Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts

Friday, March 24, 2017

Clever Travel Companion Women's Shirts & Tops with Secret Pockets

Clever Travel Companion Women's Tank Top & T-Shirts
Almost a year ago, I introduced our readers to Clever Travel Companion Leggings for women.  When I wrote that review, I knew I loved those leggings more than any other single garment in my wardrobe.  The safety factor alone simply makes those leggings priceless.  Today, I would recommend that you also take a close look at the Clever Travel Companion Tank Tops and T-Shirts. 

I personally own several of the Clever Travel Companion Tank Tops and one of the t-shirts.   I originally bought the tank top to wear while cutting the grass.  Everyone knows what a hot job yard-work can be, so I have no doubt that you will understand why I wanted a tank top.  Plus, I needed a tank top that would give me full coverage.  After all, I still have to consider that we have neighbors and most of them have no desire to be flashed.

I know you are already wondering why this particular tank top is better than any other.  Well, let me tell you.


The Clever Travel Companion Women's Tank Top 


As I previously mentioned, I own several of the tank tops.  I wanted the white for my outdoor work.  White is simply cooler in the summer months.  However, I discovered this little top was a lot more valuable than a simple work shirt!  Now, I wear them year round. 
 Clever Travel Companion Unisex Tank Top with Two Secret Pockets
I wear my Clever Travel Companion tank tops under almost all of my blouses.  I don't have to explain to any woman why a tank top is fabulous under a blouse.  I never have to worry if the buttons come unbuttoned or if the blouse pulls open between buttons.  Everything is all nice and covered underneath by the tank top.  This much we all know and understand.  But what makes this brand of tank top better?  The secret pockets!

In all honestly, if anyone looks closely enough, they will see the zippers for the pockets.  They are not totally camouflaged.  But, I will tell you this, anyone studying that part of the shirt better be more concerned about my reaction than they are about whether they can see a zipper.  

The pockets are actually just under the arms and the zippers are set approximately 1.5" in front of the center seam of the top.   Clever Travel Companion Unisex Tank Top with Two Secret Pockets, White, MediumBecause of the way the pockets are set in sideways, it is very easy to place my drivers license and house key in one pocket and my cell phone on the other side in the other pocket.  This allows me to lock up the house while I am working outside.  And, of course, if I am going somewhere, there is no need to carry a purse.

I have to tell you, being able to place all of those things in shirt pockets is a lot better than putting them in my jeans pockets.  For some reason, I have never been able to find a way to put my cell phone and house key in my jeans pockets without having them ride up and out of the pockets while I am working.  Or jabbing me in the leg.  I don't know if you have ever experienced having a key stab you in the leg when you are trying to lift garbage bags or plants, but I have and it really hurts.


The Clever Travel Companion T-Shirt


I recently purchased the Clever Travel Companion T-Shirt to wear under my motorcycle gear.  Now, don't freak out on me here fellow contributors.  I know you find it shocking that I have motorcycle gear, but I do.  I don't drive a motorcycle, but I do ride and I am a firm believer in safety first.  I have a full set of armored cycle gear.  After all, I am rather partial to my bones and skin. 

The secret pockets in the t-shirt allow me to store my keys, driver's license, a credit card and my cell phone.  If I take my jacket off when we stop somewhere, I don't have to worry about those items because they are safe in my t-shirt pockets.   



Benefits of the Clever Travel Companion Tank Tops & T-Shirts

  • 2 Secret Pockets with Zippers
  • Pockets are Lined
  • Safe from Pick Pockets
  • 100% Cotton (tank) 
  • 95% Cotton & 5%Spandex (t-shirt)
  • Machine Washable
  • Hang Dry or Tumble Dry Low
  • Available in Black, White or Gray 
  • T-Shirt is also Available in Pink    

I know at least one of you is going to ask me if I feel uncomfortable reaching into those pockets.  Or, if the bulk of my cell phone bothers me under my arm.   The answer to both of those questions is "no".  I am a lot more comfortable knowing that my key, id, credit cards, cash and keys are safe than I am concerned about someone seeing me reach into a pocket under my arm.


