Toasted or Roasted - The Perfect Camping Game

 A long-standing bonfire tradition, toasting marshmallows over the fire is a relaxing way to end a backyard summer barbecue, and they make a delicious dessert. Now, Education Outdoors has transformed the process of lighting the fire, finding the right stick and toasting the marshmallow into a new family game. Toasted or Roasted is an offensive/defensive game where players try to be the first to start their campfire and toast three marshmallows. But watch out for Roasty because he will burn the marshmallows to a crisp.

 My Thoughts

The perfect game for camping! This one is so simple! And kids will want to play this over and over again!

To play you deal out the said number of cards, and you must get a fire starter to light your camp fire, but look out! Someone can put it out if they have the strong wind card, and you have to start all over. Once you get your campfire started you can put your marshmallow on and toast it. The first person to have three toasted cards wins the game. Your opponents can either roast your marshmallow or put your fire out with rain.

It's competitive and fun. Be prepared for the kids to want to play this with real marshmallows over a real fire! Of course with adult supervision only! The packaging is perfect to put in with the camping gear as it's in a bag that seals. Everything is there and ready to play!

 

 

Father's Day Gift Guide - Tenaya Lake™ Fast Pitch™ Cabin with Cabinets & Coleman Camping Kit #Sweepstakes

Bring all the luxuries from home – you’ll have a place to store them safely out of the elements without taking up precious tent space in a Coleman® Tenaya Lake™ Fast Pitch™ 6-Person Cabin with Cabinets. Two built-in cabinets with shelves make it easy to keep your gear organized, so you can skip digging though a pack for what you need. The Fast Pitch™ system uses pre-attached, color-coded top poles and hub, fast fit feet and snag-free Insta-Clip™ suspension to let you set up your tent 45% faster than a comparable Coleman® tent with conventional setup. If it rains, the tent is 75% more water-resistant, and the WeatherTec™ system with its patented welded floors and inverted seams also helps you stay dry. Illumiline™ reflective guy lines are more visible at night so you don't get tripped up if you need to take a walk in the dark. A room divider provides extra privacy for your entire group as they relax in a space large enough for up to two queen airbeds. When it's time to head home, the tent fits into an included wheeled carry bag for easy storage and transport.

• 2 built-in cabinets with shelves for extra gear storage
• Up to 45% faster setup and 75% more water-resistant than a comparable standard Coleman® tent with conventional setup
• Fast Pitch™ system with pre-attached, color-coded top poles and hub, fast fit feet, and snag-free Insta-Clip™ suspension
• Illumiline™ reflective guy lines for greater visibility at night
• WeatherTec™ system – patented welded floors and inverted seams help keep water out
• Hinged door for easy entry and exit
• Room divider for extra privacy
• E-Port makes it easy to bring electrical power inside your tent
• Included rainfly for extra weather protection
• Wheeled carry bag for easy storage and transport
• Easy setup in about 8 minutes
• Spacious interior has room for 2 queen airbeds
• 13 x 7 ft. with two 2 x 2 ft. cabinets
• 6 ft. 8 in. center height
• 1-year limited warranty

My Thoughts

While I love camping, I've never actually pitched a tent before. I always left that up to the men. However, this weekend, I decided to set up this tent up in our backyard so the kids could have a little camp out.  I was worried the assembly would be beyond my limited skills, but it was remarkably easy. All the rods come pre-attached, and they're color coded, making it easy to figure out where the different rods go. They snap/slide into place easily, and like magic, the tent is up. I think it took me about fifteen minutes, but I bet a more experienced person could do it in half that time.  You can leave the top open for a nice nighttime view, or add the rain-fly to protect against sudden rain or morning dew.

Once the tent was set up, we had tons of fun inside.  It's very spacious and has a high roof. I am  5'8" and could stand straight up without my head touching the ceiling. There are also lots of little compartments for storage, and a divider for privacy. I was able to fit inside the tent with all four of my children and our Golden Retriever, and there was  lots of room to spare.

