*Guest Post* Fall is Better Than Spring + Book Review

We were out backpacking this fall when a friend of mine asked a question. “What do you like better? Spring or fall?” I looked around me. Birch trees, cottonwood trees, fireweed, and cranberry bushes, all shining their best fall colors. The air smelled sweet of berries and felt crisp on our faces. What could be better? “Fall”, I shouted out, “fall is my favorite.” Then a kid piped up, “I like spring better because then I know summer is coming.” Touché. Leave it to a kid to be logical about the matter. But to say spring is better than fall because summer follows spring implies that winter is the lesser of the seasons. This is where I beg to differ.

Great Kids Gear (Adventuring for Christmas!) + Baby Banz Giveaway

Our kids always benefit from some great gear for Christmas along with the "fun" stuff.  (Not that gear isn't fun, because it definitely means fun adventures!)  We are strong believers in the idea that great gear = happy kids and fun times!  It is absolutely worth the money for us.  We give each other gear for holidays, we give them gear.  And then we go play!  We thought it would be fun to make a list of the gear that we personally love to share with you.  And yes, we understand that this list does not exhaust all the possiblities and we would LOVE to hear your own opinions or suggestions in the comments!

***************************************************

A bunch of other Outdoor Mamas are also doing holiday guide posts today!  Check them out:

*Family Holiday Gifts for Cyclists from Velo Mom

*A Wishlist for Cragbabies from Cragmama

*Christmas Gift Ideas - The 5 pieces of gear we take everywhere from Bring the Kids

*Gifts for Outdoor Families from Outside Mom

*Tis the Gift Giving Season - Suggestions for Skiing Families from Brave Ski Mom

****************************************************

And since it is Cyber Monday, I am including links to most of the gear (because a ton of it is on sale so don't miss it!)

Molehill Mittens and Booties

We have quite honestly had some struggles finding warm enough mittens for J.  However, we are super impressed with Molehill.  We bought some mittens last year that were much too big for J, but used them to layer other smaller mittens under (and could even fit in a handwarmer between the mittens last year).  Molehill graciously sent us some thumb-less ones to review for P this year and we love them too.  They are warm, stay on and have a waterproof shell. P wears them layered under his snowsuit when it is colder out (and yep, plenty of room to grow!).  Molehill also makes some awesome booties that fit over shoes and add another layer of warmth.  P is still small for them, but we are able to put them over his shoes and under his snowsuit.  He is wearing them in the picture below and a better picture is above this paragraph.

Bear (or animal in general) Hat
I always thought animal hats for kids were silly.  They are kids, not animals.  But J LOVES this hat.  And I cannot tell you how many complements he gets on it (mostly from jealous adults, believe it or not!)  It covers his ears very well, keeps him warm and makes him growl.  We found the hat in Jackson at Skinny Skis (one of our favorite shops!)

J Wearing Bear Hat, Baby Banz Sunglasses, Patagonia Puff Coat and Molehill Mittens

This Moment

*No words necessary, just a precious moment.*

Kid-Co PeaPod and PeaPod Plus Review plus *Giveaway!*

**Closed!  Congratulations, Nichole S. - you are the winner thanks to Mr. Random (lucky #4!) Email me to claim your prize!!!!**


Happy, Happy Thanksgiving!  Don't worry - I am far from the computer today running the Turkey Trot in Jackson and spending time with family, but wanted to share this excellent travel solution before Black Friday hit (just in case... :))

Yesterday Stephanie talked about a list of her go-to items for traveling with kids.  On the top of that list was the Kid-Co PeaPod.  After getting the opportunity to try one out ourselves (and a Peapod Plus too!) we whole-heartedly agree it is a must-have.

The purpose of both the PeaPod and the Peapod Plus is to provide an alternative to a bulky Pack 'n Play when you are traveling (or backpacking or camping).  We love this because quite honestly, our minivan (high five to all the mini-van families out there) is filled to the brim with other gear nearly every time we leave the house.  It is a bit embarrassing that with just two kids + a dog + kid carriers + Chariot + skis + coats, gloves, hats, and snowsuits +  cloth diapers + snacks = a VERY full load.  Not sure what we will do if we have any more kids...

We also love that kids feel like they are camping when they are in the tents (and sleeping bags are just the natural sleeping arrangement when you are in a tent.)  We usually give J a flashlight too just to add to the ambiance (plus, it's fun!)

