Thanks REI for the campaign to spend Black Friday not shopping and shoving for $1 socks and a new coffee maker.

As a newbie minimalist, I didn't want to join the commercialism the day has come to be filled with...but let's face it...sometimes I'm shallow and want to buy things or just lay around the house in yoga pants.

Just keeping it real y'all!

Thankfully I'd gone to REI a few weeks back to pick up a HydroFlask True Pint and I saw the #optoutside sticker.

I was intrigued because I had an open spot on my 16 oz HydroFlask for a new sticker. Yes I'm so deep and yes I own a lot of HydroFlask sizes.

Don't judge me.

The cashier let me know that REI stores were going to be closed on Black Friday to encourage people to spend the day outside being active instead jostling outside Walmart.

Boom!

New sticker and a bandwagon I can jump on to get me out of the house after Thanksgiving!

If you look up the hashtag on Instagram you'll see a plethora of folks doing outdoor activities and enjoying nature. After a whole day dedicated to being thankful...somehow it just seems right to step away from the normal Black Friday madness.

None of this is to put down those who took advantage of great sales! Way to be frugal! This post is to encourage all of us to take a step back (preferably outside) and get active and explore nature, the most beautiful free experience we have on this planet!

Selfie of my Uncle Jim and I as we spent the morning and early afternoon biking around Lake Washington. Such a sunny gloriously crisp day!