David wearing his Chino Shorts while photographing a wild fire

For the 48 weeks a year photographer David McLain is not on a Horny Toad photo shoot he’s jetting around the world, taking photos for publications like National Geographic.

David’s photos capture everything authentic about Horny Toad, partially because he spends so much time in our clothes.  Our Chino Shorts go with him just about everywhere. According to David here’s why:

“To me, a good pair of shorts is right up there with a good pair of jeans. You might have a lot of them but you always only wear a few of them. I used to wear heavy canvas shorts but nowadays its all about the lighter weight ones. Like all my favorite clothes, my favorite shorts are made of fabric that just keep getting better with age. Having almost anything in my pockets drives me nuts so I always go for the ones with minimal streamlined pockets. About the only pocket I ever use is the cell phone pocket on the side.”

Is there a piece of Horny Toad that goes with you everywhere?

Editor’s Note:  We asked ourselves, is it insulting to claim that Horny Toad models are “real people”?  The implication that professional models aren’t real is neither accurate nor kind.  But that’s not what we’re saying.  What we mean is that in an industry where clothing companies openly admit to using computer-generated bodies, our approach is just the opposite.  The models we hire rarely get their photo taken for a living.  They’re just people we like hanging out with who happen to share our values and look good in our clothes.  So, without further ado, check out our interview with Cole.  We’re pretty sure you’ll like him as much as we do:

We interviewed Cole on the back patio of a no-name bar not far from his house in downtown Santa Barbara. The first time we met the Capoeira playing, barrel-treading, tomato-fighting Horny Toad model was the day of our Crispy Vehicles Contest when he showed up for a clothes fitting. “I had no idea what I was in for,” he says,  “but I knew it was probably going to be fun after I saw you guys grubbing down.”

Like a Horny Toad shirt, Cole is at ease in many different social settings. Part explorer, part altruist, part goofball, he’s definitely our kind of guy. Though he readily admits to being incompetent at things like operating a GPS or parallel parking a car (these days he rides a scooter: environmental stance? or strategic avoidance?), he’s not one to shy away from adventure.  And despite his self-proclaimed shortcomings, he’s the kind of guy we’d all want on our trail, in our kayak or riding shotgun in our car.

Cole is a fun seeker of the highest order, evidenced by his past year of trekking, hitch-hiking and border crossing misadventures in South America.  But that’s only the beginning of why we like him so much.  Now that he’s back in the states, he works as a caretaker, sharing his home with two young, autistic brothers. Cole describes it as the best gig in town:  “Jeff and Kyle are the coolest, most active guys.  We have a lot of fun.”

When the three aren’t tending to their backyard garden or hitting up local concerts, Cole’s at his other post serving as the coordinator for the Santa Barbara Vision Care Program at SEE International, a provider of eye exams and glasses to low-income Santa Barbara residents.

The secret to Cole’s happiness rests in his ability to maintain a go-with-the-flow philosophy while also dreaming big. Of the future he says, “I’m not against putting down roots, but when I do it’ll be somewhere I love, doing something that matters.  Right now I just want to experience as much as I can.”

Aside from his being a genial conversationalist, Cole is also a wealth of information about new bands and cool DIY and projects like putting a stained glass window on a bike. He doesn’t seem to recognize the wrong side of the bed as a viable option.  More than that, it’s clear that he’s totally present in the moment and in the life he’s created.  And isn’t that what it’s really all about?

Last night we  kicked off our super fun “What’s In Your Bag?” contest.  You can get all the details and sign up here, but the gist is: create a Pinterest board with five Horny Toad items you’d most want to take with you for a long weekend.  Add style points by pinning a few of your non-Horny Toad related travel essentials too.  On 3/29 and 4/5 we’ll pick a lucky winner who gets the five items they pinned!

The Grand Poobah of prizes, however, is a trip for two to beautiful Santa Barbara.  Our grand prize winner will be selected, lottery style, on 4/12. And we’re sweetening the pot by giving you three extra entries for each of your friends that enters the contest.  So what are you waiting for?  Grab a bag, grab a friend and start pinning!

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!”

Jim, Bigsby and the motorcycle

If this guy looks familiar it’s probably because you’ve seen him on our website many times over the years. We’ve been lucky enough to work with Jim on several photo shoots and couldn’t ask for a better Horny Toad ambassador. Not only does he wear our clothes well, he’s adventurous, kind and a genuinely stellar human being.

