver nylon trapping the heat in. It's thicker than the Bamboo, stretchier, and can easily be used as a liner for snow gloves--which I ended up doing since I instantly froze once we were settled at the top and hunkered down to watch the competition! However, during the entire trek up the mountain which probably took an hour or so, I was perfectly comfortable with just my Agloves Sport.

Since I'm fairly new to this technology, I wasn't sure what would happen when snow/moisture/water got on the gloves -- but check out their FAQ's -- Apparently that actually improves the conductivity!

To learn more about Agloves, click here:)



The lovely Sara generously offered to award two subscribers with a pair of Agloves! Isn't that awesome? Two of you will have a chance to win a pair of your own! All you have to do is enter via the Rafflecopter Widget below!

Please remember to read - you must follow via Linky Follower for your entry or entries to count. It's free to sign up, literally takes 60 seconds, and you never have to log in ever again if you don't want to:)



a Rafflecopter giveaway

HAPPY SATURDAY!

I was going to escape to Canada (Vancouver) today, but thought I'd be responsible by staying in and studying while it snow/rained outside. Instead, I've set a goal to watch EVERYTHING saved on my DVR and blog!

Must Have!

24" yes, please

Personal Motto

And of course:



a Rafflecopter giveaway

For some reason it has been nearly impossible [for me] to participate in WIAW in a timely manner so I changed it to WIAT for today since I simply can't wait until next Wednesday to share my eats -- in fact I can't wait another second!

You guys must be going crazy wondering what I've been eating since declaring my radical nutritional lifestyle change back in November.

Maybe not?

Click here for recipe!

Click here for recipe!

Click here for recipe!

Click here for recipe!

I will be sharing ALL of the above recipes, starting with the Green Drink since I have been having way too much fun in the kitchen and think it is time you did, too! These recipes are by no means perfected, but I still want to share them even if they are constantly evolving! Plus... I need to write them down before I forget!!


The pictured Green Drink isn't my Super Green Drink recipe -- also known as my Green Monster, which I haven't shared yet, but it was pretty darn good!

I basically just used everything we had in our fridge at the time:

4 large collard green leaves (stems and all)
2 handfuls of kale
1 handful cilantro
4-6 carrots
1 handful of prunes
1 pinkie-sized piece of ginger
2 tbsp aloe vera gel
3 tbsp flax
2 scoops Vega One
* blend with whatever you want -- I used organic rice milk & kangen water

Link Up!

I have so many things I have to share with you all, but today has been super busy! I should be on the road right now -- I am meeting up with a friend of mine in the U District. We grew up on Maui together, and I am so excited we live in the same state again! I am hoping to rally all of our local transplants who live here now, and paint the town red Hawaiian Style every so often:)

If you follow me on Twitter, then you know about my failures this morning:

I attempted a couple recipes, then altered another one -- let's just say they were ALL a no go! I ate one, plan to some how woof down the other not to waste such amazing ingredients, but seriously - no one was impressed, including myself!

I want to thank everyone who participated in the WearYMX Giveaway! If you missed the review, please read it here!

What a fabulous turn out! While I wish EVERYONE could have won this amazing long sleeved jersey, I want to encourage you all to take advantage of YMX by YellowMan Spread the Love Sale -- You can actually purchase this giveaway item, the Māori Swirl Sun Tee that is regularly $89 for only $25!! It is for a limited time though, and while supplies last, so if you want it -- go get it!

Congratulations to... 





The very inspirational author of Words to Run By... Sara! If you don't already follow Sara's blog -- you need to! She is such a sweet heart, and we connected immediately. You can read about her story here and check out her lovely buttons!    



I have several other giveaways up my sleeve to share with you all, so fret not -- in the mean time, remember those Handful Bra Entries are DAILY -- improve your chances of winning by clicking here and refreshing yourself on what to do to win THE BEST BRA EVER:)

I want to thank everyone -- old and new readers for putting up with my whimsical posts since November. While I used to post daily, and plan on returning to that M.O., it's been far and few between since this day.

We have a very important appointment February 13th, and 16th, and we are all praying for miracles upon miracles through our healing Father. After that appointment, I think I will be more inclined to share this devastating circumstance, and how my family has [tried to] stay(ed) positive and literally walk in faith. I know everyone has his or her own battles in life, and perhaps we can relate in some areas, so sharing is something I definitely plan on doing.


Until then... 




