I love the idea of camping: the great outdoors, a log fire, birds singing, blankets, the smell of dew in the morning, eating al fresco, and simply getting away from it all. Camping is great, in theory, until it comes to getting a good night’s sleep that is. I hate sleeping bags, bumpy ground, rain leaking in and midges (annoying little Scottish flies).

That’s why this summer my friend Helen and I opted for a spot of ‘glamping’ instead. Glamping, or glamorous camping, comes in all shapes and sizes, from yurts like the yurt we stayed in to converted horse trucks.

Our yurt was let out by the lovely Gravell family, who also run the Idos surf shop and café on the same grounds. Based in Narberth in deepest South Wales, this was the perfect location to stay for anyone looking to explore the Pembrookshire countryside and coastline, as we did.

The yurt was large and comfortable, with a wood-burning stove to keep us warm and real beds to sleep on. Outside we had a cute wooden kitchen area and a large patch of ground shared with chickens, whose fresh eggs we ate for breakfast.

By day we headed for the beach and caught up with our surfing comrades at TYF Adventure, stuffed our faces with Welsh cakes and scoured charity shops for vintage treats, and by night we drank wine round the fire.

Sound good to you? Check out this video I made of our trip, to see what else glamping in Wales has to offer…

My top 3 glamping destinations:

1. Idos Yurts – Wales

2. Fforest – Wales

3. Canopy and stars – UK wide

You may remember from one of my blogs last summer that 2010 was the year I took up city cycling. Nearly one year on and not only am I hooked, I’ve started venturing on long distance (well, long for me) cycles from city to city.

Yesterday my friends and I cycled from Stirling to Glasgow, around 30 miles in total, with a few stops along the way. But despite my love for bikes I am reluctant to embrace lycra leggings (see last months blog) or chunky messenger bags. Instead, yesterday I opted for the, slightly more stylish, Squander pants, which look like jeans and feel like leggings and are super comfy to cycle in, paired with the Sea Stripe tunic. I finished things off with my Rock Climber rucksack, which was big enough to fit my lunch, two cameras, water bottle, repair kit, waterproof jacket, my Signature hoody, phone, bike lights and sunglasses. What more could you need?

I was a bit nervous to start off with, as this was the first time I’ve cycled such a long distance, but despite a few big hills that nearly killed me I had a great time. The sun shone for us all day, we saw some amazing wildlife and picnicked at the top of a hill looking out toward the Scottish coastline, before cycling home along a canal, where we stopped of for a cheeky beer. Perfect.

By the time we returned to Glasgow that evening I didn’t feel tired, I felt amazing! And we’re already planning our next tip.

Summer has only just started, so why not plan your own cycling adventure?

This photo was taken a couple of years back on a warm September evening as the sun was setting over Porthtowan beach, Cornwall.  I’d been doing a beach clean with an environmental campaign group called Surfers Against Sewage and a team of volunteers.  After the beach clean we had a well earned surf, then sat outside the beach side bar drinking and chatting whilst the sky took on these gorgeous hues.  You’ve got to believe me when I say I haven’t altered this photo in Photoshop at all, this is exactly what the sky looked like that night. If you look closely at the waves you can spot a couple of people still surfing in the very last of the day’s light.

Enjoy!

Photo: Ruth Carruthers

Submit your own “Summer Story” on our facebook page for a chance to be published and win clothes from the new collection.

www.facebook.com/quiksilver-women

This is the time of year when people start trying to ‘shape up for summer’, which for a city dweller like me usually involves going to the gym; a building I’ve not entered since 2004.

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I find gyms boring, I’d much rather be riding my real bike, swimming in the sea or sliding sideways down a mountain. And more recently I also think gyms are a massive waste of energy with all those rotating treadmills, blinking lights, TV screens and heated pools switched on all day and multiplied across the world. That has to rile Mother Nature a little bit, surely?

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In a column I wrote for HUCK last year I explored the idea that “here in the West, we eat so much that we have to go to a gym just to work off the excess calories by using a machine that eats energy too. We need energy to burn energy that we didn’t need in the first place. I mean, how crazy is that?

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Gyms are great for fitness, training and recreation, but when I look at them from an energy perspective, they seem ridiculous.”

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Plus, going to the gym usually involves purchasing specific ‘gym clothes’, which often includes synthetic shorts, vests and trainers. And the production of these items can put added strain not only on your pocket but on the environment too, through the consumption of the Earth’s natural resources and pollution from manufacturing.

So lately I’ve been on the hunt for a way to stay fit in the city, whilst reducing my impact on the environment…

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The answer comes in the form of No Lights, No Lycra (NLNL) – a weekly dance jam in the dark that takes place at the local art school.

