eeBoo Review and *Giveaway*

Giveaway closed - lucky numbers #11 (Shannon) and #8 (Cloth Diapering Momma) check your inboxes!

The weather hasn't been too ideal around here lately.  Time to share another great idea for those less-than-ideal days! (+ there is still a little time before Christmas and these products are great at keeping kids busy while traveling.)

When I first discovered eeBoo at a friend's home, I was instantly impressed.  Their games, puzzles and wall art are exactly the kind of toys we like to have in our home.  They are colorful, educational, and high-quality.

In their words, "eeBoo creates refreshing toys and gifts that are 100% original (no licenses) and we commission our artwork from well-known and well-loved children’s book illustrators."   


I love that most of their games and activities are based on old-fashioned formats which are updated for today's kids.


I contacted eeBoo to request a sample and was shocked when they sent a huge box full of great products.  (And yes, I am sharing them with other kids and a few of you too!)  

A problem solving game for ages 5+ (we have not tried this one yet, but I can't wait to!)

This Moment

*No words necessary, just a precious moment*

Skhoop Hanna Skirt Review

I love skirts.

Which is kind of funny because I tend to not worry a whole lot about what I am wearing, but I HAVE to be comfortable or I just won't wear it.  I also tend to wear clothing all the time that I can be outside and active in.  Otherwise I am changing many times throughout the day (and really, who has time for that?!?!)

For me, if I am not wearing polar fleece pants, I am most likely dressed in skirts + long underwear in the winter.  However, I also get annoyed when those said skirts stick to the long underwear and are full of static.

Long story short, I was completely sold when I discovered insulated Skhoop skirts at one of the shops in downtown Jackson, WY.  While Husband was rolling his eyes, I was dreaming of all the places I could wear a skirt and still be warm in the winter.  I was even more excited with Skhoop agreed to send me a Hanna Skirt (retail $128) to review.

What I love about the skirt:
- It is certainly warm (thanks to the insulation!)
- One side has a full length zipper for easy on-off.
- Both sides of the skirt have a zipper at the bottom to open it up for easier movement.
- The zippers stay where you put them (no sliding up or down as you move in the skirt)
- Love the embrodery on the front.

One thing to note is that the skirt tends to run a bit small.  If you are between sizes according to their sizing charts (which are very detailed) definitely size up.  The skirt is not stretchy at all, but does have elastic on the back of the waistband for a good fit.

I am loving wearing the Hanna with my Bogs Boots (review of those coming in the next couple of months)!

I would also love to try their Original Skirt (retail $128) which is longer and would be warmer still.  And how cool is this photo!??!  Skiing in a skirt!  Sweet!

**I will update my post when I have a chance to try that out!  I am not sure how FALLING in a skirt would work out, but am willing to give it a try!**

You can find Skhoop skirts at REI and other outdoor stores around the country (they are based in Anchorage, AK.)  You can also find them directly on their site: www.skhoop.us (where you can see their entire line!)

Skhoop also sells a bunch of other great Scandinavian wear including fleece tights and shirts, great socks and even kid's skirts.  They also have down skirts and skirts that would be great in the rain.

Skirts are taking over the outdoor industry! Skhoop is a great place to start!

Skhoop generously provided me a skirt for review.  However, as always, the opinions expressed here are completely and honestly my own.  The photos in this review are taken from the Skhoop site.

*Guest Post* Recycled Wool Mittens

Giveaway closed.  Congrats, Jess B. (lucky #1!) on your win!


I would like to introduce you to a local here in our small town, Connie.   Connie is an amazing seamstress and crafter.  She believes in the warmth of wool (as do we!) and I think this is an awesome unique way to recycle products for warmth (and a great gift idea as the holidays approach!)

Winter is here. And in Wyoming it is here to stay for awhile. It’s no secret that I don’t like the cold. I like to spend the cold weekends in the house where it’s nice and warm. I enjoy sewing, my daughter has been making jewelry, my son loves to play cards and my husband watches football. It doesn’t get much better than that.


If we do venture outside on the coldest of days, I like to wear wool. I have this weird fascination with
wool. I love its textures, beautiful colors and warmth.


Last year a friend of mine from Wisconsin showed me a pair of mittens that had been made with wool
sweaters. It was love at first sight. I came up with my own pattern and went shopping. I hit all the
second hand stores I could find and bought up their 100% wool sweaters. Once they are washed and
dried (everything you’re not supposed to do with wool) they turn into a wonderful, soft piece of wool
felt that can be cut apart without unraveling. It’s just like a piece of craft felt you would buy at the store.
But, instead of buying another item, I am using a product and “upcycling” it. Upcycled means taking
something that served one purpose and redesigning it for another. A sweater’s purpose is to keep our
body warm, and now it can be repurposed to keep our hands warm.

Toddler Mittens

Baby, It's COLD Outside!

Jennifer Aist is guesting here again today with some great tips for getting outside despite the cold weather.  Living in Alaska (near where I grew up) she knows the cold, and gets outside with her kids anyway.  In her last guest post, I talked about her book, Babes in the Woods.  Definitely worth checking out if you haven't already (or just need some more inspiration!)

Here are Jennifer's tips on how to fire up your kids to get outside ( at 0 Degrees F):


1. Get out there yourself! Trust me, you’ll love it and your kids will too.

2. Bundle up. Layer up. Pay attention to areas that tend to be left exposed—ankles,
wrists, and necks. Duck tape works great to secure mitts to coats and boots to
snow pants. Gaiters do a nice job warming necks. Warm kids are happy kids.
Bring along extra mittens in case they get wet.

3. Eat first. You’ll need the calories to stay warm.

4. Bring a thermos of hot cocoa or hot cider out with you. It is amazing how a warm
drink can warm your whole body.

5. Have fun discovering the joys of winter with your kids.

Thanks, Jennifer!  We love your tips and live by them too!  

Backcountry Lessons from the Throne of the Deuter Kid Carrier III (+ pack review)

There is something to be said about what kids can learn from their conversations with Daddy (or Mama) while they ride along on adventures.  I love that our Deuter Kid Comfort III allows J to ride comfortably along while Daddy takes advantage of a perfect opportunity to show J a little bit of this country we love so much.

This weekend we ventured out in the backcountry mountains with both boys in packs.  P managed to sleep almost the whole time, but J was a chatterbox until the last 20 minutes of a 5 hour adventure:

I'll be honest - I was struggling today.  I haven't been able to be on backcountry skis (going up mountains, mind you) in two winters now due to a P's high risk pregnancy last winter.  I am definitely trying to get used to my skis, skins, boots and carrying an infant +gear on my back again.  

This Moment

*No words necessary, just a precious moment*