Waterton Glacier Relay

**Don't forget to enter our Ello Lovey giveaway for an 8x10 print!

Also use the discount code FIREWEED for 30% off!

One thing both Amy and I enjoy doing is running. I find it to be relaxing and a good way to just chill while still getting a workout. While running by yourself for fun or exercise is awesome, we really enjoy doing 5K, 10K, and half marathons. Our FAVORITE is a good old fashioned relay race.

We did the Waterton-Glacier Relay in 2011 and it was a blast. It sounds cliche, but what is better than hanging out in the mountains/on a mountain highway all day with 12 of your friends?

The race started early in Cardston, Alberta and wound up and down highways and back roads where the mountains meet the prairies to West Glacier, Montana. Between legs we cheered our teammates on, snacked, laughed, napped in the VW van, read... It was a full day of running and chilling. Perfect combo.

100 Miles. 4, 8, or 12 person teams. Gorgeous scenery.

This year's registration for the relay is open until the 21, which is race day! If you can't make it this year we really encourage to look for races in your area you can do with friends. What a better way to spend your time than being outside and getting your fitness on? Oh, and wanna be on our team next year? Cause we're in. I wouldn't pass up an opportunity to be here, ever.

Check out Waterton-Glacier Relay's webpage here for more information on the route, registering for next year, and additional information.

Blog Launch Giveaway: Ello Lovey

Alright peeps, this week's giveaway I am SUPER excited about for a couple reasons. 1. It's home decor, not baby goods. Don't get me wrong, I love my kid and I'm sure you do too, but sometimes ya just gotta get something for YOU. Reason 2. The lovely shop owner is offering a discount code. WOO! Okay, ready? We have Rhi from Ello Lovey!

I stumbled upon Rhi's shop while browsing Etsy one day. Bonus: She loves the great outdoors too. I love her prints and can't wait to get one of my own! Here's a few I have my eye on...

There are just so many to choose from! Today is also the anniversary of Rhi listing her first item on Etsy; what better way to celebrate than to give a piece of her work away? Also, she has teeny little hand drawn earrings available, as well as brooches. I LOVE the mountain set. Perfect!

Rhi is giving away one 8x10 print from her Etsy shop to one lucky reader. And don't lose your cool, but for those of you who walk away empty handed, Rhi is offering 30, THIRTY, percent off her shop to Fireweed readers! I've spotted a few that would be perfect for gifts. Enter FIREWEED at checkout to claim this amazing steal! (Code valid until Sunday night, June 22)

To connect with Rhi, check her out here...

E T S Y 

S I T E 

F A C E B O O K
(in honor of her 3rd anniversary, she's hosting a giveaway too! check it out!)

And to Enter:

1. Follow @fireweedblog and @ellolovey on Instagram

2. Share this giveaway by reposting a photo of your favorite item from Rhi's shop and tagging us both, and hashtag #elloloveyandfireweed. Make sure you spell it right!

 **If you're private, let us know on our insta post, otherwise we won't know you entered.

Good luck! As always, winner announced Friday!

Blog Launch Giveaway: J Rae Bows

Thanks for your support on our first week of giveaways! We love supporting small businesses and giving stuff away to you, our readers. We like to make you happy! And THIS week we are excited to have.... drumroll... Jennie of J Rae Bows!

Jennie is a genius at the sewing machine. She handmakes her kids birthday presents (and their birthday cakes are always amazing too) and sews them gorgeous dolls and dresses (we need to convince her to start selling these!) J Rae Bows is her creative outlet of a variety of accessories, including hair bows in an array of different styles and fabrics, bow ties and ties.

And her bows aren't just for little ladies either! Each one can be slipped onto a headband or tucked under a top knot for you more mature ladies out there. Tres chic!

Okay, I've led you on long enough. Check out what she's giving away:

6 gorgeous bows! Two large chiffon, 2 small chiffon, and 2 cotton. Each comes with an alligator clip that can be removed so you can slip the bow on a headband. (You'll win a headband too!)

Easy as pie and so super cute.

To Enter: 

1. If you're not already, follow @fireweedblog and @jraebows on Instagram

2. Follow J Rae Bows on Facebook 

3. Tag a friend on our insta post! As many as you want! Each friend tagged is one entry

4. For an additional entry, repost on Insta with hashtag #iwantjrae

Once again, winner will be announced Friday morning. GOOD LUCK!

Stuff We Eat: Energy Bites

In my mind a good lunch is absolutely essential to a good hike.  After spending an exhausting few hours getting to the top of a mountain peak or a pristine glacier lake, there is nothing better than kicking off your hiking boots, having something delicious to snack on, and taking a quick little nap (or going for a swim if you're ambitious!)

These energy bites are a must have in my pack these days.  Let's be honest, everyone loves a good treat at the end of the trail, and these are just right for satisfying my sweet tooth.  Not to mention they sure beat a chocolate bar and a can of pop!

I used the base recipe from here and added in some dried fruit, nuts, and seeds.  Pretty much whatever you've got in your pantry works, so feel free to be creative!

Energy Bites

 - 1 cup rolled oats

 - 2/3 cup coconut flakes (the original recipe says to use toasted but I didn't and it turned out fine)

 - 1/2 cup peanut butter

 - 1/2 cup ground flaxseed

 - 1/2 cup chocolate chips

 - 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup

 - 1 Tbsp chia seeds (optional)

 - 1 tsp vanilla extract

 - large handful of dried fruit (optional - some of my favorites are apricots, dates, or craisins)

 -  1/2 cup seeds/nuts (optional - I usually use sunflower seeds, walnuts, or pecans)

You may need to add a little extra honey and peanut butter, depending on how many seeds, ect. you use.  A tablespoon or so should do the trick!  Combine the dry ingredients, add the honey and peanut butter, and form into balls.  That's it!  I usually freeze mine for a few hours so they don't completely melt during the hike.  Enjoy!

Blog Launch Giveaway: Coppermine Creek

As some of you may have seen on Instagram, we are launching something that we are really excited about today. Introducing...

Each week in June we will be featuring a different shop and giving YOU, our beloved readers and Insta-followers, the chance to win some goods. Let's jump right in, shall we?!

Meet Bonnie. Wife. Mom. Seamstress extraordinaire behind Coppermine Creek.

"My name is Bonnie Fromm and I am the seamstress behind Coppermine Creek.  My mom was the one who first taught me to sew and having 2 boys of my own has encouraged me to see what I can create with my trusty Bernina sewing machine.

Coppermine Creek started as a creative outlet for me to make shoes for my own children, and from there it has expanded as friends and family have asked me to make shoes, leggings and more for their children.  I'm excited to see where this new venture takes me!"

And we are excited to have you! Let me show you what Bonnie is giving away...

These genuine leather moccs, size 0-6 months and this rainbow felt ball and leather soother clip!

I won a giveaway Bonnie hosted when she first opened her shop, and I love the moccs I got from her! They were constructed so well and looked darling when paired with leggings. Check out what she has online here or contact her to ask about custom orders!

TO ENTER:

1. Follow Fireweed (@fireweedblog) and Coppermine Creek (@copperminecreek) on Insta

2. Tag up to 3 friends on our Insta post (1 tag=1 entry. Tag all in one comment please!)

That's it! For additional entries you can...

3. Share this giveaway on Insta (just tag us, and Coppermine Creek. We get that nobody likes to spam their followers, which is why we made this optional!)

4. Comment on the blog telling us what your favorite part of summer is. Can't wait to hear!

Giveaway closes Thursday 6/5 at midnight and winner will be announced via Instagram Friday morning. Good luck!!

Jessica