Kid-Co generously sent us both a PeaPod and a PeaPod Plus so we could compare them.

*Guest Post* Adventure Baby!

*Giveaway closed! Congratulations, Caroline M. - check your inbox!*

I am thrilled to introduce you to Stephanie on the blog today.  Stephanie is the owner of one of my very favorite shops in Jackson, Backcountry Baby. Backcountry Baby was created to help parents simplify the adventure of parenting. Specializing in travel gear, cloth diapers and baby wearing gear. They've got all the essentials covered (plus some fun goodies!) Stop by at 245 W. Pearl St in Jackson or online at www.backcountry-baby.com (their online shop just went live).  


She has some super valuable tips for traveling with babies and kids, especially during the holidays (and make sure you read all the way to the end of the post for a chance to win something on her "must have" list!)

Introducing the 2012 Kelty Pathfinder 3.0

We were SUPER excited when Kelty agreed to let us be some of the very first people to try out the new Pathfinder 3.0 (just released in January 2012.)  We are going to introduce the pack here (but please excuse our (VERY) amateur video skills!) and then update this post with additional thoughts as we use it throughout the year.

In general, we are super impressed.  It is a FAR cry from the 16 year old L.L. Bean pack we have used with J the past 2.5 years (though that is an unfair comparison as the technology has advanced incredibly since then,) and has a bunch of awesome features that currently make it our favorite pack for P.  Watch the blog in the coming weeks for our review of the Deuter Kid Carrier III (our favorite kid carrier for J.)

15 minutes IS enough...

Well this weekend it happened.  J was too sick to get outside for a day (for the first time in his life.)  High fevers and chest congestion did it for me.  The cold air was not going to help him.  Sad for all of us.

I thought I would take the opportunity to mention that even though I DO believe that being outside every day for just a bit is crucial, there are, of course, exceptions.

This was one of them.

However, after he started feeling better a couple of days later and his fever broke (and breathing wasn't so difficult) he was out there.  For just a few minutes.  He was desperate to try out his new snowshoes we found for him so he did (good indication he was feeling a little better!)  For 10 minutes.  And then he was done.  And that was ok!

I have to be clear that while our family LOVES being outside, we are also responsible parents and the health and safety of our family is very first.

And because poor-boy was just too cute:

Done (and happy with Daddy!)

In other news, you can find Tales of a Mountain Mama at our own domain now (though the old one will automatically redirect you.) www.talesofamountainmama.com

I am also guesting today over at Adventure Tykes.  Come check it out - fun camping memories!

Bristle Block Spinaroos by B. Toys Review

I was inspired by this family and their "Expedition America 2011" trek with their two year old.  I checked out their tips (and continue to do so) and the gear they are finding valuable for their sanity. :)  While they don't seem to have many toys for their son along with them (less is always more!) their thoughts on B. toys caught my eye.  

I contacted the company to see if I would be able to also review some of their toys, and was delighted that they agreed!  I am impressed with their colors and their "earthy" packaging first of all.  And I love that this is part of their philosophy and what they want for kids: 


We want to be a voice to children that says it’s okay to be curious, to be pensive, to be loud, to be happy and sad all at the same time, to be generous, to be afraid, to be quiet, to be wild, to be fun, to be open, to be scientific, to be poetic, to be giddy, to be serious, to be smart, to be free, to be you.


We were sent two different products: Bristle Block Spinaroos and Dr. Doctor (review on Dr. Doctor coming soon!).  

This Moment....

*No words necessary, just a precious moment.*

Boba Pack Review

I continue to be impressed with Boba products....and am excited to introduce you to the Boba Pack.  I was at first skeptical of this bag (was it really worth the $100 price tag?!?!?) but it has now become my go-to bag (and may even replace my purse so I can consolidate my "stuff".)  I love that it is made of the same soft fabric as the Boba Baby Carrier and easily attaches TO the carrier (or stroller or most other carriers) and so provides more storage space.  I personally think it is best used attached to a stroller or as a shoulder bag, especially when it is full.  However, it does attach to the carrier and P doesn't seem to mind it hanging there behind him (see picture below.) The pack isn't huge, but I can easily carry my Patemm Pad, two cloth diapers, a nursing cover and some extra kid clothes along with some personal items of my own (keys, wallet, water bottle, etc.)  The pack comes in 5 different colors to pack the Boba 3G.  I chose the  more generic "glacier" just so I could use it beyond Baby. :)  

I labeled some pictures below to show you a bit more....I know the writing is small, so click on the images to enlarge.  