Case in point: this bike belongs to Jim’s father who retired it to the corner of the garage when Jim and his siblings were born. Recently Jim refurbished the bike on the sly as a gift to his dad. Now that he’s all grown up, Jim and his dad ride their motorcycles together. How great is that?

Without further ado, please enjoy our interview with the man behind the motorbike.

HT:  Who are you?

I’m Jim. I’m pretty much a normal guy, with slightly more body hair. I consider myself pretty laid back and easy going, but I like a healthy dose of adventure daily.

HT:  Congratulations on deciding to become a firefighter. What’s the most challenging part of the process?

The most challenging thing about becoming a firefighter is actually BECOMING a firefighter. I’m still waiting to start academy after a 2+ year application process. It’s been crazy taking all of the tests. Physically, you have to be in the best shape of your life. This took me about a year, working out ’til you pass out/throw up. Then more running (with weights!) than is recommended for healthy living. Psychologically, you have to not be crazy and be able to prove it. You have to be smart enough to pass the multiple written tests, and not have any background issues, like a record or even bad credit. Finally, you have to shave your beard and explain to multiple panels why you are the person for the job. In the end you must have a passion to help people and be willing to put anyone in your community before yourself.

HT:  Is there any correlation between the Horny Toad photo where you’re drinking a beer while pouring lighter fluid on the barbecue and your desire to become a fireman?

Ha… Good one. That was a fun shoot for sure. I’ve always been amazed by fire, really the only difference now is that I have to wait until the fire is out before cracking a cold one.

HT:  When did you start jumping out of airplanes… and why?

I made my first skydive when I was 18 because it was as early as I could do it.  I was hooked immediately and soon started packing parachutes as a college job.  I worked my way through jump school and now here I am with 600+ jumps and coaching first time jumpers. It is truly an amazing sport! Every jump gets better.

HT:  What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever seen anyone do while they were skydiving?

Wow, really good question, and I’m not sure I can legally answer that.  Let’s just say I’ve seen it all. I am on a skydiving team called the “Electric Toasters,” and we do what’s called freeflying. It’s basically freestyle skydiving, so we go head down or in a stand or sit position.

I did a stunt once for commercial. I had to leave the plane doing flips while carrying a big duffel bag. I lost my goggles and had to still hang on to this bag while spinning out of control because I couldn’t use my hands. It was nuts but turned out well on film. I’ve also had to use my reserve parachute before, which is another crazy story. Basically, most days skydiving involve some sort of crazy stuff… especially with the Electric Toasters!

HT:  What makes you laugh?

I am a contagious laugher, so I really like to make other people laugh and then I get going with them. I like situational comedy, like when someone trips down the stairs and makes a spectacle while doing it. I used to do this in college a lot at the library. They finally told me to stop tripping down the stairs. Also, streaking makes me laugh. I wish I would see more people running naked in my daily life, but it seems like I am always the one with my clothes off…which is actually pretty hilarious!

HT:  Ideal vacation. Describe it.

I love vacations! Next up on my list is Patagonia, Argentina! I would do a New Zealand trip though if it came up first. I love to hike and see new things, so to me those places are ideal. If I can combine a couple of my favorite activities – like snowboarding, skydiving, canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking, fly fishing, surfing, camping, motorcycling or hiking – then it would be ideal!

HT:  What’s it like to be on a Horny Toad photo shoot?

It’s a lot like hanging out with my friends. We always do fun stuff. It’s great for me because I’ve become friends with a lot of the Horny Toad family, so it’s like a reunion. We typically go somewhere cool outdoors, get dressed in clothes that look good and feel better and have fun. Everyone is really creative and open-minded so the shoots are always a blast. That’s it. Well, we are getting our pictures taken while hanging out. I would model full time if my nose wasn’t so big.

HT:  What are you grateful for?

I have so much to be grateful for. My amazing family, who has always been there for me no matter what. My friends, who become more like family as the years go by. My girlfriend, who has become a real partner and enjoys living life to the fullest. She won’t have it any other way, and I love that about her. And of course, my dog Bigsby. I guess I am more thankful for the people in my life than anything else. I am also grateful for the life I’ve been able to live. I’ve had countless adventures, traveled a lot, loved a lot, laughed a lot and tried not to take life too seriously. I’m grateful that everyday I’m given another opportunity to squeeze as much out of life as I can.

HT:  Tell us about Bigsby.

