I am so excited to tell you guys about a new series that we are starting, in hopes of connecting with even more hikers.  We love hearing from our readers and answering their questions about hiking, but we're just one opinion so we wanted to share the love.

You can find all of the details on this page.  It may grow or change as we get more participants, but for now we started with a simple Q&A format.  A get to know you of sorts.  So whether you've already completed your hike or you're planning one now, we'd love to hear from you. 

Much love -

Jill, Serial & Rooney

More like 18 high fives for Friday this week.  I cannot wait to take a few days off and be outside!  I'm tired of my computer screen view.  I'm speaking of work, not you my dear blog friends.  Alright, here we go!

1. Summertime TV is kind of the worst.  Which makes sense... I mean, everyone is out doing fun things so why waste time producing TV that people won't be home watching.  There are, however, two shows that I've been slightly obsessed with. 

The first is an old favorite - Big Brother.  Serial and I are both pretty into it (not stalking the live feeds type into it, but really excited about new episodes) and we watch every season, but this season is kind of crazy.  There is a ton of racial tension and one girl in particular (cough, Aaryn, cough) is saying a lot of ignorant comments.  So much so that she has lost her job in real life, but doesn't know it yet because she is sequestered in the house.  Drama. 

The second is a Netflix series that has been getting a lot of press, but I managed to not know about until I stumbled it across it in my "Top 10 for Jill" queue.  Netflix, you know me so well.  Except that one time you recommended Toddlers in Tiaras... what was that??

Anyway, Orange is the New Black was originally a book that I read awhile back, about a woman who is serving a jail sentence for a crime she committed 10 years prior.  I LOVED the book and stumbled upon this show while I was sick on the couch one day.  Needless to say I tore through it.  I think it took me three days to watch the whole season and now I'm desperately hoping they make another.  It has been getting great reviews (here and here) so I'm guessing they will.

2. Rooney is starting doggie daycare again.  Just once a week since I work from home and watch him the other days.  But for real, he needs some buddies.  Yesterday I took him on a mini-hike off the Parkway and he played with two other dogs in a swimming hole.  He was having so much fun and he actually looked sad and let out a big sigh when the other dogs had to go.  Yep, he needs a play date. 

3. Our friends are coming to stay with us for a few nights next week and I am EXCITED.  I miss my Chicago girls and it will be so nice to have one of them here in NC.  I've known her since high school and we went to the same college, plus our boys get along fabulously.  Lots of laughs will be had.  Bonus, she had a baby right before we moved and I can't wait to squish those little cheeks again! 

Speaking of my high school friends, I was digging around in old pics the other day and found some real gems.  We were group texting them and making fun of each others' high school style for a good hour.  Yes, the pictures were in a scrapbook and cut into those shapes to fit.  And yes, I had blond hair.  (Girls, please don't hate me for putting these on the internet...at least they weren't the freshman year pics)

4. Speaking of guests, we are working on the guest room.  The thing is, we had been using that room as a dumping ground for everything.  It looked like we moved in yesterday.  We were initially shopping for sleeper sofas, but then didn't have a place for all of our junk... so we brainstormed and decided to build a daybed instead.  Once with storage underneath.  I'll do a full tutorial on it once we get the mattress and make it pretty, but here is a sneak peak that I posted on Instagram (@atraillife). 

5. Two weeks ago I started the Jillian Michaels DVD, Ripped in 30.  The first week was awesome and I only missed one day (I did Yoga Meltdown on that day instead).  The second week.... shameful.  I only did 3 days.  So.... I think I'm starting over.  Not sure if I want to jump in with week 2 or go back to week 1, but I'm sure as hell not moving to week 3.  Jillian knows, people.  She knows and somehow she will punish you.  I think I just talked myself into week 1. 

I'm not a before-and-after picture type person so don't expect that.  But I did take measurements and I'll report back on any changes.  If you're interested in before-and-after pics, Holly is doing a link up at the end of the month for anyone doing a Jillian 30 day challenge in July. 