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Sounds a little strange, doesn’t it? However, NLNL is now so popular in Melbourne, where the craze started, that there are now two sessions held every week. And dancing in the dark has also taken off in Berlin, Sydney, San Francisco, Brooklyn and now Glasgow, Scotland.

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The concept is simple: Make up a killer playlist (requests welcome), find an empty space, invite some friends, switch off the lights, hit play, dance any way you want for an hour or so, feel good, go home, come back next week. No lights, no crap music, no set dance routines, no dress code, no lycra; it’s just “dancing for the love of dancing.” Oh, and with minimum electricity used and no special clothing required the environment benefits too. Even better!

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I have to admit, it did feel a bit strange the first time I went, I’m not used to dancing around in the dark at 6pm on a Thursday night, but after about 10 minutes I really got into it, and now I’m addicted, as are my friends.

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From now on I’d encourage everyone to ditch the treadmill or your aerobics class and check out your local NLNL, or start a NLNL night of your own if there’s not one in your city already.

In the words of songstress Lykke Li, “Dance, Dance, Dance”…

http://www.vimeo.com/1857259

“Ohhhh, I love the ocean and all those pretty, pretty things,” sing the opening lyrics of Josh Rouse’s song Lemon Tree, which accompanies the QSW Spring 2011 video.

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These words are an instant hook for someone like me who grew up by the coast, and I’m really excited that QSW is making a return to the sea after a couple of seasons in the city. In addition, since I dabble in surfing when I get the change I’m also pleased to welcome world champion surfer Steph Gilmore into the fold of fellow brand ambassadors.

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But behind the waves there are woes. The ocean is in deep trouble and we all share the blame. From oil spills to over fishing, sea level rise, ocean acidification and plastic pollution nearly everything we do on land creates a demand that impacts on the sea, whether that be through consumption of natural resources or waste disposal.

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As humans we tend to have an ‘out of site, out of mind’ mentality, but fortunately there are people, publications and organisations out there who are bringing our attention to ocean issues through creative campaigns involving film, art, music and drama.

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One powerful example of this is Water, a recent theatre production showing at Kilburn’s Tricycle Theatre in London, which addresses the way in which climate change is affecting the ocean, presenting many challenges for mankind both now and in the future. As one of the characters in the play relays to the audience: “How successful we are in our reaction to these challenges may rely on our ability to be like water… to reach beyond ourselves and bond with those around us.  But are we capable of doing so? Or are we destined to be increasingly solitary, alone and un-bonded?  Constantly pushing further and further as individuals, placing the planet on which we live under intense pressure.  Leaving us unable to connect both with each other and the world we live in.”

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For me this statement holds true, not just for the way in which we tackle climate change and other issues affecting our seas, but I also believe it’s the approach we should be using to overcome every challenge facing society today.

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This year the population of our planet is set to hit the 7 Billion mark, but instead of seeing this as another test for mankind and this finite planet we live on, let’s embrace that number, build cohesion with those around us and adhere to the planet we live on.