More Travel Related Articles of Interest

Review of Clever Travel Companion LeggingsThe Clever Travel Companion Leggings
Security is my #1 concern when I shop, travel, hike, bike, or just walk around the block. These leggings give me the safety of 2 hidden pockets and allow me to retire my purses completely.

How to Pack for Your VacationHow to Pack for Your Vacation
Pack Right, Pack Light My traveling motto is “To Pack Right, Pack Light.” After you have made you travel plans, one of the hardest things to do is pack your suitcase for the trip. Here are my best packing tips!

Travel TipsTips for Traveling
Tips from an Experienced Traveler! In this article, I will share my best travel advice and tips for traveling to help reduce the stress related to travel, which will help ensure a successful vacation.


 



Review of the Clever Travel Companion Women's Tank Tops & T-Shirts with Secret Pockets Written by:
House of Sylvestermouse




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Friday, February 10, 2017

Postcards from Rome Reviewed

Postcards from Rome to Buy

Rome, Italy Postcards 


When we travel, we love to send postcards to loved ones.  These Rome postcards are an excellent example of what we would choose.  Postcards are also really awesome and easy to carry souvenirs. 

I have always enjoyed taking my own pictures, but sometimes it is overcast, rainy or some goober decides to step right in the way as I snap the shot.  Wow, I really wanted that picture of that dude's head or that "oops" expression on that woman's face.  Postcards allow me not to fret.  I can still take home perfect pictures of my favorite tourists spot, without the unexpected interlopers in the photo.

Join Me on a Walk Through My Rome Scrapbook of Postcards!


The Colosseum Postcard 


The Colosseum is one of the major points of interest in Rome!  It isn't always easy to get a great photo due to the sheer size of the structure.  I took this original photo from the top deck of an open bus.  I was thrilled with the outcome when we got back home and I uploaded my photos.  

My personal experiences when visiting the Colosseum have left me preferring this view, from the outside, of the structure.  It is emotionally overwhelming when a Christian tours the inside and knows the history and purpose of the arena. 


Entrance to the Roman Ruins Postcard 


The Roman Ruins are fascinating.  It is easy to get so involved in really looking that you totally forget you have a camera to take pictures.  These postcards make that a lot easier.  You can purchase the postcards for your own scrapbook and focus on enjoying the visit to the Roman ruins in Rome.

I admit, I never expected to laugh at the statues in Rome, but that surviving big toe was simply hilarious at first glance.  However, after I got over my giggles, I considered how difficult it would be to chisel out that digit in such fabulous detail.  

 Postcards from Rome

 Roof of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, Italy Postcard Buy Now  

The Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica Postcards


There is so much to see inside and outside of the Vatican Museum and St. Peter's Basilica.  So many beautiful tapestries and renowned statues.  Even the ceilings are beyond gorgeous. 
The museum is often very crowded which makes it extremely difficult to get great photos without people in them.  Plus, it takes several hours, sometimes even days, to see everything.  You don't want to waste your time in Rome waiting for the perfect photo op.  Buy the postcards and forget the stress of trying to take pictures yourself.


 

Here are Some of the Ceilings in the Vatican Museum



 Postcards from Rome

The Resurrection Tapestry Postcard and Statue Postcards


One of the most impressive tapestries in the Vatican museum is the Resurrection tapestry shown below. The statues of Apollo, Bacchus, & Diana, along with many more, can also be seen at the Vatican. It really is a magnificent museum of priceless art and artifacts.
Postcards from Rome

The Capitoline Museum


The Capitoline Museum is a magnificent museum that you will not want to miss when visiting Rome, Italy.  The Capitoline Museum is one of the few museums in Rome that allows you to take pictures, which makes it a photographer's paradise.  

The statue of the girl with the snake at her feet was one of my personal favorite statues in all of Rome.  The details of that statue are truly amazing and she is in almost perfect condition.  The other figure shown actually hangs over one of the interior doorways.


