Broccoli Tree House

Brock Davis couldn't build a real tree house for his son, so he created this.  Fabulous. 

Image credit: Brock Davis

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ISIS Coconut Carbon Tempest Jacket

A jacket made with coconut carbon?  How cool is this?  The ISIS Tempest Jacket utilizes natural technology called Cocona.  This is coconut carbon utilizes ground coconut shells to create a more breathable material and reduce chemical materials used in other waterproof fabrics.  It spreads moisture over the surface accelerating evaporation and drying.  Coconut carbon is a recycled and sustainable material.  This is great progress and a win-win for eco friendly technical clothing.

This is a figure flattering jacket.  The seams along the sides create slimming lines and the back goes over the bum.  There's a stash pocket on the inside, the zipper pulls are chunky and comfortable and the zippers are two way and have taped seams to keep them waterproof.   The right pocket of the jacket doubles as a stuff sack making this great for travel or keeping on hand in your bag for unexpected weather.

It comes in some great colors, blue, green, a perfect-for-cycling orange and my favorite, black.  Contrasting patterned white is on the inside--I wish it were black as well, but it is a cheery pattern.  I do really like the little stars along the inner zipper seam.  The hood is adjustable and cinches down and stows when not needed.  This is a soft coat.  The material is flexible and comfortable which is not always the case with rain jackets.  There's even a velvet patch to protect your neck and chin when you have the coat zipped all the way up which is a nice touch.  Great attention to details with the Tempest.

I love the little details like the fortune cookie-esqe note that's in the pocket that says "You are a Goddess" (now on my fridge), and the fun little quotes on the tag like, "Journeys are always more interesting than destinations." I'm new to ISIS, but I have to say, my first impression is great.  Check out the Tempest Jacket HERE. 

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Coleman Instant Tent: Doesn't Get Easier

When Coleman says "instant" tent, they are not kidding.  You pull this tent out of the duffel it comes with and open each pole similarly to the way you would an umbrella.  In less than a minute I can set this up by myself, it doesn't get easier. Taking it down, which in some ways is even more important to me, is just as simple.  The duffel is big enough that there is no struggle getting it back in and the tent comes down with ease.  You can watch a demo video HERE showing the process and they are using the bigger version of this tent, the four person is even easier.  This makes camping accessible and opens up a world of Summer activities for the family.

It's made with heavy duty material and taped seams so that you don't have to use a rain fly.  I would not push this too far however.  If you will be camping in windy weather, opt for a dome tent.  I'd say the same for heavy rain.  It's not appropriate for back packing, but it's great for car camping and for Summer, I think it's ideal, particularly for people new to camping or who might be intimidated by setting up a tent.

It's great for the back yard and even inside the house.  Because it's so easy to operate, there's no hesitation if your kids want to play "camp out" on a rainy day.  You put it up, they play for a couple of hours, you take it down.  It's that easy.  My son loves to get cozy in the tent and read books or play with the Ipad.   On sunny days, he's an adventurer.

While camping, if it is raining or dark during set up or take down, how helpful to have it happen fast.  It's a one piece design that comes with stakes to secure the tent once it's up.  There are no parts to lose and everything is pre-attached and stays together.  I'd get some heftier tent stakes if you think you will be encountering wind, and I wish the tent had four windows instead of three, it can get stuffy so again, I wouldn't choose this one for prolonged rainy weather camping.  It's a four person tent, but I think it's the perfect size for two people and when you are car camping, you can afford such luxuries.  The tent also comes in two bigger sizes to accommodate more people.  It's a great tent, a good value, and a really great idea for easy Summer fun.  Check it out HERE.

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BODUM Fyrkat BBQ Grill: Perfect for Summer

The Fourth of July and BBQs are synonymous.  This year, Bodum combines great design with function in their new FYRKAT BBQ GRILL which is festive and Summery and perfect for seasonal celebrations.  It comes in bold bright cheery colors like orange, red and green, which really enhance the atmosphere.  The silicone on the handle is a great touch and it's portable.  There are clamps on the side so that you may take it with you to the park the beach or the camp ground for BBQ-picnics.  It also dresses up the back yard. 

It's easy and straightforward to use.  Be sure to get the chemical free charcoal briquettes, you can also add extra flavor by using mesquite.  Veggie kabobs, grilled portabella mushrooms, and corn on the cob are all great healthy ways to use a grill.  For kids, you can do tofu-pups, veggie burgers, and vegan marshmallows. I think this grill would be fabulous for Fourth of July and other Summer festivities.  Find it HERE.

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Go the F*k to Sleep

For those of us who go through nightly bedtime drama, Adam Masnbach's Go the F*k to Sleep offers some desperately needed comic relief.  Most of us can't be shocked these days, but seeing this made-for-adults childrens' book does initially shock, just a little, and in a delicious way. 

The illustrations by Ricardo Cortes are beautiful, and if you didn't read English, you would just think this was a sweet little bedtime book.  The innocent graphics make for a mischievously delightful juxtaposition to the prose.   Mansbach has been writing for a decade and just happened to make a joke on facebook, it spread like wildfire, and the book was born.

