See these two regular, everyday moms? That’s me and Michele, writer extraordinaire at FunOrangeCountyParks.com. We’ve been working on something special for you since June. Today, after hundreds of hours of preparation and months of secret excitement, we’re ready to share. Watch the video! This new collaborative effort – “Nature. Play. Trips.” – is a team blog … [Read more...]
True Confessions of a Nature Mom
Back in January, a friend asked me where we had camped during our annual New Year’s stay in Oxnard. My response: “Campground?! Ha! We stayed at the Embassy Suites. We don’t camp unless it’s summer.” She laughed hysterically. I started wondering what other assumptions people might have about me, based largely on my having this blog. And as I meet more and more outdoor … [Read more...]
Kid’s Shoe Review: The KEEN Austin II
This blog certainly comes with its perks, though sometimes more so for the kids than for mom. Case in point: The new pair of KEEN shoes The Little Explorer has been testing out in the name of “blog research.” Last year we shared with you our thoughts on the KEEN Jamison; this year we’re trying the KEEN Austin II. Where the Jamison was bright and flashy, the Austin II is a … [Read more...]
Family Camping Gear: Getting to Know the ENO Hammock
I’ve never owned a hammock. I may have tried getting into one of those huge canvas numbers in a friend’s backyard as a kid. But after failing miserably at it (as in, unable to get in or get comfortable), I never gave them a second thought. Hammocks have come a long way since then, especially for campers and outdoor enthusiasts. These days, for some car campers a hammock is … [Read more...]
Picnic Bag Review: PackIt Social Cooler
Enjoying a picnic is one of the simplest ways to spend time outside with your family. Which is why we usually bring along a picnic on play dates and local nature adventures. I’ve shared our picnic packing secrets before, and today I’m following up with a review of a picnic bag: the PackIt Social Cooler. About the PackIt Cooler: The PackIt Cooler isn’t your ordinary picnic … [Read more...]