Bigsby the incredible! He’s a six-year-old Jack Russell terrier that loves to do anything fun outdoors that we do. He loves to hike, kayak, canoe, motorcycle and pretty much anything else we can take him along for. He’s like our son – we take him everywhere and he’s a great travel dog. When it comes to his tennis ball he will play fetch until his muscles shut down. We’ve found that a constant six hours of throwing will about do it. Then he needs to take a break for about 10minutes and he’s ready to go again. He reminds me a lot of the Energizer Bunny, with worse breath.

HT:  Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years I hope to be doing a lot of the things that I am doing now. Having fun with friends and family. I’m not as concerned about how I will be making a living as I am about how I’m living. You can’t put a dollar amount on happiness, so if I’m smiling in 10 years and still having a good time, I will consider myself a success. I used to think “in 10 years I’ll be here or there, or doing this or that,” but now I just think that if I’m happy and healthy and have the people that I love the most around me then I’m ahead of the game.

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

Horny Toad influencer, R. Nelson Parrish (accompanied by HT office dog, Grizzly), holding the painting he's donating to the TAB art auction.

We’re stoked to be attending this year’s Telluride AIDS Benefit (TAB), which starts today! Since its inception in 1994, TAB’s Gala Fashion Show has become a Telluride institution and favorite among locals and visitors alike. As of 2011 TAB has donated over $1,500,000 toward HIV/AIDS education, advocacy and NGOs.  We love supporting this great cause for many reasons, not the least of which is that Horny Toad was born in Telluride. 

The past few years we’ve contributed to TAB by donating our latest and greatest styles to their their fashion show.  This year we’re keeping that tradition… and we’ve gotten a few of our like-minded friends involved too.  R. Nelson Parrish is an eco-artist and athlete who has generously agreed to donate one of his pieces to TAB’s art auction. Though the pic doesn’t do his masterpiece true justice, the artist’s own description of his work explains that he “translates blurs of movement into brilliantly colored racing stripes with thickly layered, clear and semi-translucent resin, fiberglass and intense bands of pigment onto planks of boldly grained native woods in suspended positions above, adjoining and against one another.”  He’s also part owner at Soul Poles, creators of some of the greenest, most stylish equipment in the snow sports industry

We’ve also been lucky enough to persuade National Geographic photographer David McLain to contribute one of the amazing photos he’s taken for Horny Toad. David’s a true master at bringing to life the real and inspiring aspects of our company.  The magic he creates can be summed up his own modest words:  “Simply put, I tell authentic stories that engage people and inspire them to dream.”

Photo by David McLain for Horny Toad

Thanks David and Nelson for helping us help this great cause.

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.

Our friends at EcoSalon reminded us that today is National Margarita Day, and we couldn’t let it pass without contributing Kate’s Superior Margarita recipe.  Cheers!

Kate’s Superior Margarita

2 measures blanco 100% agave tequila

1 measure Cointreau

1 measure Damiana Liqueur

2 measures freshly squeezed key lime juice

1 measure freshly squeezed orange juice (blood orange makes it amazing)

lime wedges & salt

Instructions:  Salt the rims of your glasses. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker, such as our Toad Traveler, and shake it like you mean it.  Pour over more ice in the salted glasses.

If you’re the kind of person who has a “no plastic food” rule you probably need a pretty good reason to break it.  Ellen’s queso will make even the most die-hard purist trample their Michael Pollan books on the way to the dip bowl.  With a Velveeta-esque base, it’s inherently comforting the way a only recipe guarded by generations of female Texans can be. It’s creamy and cheesy with little bursts of sweet salsa and black beans and it goes perfectly with salty tortilla chips.  Plus the flavor is dynamic enough that you never get tired of it.  Ever.

Though it’s dairy-based, queso’s kissing cousin fondue has a whole different vibe.  The melted Gruyère cheese is sweet and nutty, the white wine gives it tang and zest and it’s best served over constant heat, otherwise it seizes up.  You have to dip the chunks of baguette right into the pot and eat them while they’re melty and delicious.  You have to wash it down with a glass of wine.  There’s nothing better after a day of skiing.

Yesterday at lunch we had a Queso vs. Fondue smackdown.  You know, just to see once and for all where our alliances rest.  And while queso got the most votes, it only won by two.

Ellen’s not parting with her queso recipe and she probably never will, so don’t bother asking.  But check back soon for Kate’s amazing fondue recipe.  And if you have a queso recipe you’d be willing to share, we’d be ever so grateful.