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by Ruth Carruthers

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I’ve just got back from Prague, where I spent five days and nights exploring this ancient city, trying out my pinhole camera, sampling the local yummy things and hanging out with some great people, like fellow QSW Ambassador Bara Prasilova. I had a great time, although, it was slightly embarrassing when Bara and I met up for lunch, both wearing the Two-Way Street coat – we must have looked like those strange twins that like to dress the same!
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However, I wasn’t just there for fun. I was there with the British Council for a climate change conference, as part of my role as a Climate Advocate for the UK. The conference was held in conjunction with award winning charity Global Action Plan and Advocates from across Europe ahead of the COP16 talks in Cancun at the end of the Month.
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We talked about everything from deforestation to art with one of the main focuses being how we can combine creativity with cutting carbon emissions. It’s more and more apparent to me that tackling climate change is not just for eco-warriors and scientists trapped in a lab. Art, fashion, creative writing, photography, design, music and film all have their part to play in preserving this planet of ours and publicising environmental issues such as climate change.
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There’s this famous Dostoyevsky quote that says, “beauty will save the world.” I can’t debate that beauty has a role in this process; however, I see beauty as something that is mixed in with the creative guises I’ve mentioned already. And so, for me, a more fitting phrase would be, “creativity will save the world.”
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Whether it’s filming an enigmatic documentary about overfishing, exhibiting artwork inspired by nature or looking at new ways of designing items such as clothes and furniture, there is room for everyone to use their creative energy to create change. Check out the DO Lectures to find out about some of the people who are doing this already.
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From a creative point of view I think this photo I took outside the National Theatre in Prague sums up what I mean. It’s not a striking image, but the patchwork of crochet that hugs this sphere, to me, represents an intertwining of creative talents across our globe. And even though we cannot see this rich tapestry wrap round our planet in real life it’s there. What’s more, creative connections between each other and our planet are being made very day, so why don’t you start stitching your own contribution?
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In last months blog I included a recipe for lip and cheek stain made from a natural beetroot, which that got me thinking a bit more about the war paint I colour my face with.
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After a bit of digging I found that make-up’s not always as cheery as those bright shades of pink will have us believe, as Annie Leonard points out in her short film ‘The Story of Cosmetics’. It turns out a lot of our everyday beauty products contain a cocktail of chemicals and I don’t want any chemicals on me, whether they’re proven to be harmful to my health or not.
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So, over the past month I’ve been on a quest to find a purer alternative to all the powders and potions lining my make-up bag. However, many of the products I’ve found are expensive or difficult to get hold of and what I really need is something I can buy on the high street for a reasonable price - as I’m sure you do too.
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Luckily, I’ve discovered UNE. Described as “true make-up” UNE “allows women to be who they are, without masking or changing them.” And with 26 products from lipsticks to eye shadows in 160 shades, who can say natural is boring?
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Recently I’ve been wearing their sheer lip-gloss, boasting 100% total ingredients from natural origin, and their Breezy Cheeks blush, a cream to powder blush that contains natural beeswax. Plus, their mascaras and Sfumato (meaning elusive) eye pencil rival those from any leading brand.
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Even better UNE is available in my local Boots store, which is where I also found Bourjois’ Bio Détox Organic foundation and concealer, that promises “a breath of fresh air for your skin.” It’s got a whole bunch of active ingredients that are said to be good for your face; including rice powder and barley sprout water. But all I can really say for sure is that it works a treat and contains 98.8% natural ingredients, which is a pretty good start.
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Another refreshing thing about these products is that they don’t cover you up until you scrape your slap off at the end of the day; instead they enhance your beauty without concealing it. There are also no genetically modified organisms, artificial colorants or synthetic fragrances in UNE products. And last but not least, they respect the environment, with many of the UNE products refillable, certified by Ecocert and made here in Europe rather than halfway across the globe.
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So whether you’re looking to reduce chemical overload on your skin, care about the planet or are just looking for some great make-up UNE and Bio Détox products are a great place to start.

For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere the leaves are turning brown, the nights are closing in and there’s a definite chill in the air, however, with a few raindrops aside, I have to say, I do love autumn. It’s not just an exciting time of year because Quiksilver Women’s Fall/Winter collection hits the shops, but also because there’s so much amazing stuff out there to see and do, so here are my top three reasons to get excited about the change in seasons.
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First up, it’s time to be picky. Plums, apples, mushrooms, chestnuts and blackberries (not the phone) are some of the delicious, wild and free delights that are ripe for picking at this time of year. This is not only a fun approach to eating in season; it’s also the perfect way to cut down on your food miles too, meaning it’s a tasty way to help the environment. Last week I foraged for some cherry plums and made an amazing cherry plum pie that would make Quiksilver Women Ambassador and Chef Tevau proud and this week it’s apple crumble time.
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Additionally, whilst I’m always sad to watch as the swifts and swallows desert us at the start of autumn to once again fly back to Africa for the winter, this year however the birds are here to stay, albeit in the form of prints that is. Yip, bird prints are big this autumn/winter, whether that’s in the form of a swallow print tea dress or a screen printed t-shirt I’m definitely going to be pairing something avian with the latest from Quiksilver Women’s over the next couple of months.
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What’s more I adore the colours of autumn too; from rusty orange through to deep purple I can’t wait to change not only my wardrobe but also my make-up to suit the seasons. My friend Holly has just sent me the recipe for a homemade cheek and lip stain made from yet another seasonal veg, beetroot, that’s right, beetroot! Not the pickled stuff in a jar that your granny used to give you as a kid, but the fresh kind, straight from your garden or the allotment down the road. It’s super simple to make, it works a treat and will save you a packet if you normally invest in the famous branded stuff.
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So if you’re the kind of person who likes to cling on to the last rays of summer sun until their fingers turn blue, I hope I’ve convinced you that autumn’s not all doom and gloom? Make the most of it before the snow comes!
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Holly’s beetroot and glycerine cheek and lip tint (originally from The Ultimate Natural Beauty Book by Josephine Fairly)
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- 45g raw beetroot, grated
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- 3 tablespoons vegetable glycerin
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Method: Put the beetroot and glycerine in a heat-proof bowl over a pan of boiling water for 15 minutes. Cool, then strain into a sealable container. Shake before use, then apply a dab to your cheeks and lips for the perfect autumn glow.

