This Moment....

*No words necessary, just a precious moment from our life*

*Gear Review* Liberty Bottle Works + Giveaway

*Giveaway Closed!* Congrats to #34, Kristie S; #5, Susan S. and #24, Tiffany.  Please email me at mountainmamatales(at)gmail(dot)com with your first, second and third choices!  

Water bottles are exploding out of our cupboards more often than not.  Or our car.  Or the bike trailer.  


We use them constantly in an attempt to stay hydrated in the dry climate of Wyoming.  The benefits of water are abounding (we'll save that information for another day), and we know that running out of water (or just plain not drinking enough) can have disastrous results.


Our local gear shop, Wind River Gear, carries Liberty Bottles and they got my attention right away.  I simply loved that the lid only required 1/4 turn to close it (instead of turning and turning and turning...)


I looked into the company a little more and was thrilled to have a chance to try some out (and give some away.)  


We what love (and what makes Liberty Bottles different):
- BPA-free ("our coating insures no heavy metal leaching or porous surface for bacteria build up.")
- Made in the USA
- Made from recycled aluminum cans, and recyclable too.
- Food-grade coated interior prevents chips from the aluminum entering your drinking water.
- Varying designs from "everyday" artists.  AND you can make bottles with your own logo (if you order a minimum of 72 bottles)!!  One day, when I am rich, maybe there will be "Tales of a Mountain Mama" bottles ;)  Donations accepted ;) HA!
- They fit in "normal" spaces like cup holders (SO annoying when your bottles don't fit in those spaces!)

*Guest Post* Toddlers in the Wild

This week we welcome Tanya of Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies to the blog.  She hails from beautiful country and abounding opportunity for adventure.  And she takes full advantage! I love reading her stories and often find myself longing to go on their family (or just MOM) adventures!  Make sure you read her bio at the end (including a link to her blog!)

 Our family makes it a priority to get out to the mountains almost every weekend for what many would say are big adventures given we have a toddler.  We’ve taken our son backpacking since he was one and have another trip planned this summer where we are hoping he’ll walk the 2 miles to the campground on his own.  He’s already reached several of his first summits with Daddy carrying him up 3000 feet or more and we regularly complete long day hikes of distances up to 10 miles.  We transition to cross country skiing and light backcountry ski touring in winter with my husband pulling our son in a ski pulk.

Slow Down and Throw Some Rocks in the River

We are busy.  So is the rest of the United States.  It's how we roll.

I like being busy and enjoy challenging myself through many different avenues.  However, sometimes it is absolutely CRUCIAL for us (and you) to take an hour (or two or three or an entire day) and just stop.

Don't hurry to the next event.
Don't worry about dinner being late.
Don't worry about making it to the end of the trail.
Don't rush the kids.
Don't tell them not to get dirty or they have just "5 minutes more."

Photo Contest by MultiSport Journeys

Last week I posted a review of the Multisport Journeys designs and T-shirts.  In case you missed it...they hand-draw and digitalize images to help inspire people to get outdoors and be active.   In my review I talk about the fact that I really think they are missing a whole kid line of the images (they have the kid-sized clothing, just no images of kids themselves outdoors.)

Sue (the founder) and I talked about it and came up with an idea to help them (and you!)  Therefore, we will be hosting a photo contest.

Send in your photos of your kids outdoors doing what they do!  It could be biking, hiking, riding in a backpack, skiing in a harness, etc. The sky is the limit.  At the end of the contest, Sue and I will choose our top choice.  The winner will get their whole family outfitted in Multisport Journey Ts which could include the image from your photo! (up to 4 short-sleeve tees.)  We will also choose a second winner to have their image put on a bib (which are new to the site starting next week.)

To enter:
Please email your images to mountainmamatales(at)gmail(dot)com and/or post them on our Facebook wall (and please do tag "Live to"!)  Then comment here saying you have done so (just so we don't miss anyone!)

Winners will be notified and announced here and on Facebook after March 30th  April 2nd.

The fine print: Any images drawn (not the photos themselves - those are yours!) become the copyright property of MSJ

This Moment....

*Evidence of a mild winter*

*Gear Review* Sport Science Smarter Basics T-Shirts

I have to admit, I am no fashion diva.  Yes, I want to look nice, but more importantly, I want my clothes to perform for me and hold up between regular day-to-day activities AND biking, running, hiking, etc.  If I can't be active in something I am wearing, I am honestly just not going to reach for it on a daily level.

When Sport Science (since 2005) reached out to us to review some of their basic tees, we were thrilled about the concept of living comfortably in clothes that perform (but don't feel like they are performance clothing.)

Their philosophy:  do more. enjoy.  Now THAT is something I can handle!

What we love about the Tees:
- They really do feel like cotton, despite being a dry-fit, moisture-wicking fabric.
- Their Fresh Guard technology keeps any smell at bay (which is usually a HUGE problem for technical clothing.)  Both Mtn Papa and I have been wearing them for numerous days between washes (and I have been working out in mine and sweating plenty.)  The smell remains neutral.
- The fit is great - relaxed without being sloppy and plenty of length to allow for movement.
- They are basic and seem like a "normal T-shirt", but keep their shape and perform well.