Sometimes a vacation is just a few hours away. We recently took a road trip to the Gorge in Quincy, Washington for the 2011 Sasquatch Music Festival.  We found it amazing to find such an event close to home that we could fit into our busy schedule. The Gorge was the most unbelievable backdrop for us to relax on the hill,  and catch some of our latest favourite bands.

great bands to catch

We were so excited to catch some of our latest, favourite bands at this fest. If you get lucky you may catch them touring this summer.

• Matt & Kim - One word: AMAZING! This was our first time catching this two piece band, and we fell in love! The energy was awesome and they had they crowd beyond entertained! Download: Daylight
• Robyn - We have been running to her songs all spring and we were super-stoked to see her live! Of course she did not disappoint! Download : Dancing On My Own
• Fitz and the Tantrums - You can’t help move around when listening to this band. Download : MoneyGrabber

don’t worry…there’s more!

That’s not it for the summer music festivals. Be sure to catch some more great music at these future festivals this summer.

• Lollapalooza. Chicago, IL  August 5-7
• Bumbershoot. Seattle, WA September 3-5
• Wanderlust, Bondville, VT, June 23-26
• Wanderlust, Tahoe, CA, July 28-31

(Wanderlust is a series of yoga-cum-music festivals. We'll be there bending and rocking out. We'll also be offering goal coaching sessions in Vermont)

what to bring

Being prepared for a three-day music festival that includes camping AND travelling light doesn't come off without a little planning. Here are our suggestions to keep the experience happy and easy.

• Layer up! The Gorge was warm during the day and quite cold in the evenings. Be sure to pack layers!  We luckily packed a few of our lululemon favourites for the task! (Who knew wunder unders and vinyasa scarves could get any better right?)
• Remember to pack your water bottle. Being in the sun all day can make you thirsty. Most festivals have refill stations for your reusable water bottles. It’s a great way to stay hydrated and skip those pricey bottles of water at concessions.
• Grab an air mattress! Some of us aren’t the most experienced campers. An air mattress can turn a tent into a home!
• Don't forget ear Plugs. Sleeping in a parking lots of festival goers…ear plugs are a must!

We try to keep our ears to the ground for up-coming events. If you're pumped about a festival this summer, let us know about it. Maybe we'll see you there.

Image: flickr/yukoners

Ahhh, the sweet scent of summer is upon us! The air is fragrant with flowers, cruiser bike gangs are converging on every corner and weekend missions are being planned with the passion & precision of a NASA launch. One activity that's synonymous with the season is the group camping trip. No matter your style of camping, from a relaxing journey into nature (with canoes, hikes and tents) to a full-on party (complete with BBQs, high-fives and cannonball competitions), there are essential components to take your voyage from lame to ‘best weekend of my LIFE!” status.

miraculously versatile sweater 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

– we all have that one sweater that goes with everything – and you need to be prepared. What happens if your campsite just so happens to sit next to a Dirty Dancing-esque resort and you all decide to crash the party? It’s always smart to have a go-to piece.

one more bikini than you think you’ll need 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

– Okay, so you probably won’t wear it. But swimsuits take negative space in your backpack and you can never have too many options for swimwear. While you’re at it – toss in another pair of undies (pssst, our undies are really awesome, guides honor – no muffin top!!!)

an extra air mattress for the lake 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

– Someone is inevitably going to forget theirs and if you save their day, you’ll enter hero status. To rocket into the camping god stratosphere, bring an inflatable party raft. Sure, it sounds tacky – until you’re having the best afternoon of your life. Schwing!

the perfect beach blanket 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

– Okay friends, be strategic when it comes to picking your blanket, whether it's for sand, grass, or some other miscellaneous surface (hey, I'm not a judge-y camper). Mexican blankets are fabulous; thick enough to not feel sticks and rocks and beautiful enough to add a little boho vibe. Straw mats are also a chic and practical choice. Just don't make one of two classic blanket mistakes: using a too-small towel as your blanket or the ultimate cardinal sin of blanket behavior, bringing your childhood blankie. You might think it's sweet, but lying on your mothball-scented Strawberry Shortcake comforter isn't as cute & ironic as you think.