The Trevi Fountain Postcards


Long before you even plan a trip to Rome, you know about the Trevi Fountain.  What you may not realize is how extremely difficult it is to snap a shot of this stunning fountain.  There are always people around the fountain and no one wants their Trevi Fountain pictures photo-bombed. 

 

Visiting Rome, Italy


I have had the privilege to visit Rome several times. I use the same itinerary each time because it has proven to be successful. I published an article several years ago sharing my itinerary, my tips, and my personal recommendations. When I journey back to this historical city, I update that article with new discoveries and changes. If you plan to Vacation in Rome, be sure you read my article. You may be very surprised by some of the information. Being informed and prepared will not only save you a lot of money, but it will also save you a lot of valuable time. Most of us only have the opportunity to go to Rome once in a lifetime. 


See: Vacation in Rome, Italy written by Sylvestermouse Cynthia



Postcards from Rome Reviewed Written by:
House of Sylvestermouse




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Friday, November 4, 2016

Reviewing Travel Money Belts & Pouches

Best Gift for a Traveler

A Travel Money Belt or Travel Pouch may not be the prettiest gift you will ever give, but it could easily be the most important gift for anyone who travels.

A Travel Money Belt or Travel Pouch may not be the prettiest gift you will ever give, but it could easily be the most important gift for anyone who travels.

A travel money belt or travel pouch is not our first thought when preparing for a trip.  Unfortunately, we might not see the need for a money belt until after we are victimized while traveling.  Having a purse or wallet stolen while traveling can quickly ruin the most anticipated and expensive trips.  Not only are pickpockets everywhere, you simply cannot pack your valuables and expect them to be safe in a hotel room or on a plane.  

A Travel Money Belt really will give you safety and peace of mind.

There are several different styles of travel money belts and pouches.  Over the years, I have traveled extensively and I feel uniquely qualified to recommend the best travel money belts available on the market today.

Image:  Premium Expert Money Travel

 

TRAVEL TIP
Never carry anything in your wallet you cannot afford to lose! 

 

My Personal Favorite Travel Money Belt

 Eagle Creek Undercover Money Belt DLX 
Choose the Right Size:  Don't look for the smallest money travel belt.  Look for the best size money belt.  You will want to carry the following items in your money belt, so choose a money belt that will hold them all securely.
  • Cash
  • Passport
  • ID ~ Drivers License
  • Credit Cards
  • Insurance Cards
  • A List of Wallet Content
  • Emergency Contract Information
My personal favorite travel money belt is the Eagle Creek Travel Gear Travel Money Belt.  Based on my own personal experience, this is the Travel Money Belt I would most highly recommend. 


WHY THIS IS MY PERSONAL FAVORITE TRAVEL MONEY BELT 
  1. Two(2) Pockets are zippered to avoid spilling content when riding amusement park rides or other activities that may turn you upside down. 
  2. Wide enough to hold a passport ~ US Passports measure 3 1/4" x 5" 
  3.  Moisture-wicking, breathable mesh back panel
Also Available in Mocha 
 

A Gift for the Traveling Couple





TRAVEL TIP
Wear Travel Money Belts & Pouches UNDER your blouse or shirt

 

 Lewis N. Clark Deluxe Neck Stash, Beige

Most Highly Recommended Money Pouch  


Some travelers prefer a Travel Money Pouch. They prefer to wear a pouch around their neck instead of a money belt around their waist. This is especially true for people who do not see well or who don't want to lift their shirts in public should they need to access additional funds or ID.

This Travel Money Pouch has two zippered pockets, two inner compartments and an adjustable neck strap.  I have used this style myself when I know I will definitely need access to my passport, credit card or cash.

Bra Travel Pouch


For a lady who doesn't want to wear a money belt or doesn't like the travel neck pouch, there is a reasonable option.  This Bra Pocket Travel Safe is highly recommended for those who wear a bra.  It secures to your bra straps instead of having a separate neck cord or belt.