In the UK alone over 1.2 million tonnes of clothes are thrown away each year, with most items still in perfectly wearable condition - what a waste, don’t you think? And the planet thinks so too!
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A well-known way to reduce wardrobe waste is to donate unwanted clothes to charity shops, which are always a great place to pick up one-off items at a bargain price too – just ask my friend Holly, she’s the Queen of charity shops. However, India Knight’s “The Thrift Book”, which I also often refer to as ‘my bible’, is full of other great ideas for reducing, reusing and recycling unworn and unwanted fashion.
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First up, Knight suggests opting for quality not quantity, investing in those classic items you’re going to wear again and again, such as the QSW Outside Line Dress or the 4am Sweater Coat from the Fall Winter 2010 collection. Lets face, it we all have all fallen victim to buying arms full of ill-fitting dresses just because they were cheap, but these days I would much rather save up and buy one fab dress that makes me feel truly special over and over again, rather than a heap of ‘wear-once’ items that are just going to end up at the back of my wardrobe.
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Knight’s next suggestion, and my personal favourite, is to hold a clothes swap party! It’s easy; just get a bunch of your mates together at your place one night with a couple bottles of wine and everyone’s castoffs then swap away, and anything left over at the end of the night goes to charity. Also, look out for public swapping events in your area, which will usually be held in a local bar or café or you can try swapping online, try whatsmineisyours.com.
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Another fun way of putting your unwanted wardrobe to good use is to take part in a clothes sale such as ‘Granny Would Be Proud’, the vintage and craft fair I took part in recently. I was selling a selection of lovely dresses I don’t seem to wear any more, along with kitsch kitchenware and a few crafty bits’n’bobs I’ve been making recently, whilst other sellers were offering everything from cakes to handmade jewellery and I picked up a couple of timeless pieces while I was there. The aim here’s not really to make money, but to have some fun, pick up some bargains and meet some likeminded people, so whether you’re buying or selling they’re a great day out.
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Last, but not least, if you’re practical minded learn how to patch a hole or fix a broken zip. But what’s more, If you like getting crafty, you can always have a go at customising and refashioning old clothes, which you can either then wear and make all your friends jealous, or you can sell them on at a fair like the one I just mentioned – there are always people out searching for unique items. Try altering clothes so they fit perfectly, changing the buttons on an old sweater or chopping up an old t-shirts to give them a new neckline.
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But most importantly, look after your clothes. From the person who grew the cotton to the designer and the people who stitched it together it takes time, effort and a lot of the Earth’s natural resources to make the clothes you wear and the last place a dress wants to end up is the local landfill.
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the Granny Would Be Proud vintage and craft fair

Meet Lola, my new bike. In fact, she’s the first bike I’ve owned in a long time, which is truly a disgrace considering I’m forever championing the benefits of cycling to help the environment. But my bike is so much more than just a CO2 free way of getting around; it’s also a stylish time machine…
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Whilst all my friends have been riding round town for years, I put off investing in a set of wheels for one reason… I was scared. The thought of cycling in the city simply terrified me. It looks like a wonderful way to get around if you live somewhere like Copenhagen, where the cycle lanes are as wide as the bus lanes, but I live in Glasgow, where cycle lanes are a narrow network of disjoined green strips that cars like to park over, meaning you have to cycle with the big boys such as the cars and trucks most of the time.
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But recently I decided it was time to bite the bullet; I just couldn’t put off getting a bike any longer. Plus, whether you are drawn to a fixed gear model or a vintage replica like mine, bikes are stylish these days, and there’s no need for super-tight shorts and neon helmets either – check out Cycle Chic if you don’t believe me.
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If you’re reading this and you’ve got an old rusty bike in the back of the garage get it out and fix it up! It’s a great way to express your creativity and produce something truly unique, plus it’s much better for the environment to bring an old bike back to life, and much cheaper than buying a new one. I painted my bike myself, with a little help from a friend who could help me take it apart and put it back together the right way – it’s always handy to have one of those friends around when attempting bike DIY for the first time.
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Lola’s maiden voyage was last week when a friend and I decided to cycle to a gallery across town, which involved navigating multiple lanes of traffic, riding along side double-decker buses and diffusing impatient motorists, but I made it there, and back, in one piece. I have to admit; it was scary, my heart was pumping the whole way, but it was also liberating at the same time. And a couple of trips later I was wondering what I was so scared about in the first place? A good helmet, a set of lights at night and some common sense and you’re fine. Moreover, a journey that used to take me the best part of an hour and involved taking both the underground and a train took 20min – it felt kind of like time travel!
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Now that I’m converted I find myself drooling over every bike I see and wondering what took me so long to make the move from the dirty expensive bus to this stylish, low carbon, fun and healthy time saving device. So what’s your excuse for not getting on your bike?