I was given this pack by Boba to review.  However, as always, the opinions and view points in this review (and everywhere) are purely and honestly my own! Additionally, some of these links are affiliates.  See my disclosure here.

The Kids are Driving Me NUTS!

Confession: The kids (mine plus two extra) were driving me crazy today.

Our home is small, but fits us well. While an extra playroom would be nice, we love the fact that the space constrictions require us to stay closer as a family (there is no hiding!) It also naturally pushes us outside even more for a little extra room to breathe.

Today the house felt REALLY small (it is shocking really how many toys three kids under 4 can get out in a matter of 20 minutes.) I certainly had my own agenda (confession again) and it did not involve picking up toys a hundred times and breaking up quarrels.

 And then it hit me: GET THEM OUTSIDE. You would think I would have this down by now, but for some reason today it was not the first solution I thought of. Also, the extra kids had come without any outdoor clothing at all (a big "no, no" at our house because there is no way they will be here longer than 2 hours and not be out there!) So, we rounded up what we could and dealt with camo gloves on girls and too small coats.

It made all the difference. Yes, for them too. :) My mood improved, Stressed Mama went away and we all joined in the fun. Because, you see - I didn't just shoo them outside; I went with them. Monkey See, Monkey Do, right? How could I expect my children to enjoy being out there when they saw it as me just getting rid of them and then continuing my own agenda?

Disclaimer: Yes, I know there are times when you just CAN'T be out there every moment.  I feel particularly inclined to do so because of the fact our play area is not fenced, and I would prefer to keep all kids out of the way of traffic. 

But, my point is this: Our kids follow what they see us do. If we want to raise children with a love of the outdoors, they need to see us love it too. Every day. Not just when it is a special trip or convenient.

Join in this week and get outside. With your kids. Amazing discoveries are made out there!

The Active Kids Club and Polarn O. Pyret have joined up this week and are challenging you to get outside.  Join them (and us!) *Click on the button above or here to read about it in my Monday post about moonlit skiing*

Post-Adventure Eats

Especially on the weekends when we can be outside with a family a lot more, I don't spend a whole lot of time cooking.  I would much prefer to enjoy my husband and children and NOT the kitchen.  We have a family tradition of Mass and then pizza (usually homemade recipe on that another time) on most Saturday nights and then I seem to be always throwing something together for Sundays.  This is one of the easiest, mostly-healthy meals I have up my sleeve (coming from my own mom's kitchen.  Thanks, Mom!)  The ingredients can be kept on hand easily in your pantry and freezer and enjoyed with post-adventure hot chocolate.

Yam-Pineapple-Kielbasa Casserole (I have no idea what it is really called)

*1 can pineapple chunks
*1 can yams (I try to get the ones in at least light syrup and do a lot of draining and rinsing)
*1 package Kielbasa (flavor up to you!)
*3 T. butter (or less per your preference) cut into small chunks
*3 T. brown sugar

Drain cans and pour into casserole dish.  Cut kielbasa into bite-size chunks and mix in with other ingredients.  Top with a light sprinkling of brown sugar and butter chucks.  Bake at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes or until bubbly.

Not the most picturesque meal, but here is a snap shot anyway so you get the idea!

Moonlit Ski Adventures + Challenge

We love getting outside as a family and we do it every day (I feel like a broken record, but in case you haven't heard it before, we have a "15 minute" rule.  Even in the worst conditions, we are outside with our kids 15 minutes a day.)

I think that it is really easy to get stuck in the box of what you DO outside.  Go to the park, go on a run (and keep kids occupied in a stroller,) go hiking, go skiing, go on a nature walk.  Whatever your family does best is what you do most.  All of these things are wonderful and are certainly nothing to discredit.  However, sometimes we just need to try something new and challenge our minds, bodies and spirits (and those of our children) to keep our experiences exciting and fresh.

One thing that we love to do occasionally (and so wish we could do more) are moon-lit ski adventures.  Husband and I actually took a moonlit ski on our second date (is that trust, or what?!?!) Now we bundle the kids up in the Chariot, bring our headlamps as back up, and venture out on the trail (or not...)  It is amazing how a trail or scenery that is so familiar in the day time can be so different at night.

