outwithmommy - Tumblr blog

[outwithmommy]

Day Tripping: Claremont, California

Day Tripping: Claremont, California

A Study of College Towns

  There’s

may places where you say, “It’s a nice place to visit, but I wouldn’t want to live there.” Well, Claremont inspires a twist on that saying. It’s a nice place to visit, and it would be a nicer place to live, especially if you are a college student.

It’s easy to see why this small town is often called the quintessential college town.  There are, after all, seven…

[outwithmommy]

I love my little Lenovo!

I love my little Lenovo!

Awesome things some in thin packages

When UPS delivered my Lenovo IdeaPad Flex-14API ($679), I lifted the package and wondered if they made a mistake. It was so light, I wondered if they sent me an empty box.

There was no mistake.  Inside was an adorable 3.65-lb. compact laptop, with a decent sized keyboard — without the number pad that I never use anyway — and an AC adapter plug no bigger than a…

[outwithmommy]

Lake Tahoe all year, all good

Lake Tahoe all year, all good

The alpine destination that should be on everyone’s bucket list

Simply known as “Tahoe,” the region is named for the spectacular lake at its center, which spans 22 by 12 miles and plunges more than 1,600-foot-deep, making it the largest alpine lake in North America. On a clear day, the lake reflects the cloudless skies above, making it appear a fantastical sapphire blue. This is only one of the…

[outwithmommy]

Six gifts that will make graduates toss their caps

Six gifts that will make graduates toss their caps

The ultimate grad gift guide

Commencement is a time of celebration, whether your grad is going on to middle school, high school, college, or the world. Mark this rite of passage with a gift that stays with them for the years ahead.

A great, long ride

It will be a long summer, so give your grad a longboard that will carry them forward, down the street, or across the quad. The RazorX Longboard…

[outwithmommy]

None essentials you need to elevate your style and performance on your next alpine excursion

Head to the hills in fashion, equipped with attire and gear that will outfit you for the outdoors.

A little ditty

Basic economy air travel can save you a few bucks if you pack right, or it will cost you an arm and a leg if you exceed the stringent airline requirements for a “personal item.” Sling the Eagle Creek 15L National Geographic Adventure Series ($24) backpack over your shoulder, and tote along all the essentials you need while you’re in the air and on the ground. It features a 15-inch laptop sleeve, a top zip pocket for quick access items, internal zip and slip pockets, and a padded moisture-wicking back panel, and durable and wipeable bottom. Plus, this handy bag gives back, as a portion of each purchase funds the work of scientists, explorers, and educators around the world.

Thin is in

Less is more when it comes to packing for an outing in the outback, which is why though Cotopaxi Fuego Hoodless Down Jacket ($230) fits perfectly in your to-go wardrobe. This lightweight fitted jacket is big on warmth but can be compacted into its tiny drawcord ditty bag to fit in your backpack, or even a purse. It’s 800 fill RDS – certified down insulation, baffled in a ripstop nylon shell, is built to last and is versatile enough to go from a hike in the hills to your next night out.

Under the hoodie

For the man who likes to live life large and outdoors, the Black Diamond Forge Down Hoody (sale priced $149.25) jacket, featuring the super insulation power of ALLIED Feather & Down, the most premium quality down fill on the planet,  is the perfect packable, versatile outerwear for alpine missions of any discipline.  The adjustable hood can accommodate a climbing helmet, and the underarm gussets allow for added arrange of motion when you need it. When the weather warms up, the jacket compresses into its own chest pocket and can be hooked on your belt with an integrated carbineer clip loop.

Warm kid, happy kid

Kids love the outdoors, but when they’re cold, the fun is over for them and everyone who’s along on the adventure, so keep young outdoor enthusiasts warm and keep the adventure going with the Helly Hansen Jr Barrier Down Insulator ($120). It features ALLIED down in a super lightweight poly rip stop shell that’s reversible for two different looks. It has two handy pockets and Lycra bands on the hem and cuffs to keep the jacket snug. When the adventure’s over, it packs up into its own pocket.