When you're ready to back up your tent, storage is easy too. It comes with a nice carry case that all the pieces fit into. The hardest part is getting the tent folded back up so that it fits, but if you fold it over a little at a time, and press out the air, it's easy to get it all packed in. The case also has wheels, making transport a breeze.

Overall, I loved the Tenaya Lake™ 6P Fast Pitch™ Cabin While I didn't test it in extreme conditions, it made it through a night of rain without getting wet inside, so we know its weather proof. It also held up under moderate winds without blowing down. Its spacious, comfortable, and kept us warm, but the quick and easy set up is definitely the best part.  This tent was a ton of fun in our backyard, but I know it will work just as well when we head out for our annual camping trip in the fall.

The Sweepstakes

Enter for your chance to win a Coleman^® Camping Kit gives you practically everything two people could need to turn great camping trips into extraordinary adventures.

ENTER HERE

Connect with Coleman

Twitter     You Tube    Face Book    LinkedIn   Google +    Pinterest

Be Prepared in 2015 with Taotronics LED Lights - #Giveaway

 With winter settling in for the long haul, it's important to be prepared. I live at the Jersey shore, and though most of our weather problems arrive in the fall when hurricane season is in full blast, the last few winters have been tough too. A few times, we lost power from the high winds. So it's important to have a few high powered lights on hand. Flashlights are great, but I prefer lanterns because they illuminate  a larger area. If you're in the market for LED lanterns, there are a few great ones available at Taotronics.

First off, lets talk about the  Ultra Bright 2nd Led Lantern Collapsible Light Weight Camping Lantern. This small light is more powerful than it appears at first glance. It operates using three AA batteries, and is activated when you pull up the base. There is no on/off switch that might be difficult to find if the lights go out suddenly. The lantern is around the length and circumstance of my hand, but it is strong enough to illuminate a whole room. The LED bulbs guarantee a long life. It's also water proof, so you can use it outdoors under all types of conditions. It's great for emergencies or for anyone who enjoys camping.  This lantern is definitely a great deal at only $19.99. It's sturdy, well made, designed to last. 

The Collapsible Light Weight Camping Lantern is just as cool.  This light is so compact and lightweight, it's hard to believe it's a light at all. Yet, it casts an amazing amount of illumination. It uses three AAA batteries which are simple to install and it has a variety of functions. Use it as a regular flashlight with three levels of brightness or use the flasher to single help in an emergency.  When you're ready to set up camp, it pops open and becomes and actual lantern.  Of course, these lights are  great for any avid outdoors-man. They are compact enough to fit in your bag or your glove compartment. There's even a handle so you can hang it up . Plus  it's waterproof! I love the sleek design and how easy it is to operate. Definitely a great deal at $19.99.

These are only a few examples of the amazing products available from Traotronics. To see all they have to offer, be sure to visit their website or follow them on face book. 

 The Giveaway

One lucky winner is going to receive both the camping lights mentioned above! To enter, simply fill out the Giveaway Tools form below.  This giveaway will end on  1/30/15  at 12:00am EST. Open to the US only. The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. Thanks again to the sponsor for offering this fantastic prize.

 

Entry-Form

 

 

Kohl's Camping Vacation Essentials @Kohls #FindYourYes

 We just got back from the shore, but we're ready for more summer fun! This weekend, we're heading to our local state forest for a family camp out. I'll admit it--we aren't totally roughing it. We rented an air-conditioned cabin complete with shower, but we'll be enjoying cookouts, hikes along the nature trail, swimming in the lake, and brilliant campfires under the stars. Even our family dog will be coming along this time.  But before we leave, I had to pick up a few camping essentials from Kohl's. They have everything you need to camp out in comfort and style. Here are a few of my favorite items.

The Picnic Time Portable Grill is a quick and easy way to grill up your favorite meats when you're on the go. It folds up to about the size of a briefcase when it's not in use, so it won't take up much room in your trunk.