That's it - High Five for Friday!!  Head over to Lauren Elizabeth and check out all the other #H54F link ups!

If you like what you read, we would love to hear from you in the comments section!  It's fun to get feedback and it helps us create future posts.  And be sure to stay in touch on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, BlogLovin or RSS!

Whoa.  Where is the summer going??  I'm still having trouble making sense of how it's mid-July already.  We've been so busy with life and work lately.  What have we been so busy with?  Well, let me tell ya... it's High Five for Friday time.

1. Asheville was pretty much rained out all day on the 4th and Serial worked a long day, so we didn't really do much of the typical 4th celebrations.  I did manage to squeeze in a little hike with Rooney though, in between storms.  And I was able to run out and buy lumber for the new storage daybed we are building in the guest room.  I call that a win. 

It's been raining on the daily here and it was the wettest June on record.  Crazy.  The French Broad River is super high and fast now.  I feel like we live in Florida.  Each day is warm with random patches of rain at some point.  At least an hour here or there. 

2. We've been going to a lot of weddings this summer.  Thankfully, they have all been close to home and we've been able to see some really great friends at each of them.  The two most recent that we went to were both "farm weddings" and man were they beautiful.

The first was one of our really good friends (that's her above in the gold dress).  She hiked with Serial in '07 and lived in Damascus for a few years before she moved to the country in VA.  Now she lives on a farm that's been in her family for years. It is BEAUTIFUL.  It's the kind of place I could only dream of having.  She had her wedding at home and it was perfect.

After that we went to a wedding of another hiker friend, this time on a farm outside of Boone, NC.  The groom hiked with Serial in '08 and he and his wife housed us for 2 nights when we hiked last year.  They're a gushy, adorable, romantic couple and the wedding was Pinterest-worthy.  Down to the last detail, it was the perfect rustic, farm wedding.  Gorgeous. (I forgot to take a bunch of pics... I was having too much damn fun).

3. Another big thing that happened - my bestie's daughter turned ONE!  It's amazing to me how quickly that first year went by.  She's such a bright, happy and SMART little beeb - I can't wait to get back for a visit and see how much she has changed.

She was born while we were on the trail last year and the pic below is from the first time that I got to meet her.  It was love at first site.  With her and her tiny jean skirt.

4. Speaking of love.  By bestie and her husband sent us a Target gift card as a housewarming present.  Target is my fav (honestly, who doesn't love Target?) and it was really sweet of them to think of us.  I got a coffee and spent 2 hours just wandering around and trying things on.  Bliss.

I got a few practical things, of course, but I also got a few fun things for each of us.  Rooney got some new squeeky tennis balls (his jam), Serial got some mini beer glasses that fit in flights so we can host a pot luck and do beer tastings (they are so cute and in the dollar aisle), and I got awesome coasters and 2 lamp bases that were on clearance, for the office.  (and an US Weekly). 

5. We've also had visitors, which we LOVE.  My parents and brother drove the RV up for a visit and I got to see them many times over a two week period  It was fantastic.  This month Serial's parents are coming for a visit and our friends Mel & Ryan are bringing their adorable newborn to stay for a few days.  Exciting stuff.  (also why we are building the storage daybed!)

And that's about it, kids.  High Five for Friday!!  Head over to Lauren Elizabeth and check out all the other H54F link ups!

If you like what you read, we would love to hear from you in the comments section!  It's fun to get feedback and it helps us create future posts.  And be sure to stay in touch on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, BlogLovin or RSS!

Two linkups in one week?  Not sure what got into us, but we are cranking them out.  This one is from my girl Elle Noel who is kind of a fitness beast.  Seriously, she has my dream body.  And she got it by losing 60 pounds the healthy way and then toning, toning, toning.  Go check her site out.

This linkup is focused on getting to know the significant others behind bloggers.  Now I know Serial blogs here too, but most blogs are run by one person so you rarely hear from their significant others.  We don't fit the common mold of a blog so these questions aren't a perfect fit for us, but whatever, I love a linkup!

OK, so now for the confession.  We are a day late on this one.  Oh well.  Here we go!

