Waypoint Goods Travel Scarf Review and Giveaway!

Disclaimer: I received complimentary product from Waypoint Goods in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. 

I love to travel, but sadly I don't get to very often because living on a farm means having many responsibilities: tending animals, planting, gardening, harvesting, and keeping up the home and grounds. However, I still get to occasionally go to: hike, waterfall spot, bird watch, rockhound, mudlark, beachcomb, star gaze, and just explore nature. I also love to go to different fairs, festivals, carnivals, conventions, concerts, theatrical performances, antique shops, bazaars, flea markets, farmers' markets, open air markets, food carts, museums, and art galleries as well.

 

I am wearing the Jasmine & Jain travel scarf from Waypoint Goods.

When I do go places, I like the convenience of having my hands free to be able to do things and not to worry about my stuff being stolen. Caitlin Blythe, the owner and founder of Waypoint Goods, made the perfect travel fashion accessory to do just that and more! Besides being fashionable, this infinity scarf has a handy, inconspicuous, and unseen zipper pocket that has room enough for an iPhone+ or similar sized cell phone, passport, wallet, keys, some cash, ID, credit cards, boarding passes, facemask, hand sanitizer, sunglasses, and/or other small essentials. This means you can keep your belongings safe and secure without having to take a bulky purse or backpack with you at all times. No more worrying about pickpockets while you are taking in the culture, food, art, sights, and sounds of your next adventure because the hidden pocket blends into the wide folds of the scarf eliminating the outline of your secure essentials. Just place the pocket loop closest to your body and use the other loop to drape over the top and hide the pocket and contents.

I received a Waypoint Goods Travel Scarf from the Featured Artist Series and called Jasmine & Jain. It is one of the lightweight scarves made from all natural bamboo and cotton. This pattern was made by two women, Alison Abbott and Jane, and was inspired by the flower market in Jaipur, India and the local people there, wearing colorful geometric patterns. Marigolds, rose petals and the scent of jasmine made the painted and layered canvas spring to life. The scarf's pattern is a result of an adaption of the full canvas. I love this gorgeous scarf! The oranges, reds and purples with the layered pattern are so rich and beautiful. You can read more about the art process, here. 1% of sales of the Jasmine & Jain scarf will be donated to the nonprofit organization, CharityWater.org.

I love that the Waypoint Goods scarves are made of quality fabric and notions that is sewn well. The fabric is soft, yet durable and is meticulously stitched with a lined pocket that has an invisible zipper. The pocket is lined in Waypoint Goods patterned fabric that complements the outer fabric and is lighter in color so you can find your stuff fast.

There are two different categories of travel scarf depending upon length and fabric choice and each have 5 lovely designs per category. One category is the lightweight bamboo and cotton travel scarf which is long and narrow and great for warmer weather and petite travelers. The lightweight scarves are 18" wide by 34" long and made of  eco-friendly 70% bamboo and 30% cotton. The other category is the original travel scarf which is wide and short and is best for cooler weather and wrapping up. The original is 22" wide by 32" long and is made of buttery soft 100% polyester.

I love how versatile this travel infinity scarf is, that you can pretty much wear it anywhere, and it is easy to clean. It can be used as a scarf, shawl, blanket and worn several different ways. You can take it with you on an airplane, train, bus, boat, etc. It is great to have at crowded tourist areas, stadiums, museums, concerts, festivals, date night, out walking the dog, etc. If you don't have other pockets in your dress, jeans or jacket, this scarf is the key to that problem! Washing instructions are pretty straight forward: hand wash cold with mild detergent and lay flat to dry. If you cannot wash the recommended way you can instead machine wash on delicate cycle after placing in a garment bag and then lay flat to dry.

BUY IT

Any of the Waypoint Travel Scarves would be perfect for gift giving! They are a unique and functional gift that is just as great for travel as everyday life. Great for giving at graduations, birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, or any of those special days or moments that come up. The Waypoint Goods Travel scarf comes gift ready with sleek packaging and the same attention to detail and design inspiration as the scarf itself. Sign up for their newsletter and get 10% off your first order!