You won't be able to carry as much in this travel pouch, but it is definitely sufficient for cash, drivers license and credit cards.  Personally, this is the style I would use for things like my passport that I am not comfortable leaving in a hotel room, but will not need access to when I am sightseeing.

 

 Travel Money Belts are Essential for Travel Safety!

 

See More Product Reviews on ReviewThisProductReviews.com

 

 

Related Travel & Safety Articles
How to Pack for Your Vacation 
Tips for Traveling
Clever Travel Companion Leggings with Secret Pockets Reviewed
Tomtom Portable GPS Navigator Review



Product Review of Travel Money Belts & Pouches Written by:
House of Sylvestermouse





Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Review of Gifts Related to Harvest in California Wine Country

It's Harvest Time in Paso Robles Wine Country

Harvest time in wine country is the most exciting time of year. If you live on a road with at least a dozen wineries within four miles, as I do, there is something going on almost every weekend, and usually competing events. There are First Crush events and Harvest Celebrations. That means concerts and food, and lots of wine tasting. You can smell the aroma of crushed grapes as you drive past. 

Review of Gifts Related to Harvest in California Wine Country
Grapes Ready for Harvest, © B. Radisavljevic 


Watching the Harvest

Since I live so close to so many vineyards, I've had opportunities to watch the grape harvest, especially at my neighbor's winery, Croad Vineyards.  That link will take you to more photos and videos of the Croad harvest as I saw it. Earlier this year I also had the opportunity to watch the bottling truck in action.

This video shows you how the wine actually gets into the bottles as I witnessed it. 



The Grape Vines at Harvest Time

The vines themselves are laden with purple fruit. Usually by harvest time the leaves have turned into the various shades of red, rust, and  gold. After the grapes are harvested, they are gathered in plastic bins for processing.  They may go into a machine such as the one in the poster below at Zenaida Cellars in Paso Robles to have the stems removed. People stand by to make sure  everything works properly and nothing is missed.

One of the most popular wineries in autumn is Niner Estates, home to Heart Hill, pictured on a poster below. The natural heart-shaped grove of oak trees was on the hill long before the vineyards were planted around it. It's beautiful at any time of year, but in fall around harvest time the vines frame the heart with autumn colors. Heart Hill appears on many of my Zazzle products, including postcards, necklaces, keychains, plaques, ornaments, and more. They can be customized to remove, change, or add your own text. 


You can find more scenes from harvest time on Zazzle products in my collection Harvest Season in California Wine Country

Visit Paso Robles Wine Country

The City of Paso Robles and the surrounding rural areas of Templeton and San Miguel are home to over 200 different wineries. If you are a wine lover, it's worth a trip here. If you come, you will want to try some of the award-winning wines at Sculpterra Winery. While you are there you can enjoy its famous sculpture garden and enjoy its Sunday afternoon concerts. It's one of my favorite places. It's about ten miles east of the city of Paso Robles. 

The wineries closest to my home are Croad Vineyards, Niner Estates, ZinAlley, Donati Family, and Aron Hill -- all on Highway 46 or close to it. Other 46 West wineries where I often shoot photos for my Zazzle products are Zenaida Cellars, Castoro Cellers, Peachy Canyon, and Doce Robles. If you click through to my Zazzle collection linked to above, you will see photos from some of those wineries on my products. 

More Photos of Wine Country During Harvest Season

Review of Gifts Related to Harvest in California Wine Country
Doce Robles Scene During Harvest Season, © B. Radisavljevic  

Review of Gifts Related to Harvest in California Wine Country
Croad Vineyard at Harvest Time, © B. Radisavljevic 

Review of Gifts Related to Harvest in California Wine Country
Hay and Autumn Vineyards at Doce Robles, © B. Radisavljevic
This scene appears on many of my products 

Review of Gifts Related to Harvest in California Wine Country

I hope you've enjoyed your virtual tour of wine country at harvest time. Be sure to pick up a souvenir from this trip at California Wine Country Memories and Gifts. 






Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Thursday, October 13, 2016

Photographing Boothbay Harbor Maine

Boothbay Harbor Maine photo by mbgphoto

Review of Harbor Area

Boothbay Harbor is a beautiful and very picturesque little harbor on the coast of Maine.  It sits on the edge of Boothbay Peninsula that juts out into the Gulf of Maine.  We visited on a clear September monrning when the sky was so blue that it cast a blue tint to everything around it.  It was a great area to take photographs and I stood at various spots along the harbor and took in all the sights.  The scene below is Boothbay Inn as seen from across the harbor.
Boothbay Harbor Maine photo by mbgphoto
If I turned a bit right of the Inn I captured this white church on the edge of the harbor.  There were lots of boats big and small
Fishing Boats in Boothbay Harbor Maine photo by mbgphoto



Cuckolds Lighthouse


I love to photograph lighthouses and the Boothbay Harbor area gave me the opportunity to photograph several.  They were all offshore on islands so getting good photographs required a longer lens.  The closest to shore was Cuckolds lighthouse.  We drove past Boothbay Harbor a few miles to South Point Island and I was able to capture this historic lighthouse.  This lighthouses started as a signal house in 1892 and then in 1907 a light tower was added atop the signal house.  This lighthouse was automated in 1975.  This lighthouse and grounds has been recently restored and is now open for overnight stays, weddings, lobster bakes and other events.  I took the following photos from a dock off South Point island.
Cuckolds Lighthouse photo by mbgphoto


Boothbay Harbor Maine photo by mbgphoto

Other Lights Seen from Harbor


The other lighthouses that are offshore of Boothbay Harbor are hard to see with the naked eye.  I was told one was 10 miles offshore and the other 15 miles and I could only capture them if I took a boat. None of the boat tours were running at the time we were there so I got some use out of my new 600mm lens.  The first photo below is Burnt Island Lighthouse, you see it on the island on the right hand side of the photo.  I believe the second photo to be Monhegan Island light.  It is the one I was told was 15 miles away so it is very small in my photo.  I find it fascinating to read about and photograph all of these lighthouses.  The coast of Maine and the island around it are dotted with many lighthouses.  Many of the lighthouses are now longer in service, however the Coast Guard still keeps watch over 56 of Maine's historic lighthouses.
Burnt Island Lighthouse photo by mbgphoto

Monhegan Island light photo by mbgphoto


Zazzle Products from my Photographs


Here is the guidebook I used to find my way around Maine.


Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Monday, October 10, 2016

Bubba Tumbler Review: Saves Money and the Environment


In 2014, I purchased a Bubba brand Envy Tumbler in an attempt to save money, avoid coffee spills, and reduce the amount of unnecessary plastic cups being sent to the landfill each day.  I had no way of knowing how much money and stress that one rugged, insulated tumbler really would save. If you are looking for a durable travel mug for hot or cold drinks, Bubba brand is for you.



The Durability of Bubba Envy Tumblers


As I mentioned, I purchased my Bubba brand tumbler years ago.  I've used that one single cup for my iced coffee nearly every day since.  I am only just now looking to replace it because I drove off with it on my Jeep bumper a few months ago.  As I turned out of my parking lot, I heard a "clunk" and saw iced coffee and ice skittering across the road.  With the intent of removing a potential plastic shard road hazard, I stopped and retrieved my Bubba Envy Tumbler.  Stunned, I found that my Bubba was intact and was only slightly loose at the top mold seam connecting the double walls. I've used it every day since that mishap and am only now looking to order a replacement.

If that isn't a testimonial for durability, I don't know what is.


Financial Savings of a Bubba Tumbler


When I purchased that first Tumbler, I began making my own iced coffee at home instead of stopping at a local coffee shop each day. I had realized that if I spent a mere $5 at that coffee shop each day, for 365 days a year, I was spending $1,825 a year. I invested less than $20 for the first Bubba. With the exception for travel and when I'm away from home, I have made my own coffee to fill it. 

If you saved over a thousand dollars in a year, what could you do with that extra money? 