This irreverent jab at bedtime is a great antidote to pastel bunnies and saccharine rhymes, and it's just a welcome chuckle for exhausted parents.  Not for those offended by four letter words (and if you are, read this).

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Eco Friendly Chacos for Summer--Kids too!

When I heard that Chaco had come out with kids' sandals and shoes I got very excited.  For the past six years, my black Chaco sandals have been my Summertime staple.  They look great with everything--dresses and jeans and I have worn them almost daily every Summer.  You'd think with all that wear, they'd be pretty ratty by now, but they look almost new.

The great thing about Chacos, is that when they finally do wear out, you can send them in for new tread.  How eco friendly!  The ReChaco program will preserve the life of your favorite sandals by replacing the tread.  Speaking of the tread, it's rugged, but not too rugged to dress up.  You could go hiking in them or dancing in them which makes them awesome for travel.

Another wonderful thing about Chacos is that they are fully adjustable.  And finally, they have unparalleled arch support.   This can be difficult to find in a sandal and it can be draining on your feet if you walk a lot.  This extra comfort and support makes them ideal for extended wear.

The kid version is a mini version of the adult Chaco, only a little more fun.  Look at these fabulous Robot sandals with the red soles and reflector pull loops.  My son went bananas over the robots and runs like lightening in these.   He can go wading in the rocky bay waters and these protect his feet  without slipping off.

They have the 25% recycled content EcoTread outsole and a footbed designed to promote proper body alignment.  You can wash them in the machine and they won't mark up your floors.  They're virtually indestructible and look adorable.  Chacos run a bit big in general, by about a half size in my experience, so keep this in mind when ordering.

Chaco has also started producing shoes.  I love these Devotee Vibram Gunnison shoes which have the wonderful arch support and versatility of the sandals but will take you through more seasons and more situations.  You could wear them to the office, traveling (they would be great going through security since they will slip right off), and anywhere you want to be cute and comfortable and a little more dressed up than you are in sandals.

There is no way to adjust the back straps, so sizing can be a little tricky on these.  I recommend trying them on in person if you can or ordering from an online retailer like Zappos which has a free, easy and immediate exchange program so you can quickly get the right size.  I normally take an 8.5-9 and with Chaco I take an 8.  With this particular shoe, I needed a 7.5, so keep in mind they run big.  They are worth the effort, they're very well made, comfortable and foot-flattering. 

I'm so excited Chaco has decided to offer more options, I can't wait to see what they come out with next.  Check out their selection (including vegan sandal options) HERE.

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3 Easy GF Vegan Dishes for Outdoor Dining

 Cold grain and pasta salads that you can throw into a glass container and cooler are ideal for camping and picnics.  It's a little more decadent and festive than sandwiches and so satisfying eaten at a picnic table.  I like to keep it minimalist and easy.  I found this cooler at REI and it is perfect for two-three people, holds a ton of stuff in an organized manner and is very comfortable to carry.  I keep a little cutting board and knife,  salt and pepper, and silverware in the side pocket ready to go for spontaneous picnics.   Best cooler I've ever had--if you need one, seriously check this one out, it happens to be on sale at the moment. 

Tabbouleh and Hummus:  I make my Tabbouleh with quinoa and it is out of this world and more nutritious than the traditional bulgar wheat.  Using quinoa also makes it gluten free.  I just make a batch of quinoa which couldn't be easier, then I let it cool and add a ton of chopped parsley, mint, lemon juice, a little olive oil, chopped cucumber and a little chopped tomato.  This is so refreshing on a hot day and quinoa is one of the cleaner burning (non) grains.  Hummus is easy and if you don't have time to make it yourself it's cheap to pick up a little container.  Some kalamata olives and carrot sticks and some sort of rice crackers and you have a lovely portable Mediterranean feast.

Pasta Salad:  Trader Joes' organic rice pasta which is wonderful cold in a salad.  I like mine with chopped veggies (it's a great way to use up your produce before it goes bad) such as broccoli, carrots, peas, and tomatoes and fresh basil.  I use a little balsamic and olive oil and top with chopped kalamata olive (which I think belongs in everything).  It's fast and easy to transport.

Peanut Noodles:  Cook pasta of your choice (long rice noodles work nice for this and Trader Joes also makes a yummy organic version of these) or you can use kelp noodles and/or zucchini noodles. Cool and toss in peanut butter, sesame oil, chili oil, chopped scallions, cucumber, cilantro, shredded cabbage and any other veggie you like, sea salt (I like Real Salt), shoyu sauce, ginger, a few drops agave nectar or stevia.  You can also add finely sliced lime leaf and lemon grass if you have it.  If peanuts are a problem for you, almond butter works great too, I love the raw version of this using the kelp and zucchini noodles

If you don't have time for food prep, don't let that stop you!  Pop into Trader Joes or your healthiest store and grab some stuff from the deli, produce, and fridge section.  I know this can be hard for those with limited options and then you have to go back to making your own, but if you are lucky enough to live near a co-op or market with organic whole foods, then you're good.  We are used to spontaneous picnics because the weather changes so fast here.   We like to seize the opportunity to eat outside and dash to the park for a picnic whenever we can.  Food tastes so much better that way.


Image Credit 1:  cyclonebill

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