WIN IT

• Prize: Win a Waypoint Goods Travel Scarf of your choice!

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Wordless Wednesday Lower Columbia Estuary Canoe Field Trip and Hike

Teela & I went on a Canoe Trip and hiking with a group at the Lower Columbia Estuary Scappoose Bay Marina (4/6/2018).

Guided Hike: Saw Oak Galls, Gall Wasp larvae, lichen, & mushrooms while doing a scavenger hunt & bird-watching.

Fandex Family Field Guide Review and Educents Deal

We received products free from Educents and Workman Publishing Company to facilitate this review.

Right now Educents is having a deal for two different Fandex Family Field Guide Bundles. You can choose the Nature Bundle to learn about Bugs, Butterflies, and Trees or the History Bundle with facts about Dinosaurs, Mummies and Mythology. Or you can choose both! Each bundle is only $21.90! Original price was $32.85. That is a savings of $10.95!

Have knowledge at your fingertips! Each Fandex has 50 cards for different things linked together with a small button at the bottom corner and they look very much like a fan when opened out to see the cards, hence the name "Fandex". The science ones are great for hikes, wildlife trails, nature walks, and field excursions. The history ones are great for learning interesting things about the past.

The Bugs Fandex features die-cut-full-color photos of the insect, spider or other arthropod on the tops of the cards. Below this is scientific name, common name, habitat, detailed description, lore, field notes on life cycle, identifiers, and size, along with side notes that are highlighted. Great for going on a bug expedition or the budding entomologist in your family!

The Butterflies Fandex features die-cut-full-color photos of the butterflies on the tops of the cards. Below this is life cycle, diet, habitat, gender variations, and the secrets of butterfly survival: camouflage, poison, and mimicry. Each card has the scientific name, range, plants used for laying eggs and drinking nectar, migration and mating habits, and how to recognize the species in its caterpillar, pupa, and adult stages. Great for learning about metamorphosis too!

The Trees Fandex features die-cut full-color photos of the leaf and bark of the featured tree on the tops of the cards. Below this is general information about the tree, keys to identification, height, shape, habitat, range, Latin name, life cycle, and more. Has identification by leaf, bark, and seed and information on the tree's place in history and culture. Great for exploring trees in your forests, neighborhood, or own backyard!

The Dinosaurs Fandex features die-cut full-color photos of the dinosaurs on the tops of the cards. Below this is name, meaning of name, age, home, size, diet, and lifestyle. This deck also includes key paleontologists, fossil-finding methods and a glossary. Great for Dino lovers everywhere!

The Mummies Fandex features die-cut-full-color photos of the Pharaohs, pyramids, gods and goddesses, mummies, hieroglyphs and other Egyptian things. Great for future archeologists and Egyptologists!

The Mythology Fandex features die-cut-full-color photos of the ancient Greek and Roman Gods, heroes, monsters and nymphs. Each entry is illustrated with a rich selection of images drawn from statuary, painting, pottery, frescoes and mosaics, and includes the subject's lineage, personality and symbol.

These are all great for homeschooling. Even though they are made of sturdy coated card stock I am worried that the die-cut tops are going to get all bent up after use. These are still awesome field guides though because of how much great information they pack into these! I will definitely be using them for my boys study.

Go get this deal at Educents now and save up to 33%! Click on the Educents button below and find the Fandex deal! Hurry! It is only here for a limited time!


DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received products for free to facilitate my review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review and promo. Affiliate links may be present in this post. Thank you for supporting my blog.

Cheap and Unusual Father's Day Fun (Infographic)

Infographic Courtesy of: CashNetUSA: It's Economic. Information about the infographic was provided free as well. All other thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else.

Welcome to the United States of Dad! Here you can find fun and inexpensive ways to entertain your dad this Father's Day. There's no need to spend money on travel; this infographic has provided several options across the country that will keep you and your dad busy on his special day. Don't see an option close by? Use this infographic to spark an idea for fun with your dad, and do a quick online search to find affordable options near you.

This is a great infographic! I love the ideas it presents for Father's Day. You can save money and still have a great time. There are fun trip destinations to go: camping, fishing, hiking, swimming, picnicking, to the zoo, to the rodeo, to parks, skiing, golfing etc. You can also BBQ, garden, camp out, etc. in your own backyard!