And yes, sometimes that different can be a little scary.  You of course have to take precautions.  We go slower and enjoy our surroundings, we pack extra extra gear, water, and food, and we make sure to make noise so we don't startle any 4-legged furry animal out on his own moonlit trek.  We are usually on familiar trails (especially at night.)

Posing where we had taken a picture two years prior on our second date!

This winter with two kids (and one old enough to appreciate the adventure) we are excited to explore outside in different ways.  We believe in appreciating nature in ALL its forms (darkness included) and develop a respect (including the safety aspect) for that in our kids.  Now all we need is some SNOW! :)

This week over at Active Kids Club, they have teamed up with Polarn O. Pyret, to encourage families to get outside EVERY day this week with the "Every Day is Play Day Week."


Here's the challenge:
As a parent and educator. Like both Polarn O. Pyret and ActiveKidsClub.com Facebook pages and during the week of Novemeber 14th - 19th share your fun ideas with us on how you embrace the elements. Get deals, win prizes and participate in chats on how we can best embrace the elements with some fun outdoor play ideas.


If you are an educator let us know how you get your kids outside at your school for recess or how you incorporate outdoor learning in your curriculum.


Don't miss this incredible opportunity.  Yes, it is a challenge and may not be easy, but your kids will thank you for it! (and YOU will be a better person because of it!)

*This Moment*

*No words necessary, just a precious moment*

Mama K's Aromatic Play Clay

I am excited to start a little series of fun ideas for family-time when the weather just isn't cooperating.  However, I must first state that our kids are outside EVERY day, even just for a few minutes (we say our minimum is 15, but illness and other unfortunate circumstances, of course, change things a bit.)


These posts will include activities you can do with household items, books we love (that include an outdoor theme usually!), and our very favorite toys and games.  We believe that play should foster creativity, imagination and be "open-ended" and so these activities will reflect that.  I have contacted some  amazing companies and a few have agreed to share their products with us to review and you to win (keep your fingers crossed!!!)  Winning things ALWAYS makes a rainy day better!


As always, I welcome ideas from you all and would love to have guest-bloggers to share their ideas (because I ALWAYS need inspiration!)


Without further adieu...

This week I would like to introduce you to Mama K's Aromatic Play Clay.  For the past year or so I have seen this clay pop up on different crafty sites I love and be recommended by moms I trust.  I was super excited to have Kari agree to send us our very own tube of 5 - 4 oz. tubs to try.  They came in 5 different scents: bergamot, geranium, lavender, lemongrass and sweet orange which all claim to "soothe the creative beast." (Chamomile and cardamom are also in the line-up but were not in our tube of 5.)

Lucky *Winner!* of Boba 3G

Thank you everyone for all the great comments on the review...wish I could give one away to everyone!

However, sounds like this Mama is very deserving:


Laura said:
I finally found the perfect carrier. I want this so bad. I have a 17 month old. I was trying to decide between the ergo and the boba 2g. I love the boba for my 17 month old but I know he won't be the last baby. I felt like I had to go with the ergo because it will work from birth. It's like boba made their 3G just for me. I couldn't afford two carriers (or really even one) and I didn't want to buy one only for toddlers. So the 3G is perfect. It will be great for my toddler and it will work for a newborn too! Perfect!

Laura, many congratulations - I hope it lives up to your expectations (and I know you won't be disappointed!)  Please check your inbox!

*Guest Post* Who says you can't?!?! We did!!!

Nature's Classroom!

14 days on the road, 7 days camping, 2 nights at a backcountry chalet, 50+ miles of hiking, 1 boat ride, 1 flat tire, 4 Grizzly Bears, 1 Black Bear, numerous Mountain Goats, 2 Big Horn Sheep and an enormous amount of huckleberry ice cream. Who says you can't do all that with a 16 month old? (besides the guy at the chalet, but more on that below) We did and relished every moment of it. Granted it was difficult at times but sharing the joy of the outdoors with our son was worth it.

Last summer we took a trip to Glacier National Park and what a beautiful place it is. I know that J-Man will not remember the hikes, the animals, the yummy huckleberry ice cream or the trip for that matter, but that doesn't stop us from sharing it all with him. We take him on these adventures not just for him but for ourselves, too. We find great happiness in showing him new places and what they have to offer. You can't see a mountain goat or grizzly bear in Moab.

