Rocking Motherhood: Motherhood Moments

Rocking Motherhood

A big thanks to Hike Like a Woman for tagging me in their Rockin’ Outdoor Motherhood post. I love the idea of women sharing what they do well as mothers. In that post I was asked to share 10 ways in which I’m rocking motherhood.

Most people would feel awkward listing things they do well as a parent. To be honest I feel a bit uncomfortable too, but instead of being tentative I’m going to jump in with no excuses. Our polite society says it’s conceited to say or think nice things about yourself, but if you can’t recognize your own talents, how can you develop them?

So here’s how I’m Rocking Motherhood. No excuses. Continue reading “Rocking Motherhood: Motherhood Moments”

Best Gear of the Year + Links to Holiday Gift Guides

Every year I like to look back on the best gear of the year. What did I try? What was awesome? And I’m not the only one. More than 15 outdoor family bloggers got together this year to share our picks for holiday gift giving. Check out my choices and the links below to get some great Gift-spiration just in time for the holidays.

Velobling Jewelry – Unique jewelry and accessories made from recycled bike parts. They are beautiful. Watch for a giveaway coming soon!

Features: Recycled bike parts, made in USA
Uses: Unique jewelry and accessories.
Price: $12 – $155

ChicoBag Produce and Snack Time Bags – I had never thought about using reusable bags in the produce department until ChicoBag gave me some to try. Now I use these bags every week. It’s a small way to make an environmental difference and I don’t have a bunch of plastic bags to throw out every week. I also use their Snack Time RePETe reusable bags when packing my son’s lunch every day.

Features: Three different materials for different food needs. Packable, light-weight, reusable.
Uses: Produce, snacking, food storage.
Price: $12.99 – $16.99

Earth Creations – This eco-conscious clothier uses dirt to dye clothes. At least that’s how it started. I love the bicycle inspired design of this T-Shirt they sent me, as well as the comfortable cotton feel.

Features: Organic and sustainable clothing colored with natural dyes.
Uses: Mens, Womens and Kids clothing.
Price: $10 – $115

Aquabot by Lunatec – My kids would choose this as their top gear choice of the year. This water bottle add on presurizes your water, turning an ordinary bottle into a multi use tool. Cleaning, drinking, waterfights, the Aquabot can spray up to 25 feet. See my review here.

Features: Fits standard Nalgene and CamelBak water bottle tops. Easy to use. Variable setting for spray or stream.
Uses: Cleaning, Drinking, Water Fights
Price: $20-$28

Monkey Mat – Perfect for an outdoor baby or frequent picnicker. The Monkey Mat came in handy on several outdoor adventures when I just needed a place to put Mountain Baby for a minute. Diaper changes, picnics, sitting by the splash pad, the Monkey Mat was my go-to ground cover. See my review here.

Features: Water Resistant, lightweight, conveniently clips to a stroller or backpack.
Uses: Picnics, Hiking, Ground cover. I used it on the side of a parking lot when I couldn’t find a place to change the baby.
Price: $19.99

LuminAID Solar Lantern – My husband purchased the PackLite 12 early this summer. It’s light weight, inflatable, solar lantern that accompanies us on every campout. See my full review here.

Features: Light weight, inflatable, solar charged
Uses: Camping, Emergency Preparedness
Price: $22.95

Lifestraw Go – This was one of the coolest products I’ve used this year. There is something awesome about scooping water right out of a river and taking a big swig. See my review here.

Features: Built in water filter for easy use.
Use: Water filtration, Hiking, Camping, Emergency preparedness
Price: $34.95

Liberty Bottleworks – Water bottles made from recycled aluminum right here in the USA. The unique and colorful designs instantly drew my eye. See my review here.

Features: Double wall aluminum, unique threadless cap style, awesome art.
Use: Water Bottle
Price: $23

Butler Over Boot – Little G loves these bright rain boots. Designed to be worn either with the included liner or over the child’s own shoe, the Butler Boots are fun, easy to put on and really cute. Full review coming soon.

Features: Wide opening with toddler friendly fastener. Durable. Fits over regular shoes or can use insert.
Uses: Waterproof rain or snow boots
Price: $49.99

Pakems – These packable boots have become part of my camping experience. It doesn’t matter if I wear sandals, sneakers or snowboard boots all day, when I’m done with the activities, the Pakems come out. They’re lightweight, compact and come with their own storage. And my kids loved coloring theirs. Full review coming soon.

Features: Lightweight, Compact, Warm
Uses: Packable shoe for relaxing after outdoor activities.
Price: $45-$65

Go Sun Stove – This Solar Oven, the Go Sun Sport, was really fun to use. It’s a unique outdoor cooking experience, requires no fuel and is shockingly lightweight. See my full review here.

Features: Lightweight, innovative design, requires no extra fuel source, quiet
Uses: Cooking and baking outdoors.
Price: $279

Looking for more? Try these awesome gift guides from some of the best Outdoor Families I know.

Hike Like A Woman- Holiday Gear Guide