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Infographic and information about the infographic was provided free courtesy of: CashNetUSA: It's Economic. All other thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this post other than the infographic.

My Birthday and Mother's Day: Visit to Tillamook Oregon

I decided to celebrate my birthday and Mother's Day with my family and my parents in Tillamook Oregon. My birthday was on May 10th and Mother's Day was May 12th, so we decided to go May 11th to celebrate.

My parents live in Sweet Home Oregon and we live in Rainier Oregon, so for both of us it was about a 3 hour drive give or take a little bit. My family were coming from different ways to Tillamook than my parents and so we planned on meeting at the Tillamook Cheese Factory for lunch. On their way to Tillamook...guess what...my dad got lost (He is notorious for doing so and I think a Magellan GPS might be a great present for him for Father's Day! We have one and love it!).

While we were waiting for my parents to arrive we went and to see the Cape Meares Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge along the Oregon Coast. We hiked up a trail to see the Octopus Tree first. The hike was really nice and not too much for Teela and Zari. When we got to the Octopus Tree someone offered to take a whole family shot in front of it. We all loved the scenery and spectacular views over the cape.

We then went inside to tour the Cape Meares Lighthouse. It has a delightful little gift shop inside the bottom floor and then you take some spiral stairs up to the beacon tower lantern house. We learned from the guide that this lighthouse had some vandalism in 2010 and back in 1963 while it was vacant for a number of years to the gorgeous Fresnel (pronounced "Fraynel") lens and the building itself. It is very unfortunate that people would want to harm such a wonderful historic building and I am very happy we got to see it.

After the tour we hiked up a different trail to the parking lot and we saw the Three Arch Rocks out in the distance. The Three Arch Rocks Refuge is home to Oregon's largest seabird nesting colony. We saw a number of wildlife including a Millipede the girls stopped to look at.

Finally we met up with my parents at the Tillamook Cheese Factory and by that time my tummy was growling of hunger. My parents had brought sandwiches, chips, juice, fresh fruit & veggies and deviled eggs in a cooler. We sat around a tree on park benches and ate a very nice picnic.

Then we went inside the factory to explore. They have a lot of neat things to look at and some fun stuff to pose with. While we were downstairs briefly, before we headed upstairs, my kids posed in the plywood cow and farmer cutout with their heads poking through. Teela is a very cute moo, don't you think?

Upstairs we could watch the process of packaging cheese through a viewing window and we could also see the large cheese vats that they mixed the cheese into in another viewing area. Upstairs they also had some interactive video consoles that played the history of the factory and Tillamook city. They also had some antique cheese making equipment behind glass in cabinets that you could see.

Back downstairs again we sampled some various cheeses and then headed on over to the ice cream parlor to have some delicious authentic Tillamook creamery ice cream in waffle cones. I had black cherry and it was so yummy! The kids all had mint chocolate chip and the others had different flavors. Teela and Zari had to have a bowl under theirs because it melted quickly and was dripping...I got them a couple of spoons to help them along. Then my boys goofed off in the Loaf Love Tour Bus for silly pictures.

After lunch and dessert we decided to go see the Munson Creek Falls. We were really enjoying the weather. It had held out for us and didn't rain at all while we were in Tillamook for our day trip. Unfortunately by the time we arrived Zari had fallen asleep in the van in her car seat. My husband, Brian, decided he would stay behind until she awoke because he was feeling the ill effects of all this walking in conjunction with his Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and needed to sit for a while anyway. The rest of us walked up the trail to the Munson Creek Falls and were enjoying all the lush green around us. There was this awesome gigantic tree that had large roots nearby and I got some neat pictures of it as well as the waterfalls and creek. When we got back to where we parked we noticed that Brian had taken Zari to the creek to look at rocks because she had awoke. The kids also had fun racing leaves down the water in the creek.