Serial's Answers
1. What are your thoughts on your girl's blog? I love it...greatest blog in the universe!
2. Do you know what IG stands for? How about OOTD? No, thankfully....
3. How long would you say you've been together? 4 years!
4. Does her working out and eating healthy make you want to join in? Staying fit and eating healthy is how i keep my vibrant glow...
5. Is there anything she can do to inspire you to workout/eat healthier (or are you a healthy eater already)? Thankfully she prepares excellent tasting healthy meals, it's easy to eat...
6. What do you love best about fit/ healthy life? My overall endurance and what that allows me to do comfortably...
7. What do you like least? The lack of Ben and Jerry's...
8. How long did it take for you to agree to answer these questions? It took me only 1 minute to agree and 2 days to actually do it...

If you like what you read, we would love to hear from you in the comments section!  It's fun to get feedback and it helps us create future posts.  And be sure to stay in touch on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest or RSS! 

Today we're linking up with Holly and Jake to participate in their second Finish the Sentence linkup.  I've been following Holly for a long time now and I never miss a post of hers, so of course I want to do her linkup! 

You know how you can just tell someone is friendly and funny in real life, even though you only know them through their blog?  Well, that's Holly.  She's got a biting sense of humor online, but you can just tell if you ever actually met her in person she would be the nicest chick in the room.  Same with her Hubby Jack. 

Alright, let's get to the linkup!  I even convinced Serial to do it too :-)

Jill's Answers
1. If calories didn't count, I would eat... endless amounts of desserts.  Like, an entire cake every single day. 
2. On my Prom night.... I was too tan and too blond.  It was damn fun.
3. When I go to the store, I always buy... if it's Target, I couldn't tell you.  I black out and somehow end up back at the car with a cart load of stuff I didn't even know I needed.  If it's the grocery store, bell peppers & veggie burgers.
4. Family functions typically... are fun and make me want to live near Chicago forever and ever.  Then I realize it's cold and flat here and I go back to day-dreaming about a home in the mountains.
5. I think my blog readers... found me through the coffee crate table post (oh the power of Pinterest) or our gear lists. 
6. I'd much rather be.... in the middle of a Saturday.  Which basically means sleeping in, going for a run or hike with Rooney and Serial, then watching a movie and baking in the kitchen.  If it's my super duper ideal Saturday, my brother stops by for dinner. 
7. I have an obsession with.... blogs.  I read SO MANY.  And dogs.  I torture myself by looking at pictures of dogs that are up for adoption and then getting so emotional that I downright smother Rooney with hugs and kisses.
8. My work friends.... are my real friends.  I work from home and so do majority of my work friends which means everyone has a good work/life balance and is HAPPY.  Happy people make great friends.
9. When I created my Facebook account...  I did it primarily to creep on everyone's pictures.  But c'mon, that's what everyone does on FB.
10. My least favorite word is... amazeballs.  It's not even a word, but don't bother telling a blogger that.
11. I really don't remember.... what it's like to not have a dog.
12. Justin Bieber.... is just never going to make sense to me.  I like my Justins in Timberlake form only.

Serial's Answers
1. If calories didn't count, I would eat... Ben and Jerry's Half Baked for dinner and deep dish pizza for dessert...
2. On my Prom night.... Katie Holmes was in my prom group...yes, I'm from Toledo, OH...
3. When I go to the store, I always buy... Craft Beer! Can't stop, won't stop!
4. Family functions typically... lead me to a nap...
5. I think my blog readers... love to check out my hiking gear list!
6. I'd much rather be.... drinking a craft brew and eating vegetarian soul food while hanging out with my college friends in Ann Arbor...
7. I have an obsession with....Soccer...Futbol is life!
8. My work friends....keep things interesting...
9. When I created my Facebook account....I birthed a monster...I'm on there way too much... 
10. My least favorite word is...secretion
11. I really don't remember....the last time i ate meat...
12. Justin Bieber....is thankful he's 13 years younger than Justin Timberlake...