Bubba Envy Insulated Tumbler



Travel Mugs: Environmental and Emotional Savings 



Commercial iced coffee is served in plastic cups with lids and straws.  I cringe when I think about having added one of those cups each day into the landfill before I began using my reusable travel tumbler. 

If you are clumsy as I am, you'll understand when I mention the level of stress that those plastic cups caused me.  The lids would pop off and the coffee would splash onto my clothes. And wow, have you ever knocked over one of those cups and watched helplessly as the lid pops off and the coffee washes across your desk like a miniature tidal wave? I have. But not since I have begun using this wonderful version of an adult sippie cup.

With a straw inserted, the Bubba Envy Tumbler isn't absolutely leak-proof. But only dribbles escape from the straw and straw opening, which is much better than the alternative mess.

Whether you drink hot coffee, iced coffee, or other drinks you will find a Bubba brand mug to suit your needs.  And it is a bonus that in the long run you will save money and help protect the environment. 


Visit ReviewThisReviews for more product reviews





Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Thursday, July 28, 2016

Review of a Day at City Museum in St. Louis

City Museum in St. Louis photo by mbgphoto
City Museum St. Louis

Unique Museum


Imagine an interactive museum built in an old shoe factory and made up of reclaimed building materials.  That is exactly what acclaimed artist, Bob Cassilly, did when he developed City Museum in St. Louis.  City Museum in St. Louis opened in 1997 in the former International Shoe Company building.

In the museum you will find reclaimed building materials such as chimneys, salvaged bridges, construction cranes, lots of interesting tiles and even two abandoned planes.  There is also architectural salvage from some wonderful old buildings from the early 1900's in St. Louis.  All of this is put together in an amazing maze of wonder and delight for children and adults alike.  In the museum every inch seems to be used.  There are tunnels between walls and under exhibits.  There is so much to explore both inside and outside the museum.  Even the roof is put to use.

On a hot July day I took two of my granddaughters, my sister, and her two great nephews to explore the museum.  The kids ranged in ages from 5 to 12 and there was something for everyone.  I'm not much for climbing and tunnels but I loved taking photographs and I will share our adventure with you on this page.


Outside Adventure


The outside is a maze of wire tunnels, slides, and lots of places to climb.  Here are a few of our photos taken in the outside museum area.  You could even climb up into this old airplane.
Outside the City Museum in St. Louis photo by mbgphoto

City Museum in St. Louis photo by mbgphoto
City Museum in St. Louis photo by mbgphoto

photo by mbgphoto

Inside the 600,000 Square Feet Building


The inside is full of surprises at every turn.  The kids really enjoyed all the slides and tunnels.  On one of the upper floors is a huge area set aside for toddlers under 6 and there is a small train ride they can take around the area. One of the slides was 3 stories tall and others were shorter but made of different shapes.  On one floor there was a restaurant and lots of unique old signs.
photo by mbgphoto

Sign City Museum in St. Louis photo by mbgphoto

photo by mbgphoto

Architectural Features 


I found many of the old architectural features fascinating.  There were signs near many of the items telling what old buildings they were taken from.  A good part of one of the floors was full of these old features.  They were a photographer's delight!  I understand this area can also be rented for wedding receptions and corporate events.

City Museum in St. Louis photo by mbgphoto

City Museum in St. Louis photo by mbgphoto

City Museum in St. Louis photo by mbgphoto

Our Exploring Crew


Here is our group for the day.  Back row my granddaughter Rachel, my sister Julie, and granddaughter Ella.  Front row great nephews, Nathaniel and Alex.  They are standing in part of an old train. We  spent about 5 1/2 hours in the museum and the kids probably would have stayed longer.  It was a fun filled day.  In addition to all the climbing and sliding they tried some old time pin ball machines and went to a short old time circus performance.
photo by mbgphoto

Visiting the Museum


The museum is located at 750 N 16th Street in downtown St. Louis.  For more information you may cal 314-231-2489 or check out citymuseum.org



Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Summertime Learning Fun

Summertime Learning Fun happens when you spend some time together, exploring our world and answering all those questions that come up.  Like what's that Noise?  