Catch a case

In the backcountry or back at the lodge, your smartphone can be essential equipment, loaded with trail maps, navigation apps, and of course a camera to capture those selfies at the peak, so protect your device with an Otterbox case that’s made to withstand bumps and drops. The shimmering Stardust case from the Symmetry Series Clear Case ($42.46) features fortified drip protection yet has a slim profile so it can easily slip into your pocket. For extra protection cover your screen with the Alpha Glass Screen Protector ($39.95) to shield against scratches and smears.

Casual comfort

Dressing down doesn’t mean you can’t be stylish. Unwind after your alpine adventures in Mountain Khakis, the casual but fashionable clothing line built for comfort and function. The designers thought of everything when it comes to active apparel, with strategic pockets, articulated knees, and packability, such as the Classic Fit Cruiser Pant II ($94.95) in flattering styles for men and women, made of stretchy, quick-drying, wicking fabric, perfect for hiking and trout fishing or power lunching and jet-setting.

Top off your classic casual look with a the go-anywhere gauzy plaid Women’s Jenny Tunic Shirt ($74.95) or the Men’s Passport EC Long Sleeve Shirt, ($89.95), made with a silk-weight, easy-care fabric, and featuring a hidden right chest security pocket with zipper closure perfect for passport, phone, cash and cards.

If you want to really get down to nature, try Mountain Khaki’s newest collection made with soft, warm, and quick-drying SeaWool, a blend made of crushed oyster shells and blended with recycled Polyfill and PET bottles.

Global clothes

Sustainability means using natural resources in a balanced way in which the resources can be replenished, now and in the future. When it comes to clothing, Toad& Co., knows something about sustainability, as spring 2019 marked the brand’s crossover to 100 percent sustainability. The company also sustains its community with a social program that donates funds and helps people with disabilities. The eco-clothing line features garments made with a minimum of 80 percent sustainable fibers, such as hemp and bamboo, in fashionable, versatile styles suitable for outdoor adventure, or suiting up for casual day at work, such as the breathable, feminine jersey shirt, the Tamaya Tres Tunic ($65) and the comfy form-fitting Flextime Skinny Pant ($85). To find out more about Toad & Co. and their social program, check out this video.

Down under

No one will know what you’re wearing underneath, but you will know, by the comfort and performance, that in Runderwear you’re wearing power underwear. Runderwear’s Women’s Support Running Bra ($60) is designed specifically for runners looking for reduced bounce, maximum support and comfort. A soft fabric layer against the skin prevents chaffing, along with non-slip, adjustable straps, vs. a one-size-fits-all racer back. Sizing runs small, so larger busted women need to order up one or two sizes. Men can enjoy comfortable, chafe-free running adventures with maximum support in Runderwear Men’s Long Boxer Briefs ($35).

Right step

You’ve heard of slow cooking, now there’s slow fashion, which means buying items that last. Step out in style and sustainability in ethically produced Mohinders’ slippers and flats for men and women ($145-$185). These classic woven sandals are made using a 37-step process in Athani, India, by a multi-generational cooperative of master shoemakers. Made with water buffalo leather, each shoe is hand-tanned using a vegetable-based solution of water, acacia tree bark, myrobalan nuts and no chemicals. These raw-looking sandals soften with time and wear to become your favorite footwear, for years and years.

  Mountain chic: form and function None essentials you need to elevate your style and performance on your next alpine excursion Head to the hills in fashion, equipped with attire and gear that will outfit you for the outdoors.

[outwithmommy]

Great Wolf Lodge is all (blue) ears for Autism

Great Wolf Lodge is all (blue) ears for Autism

Great Wolf Lodge raises funds and awareness for people with autism with Blue Wolf Ears campaign

The indoor water park resort brand that brings together families to play and make memories is helping to support those with autism, through a fundraising campaign and efforts to make their activities more autism-aware. Great Wolf Lodge’s 16 locations across the US and Canada will donate $5 to Autism…

[outwithmommy]

Get down, stay warm, feel good

Get down, stay warm, feel good

What you need to know about down-filled wear and gear

Most outdoors adventures know that the best defense against frigid cold is down-filled outerwear and sleeping bags, but many don’t know the basic facts about down – how it works, and how to care for it to keep it doing its job.