This Picnic Time Reclining Camp Chair makes it easy to lounge out beside the fire. It's padded for comfort and has a cup holder for your favorite beverage. It's lightweight and easy to unfold.

Since there are only two beds in our cabin, the smaller kids are sleeping on the floor. My son loves the Disney/Pixar Cars Sleeping Bag! It's cozy, warm, and features his favorite character.

You can't go camping without a cooler! The Picnic Time Avalanche Cooler has plenty of room for all your favorite drinks and snacks. It even comes with silverware, plates, and napkins. It's great for a  picnic, and the wheels make it easy to transport.

This item may not be as much fun as the others, but a First-Aid kit is definitely an essential for any camping trip. You never know what could happen and you may be too far from civilization to get immediate assistance.  The Coleman 200-pc Expedition First Aid Kit will help you stay prepared for any emergency.

These are just a few examples of the awesome camping essentials you can find at Kohl's.  They have everything you need at the best possible prices to help you camp out with style.  To keep up with all the great products at Kohl's, check out their website or follow them on face book.

***I received a gift card to facilitate my review. Opinion are my own***

Brighten Up Parties Inside & Out with Funky Flames

Looking for a unique way to brighten up cakes for parties and celebrations indoors. Want to add a colorful spark to outdoor fires and camp fires? Give Funky Colored products a try! They offer two unique products that add a little color to any situation. 

Funky Colored Flames

These colored flame crystals burn blue, green, and purple when added to any fireplace, fire, or campfire. We tried them out in our fire pit and it was a pretty cool experience. Each box comes with three packets. All you have to do is toss the crystals into the fire, and instantly the flames will start to glow in a rainbow of colors. One packet lasted about fifteen minutes in my fire pit, but you can use more than one if you want it to last longer. Depending on the size of the fire, you may also need more than one packet. I found they worked best with smaller, controlled blazes.  They do leave behind a little bit of a chemical smell, so personally, I wouldn't burn them in my house, but they are a lot of fun around the campfire. My children loved the colors. It made the night seen almost magical.

Funky Colored Candles

These were an even bigger hit with my kids. Each box includes an assortment of candles that produce brightly colored flames when lit. There are twelve candles in red, pink, yellow, blue, green, and purple. There are two of each color and the flames match the color of the wax exactly. If you want to give your children something unique on top of their birthday cakes, these are a much better idea than trick candles which can be frustrating. Kids of all ages will enjoy the cool colors of the funky colored candles.

If you'd like to learn more about the Funky Colored Collection and all the products they offer, be sure to visit their website. 

Holiday Gift Guide - Warm Tradition Hot Water Bottles

***Product was received for free in exchange for an honest review.***

Why is a Warm Tradition Hot Water Bottle the perfect holiday gift?

• Fun, fashionable, chic and cozy way to reduce stress, melt away aches and pains, soothe cramps, stay warm and toasty, get a better night of sleep, soothe children, relieve cold and flu symptoms,  chase away chills and much more!
• Hot water bottle is made of eco-friendly thermoplastic that is BPA & phthalate free, odorless, safe
• 100’s of  luxurious, soft & huggable covers to choose from
• Hours of long lasting heat – up to 6 hours!
• All you need is access to hot water – no microwave, no electricity – all natural goodness!
• Can be used at home, school, office, dorm room, hotel, bus, train, car, plane, bed, stroller, outdoor events and so much more!

Our Thoughts

I am not a huge winter person. Actually, it doesn't matter what season it is, I cannot stand being cold and the coldest part on my body is always my feet. This water bottle keep my feet super toasty under the covers at night! One of the first things I do when I wake up in the morning is get the water going for this and keep my feet on it as I get ready for work. It is so easy to use, the top is very wide-mouthed to make it simple to pour the hot water in there. It stays hot for so long as well. No one wants to get up every 30 minutes to heat up water! This is extremely convenient.

