Archive for the ‘Comfort’ Category

Our Models Are Real People, Part 3

sohlson posted this Wednesday, April 25th, 2012

This is Meg – she’s one of our models.  If you visited the house of Meg and her husband Ian in the woods of Maine you’d probably find their (now) toddler in the front yard embroiled in a game of hot pursuit with some overly-friendly chickens.

You’d also see evidence of Ian’s affinity for out buildings  – he built their greenhouse, chicken coop, boathouse, woodworking shop and a sauna with his own two hands.

Meg and Ian grow as much of their food as they can in a big garden surrounded by a dilapidated but beautiful raw wood fence. And did we mention that they’re also teachers at the school Ian attended as a kid?

A five-minute commute along the rugged Maine coast gets the couple to work. “Our school is lucky to have access to acres and acres of woods and fields. The children learn to use their hearts and hands as much as their heads and to integrate the three. They spend lots of time outside in the garden, caring for the chickens, tapping the maple trees, learning to knit and blacksmith. We don’t use textbooks and the children create their own beautifully illustrated books on each subject they study,” says Meg. “I have 25 amazing 4th & 5th graders that I’ve been with since they were in the second grade. My husband teaches 8th grade in the classroom on the other side of the wall and, because of the vents, they can hear us singing every morning. Sometimes we take requests.”

Meg and Ian, we love your life!

 

 

 

 

 

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Sweepstakes Winner No. 2

sohlson posted this Wednesday, April 11th, 2012

Week two winner of our What’s in Your Bag? contest did a great job of capturing the Horny Toad travel vibe – you can check out her Pinterest board here.  Little wonder she was able to win our hearts… Hannah’s pretty familiar with Horny Toad clothing.  Here’s a photo of her on a recent trip to D.C. wearing our Oolong Dress:

Hannah, the week 2 winner of our "What's in Your Bag?" contest rocking the Oolong Sleeveless dress.

Now we’re finished with the travel wardrobe giveaway part of the contest, but we’re still giving away the grand prize – a weekend trip for two to Santa Barbara!  There’s just a little bit of time to enter.  Like 24 hours or so.  So get moving whydon’tcha?  Enter here.

 

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Sweepstakes Winner No. 1

sohlson posted this Friday, March 30th, 2012

Today we chose the first winner of our What’s in Your Bag? contest.  Emily Fette (check out her blog) did a great job of curating inspiring travel images that really capture the spirit of the sweepstakes – and for that she gets a new Horny Toad travel wardrobe!  You can see her Pinterest board here and find out how to enter the contest here.

Emily Fette and her husband Rusty, in Chicago

If you missed out this week don’t despair! We’re picking another travel wardrobe winner this Friday, April 5th, and everyone who enters the What’s in Your Bag? contest is eligible for the grand prize (picked lottery-style): a weekend trip for two to Santa Barbara.  Now get pinning!

 

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Make Your Own Luck

sohlson posted this Wednesday, March 14th, 2012

Pour a finger of Jameson, dust off your U2 albums and bust out your Leprechaun jokes, it’s almost St. Patrick’s Day!  We like the idea that people breathe life and meaning into objects (such as four leaf clovers) by what they think is true about them.  After all, if it wasn’t for all the sincere love and good vibes that go into every part of how our we make our clothes, they wouldn’t be as special and you wouldn’t feel as good when you wore them.

Is there an object you think brings you luck?  We’d love to know what it is… and here are a few of our lucky charms:

Steve: “When Bob and I race the State Street Mile, two lucky charms I use are my ‘BOB’ shirt and ‘STEVE’ hat.  The ‘BOB’ shirt we made ourselves, and the ‘STEVE’ hat I got as a hand-me-down from my father-in-law, who shares the same name.”

Bob and Steve (wearing his BOB shirt and STEVE hat), running like the wind down State Street in Santa Barbara.

 

David:  “I have a St. Christopher necklace that I wear every day. I’m not really Catholic, but I’ll take all the help I can get – he’s the protector of travelers and lost souls.  I also have a little figurine of a turtle that I keep… it’s supposed to stand for a long, healthy life.  My mom also likes turtles, so it reminds me of her.”

David wearing his St. Christopher necklace.

 

Gordon:  “I have a lucky fishing hat that has yielded terrific results every time it’s been worn.  I traveled without it last week (as I lent it to a friend fighting cancer) and didn’t get a single bite the whole weekend.”

Gordon and his lucky fishing hat in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

 

Courtney: “There’s a very…unique…rainbow gemstone angel hanging in my car. My mom’s co-worker gave it to me when I got my first car, maybe when I was 16 or so. Long story short, I’ve evolved into a hyper-aggressive and all-around terrifying driver, and somehow have never gotten in an accident or even a real ticket (go figure). I’m pretty convinced that if I were to ever take that thing out of my car I’d be in trouble. It’s seriously ugly. And I think I’ll hold onto it forever.”

We can't tell if the angel is protecting Courtney or her fellow drivers.