If your children are anything like mine, and I'm sure they are, summertime means adventures.  It means spending a lot of time outdoors.  It means looking for things to do and exploring.  It means turning off the TV or computer games and getting back to nature in the great outdoors.  It could mean swimming every day, or going to the park, or camping.  Where ever you go, there is something to learn about!  

silhouette of people walking on a dock

What else can you do?

Summertime opens up a whole new world for our children to learn.  While the kids are looking to 
relax and have fun, they are also looking for something that catches their imaginations or their need to know about their world.  To that end, most families will be spending some very special together time while on holidays. No baseball games, soccer practices, dance classes or other interruptions, just good old family time.     

frog in the water

Learning takes on a whole new meaning when summertime rolls around.  No "textbooks" and no real "agenda" means that learning is done on a whatever crosses my path and intrigues me basis. That can even happen at home too!  As I am writing, I can hear the toads singing in my pond. I need to learn more about them, so when my grandchildren come to visit, I can tell them some things that I'm sure they don't know.


Be Prepared!  


As parents who prepare to take our children on hikes and overnight camping trips, we need to be ready to answer questions that are sure to pop up.  Like "What's that noise?"  Even a trip to the zoo can be filled with questions that need answers.  Be prepared to either answer the questions or make note of the questions and when you are home again, look up the answers  together, so that both you and your child will  have learnt something new and you will have done it together.  This is what makes family memories.  We still laugh at some of the things that happened when we went places with our children. Now they are doing the same thing with their children and telling stories about when they were younger.  It's time to pass on family history as well as having time to enjoy nature.

seagulls standing on rocks
Playing games with the kids can be so much fun too. We would take ours camping and find that the welcome station had many printouts for educational purposes. We would make the most out of these "handouts". One camping trip, they had a print out of all the birds that nested in the area, with hints for the kids. We would go on hikes and try to spot nesting areas and then spotting the birds too. There were print outs of the different trees and their leaves. We made a collection and even did bark rubbings. Have you ever stopped and looked at all the different types of bark on trees? It is fascinating! When the kids found what they were looking for, they would take a picture to go along with their leaves and bark rubbings, carefully noting the type of tree and all the nuances of it's growth. So much to learn, just from a tree! Birds and reptiles, amphibians and mammals of the area were all duly recorded. If we needed to learn more, a note was made in our notebook to look it up when we got back home. The kids loved their nature hikes, because it wasn't just walking through the woods, it was stopping and seeing what made up those woods. The trees, birds, bugs, flowers and everything that was in our path, was food for our "Discovery Book".


free campgrounds guide book Guide to Free Campgrounds: Includes Campgrounds $12 and Under in the United States (Don Wright's Guide to Free Campgrounds)

So What Can you Do to Prepare for a great Outdoor Adventure?

Well first and foremost, check out the link above, to find some low cost campgrounds. It's a great way to pinpoint where your family will spend some quality time together, without breaking the bank.
people on a boat in very smooth water
This guide will help you look for a place that has some great outdoor adventures, be it hiking in the mountains, camping by a lake, or visiting a beach somewhere new. Go with the eye of an adventurer. Take along a "Discovery Book" a journal where you can make notes, tuck in leaves or flowers, keep a daily diary of what you saw, whether it was birds, bugs, beetles or trees. Answer the questions that you know the answers to and make a note to find the answers to those questions that you don't know the answers to. When you are finished your holiday, you will have a great little diary on what everyone saw and learnt about during your time in the great outdoors.



travel journelMy Travel Journal

Above all, be ready to have some fun, make some memories and enjoy each others company in the great, beautiful and special outdoors.  Happy Summer Everyone!


Pictures courtesy of Pixaby, free stock photos. 





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Review This Reviews is Dedicated to the Memory of Our Beloved Friend and Fellow Contributor

Susan DeppnerSusan Deppner

We may be apart, but
You Are Not Forgotten





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