Doing a lot of fall yard work, I am also able to slip this inside my coat, which keeps me warm and make me much less whiny about being outside in the cold haha! I am not that good of  a judge when it comes to size, so I wasn't thinking this would be as large as it is! This is a perfect gift for friends and family, especially for hunters and avid campers.

Check out their 2013/2014 line here. Also, be sure to browse their website. They have so many different covers available and some really cute ones for kids too!

Check out their website here and their Facebook page!

Reviewed by Jackie

***Please note that I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. The opinions expressed in the review are my own and were not influenced in any way.***

Get Your Kids Hiking Book Review

***Product was received for free in exchange for an honest review.***

Hiking is a great way to relax, connect with nature, and enjoy time with your family. Bringing your kids along can be rewarding for you and for them, but it can also add new challenges and concerns to your trip. Get Your Kids Hiking is loaded with everything you need to know to hit the trail with kids; from gear to simple proven techniques that will make your hike safe and fun. Written with both the novice and the seasoned hiker in mind, Jeff Alt provides all the information you need to take your child out on the trail. 

This books offers: 

-Age-appropriate ways to include your child in all aspects of the hike
-Checklists of what to pack for any type of hike
-Kid-friendly menus
-Advice for hiking with a special needs child

Get Your Kids Hiking is the playbook to inspire an appreciation for the great outdoors in your children and keep your young child or teenager interested in a family hiking trip.

Our Thoughts

My husband and I absolutely love camping and we like the spots where you have to hike a little bit to really get in the woods. We have gone when our youngest was just a few months old and we really like to "rough it" when we camp. Needless to say, I was excited to read this book! It has given a lot of great tips for all age groups. 

Another great thing about this book is that it is not super long OR boring, which is always a plus. The Table of Contents is very clear-cut and straightforward so you are able to go to whichever section works best for you if you need to quickly look something up.

Get Your Kids Hiking covers a wide range of things you need for your children, such as clothing, food, sleeping, accessories, first aid advice among many other things.

On a personal level, reading this book also inspired me to get outdoors more with my children, something I'm sure most all of us can use. 

If you would like to learn more about Jeff Alt, check out his website here:
http://jeffalt.com/

And check out Amazon to purchase your copy of Get Your Kids Hiking!:
http://www.amazon.com/Get-Your-Kids-Hiking-Start/dp/0825306914

Reviewed by Jackie

***Please note that I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. The opinions expressed in the review are my own and were not influenced in any way.***

Review: Icential Coolwraps

*** Product was received for free in exchange for an honest review. ***

 

Icential® Coolwraps. The new, all-in-one personal and family cooling system. 

 

ALL-NEW ECO-FRIENDLY TECHNOLOGY

Keep food and drinks cool for up to 10 hours.

Take fresh healthy foods to the park, to the beach, to school or work because they keep cold all day long.

 

Say goodbye to expensive, single-function cooling products that can’t keep their cool. Icential Coolwraps are the first multi-purpose cooling system designed to replace all of those old-fashioned cooling products taking up valuable freezer space.

 

Icential Coolwraps are flexible and long-lasting with a durable fabric exterior that’s sturdy, yet soft to the touch. Designed with versatility in mind, there’s no limit to what Coolwraps can keep cold – from keeping baby bottles fresh, to soothing sports injuries, and even providing relief from the heat. And, thanks to their adaptive shape and Velcro® edges, multiple Coolwraps can quickly be connected together to provide all-over cooling for larger surfaces and items.

 

 

SAVE UP TO $3,000 A YEAR!

Don't waste another cent on fast foods. Icential Cooling Wraps let you take healthy, homemade, low cost foods with you because they stay fresh all day!

Take Icential Cooling Wraps anywhere. Wrap bottles, cool platters, even line a cooler!