 

Safia: “There’s a turquoise wrap bracelet I wear almost every day. I love it for so many reasons, not the least of which is its dramatic beauty. Turquoise is supposed to be protective, and it really feels that way. Like something a super-heroine might wear to enhance her special powers. Plus it’s made by a local, family-owned company called Love Heals who plants 10 trees in Ethiopia for every piece of jewelry they sell. Gotta love that.”

Rocking the turquoise wrap bracelet at the HT holiday party.

 

Kim:  “I keep a statue of Tiny Dedo (a gargoyle first made to protect the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris) that sits on the dashboad of my car.  My sister gave one to me and my dad, and got one for herself too, to protect us when we drive.  I guess I’m pretty attached to him ’cause when I got a new car I transferred him right over!”

 

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The Emily Jackson List of Favorite Things

sohlson posted this Thursday, March 8th, 2012

Emily Jackson Shares the Top 12 Things She Just Can’t Get Enough Of:

1. Kayaking – Every day if I can! This allows me to push myself to new limits. I love the feeling of being surrounded by water and using it to perform tricks and access unexplored places.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Kindle -  Since I travel 9 months out of the year, the portability and convenience of my Kindle make it easy to read 200-plus pages a day. My mother, grandmother and uncle surprise me with new books so I’m reading nonstop! Recent Favorite: 22 Britannia Road by Amanda Hodgkinson.

3. Mrs. Renfro’s Jalapeno Green Salsa – With breakfast, lunch and dinner. My husband and I are always wondering what to put it on next, but I have to warn you – it has a KICK!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Family time – My father, husband, brother and I represent our country for freestyle kayaking, so there is no shortage of family time in our lives! My mother and father enjoyed having me and my brother so much they wanted one more, so they had my baby brother three years ago. When I’m not kayaking I’m running with my mom or trying to teach my brother how to do the chicken dance or the sprinkler! The latter two are epic fails right now, but entertaining nonetheless. My husband, dogs and I have our own little family and nothing beats waking up in the morning spooning a dog.

Emily's baby bro'

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Pintrest - I’m remodeling my house and there are tons of fun ideas on this site! Try searching Horny Toad if you ever wondered what a baby toad looks like or to see a couple Horny Toad pieces! Did you know there was a Horny Toad Beer? I didn’t!

(*Editor’s note – Horny Toad is now on Pinterest – find us here!)

6. Exercise – Yes, I paddle all day long, and yes it’s exercise, but there’s something about exhausting yourself on a run, road bike ride or my newest obsession – “Insanity.” It’s a video using only body weight and I have to say, as someone who’s pretty fit, this thing kills… And I LOVE IT! I’m still running as often as possible and will be in the Jackson Daniels Half Marathon. Who wouldn’t? …it’s JACK DANIELS!!

7. Dr. Seuss -  You’re never too big for a little Seuss in your life. My mother-in-law wasn’t a big fan, so I revisited all his books and explained to her the life lessons of each… If you don’t remember, check out this image.  It has all the titles switched to the actual, intended lessons.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. My dogs – Yes I know, everyone can’t get enough of their dogs, and I’m no exception. My dogs sure do know how to get the best of me. I have a “very special dog,” Rupert, that makes me laugh. His big sister is Rio and she takes care of him. Rupert is a French bulldog that spent an hour today barking a leaf, and yes I sat there and watched and laughed the entire hour. Rio is a mutt and makes sure I wake up every morning at six on the dot!

9. Sprinter Living- I grew up in an RV as a child so I understand that home is where you park it! Right now I’m parked in North Carolina, paddling every day and coming back to my home-away-from-home, which is a van down by the river!

10. Smitten Kitchen:  I cook a lot, and I love cooking a lot. This blog is one of my favorites because I can simply search an ingredient that I have on hand, such as spaghetti squash, and it’ll bring up a couple of recipes that are unique and always delicious!

11. Horny Toad Clothing -  Just sayin’…  I want to do everything in my new Horny Toad clothes. One shirt goes everywhere! For example, I put on a skirt and cute heels with my Simplex Tank (made of Tencel® and linen), and I’m ready for a date!  Then I pair my Chamblazer with the same tank and skirt and I’m ready for business! OR I can pair the Flexure Crop Pants with the Simplex and I’m off to yoga. There isn’t anything you can’t do in these clothes. Thank goodness they wash well because I find myself wanting to sleep in them too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12. Travel:  This quote basically sums it all up: “For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.” -Robert Louis Stevenson

 

 

 

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Leap Day

sohlson posted this Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012

It’s Leap Year! Some people say the extra day should be used to do good for others, which is right on. But we know that doing good is part of your every day life… and because of that we’ve got another idea.

How about giving this Leap Day to yourself? Take a day off to just be. Or do something you love. Follow what smells good, tastes good, looks good and feels good. Take a nap without guilt. Watch the clouds roll by. Tinker. Stretch. Stand still. Jump up and down. Go to the mountains. Go to the beach. In other words, unplug and take a day to live your life without distraction. It might sound selfish at first, but actually it’s a big win/win because when you feel good you have more to give to others.