yoga mat 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

– One of the best ways to soak in the beauty of your camping spot is doing sunrise yoga. Just imagine - gazing out from the familiar home of upward dog at the stunning sight of the sun rising into the sky, followed by a deep, full breath of fresh air. I'm feeling serene just writing this! Bonus: the mat doubles as a comfy seat for you and a friend to sit and eat lunch on! Multitasking is so hot right now.

disposable underwater camera 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

– maybe it’s just me, but underwater photos are still novel and exciting. Plus, you can’t take a billion ‘re-do’ photos with an old-fashioned throwaway, therefore achieving authentic, in-the moment photos - a rarity these days in the world of pose downs and hipster mobile downloads.

playing cards & crib board 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

– You may never need them, but should the weather turn gnarly you’ll be happy you threw these in your bag.

surf rashguard 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

– Going surfing on your vacay? If you’ve been before, you’ll know – a rashguard is a must to prevent, yup, you guessed it, a rash. Is it just me or are we getting smart up in here?

Image: flickr/Eko

ghetto blaster

– The wilderness is one of the few places where being a luddite is still awesome. Get yourself some speakers for your iPod or better yet, a ghetto blaster. You’ll be the de facto party station for the rest of the weekend

new sweet tunes 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

– Sunshine + good tunes = camping nirvana. Bring a ghetto blaster (see above) coupled with great music and you've got a new soundtrack for your life. On that note, see below my favorite songs for mellow summertime hangin'.

"World’s Got A Handle" – Sun Wizard
This might be the new greatest road trip song of all time.

"The Birds" – Serenades
The Swedes do it again – this new Scandinavian group just released an album full of ethereal, catchy beats.

"Young Blood" – The Naked & Famous
This song sounds like skinny-dipping…if that is even possible.

"Pumped Up Kicks" – Foster the People
The hottest track around right now. These dudes sound awesome and look like Jack Johnson’s hot little brothers.

"2 Hearts" – Digitalism
Check out this new song from the most underrated posse out of Australia. Warning: not for the casual camping trip.

"Lizstomania" – Edwin Van Cleef (featuring Jane Hurley)
This clever cover of Phoenix’s monster hit will have you basking in the late afternoon sunshine, praying for the moment to never end.

"Towers" – Bon Iver
Just when you thought it couldn’t be done…Bon Iver goes and releases an even better album. Perfect for late night marshmallow roasts and friendships.

Alright, now pack up the car and get out there! I’ll be the one with the burned veggie dog humming Bob Seger.

She had us at hello!

Meet Toni, the newest member of our yoga design team! We're thrilled to welcome her expertise, glowing smile, and quick wit to the lululemon family. When Toni isn't whipping out gorgeous yoga designs, she can be found rock climbing, mountain biking, running, swimming, or dancing... if she hasn't already taken off on a globe-trotting expedition! Get to know more about Toni through our fresh faces interview...

tell us something surprising about yourself:

I was a professional dancer for about fifteen years: seven years of ballet class, five years of hip hop and street dance, plus a couple of years of teaching street dance and jazz to kids. Yes, I know - it's hard to imagine me in a tutu onstage dancing and jumping around. But at least it was always a black or white tutu, not pink!

what's your favourite way to sweat?

Mysore-style Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga at least three times a week. And on the weekends, my partner and I love to explore Canada's wilderness in our 4x4 camper van. Camping and hiking are a must!

tell us about your biggest, hairiest, most audacious goal:

My goal is to take our van on a road trip through South America, Japan and India. I'm looking forward to connecting with the locals and enjoying the incredible scenery. I'd also love to keep a blog of my journey, so I can share my impressions and inspire my friends at home.

what attracted you to lululemon?

The overall concept of the company. The sense of community is breathtaking and incredibly inspiring. Also, the products are truly functional since they're made with (and for) athletes. Due to my active life I have always loved designing clothing and accessories which bond function and style.

what excites you most about your new role?

Getting involved with the lululemon culture and community. After designing with great people at Adidas (sport-specific), Adidas by Stella McCartney, Aritzia, Maier-Sports and others, I'm eager to share my experience and knowledge with my new team. I hope to bring a touch of fresh style and originality to lululemon's yoga designs!

Could you be the next fresh face at lululemon? Our design team is still growing, so if you're interested in becoming a designer for Apres, Accessories, Mens or Run, check out our careers website and apply! http://www.lululemon.com/about/careers