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Do you guys remember this post when I reviewed the Handful Bra for the very first time and couldn't stop raving about it?! Handful generously hosted a giveaway for you guys to try one for yourself, and the lovely Wym from A Taller Order won!!

How would you like another opportunity to get your hands on a Handful Bra?

Flatter, not Flatten!

In my opinion, there is absolutely nothing better than loving a company as much as their product. The handful bra truly was love at first site for me, and I feel as though I connected with the ladies behind the company, which makes me all the more loyal!

These brilliant ladies running the show are real women. They are moms, athletes, fitness enthusiasts, adventure seekers and just want to provide the answer to every woman's request: to own a sports bra that does it all. 

The handful bra literally flatters opposed to flatten like every other sports bra, in fact, I wear my handful like a regular bra because it makes my girls look pretty darn good!



The women behind this company prioritize their involvements for race expos, fitness events, athletic competitions, and charitable outreach. Handful is proud to be an approved mastectomy bra, supporting breast cancer survivors during treatment and their return to good health and fitness.

If this is your first time hearing about the Handful Bra, you should really read my review! I am very passionate about this product and company, I am certain you will feel the same way!

Also, for the guys reading about this and aren't that interested YOU SHOULD BE! It's almost Valentine's Day and any woman in your life will LOVE a handful bra!!


Start by watching this amazing video they premiered today!



Here's how you get your Handful "Entries":


1 entry per Tweet: Mention @JennsAdventures & @handfulbra in a tweet with link to video I.E.: "Enter this fabulous @HandfulBra giveaway @JennsAdventures told me about! Watch: http://youtu.be/lAi5m1csr5I?hd=1 & visit http://JennsAdventures.com!" You can do this as many times as you want!

1 entry per Facebook post with tag to @JennsAdventures @handful to display on both our pages! You can also do this as many times as you want -- as long as you tag @JennsAdventures & @Handful

1 entry per Blog post (send me an email with link or post link on our facebook pages!) -- Again, you can do this as many times as you want as long as links are provided:)

LIKE the video on Handful's facebook page AND their YouTube Channel!

If you do one or all of the above make sure you tag @JennsAdventures & @Handful Bra in your posts! That is how we are calculating the entries:)

PS: If you simply can't wait, they are hosting a killer sale on the Nude, Cocoa, or Pink handful bra -- $28 each.

Good Luck Everyone!

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For those of you who are unfamiliar, I am BEYOND excited to introduce you to YMX, which is short for YellowMan Expression. This amazing company was launched back in 2009 as an extension of their original, high-end tattoo clothing brand: YellowMan. I actually discovered YMX while exploring the blogosphere, and it was love at first sight!

I would love to experience/compare & review YellowMan wearbable art, too!

YMX is multi-function, fashionable clothing for an active lifestyle -- running, biking, yoga, lifting, paddling, winter sport -- you name it. In all honesty I want to build my closet with these guys for everyday wear! YMX has literally combined fashion and athletic wear for both men and women brilliantly. The lightweight MadKool fabric and original prints stand out in such a distinctive way, you either love it or hate it. I happen to love it. 



As I snooped around the YMX by YellowMan website for the first time I was immediately drawn to the Māori prints by Roger Ingerton. The very talented Roger specializes in the traditional Polynesian patterns as most of his work is freehand and adopted by the Māori Tā Moko themselves!

I am originally from the island of Maui and the Polynesian Culture is part of who I am, so to see the Māori print, Pacific Island patterns I went crazy! I had to have them! This type of clothing is very exclusive in Hawai'i -- surprisingly small scale, hard to find and very rarely have websites or even the ability to purchase except for in person, or at events. That being said, you can only imagine my excitement finding YMX by YellowMan!

Courtesy of YMX by YellowMan

Thrilled with my excitement, the YMX Team promptly sent me their Māori Swirl Sun Long Sleeve to review and commence my now life long collection.

The first thing you need to know about these garments is that they are made with MadKool fabric, Polyester, and Spandex. The MadKool fabric efficiently moves sweat away from the body to the outer layer of the fabric, where it dries faster than with other fabrics. In addition, the MadKool fabric regulates your natural body temperature so you will stay warm in cool weather activities, and cool when your heart is pumping - genius!


This luscious, buttery-soft long sleeve is my new best friend! This particular jersey is a multifunctional long sleeve bringing the traditional Māori art as an elegant performance base layer or everyday fashion. It's very slim fitting and I while I could have easily gone up one size for a more relaxed fit, I don't mind the snug fit at all!