If you like what you read, we would love to hear from you in the comments section!  It's fun to get feedback and it helps us create future posts.  And be sure to stay in touch on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest or RSS! 

Things have been hectic lately, y'all.  I'm starting a new job, we've had family in town and we're looking for a new home.  Lots of stuff going on and I've neglected this blog. 

But worry not, we have lots coming up in the next few weeks.  I've even got a little planner dedicated to the blog schedule.  That's serious business for me.  I've got giveaways, recipes, and fitness goals to share plus restaurant, product & gear reviews in the works.  So stay tuned.

In the meantime, we've been cleaning up the site a little bit and incorporating a few new pages so we thought we'd share the love tonight.  Click on any of the pictures below - I hope you enjoy these sites as much as I do! 

For you hikers out there, 'tis the season for trail journals!  There are so many people hitting Springer and attempting thru and section hikes.  Follow along and enjoy.  (note, if I've missed your blog, please leave it in the comments and I will add it to the page).

I'm addicted to blogs.  And Pinterest.  And Target, chocolate, my dog, magazines... wait, what was I saying?  Oh right, blogs.  My RSS feed is jam-packed and I have a couple of favorites that I follow faithfully.  Hopefully make your RSS feed a little happier too. 

And what kind of girlfriend would I be if I didn't boast about Serial's other sites??  He's passiontate about hiking and craft beers.  So it makes sense that he writes about them both and here they are!

Today I'm linking up for the (unofficial) Winter Pinterest Challenge.  I say unofficial because it's not hosted by Pinterest, but it IS hosted by a couple of my favorite DIY bloggers.  Check out the list and visit their sites to see all of the amazing projects that people have linked up.

Sherry from Young House Love
Katie from Bower Power
Megan from The Remodeled Life
Michelle from Decor & The Dog

The idea is to stop pinning (gasp!) and start doing.  Take one (or ten) of those pins and actually DO them.  This has been a busy week for me so I didn't tackle anything brand new, but I have done a few projects based on Pinterest in the past so I'm (sorta) cheating and just dusting those posts off for this challenge.
 

First up, the coffee crate table.  This is one of my most popular posts and it's largely because of Pinterest.  I had seen a picture of a crate table floating around, but no tutorial so I decided to make my own and share it. 

It's so simple and you can find all of the materials at a craft store.  The whole project cost me less than $60.  Click here to view the full post and tutorial.

Next up, the children's height ruler.  Anyone on Pinterest knows that this one is everywhere.  There are loads of versions out there so if you're thinking about building one, just browse around and see what speaks to you. 

The ruler I built was for my friend's sweet daughter and it hangs in her nursery.  We kept the ruler neutral so she could let all of her kids use it (one day) and just mark their heights with different colors.  They'll eventually move it to their playroom, but for now it looks so cute where it is. 

Click here to view the full post and tutorial.      

Last, but not least, is the headboard made from basic lumber.  The whole project took two afternoons, including dry time for the stain, and cost less than $40.  I whitewashed the boards so that you can still see the grain and knots in the wood.   

A headboard is a simple way to make a bedroom look more polished.  We don't have any art on our walls yet, but this gives our room character and makes it look less like a plain 'ole boring bedroom. 

Click here to view the full post and tutorial.

If you're on Pinterest, you already know about the "Hey Girl" meme craze.  And if you're not, it's basically just taking a picture of Ryan Gosling and creating a funny little sentence...on second thought, this is hard to explain.  Let me just show you a few examples.

Funny right?  For Valentine's day this year one of my favorite blogs, Domestic Imperfection, hosted a link-up party and asked everyone to create their own Hey Girl meme with a picture of someone in their life.  You can look through the ones other bloggers posted here.  Some of them are so funny - I laughed out loud a bunch. 

And then, of course, I wanted in on this Hey Girl action.  Yeah, I'm late for the Valentine's deadline, but she extended the link-up through Saturday because of the popular response so I figured, why not?  So, here they are - enjoy!

So what do you think??  Let me know if you have a favorite :-)