 

IDEAL FOR:

• School, work, sporting events
• Road trips and tailgating parties
• Social events and ceremonies
• Camping and picnics
• Fitness at home and at the gym
• Travel, and anywhere portable cooling is a must

  

 

VERSATILE AND CONNECTIBLE

Use 1 Icential to wrap a snack or a bottle. Use 2 Icentials to wrap lunch or a six pack. Connect 4 Icentials to keep platters cold for a picnic.

MILK/SPORTS DRINKS/FRESH SALADS/
CHEESES/SMOOTHIES/BABY BOTTLES/
HEALTHY SNACKS/EVEN ICE CREAM

After inventing the popular PackIt^® cooler, Jeannette Michels, and her husband Mike, a health and fitness expert, tackled an even bigger cooling conundrum. With hundreds of different cooling products that only perform one function – such as sports therapy wraps, blue bricks, freezable mugs, glasses, coozies, wine coolers – they set out to invent one product that could perform all of these functions.

The solution -- Icential^® Coolwraps, a new all-in-one cooling system that is perfect for today’s busy individuals and families, making it easy and convenient to live life on-the-go and at home.

Coolwraps is the first multi-purpose cooling system that replaces old-fashioned cooling products taking up valuable freezer space. Designed with versatility in mind, it can be used for anything – from keeping food and beverages cool and fresh, to soothing a sports injury or providing relief from the heat.

Icential^® Coolwraps is:

• Affordable – $19.95 for two freezable wraps. For a limited time (through Sept. 30), consumers can get 2 more wraps for free as part of the promotional launch.
• Money-saving – Helps consumers easily pack and take homemade dishes without worrying about spoilage;
• Eco-conscious – The reusable cooling wraps use a new gel technology, Cool+™, that is safe and non-toxic;
• Flexible – Roll, fold and cover any shape or size item or container; and
• Connectable – The adaptable shape and Velcro^® edges allow it to connect to other Coolwraps to cover larger surfaces or heavier items.      

Icential^® Coolwraps is a must-have product that can be used year-round – whether it’s lunches to work or school, tailgating parties or holiday get-togethers this year, or spring outings and hot summer picnics next year.

 

It can be purchased online at Icentialproducts.com and Amazon.com and is available in two colors - Ice Blue and Cool Magenta.

You can also visit Icentials on Facebook and Twitter.

Our Thoughts
We travel a lot during the summer, and to save money we always pack our own food.  Being paleo, that means whole fresh foods, so it's essential that we be able to keep our food cold!  Quite often our travels are more approximately 8 hours one way, and I need to be able to pack the coolers a couple hours ahead of time.  Icentials Coolwraps keep food cold for up to 10 hours, so this was a perfect fit!

On our long trips, I pack a small cooler with my son's meals and snacks for easy access, a cooler with frozen food, and a cooler for refrigerator food.  Icentials Coolwraps sent me both the Ice Blue and Cool Magenta wraps, each color comes with 2 pieces.  I use them for the little snack cooler.  With the Velcro feature, I can line the walls with two pieces, another piece for the bottom, and one more piece for the top.  Being as we are stretching it right to that 10 hour limit, I was pleasantly surprised to see the food was still cool, if not cold, when we arrived at our destination! 

Previous to the coolwraps, I was using plain old reusable gel packs we received from various doctor's offices for various injuries.  What I really like about the coolwraps is the rugged fabric exterior.  Using the old gel packs I always had to use a towel to insulate the food from the gel pack or the food would freeze.  Some things don't matter if they get frozen, but some do - especially fresh fruit.  And occasionally those old gel packs would spring a leak, so some of them reside in plastic baggies.  With that sturdy fabric exterior I'm not worried about them springing a leak!  And those old gel packs certainly never stayed cold for 10 hours!  8 maybe.

While I haven't needed to use them beyond lining the cooler, I love that they can be used so many different ways!  Thumbs up from me!

***Please note that I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. The opinions expressed in the review are my own and were not influenced in any way.***