Māori Honi-Honi!!

This sexy beast also has a UV SPF 50+, permanent moisture wicking by yarn, abrasion resistant, and soft hand, which was  a huge plus while on Maui. The tropical Hawaiian Sun beats down on you and sun-screen doesn't always work for us athletes. I paddle OC6 and OC1 -- outrigger canoe (regatta & long-distance) and my crew would greatly benefit from these types of jersey's. Perhaps I can BEG Roger to design a BLACK & YELLOW jersey for my crew and I to pimp!


Bottom Line: I love everything about this long-sleeve. The color, design, fit, feel, and probably most important to me: the cultural background. I also love how the long sleeves are long enough to cover a bit of my hands -- nothing worse than long sleeves that come up too short!


One thing you will immediately notice while browsing the YMX by YellowMan website is the value of their jerseys -- they are not cheap by any means; however, you definitely get what you pay for in terms of quality.

Here are my most recent MUST HAVE ITEMS:

OBSESSED

Beyond Gorgeous!

Arm Sleeves -- LOVE the colors & design!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Do you ever stop and ask yourself, "Is this real life?" Lately I have caught myself asking this very question!

As you are reading this I am sipping a warm cup of genmai-cha getting ready to embark on what could be the longest day of my life--which is hard to imagine after the week I've had--or the last seven weeks for that matter. For the new faces around here (welcome!!), November 1st my family experienced a medical emergency that has relocated us to Seattle. I encourage you to catch up by reading my Speechless Sundays series as far back as November 1st.

Today, my Mom and I are finally en route. In several hours we will finally be reunited with my Dad after saying goodbye to him at the airport with a heavy heart on November 2nd. This emotional roller coaster we call reality has definitely taken its toll on us, and I can't find the words to express how much it means to know we will be seeing each other soon, and that he will be picking us up at the Sea-Tac airport.

Since becoming an emotional wreck, a recluse, then completely consumed by researching and packing up a 2,500 square foot house + 20-foot storage into a 40-foot container it's no wonder almost none of my closest friends even know what is going on in my life right now. I haven't been able to talk about it, much less form the words on paper or on a computer screen. And most don't even know this blog exists! Our new reality has become this tiresome, heavy, hard pill to swallow leaving me utterly exhausted and emotional. However, everyday I know the Lord is giving me (us) the strength I (we!) need to get through these trials and tribulations, which are no doubt making us stronger. And I am so thankful for the amazing friends the Lord has blessed me with in this life -- it is a comforting feeling to know they care so much.  

Here are a couple before and after photos...

20-foot storage Before & After

We demolished this storage with the help of a few friends and a few Toyota's in a matter of hours all the while in torrential-monsoon type tropical rain. Craziness!

40-foot container packed floor-to-ceiling

This 40-foot container was dropped off, loaded, locked, and picked up in about 48-hours thanks to the help of some amazing friends. I'm really not looking forward to unloading it. That will also need to be completed in 48-hours or less.

Our cars were dropped off yesterday to be shipped, and we are crossing our fingers we get on our flight via standby today. With a dog. Should be fun! You can keep tabs on me by way of twitter by clicking here -- or simply watching the live feed on the right sidebar a few spaces below:)

A huge Congratulations goes out to...


Wym is the author behind A Taller Order and she is awesome. If you don't already subscribe to her blog--you should! She is actually trying to become part of Team Refuel and needs our help! You see, she has this very important 1/2 Marathon she needs to attend in one of the most beautiful cities during the most beautiful time of year... (hint: it's where I'm moving!). Anyhoo, visit her blog ATallerOrder.com, and also, vote for her daily here. Wym, thank you so much for following -- I know you will LOVE your handful bra, and I hope your winning streak continues with Team Refuel! 

Thank you all so much for participating in my latest giveaway -- I really wish you all could have won because who wouldn't want a Handful Bra under their Christmas Tree?! I am super impressed with this company and the quality of their product, so I encourage you all to visit their website and consider purchasing a handful to experience for yourself! I believe it is so worth the investment I plan on purchasing every color!

If you're still a little sad you didn't win, don't fret. I'm determined to turn that frown upside down and will leave you with this:

My blatant hint for my next giveaway!

I hope you all have a wonderful Friday, and a fun-filled, safe weekend! And remember to find me on twitter if I disappear from here for a few days!


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