Keeping warm when Babywearing... Kowalli Review and *Giveaway*

I am excited to do this post and believe it is perfect timing to do it in conjunction with my review on the Boba 3G (giveaway closes tomorrow!).  This fall, as P demanded being held more and more (and consequently I got better and better at this babywearing gig) I realized that going outside as the weather changed with a child attached to my front had its own set of challenges.  Coats wouldn't quite go around myself and P and sometimes getting both kids in snowsuits and hats and gloves, etc., etc. takes SO long for just a few minutes outside at home.  P also is often asleep when J and I want to go outside, and I hate having to wake him to get him in a snowsuit and warm clothes.

I started to look online for options and found Kowalli.  I quickly found myself having a conversation with Alizah (owner and inventor of the Kowalli) and had my own to try out within a week (yea!)

Side view

Happy Kids, Happy Family

One of the reasons we make getting outside such a priority in our family is that it simply makes us ALL happier.  There is something to be said about the therapeutic effects of fresh air and some good heart-pumping fun.  I notice a drastic difference in the moods of my children (yes, even the 5 month old) and my entire outlook on life personally when we are out there.  And the truth remains that it really doesn't matter what we are doing.  This weekend we took a drive as a family, got another load of wood (uh, I think we are done until we get that massive pile split...) and enjoyed some snow.  J is at the age where he is loving exploring; he loves to jump in the snow, run in it, wipe it off all the logs in the woods, fall in it, eat it, and find out what happens when he throws it straight up in the air (tough lesson there, Buddy.)  It was so fun to see him just light up after a couple long days at home and enjoy nature.  His joy is infectious  and had us all laughing and adventuring right alongside him.

Happy Happy Boy!

This Moment

*No words necessary, just a precious moment.*

Boba 3G Review and *Giveaway*

This giveaway is now closed and the winner has been contacted.

I have been waiting to do this post for months now and am so excited to finally have the chance!  I would like to introduce you to the Boba 3G, Boba's newest generation of baby carrier, launched this fall and changing things for this Colorado-based company!

 

Keep On Movin' Mama!

Mama being active is a family affair!

I have always been a pretty active person. From the age of 3 to 23 I donned a pair of ballet (and tap and jazz) shoes almost every day and pursed my love of dance. Being able to use my body to express emotion and art and empowerment came from something deep inside of me and, although I am not currently dancing in this stage of my life, I have always considered dance to be a springboard to why I am so active in my life today. But in reflecting on my life and what drives me to stay active, workout, and explore the world through my body I have stumbled upon another motivator – one that just may be even more powerful: my mom.

Up until I was six years old my mom smoked. I’m not sure how much or how often but I knew it was one of her vices.  But one day, while washing my hair in the kitchen sink, my mom made me a promise: if I gave up my “blankey” (boo!) she would stop smoking (yay!). And so it was agreed – a weird mother daughter pact of sorts.

Whole Wheat Rolls

When we are out hiking, skiing or just traveling, we often bring sandwiches with us.  It is just easier (and cheaper) than eating out or cooking fancy.  Rolls tend to stay together better than sandwich bread and I love that these are whole wheat.  I also use them for hamburger buns!  I found this recipe here and make them weekly.  Tip - as much as you are tempted to do so, don't make a double batch.  Most bread makers can't handle it (we had a dough mess when I tried!!!) :(

Taken from "Cooking for Compliments":

This recipe is terrific without adding the salt, it rises perfectly. This recipe is designed for 1.5 lb size, most machines can easily accommodate this amount of flour. 1 cup water 1 egg 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup whole wheat flour 3/4 tsp salt 1/4 cup shortening 1/4 cup sugar 3 tsp dry yeast 1 Place all ingredients into your bread maker as manufacture directs. 2 Set machine to dough, press start. 3 When dough is finished in the machine, gently roll out dough on a floured surface into a 12-inch rope. 4 Divide the dough into 8 pieces for hamburger buns, or 12 pieces for hot dog buns with a sharp knife. 5 Grease a baking sheet, or use parchment paper. Roll pieces of dough into balls for hamburger buns or 6 inch rolls for hot dog buns. Place them on your prepared baking sheet. 6 Let rise in a warm oven for 10-15 minutes until almost doubled. (hint: To warm oven slightly, set oven to lowest setting for 2 minutes, then turn off.) 7 Remove the buns for the oven and pre-heat your oven to 400*. Bake your buns for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven, and cool on racks. 8 These freeze very well. Make a double batch!

Would love to hear any of your favorite recipes or if you tried this one (or another one on the blog!)