Getting the down low on down

For starters, there is a wide variety of what is called “down” in the industry, so a…

[outwithmommy]

Stuff you need for summer, when the weather is hot, the pool is cool, the kids are out of school

Stuff you need for summer, when the weather is hot, the pool is cool, the kids are out of school

[outwithmommy]

New year gear – hot tech for 2019

[outwithmommy]

Family Lodging with Parent-Friendly Features at Hotel Elan

Family Lodging with Parent-Friendly Features at Hotel Elan

Boutique Style and Comfort Near Beverly Hills, without the Rodeo Drive Markup

  Elan Hotelis a rare find in Los Angeles – lodging smack-dab in the middle of some of the city’s most desirable attractions – yet reasonably priced. For a luxury boutique hotel at the crossroads of Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, one would expect a commiserate price tag, but this stylish, five-star-service hotel…

[outwithmommy]

Their Voice Rescue Raises Funds with Help of Local Restaurant, Works to Find Dogs Forever Homes

Their Voice Rescue Raises Funds with Help of Local Restaurant, Works to Find Dogs Forever Homes

via Their Voice Rescue Raises Funds with Help of Local Restaurant, Works to Find Dogs Forever Homes

[outwithmommy]

Fred 62 is #1 for my 10-year-old

Fred 62 is #1 for my 10-year-old

Iconic Los Feliz diner serves up everyday, anytime food for everyone I was afraid my picky, eats-like-a-bird 10-year-old son would not find anything to nosh on at Fred 62.  Trained by his health-conscious dad at a young age to have a taste for only healthy, gourmet food, he generally scoffs a restaurant fare, but we were in for a huge surprise. For a sure bet, we ordered one of my son’s favorite…

[outwithmommy]

Turningfire modern rotisserie puts a modern spin on roasting on a spit

Turningfire modern rotisserie puts a modern spin on roasting on a spit

Eagle Rock eatery turns up the heat with flavorful rotisserie cuisine Turningfire Modern Rotisserie in Eagle Rock is a year-old restaurant with a fire-brand new concept that is skewering traditional rotisserie cuisine. Michael Rolibi came up with the idea of a rotisserie restaurant with a modern twist in a setting he calls premium casual, which is a tic up from the newly branded fine casual…

[outwithmommy]

LA outdoors: enjoy an outdoor movie or concert, into autumn

LA outdoors: enjoy an outdoor movie or concert, into autumn

Mild temperatures keep LA outdoor nightlife lively into fall LA outdoor nightlife Southern Californians don’t know how lucky they are. While East coasters are storing their patio furniture for the long winter, SoCal dwellers can enjoy shirtsleeves outdoors for months to come. Even at night, when temperatures drop to their lowest, a sweater or light coat is all one needs for a comfortable evening…

[outwithmommy]

Female engineer helps women take back power when it comes to cars

Female engineer helps women take back power when it comes to cars

Girl’s Auto Clinic founder offers guide to women car owners to help women perform basic fixes and maintenance Patrice Banks’ Girls Auto Clinic Glove Box Guide is just the kind of book my father wished I’d had when I got my first car, and second, and third, and so on. Instead of calling him up or bringing my car to my parents’ house every time I had an indicator light come on or I heard a new…

[outwithmommy]

If you thought sneaking off to Micky D's was bad...

If you thought sneaking off to Micky D’s was bad…

  Fat Sal’s Deli gives the bros what they crave As the name Fat Sal’s Deli implies, you would not expect to find quinoa salads and kale here. This is a burger and sub joint. And also chili, and shakes. The subs are, well, fat, some of them filled with everything but the kitchen sink. If you think I’m exaggerated, get a gander of the Jerry, loaded with shaved rib-eye, French fries and fried egg on…

[outwithmommy]

Osmo STEAM experience helps kids learn coding and music

Osmo STEAM experience helps kids learn coding and music

Coding Jam is the video game-like system that teaches kids to code while they play The other day my son commanded Google Home to play a custom playlist he had created on a Pandora. Two things occurred to me about this. First, wow. The digitally connected future vision of the The Jetsons was coming true; and then, my more mundane thought was, “That music is awful. My 10-year-old child could write…