March 7, 2019

Spring Cleaning for Outdoor Families: Washing Rain Gear with Nikwax

We decided to purchase Nikwax Tech Wash, a laundry detergent specifically made for rain gear, at the recommendation of our kid’s forest school teachers. I must admit, at first I was a little stubborn (or lazy…or foolish? Skeptical?). I actually waited until Georgia started forest school to purchase, even though I’d learned about Nikwax when Bergen started over 3 years ago!

We’ve now used Nikwax a handful of times since the fall, and I’ve been very impressed with how clean and refreshed our rain gear is after coming out of the wash.

Today I was inspired to document the process since Georgia’s rain gear was particularly muddy after forest school. It happened to snow this morning here in Seattle, creating lots of excitement at our house, and at school. There wasn’t much accumulation, and what did accumulate melted quickly, so the kids must have switched from snow play to mud play!

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March 6, 2019

Balance Bike to Pedal Bike: Round 2 with Woom 2

Happy Birthday to me! Georgia (our 4-year old) decided to give me one of the coolest gifts ever this past week just in time for my birthday: She is now a pedal biker! That’s right, she made the transition from balance bike to pedal bike in just a week or so, and we couldn’t be more thrilled for her. Most importantly, she is super proud of HERSELF, As she pedals along the sidewalk, she’ll chant: “I can do hard things, I can do hard things…I CAN DO HARD THINGS!” It’s pretty much the best.

Balance Bike to Pedal Bike: Round 2 with Woom 2 | WildTalesof.com [Read more…]

March 5, 2019

Bainbridge Island, Washington with Kids: Mother-Daughter Day Trip

This year instead of our usual early spring whole family visit to Arizona, we opted to split up. Slaed and Bergen jetted off to the Peoria area for Mariner’s Spring Training, and to spend time with Gramma (Slaed’s mom). Georgia and I held down the fort back in Seattle, and enjoyed some local adventures.

One of the our highlights was a day trip to Bainbridge Island, Washington. In case you aren’t familiar with this local gem, Bainbridge Island is just across Elliott Bay from downtown Seattle. A beautiful picturesque ferry ride gets you there in about 30 minutes. Donuts optional.

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March 4, 2019

Think Outside Boxes: Shelter Box Unboxing Video!

We are back with another fun Think Outside Unboxing! This is our Eighth Think Outside box, and this time the theme is SHELTER. In case you’ve missed our previous Think Outside unboxings, here’s a quick overview:

Think Outside Boxes is a year-long monthly subscription service that’s geared towards kids 7 and up! Each month, subscribers receive a box in the mail based around a theme. The service begins with an introductory box that includes a backpack (color of your child’s choice), and some other small goodies to encourage outdoor exploration. The boxes that follow depend on when the subscription is initiated.

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March 1, 2019

Don’t Stop Believing +News & Inspiration//13

News::

It’s March, and there is so much to be grateful for! Spring is just around the corner (3/20 to be exact), and it’s my birthday month, so there will be much celebration.
We are thrilled for baseball and soccer season to begin! Bergen and I are headed to the Seattle Sounders FC Home Opener on Saturday.
Next on the travel calendar: Disneyland! We’re off to the happiest place on earth for spring break–Georgia’s first time, and my first time visiting with Bergen. He and Slaed did a father-son trip 4 years ago that you can read all about here.
Did you know? March 2nd is Dr. Suess’ Birthday! It’s also celebrated as Read Across America Day where folks are encouraged to grab a kid, sit down together, and READ.

Inspiration::

Many have experienced Yellowstone National Park, but have you visited in the WINTER? Jennie from Ordinary Adventures gives the rundown on why it’s the best season to visit this popular national park.
When we did our big Vancouver Island road trip 3 years ago, the Royal BC Museum in Victoria was one of our highlights. I really enjoyed this informative & helpful post from NW Thrifty Mom. With her kids being a little older than ours, I appreciated hearing her perspective!
Book of the Week: Let Your Kids Go Wild Outside by Fiona Bird. The book is broken down into 5 wild places (Woods, Meadows, Seashore, Wetlands & Garden), and each chapter is chock full of facts, resources, projects, recipes, and crafts. There is so much information, it’s almost overwhelming!
Promo Code of the Week: 10% off your Ella’s Wool order with code–wildtalesof You can’t tell because of her outer layers, but that’s what’s keeping Georgia warm (and happy) in the above snowshoeing shot!

What’s your favorite Dr. Suess book? Share here in the comments!

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February 28, 2019

Favorite Winter Boots for Traveling and Outdoor Women

As a mom, outdoor adventurer, and frequent traveler, I’m on my feet a heck of a lot. Since walking is more than just exercise and leisure, but a form of transportation most days, I can’t mess around with footwear. In the fall, winter, and even spring (spring lasts from March to July in Seattle!), I need boots that will protect my feet from the elements, provide comfort, hold up, and even help me look a little put together!

Over the years I have tested several different brands and styles of women’s winter boots, and I have compiled my favorites here in a round-up. Of course, different boots serve different purposes. You’ll see in each description what conditions and situations each pair works best in.

Know that for each of the the winter boots featured here, many miles have been walked, so I consider the testing fairly rigorous! Miles logged include hiking on trails, long city walks, snowy treks, rainy visits to the playground, and everything in between.

Also keep in mind that we live in Seattle, so my frame of reference is going to be centered around, “What’s going to keep my feet dry?”.

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