Are you in? Post a photo on our Facebook Event Page (check it out here) that captures the essence of how you spent your Leap Day. The entry that gets the most “likes” wins a $366 Horny Toad gift code. Submission deadline is 9AM PST on Friday, March 2.

Tips:

*Ask your friends to “like” your entry. It’s good for you and good karma for them!

*Once you’ve submitted your entry, post a status update on your social media pages. For example:

Facebook: “Vote for my entry in Horny Toad Clothing’s Leap Year contest. If I win I’ll get $366 in Horny Toad Clothing which is handy for you in case you ever need to borrow one of my shirts one day. http://www.facebook.com/events/353596804672018/”

Twitter: “@HornyToadinc is having Leap Year contest. Vote for my entry and I’ll loan you a shirt if you ever need one. http://on.fb.me/wOKbTc”

That’s it. Have fun. Do something amazing with your day.

 

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Empty Beaches

sohlson posted this Wednesday, October 26th, 2011

Morning people understand the value of the hours between 6 and 8 a.m.  Balance seems within reach.  No beeps and bangs of construction.  Commuters aren’t rushing to work yet.  Even the most ardent texters give their thumbs a rest.  There’s room to… just be.  Early morning is to the work week what the off-season is to a tourist town.

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Fall Menu

sohlson posted this Wednesday, October 12th, 2011

Time is dwindling to linger leisurely outside after sunset.  Stoke up the fire pit, put on your coziest Fall clothes and call your friends over for supper al fresco before the snow arrives.

Here are three delicious menus to try:

Menu 1:

Stuffed acorn squash

Green beans with creamy chèvre

Radicchio salad with orange-walnut vinaigrette

Drink: The Boston Bog

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Menu 2:

Rosemary Roast Chicken

Homemade mashed potatoes

Lemon zest, asparagus and arugula salad with fennel, orange & pecans

Drink: Peruvian Pear Cobbler Cocktail

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Menu 3:

Big ol’ pot of turkey and fire roasted tomato chili

Jalapeño corn bread

Drink:  Your favorite seasonal beer

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Hail to the Kale

arasch posted this Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

Kale is healthy.  Chips are not.  Kale chips, therefore, are one of life’s pleasant little paradoxes.  They’re crispy, salty… and totally good for you. You’ll crave ‘em over potato chips 9 times out of 10.  We’d bet Norm’s Cashmoore blanket on it.

Kale Chips

1 bunch of organic kale

olive oil

sea salt

Preheat your oven to 325°.  The secret to kale is that it responds really well to human touch, so use your hands to de-stem and tear it into chip-sized pieces.  Put the kale in a glass baking dish.  Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.  Use your hands again to massage the kale until it’s completely coated with the salt and oil.  Think happy thoughts or hum a happy tune while you do this, and the chips will be even more delicious and special tasting. Bake them for about 15 minutes, more or less, depending on how crispy you like ‘em.

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Crispy Vehicles

sohlson posted this Tuesday, September 20th, 2011

The topic turned to nachos and our love for them. Naturally, once we had worked ourselves into a snack-craving frenzy, the only recourse was to have an inter-departmental contest.  Rules were simple: bring something delicious and something crispy to scoop it up with.  Winning department is the world-champion of awesomeness.

Contributions went thusly:

- mango chutney with garlic naan & papadum (finance)

- four types of chili with tortilla chips (sales)

- brie baked with brown sugar and warm baguette (operations)

- three types of guacamole + avocado ceviche and tortilla chips + vegan avo/chocolate mousse and almond cookies (creative services)

- queso and beach hummus (product)

Opinions on the winning entry vary.  For example, an email sent by Ellen said this: Thanks everyone for a great lunch! And Kate is right, it’s not a competition – all dishes are different and equal and special in their own way.

She attached this photo (check out the title):

Queso.Always.Wins

And while she might have a point, queso gets disqualified since there is no accompanying recipe.  Some of us suspect the secret ingredient is actually illegal. Instead, we’ll crown Kate’s glorious Beach Hummus the winner…. because it was really, really delicious.  And she was the only one willing to tell us how she made it:

Beach Hummus

1 16 oz. can organic garbanzo beans (Or if you’re really motivated, start with soaking and cooking dried beans, thereby avoiding the suspicious plastic lining found in most cans these days.)

1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt – any fat level works

1/4 cup oranic tahini

juice from at least one large or 2 smallish lemons, I err on side of lemony.

2 good size cloves of garlic, more or less to taste

chunky salt, fresh ground pepper to taste

a few good shakes of cayenne pepper, or to taste. I like the surprise of the heat as you eat it.

Put all ingredients in a food processor and blend. I like it creamy so blend a long time. You can stop short of creamy if you prefer more texture. These quantities are more like guidelines. After you make it a time or two you get a feel for what more or less of each of the ingredients does so you can tailor to your preferences. This is very good with virtually any good chip, but I particularly recommend Kettle ridge cut with black pepper.

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