Next we headed to the beach to round out the day. We saw kelp, seaweed, driftwood and sea shells that had washed up onto the sand. My boys took off their shoes and immediately waded out into the ocean waves. My girls played in the sand together with their sand toys: sifting, shoveling, scooping, packing, dumping, mixing, raking and molding. What fun! Jaedan couldn't help but love it when Delbin wanted him to bury his bottom half in the sand. My mom also got out some special treats when every one was washed up, some chocolate dipped and covered strawberries! Yummy! Brian had found some neat treasures while beach combing: an agate, some whole sand dollars, mussel shells, a piece of coral (I am going to string onto a necklace) and a crab shell.

We brushed the sand off the kids as best we could, said our goodbyes to my parents and my mom gave us a cake she made for Jaedan's birthday party (his birthday is May 15th and we are celebrating with his friends on the 25th) we could freeze when we got home and a yellow butterfly shirt (that reminded me of Fluttershy, an MLP) for my birthday.

We had wanted to do other things too, but ran out of time. My husband was eying the helicopter rides and the paragliding. Maybe next time we are in the area we can do these.

We then climbed into the van for the ride home to our dog, Prince, who was being dog sat by our neighbor while we were away. We had Subway sandwiches on our way home and when we got home we climbed into bed exhausted, but happy. Our day as a family together turned out really well. I had a really nice birthday and Mother's Day outing.

How was your Mother's Day??

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: No compensation was received for this post. This post is a personal post written by me.

For Small Hands Trees and Wildflowers Fandex Review and Giveaway

Spring is coming next month...it might be hard to think about when right now some of you are having weather that is bringing you snow and others like me are having crazy hail storms and cold rain.

I am having a Spring Gift Guide (for Arbor Day, Easter, Earth Day, May Day, and Mother's Day) this year and to kick it off I have some awesome products from For Small Hands, a Montessori store for children's things that is owned by Montessori Services. For Small Hands has Montessori type hands on products that are child-sized and are for home use. They make it easy for children to explore their environments and themselves.

The products I am reviewing from them are very fitting in my Spring Themed Gift Guide because they are all about trees, which is awesome for Arbor Day and Earth Day, and wildflowers, which is great for Spring, Easter, and May Day! Both the Trees and Wildflowers Fandex have 47 cards for different North American species linked together with a small button at the bottom corner and they look very much like a fan when opened out to see the cards, hence the name "Fandex". Even though they are made of sturdy coated card stock I am worried that the die-cut tops are going to get all bent up after use. These are still awesome field guides to trees and wildflowers! They are great for homeschooling, hikes, wildlife trails, nature walks, and field botany excursions.

The Tree Fandex (item number: SC772) feature die-cut full-color photos of the leaf and bark of the featured tree on the tops of the cards. Below this is general information about the tree, keys to identification, height, shape, habitat, range, Latin name, life cycle, and more. Has identification by leaf, bark, and seed and information on the tree's place in history and culture. Great for exploring trees in your forests, neighborhood, or own backyard!

The Wildflowers Fandex (item number: SC774) feature die-cut full-color photos of the flower of the featured wildflower on the tops of the cards. Below this is general information about the wildflower, keys to identification, habitat, range, Latin name, life cycle, and more. Has information on how they grow, healing powers, folklore, and use in the garden. It is a genuine bouquet of knowledge!

WIN IT:
For Small Hands is generously giving one lucky reader a chance to win both the Trees and Wildflowers Fandex.

Mandatory:
Go to the For Small Hands website and tell me what other items(s) you love. Leave links in the comment for the item(s).

Additional entries:
1. Subscribe to my blog by feedburner or by email and let me know which way. (3 extra entries each)

2. Fan/Like me on facebook and write something on my wall. (1 extra entry)

3. Follow me on Google Friend Connect (GFC) on the right sidebar and/or Networked Blogs Let me know what your user name is. (2 extra entries each)

4. Blog about this giveaway on your blog and provide me with the link. Make sure you have the link to this post and For Small Hands in your blog entry or it won't count. (2 extra entries)

5. Give me a brief POSITIVE review on Alexa and provide me with your user name. (3 extra entries)

6. Grab My Button (see sidebar to the right) AND/OR Put My Blog URL in Your Blogroll - Leave Your Link. (1 extra entry)

7. Technorati my blog and let me know your link. (1 extra entry)

8. Fave me on Momfaves. (2 extra entries)

9. List this giveaway on any giveaway listing website or blog Linky/Link-up and tell me where you listed it. (2 extra entries)

10. Write about this giveaway with a link to this post on your Facebook wall, Kirtsy, StumbleUpon, Google+ or other social media website besides Twitter. Let me know where. (2 extra entries for each)

11. Comment on my regular (not giveaway) posts. Let me know which one. (1 extra entry per post you comment on)

12. Follow me on Twitter. (1 extra entry)

13. Tweet this: @finamoon #WIN #Giveaway For Small Hands Trees and Wildflowers Fandex http://bit.ly/yjTiSQ (Daily Extras are Available)

14. Fan/Like For Small Hands on Facebook. (1 extra entry)

Make sure you leave me your email in all posts so that I can contact you. Don't forget to leave a comment for each task and the correct amount of entries for each task. This contest ends on Friday March 23, 2012 at midnight (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada). This Giveaway is open to all 18 years and over in the U.S. ONLY!!

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to For Small Hands for sending me product for free to review and one to give away for free. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Wordless Wednesday Babu and Teela

If you are participating in Wordless Wednesdays, click on the Mister Linky image, enter your name and URL in the form, and press Enter.

Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters Review and Giveaway

ABOUT THE PRODUCT: Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters are a blend of 100% natural ingredients that include roasted nuts, whole grain oats and a touch of honey all rolled into one bite sized snack. They come in four flavors: Nut Lovers, Roasted Almond, Roasted Cashew and Honey Roasted Peanut.


MY THOUGHTS:
I got to participate in a Spark with MyBlogSpark and got a Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters "Snack Pack" prize pack that included: all four (4) varieties of the Granola Nut Clusters along with a sling backpack, stainless steel water bottle, flashlight and binoculars! I love granola and nuts and so this was a great combination for me. My kids kept on asking for more of them. They are very yummy! My husband, who eats granola with dates and raisins regularly, said maybe they could make some varieties with dried fruit in them as well as these they already have. The clusters have the perfect lightly sweet, yet salty, combination paired with a crunchy texture. I also love that this unique cluster-shaped granola is packaged in a handy re-sealable pouch so it´s perfect for taking with you on a hike, camping, in your car or anywhere you need a snack!

Get a FREE sample Trail Mix Bar plus Granola Nut Clusters when you sign up for their Eat Better America newsletter.

WIN IT:
Laurie at MyBlogSpark is is giving one lucky reader a chance to win their very own "Snack Pack" prize pack.

Mandatory:
1. Go to the Nature Valley website and tell me what other product you would be interested in trying AND share some of your favorite elements of nature (do both or be disqualified).

Additional entries:
1. Subscribe to my blog by email and let me know. (2 extra entries)

2. Become my fan on Facebook. (1 extra entry)

3. Blog about this giveaway on your blog and provide me with the link. Make sure you have the link to this post and Nature Valley in your blog entry or it won't count. (2 extra entries)

4. Grab My Button (see sidebar to the left) AND/OR Put My Blog URL in Your Blogroll - Leave Your Link. (1 extra entry)

5. Technorati my blog and let me know your link. (1 extra entry)

6. List this giveaway on any giveaway listing website or blog and tell me where you listed it. (2 extra)

7. Follow me on twitter and retweet this: @finamoon: @nature_valley WIN: Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters "Snack Pack" http://bit.ly/4F64Ns
(Daily Extras are Available)

8. Fave me on Momfaves. (2 extra entries)

9. Comment on one of my other of my posts and tell me which one. (2 extra entries per post)

10. Follow Nature Valley on Twitter. (1 extra entry)

11. Fan Nature Valley on Facebook. (1 extra entry)

Make sure you leave me your email in all posts so that I can contact you. If you subscribed by email, blogged about this, listed it, commented on another post, or faved me on Momfaves leave 2 entries saying you did. This contest ends on Friday October 23, 2009 at midnight (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada). This Giveaway is open to U.S. Only!!